Community Ambassadors
Fire Starter
Carmen Beck
The Pheonix
Gretchen Keppel
New Horizons
Pearl Isawumi
See it to be it
Dr. Elizabeth M Adams
The Noisemaker
Kate Bischoff
Force Multiplier
Sarah Julius
The Catalyst
Erin Seering
Warrior Code
Katrina Menne
Barrier Breaker
Twila Dang
Rising Star
Ezri Farnum
The Next Big Thing
Kirsten Hoogenakker
Ride or Die
Vicki Siemers
Carmen Beck
She/Her
"Fire Starter" Award
This award honors a woman who builds, supports, and gets things done — no excuses, no shortcuts, no BS. She is a force to be reckoned with, proving that leadership is about action, resilience, and grit.
More from Carmen
As the Director of Recruiting at C2 Solutions, I’ve had the privilege of leading high-impact staffing strategies across Product Engineering, R&D, and IT departments. One of my proudest accomplishments has been implementing a streamlined, metrics-driven staffing process for Intellias that enhanced collaboration between Talent Delivery, Staffing Partnerships, and Hiring Managers. From creating detailed Staffing Plans and driving kick-off meetings to monitoring SLAs and handling escalations, I’ve helped ensure demand is closed quickly and effectively—even when challenges arise.
In addition to leading the staffing operations, I developed multi-channel sourcing strategies that increased candidate diversity and quality while significantly shortening time-to-fill. I take pride in building lasting relationships—with candidates, hiring managers, and external partners—because I believe recruitment is more than filling a role; it’s about shaping the future of a team.
Outside of work, I’m a soccer coach, a wife, and a proud mom to a fantastic son and two energetic dogs. Coaching allows me to lead in a different way—teaching resilience, teamwork, and confidence on and off the field.
Balancing these roles has taught me the value of clear communication, empathy, and being relentlessly solutions-focused. Whether it’s helping a hiring manager land a hard-to-find candidate or supporting a young player who’s learning the game, I’m proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to make—and always excited for what’s next.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Carmen:
Being part of the Moxy Foundation has been an incredibly empowering experience for me. The foundation's mission to disrupt the status quo in corporate America by promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality deeply resonates with my personal values. Through initiatives like Sistech and She Talks Data, the Moxy Foundation actively works to bridge the gender gap in technology and foster a supportive community for women and underrepresented groups.
The foundation's commitment to creating vibrant communities of women, minorities, and allies aligns with my belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change. Being involved with the Moxy Foundation has not only expanded my professional network but also reinforced my dedication to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
In essence, my involvement with the Moxy Foundation has been a profoundly empowering journey, reinforcing my belief in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and providing me with the tools and community to help effect change.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams
She/Her
"See it to be it" Award
This award honors a woman who refuses to play by outdated rules, shatters glass ceilings, and leads with fearless, transformative energy.
More from Dr. Adams
One of my proudest moments was the day I earned my doctorate in Leadership of Responsible AI. It was a unique achievement, making me the only person in the world with this qualification. This milestone opened countless doors for me, leading to fellowships, grants, and keynote speaking opportunities. One of the most rewarding experiences was creating a LinkedIn course on Responsible AI. To my amazement, nearly 30,000 people completed it, each one taking a step towards a more responsible future in AI. Early in my AI leadership career, I spearheaded an initiative that led to significant policy changes in the use of AI surveillance technologies. This was a challenging yet fulfilling journey, as it underscored the importance of ethical considerations in AI.
Traveling the world has been another incredible aspect of my journey. I've had the privilege of learning how people from diverse cultures interact with AI and what it means to them. Capturing their stories and finding connections amidst the chaos of the world is something I truly cherish.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Dr. Adams
The Moxy Community has been an unbelievable professional and personal community of support. I’m celebrated in this community. This incredible community has provided a space where I can ideate and develop strategies, especially around responsible innovation.
