The TechConnect Initiative
The TechConnect Initiative was established to foster mentorship and support for professionals across the broadband tech industry. This program connects experienced professionals with emerging talent, creating a strong network for career growth, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. The SCTE Foundation is committed to expanding this initiative, ensuring all participants have the resources and connections they need to thrive and drive innovation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
“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
2024-2025 Program Participants
MENTORS
Brooke McAnaney, GVP, Content Security, Warner Bros. Discovery
Dani Kimmell, VP, AI & Data Strategy, Cox Communications
Debbie Fitzgerald, Distinguished Technologist and Director, CableLabs
Eilisa Reid, GVP, Service Delivery Applications, Charter Communications
Elizabeth Bierman, Vice President of Engineering, Comcast
Glenda Bough, Executive Director, Engineering Ops, Comcast
Jackie Boudreau, Vice President, Engineering – XOC, Comcast Communications
Janine Bailey, Customer Solutions Leader, Media & Entertainment, Amazon Web Services
Kim Keever, SVP, Security, Analytics and Technology Services and CISO, Cox Communications
Kristell Janusz, SVP, Network Engineering, Astound Broadband
Leslie Gilchrist, AVP, Technology – Tools Strategy & Automation for Service Assurance, Cox Communications
Lori Spencer, SVP and Chief People Officer, CableLabs
Megan Dover, VP, Product Development & Management, Cox Communications
Mickie Calkins, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, CableLabs
Nomi Bergman, President, Advance Newhouse Investment Partnership
Sally Huriaux, VP, Engineering Operations, Comcast
Sandy Howe, Board Director and Founder, Coravant
Sheetal Gattani, VP, eProcurement Solutions & Analytics, Charter Communications
Theresa Hennesy, Technology Leadership Consultant, Somos, Inc.
Tracey Dwyer, Senior Manager of Solutions Management, Amazon Web Services
MENTEES
Bianca Betances, Sr. Director, Data and Reporting, Media, Charter Communications
Brenna Hornbaker, Implementation Manager, Astound Broadband
Carrie Warren, Contract Manager, CableLabs
Chereese Creel, Cyber Risk & Compliance Senior Analyst, Cox
Deanna Benjamin, Supervisor, REMI Operations, ESPN
Deena Taylor-Straggi, Technical Trainer, Astound Broadband
Jessica Hanks, Senior Lead Product Manager, Cox
Leah Scholz, Director, Product Marketing, GCI
Mandana Motahari, Director, Technology, Cox
Melissa Paul, Manager, Workplace Tech Support, Warner Bros. Discovery
Morgan Newman, Digital Product Manger, INSP, LLC
Paloma Hawn, Director, Engineering & Architecture, GCI
Patricia Kearney, Sr. Technical Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery
Rebecca Warren, Sr Director, IP Engineering, Astound Broadband
Stacy Venanzi, Sr. Manager, Product Management, Charter—Spectrum
Stephanie Christianson, Technical Project Manager, Astound Broadband
Suzanne Romano, Manager, Workplace Technology Support, US NE & Canada, Warner Bros. Discovery
Tanya Lynn, Sr. Director, Comcast
Tori Berube, Tech Ops IP Engineer IV, Cox
Toya Holt, Information Security Compliance Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery
“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