Hundreds of women in technology careers gather for a conference full of empowerment
More than 400 women attended the Knoxville Technology Council annual event.
On Friday, September 27, the Women in Technology Expo brought together more than 400 women from across our region for a full day of tech talks, education, connection, and professional development. The goal of the conference is to create an embedded web of women in the tech industry who can support and encourage one another.
In an industry still largely defined by men, events like this matter. According to Forbes, about one in four people in the U.S. tech workforce are women. And in the high-tech sector, which is a bit more narrowly defined, women account for just 22.6 percent of the workforce.
That makes the Women in Tech Expo all the more meaningful.
The Expo’s agenda was ambitious and deeply relevant. Themes ranged from mindset and resilience to AI, digital forensics, generational communication, and well-being.
The keynote for the conference was delivered by Erika Gerdes, a speaker and coach who formerly worked as a Google executive.
“I was your classic overachiever, wound up really tight, and always trying to control the situations around me,” she said in her opening statement. “But, all that changed.”
Gerdes said the key to breaking free from her old ways was making the decision to stop “being the victim” and stop blaming external factors for her reactions.
Instead, she gave women a pathway to
She encouraged attendees to identify and break down limiting beliefs that are holding them back from growth.
Other event speakers included:
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Jody Clayton (Oracle) spoke on “Building a Culture of AI Innovation,” tackling how organizations can foster AI fluency and creativity.
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Vallie Collins offered “Miracle on the Hudson: A Passenger’s Perspective,” a story-driven session reminding us of leadership, calm under pressure, and human-centered thinking.
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Rachael Bevill Burns (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) tackled “How Smart Are Robots, Really?”—a grounded exploration of AI’s current limits and potentials.
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Julie Wilkes, PhD helmed “Creating Your WOW Factor Out of Well-Being,” weaving personal wellness with professional growth.
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Annita McDonald (Microsoft) led “Making AI Work for You and Your Organization,” with pragmatic frameworks for adoption and ethics.
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Kimberly Payne, SHRM-SCP (Knoxville Utilities Board) moderated “Navigating Generational Differences at Work,” helping participants leverage intergenerational strengths.
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Jennifer Ward (FBI) closed the day with “Digital Forensics in Investigations,” offering a compelling look into cyber investigations and real-world tech applied to justice.
Beyond sessions, the Expo provided generous time for networking, mentorship breaks, and breakout discussions.
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