About the Event

Join us for an enlightening evening as we celebrate the achievements and expertise of women in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). Our reception and speaker panel will feature distinguished professionals who have shattered glass ceilings and made significant contributions to the tech industry.

Discover firsthand the innovative strategies, insights, and experiences shared by our esteemed panelists as they discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and AI, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating a male-dominated field, fostering diversity and inclusion, and driving meaningful change in the tech sector.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, aspiring enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of cybersecurity and AI, this event promises to inspire, educate, and empower. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with trailblazing women who are shaping the future of technology.

Details

October 3, 2024
3:30-4 p.m. Registration and Networking
4-5 p.m. Panel Discussion
5-6 p.m. Reception

Pricing

Member $50 | Non-Member $75

Venue

The Country Club of Virginia – Westhampton
6031 St Andrews Ln, Richmond, VA 23226, USA

Register for the Forum

Meet the Speakers

Tammy Hornsby-Fink

Executive VP & System CISO

Federal Reserve

Lisa Lee

Chief Security Advisor

Mircosoft

Patti Titus

CISO

Booking Holdings

Tosin Oguntunde

Managing Director

Accenture

About the Event

Join an executive panel of women in tech, as they discuss critical cloud implementation considerations balancing risks and rewards while enabling business outcomes and ensuring availability.

 

Our esteemed panel will discuss the impacts of organizational KPIs/Goals and cloud maturity, checks and balances to ensure transformation, regulatory requirements, the cost-benefit to move to the cloud, speed to operationalize, short and long-term survivability, cloud-native vs in the cloud, use of IA and data analytics,…and more.

 

We look forward to an insightful, thought-provoking, and interactive discussion with these thought leaders.

Pricing

$50 per ticket

Details

June 21, 2023
3:30-4 pm - Arrival/Networking
4-5 pm - Panel Discussion
5-6 pm -  Reception

Venue

The Country Club of Virginia (CCV)
6031 St Andrews Ln, Richmond, VA 23226

Register for the Event

Register

Speakers

Ghada Ijam

CIO

Federal Reserve System

Patti Titus

Chief Privacy and Information Security Office

Markel

Anne Johnston

VP Cloud Cost and Engagement

Capital One

Deb Cassidy

Partner

Fortium Partners

Mindy Angel

Enterprise Client Executive

Fortinet

Sponsored by:

rvatech/Techsters Camp is Back November 8th


Formed in 2013, TECHSTERS is a half-day coding camp for middle school aged girls with a mission to inspire a future generation to discover technology, get excited about STEM, and build code for real-world applications.

Since the program’s first day event with robotic balls called Spheros, TECHSTERS has served over 1,200 students in the greater Richmond region. Students have worked with Spheros, Raspberry Pi's, Amazon Alexa, WeMo Switches, and more!

About the Event

Designed to spark creativity, confidence, and curiosity in STEM, the program combines hands-on activities with real-world insights from technology leaders.


This year’s experience begins with an icebreaker making STEM-themed friendship bracelets, followed by an inspiring keynote from Capital One. Participants will explore the Capital One campus through a photography scavenger hunt, enjoy lunch, and then dive into coding—learning the fundamentals of HTML and CSS while building their very own webpage on GitHub. The day concludes with an important session on personal safety and cybersecurity, equipping students with tools to stay safe online.

Each participant will take home a swag bag as a reminder of their day of learning, discovery, and fun.

Program Equipment:

Students are required to bring a laptop with internet connectivity. For those unable to do so, laptops will be furnished through the generous support of Google.

 

Event Details:

Saturday, November 8, 9:00am – 4:00pm

 

Capital One West Creek Campus

15075 Capital One Drive Richmond, VA 23238


Register:

2022 Meet the Finalists (Invite Only)

Date: September 8, 2022

Time: 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm

Location: TBD

Sponsor: TBD

Meet the Finalists (Invite Only)

Date: September 22, 2021

Time: 5:00 pm until 5:30 pm

Location: TBD

Sponsor: TBD

Date

April 27, 2026

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

4 PM – Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournaments.

Join rvatech/ for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect with the #rvatech on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot!