Several years ago, when I was frustrated with the way I was treated in corporate spaces, it was this community where I shared my truth. There was no judgment. That experience was transformative, setting me free in ways I never imagined. The ability to liberate oneself from what holds you back is priceless. Equally priceless is being part of a community that supports you. Thank you, Moxy Community. I’m glad we are part of each other’s evolution. Onward and always upward!
Erin Seering
She/Her
"The Catalyst" Award
This award honors a woman who sparks collaboration, and creates opportunities through the power of connection. A true force of positivity, she uplifts others, and inspires those around her to reach new heights—proving that meaningful connections can change the world.
More from Erin
I am passionate about helping others and empowering women to prioritize health, embrace personal growth and unlock financial freedom! In the IT space I love being a connector which is what I do everyday building genuine relationship with hiring managers and staff IT projects!
What The Moxy Foundation means to Erin
The Moxy Foundation is meaningful to me not just because Ruby and I go way back and she introduced me, but because of the powerful impact they have in creating a safe space for women in technology. It’s a place where we can come together, share our journeys, and be inspired by the stories of how others got to where they are—so we can rise up together.
Ezri Farnum
She/Her
"Rising Star" Award
This award recognizing the up-and-coming force who is rewriting the script, making noise, and proving that the future of tech is undeniably female.
More from Ezri
I am young and have been in positions of authority—that would perhaps be deemed unusual. I frequently have to answer questions about my age and justify my experiences and my position, not only to others, but myself. I have felt like imposter syndrome summed up who I am for a very long time. At least, that was until I realized that calling it imposter syndrome, thinking about it as something that sounds so clinical, only serves the people who built the system which kept young people out of positions of authority.
I came to realize that it simply did not exist, and I had the same biases I was fighting against, because I was navigating not only the space and the people but myself too. This became part of my story—one of self-evaluation. Young leaders are desired but the system is not necessarily built to accommodate them. When I first took up the presidency at the Koronis Lake Association, I had to prove that I had something to add and that I could be a successful leader, regardless of my age. It took time, resilience, and a lot of noise.
More and more women are getting into leadership positions, but old adages and stereotypes persevere. A lot of people feel the need to prove their mettle by resisting all help and doing it all on their own. But science, even hard science, is built through other people, and likewise knowledge is, so I took this and began to build who I wanted to be. In the last four years, I’ve become the first neuroscience tutor at my university. I helped to found 3 student organizations—the leadership club, the data club, and the American sign Language club. Now that someone has taken that first step, every step after has the potential to be easier. Now, someone has acknowledged that it's okay to need help and to help.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Ezri
Even before I was able to attend the events myself, I had experienced the benefit of the strong, engaged community that Moxy had helped to build by sourcing not only people that were willing to put in the work to build that community, but identifying topics and calls-to-action that would inspire strength and movement. My mom attended many of the She Talks Data events and would come home, moved by the people she had met and invigorated to find ways to give back.
From the time I was quite small, my mom has instilled in me the knowledge of systems, of feedback loops. She made it clear that movements persevere if there is a system to sustain it. Sometimes those systems need to be built into an existing system, and sometimes you need to identify a leverage point and change the pre-existing system. But no matter the way this is done, there needs to be dedicated individuals—and new individuals.
I took the chance, a small risk, to attend my first She Talks Data event to be a part of this. And although I had been told it all along, it was only as I walked in that I realized that there was a system that I didn’t need to change to fit me. Here was a system full of bold, powerful women who were ready to embrace me and add my skills to this broad network of change agents. Here was a system that, regardless of an individual’s technical skills or domain knowledge, rose to support their members, utilized their connections, and was determined to persevere in a system that wouldn’t bow.
The Moxy Foundation was a bright spot in data for me, and they are part of the reason why I have been able to be a changemaker as they have enabled me to share the benefits of this community.
Gretchen Keppel
She/They
"The Phoenix" Award
This award honors a woman who has shown extraordinary resolve and bravery in her journey toward her true self. Her story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the beauty of living unapologetically.
More from Gretchen
Hi, my name is Gretchen Keppel. I describe myself as an ethical leader with a passion for people. As I look back across my career and my life, I realize that my achievements are the communities we build and the stories we weave. There's no award that compares to a heart full of friends.
