Woman of the Year

A leader who is passionate about the industry and is a representative to the broader business community.  An admired mentor with a history of supporting other women and being actively engaged in developing people at all levels within her organization.  Someone who holds an executive-level position (Executive Director and above) within the industry.

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Woman in Technology

A woman who has made significant contributions to her organization’s success and the industry through her impressive technical knowledge and accomplishments or her expertise in bringing new products or businesses to fruition (Director and above).  Someone who is passionate about the continued growth of women pursuing careers in technology.

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Mentor of the Year

A male role model with a strong history of mentoring others throughout his career. A leader (Executive Director and above) who contributes significantly to organizational success and whose interpersonal skills inspire others to strive for excellence. An individual who supports the development and/or expansion of mentorship programs within his company as well as the industry.

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Industry Partner of the Year

A person who demonstrates strong leadership skills, business savvy and is a non-operator or a programmer. Someone who through their passion, words, and actions, consistently enables other women to achieve their full potential. An individual who leads by example and is a role model to those around them. An individual who takes initiative, embraces diversity and individuality, and raises the bar for themselves and those around their group (Executive Director and above).

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Leader to Watch

A leader and a mentor who is highly regarded by his or her superiors, peers and subordinates.  A leader who has a significant impact on his or her organization’s success and shows great potential for future career growth.  Someone who inspires, supports and motivates others.   Someone who is a rising leader in the industry (entry level to Senior Director).

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Rising Star

A woman who is a front line employee or individual contributor who exemplifies the WICT touch stones of leadership. She should be a rising star who leads by example, demonstrates remarkable potential through her extraordinary performance, engagement and impact on her team. She shows tremendous potential and a willingness to grow personally and professionally.

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Young Woman to Watch 

This award honors a high school or college student who demonstrates remarkable potential through her extraordinary leadership, creative problem-solving and courage in the face of life’s challenges.

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Woman of the Year:

Jana Henthorn, Cable Center

As President and CEO of The Cable Center, an educational non-profit organization, Jana Henthorn leads The Cable Center on its mission to connect people and ideas to advance innovation. In her role since January, 2016, Jana brings more than 30 years of experience from all corners of the industry to her position. A champion of women in the cable industry, she served on the National Board and Executive Committee for Women in Cable and Telecommunications from 1995 – 2000 and is a charter fellow of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute.

1. How did you first get involved with the Cable Telecom industry? Pete Gatseos gave me my first big break at ATC which became Time Warner. He recruited me right off the referee stand at a volleyball tournament. Having a freshly minted MBA from DU didn’t hurt either.
2. Provide a shout- out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. A shout out to Ruth Warren who took me under her wing while I was at Jones Intercable and to this day, continues to provide friendship, wise counsel and big laughs.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. A favorite inspirational favorite quote: Attributed to Thomas Jefferson, “I believe in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I get.”
4. What do you like to do outside of work? There’s life outside of work? Seriously though, I love to cycle (we own a tandem bike that’s been on a couple continents), I volunteer with HungerFree Colorado and I love love love to read.  Two book clubs and counting!
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? When you’re young, you don’t fully know your superpowers yet. Try lots of different activities. If you don’t like math, then get into science experiments and if none of that gels, get involved with your school and community.  The main thing is to BE INVOLVED!

Woman in Technology:

Laura Moche, Charter

Laura Moche is a Sr. Director, Advanced Engineering Labs; leading Platform QA and Integration efforts for Cloud Video based solutions in Charter Communications. In her current role, she manages platform builds, computer, storage, network and software configurations, integration and platform testing efforts with the goal of handing off to client test teams for end to end testing, as well as to Platform and Video Operations for delivery into the field. Laura’s team is tasked with supporting top company projects such as Cloud DVR, VOD Content Expansion, Spectrum Guide and Advanced Advertising initiatives.

