The TechConnect Initiative
The TechConnect Initiative, a partnership between the SCTE Foundation and WICT Network, is designed to strengthen mentorship, connection, and professional growth across the broadband technology industry.
By pairing experienced industry leaders with emerging talent, TechConnect creates meaningful opportunities to share knowledge, build confidence, expand networks, and develop the next generation of leaders. Together, the SCTE Foundation and WICT Network are committed to creating a strong, supportive community where professionals can grow, lead, and help shape the future of our industry.
“I have really enjoyed being part of the TechConnect Mentorship program. It has been a very rewarding experience for me, helping women who are trying to decide which next steps to take in their careers, or sometimes just listening to their concerns and giving them a sympathetic ear. I hear their stories and relate them to my own experiences, and together we develop a relationship and a connection. I am always inspired by their journeys as I watched them learn and grow, and it is always fulfilling for me to support them on their paths to achieving their goals.”
~ Theresa, Technology Leadership Consultant
“I was in the 2019/2020 cohort of TechConnect and am so thankful for the experience. My mentor, who is now a life-lasting and meaningful connection, advised me on how to advocate for myself, manage through turbulence and show up for my teams during one of the most challenging periods of many of our personal lives and careers. Those lessons learned are valuable even during calmer times and have been passed on to those I mentor now. I continue to be incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
~ Rita, Vice President, PMO, Platform Development and Partnerships
2025-2026 Program Participants
MENTORS
Brooke Mcanany – GVP, Content Security, WBD
Dani Kimmell – VP, AI & Data Strategy, Cox Communications
Debbie Fitzgerald – Distinguished Technologist and Director, CableLabs
Eilisa Reid – GVP, Service Delivery Applications, Charter Communications
Jackie Boudreau – Vice President, Engineering – XOC, Comcast Communications
Janine Bailey – Customer Solutions Leader, Media & Entertainment, AWS
Kim Carroll – GVP Technology Delivery, Charter Communications
Kristell Janusz – SVP, Network Engineering, Astound
Lori Spencer – SVP and Chief People Officer, CableLabs
Mickie Calkins – Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, CableLabs
Nomi Bergman – President Advance, Newhouse Communications
Rachel Solomon – SVP, Technical Operations and Engineering, Comcast NBCU
Sadie Molinet – VP, External Affairs ITG Communications
Sandy Howe – Managing Director, S. Howe + Associates
Theresa Hennesy, Retired; Board Member, Somos, Inc.
Tracey Dwyer – Customer Solutions Leader, Media & Entertainment, AWS
MENTEES
Wei Cai – Sr. Lead Data Scientist, Cox Communications
Cindy Varga – Strategic Partnerships , CableLabs
Shauna Zollner – Sr. Manager, Long-Haul Fiber Engineering, GCI
April Wallen – PMO Diector, GCI
Erica Kanca – Construction Supervisor, Cox Communications
June Hong – Executive Director, Xumo Strategy, Comcast
Latonia Ross – Senior Operations Manager, Astound Broadband
Sonia Ponce – Aguilera – Supervisor, Field Operations, Cox Communications
Cat Grenfell – GIS Specialist, Astound Broadband
Laura Ajaeb Taylor – Director, Software Engineering, Comcast
Nisha Shenoy – Sr. Director, Digital Transformation, Charter Communications
Kirstin Swanson – Sr. Director, Technical Services , Astound Broadband
Maggie Garcia – Portfolio Manager, Service Delivery, Hotwire
Malarvizhi Sakthivel – Director, Data Analytics, Charter Communications
Andrea Petit – Sr. Director, Charter Communications
Kelly Stricker – Sr. Director, Video Product, Charter Communications
“I have been deeply proud to serve as a founding member of the Women’s TechConnect Mentoring Program. Yvette and I championed this initiative because we recognized a critical need: to support emerging female technology leaders as they chart their paths, strengthen their voices, and make meaningful contributions to our industry. Just as importantly, we hoped to help them invest in their own inner strength and happiness along the way.”
~ Nomi, President
“The WICT and SCTE Women’s TechConnect Mentoring program was an incredibly inspiring and educational year-long experience. I had the opportunity to connect with several fantastic, strong women leaders across the industry, and was paired with an incredibly smart mentor. She was very influential in helping me successfully transition from an individual contributor to a motivating people leader, and the skills I learned continue to serve me well in my leadership role at Charter Communications.”
~ Kinsey, Sr. Director of Self-Service Platforms