I'm blessed that my career has been long enough to provide many journeys with many friends. Each story has added to the tapestry of my life -- walking moonlit trails as camp staff; leading group fitness classes; doing laps at a shopping mall planning a startup; taking lunch outside walking trails with coworkers; organizing a mountain hike during an overseas career fair; and all of the new friends I met last year during my job hunt, including the team at Moxy.
Outside of career, my three kiddos are the reason I get up and try to change the world every day. They'll never see the work we do in the background, but there's always that moment when we see that the kids are turning out okay, and that's the best feeling in the world.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Gretchen
The Moxy community and the Sistech conference will always hold a special place in my heart as the first conference I attended authentically as myself. Going through a layoff is scary enough, but doing so after going through a transition (yes, THAT type of transition) brings a whole new layer of vulnerability as you step into the market again for the first time in years.
My first email to Laura was before the Sistech conference last spring: I simply asked ""Are you safe? Will I feel safe?"" Laura spent an hour on the phone helping put me at-ease. A few weeks later, I took my first nervous steps into the conference, where Laura instantly swooped me around to several of her friends.
Since the conference, I make it to the She Talks Data meetups whenever I can. I learn so much from every story and every person I meet! The speakers are always amazing and talented, and the participants are always kind and compassionate. I am humbled to be nominated for this award, but this award isn't about me: it's a reflection of the community that Moxy has built, which has the power to enable, lift, and transform all of us.
Kate Bischoff
She/Her
"The Noisemaker" Award
This award honors the powerhouse woman who speaks truth to power, dismantles inequity, and ensures that silence is never our only option.
More from Kate
I’m Kate, I suffer from law degree and I’m also a human resources consultant. I’m a happy entrepreneur, having run my own solo law and consulting practice for the past eight years – the eight years it has taken to nearly singlehandedly raise my two gentlemen from elementary school and to being a high school junior and aerospace engineering student at Iowa state. If you would have asked me twenty years ago if I would believe that raising these two would be the accomplishment I’m most proud of, I would have laughed at you. But watching them be lovely humans concerned about their communities, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table, and sharing whatever they have, makes it my biggest accomplishment. Beyond them, I’m proud I get to work with conscientious organizations every day that are trying not only to be compliant but also do the right thing for their employees and communities through inclusion and accountability. Even when facing some really dangerous or inappropriate behavior, I get to make workplaces better. It’s the only thing better than my guys.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Kate
I found Moxy through dabbling in data compliance, and, in particular, my focus on making sure data does not perpetuate the marginalization of groups. This is how I found Moxy or how Moxy found me. I have had the pleasure of presenting to this group before on the legal ramifications of data and how it impacts employees and organizations alike. During the meeting, I met some remarkable women making a positive impact on the world – something I regularly seek out. I heard their stories, even sharing some of my own and my client’s experiences in an effort to provide some advice as to how folks could advocate for themselves when we often find this so very hard. While my employee relations stories make folks giggle, blush, or fuel a righteous anger, I find that all of these are important to make our lives better in general. Through my solo practice, I’ve seen organizations make remarkable strides towards doing better by their people. But my work is not done. Trust me. I would love to work myself out of a job, but stupidity with a splash of testosterone will continue to pay my mortgage.
Katrina Menne
She/Her
"Warrior Code" Award
This award honors a woman whose strength is matched only by her integrity—fighting not just for herself, but for the future of every woman in tech.
More from Katrina
I didn’t plan to work in data. Like many people, I kind of fell into it. I took a job that sounded cool and quickly realized I was using tools I didn’t fully understand. I went searching for free resources and found the Tableau community and User Meetups which was pivotal to my career. Not only had I found people who were just as excited about dashboards and data as I was trying to be, but it also led me to my next role.
