Celebrating 10 Years of Women in Tech and Investing in What Comes Next

I recently had the honor of joining the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania for its 10th Annual Women In Tech Awards and presenting this year’s scholarships on behalf of Itero Group.

The evening brought together a community committed to recognizing women’s achievements in technology and creating opportunities for those beginning their own journeys. For me, presenting these scholarships was a meaningful way to connect those two commitments.

In talent acquisition, my work centers on people, their abilities, their ambitions, and the opportunities that help them grow. That is why the message I shared that evening matters so much to me: when we invest in students, we invest in the future of our industry.

A shared commitment to opportunity

Itero Group was proud to return as the longtime exclusive sponsor of the Women In Tech Scholarship Program. To mark this milestone year, TCCP matched our donation, doubling the total scholarship funding to $9,000.

We are grateful to TCCP for that additional investment. It means more support for three women pursuing their education and preparing to contribute their talents to technology and engineering.

Scholarships help ease the financial demands of education. They also offer encouragement from a professional community that sees a student’s potential and wants to help her succeed.

Celebrating our 2026 scholarship recipients

I was honored to recognize three outstanding students whose paths show the many ways women are building futures in technology.

Jessica Ugwoaga, a Computer Science student at Penn State Harrisburg, received a $2,000 scholarship. We celebrated her achievement and the curiosity and determination she brings to her studies.

Charlene Cruz, a Mechanical Engineering student at York College of Pennsylvania, received a $3,000 scholarship. Charlene serves as president of the Women in Science and Engineering student club and vice president of the IEEE student branch. Her commitment to STEM education extends beyond her own academic goals to creating more accessible opportunities for future generations.

Janet Dooley, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Penn State Harrisburg, received a $4,000 scholarship. Janet has balanced her studies with a career at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency spanning more than 20 years. She is passionate about using technology to improve accessibility, solve practical problems, and help others succeed.

Each recipient brings her own experiences and ambitions. Together, they remind us why it matters to support women at different stages of their educational and professional lives.

Looking toward the next decade

Ten years of the Women In Tech Awards represents a sustained commitment to recognizing the people strengthening Central Pennsylvania’s technology community. The scholarship program extends that commitment to women whose contributions are still taking shape.

At Itero Group, we are proud to play a part in that work. Supporting students today helps prepare the people who will bring new ideas, perspectives, and solutions to our industry tomorrow.

Congratulations to Jessica, Charlene, and Janet, and to all of this year’s award recipients and finalists. Thank you to TCCP for matching our donation and for bringing this community together year after year.

To our scholarship recipients: your dedication deserves this recognition. I look forward to seeing where your talents and ambitions take you.

Learn more about the 2026 Women In Tech Awards and Scholarship Program here.