Tickets

This Event Is Currently Accepting Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring this event? Email our Membership & Sponsorship Manager, Vicki Daguerre-Bradford to connect.

Date

April 28, 2025

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

4 PM – Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournaments.

Join rvatech/ for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect with the #rvatech on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot!


Tickets

Date

April 29, 2024

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

4 PM – Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournaments.

Join rvatech/ for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect with the #rvatech on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot!


Tickets

Register For This Event

Date

May 8, 2023

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

4 PM – Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournaments.

Join rvatech/ for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot as we promote socially distant networking + the opportunity to reconnect with the #rvatech community!


We're currently sold out!

If your rvatech/ membership includes a company foursome – please contact Lindsay Money at Lindsay@rvatech.com

 

Register For This Event

View 2022 Tournament Photos

Date

April 25, 2022

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

1 PM – Cornhole Team Check-in

 

1:30 PM – Cornhole Tournament Start | Double Elimination Format

 

4 PM – Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournaments.

Join RVATECH for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot as we promote socially distant networking + the opportunity to reconnect with the #rvatech community!


Not a golfer? Get your cornhole dream team ready for some friendly competition!

Enjoy a day out with your team at our first-ever cornhole tournament. Featuring ample opportunities for socializing, and the chance to compete in a team of 2 or 4.

 

Tournament Time: 1 – 4 PM

View the Tournament Photos

Track #1: Drive with Data

Big Data

Cloud

Privacy

Track #2: Drive your Skills

Automation

Dev

Cyber Security

Track #3: Drive the Journey

Program/Product

UX/UI

Agile

The 2020 MLM Awards

The Margaret Lyn McDermid Awards recognize women technologists in the greater Richmond area. The awards program is named after Margaret Lyn McDermid who has had a direct impact on Central Virginia’s tech economy, Virginia’s image across the country, opportunities for women and young people in technology, and most especially our continued growth as an organization at RVATECH. Lyn should be an inspiration to any young person, and especially any woman, who has a desire to become a technologist.

WATCH NOW

Event Speakers

Christina Hollingsworth

VP, Information Technology

Hamilton Beach

Courtney Rowell

Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Leader

Thomson Reuters

Elaine Cheng

VP and Chief Information Officer

Shentel

Emma MacMullan

Cyber Intelligence Analyst

Federal Reserve

Jimma Elliot-Stevens

Chief Privacy Officer

Thomson Reuters

Johanna “Jojo” Leasiolagi

Senior Technical Advisor

Defense Intelligence Agency

Katia Mastropas

Senior Data Scientist

James River Insurance

Lauren Hill

Product Lead

Capital One

Mary Glerum

Director of Product Management

InRythym

Megan Overton

Product Management Consultant

The Mom Project

Santhi Sridharan

Head of Engineering, Open Source Office

Capital One

Sara Demeria

VP, Business Information Security Officer

Federal Reserve

Teresa Washburn

Senior Manager, User Experience Design

Workday

Crystal Harris

Agile Transformation Coach

CapTech

Karen Rodd

Agile Transformation Coach

CapTech

LaLisha Hurt

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer

GDIT

Tanya Madison

Chief Privacy Officer

Aristocrat Technologies

Charlene Mowery

Director, Strategic Initiatives

Red Hat

Viji Natarajan

Enterprise and Solution Architecture Leader / Director

Veracity / Women Who Code

Date

September 14, 2020

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start

 

Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournament

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Join RVATECH for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot as we promote socially distant networking + the opportunity to reconnect with the #rvatech community!

 

Per the Governor’s current guidelines, face coverings will be required when individuals are unable to keep a 6ft distance.

Register For This Event

Date

April, 26, 2021

Schedule

10 AM – Morning Bar + Warm-Up

 

11 AM – Shotgun Start | Scramble Format

 

Outdoors hors d’oeuvres and awards reception to be held immediately following the tournament

Location

Hermitage Country Club

1248 Hermitage Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

Join RVATECH for a day outside with your team at one of Richmond’s favorite golf tournaments.

Come connect on the course with friends and clients for a day of fun and golf at the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot as we promote socially distant networking + the opportunity to reconnect with the #rvatech community!

