Amanda is the Chief Data & Analytics Officer for a 56,000-person special operations organization, where she leads enterprise-wide digital transformation and builds modern data and technology capabilities at scale. A former Microsoft leader and lifelong builder, she has spent her career helping complex organizations unlock the power of data, elevate digital literacy, and create cultures that embrace innovation.
She is known for translating ambitious visions into practical change. Amanda is also an entrepreneur, currently developing a patent-pending nutrition technology app that blends advanced analytics with intuitive design.
Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, technology, and human potential. She is passionate about helping women see themselves as architects of change and inspiring teams to build boldly—one courageous step at a time.
1. Are you excited to speak at the Women in Tech Global Conference, and what motivated you to join our community of 200,000 women in tech and allies?
I’m genuinely excited. What drew me in is the scale and intent of the community, 200,000 women and allies who are all, in some way, building something. That matters. Spaces like this don’t just share knowledge, they create momentum. And I think a lot of women don’t need more information, we need more visibility into what’s possible and more examples of people starting before they feel ready. That’s what I hope to contribute.
2. Share with us your background, your journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction.
My path into tech wasn’t traditional. I grew up as a farm girl in a small town, and I didn’t start out thinking this was a space I belonged in. I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I just kept taking the next step when an opportunity presented itself. Over time, those small decisions compounded into working on increasingly complex problems with incredible teams, and eventually led to data and technology at scale. What inspired me to stay in this field is the realization that technology isn’t just about systems, it’s about people, and the ability to shape outcomes in meaningful ways.
3. Why is the topic "The Courage to Build: How Tiny Moments of Belief Can Transform a Career, a Culture, and a Future" important to you?
“The Courage to Build” is deeply personal. For a long time, I believed that you needed confidence, credentials, or a clear plan before you could start building something meaningful. My experience has been the opposite. The most pivotal moments in my career didn’t feel significant at the time. They were small decisions to try, to speak up, to take a step forward despite uncertainty. I care about this message because I see how many people are waiting for a moment that feels big enough before they begin and that moment rarely comes.
4. Who would you advise to attend the Women in Tech Global Conference, and why?
Anyone who feels like they’re still figuring it out should attend because the truth is, most of us are. Whether you’re early in your career, pivoting, or leading teams, there’s something powerful about being in a space where you can see what others are building and realize that you don’t have to have everything mapped out to move forward. These kinds of communities create clarity, confidence, and connection, and those are often the things that make the difference.