I started attending Tableau User Meetups, learning from others and eventually stepped into a leadership role. Organizing those meetups became one of my favorite ways to give back because we could all get inspired by each other. When I started using a new software, Sigma, I wanted that same experience. I wanted to find "my people" but a space didn't exist yet. So I founded and continue to lead the Sigma User Meetup and brought Sigma into Workout Wednesday, the same challenge series that helped me level up in Tableau. Somewhere in the middle of all that I wrote a book. Spreadsheets for Dummies: Sigma Special Edition is something I’m super proud of because it pushed me out of my typical blog writing comfort zone.
I’m so grateful to be part of the kind of community that once helped me, and to now play a role in helping others grow.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Katrina
The Moxy community represents everything I love about working in data. It’s smart, curious, welcoming, and full of women who genuinely want to see each other succeed. I’ve been to a few of their events, including She Talks Data and SisTech, and every single one left me feeling inspired by the people in the room.There are so many incredible women in this space who are not just great at what they do, but also strong, thoughtful, and generous with their time. They lead by example and make space for others to grow. Hearing their stories and seeing how they show up for their communities has shaped how I think about leadership.Being part of this community reminds me that I’m not doing this alone. I’m surrounded by people who care deeply, who lead with empathy, and who believe that lifting others up is how we all move forward. And that’s the kind of space I want to be part of, and the kind of community I want to help grow.
Kirsten Hoogenakker
She/Her
"The Next Big Thing" Award
This award honors a woman who has boldly embraced transformation, making a courageous leap into a new career and, in doing so, discovering her true calling. Proving that reinvention is not just possible—it’s powerful.
More from Kirsten
My journey into tech wasn’t a straight path—it started in a high school classroom, where I taught students how to program autonomous robots. What began as a passion for teaching and problem-solving evolved into something bigger: a love for data, AI, and the incredible possibilities they unlock. Over time, I transitioned from educator to full-blown data scientist, applying the same skills I honed in the classroom—breaking down complex topics, guiding learning, and fostering curiosity—into the ever-evolving world of AI.
Today, I get to do things I never imagined back then. I present at conferences, engage in regular conversations with executives, and play a key role in shaping AI governance programs at Dataiku. One of my proudest achievements has been stepping into this governance expertise—a direction I wouldn’t have pursued without the encouragement of fellow Moxy “See It to Be It” awardee, Dr. Elizabeth Adams. She pushed me to explore a new challenge, and it’s become a defining part of my career.
Looking ahead, I have no idea exactly where the next five years will take me, but I do know one thing: I’ll be surrounded by other badass women who inspire, challenge, and uplift one another. The power of community has been a driving force in my career, and I’m excited to keep paying it forward.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Kirsten
The Moxy community has provided a safe haven for meaningful networking and connection in a field that often feels oversaturated with a culture that can seem unwelcoming or intimidating. From the moment I engaged with this group, I felt ushered in with open arms, big smiles, and an unwavering sense of support to achieve my dreams.
Being a woman in tech can sometimes feel like navigating an uphill battle—whether it’s facing imposter syndrome, overcoming biases, or simply finding a space where you truly belong. Moxy has shown me the power of community in breaking down those barriers. Through this network, I’ve met incredible, game-changing humans who have not only inspired me but also challenged me to grow, both personally and professionally. The conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences have helped me build confidence, expand my opportunities, and redefine what success looks like in this space.
It turns out we have such an incredible crew here, and the more I engage, the more I realize how essential these spaces are. It’s not just about making connections—it’s about fostering an environment where women can thrive, innovate, and lead. My goal is to extend the power I’ve found in this group to a greater audience, ensuring that more women feel empowered to step into their potential, break barriers, and support one another in ways that make a lasting impact.
Pearl Isawumi
She/Her
"New Horizons" Award
This award honors a woman who has navigated career transitions with resilience, and determination. She has embraced change, overcome challenges, and forged a new path with confidence and purpose.
More from Pearl
Growing up as a child, I had often said I would like to become a doctor or study computer science, which was still novel at the time growing up in Nigeria. Little did I know how these two interests could align into one career path. I trained as a physician, and then decided to further my training by getting a Masters in Public Health in Minnesota - relocating to the United States where I had no immediate family at the time. This program led me to discover data analysis in healthcare and public health, and a passion that I probably didn’t know I had.