 

Per the Governor’s current guidelines, face coverings will be required when individuals are unable to keep a 6ft distance.

Register For This Event

Replay the 2020 Awards Video


About the Virtual Event

This is Richmond’s twenty-fifth anniversary “Academy Awards” of technology and although 2020 certainly isn't the year any of us expected, that's not going to stop us from celebrating! We're continuing to showcase + recognize individual accomplishments, corporate wins, non-profit success stories, innovation excellence, and growing small businesses! However, we'll just be swapping out a night at Maymont Gardens for a night at home.

RVATECH is teaming up with Richmond's own Altamira Film Co. to bring the 25th Anniversary Awards Gala to life by through an incredible 90-minute production and celebrating tech with tech - like never before. So, pick up your Gala Night Basket Bundle and head straight for your favorite streaming channel as we kick off what will truly be a night to remember!

Sponsors

Equity Impact Award

Chairman's Award

Innovation in Public Sector

Innovation in Private Sector Award

Large Capital

Innovation in Private Sector Award

Mid Capital

Emerging Small Business Award

Technology Builder Award

Technology Influencer of the Year Award

Next Gen Award

Photo Booth Sponsor

Legislator(s) of the Year Award

Outstanding Collaboration in Tech

Innovation in Private Sector Award

Small Capital

Community Impact Award

Pre-Dinner Reception Sponsor

After Party Sponsor

People's Choice Award

Innovation in Education Award

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Technology Executive of the Year

About the Event


For the 30th year - rvatech/ is celebrating the many breakthroughs, advancements, and outstanding technologists that are a part of the Richmond technology ecosystem.

 

Join the rvatech/ Community as we return to Main Street Station on September 30th for a night celebrating and honoring our local organizations and individuals that are actively helping to advance our region's technology-based economy!

Sponsors

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Photo Booth Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Cocktail Hour Sponsor

After Party Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Winner's Circle Sponsor

Innovation in Creativity Award

Innovation in Product Design Award

Startup of the Year

Innovation in Software Engineering Award

Digital Transformation of the Year Award

Community Impact of the Year Award

Public Sector Innovator of the Year Award

Team Excellence Award

Next Gen Award & Educator of the Year

Legislator of the Year Award

Chair's Award

Tech Builder Award

CISO of the Year Award

People's Choice Award

CIO of the Year Award

Company Culture of the Year Award

Innovation in AI + ML Award

Innovation in Artificial Intelligence + Machine Learning

Sponsored by Ippon


2023 Winner:
• Dominion Energy

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of data science.

Innovation in Cloud Computing

Sponsored by Synergy Technical


2023 Winner:
• Operation Smile

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cloud computing project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cloud computing.

Cyber Innovator

Sponsored by Assura


2023 Winner:
• Dragnet

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cyber security professional that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cyber security.

Innovation in Creativity

Sponsored by Google


2023 Winner:
• New Award!

Learn About the Award

This achievement is awarded to a company, team, or person that shows exemplary creativity in their technology practice through one or more of the following ways: 

• Creating a new technology, application or product -Applying an existing technology in new, creative, or non-traditional ways 

• Establishing a new team or initiative to specifically approach problems in new and creative ways (e.g. special ops) 

• Designing a unique brand, marketing, or promotional initiative for a technology application or product 

• Unique leadership achievements, approaches or systems in a c-suite or management role 

• Partnership among multiple companies/organizations to tackle a problem in a creative and multidisciplinary way 

• Doing something different, unexpected, or disruptive in technology or the technology ecosystem 

 

Criteria: 

• Degree of uniqueness and differentiation in the technology, product, approach, or system 

• Degree of disruption, impact and/or success of the technology, product, approach, or system 

• Degree that submission amplifies Richmond’s brand platform as Tech’s Most Creative City

Outstanding Collaboration

Sponsored by Luck Companies


2023 Winner:
• Shockoe & Altria

Learn About the Award

Awarded to two or more companies (in a non-consultative arrangement) that have exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary to achieve breakthrough innovations in technology.

