2025 NEBRASKA WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS
Celebrating the 2025 Nebraska Women in Tech Award Winners & Nominees!
The inaugural Nebraska Women in Tech Summit Awards honored outstanding women who are shaping the future of technology. These awards recognized innovation, mentorship, diversity advocacy, rising talent, and community impact, celebrating individuals making a difference in Nebraska’s tech industry.
We also celebrated an incredible group of nominees whose contributions continue to inspire progress, foster inclusivity, and drive technological breakthroughs. Their dedication is paving the way for the next generation of women in tech.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on March 7th at Kiewit La Vista to celebrate this momentous occasion!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 NEBRASKA WOMEN IN TECH AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINEES!
We are excited to announce the awardees and nominees for the 2025 Nebraska Women in Tech Awards! These outstanding individuals have contributed exceptionally to advancing technology and inspiring others across Nebraska. Some nominees received multiple nominations, showcasing the profound impact they’ve had in their communities and workplaces.
2025 Nebraska Women in Tech Award Winners
Tech Innovator of the Year: Tess McKinney
Rising Star of the Year: Hui Ru (Pei Ling) Ng
Mentor of the Year: Yuliya Lierler
Diversity Champion of the Year: Dr. Ada-Rhodes Wish
Tech Community Impact of the Year: Magie Hall
TECH INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD NOMINEES:
Karen Borchert
Anastasia Desyatova
Magie Hall
Shubhra Kejriwal
Blair Kauzlarich
Cassie Mallette
Dr. Lisa McKee
Tess McKinney
Kelly Mann
Joni Wheeler
Lizz Whitacre
Sally Elatta
Lindsey Hruby-Yardley
Stacy Zoucha
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
AWARD NOMINEES:
Rabbiat Alhassan
Cecilia Beckerbauer
Gina Erlandson
Sierra Futterman
Breanna Hetland
Alli Koester
Cassie Mallette
Tess McKinney
Diane Mikkelson
Dhanya Nair
Hui Ru (Pei Ling) Ng
Devin Owens
Swati Abhishek Patil
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD NOMINEES:
Joyce Barnts
Karla Carter
Dr. Kylie Ensrud
Andrea Libengood
Yuliya Lierler
Tess McKinney
Dr. Sara A. Myers
Allison O’Neil
Valerie Stehlik
Catie Williams
DIVERSITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
AWARD NOMINEES:
TECH COMMUNITY IMPACT OF THE YEAR
AWARD NOMINEES:
Shelly Anzalone
Magie Hall
Margeret Hall
Deanna House
Erin M. Kearns
Tess McKinney
Laurel Oetken
Renee Peters
Jodi Shely
Jenna Vitosh
Patricia Weber
Alexandra Wewel
AWARD categories
TECH INNOVATOR AWARD
The Tech Innovator Award celebrates a woman with exceptional creativity and ingenuity in developing groundbreaking technologies, products, or solutions. This award recognizes impactful innovations that advance technology and solve complex problems through unique and practical approaches. The recipient will have successfully implemented transformative ideas that have made a tangible difference in their field, showcasing leadership and vision in driving progress.
RISING STAR AWARD
The Rising Star Award honors a woman in the early stages of her tech career who has already demonstrated remarkable potential and promise. This award highlights emerging leaders who have significantly contributed to projects or teams, showcasing their dedication to excellence and innovation. The recipient will exemplify a strong commitment to professional growth and development, signaling a bright future as a leader in the tech industry.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has made a profound impact by guiding and inspiring other women in tech. This award celebrates individuals who dedicate themselves to mentorship, fostering the personal and professional development of others. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, empowering women to excel and thrive in the tech industry.
DIVERSITY CHAMPION AWARD
The Diversity Champion Award honors a woman who has passionately advocated diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. This award celebrates efforts to promote equal opportunities, mentor underrepresented groups, and drive initiatives that foster a culture of inclusivity. The recipient will have demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving representation and ensuring all voices are heard in the tech sector.
TECH COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The Tech Community Impact Award recognizes a woman or organization that has significantly contributed to strengthening the tech community through advocacy, volunteerism, or community-building efforts. This award celebrates initiatives that enhance community engagement, support tech education, and foster collaboration and networking. The recipient will have demonstrated a profound commitment to empowering others and creating opportunities that drive the tech industry forward.
OUR 2025 PARTNERS
