The National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT) recently held its 2019 Aspirations in Computing Awards Ceremony in Hartford, Connecticut. The ceremony honored 37 young women from local high schools who were selected as award-winners based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

The Cognizant U.S. Foundation was invited to participate in the event, and board members Meera Krishnamurthy and Carol Cohen delivered opening remarks. Last year, the Foundation presented NCWIT with a $4.1 million grant to help fund digital skills education programs and an awareness campaign designed to increase interest among women of all ages in pursuing technology careers.

“We were so thrilled be invited to present at the ceremony, honoring these young women and their accomplishments, and celebrating what lies ahead for them,” said Carol Cohen, Cognizant U.S. Foundation board member and Cognizant Global Head of Executive Talent and Leadership. “It’s an honor to collaborate with an organization that provides young women with a pathway to education, training, and jobs in technology.”

Meera Krishnamurthy, also a Foundation board member, and Cognizant’s Senior Vice President and Strategic Business Unit Leader for Insurance, spoke of her commitment to advancing women in technology and supporting STEM initiatives throughout Connecticut. “As the skills gap continues to widen in the field of technology, it’s more important than ever bring about change,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see so many talented young women following a tech-based career path.”

Both Cohen and Krishnamurthy have been instrumental in gender diversity initiatives at Cognizant. Cohen, who launched PROPEL, Cognizant’s first-ever global leadership development program, spoke of the company’s longstanding commitment to gender diversity.  Krishnamurthy, as the regional leader of Cognizant’s Women Empowered group, Krishnamurthy has mobilized women across the state in support of these efforts.