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? I got involved in the telecom industry right out of college, working for a local telco (CLEC) in Madison, WI that was just getting in to offering high speed data.  In 2000, I decided to move to Denver, and got a job working for Lucent Technologies.  I started out doing voice provisioning for commercial toll customers, then transferred into a Tier II Tech Support team that supported Internet Service Providers offering DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines).  I learned how to configure and do technical support on DSLAMs (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers).  Working for Lucent, I got a base understanding of telecommunications through several training classes and hands on work.  After 18 months at Lucent, I applied and got a job with AT&T Broadband doing Tier II Tech Support for Telephony Provisioning Systems.  AT&T Broadband was later acquired by Comcast; I was with them for 12.5 years.  While working there full time, I went back to school and completed a Masters in Computer Information Systems from Denver University’s UCOL program.  The technical education opened doors for me to apply and get higher level jobs doing system administration (of OSS Systems), ETL development and Reporting in the BI/Data Warehousing group, then later into lead and management roles.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. The biggest role model who stands out for me throughout my career has been Charlotte Field.  While at Comcast, I worked in her organization and saw a strong woman who led a large organization.  Often times, I was either the only woman or one of two women on any team I have ever worked on.  In most cases, women are still in supporting roles in technology, such as Project Management, Business Analyst, technical writer, but not an actual engineer or Management of an Engineering and Operations organization.  To see Charlotte lead such large teams of various technical roles and command the respect of everyone was a very powerful example that it could be done.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. “Anything’s possible” – my father – Philip Olson
4. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time outdoors with my friends and family, hiking, biking, skiing, and playing tennis.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? I think young girls and boys should get involved in STEM related activities because there is so much to learn, it’s fun to figure out how things work, it’s fun to create and make something work, but most of all, it will give them marketable skills they can use for the rest of their lives.  The technology field is so broad that it has something for everyone, to capture anyone’s interests.  It will give them a path toward a lifelong career.

Mentor of the Year:

David Eng, Comcast

David Eng is a highly regarded industry technologist, historian, and mentor. In particular, his leadership spans engineering, operations, design, global project management, construction, training, and technical support of video, broadband and telecommunications technologies. His three-plus decades of service include several vital industry developments, including fiber optic systems, digital set-top boxes and corresponding headend gear, MPEG encoding, Video on Demand and advanced modulation.  David is a 35-year cable veteran and began his career in 1983 when he built a 400 MHz cable system.  He relocated to Colorado in 1990 to build the original headquarters of CableLabs in Boulder.

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? While in College, the Engineering class members were given the opportunity to help wire the university, hard line in conduit and drops in all the dorm rooms via existing conduits that had phone wires.  The following summer, my home town was just getting cable and I was hired to build and operate the system for Dowden Cable Systems.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. Stuart V. Gibson – He gave me my first job in the industry (Dowden Cable) to build my hometown system, taught me about cable, how to work, learn, share and grow together.  He took a huge risk hiring me since I did not have any cable background or field experience. Being a greenhorn, I was put in charge of the contractors building the system, then I did system turn up & test and also operated the system.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching”
4. What do you like to do outside of work? Time with family, reading, photography, hiking and exploring Colorado.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? To develop comprehensive and forward thinking towards the future.

Industry Partner of the Year:

Sand Cherry Associates, a boutique consulting firm, specializes in supporting Fortune 500 companies who are leaders in the high-tech and investment communities. Headquartered in Colorado, clients include top North American companies in the cable, broadband, wireless, and media industries as well as various private equity firms. Over its nearly 16-year history, Sand Cherry has received two industry awards for market strategy innovation given by the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing and was selected as one of the Top Companies to Watch for Colorado in 2016 by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).

1. What / who has influenced your company over the years to get to where you are today? The biggest influence on our company over the years has been the historical evolution of the dynamic cable, broadband, and wireless industry that we support.  As M&A transactions have shaped our industry’s landscape and the companies that lead it, you will find within Sand Cherry’s ranks today industry veterans with front-line and executive experience from such great companies as MediaOne, AT&T Broadband, Adelphia, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Shaw Canada, Liberty Global, as well as from current-client companies like Comcast, Charter, Cox and Rogers Canada.  Sand Cherry itself was formed from a spin-off of the market strategy group of AT&T Broadband during its acquisition by Comcast.  This historic telecom deal created the largest US cable company, and in 2001 provided the market opportunity for Sand Cherry’s founders to launch a consulting company steeped in critical industry experience and initially focused on supporting this cable mega-merger.  We remain one of the top merger integration specialists in the industry today.  By 2009, Sand Cherry had developed an expertise and reputation as one of the leaders in customer operations and customer experience and was selected by the FCC to support the federally-mandated national digital conversion – an historic evolution as the US converted all analog TV signals to digital by a single date.  In an unprecedented achievement and within just 60 days, Sand Cherry was able to successfully ‘stand-up’ a national call center to handle customer questions during the transition to all-digital TV.  This year, Sand Cherry once again plays a major merger integration role supporting the recent acquisition activity of the top cable industry participants and continues to lead the development and launch of key product and technology innovations that will serve and delight current and future customers.  Especially in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace, clients find increased value in working with a company with the distinctly unique legacy of success and real results delivered by Sand Cherry.