Team Excellence

Sponsored by NTS


2023 Winner:
• VCU Health IT

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an entire team/division that exceeded expectations through innovation, collaboration, or pure technical excellence. Nominees could be the result of product development, process innovation, exceptional metrics/results, or excellence in team culture.

Community Impact

Sponsored by MAXX Potential


2023 Winner:
• sayCare

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or team from a nonprofit or civic organization in central Virginia that displays the most innovative use(s) of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact our community. Criteria This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to deliver services, advance their mission, transform their industry, or impact the community. Nominee must showcase a demonstrable impact on their community and the technology ecosystem in Richmond through their work

Next Gen

Sponsored by Capital One


2023 Winner:
• Neel Gandhi, Tucker High School

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a K-12 student who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond. 

Criteria: 

• Must matriculate in grades K-12 specifically within Richmond or surrounding counties at the time of nomination 

• Awarded for a demonstrable impact, product, or program that advances the technology ecosystem within Richmond 

• Award winner will be selected based on excellence within an “above and beyond” initiative that took place outside of a class assignment 

• Must showcase a high degree of innovation or uniqueness, offering a compelling offering that is not currently available in the greater Richmond marketplace

ELITE (Emerging Leader in Tech)

Sponsorship Available


2023 Winner:
• New Award!

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a technologist (under 40) who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond. Criteria Awarded for a demonstrable impact, product, or program that advances the technology ecosystem within Richmond Award winner will be selected based on excellence within an “above and beyond” initiative that took place beyond the standard expectations of the individual’s professional role

StartUp of the Year

In partnership with StartUp Virginia

Sponsored by CDW


2023 Winner:
• No Limbits

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a startup technology or product company that has demonstrated an innovative solution that is transforming their industry and creating broad geographic and economic impact. Criteria: Nominee should demonstrate a unique or innovative offering that provides real value to a current need or creates a new need in the marketplace Nominee should demonstrate recognizable success through market impact and/or revenue growth Nominee should have achieved success through the specific and innovative use of technology and/or manufacturing

Founder Impact of the Year

Sponsored by CoStar Group


2023 Winner:
• New Award!

In partnership with StartUp Virginia

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a founder of a startup technology or product company who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership through company innovation and community impact.

Criteria: 

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Nominee should demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit, showing resilience, determination, and a vision to bring significant change or advancement within their industry. 

• Community Impact: Nominee should have made a positive impact on their community through their startup, whether through job creation, community engagement initiatives, or philanthropic efforts. 

• Personal Growth and Development: Nominee should show personal growth and development as a leader, continuously learning and evolving to meet the demands of leading a growing startup.

• Recognition and Awards: Any recognition or awards received by the nominee for their leadership, innovation, or community impact will be considered as part of their candidacy for this award.

Technology Innovator, Private Sector (Small Capital)

Sponsored by Summit Human Capital


2023 Winner:
• Naborforce

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit. 

 

Criteria: 

• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation 

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation 

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market. 

• Must showcase distinct, game-changing advantages over any alternatives. 

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace. 

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace. 

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Technology Innovator, Private Sector (Large Capital)

Sponsored by CGI


2023 Winner:
CoStar

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit. 

 

Criteria: 

• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation 

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation 

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market. 

• Must showcase distinct, game-changing advantages over any alternatives. 

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace. 

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace. 

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Technology Innovator, Public Sector

Sponsored by CarMax


2023 Winner:
• UNOS

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit. 

 

Criteria: 

• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation 

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation 

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market. 

• Must showcase distinct, game-changing advantages over any alternatives. 

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace. 

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace. 

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Technology Builder

Sponsored by ePlus


2023 Winner:
• CapTech

 

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency. 

 

Criteria: 

• Intended for the vendor and consultant community that specialize in providing technology solutions for client companies 

• Must showcase a strategic and innovative solution that changes business process or procedure 

• Must provide tangible financial or business value and increase operational efficiency for a client

Legislator of the Year

Sponsored by Meta


2023 Winners:
• Delegate Carrie Coyner & Senator Jeremy McPike

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a legislator(s) who have made a positive impact on the technology sector in the previous year.

