ATLANTA (PRWEB) MARCH 18, 2019 – Women in Technology, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization committed to empowering girls and women to excel in STEAM from the classroom to the boardroom, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Penny Collins as President and CEO.
In her new role as leader of the 25-year-old non-profit, Collins will provide strategic direction to fulfill the vision of WIT and further WIT’s impact in the community.
Collins joins WIT from First Data Corporation, where she served as Chief Technology Control Officer, Global Lead for Disaster Recovery Application Development, and Head of Global Cyber Security and Controls PMO. In addition to leading the company’s technology compliance and controls, she was also the global leader for First Data’s Women’s Leadership Council, and a solid champion for the organization’s support of WIT as a strategic partner.
Prior to First Data, Collins spent time as a business owner and entrepreneur, was Chief Process and Usability Officer for British Telecom (BT), and has spent her career leading global technology teams. She was awarded Women in Payments’ award for Education in 2019 and is an active member of the Atlanta non-profit community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Penny Collins as WIT’s new President and CEO,” said Danielle Joiner-McPherson, WIT Board President. “She is a creative and versatile leader who is passionate about promoting the development of women and girls in STEAM. In 2018 alone, nearly 2,000 girls and women were inspired, motivated, and supported in their pursuit of a STEAM career by WIT. We donated $200,000 in scholarships, and provided STEAM-based opportunities for girls and women to learn and grow. But with more than 35,000 new STEAM jobs opening each year, and a 4:1 ratio of men to women graduating in STEAM careers, there is still so much opportunity for us to make a difference. We are so excited for Penny to help us all build upon WIT’s first 25 years to continue to grow and evolve the impact we can have.”
“I look forward to being part of the next chapter of WIT, and helping girls and women create their own futures,” said Penny Collins, WIT President and CEO. “I have been passionate about the WIT agenda for a long time, and look forward to building upon the amazing foundation already in place. Through support from generous strategic partners, time from passionate volunteers, and collaboration with local middle schools, high schools, and colleges throughout greater Atlanta, we can continue to make a difference in so many girls’ and women’s lives.”
