Women Of The Channel Marks 15 Years Of Impact At XChange August
At this year’s XChange August, the Women of the Channel community delivered a powerful message: connection, authenticity and leadership are driving forces in today’s tech landscape.
The week began with a high, energy WOTC Welcome Reception, where attendees gathered for meaningful conversations and new connections. The reception set the tone for a week of celebration and reflection as the community marked its 15th anniversary.
One of the standout moments came during a live “Woman of the Week” interview featuring Abby Hanson, vice president of Microsoft and AI for the APM Technology Group. Interviewed by Jacquie Rives, WOTC community leader and program director, Hanson shared her unconventional journey, from earning a teaching degree to leading billion, dollar initiatives in AI and cloud innovation at Microsoft.
Her story resonated deeply with attendees. Hanson spoke candidly about the grit it took to land her first role at Microsoft, including navigating 14 interviews, and how volunteering opened doors to leadership. She also reflected on her proudest career moment: helping a health care organization transform its systems to save lives, a mission that became personal when her grandmother’s passing underscored the critical role of technology in patient care.
“Don’t fake it. Be uniquely you, every single day,” Hanson said, emphasizing the importance of empathy and authenticity in business leadership.
The momentum around Women of the Channel continues to build. With the anniversary year in full swing, the community is preparing for upcoming global events: WOTC Asia in Singapore on September 25 and WOTC East in New York City on Dec. 8-9. These gatherings will continue to spotlight the voices and stories shaping the future of the IT channel.
For solution providers and tech leaders, the message is clear: investing in inclusive leadership and authentic connection isn’t just good for culture, it’s good for business.
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