On May 20, senior executives, board members, and technology leaders gathered at the historic Harvard Club of New York City for an evening dedicated to one of the most important conversations shaping the future of business and technology today: what remains uniquely human in the age of AI.
Hosted by Executive Women in Tech (EWIT) and WomenTech Network, and sponsored by EY, the Chief in Tech Forum & Dinner 2026 brought together a curated group of influential leaders for an intimate evening of strategic dialogue, executive networking, and forward-looking discussions on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in society.
Set within the prestigious Slocum Room at the Harvard Club, the evening created a rare environment for meaningful connection — where conversations extended beyond titles and organizations, focusing instead on ideas, trust, leadership, and long-term impact.
Opening Remarks: The Power of Global Community
The evening officially opened with remarks from Anna Radulovski, Founder & CEO of WomenTech Network.
In her keynote, Anna reflected on the extraordinary growth and global reach of the WomenTech Network community, which now connects more than 200,000 members across 179 countries. She spoke about the value of building trusted relationships at scale, creating access to talent, innovation, insights, and opportunities that shape the future of technology and leadership.
Her remarks also addressed the urgency of the current moment. As AI rapidly transforms industries and business expectations evolve, women remain significantly underrepresented in executive leadership and AI-related fields. Anna emphasized the importance of intentionally creating spaces where ambitious leaders can connect, exchange ideas openly, and build relationships that drive long-term impact.
A Vision for Human-Centered Innovation
Following the opening remarks, attendees were welcomed by Dr. Deborah Berebichez, Partner & Global AI Products Leader at EY
Representing EY as Gold Sponsor, Dr. Berebichez shared reflections on leadership, innovation, and the rapidly evolving role of AI across industries. Her address emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancement with human-centered thinking and responsible innovation, themes that continued throughout the evening’s discussions.
The welcome address reinforced EY’s commitment to supporting leadership initiatives and creating spaces where executives can engage in strategic conversations around the future of technology, business, and inclusion.
Executive Dinner & Strategic Conversations
The executive networking dinner that followed created space for intimate and high-value conversations among leaders across industries. Designed as a curated gathering rather than a large-scale conference experience, the event emphasized quality of connection, strategic dialogue, and relationship-building.
Throughout the dinner, attendees engaged in discussions around AI transformation, leadership challenges, emerging technologies, board leadership, innovation strategy, and the future of work. The atmosphere reflected the core mission behind Chief in Tech: bringing together leaders who are not only navigating change, but actively shaping it.
What Remains Human in the AI Era?
One of the evening’s defining moments was the Chief in Tech panel discussion: “What Remains Human? (Re)defining Value, Work, and Leadership in the AI Era”
The conversation brought together accomplished leaders from technology, healthcare, culture, and business transformation:
Abigail Epane-Osuala, Chief Culture & Belonging Officer, HR Strategy, GE Healthcare and President of the GE HealthCare Foundation
Tendü Yogurtçu, PhD, CTO and AI Innovation Leader
Pearl Chen, Chief Commercial Officer at Xoople
Parna Sarkar-Basu, Founder at Brand & Buzz Consulting
Together, the panel explored one of the defining leadership questions of our time: as AI increasingly reshapes how organizations operate, what qualities remain uniquely human and irreplaceable?
The discussion examined how leadership is evolving in response to automation, data-driven decision-making, and rapidly changing workforce dynamics. Panelists shared thoughtful perspectives on trust, culture, empathy, belonging, innovation, and the importance of maintaining human-centered leadership in increasingly technology-driven environments.
Rather than framing AI as purely disruptive, the conversation focused on how leaders can responsibly navigate transformation while ensuring that people, ethics, and authentic connection remain central to organizational success.
The audience engagement throughout the discussion reflected the relevance and urgency of these topics for executives navigating rapid change across industries.
More Than a Dinner: Building a Trusted Executive Community
What made the Chief in Tech Forum & Dinner especially impactful was the intentionality behind the evening.
This was not traditional networking. It was a curated gathering of leaders committed to building meaningful relationships, exchanging insights openly, and contributing to a more inclusive and forward-thinking technology ecosystem.
The conversations that unfolded throughout the evening extended beyond AI and business strategy. Leaders spoke candidly about navigating uncertainty, making bold decisions, building resilient organizations, and creating environments where innovation and belonging can coexist.
The event reflected the growing importance of executive communities where trust, collaboration, and long-term relationship-building are prioritized alongside innovation and business growth.
A heartfelt thank you to EY for supporting the Chief in Tech Forum & Dinner 2026 as a Gold Sponsor and for their continued partnership in advancing leadership, innovation, and opportunities for women in technology.
Special thanks to all the executives and leaders who joined us at the Harvard Club of New York City. Thank you for bringing your insights, openness, and ambition into the room.
Because while AI may redefine industries and reshape the future of work, evenings like this remind us that leadership, trust, human connection, and community remain more valuable than ever. Apply to Join the Executive Women in Tech Network.
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