34 CT STEM Leaders Earn Recognition as 2023 Women of Innovation

Thirty-four exceptional Connecticut women will be recognized for their achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the 18th annual Women of Innovation® awards, to be presented at the Connecticut Technology Council’s first in-person ceremony since 2019.

The prestigious finalists were selected from a field of over 80 nominees – scientists, researchers, academics, manufacturers, student leaders, entrepreneurs, and technicians who are catalysts for scientific advancement throughout Connecticut.

The awards ceremony, recognizing the 34 outstanding finalists and announcing winners in seven categories, will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 5 PM-7 PM at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

Finalists from throughout the state were selected based on innovativeness and accomplishments in science and technology, independent research, as well as academic achievement and community service.

“Since the first Women of Innovation event that I attended, I have been extremely impressed with the great contribution these outstanding women have had and continue to have on the technology ecosystem and our society. The class of 2023 certainly have earned this distinction,” said Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of CTC. “The winners and finalists in the High School category are especially astounding; they have accomplished more in 17 or 18 years than most people do in a lifetime.”

“The Connecticut Technology Council is proud to host the Women of Innovation event with the support of our members, sponsors, and partners,” said Milena Stankova Erwin, CTC’s newly appointed Executive Director. “Congratulations to all the award finalists! We are excited to honor them and celebrate their impressive accomplishments and their noteworthy contributions.”

The 18th annual Women of Innovation® awards event is sponsored by Medtronic; Axinn, Veltrop and Harkrider LLP; the University of Connecticut; Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development; and FuelCell Energy, Inc. Supporting Level Sponsorships and Scholarship funding is provided by Carillon Technologies, Empowering Pathways, HyAxiom, Nel Hydrogen, iCleanse, Precision Combustion, Inc., Nassau Financial Group, RSL Advanced Lighting Technologies, The Jackson Laboratory, Carol (Hylton Bravo) Thorney and Visual Technologies, Inc. Media Sponsor is WTNH News 8.

All nominees had to meet the following minimum requirements: currently working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrate strong leadership abilities, and serve or previously served as a mentor, either short or long-term, peer mentor, career mentor or life mentor. Nominees must also meet the specific requirements in the award category in which they were nominated. For tickets to the awards event and additional information - including a list of the 34 finalists - visit www.ct.org/womenofinnovation .

The Connecticut Technology Council is a statewide, member-based trade association focused on uniting and growing Connecticut’s technology community by connecting leaders, driving public policy, and providing needed resources to growing tech companies. CTC works with its members and the community to advance Connecticut’s reputation as a tech-centered state.