Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA)

I had a great time at the Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) Gala in Wall Street. Our table had amazing women from Databricks like Robin Sutara, Talia Visaggi, Camila Hiskey and Barbara Gilmore. Thank you to Asha Saxena and Ellen Nielsen for all you do to support women in the Data AI field. Congrats to Peggy tsAI for winning an award and loved how Anju Gupta gave a shoutout to Robin.

Let me paint you a picture.?After spending a date day with my better half Karl Madsen I pulled myself together into the fancy version of Laura and off I went to 48 Wall Street for the Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) gala.?Walking into this beautiful venue was a pinch me moment, red carpet and all. Now, you should know that I did NOT think I was going to win.?It never (ever) entered my brain that it was a possibility.?So, I’m sitting there listening to the announcement and thought “gosh she’s done a lot of the same stuff I’ve done.” Then she said the winners name and I looked at the monitored to see whose name sounded so much like mine (I’m not kidding, that is what went through me head) then the list of finalists went away, and the picture of the winner was put on the screen, and it was me.?I was the winner.?And I looked at my husband and said, and I quote, “no sh!t”.??? I fumbled through the acceptance speech like one does when they have not prepared.?I was genuinely dumbfounded.?(Yes, perhaps, I am humble to a fault.) Here’s the acceptance speech I should have given if I had prepared. Thank you to WLDA and the award committee.?It’s an honor to represent this incredible list of nominated women tonight.?There are so many people to thank in my life.?As Ronisha C. said in her acceptance speech, I too stand on the shoulders of giants.?Women who pioneered a trail and who’s shadow I walked in.?Women I looked up to in my early career like Claudia Imhoff Maureen Clarry and Jill Dyché. ?You have to see it to be it, and they represented that for me.?I have had incredible allies along the way.?Thank you sincerely to John O'Brien and the incomparable Neil Raden, I think of you every day.?I have to thank every organization that ever trusted me as a leader and advisor.?I learned more from you than you did from me. I like to live just outside my comfort zone.?That means most days I feel battered and bruised.?It’s a choice for me, for many it is not a choice.?It’s an incredible privilege to choose that every day.?I know that and I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the people that stand with me there, even on the hard days.?Those women who expect me to be my best exactly because I choose the uncomfortable… Kirsten Hoogenakker Tricia Hoveland Denise M. Johnson EdD Ruby J. Hoffman and of course my business partner, Serena Roberts. Finally, to Karl.?As I stood silent tonight because I am socially awkward, he would brag about my accomplishments for me.?It’s more than I could wish for anyone, to find a partner in life that when you don’t have the ability to do it, they stand beside you and do it for you.?How incredibly lucky I am.

We are so proud to celebrate Laura Madsen being recognized as the 2024 Data Leader of the Year ?? by Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA). Be sure to congratulate her when you get the chance and visit her personal page to hear more about the incredible evening. #DataLeaderofTheYear

Wrapping up an incredible few days – filled with WLDA Ventures Investor Day (thank you for hosting Robin Sutara and Databricks) to the Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) Summit hosted by the NYSE. The caliber of speakers, attendees, and award nominees are unmatched - I walk away energized… with knowledge gained and connections strengthened. The inspiring Charlene Li reminded us that "You never fail - a project might, but people don't" And ended the evening at the WLDA Awards - a night of celebration and gratitude for this community. Being a finalist for Changemaker in AI was an honor, as was celebrating the brilliant Ronisha C.. Thank you Asha Saxena and Ellen Nielsen for your tireless leadership and commitment to the community. And special thank you to Nancy Morgan, Eileen Vidrine, Peggy tsAI, Robin Sutara, Sandy Estrada and so many others for your continued investment, support, and guidance – I appreciate you!

Had the most fantastic time speaking at the NYSE for the Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) AI Summit. Truly an amazing groups of leaders. “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” Serena Williams Asha Saxena you have built an entire organization that models the quote above. It was such an honor to be a part of the event. Bast AI builds #ExplainableAI Nancy Morgan you are wonderful, thank you ?? the warm introductions and Karen Silverman you were very missed ??

Lovely evening celebrating some true powerhouses in the world of Data and AI at the annual Women Leaders In Data & AI (WLDA) Gala. Huge shout out from me to the Databricks #nyc super women Marcela Granados Lavoie Talia Visaggi Camila Hiskey and Barbara Gilmore. These women are a force to be reckoned with and represent some of the best of Databricks. A big thank you as well to Bharathi Rajan for joining us for the evening. #womenintech #bettertogether