This year, UC Womxn in Technology showed what true teamwork and resilience look like. Outgoing Chair Charron Andrus reflects on the challenges, accomplishments, and new leaders shaping the next chapter of this inspiring community.
In a year defined by transition and resilience, UC Womxn in Technology continued to show up and positively impact communities across the UC system. As I reflect on my term as Chair, I am filled with gratitude and take pride in what our community has accomplished over the past year. This was not an easy year for the committee, as in the span of a few months, our executive committee experienced significant transition — with the departure of our Co-Chair, both subcommittee chairs, and our past chair. It was a moment that could have stalled or fragmented our efforts.
Instead, it became a defining testament to the resilience, strength, and spirit of UC WIT.
Without hesitation, members of our community stepped forward. I want to especially acknowledge and thank Yoshita Mukherjee (UC Berkeley) and Taura Gentry-Kelso (UC San Diego), who courageously accepted leadership roles as subcommittee chairs during this time of change. Their willingness to serve ensured that our mission continued uninterrupted. What could have been a year of stagnation became a year of momentum.
We began the fall by welcoming UC Berkeley Chief Information Security Officer Allison Henry to our October meeting in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. That same month, UC WIT made a powerful showing at UC Tech 2024, hosting three sessions — including a lively Munch and Mingle with LeShelle May (CNN Senior Computer Engineer and wife of UC Davis Chancellor Gary May). Our gratitude goes to Erica Avila (UC Davis), who skillfully coordinated our primary session, and to Rita Rosenthal and Jeané Blunt (both of UC Berkeley), who brought our presence to life through dazzling UC WIT swag, shirts, graphics, and event materials.
In November, we hosted a candid and inspiring Fireside Chat with UC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Rachael Nava, made possible thanks to the thoughtful planning support of Lily Dimitrova (UC Office of the President) and Jeané Blunt (UC Berkeley).
February brought one of our most anticipated events to fruition: Leading the Change: Womxn Driving DEI in Tech, a panel we had envisioned for more than a year. Our thanks go to panelists Britt McClintock (UC Berkeley), Molly Greek (UCOP), and Sonja Culbert (UC Davis) for sharing their wisdom and call to action.
In March, we proudly released the UC WIT Promotional Video, a milestone in our storytelling journey. The video, edited beautifully by Francesca Albrezzi (UCLA), has received enthusiastic praise across the UC system and beyond. Thank you to Yoshita for ensuring its wide visibility on LinkedIn, and to the womxn who lent their voices and faces to the project: Mai Vang (UC Riverside), Sureyya Tuncel (UC Riverside), Lily, Francesca, and Yoshita.
April marked the publication of our annual Womxn Who Rock IT article, celebrating excellence across campuses. This effort would not have been possible without our dedicated nomination committee: Laona LeBeouf (UCLA Health), Rebecca Candy (UC Santa Barbara), and Taura.
We closed the year with a second appearance at UC Tech in June, hosting another successful Munch and Mingle — this time featuring UC Riverside Chief Data Officer Michelle Hardwick. Deep thanks go to Deidra May and Teri Eckman (both of UC Riverside) for forging the connection and organizing this energizing gathering.
This entire year has proven that titles or hierarchy do not define UC WIT; it is powered by collaboration, generosity, and a shared purpose. Every event, every connection, every moment of encouragement contributed to our continued success.
And now, it is my honor to announce the next chapter of leadership.
Introducing the 2025–26 UC WIT Executive Committee
- Chair: Mai Vang (UC Riverside)
- Co-Chair: Taura Gentry-Kelso (UC San Diego)
Mai and Taura are visionary leaders who embody the strength and promise of this community. I could not imagine UC WIT in better hands.
As I step away from my role as Chair, I do so with gratitude and confidence — knowing that UC Womxn in Technology will continue to grow, innovate, and uplift. This year was a powerful reminder that resilience is not just what we demonstrate in challenging times — it is who we are.
Learn more about UC Womxn in Technology and join upcoming events at https://wit.ucop.edu/
With appreciation and solidarity,
Charron Andrus
Outgoing Chair
UC Womxn in Technology
Contact
Charron Andrus
Associate Chief Information Security Office
UC Berkeley