2. What is Sand Cherry’s viewpoint on work life balance?  What are some fun activities the company does with employees? We strive to epitomize the “work hard – play hard” culture and believe that it anchors our competitive advantage in the market.  As a “100% virtual” company, we value our time together and bring all our consultants together twice a year for a two-day networking and training workshop.  We hold our summer workshop in mountain towns like Keystone, culminating in team-building activities such as white-water rafting. We meet in Denver for our winter workshop, ending with a company ski trip.  Our culture of camaraderie and fun ties inextricably to serving our community.  We are a frequent sponsor of Adaptive Spirit, a non-profit organization that provides 80% of the funding for the US Adaptive Ski Team.  Now in its 21st year, Adaptive Spirit brings together industry sponsors and elite US Paralympians to Vail for networking, education, and skiing.  Our Sand Cherry ski team includes a Paralympian skier and competes in an annual downhill race with other companies.  We have also supported the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and, on Military Appreciation Day, entered a Sand Cherry Wild Cow Milking team to support Wounded Warriors.  Our participation in this uniquely Coloradan event is now part of company legend – we placed second.
3. What about strategic partnerships are important to Sand Cherry? We believe that strategic partners that are leaders in and share our passion for innovation are critical to the ‘Sand Cherry Way’ of consulting.  We define innovation as “future vision” in much the same way as Wayne Gretzky when he stated, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been.”  Our competitive advantage centers on thought-leadership and support to leading companies in high-growth industries particularly in the launch of the newest products and services delivered with a superior customer experience.  Our daily work is complimented by our own drive for continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve.  We have supported the early launches of broadband Internet, high-definition TV, video-on-demand, WiFi, home security, mobile and IP-delivered video services.  We, like Gretzky, hone our future vision by looking down the ice and seeing the next big opportunity.  We continuously strive to deepen our understanding of emerging technology and consumer trends by:  1) creating connections with US and international private equity firms investing in technology innovation companies; 2) cultivating relationships with industry analysts and experts in academia (e.g., Harvard Business School, University of Denver’s School of Business, and INSEAD, etc.); and 3) by working and partnering in markets outside the US (primarily in Canada, Europe, and Latin America).  Consequently, we can provide thought leadership and bring global best-practices to the US market.  Our focus on innovation has been recognized as award-winning by the industry we serve – twice.

Women to Watch:

Holly Hinze, Charter

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? In 2001 I was in the marketing field supporting Coca-Cola programs. It was there that I met and worked with a wonderful woman by the name of Debbie Powers.  She eventually joined Bright House Networks in a recruiting role.  She loved the company and thought I would be a great fit for the industry.  She was right, and I’m so grateful for her.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. I had the pleasure of working for a company led by Nomi Bergman, a true cable industry leader and WICT superstar.  Many years ago she created an internal program called Women’s Leadership Circle (WLC).  I was blessed with the opportunity to participate, and it was there that I began to feel more empowered in our industry.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. “It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” ~ Napoleon Hill
4. What do you like to do outside of work? Traveling, camping, and exploring our new home state of Colorado with my husband, children, friends, and family.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? Getting youth involved in STEM early is important because opportunities do not always come easily as they get older.  The experience they gain now can give them insightful perspective and an educational head start, even if they do not choose a career in STEM as an adult.  Lastly, it’s important for them to realize that the STEM space is ripe with a variety of technical, creative, and professional roles that suit nearly all career aspirations.