Tech Executive of the Year

Sponsored by Vaco


2023 Winner:
• Melanie Frank, Capital One

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual whose leadership resulted in creating competitive advantage, optimize business processes, enable growth or improve relationships with customers. 

Criteria: 

• An executive who has primary IT leadership responsibility for an entire company, business line, or geography. 

• In the past year, has demonstrated leadership to successfully manage and champion technology initiatives. Examples include: 

• Led technology efforts on a day-to-day basis, while receiving positive results from internal employee surveys. 

• Improved the internal IT organization (e.g., restructured, new technology, use of automation, use of analytics, improved risk management, improved reporting) 

• Led technology efforts related to a major company change (e.g., taken a company public/private, led merger/acquisition activities, introduced a new product into the marketplace) 

• Significantly boosted a company’s IT presence in a geography

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by InterVision


2023 Winner:
• Daybreak IT Solutions

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to the popular vote through social media leading up to the event.

Chair's Award

Sponsored by Altria


2023 Winner:
• Deborah Cassidy, Fortium Partners

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

Title Sponsor

Chair's Award

Innovation in Cyber Security

NextGen Award

Innovation in Public Sector

StarUp of The Year

Innovation in Private Sector - Large Capital

Founder Impact of the Year

Technology Builder Award

Photobooth Sponsor

Innovation in Creativity

People's Choice Award

Innovation in Artificial Intelligence + Machine Learning

Outstanding Collaboration Award

Community Impact Award

Legislator of the Year

NTS

Technology Innovator, Private Sector (Small Capital)

Innovation in Cloud Computing

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Technology Executive of the Year

Opportunity Impact Award

Sponsored by AIS Network


2023 Winner:

Dr. Kume Goranson

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or team whose leadership and creative use of existing or development of new technology has benefited the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the Richmond metropolitan area or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Criteria:
• This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to enrich the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion either in the Richmond metro area or throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate how they have employed existing or new technology to provide a more affirming environment and sustain support for historically underrepresented groups.

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate intent to be a catalyst for change in the areas of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Community Impact Award

Sponsored by MAXX Potential


2023 Winner:

sayCare

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or team from an organization in central Virginia that displays the most innovative use(s) of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact our community.

Criteria:
• This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to deliver services, advance their mission, transform their industry, or impact the community.

• Nominee must showcase a demonstrable impact on their community and the technology ecosystem in Richmond through their work

Educator of the Year

Sponsored by Google


2023 Winner:

Yvette Lee – J.R. Tucker High School

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to the educator that provides exceptional technology leadership and encourages students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering and math.

Criteria:
• Awarded for innovation in teaching styles, educational programs, or other means of impacting the educational process and student outcomes

• Must teach Science, Technology, Engineering or Math specifically within Richmond or surrounding counties

• Must showcase a high degree of innovation or uniqueness, offering a compelling offering that students typically don’t experience in a traditional curriculum

• Must showcase a demonstrable impact through the number of students reached, potential scalability of the concept, and/or impact on the community as a whole

NextGen Award

Sponsored by Capital One


2023 Winner:

Neel Gandhi

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a K-12 student who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond.

Criteria:
• Must matriculate in grades K-12 specifically within Richmond or surrounding counties at the time of nomination

• Awarded for a demonstrable impact, product, or program that advances the technology ecosystem within Richmond

• Award winner will be selected based on excellence within an “above and beyond” initiative that took place outside of a class assignment

• Must showcase a high degree of innovation or uniqueness, offering a compelling offering that is not currently available in the greater Richmond marketplace

Technology Builder Award

Sponsored by ePlus and Pure Storage


2023 Winner:

CapTech’s VISTAR

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency.

Criteria:
• Intended for the vendor and consultant community that specialize in providing technology solutions for client companies

• Must showcase a strategic and innovative solution that changes business process or procedure

• Must provide tangible financial or business value and increase operational efficiency for a client

Emerging Small Business Award

Sponsored by Summit Human Capital


2023 Winner:

No Limbits

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a local small business or start-up technology company that has demonstrated the ability to achieve commercial success.

