itwomen-154108

ITWomen Celebrates 2026 Scholarship Recipients and Surpasses $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded

Tue, 12 May 2026 05:42:12 GMT

May 12, 2026 — The ITWomen Charitable Foundation proudly celebrated an inspiring evening honoring the outstanding young women selected as the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Recipients .

The event brought together scholarship recipients, families, mentors, volunteers, and technology leaders to recognize six exceptional students whose academic achievements, leadership potential, and passion for technology represent the future of innovation.

The 2026 ITWomen Scholars will pursue degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, and related technology disciplines at leading universities across the country.

Meet the 2026 ITWomen Scholarship Recipients

Ana Albornoz

Major: Computer Science

High School: Nova High School

University: University of Central Florida

Tara Conway

Major: Computer Science

High School: MAST Academy

University: Columbia University

Laylah Desarvines

Major: Computer Science

High School: Coral Springs High School

University: University of Florida

Gabriela Fernandez

Major: Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering

High School: School for Advanced Studies North

University: University of Central Florida

Lia Paulino Severino

Major: Management Information Systems

High School: Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

University: Florida Atlantic University

Jayda Washington-Booth

Major: Computer Science

High School: Coconut Creek High School / Atlantic Technical College

University: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

More Than a Scholarship

Each ITWomen scholar receives much more than financial assistance. Through the Foundation’s unique support model, recipients gain access to a community dedicated to helping them thrive throughout their academic and professional journeys.

The 2026 scholarship package includes:

$8,000 Scholarship Award
Professional Mentorship
Internship Opportunities
Networking with Technology Leaders
Dorm Essentials and College Support
Access to a Community of Women Invested in Their Success

By connecting students with accomplished professionals across technology, business, cybersecurity, data, engineering, and digital innovation, ITWomen helps bridge the gap between education and career success.

A Historic Milestone

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as ITWomen surpassed a major organizational milestone: more than $1 million in scholarships awarded to young women pursuing technology-related degrees since 2005.

For more than two decades, ITWomen has remained committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering girls and young women to pursue careers in technology and STEM fields. The Foundation’s scholarship program continues to create opportunities for talented students while helping build a stronger and more diverse future technology workforce.

Looking Ahead

The ITWomen community congratulates each of our 2026 scholars and looks forward to supporting their continued growth and achievements. Their talent, determination, resilience, and ambition serve as a powerful reminder that the future of technology is bright.

We cannot wait to see the impact these young women will make as the next generation of innovators, engineers, data scientists, technology leaders, and changemakers.

Congratulations to the ITWomen Charitable Foundation Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients!

It’s that time of year again for Dorm Essentials!

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:25:15 GMT

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and the success of the 2025 Celebrity CIO Poker Tournament, ITWomen is proud to support our 2026 Scholars as they begin an exciting new chapter.

This year, the ITWomen Scholarship Committee will award scholarships to seven outstanding young women pursuing degrees in technology and engineering fields. Each scholar will receive an $8,000 scholarship distributed over four years, along with access to mentorship, a strong peer network, and ongoing support from ITWomen board members and partners dedicated to their success.

As these scholars prepare to transition to college life, we’ve created a College Dorm Wish List filled with essential items to help them feel confident, comfortable, and set up for success from day one.

We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements by contributing to the wish list. Every gift, big or small, is a meaningful way to show these young women that their ITWomen community is behind them every step of the way.

Visit ITWomen's Amazon College Dorm Wish List and make a difference today.

https://bit.ly/3OCqGt2

Meet Shawna Cartwright, ITWomen’s 2025 Woman of Wonder

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:20:52 GMT

At ITWomen, our mission is powered by a community of extraordinary leaders who give their time, talent, and heart to create opportunities for the next generation. It is always a privilege to recognize individuals whose contributions truly embody the spirit of our organization.

A Decade of Impact and Leadership

For more than a decade, Shawna Cartwright has been a driving force behind ITWomen’s continued growth and impact. Her contributions extend far beyond volunteerism and reflect a deep, sustained commitment to advancing women in technology across South Florida.

From her thoughtful leadership on the Scholarship Selection Committee to her instrumental role in securing grant funding that enabled our online scholarship platform, Shawna has helped shape the very foundation of how ITWomen operates and scales its mission.

She has also been a passionate advocate for ITWomen, helping to build and strengthen corporate partnerships that continue to fuel the scholarship program year after year.

Leading with Purpose in the Enterprise

In her professional career, Shawna serves as Senior Vice President and Business Information Officer for Enterprise Technology at Cushman & Wakefield, where she leads enterprise applications, data strategy, and innovation across global business functions.

Her leadership is defined by collaboration, modernization, and transformation at scale.

Shawna’s career journey also includes senior leadership roles at:

Ryder Systems
Aon
DHL
Accenture

Across these organizations, she has led enterprise-wide transformations and technology initiatives impacting thousands of employees and customers worldwide.

A Champion for the Next Generation

Within ITWomen, Shawna has been a cornerstone of the Scholarship Selection Committee, bringing fairness, insight, and compassion to the process of selecting future scholars.

Her influence extends well beyond the selection process. Through her advocacy and steady leadership, she has helped create life-changing opportunities for countless young women pursuing careers in technology.

Her work has directly contributed to the sustainability and expansion of the scholarship program, ensuring that more girls have access to education, mentorship, and meaningful pathways into STEM careers.

Extending Impact Across the Community

Shawna’s commitment to leadership and service extends well beyond ITWomen. She actively contributes to the broader technology and business community through her roles as:

Advisory Board Member, Nova Southeastern University AI and Cybersecurity Program
Programs Chair, InspireCIO
Gartner C-Level Governing Body Member for South Florida

She also balances these commitments with her most important role as a mother of three.

Celebrating a Woman of Wonder

While ITWomen’s impact is built by a collective community, leaders like Shawna exemplify what it means to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and create lasting change.

Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment reflect the very heart of the ITWomen mission.

ITWomen is proud to recognize Shawna Cartwright as the 2025 Woman of Wonder.

Leadership in the Age of AI — International Women’s Day 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:14:02 GMT

On the evening of March 12, ITWomen proudly partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to host an inspiring International Women’s Day celebration centered on “Leadership in the Age of AI.”

The evening began with a vibrant cocktail reception, where guests experienced SGWS’s signature hospitality alongside a beautifully curated bloom bar, setting the tone for a night of connection, and celebration of women in technology.

The program featured insights from Steve Bronson, CIO of Southern Glazer’s, who shared perspectives on leading enterprise transformation in an AI-driven world, and Sharon Moura, Principal at AlignOrg Solutions, who challenged attendees to rethink organizational design and leadership through the lens of emerging AI capabilities.

A key theme throughout the evening was the rise of the “Agent Boss” mindset, a new leadership paradigm where individuals harness AI as a force multiplier to drive productivity, innovation, and measurable business outcomes. Attendees walked away with practical insights on how organizations can move beyond experimentation to achieve real returns on their AI investments.

A special note of appreciation was shared by Paige Moura of AlignOrg Solutions, who recognized the ITWomen team for its bold and ambitious efforts to empower women as creators, not just consumers of technology. Her words reflected the collective sentiment of the evening: the STEM community across South Florida deeply values and appreciates the mission and momentum of ITWomen.

This event was a true celebration of progress, partnership, and possibility, highlighting what can be achieved when forward-thinking organizations come together to elevate women in technology and leadership.

We extend our sincere thanks to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for their partnership and continued commitment to advancing innovation and inclusion.