InnovateHER: Women Leaders in Tech

Partner event as part of Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 week! Join us for an inspiring and insightful panel discussion on the topic of Women in Tech, where trailblazing female leaders from diverse sectors of the technology industry will come together to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Our panelists will share their personal journeys, insights, and practical advice for women in business.

Moderator:
Courtney Mills, Marketing Consultant, EMU College of Business
Courtney Mills brings a unique blend of graphic design, community advocacy, and tech enthusiasm to every role she takes on. As the Office Manager for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce and a Marketing Consultant for Eastern Michigan University, she harnesses creativity, strategic thinking, and technology to foster successful collaborations. Additionally, Courtney serves as the Washtenaw County Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she advocates for the use of emerging technologies in the fight to end this devastating disease.

Panelists: 
Shelley Smith, Digital Coach/Growth Architect, AsKevin
Shelly Smith is a sales and business coaching veteran who’s now putting her savvy to use in the world of personal tech coaching, adeptly navigating the sometimes emotional relationship between humans and their devices. She is PRO human, for the record, with a consuming urge to make our digital lives easier. When she’s not saving printers from being smashed, she’s making fun of herself on midwestern comedy stages or talking about books and cannabis on the Reads and Weeds podcast.

Kristy Bledsoe, Production Engineering Manager, Ally Financial
Kristy Bledsoe has worked in the technology field across multiple disciplines for 20 years. She holds a Bachelors degree in generalized studies with an emphasis in Technology Management from Eastern Michigan University. She is passionate and published author in the topic of Women in Technology and neurodiversity. She has a golden doodled Beau, and welcomed her son, Vincent in March of this year.

Elaine Ezekial, Director of Marketing, Atomic Object
As Atomic Object’s Director of Marketing, I’m in the business of connecting people. Through data-driven insights and brand storytelling, I’ve helped our custom software consultancy double in size, expand across three states, and earn top rankings as a leading B2B agency.  I’m driven by a passion for helping others shape their careers around their values, passions, and strengths. In a world reshaped by technology, I find inspiration in the timeless power of professional connections—ideas I’ve shared at AtomicCon, the Small Giants Summit, and A2 Tech360’s Tech Talk.  As a proud Ann Arbor localist, I’m always seeking to grow the community. Let’s grab a coffee—shoot me a LinkedIn message!

InnovateHER: Women Leaders in Tech is proud to be an official a2Tech360 partner event.