Alabama’s economy is undergoing significant transformation, driven in part by the contributions of women in technology. The “2025 Women in Tech” initiative showcases 25 exemplary professionals across the state who are making impactful strides in various sectors, including biotechnology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
These innovators are not only launching startups but also managing extensive programs, facilitating research advancements, and mentoring the next generation of tech leaders. Their endeavors are reshaping Alabama’s technological landscape and setting a benchmark for national innovation.
Explore the remarkable stories of women who are transforming the tech scene, one innovation at a time.
Highlighted Leaders
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Christie Aitken, Marketing and Communications Manager, Alabama State Parks
Aitken oversees media strategy for 21 state parks, innovating initiatives like the Plan Your Adventure Online portal and steering social media engagement. She is also recognized for founding a dyslexia awareness campaign.
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Shannon Allen, Director of Innovate Alabama
Allen develops strategies to cultivate a future-ready workforce, with a focus on connecting students to tech opportunities within cybersecurity and software development. She has secured over $4 million in funding for statewide initiatives.
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Miranda Byrne-Steele, COO and VP of R&D, iRepertoire
Byrne-Steele leads innovative research in multiplex amplification technologies, pivotal for analyzing immune responses. Her contributions have been crucial to advanced health diagnostics.
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Tambra Clark, Library/Media Specialist, Birmingham City Schools
An Apple Distinguished Educator, Clark has been fundamental in enhancing technology initiatives in education, focusing on STEM learning and supporting other educators.
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Sara Cooper, Leader at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Cooper heads a lab aimed at utilizing genetic tools to advance cancer treatment and diagnosis, particularly focusing on complex cancer types.
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Cathleen De La Garza, President of Uniti Fiber
De La Garza directs a substantial fiber communications infrastructure portfolio and is noted for her groundbreaking role as one of the first female combat pilots in the U.S. military.
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Sharon Johnson, Deputy Director, Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education, UAH
Johnson brings two decades of experience in cybersecurity and simulation, contributing to advancing defense technologies with notable military collaborations.
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Katie McCann, Engineer, Polaris Sensor Technologies
McCann specializes in designing optical systems for defense applications, focusing on ensuring system reliability across various technological uses.
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Karen Mimms, Senior Director, Torch Technologies Inc.
A seasoned professional in defense project management, Mimms oversees contracts valued at billions, specializing in simulation and data management.
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Rachel Moorehead, Executive Director of Infrastructure, UAB
Moorehead leads the strategy for the university’s extensive IT operations, significantly developing its infrastructure through substantial investments in technology.
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Angela Pelle, Engineering Faculty, Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
Pelle, with a robust background in environmental engineering, is shaping the next generation of engineers through innovative educational strategies.
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Shay Pilcher, Founder, Archangel Industries
Pilcher has initiated a startup focusing on innovative muscle technology and is enhancing manufacturing capabilities for local entrepreneurs.
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Carol Trull Pittman, CEO, RedKnot Resource Group
Pittman plays a crucial role in integrating technology platforms during major banking mergers, emphasizing change management and optimization strategies.
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Jennifer Riggs-Sauthier, Chief Development Officer, Score Pharma
With over 25 years in pharmaceuticals, Riggs-Sauthier has driven drug development projects, leading to significant innovation in medication and patent achievements.
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Becca Riles, Business Intelligence Team Manager, Abacus Technologies
Riles directs a talented team delivering data-driven solutions, enhancing operational efficiency for clients across various industries.
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Peggy Sammon, CEO, GeneCapture Inc.
As a serial entrepreneur, Sammon leads initiatives creating innovative detection technologies for pathogens, showcasing a commitment to transformative healthcare solutions.
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Annie V. Saylor, CEO, Simulation Technologies Inc.
Saylor co-founded SimTech, supporting missile evaluations through advanced simulation technologies, while simultaneously contributing to education as a former instructor.
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Michelle Kennedy Scott, CEO, Gulf Sterilization Inc.
Scott drives advancements in sustainable sterilization processes for medical manufacturing, aiming to enhance safety through innovative technology.
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Rochelle Silveira, Managing Director, Gener8tor
Silveira enhances entrepreneurship in Huntsville by mentoring startups, leading to significant funding and job creation in the region.
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Annika Broetzmann Snead, Network Architect, Hibbett
A dual citizen with extensive operational experiences in network architecture, Snead is pivotal in redesigning vital network infrastructure for Hibbett.
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Angela Speetjens, Co-founder, Shipshape AgWorks
Speetjens merges agricultural practices with advanced technology solutions, focusing on increasing efficiency in vertical farming initiatives.
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Despina Stavrinos, Director, UAH Institute for Social Science Research
Stavrinos excels in integrating behavioral science with technology, leading innovative research that has gained international media attention.
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Kaila Szmajda, Global Demand Planner, SPOC Automation
Szmajda leverages data analytics to improve operational performance in the energy sector, while also engaging in community service as a licensed ham radio operator.
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Emily Terry, Senior Analytics Engineer, DigitalOcean
Terry pioneers analytics platforms that yield actionable insights and has played transformative roles in previous tech firms.’
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Shanda Tuck, Strategic Business Officer, Auburn University
Effective in integrating systems within the university, Tuck enhances efficiencies across diverse organizational functions.
This feature originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Business Alabama magazine.
