🏆 The Power of Recognition in the Age of AI: How Women in Tech Turn Awards into Opportunity and Impact

"This recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects a journey that has never been just about technology; it has always been about people, clarity, and conscious leadership.

I’ve spent more than two decades navigating high-stakes environments where trust, transformation, and alignment determine the future. Being honored in this way is a reminder that you can lead with both excellence and empathy, that you can be strategic and soulful, and that impact comes from how courageously you choose to show up.

For me, this award represents a commitment to evolving what leadership in tech can look like, integrated, human, service-oriented, and grounded in purpose. It’s not just a milestone; it’s fuel for the vision I’m building around empowering others to rise."

Aysha Khan – CIO & CISO at Treasure Data

"Recognition like this is never really about one person. This award reflects the hard work of the entire product and technology team at Xero. It takes a team with a shared obsession for solving customer problems to build products that truly make a difference. I’m grateful to be able to do that every day to empower small businesses, which are the backbone of every economy."

Diya Jolly – Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) at Xero

"This recognition means a great deal to me—especially as someone who grew up in a small town in India and worked hard to find my place and voice in the global tech community. Being honored at this level reinforces that my journey, perspective, and contributions truly matter. As a woman in technology, it signifies that my voice is being heard, my work is making an impact, and the challenges I’ve overcome are part of a larger story of progress for women in our field."

Hina Gandhi – Software Engineering Technical Leader, Cisco

"Being recognized as a winner in the Product Leader category of the Women in Tech Global Awards 2025 is very meaningful to me. It represents not only a milestone in my own journey, but also validates the mission-driven work we’re doing at Qwoted to help journalists and media professionals access underrepresented voices and real human expertise.

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to using technology to solve human problems, create more equitable opportunities, and build systems that connect people. At Qwoted, this has meant reshaping how experts and journalists connect. We’re challenging long-standing barriers in media access by giving a platform to diverse perspectives, emerging leaders, and subject-matter experts who traditionally haven’t had a path into the conversation.

Most of all, this award is a reminder of the progress we’re making. It gives me energy to keep pushing forward, to continue building tools that lift more voices, broaden representation in the media, and empower the next generation of experts and storytellers."

Kelly Jura – Head of Product Experience at Qwoted

"Winning the Women in Tech Global Awards 2025 is deeply meaningful to me because it validates the work I’ve committed to at the intersection of healthcare and technology, building solutions that make care more accessible, reliable, and human-centered. It also reflects a journey defined by resilience, continuous learning, and an unwavering belief that innovation should solve real problems for real people."

Kimone Kerr – Clinical Informaticist Specialist at Rapha Medical

• "Don’t wait for permission to lead. Take initiative. Make decisions. Show your readiness through outcomes, not titles.

• Stay current and stay curious. Tech evolves fast. Learn, adapt, and use your curiosity to unlock opportunities others can’t yet see.

• Develop emotional mastery. Your clarity, communication, and presence will accelerate your career more than any single technical skill.

• Build relationships, not résumés. Your network becomes your runway. Surround yourself with people who see your potential and challenge you to grow.

• Own your voice. Don’t shrink. Don’t soften. You belong in every room you step into, so bring your full intelligence, intuition, and perspective with you.

• And finally: integrate who you are with what you do. You don't have to trade your humanity for success. Your authenticity is your advantage."

Aysha Khan – CIO & CISO at Treasure Data

"Two things come to mind. First, rethink how you choose your roles. Too many people optimize for a brand name or what is “hot” (especially in tech). I encourage women to optimize for learning and impact instead. Ask yourself, “Who will I learn from?” and “What impact can I drive here?” That formula is what leads to the most challenging and rewarding opportunities.

Second, don’t wait until you feel ready. Often women will wait until they check every box before accepting a promotion or applying for a challenging role. But, growth only comes when you put yourself at risk. If a role scares you slightly, that is usually a sign you should take it. When I’ve taken on challenging roles, it’s been humbling, but those were the periods where I grew the fastest."

Diya Jolly – Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) at Xero

"My advice to women aspiring to build a career in tech is to never give up on yourself. Keep believing in your abilities, continue to uplift and advocate for yourself, and focus on becoming someone who creates meaningful impact."

Hina Gandhi – Software Engineering Technical Leader, Cisco

"Stay curious, ask bold questions, and grow every day. Build relationships early, seek out mentors who challenge you, and take roles that stretch your skill set. Most importantly, trust that your perspective, especially if it’s different, is a strength."

Kelly Jura – Head of Product Experience at Qwoted

"My advice to women in tech: build depth in one core skill, document your work publicly (projects, writing, speaking), find mentors who challenge your thinking, and don’t wait for permission to lead, solve a real problem and let results speak. Also, keep your network strong; opportunities often come through relationships."

Kimone Kerr – Clinical Informaticist Specialist at Rapha Medical