Sarah Baldeo will open the day by challenging attendees to think differently about innovation, leadership and human potential in an age of rapid technological change.

Sarah is the author of 100 Ways to Future-Proof Your Brain in the Age of AI. Thanks to our sponsor, EchoStar, every attendee will receive a complimentary copy.

Mindful Moments offer a brief pause from the day’s programming—an opportunity to slow down, reflect and return to the conversation with renewed focus. Michelle Lucero will lead the first of two Mindful Moments, drawing on more than three decades of experience across executive leadership, law, healthcare and public service to help us absorb the day’s ideas and engage more intentionally.

Our panel of influential women leaders will discuss how they are driving technological transformation, business growth, workforce evolution and innovation across major organizations. Together, they will explore the opportunities ahead, the challenges leaders must navigate and what it takes to build organizations prepared for the future.

Moderated by Kristin Russell, CEO, CBTS

Panelists:

• Libby McIlhany, Chief Product Officer, Pax8
• Yana Ruegsegger, Vice President of Data Intelligence, DaVita
• Nicola Smith, Senior AI Advisor, Southwest Airlines
• Kavita Rao, Senior Vice President and CIO, CoBank

Grab a refreshment, connect with other guests and get ready for the next conversation.

In a candid conversation moderated by Barbara Brooks (Founder of SecondActWomen), Lee Mayer will explore entrepreneurship, innovation and the journey of building and scaling Havenly Brands into one of Colorado’s most recognized technology-driven companies. Lee will share lessons from the company’s growth, the decisions that shaped its evolution and her perspective on the future of business and leadership.

Over lunch, take part in a conversation led by the Luminary at your table. Together, you will explore the ideas and themes introduced throughout the day while exchanging perspectives in a more intimate setting.

Our Luminaries are accomplished technology executives and community leaders who join us to meet attendees, share their experiences and guide meaningful small-group discussions.

During this conversation, leaders from professional athletics, technology, entrepreneurship and investing will explore how innovation is reshaping the business of sports and creating new opportunities both on and off the court. 

Moderator: Jenny Cavnar, Major League Baseball Play-by-Play Announcer, CSU Presidential Executive in Residence and Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster

Panelists:

• Howard Wright, Vice President, NVIDIA Inception
• Spencer Jones, Forward, Denver Nuggets
• Michelle Roark, Founder, CEO and Aromatic Scientist, Phia Lab

Michelle Lucero returns for our second and final Mindful Moment of the day. 

Colorado is emerging as a national leader in quantum technology. This conversation will examine the talent, investment, infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration required to turn that scientific leadership into a thriving and inclusive quantum economy.

Moderator: Lucy Sanders, Executive in Residence and Co-Founder of NCWIT, Center for Technology Workforce Innovation at the University of Colorado

Panelists:

• Kendall Read, Ph.D., Principal Technical Program, Atom Computing
• Kortny Rolston-Duce, Director of Ecosystem Development, Quantinuum
• Meenakshi Singh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Quantum Engineering Program, Colorado School of Mines
• Tanya Ramond, Ph.D., MBA, CEO and Founder, Sapienne Consulting, and Business Development Lead, Colorado Quantum Incubator (COQI)

Moderated by Frannie Matthews, Executive Producer of *The Business of Colorado*, a PBS12 series

In a closing conversation moderated by Frannie Matthews (Executive Producer of the PBS12 series The Business of Colorado), Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen will explore the intersection of public policy, workforce development and economic opportunity. She will share her perspective on preparing people, businesses and communities to succeed as technology continues to transform our economy.

Continue the conversation over refreshments, reconnect with speakers and fellow attendees, and build on the relationships and ideas sparked throughout the day.

This year’s event will be held at the Seawell Ballroom at the DCPA in Denver.

The WIT Conference is open to all CTA members! Anyone interested in innovative speakers, dynamic conversations, and networking with leaders from across Colorado tech should join us. This is a sell-out event so don’t wait to purchase your ticket or table!

Not a member but would like more information on how to join? Please email Sean Horan, our Membership Sales Manager.

No! This event is open to all members of CTA. Not a member but would like more information on how to join? Please reach out to Sean Horan, our Membership Sales Manager.

Yes! Tables will be available for purchase beginning on Thursday, July 9th.

Registration will open on Thursday, July 9th.

Tickets go fast! Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out. Interested in purchasing more than one table for the event? Contact Peter Schwartz to learn more about sponsorship.

Yes! As long as your organization is a CTA member you are eligible to purchase a ticket.

Each ticket to the WIT Conference provides access to world-renowned keynote speakers, cutting-edge technology-focused content, professional and personal development workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. At the event, you’ll be able to connect with other attendees, including our Speakers and Luminaries*. Each ticket also includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and a happy hour.

*Luminaries are community leaders who join the event to meet our attendees and share their stories through a guided small group discussion.

When you become a WIT Conference sponsor, your organization unlocks the opportunity to elevate your brand in front of tech professionals from all across Colorado’s tech community. Each sponsorship also comes with conference tickets. Contact Peter Schwartz for additional information.

We could not put on these programs without our amazing volunteers! Please reach out to Michelle Shrader for more information on volunteering for this year’s event.

Thank you for your interest in sharing your expertise and passion with us. This year’s event program planning is well underway, and speaking slots are limited. If you are interested in speaking at a future CTA event please send a short bio and summary of your speaking topic to Megan Sparks at megan_c@coloradotechnology.org. Note, due to the high volume of requests to speak, each individual email may not be responded to. Please be assured that we’ve received your information and will reach out to you if there is a great fit.

Luminaries are technology executives and community leaders who join the event to meet our attendees and share their stories through a guided small group discussion.

If you have further questions about the event or anything CTA-related, please reach out to eventsmgr@coloradotechnology.org.

Interested in sponsoring WIT in 2026? Contact Peter Schwartz at 303-592-4070 or peter@coloradotechnology.org.