Technology Woman of the Year Program : Leadership, and the Power of Visibility
In a regional technology ecosystem defined by innovation, collaboration, and evolving workforce dynamics, TechRochester continues to play a critical role as a community builder. By connecting leaders across companies, disciplines, and generations, the organization strengthens the fabric of Greater Rochester’s tech economy while creating meaningful opportunities for visibility, mentorship, and shared learning.
This mission comes into sharp focus through one of TechRochester’s longest standing and most impactful programs: the Technology Woman of the Year Awards, now in its 26th year.
A Platform for Recognition and Belonging
Originally founded with Entre Computers now lead by Board Member Marc Lucas more than two decades ago, the Technology Woman of the Year program was designed to recognize, celebrate, and make visible the achievements of women in high technology fields. Today, that mission remains both relevant and necessary.
The awards serve not only as a moment of recognition, but as a signal to the broader community about who belongs in technology and what leadership looks like. In a field where women are still underrepresented in executive roles and technical leadership, visibility is not symbolic—it is structural.
As shared during the TechRochester podcast, the program reinforces a simple but powerful message: you belong. That message, when consistently demonstrated through recognition and community support, becomes a catalyst for retention, mentorship, and long term
At the center of this year’s program is Paul Gebel, a board member of TechRochester whose leadership journey spans active duty military service, work with veterans, and now the regional technology community. Alongside fellow board member Emily Judkins, Gebel is co-leading the 2026 awards.
Gebel describes leadership not as authority, but as responsibility.
“Leadership is about creating conditions where people can be their best selves and show up and excel.”
Drawing on lessons from his military experience, he emphasizes that effective leaders remove obstacles, listen actively, and create environments where others can succeed. This philosophy carries across sectors, from the Navy to veteran advocacy to technology organizations.
TechRochester as a Force Multiplier
From Gebel’s vantage point, TechRochester operates as both an enabler and a force multiplier within the region.
By bringing together leaders from healthcare, cybersecurity, optics, higher education, and IT, the organization creates a connective layer that would not otherwise exist. In a post pandemic environment where remote work has expanded geographic flexibility, TechRochester plays an increasingly important role in answering a critical question: why Rochester?
The answer lies in community.
Events such as Agile Connect, the GREAT Awards, and Technology Woman of the Year create accessible spaces for professionals to rebuild networking habits, exchange ideas, and form relationships.
The strength of this year’s program is reflected in the depth and diversity of its finalists.
Technology Woman of the Year Finalists:
•Barbara A. Mullen, Ph.D —RUSH-HENRIETTA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
•Linda Weller —Info Advantage Inc.
Emerging Technology Woman of the Year Finalists:
•Kayte Malik —Arrow House Group
Please join us in celebrating the outstanding nominees for Tech Woman of the Year:
•Barbara A. Mullen, Ph.D —RUSH-HENRIETTA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
•Linda Weller —Info Advantage Inc.
Winners will be announced on April 23, 2026, at the Memorial Art Gallery, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM.
This year’s event is uniquely positioned through a collaboration with the Finger Lakes Science and Technology Showcase, which will take place immediately following the awards at the same venue. This partnership creates an expanded experience for attendees, offering not only a moment of recognition, but also an opportunity to engage with leading voices in science, research, and technology across the region.
In reflecting on this year’s nominees, Emily Judkins shared:
Each of the women nominated is bringing incredible depth to the impact they are having—not only within their domains, but across their companies, their communities, and the broader ecosystem. They are not only excelling individually, they are lifting others along the way and helping shape the future of technology in Rochester.
This dual impact—individual excellence combined with collective elevation—is what transforms recognition into lasting influence.
The continued success of the Technology Woman of the Year program is made possible through community support. Sponsorship opportunities remain available and serve as a direct way for organizations to align with the mission of visibility, equity, and leadership within the region.
More importantly, participation—whether as a sponsor, attendee, or nominee—reinforces the shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected technology ecosystem.
evolve, its role remains grounded in a clear purpose: connecting leaders, strengthening community, and creating moments where excellence is seen and celebrated.
Programs like Technology Woman of the Year are not isolated events. They are part of a broader system that reinforces belonging and signals what the region value.
Learn more about Technology Woman of the Year on this week’s podcast! Available below.