My career journey has taken me through clinical and public health research, quality improvement, health equity, and product management – all using data analytics, and serving as subject matter expert for developing and enhancing health and social care software products. By serving in various roles, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations in developing and implementing strategies to improve healthcare experiences and health outcomes for various communities. As my career continues to evolve, it's been an exciting journey working with and learning from great minds on innovative products and research that also continue to evolve and I look forward to what the future holds.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Pearl
In one word, it’s the vision. I remember the first time Laura and Serena told me about She talks Data, I was thrilled. Having attended some of the She Talks Data sessions over the years, attending both Sistech Conferences, and now Moxy Foundation Gala, I am so proud of how much Moxy has grown. The participation from women in different stages of their careers has been amazing. Every session I have attended, has taught me new pearls of wisdom to become a better version of myself.
The Moxy community, and specifically, Laura and Serena hold a special place for me. I got my first role outside of a hospital/clinic organization – in a healthcare analytics company – through Serena, who I met through Laura. Laura and I met for the first time at a high stakes meeting in a hospital system where she and I were relatively new to the organization. The hospital had recently signed a risk-based contract and Laura and I were brought in – on different teams – to develop the infrastructure to support data-driven decision making and support the organization in successfully meeting the contract goals and achieving financial success.
Anyone who has worked with Laura knows she’s a go-getter and it’s no surprise that she and Serena have built this amazing Moxy community because they both share that quality, and a passion for empowering others, especially women. I am truly inspired by their work in bringing this wonderful community of women together.
Sarah (SJ) Julius
She/They
"Force Multiplier" Award
This award honors a woman whose authenticity inspire others to follow in her footsteps. She leads by example, uplifting and empowering those around her with unwavering confidence and a little humor.
More from SJ
Throughout my career, I’ve thrived at the intersection of data, strategy, and leadership – driving transformation, fostering collaboration, and championing the power of analytics to fuel smarter decisions. I was recently promoted to Director of Enterprise Test and Measurement Analytics at Best Buy, a role I’m incredibly excited about. What is less obvious, though, is the circuitous path that led me here and the many moments along the way where I felt alone, unsure and discouraged.
I grew up in Iowa, a marketing major with zero industry connections. Translation: I had no “in.” Throughout much of my career, I had to remain flexible, taking the best opportunities available based on who was willing to give me a chance. That meant navigating careers in sales and talent acquisition before finally finding my stride in analytics – a field I wasn’t exactly encouraged to pursue. Not that I was overtly dissuaded, but the message was clear in subtler ways: being the only woman in the room during an interview or always being the one asked to take notes in a meeting. Microaggressions with macro-level impact.
Adversity and uncertainty have been constant forces in my career, but I’ve come to see them as my greatest catalysts. If I’m uncomfortable, I know I’m growing. Continuous learning and new challenges have fueled both my biggest successes and my most diabolical failures, and every experience has made me stronger.
As a leader, I measure success not just in business outcomes but in the growth of those around me. I value inclusion, curiosity, and diverse thinking because I’ve seen these show up as force multipliers. Whether building high-performing teams, mentoring emerging talent, or advocating for women in analytics, I am honored to be recognized as a force multiplier as well – empowering others to step into their full potential with confidence.
Breaking new ground isn’t about a single moment, it’s about the progress we make together. We are never truly alone. We are a community, and we have each other.
What The Moxy Foundation means to SJ
Moxy isn’t simply a network, it’s a movement. It’s a space where authenticity is celebrated, where women support women, and where we redefine leadership by lifting each other up rather than competing for a seat at the table.
For me, Moxy represents what’s possible when strong women step into their power unapologetically. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about expanding the possibilities of what leadership looks like. Here, I’ve found inspiration in the stories of other women who are breaking barriers, pushing past limitations, and proving that success and authenticity aren’t mutually exclusive.