Criteria:
• Nominee should demonstrate a unique or innovative offering that provides real value to a current need or creates a new need in the marketplace

• Nominee should demonstrate recognizable success through market impact and/or revenue growth

• Nominee should have achieved success through the specific and innovative use of technology

Innovation in Public Sector

Sponsored by CarMax


2023 Winner:

UNOS’ The Travel App

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a public agency, or organization benefitting the public good, whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.
Criteria:• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market.

• Must showcase distinct, game changing advantages over any alternatives.

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace.

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace.

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Innovation in Private Sector, Large Capital

Sponsored by CGI


2023 Winner:

CoStar’s Homes.com

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.



Criteria: • Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market.

• Must showcase distinct, game changing advantages over any alternatives.

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace.

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace.

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Innovation in Private Sector, Small Capital

Sponsored by Comcast


2023 Winner:

Naborforce, Inc.

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.



Criteria: • Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market.

• Must showcase distinct, game changing advantages over any alternatives.

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace.

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace.

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Tech Executive of the Year

Sponsored by Vaco


2023 Winner:

Melanie Frank, Capital One

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual whose leadership resulted to create competitive advantage, optimize business processes, enable growth or improve relationships with customers.

Criteria:
• An executive who has primary IT leadership responsibility for an entire company, business line, or geography.

• In the past year, has demonstrated leadership to successfully manage and champion technology initiatives.
Examples include: • Led technology efforts on a day-to-day basis, while receiving positive results from internal employee surveys.

• Improved the internal IT organization (e.g., restructured, new technology, use of automation, use of analytics, improved risk management, improved reporting)

• Led technology efforts related to a major company change (e.g., taken a company public/private, led merger/acquisition activities, introduced a new product into the marketplace)

• Significantly boosted a company’s IT presence in a geography

Innovation in Cyber Security

Sponsored by Assura


2023 Winner:

Dragnet

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cyber security project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cyber security.

Outstanding Collaboration

Sponsored by Luck Companies


2023 Winner:

Shockoe & Altria

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to two or more companies (in a non-consultative arrangement) that have exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary to achieve breakthrough innovations in technology.


Innovation in Cloud Computing

Sponsored by Synergy Technical


2023 Winner:

Operation Smile’s Technology Solutions Built Using Microsoft Power Apps

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cloud computing project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cloud computing.

Innovation in Data Science

Sponsored by CoStar


2023 Winner:

Dominion Energy’s Misgrids

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of data science.

Team Excellence Award

Sponsored by Networking Technologies + Support


2023 Winner:

VCU Health IT Team

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an entire team/division that exceeded expectations through innovation, collaboration, or pure technical excellence. Nominees could be the result of product development, process innovation, exceptional metrics/results, or excellence in team culture.

Legislator of the Year

Sponsored by Meta


2023 Winners:

Delegate Carrie Coyner

Senator Jeremy McPike

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a legislator(s) who have made a positive impact on the technology sector in the previous year.

Chair's Award

Sponsored by Altria


2023 Winner:

Deb Cassidy

 

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by InterVision


2023 Winner:

Earlybird (Daybreak and Sandbox)

 

Learn About the Award

Awarded to the popular vote through social media leading up to the event.

Title Sponsor

NextGen Award

Innovation in Data Science Award

Emerging Small Business Award

Cocktail Hour Sponsor

Pre-Reception Sponsor

Opportunity Impact Award

Chair's Award + Wine Sponsor

Innovation in Cyber Security

Innovation in Public Sector

Innovation in Private Sector - Large Capital

Innovation in Private Sector - Small Capital

Technology Builder Award

Photobooth Sponsor

Educator of the Year Award

People's Choice Award

Outstanding Collaboration Award

Community Impact Award

Legislator of the Year

Team Excellence Award

Innovation in Cloud Computing

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Technology Executive of the Year

360 PhotoBooth Sponsor

Check out the 2022 Event Photos

View the Photo Gallery

Replay the Award Production

Replay the 2022 Production

Equity Impact

Sponsored by AIS Network


2022 Winner:
• AnswersNow

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or team whose leadership and creative use of existing or development of new technology has benefited the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the Richmond metropolitan area or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Criteria:
• This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to enrich the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion either in the Richmond metro area or throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate how they have employed existing or new technology to provide a more affirming environment and sustain support for historically underrepresented groups.

