Finalists Named for 16th Annual Women of Innovation® Awards

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) today announced the 50 women who have been selected as Women of Innovation® Finalists for the 16th Annual Women of Innovation® awards.

This program celebrates and adds to a growing network of women leading Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing (STEM) throughout Connecticut. Finalists are the scientists, researchers, academics, manufacturers, student leaders, entrepreneurs, and technicians who create tomorrow’s advancements through their efforts in Connecticut today.

List of 50 Finalists for Women of Innovation® awards can be seen here... https://ctdidi.com/women-of-innovation/

Women of Innovation® Finalists are nominated by their peers, coworkers, and mentors, and are selected based on their professional experience, history of innovation, ability to think creatively and solve problems, and demonstration of leadership. The finalists were selected from more than 150 women nominated earlier this year, one of the strongest fields in the 16 years of Women of Innovation®.

This year’s 50 Finalists include researchers, educators, engineers, managers, students, and entrepreneurs who work in or study biotech, pharmaceuticals, software, computer hardware, advanced materials, medical devices, IT, and associated fields.

High school, undergraduate and graduate students who have exhibited extraordinary and unique achievements in their technology disciplines are also among the finalists. Students are judged on inventiveness, STEM accomplishments, independent research, community service, and academic performance.

“Women of Innovation® brings together leaders and innovators from across Connecticut – reflecting the expertise and ground-breaking work being done in our state,” said Ron Angelo, President and CEO at CCAT, which this year partnered with the CTC in coordinating the honors. “Women are still under-represented in the STEM fields, which is why it is so important to applaud their contributions, and redouble our collective efforts to open STEM to their full participation and leadership.”

The Innovation & Leadership categories for Women of Innovation® Finalists include: Research, Community, Entrepreneurial, Small/Medium Business, Large Business, Youth, Collegian, Secondary Academic, and Postsecondary Academic. An award will also be given for Inspiring STEM Equitability, presented to an individual for promoting equality and diversity in STEM.

Winners in each of the 10 categories will be announced later this year. The program for this year has been redesigned to virtually celebrate the achievements of 50 remarkable women who lead Connecticut's future in STEM and pave the way for tomorrow's breakthroughs.

“I can honestly say that Women of Innovation® changed my life,” explained Severine Zygmont, President of Oxford Performance Materials and Board Chair of CTC. “I first learned about the Connecticut Technology Council when I was nominated for this award. I met so many amazing people along the way and found opportunities to grow our profession. It is a privilege to honor outstanding women in the technology fields, and to grow the network of women leading the future of STEM.”

All nominees were required to meet minimum requirements as well as those specific to the awards for which they were nominated. Nominees had to be currently working or studying in the State of Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and serving (or previously served) as a mentor in some capacity – short- or long-term, life mentor, career mentor, or peer mentor.

Women of Innovation® premier sponsors are CTNext and Medtronic. Showcase sponsor is Accounting Resources. Media partners include WTNH News 8, Connecticut magazine and Lite 100.5 WRCH. Learn more at www.CCAT.us/womenofinnovation