Connecticut Honors 46 Women Leaders in STEM Innovation Awards

Forty-six accomplished women in Connecticut have been named finalists for The Connecticut Technology Council’s 21st annual Women of Innovation® awards. These leaders are recognized for their significant contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The awards celebrate individuals who are driving scientific advancement and fostering business growth across the state.

The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Woodwinds in Branford. During the event, winners will be announced across nine distinct categories. All 46 finalists will be honored for their achievements, and youth finalists, specifically high school juniors or seniors, will receive scholarships to support their future education and careers.

Recognizing STEM Leadership and Impact

The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) selected these inspiring leaders from a pool of 100 nominations. The nominees represent various sectors, including scientists, researchers, academics, manufacturers, student leaders, entrepreneurs, and technicians. Their work demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to mentorship within Connecticut’s innovation community.

Milena Stankova Erwin, CTC’s Executive Director, congratulated the honorees. “For 21 years, this program has celebrated the incredible women whose ideas, leadership, and achievements are shaping Connecticut’s innovation community,” Erwin stated. She added that The CT Technology Council is proud to continue recognizing the impact these women are making both within Connecticut and beyond.

Program History and Criteria

Established in 2005, the Women of Innovation® program has cultivated a vibrant community of women and girls passionate about STEM. It serves as one of Connecticut’s largest networks for women in technology, science, and engineering. The annual event provides networking opportunities for technology and business leaders throughout the state.

Nominees for the awards had to meet specific requirements. These included currently working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and actively serving as a mentor. Mentorship roles could be short-term or long-term, peer, career, or life mentors. Nominees also fulfilled criteria specific to their nominated award category.

Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of The Connecticut Technology Council, praised the honorees. He noted his consistent impression of the outstanding contributions these women make in various technology fields. Tomasi emphasized that their talent, inspirational leadership, and dedication exemplify the academic and business excellence found in Connecticut.

Supporting Future STEM Innovators

The program’s emphasis on mentorship and community building helps to advance women in critical sectors. This focus aligns with broader efforts to support women’s professional growth beyond initial skill development, encouraging them to build robust networks for advancement. Such initiatives are crucial as entrepreneurs increasingly face integrated skill requirements, blending traditional business acumen with STEM expertise. Recognizing these leaders also highlights the evolving landscape of executive development for senior women, moving beyond entry-level support to focus on established leaders.

The 21st annual Women of Innovation® awards are supported by sponsors, including Medtronic as a Platinum sponsor and Axinn LLP as a Silver sponsor. These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort to recognize and promote women’s achievements in STEM, ensuring that their innovative contributions continue to shape Connecticut’s future.