Jennifer Kramer, Comcast

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? I joined Comcast in 2015 – this was my first job in the industry. I spent most of my career in the Retail industry prior to this. I love working in such a fast-paced, adaptive industry because we are creating the future.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. I’ve had a number of informal mentors throughout my career – many of them didn’t know it at the time, but I was watching each of them, and making mental notes of what I wanted to take with me as I grew my own leadership skills. The person who is on my mind right now is Theressa Dulaney. I spent the last two years working for her, and I learned from her what it means to be an authentic leader,  how to not sweat the small stuff, and how to help your team stay focused on the big picture when the day to day is always pulling us back in. I’m lucky to have had the chance to learn from her.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. “Be who you are, not who the world wants you to be.” This is something that has taken a while for me to embrace. I spent so much of my earlier career trying to fit within a certain mold. Now, I’ve finally accepted my differences and have learned to see them as strengths.
4. What do you like to do outside of work? When I’m not at work, you can find me outside doing something active. Last year, I climbed my first “14er.” This year, I’m training for a half marathon.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? The best leaders are the best learners, and I think developing a passion for learning starts early – we have a responsibility to expose the younger generation to lots of different outlets so they can explore what they’re passionate about, and someday become our next generation of leaders.

Kelley Rapoza, Charter

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? My first experiencein the cable/telecom industry was when I was working for a consulting firm and was placed on a project with Time Warner Cable.  Many years later, changes in company and one big merger later and I find myself working with some of the same great people!
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. My mom has had the biggest influence.  She is smart, driven and passionate.  I learned how to have a strong work ethic and solid ethics from my mom!
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. Not sure this is appropriate but I live by:  Wake Up, Be Kind, Kick Ass, Repeat.
4. What do you like to do outside of work? I love sports.  Watching, playing – doesn’t matter.  I love being active.  My son plays baseball.  I love to watch him play!
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? STEM classes provide a more targeted learning experience where children are immersed in curriculum.  I think they offer a perfect balance to the standard classes children are offered in school now.

Lisa Schwab, UpRamp/CableLabs

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? While I was a co-founder at a local startup, I had the pleasure of being mentored by Scott Brown, our MD, through the Boomtown Accelerator in Boulder. After I exited the startup, he brought me on to help run our accelerator for the cable industry.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. I have this really amazing aunt that has influenced every aspect of my life. It’s probably no surprise that we are both cyclists, photographers, and pretty hilarious individuals- ha! She is an engineer at Ball Aerospace and is a constant inspiration for me on pushing beyond all the limits and carving out excellence and joy in every endeavor.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. One of my friends is an artist/culture consultant- Hugh MacLeod of Gaping void Culture Design Group. He has a piece of art that I own that absolutely explains my approach to most things in life:  “Allergic to Mediocrity”, as in, “Be allergic to it!” I think it’s important to push everything beyond average or the norm- I would like to see the next generation adopt this philosophy because they have a lot of work to do.
4. What do you like to do outside of work? I am a photographer – I see everything in angles and light so I am constantly snapping pics on my phone or Nikon. I shot the Pro Cycling Challenge every year and that tied into my other passion: cycling. I am a road rider and there is nothing like the freedom I feel on a long, open road and my two wheels. I also practice yoga, am a Denver Center for the Performing Arts patron, and am a live music fanatic.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? For little girls, I always think of Reshma Saujani’s quote from “Girls Who Code”: “You cannot be what you cannot see.” It’s important that girls get involved early on in math & science and that it isn’t just a boy thing. They need continuous exposure to it and female mentorship so they can see what they can become. The technology field need diversity of thought and equality and keeping girls engaged is key.