The impact of this community is more than professional, it’s personal. It’s given me the confidence to own my voice, embrace my influence, and mentor others with the same unwavering belief that was once extended to me. It’s also reaffirmed my commitment to leading with both strength and humanity, knowing that the most powerful thing we can do is empower others to rise with us.
Being named a Moxy Foundation Community Ambassador is both an honor and a responsibility. I’m excited to continue paying it forward, ensuring that more women step into the leadership roles they deserve.
Twila Dang
She/Her
"Barrier Breaker" Award
This award honors a woman who forges new paths and builds strong communities along the way. A true pioneer, she breaks barriers, unites people, and creates lasting impact through her vision and dedication. Her leadership and passion inspire others to dream bigger and do more together.
More from Twila
Twila Dang is an entrepreneur and the Founder of Matriarch Digital Media. Matriarch empowers women and public-facing professionals through creative storytelling, innovative content creation, and strategic consulting that entertains, educates, and elevates. Our mission is tied together through our entertainment-focused Matriarch Network, the client-focused Matriarch Studios, and the strategic services of Matriarch Artist and Repertoire.
Twila has built a fifteen year media career starting as a talk radio host and producer at MyTalk 107.1 in St. Paul MN. Over her career, she has worked with American Public Media Group and Minnesota Public Radio. She has been a contributor and made appearances regionally and nationally on ABC News.
Twila is passionate about using podcasting as a vehicle to change the way the world talks to and talks about women and girls. Her commitment to podcasting has led her to create several events and initiatives - Women In Podcasting (for industry education), Our Greatness (podcast micro grants), BIPOC Podcast Industry Survey (research) and Podcast Du Nord (regional industry support) to create access and grow the footprint of women and people of color in the podcasting industry. She is also an inductee of the Podcast Hall of Fame.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Twila
Vicki Siemers
She/Her
"Ride or Die" Award
This award honors a remarkable woman who consistently shows up, without seeking or expecting acknowledgment. Reminding us that authentic leadership is often found in humble acts of service.
More from Vicki
My story is fairly unassuming and doesn’t take the twists and turns that others in the Moxy community have. I majored in math education and statistics at Winona State University because I fell in love with statistics during a 12th grade math class in high school. Yes, I'm a math geek and proud of it!
I paid for college myself through scholarships, grants, summer earnings, and only $1700 in student loans. I’m extremely proud that I was the first woman in my family to graduate college and earn a Master’s degree in applied mathematics with an emphasis in statistics.
Math and statistics have led me to work in the data world for over 30 years -- from my internship at The Mayo Clinic to my very first real job after college at Nielsen Media Company to my current job at U.S. Bank. Because of my love of SAS (a programming language I use at work), I became involved with the Minnesota SAS Users Group (MinnSUG), first as an attendee at their annual meeting, then as a board member, and now as the Board President since 2023. I'm extremely honored to be the Board President of MinnSUG and help develop and expand the SAS community here in the Twin Cities.
I lead a relatively boring but content life – I love to travel, take pictures, and scrapbook. I’m currently working on a scrapbook of my 2024 cruise to Greenland.
What The Moxy Foundation means to Vicki:
To speak about the Moxy Foundation, I need to tell two short stories.
Story1: When I was born, my mom (and all women) was not allowed to have a credit card in her own name; it had to be with her husband. That boggles my mind. Thank goodness, I was raised by my parents to be an independent woman who doesn’t need to rely on anyone (especially a man) to do anything, including owning my house.
Story2: For as long as I’ve been working, I’ve been penalized at work for “being direct”. It’s just how I’m made – I don’t sugar-coat anything and I don’t want people to sugar-coat it for me. But the corporate world doesn’t like directness from a woman.
That’s why I’m so thankful to be a part of the Moxy Foundation and the events they sponsor. With the Moxy Foundation, I can fully be myself – direct, swearing occasionally, and sporting a spiky purple haircut!
The Moxy Foundation and the women I have met at the Moxy Foundation events have always made me feel welcome, and I know my thoughts and ideas matter. It’s so important for me to have a community that inspires me, gives me confidence, and stands up for women of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. And in today’s wackadoodle world, that’s more important than ever.