Diversity, equality, and inclusion is more than just a goal for the technology world — it’s a necessity. That’s why Mission Critical hosts the annual Women in Technology contest. As the demands for data generation, consumption, sharing, storage, processing, and more continue to grow and cybercriminals become increasingly more threatening, it’s clear that the industry needs more people to collaborative on innovative solutions to consumer needs, sustainable connectivity, and cyber safe infrastructure.

Women from all over the world in a wide range of technology sectors, including data centers, health care, and food processing, were nominated for their admirable contributions to the industry and the people who rely on it.  

As Rebecca Ellis, president of Questions & Solutions Engineering Inc. and one of this year’s winners, so matter-of-factly put it, “If technology is to benefit all people, then all people need to be represented in the development and application of that technology.”

And, with that, Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2022 Top 25 Women in Technology.

Bonnie Jean

Title: Senior Technical Program Manager

Company: Amazon

Age: 38

Education: Master of Science in information technology

Professional Credentials/Accreditations: Project Management Professional (PMP)

Organizational Affiliations: PMP

Achievements/Awards: The first female to hold the title of senior technical program manager at Amazon

What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?

When I first took apart a broken laptop and fixed it, I was hooked! I had to learn and do all things technology.

What inspires you to do what you do?

I am a natural leader — I love leading large technology efforts to deliver technology solutions to customers.

What role does sustainability play in your life?

I work sustainability into both my personal and professional life to reduce my carbon footprint. It is important to me that we collectively work hard for future generations, so they can grow and thrive on Earth, mitigating the long-term, heavly impacts of global warming.

What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?

To date, the inner working of satellites has been by far the most fascinating space I have worked in and learned while working in technology.

What’s something unique about you personally?

I am part of the LGBTQ community.

What’s something unique about you professionally?

I am a Jill of all trades — I have worked across systems, networking, software development, infrastructure, and now satellite industry experience.

What’s your most admirable quality?

I overcame 10 years of addiction and put myself through college then grew my career and family and recently celebrating 14 years of sobriety.

Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?

I am a lesbian woman in the technology workforce. It is important to me to see minorities, like women and those who are part of the LGBTQ community, lead the way in tech. Women in the tech industry are on the rise and will continue to rise.

What aspect of the industry do you think has the most potential for growth, and, on the other hand, which aspect do you think needs the most improvement?

Equality and diversity in the industry has both the most potential of growth and needs the most improvement. We are slowly seeing the numbers change and we are proving the workforce needs both diversity and equality. This needs improvement, and, with improvement ,we will see the most growth.

When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?

I imagine an equal workforce — we simply are not there yet. However, there are great leaders and companies closing the equality gaps in the workforce. I truly believe in diversity and equality.