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate intent to be a catalyst for change in the areas of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Community Impact Award

Sponsored by MAXX Potential


2022 Winner:
• Goochland High School – Virtual Rurality

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or team from a nonprofit or civic organization in central Virginia that displays the most innovative use(s) of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact our community.

Criteria:
• This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to deliver services, advance their mission, transform their industry, or impact the community.

• Nominee must showcase a demonstrable impact on their community and the technology ecosystem in Richmond through their work

Educator of the Year

Sponsored by Google


2022 Winner:
• Zachary Jernigan

Learn About the Award

Awarded to the educator that provides exceptional technology leadership and encourages students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering and math.

Criteria:
• Awarded for innovation in teaching styles, educational programs, or other means of impacting the educational process and student outcomes

• Must teach Science, Technology, Engineering or Math specifically within Richmond or surrounding counties

• Must showcase a high degree of innovation or uniqueness, offering a compelling offering that students typically don’t experience in a traditional curriculum

• Must showcase a demonstrable impact through the number of students reached, potential scalability of the concept, and/or impact on the community as a whole

NextGen Award

Sponsored by General Electric


2022 Winner:
• Corynn Mason @ CodeRVA Regional High School

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a K-12 student who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond.

Criteria:
• Must matriculate in grades K-12 specifically within Richmond or surrounding counties at the time of nomination

• Awarded for a demonstrable impact, product, or program that advances the technology ecosystem within Richmond

• Award winner will be selected based on excellence within an “above and beyond” initiative that took place outside of a class assignment

• Must showcase a high degree of innovation or uniqueness, offering a compelling offering that is not currently available in the greater Richmond marketplace

Technology Builder Award

Sponsored by ePlus and Pure Storage


2022 Winner:
• Qlarion, a GCOM Company

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency.

Criteria:
• Intended for the vendor and consultant community that specialize in providing technology solutions for client companies

• Must showcase a strategic and innovative solution that changes business process or procedure

• Must provide tangible financial or business value and increase operational efficiency for a client

Emerging Small Business Award

Sponsored by CoStar Group


2022 Winner:
• Babylon Micro-Farms

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a local small business or start-up technology company that has demonstrated the ability to achieve commercial success.

Criteria:
• Nominee should demonstrate a unique or innovative offering that provides real value to a current need or creates a new need in the marketplace

• Nominee should demonstrate recognizable success through market impact and/or revenue growth

• Nominee should have achieved success through the specific and innovative use of technology

Innovation in Public Sector

Sponsored by Carmax


2022 Winner:
• VA DRPT – Mobility for All – Virginia Transportation Navigator

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a public agency, or organization benefitting the public good, whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.
Criteria:• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market.

• Must showcase distinct, game changing advantages over any alternatives.

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace.

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace.

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Innovation in Private Sector

Sponsored by CGI


2022 Winner:
• Mission Lane – NPD Investment

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.



Criteria: • Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market.

• Must showcase distinct, game changing advantages over any alternatives.

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace.

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace.

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Technology Executive of the Year

Sponsored by Vaco


2022 Winner:
• Christina Hollingsworth – Hamilton Beach

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual whose leadership resulted to create competitive advantage, optimize business processes, enable growth or improve relationships with customers.

Criteria:
• An executive who has primary IT leadership responsibility for an entire company, business line, or geography.

• In the past year, has demonstrated leadership to successfully manage and champion technology initiatives.
Examples include: • Led technology efforts on a day-to-day basis, while receiving positive results from internal employee surveys.

• Improved the internal IT organization (e.g., restructured, new technology, use of automation, use of analytics, improved risk management, improved reporting)

• Led technology efforts related to a major company change (e.g., taken a company public/private, led merger/acquisition activities, introduced a new product into the marketplace)

• Significantly boosted a company’s IT presence in a geography

Innovation in Cyber Security

Sponsored by Assura


2022 Winner:
• Hive Systems – Quantico

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cyber security project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cyber security.

