Each year, TechRochester brings the Greater Rochester technology community together to recognize the individuals shaping its future. Now in its 26th year, the Tech Woman of the Year Awards continues to reflect the strength, depth, and momentum of a region defined by innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
The 2026 nominees represent an extraordinary group of women whose work spans disciplines, industries, and applications. They are engineers, builders, strategists, and leaders. More importantly, they are contributors to something larger than themselves. Each nominee is helping to strengthen the connective tissue of the region’s technology ecosystem.
Recognition at this level is not only about individual achievement. It is about visibility. It is about signaling what matters. And it is about creating a shared understanding of what leadership looks like in moments of rapid technological change.
Innovation moves forward when we take a more complete view. When we can see across disciplines, perspectives, and possibilities, we make better decisions and build stronger systems. At Circle Optics, we often describe this as a panoramic view. The ability to see the full landscape, not just a fragment, is what allows innovation to move from idea to impact.
Among this year’s nominees is Anjali Jogeshwar, Ph.D., Senior Computer Vision Engineer at Circle Optics, recognized in the Emerging Tech Woman of the Year category. Her work in computer vision and real time perception systems contributes directly to how machines interpret and respond to complex environments, an area that is increasingly foundational to autonomy and intelligent systems.
Reflecting on the nomination, Dr. Jogeshwar shared:
“Being recognized alongside incredible people made me reflect on how much impact women have in shaping the future of technology. It meant a lot to me to witness true allyship. I am grateful for this visibility, and hoping to catalyze more innovation in the next generation.”
For more than two decades, TechRochester has played a critical role in advancing the region’s technology community. By creating space to recognize, connect, and elevate leaders, the organization continues to strengthen the foundation on which innovation depends.
As we celebrate the 2026 nominees, we are also recognizing the collective force of a community that is committed to building what comes next.
EMERGING WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY NOMINEES
• Alanna Lucia, MBA — Techlanna
• Anjali Jogeshwar, Ph.D. — Circle Optics, Inc.
• Carolyn N. Spencer — CoPivot
• Christa Seary — Paychex
• Deonna Edwards, MSL — Rochester Gas & Electric / Avangrid
• Kayte Malik — Arrow House Group
WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY NOMINEES
• Cheryl Nelan — CMIT Solutions
• Barbara A. Mullen, Ph.D — RUSH-HENRIETTA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
• Dr. Katie McFarlane —Spencerport Central Schools School District
• Jessica DeGroote Nelson — Edmund Optics
• Linda Weller — Info Advantage Inc.
•Pam Martz —Sutherland Global Global
These leaders are shaping technology, education, innovation, and business across our region, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.
We hope you will join Circle Optics at Memorial Art Gallery April 23rd for the Technology Woman of the Year Celebration.
