At Circle Optics, we believe innovation is born from the power of perspective—and perspective is shaped by the people around us. This Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate the brilliant women at the heart of our mission. From engineers and marketers on our team to visionary leaders and partners across our ecosystem, these women bring excellence, creativity, and leadership to every facet of our work. Their contributions are not only helping us advance cutting-edge panoramic imaging but also shaping the future of technology, defense, and economic growth in meaningful ways
Inside Circle Optics: The Women Driving Innovation
Jennifer Sertl – VP of Marketing
Jennifer leads strategic communication and brand development at Circle Optics. With a foundation in philosophy and behavioral branding, she ensures our storytelling aligns with our values of innovation, know-how, and synergy. As host of the 360° Pulse Podcast, Jennifer brings visibility to immersive technology and dual-use innovation, bridging technical depth with human connection.
Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar – Senior Computer Vision Engineer
Anjali brings deep technical expertise to our computer vision and AI capabilities. With a PhD from RIT and a background at Motorola, her research-driven approach and passion for inclusive technology drive forward our platform’s potential in real-time panoramic imaging and accessibility.
Grace Annese – Software Engineer
Grace is a vital part of our engineering team, working on real-time system integration and optimization. Her problem-solving skills, precision, and dedication help shape the quality and performance of our imaging solutions.
Beyond Our Walls: Women in the Circle Optics Ecosystem
We are fortunate to be part of a collaborative and mission-driven network that includes some of the most influential women in technology, entrepreneurship, and national security. These leaders amplify the innovation taking place across New York State and beyond, supporting startups and shaping the future of unmanned systems, defense contracting, and economic development.
Sujatha Ramanujan – Luminate Accelerator: A steadfast advocate for optics, photonics, and imaging startups, Sujatha has helped scale over 50 companies through the Luminate Accelerator. Her leadership fosters equitable access to capital and commercialization, and her continued support of Circle Optics is a cornerstone of our success.
Kara Jones – GENIUS NY: As director of one of the world’s top UAS accelerators, Kara leads the GENIUS NY program in Syracuse. Now in its eighth year, the program invests $3 million annually into five startups from around the globe. Kara’s strategic guidance and commitment to collaboration have transformed Central New York into a hub for drone innovation, attracting teams from Switzerland, Israel, the UK, Australia, and more.
Rebecca Breeden – CenterState CEO: Rebecca supports GENIUS NY cohort companies through hands-on coaching and entrepreneurial management. Her energy, insight, and community focus help founders navigate growth with clarity and connection. We are excited to welcome her into our ecosystem this year and are grateful for her partnership.
Jacqueline Blackburn – Decisive Point: Jacqueline’s path from Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Commander to early-stage tech investor is a powerful story of adaptability and insight. As a Principal at Decisive Point and a leader in the NSIN Propel Program, she emphasizes curiosity, character, and continuous learning. Her strategic vision and philosophical depth continue to inspire our work
Ashley Chung – SBIR Advisors: A former Air Force Unlimited Contracting Officer, Ashley now helps startups like Circle Optics secure critical DoD funding through the SBIR program. Her clear guidance, strong relationships with defense stakeholders, and emphasis on delivering value make her an indispensable part of our growth in the federal space
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who make our work possible—whether they’re building code, building community, or building bridges to national opportunity. Their leadership is not only shaping Circle Optics but also helping us imagine and realize a more connected, secure, and inclusive future.
