Innovation Awards Celebrate Women in STEM

The Connecticut Technology Council celebrated women in STEM at its 19th Annual Women of Innovation Awards Oct. 22 in Branford.

The awards recognized women innovators, role models, mentors, and leaders in the state’s technology ecosystem.

“These remarkable women exemplify the innovation and leadership driving Connecticut’s tech ecosystem forward,” said CTC executive director Milena Stankova Erwin. 

“Their achievements not only contribute to scientific advancement and business growth but also inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”

In addition to the awards, CTC also provided scholarships to youth finalists to support their STEM education. 

Award Winners

CTC recognized 45 finalists from eight categories highlighting women from various industries and points in their careers. The 10 Women of Innovation award winners are:

Corporate Innovation and Leadership—Large Business 

• Emily Davis, Engineering Director, Released Product Engineering, Medtronic

Corporate Innovation and Leadership—Small/Medium Business 

• Sara Harari, Associate Director of Innovation and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO, Connecticut Green Bank

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership 

• Jacqueline Heard, CEO and Co-founder, Enko Chem, Inc.

Research Innovation and Leadership (tie)

• Xiuling Lu, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Director of Center, Pharmaceutical Processing Research, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
• Zongjie Wang, Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center/Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut

Community Innovation and Leadership 

• Ellianna Boothe, R&D Engineer II, Medtronic

Academic Innovation and Leadership (tie)

• Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, UConn-Waterbury
• Wendy Ku, Career and Technical Education Department Supervisor and Technology and Engineering Education Teacher, Simsbury Public Schools

Collegian Innovation and Leadership 

• Patricia Hare, DMD-Ph.D. Candidate, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health

Youth Innovation and Leadership 

• Snigtha Mohanraj, Student, Engineering and Science University Magnet School