Women in Tech® N’ America Awards 2026

Celebrating Excellence in Technology Across N’America: We are thrilled to announce the fifth edition of the Women in Tech® N’America Awards, a prestigious event recognizing outstanding achievements of women in the technology sector throughout N’America.

Event Highlights

Date: 9th September 2026
Location: Montreal

Event Agenda

Two signature experiences. One extraordinary day.
Join North America’s leading technology executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, allies, and rising leaders for the Women in Tech North America ELEVATE Symposium and Annual Awards.

Designed to spark meaningful conversations and celebrate impact, the day brings together bold voices shaping the future of technology, leadership, and AI from across Canada and the United States. From executive discussions and interactive workshops to an evening awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements across the technology ecosystem, this is where leadership, innovation, and community converge.

Capacity is limited for both events.

Women in Tech ELEVATE Symposium

Future-Proofing Leadership in the Age of AI
⏱️ 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 PwC Montréal

The ELEVATE Symposium is an executive leadership forum designed for professionals navigating significant shifts in technology, business, and leadership.

Through keynote presentations, expert panels, hands-on workshops, coaching opportunities, and curated networking experiences, attendees will explore how AI is transforming careers, organizations, and the future of work.

Hosted By:
Julie Watson
President, Ultimate Tech
Canada Chapter Head, Women in Tech
Nyla Beth Gawel
Senior Managing Director, North Highland
US Chapter Head & North America Director, Women in Tech

Symposium Agenda

9:00 AM | Opening Remarks
Julie Watson, President, Ultimate Tech
Nyla Beth Gawel, Senior Managing Director, North Highland
Welcome and opening reflections on leadership, innovation, and the future of technology.

9:10 AM | Opening Keynote
Future of Work with AI
Keynote Speaker: Éric Beaudoin, Partner, PwC Canada
A forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping organizations, careers, and competitive advantage.

9:30 AM | Executive Panel
AI Is Smarter — Do We Still Need You?
A candid discussion on the evolving relationship between human expertise, leadership, and artificial intelligence.
Moderator: Marie-Soleil Boucher,  Partner, HR Path
Featured Panelists

• • Claude Guay, Member of Parliament LaSalle-Émard-Verdun & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy&Natural Resources
  • Dessalen Wood, Global Chief People Officer at Syntax
  • Additional speakers to be announced soon

10:30 AM | Interactive Breakout Sessions

Session 1: Coaching for Growth
Practical coaching conversations focused on personal and professional growth.

Session 2: Perfecting Your Pitch with AI
Learn how to leverage AI as a strategic partner to enhance executive presence, storytelling, and influence.
Facilitators: Nyla Beth Gawel, Senior Managing Director, North Highland & Jennifer Hall, Partner, LIDD

Session 3: Strategic Foresight
Explore emerging trends, future scenarios, and strategies to prepare for what comes next.
Facilitator: Erin Bradner, Director of Strategic Foresight at AutoDesk  & 2025 Women in Tech Most Disruptive Award Winner, North America

Session 4: Boardroom Confidential: AI Risks 
Industry executives discuss the opportunities, risks, governance considerations, and ethical questions keeping leaders awake at night

11:20 AM | Interactive Leadership Workshop
Introverts, Extroverts & Ambiverts
Dr. Karl Moore, McGill Professor, Host of CEO Insights, Forbes Columnist & Author
An engaging and interactive session examining how different personality styles lead, influence, and thrive in today’s workplace.

Women in Tech North America Annual Awards

Celebrating Excellence. Recognizing Impact. Inspiring the Future.
⏱️ 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Montréal

The Women in Tech North America Annual Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, allies, and innovators advancing technology and creating lasting impact across the industry.

The evening blends inspiration, recognition, and connection through keynote presentations, award recognitions, and networking with leaders from across North America.

Co-MC’d By:
Julie Watson
President, Ultimate Tech
Canada Chapter Head, Women in Tech
Nyla Beth Gawel
Senior Managing Director, North Highland
US Chapter Head & North America Director, Women in Tech

Awards Program
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Cocktail & Networking Reception
7:00 PM | Opening Ceremony

The Induction
A formal welcome recognizing the Class of 2026 and celebrating the achievements of this year’s finalists. 

7:10 PM | Anchor Keynote
Dr. Gina Cody, Engineer, Business Leader, Philanthropist
One of Canada’s most respected leaders shares her perspective on leadership, resilience, innovation, and impact. 

7:45 PM | Lightning Keynote
Dr. Andrew Forde, Head of AI Research, KPMG
An inspiring perspective on innovation, technology, and leadership. 

Featured Award Presenters

• Darryl Hammett, 2025 Women in Tech Winner
• Rebecca Finlay, 2025 Women in Tech Winner
• Additional industry leaders to be announced

With the Support of Our 2026 Partners

The Women in Tech North America Annual Awards and ELEVATE Symposium are made possible through the support of organizations committed to advancing women in technology and building a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

HR Path, LIDD, Microsoft, PwC, Spark + DigiWomen, Syntax, TechnoCompétences, TeamWork

And Thank you to our Global Partners: Amazon, Cardano Foundation, Dynatrace, Edison Alliance, École des Ponts Business School, FreeBalance, Freedom Holding Corp., Hiscox, La French Tech, Microsoft, République Française, Servier, TD SYNNEX, Tech Diplomacy Global Institute

Women in Tech N’America Awards 2023 

Women in Tech® America Awards Winners 2025

Women in Tech® N’America Award Winners 2024

Gallery 

With the support of our Global partners 2025