Outstanding Collaboration

Sponsored by Luck Companies


2022 Winner:
• Hamilton Beach Brands, Synergy Technical, VCU, and Microsoft

Learn About the Award

Awarded to two or more companies (in a non-consultative arrangement) that have exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary to achieve breakthrough innovations in technology.


Innovation in Cloud Computing

Sponsored by Synergy Technical


2022 Winner:
• Chesterfield Auto Parts – Yardsmart

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a cloud computing project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cloud computing.

Legislator of the Year

Sponsored by Meta


2022 Winners:
• Senator George Barker and Delegate Emily Brewer

Learn About the Award

Awarded to a legislator(s) who have made a positive impact on the technology sector in the previous year.

Chair's Award

Sponsored by Altria


2022 Winners:
• Phlow

Learn About the Award

Awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

People's Choice Award

Sponsored by InterVision


2022 Winner:
• Loren Morgan at Owens and Minor

Learn About the Award

Awarded to the popular vote through social media leading up to the event.

Title Sponsor

Equity Impact Award

Chair's Award + Wine Sponsor

Innovation in Cyber Security

Innovation in Public Sector

Pre-Reception Sponsor

Innovation in Private Sector - Large Capital

Emerging Small Business Award

Technology Builder Award

NextGen Award

Photobooth Sponsor

Educator of the Year Award

People's Choice Award

Outstanding Collaboration Award

Community Impact Award

Legislator of the Year

After Party Sponsor

Studio Sponsor

Innovation in Cloud Computing

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Technology Executive of the Year

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About the Event


For the 26th year - rvatech/ is celebrating the many breakthroughs, advancements, and outstanding technologists that are a part of the Richmond technology ecosystem.


Join the rvatech/ Community at Maymont Gardens for a night under the stars celebrating and honoring our local organizations and individuals that are actively helping to advance our region's technology-based economy! RVATECH is teaming up with Richmond's own Altamira Film Co. for another Hollywood-style awards production to bring the 26th Anniversary Awards Gala to life through an incredible 90-minute production and celebrating tech with tech.

FAQ's -

What's the Attire?

Attire is suggested as Vineyard Chic. Keep in mind, this event will be held outdoors on the lawn at Maymont, and jackets/sweaters may be desired once the sun sets. We highly suggest avoiding high heels.

Where do I park?

Parking: Please park in the Dogwood Dell lot, directly adjacent to the dog park, located at 1300 Blanton Ave., Richmond, VA 23221. From here, executive shuttles will escort guests directly to the event within Maymont. (Shuttles will run continuously throughout the event.)

What's the Schedule?

Registration and cocktail hour will be held from 5-6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.

 

Dinner and awards will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. immediately followed by the after-party from 8-9 p.m.

Rain Plan -

Due to inopportune weather, the Gala Awards has been rescheduled to October 14, 2021.

 

Covid Policies -

Cast your vote for the 2021 People's Choice

Voting closes October 1st

Vote Today for People's Choice

Sponsors

Equity Impact Award

Chairman's Award

Innovation in Public Sector

Innovation in Private Sector Award

Large Capital

Emerging Small Business Award

Innovation in Cyber Security Award

Technology Builder Award

Innovation in Data Science Award

Next Gen Award

Photobooth Sponsor

Legislator(s) of the Year

Outstanding Collaboration in Tech

Innovation in Private Sector Award

Small Capital

Community Impact Award

Pre-Dinner Reception Sponsor

After Party Sponsor

People's Choice Award

Innovation in Education Award

Meet the Finalists Sponsor

Technology Executive of the Year

Register For This Event

Thanks for Attending!

 

Watch the 2021 Video Production

Join us on April 8, 2026 for an awards ceremony as we celebrate the many innovative, driven + impactful women in the Richmond technology community!


Event Details

April 8, 2026.

5:30 – 7:30 PM
Program begins at 6pm

Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond

442 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23229

Dress Code: Dressy Business Attire

Registration

Congratulations, Winners!


Register for the Event


2023 Sponsors

This Event Is Currently Accepting Sponsors