Christina Young, Comcast

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? My first job in telecom was for a startup company called Netro Communications.  It was my second job after I had graduated from Stanford and I really wanted to work in the start-up environment. I was the engineering project manager for this small company of brilliant engineers.  It was an exciting time in Silicon Valley and we were on the cutting edge of wireless telecommunication technology.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. It is hard to name just one person so I am naming a few.  My constant influences have been my college crew- James, Tonya, Dezi, Magnus, Nneka, and Tanya.  We became adults together at Stanford and they have been my biggest cheerleaders through my personal and professional life.  They have always pushed me to think outside the box, take set-backs in stride, and be the best leader that I can be.  I am not sure that I would have taken the risks that I have if it wasn’t for their continual push and confidence in me even if I didn’t have it yet.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation.  “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi
4. What do you like to do outside ofwork? Outside of work I love spending time with my amazing husband, Larry, and our children Malcolm (23), Maya (19), Macy (17), and Maryn (6).  We are all very active in the Denver community and are privileged to be able to give back.  I work with high school African-American girls, serving as a mentor with ASCEND as well as volunteer with Agape Homeless Feeding Program.   In addition, I am a proud member of several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Stanford National Black Alumni Association, Rocky Mountain Stanford Alumni Club, and of course, Rocky Mountain WICT. I am also currently on the board of the Park Hill Children’s Center.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? It used to be technology enhanced our lives. Now technology is infused into our lives.  Regardless of your career or passions, there is technology involved in some way.  It is critical that young girls and boys are exposed  very early so they will have confidence in learning and pursuing STEM related careers.

Marjorie Truitt, Charter

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? I first got involved with the telecom industry as a consultant working for Accenture.  I had the opportunity to provide technology consulting services to 4 large international telecom companies with projects ranging from network inventory conversions to strategy cycle time reduction analyses.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. My shout-out is to Dana Scott who was my manager while on a telecom project in Slovakia.  She taught me the importance of both hard work and fun in the office.  I learned a lot from Dana about leadership, the telecom industry, and building a strong team.  She also makes me laugh a lot!
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation. “Done is better than perfect” -Sheryl Sandberg
4. What do you like to do outside ofwork? Outside of work, I enjoy being outside mountain biking, road cycling, and skiing.  I also like to travel often.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? Young children should learn to love math at an early age!  It sets the foundation for so much of what you do later in life in both school and work.  The more you know, the more options you have for your future career.

Young Woman to Watch:

Sravani Katamaneni, STEM School Highlands Ranch

1. How did you first get involved with the cable/telecom industry? My first interaction with the cable/telecom industry was from a WICT event that I attended last year. This event was the first time I became aware of the telecom industry and understood the role it plays in our everyday lives. Most importantly, I was able to learn what a DNS server was and how data was stored in the cloud. However, the most interesting part of the event was learning about new technology that was being created to help people with disabilities.
2. Provide a shout-out to someone who has influenced you throughout your career. The people in my life that have influenced me the most and will continue to influence me are my parents. They have supported me in every decision I made and helped me overcome and learn from my mistakes. Especially, when I did something wrong my parents were there to help me understand what was wrong and the best way to get up and try again. My parents have always worked to make sure I had all the resources available to succeed and always gave me the freedom to make my own decisions by educating me and letting me choose what is right and wrong.
3. Share one of your favorite inspirational quotes with the younger generation.  This is a quote by one of my favorite professional dancers: “If we are able to retain the ability to imagine when we grow up, our lives will be fuller, more vivid.” In today’s society, as we grow up, the people around us push us to follow things the way they have always been. When you are hired for a new job, you are trained to do things the same way everyone else at the company does. An employee is not given the chance to think in their own way and they are not given the chance to explore. For the younger generation, this tends to happen in school. We are expected to follow a rubric when doing a project and if our project uses some imagination and is creative students are marked down for this. Thus, I believe that imagination and creativity is something that should be used throughout our lives and in all situations.
4. What do you like to do outside ofschool? Outside of school, my most favorite activity is dance. I’ve been learning Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance form, since I was 3 and it has played a significant role in my life. I’ve even recently started learning Bollywood and contemporary dance. Dance has been the thing in my life that has kept me grounded. My life can be chaotic and stressful from school, homework, and clubs, but I can always use dance to focus my mind and help me release my stress. I am not quite sure what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I know for sure that dance will be a part of it. Besides dance, outside of school, I enjoy hosting fundraisers with my friends to raise money for nonprofits and our own projects.
5. Why should young girls and boys get involved in STEM related classes/activities? Young girls and boys should get involved in STEM related activities because it can be related to any field. In today’s growing world, technology plays a huge role in any field. In art, technology can be used for graphic designing and engineering can be used to create different types of sculptures or even use different materials and chemicals to create an interesting piece of art. STEM has become a skill rather than certain fields. When you participate in STEM activities and classes, you are learning about skills and tools that are available to you. These skills and tools will also make you a more well-rounded and educated person. Most importantly, they will help you problem solve through any type of situation.