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Women+ in Technology of Southeast Louisiana National Leaders
Tiffany Benitez - National President & Founder
Tiffany is a seasoned technology leader with 23 years of experience across multiple industries, including finance, retail, and food manufacturing. She began her 12-year career at Bank of America, transitioning from the business side to technology after six years. Tiffany then moved to Walmart’s Global Data Technology organization, where she led portfolio strategy, Data Governance and the transformation to Agile and Product. She continued her career at Lowe’s, overseeing cyber-security strategy, data governance, GRC and communications, while also championing women in technology through BRG and Women in Tech leadership roles. As Senior Director at Tyson Foods, Tiffany led IT applications, business engagement, and S4 & Product transformation teams, co-chairing the Women's Business Resource Group and leading Tyson’s Women in Technology group. Currently, Tiffany is the Head of Data Governance at Compass Digital, where she drives the transformation of enterprise data governance. A passionate advocate for women, she is also the founder and president of Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas, a National non-profit, with chapters expanded all over the US, dedicated to empowering women in tech. Tiffany is an author, speaker, and advocate for change, using her strong people skills to inspire growth and leadership.
WIT of Southeast Louisiana Chapter Leadership Team
Bailey Vathy- Chapter President
Bailey Vathy serves as the Founding President of Women+ in Technology of Southeast Louisiana, she launched this organization with a clear mission: to create space, support, and opportunity for women and girls in the tech field. After starting her career in technology recruiting, she quickly realized how underrepresented women were in the industry—and how much potential there was to change that. With a business background and a passion for digital innovation through her position at Get Online NOLA, she has seen firsthand how empowering women in tech leads to stronger teams, better ideas, and more inclusive communities. Through Women+ in Technology, she is committed to fostering mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities that help others grow and thrive in this ever-evolving field
Melanie Dixon - Chapter Operations Lead
Melanie Dixon serves as the IS Director of Applications at Sutter Health System, where she leads the strategic and tactical direction of the system’s Salesforce and Robotic Automation Platforms.
With a solid foundation in project management, Melanie focuses on fostering growth and innovation. She is committed to identifying opportunities that enable her teams to design, develop, and implement impactful technology solutions across the Sutter Health landscape.
When she began her career, she quickly found herself in a male dominated world and became a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities for women and girls in technology. By mentoring and championing equity in the workplace, she works to create a more inclusive and innovative tech industry.
When not overseeing the day-to-day operations of WIT+ SELA, she is making costumes and headpieces for family and friends for seasonal events across the New Orleans area.
Rachael Isle - Treasurer
Rachael Isle began her career in legal affairs and compliance, transitioning more recently into technology with her role as a lead data research analyst for Forbes Advisor. She hopes to use her experience in establishing processes and passion for fostering inclusion to help create an environment where women and girls in technology can thrive.
In addition to her time spent with WIT+, Rachael volunteers with One Book One New Orleans, a local literacy nonprofit that delivers over 6,000 books to the community each year.
Gennipher Ricks - Analytics Lead
Gennipher Ricks joins the Women in Tech SELA Leadership Team as the Metrics and Reporting Lead with over 15 years of data experience. She currently works at WM as Sr Manager of HR Data Architecture where she leads a team of data architects who engineer data models for workforce analytics.
Gennipher graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2004 where her computer science classes averaged 5% female representation. Seeing firsthand such lowly representation of women in technology she has remained passionate about highlighting the gender tech gap and is excited and honored to lead the metrics and reporting for WIT SELA.
Shannon Deady - Membership Lead
Shannon Deady is a Strategic Account Manager at Juniper Networks, with over seven years of experience driving customer success, managing complex projects, and building long-term client partnerships. Her background in professional writing supports her strength in clear, effective communication across cross-functional and technical teams.
She has contributed to internal diversity and inclusion efforts and is committed to fostering collaborative, high-performing work environments. Outside of her role in the tech industry, Shannon is a certified barre instructor and enjoys spending time outdoors through hiking, biking, and surfing. She also volunteers with animal rescue organizations and supports professional mentorship initiatives
Mona Beaugh- Education Lead
Mona Beaugh - Mona is an Army veteran with a strong background in technology and cybersecurity. She began her career as a Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), repairing and maintaining medical systems, networks, and servers. Over time, she transitioned into the field of risk and vulnerability management, specializing in securing medical devices.
Beyond her professional expertise, Mona is proud of her supportive spouse and close-knit family. She has earned multiple industry-leading certifications, including CISSP and CCSP, and holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity.
Currently, Mona is furthering her education in Emergency Management, equipping herself with the skills and knowledge to better prepare for and respond to major events and disasters in New Orleans. Comment end
Alexis "Lexi" Pagano - Community Outreach Lead
As an IS Program Manager at Ochsner Health, Lexi Pagano manages a portfolio of IS education and development programs that support employee onboarding, professional growth, internal learning events, and student exposure to healthcare technology careers. Her work centers on coordinating operations, shaping learner experiences, and ensuring smooth delivery of large‑scale and cohort‑based initiatives.
With a background in IT education coordination and student development, Lexi is committed to creating clear, accessible entry points into technology. She is passionate about expanding opportunities for women and students exploring tech career paths.
In her spare time, Lexi enjoys drawing tattoo designs, watching and collecting horror DVDs/VHS tapes, and spending time with her Dudley Lab, Baela. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education Administration along with several professional credentials, including the PMP, CWDP, and other tech and administrative certifications. She also supports community partnerships that connect learners to real‑world tech environments. Through her work and board service, she advocates for accessible, inclusive pathways into technology for learners at every stage.
Emily R. Aucoin - Communications Lead
Emily R. Aucoin is the Director of IS Training at Ochsner Health, bringing over 15 years of healthcare IT experience. She considers herself an accidental IT professional, as she began her career in customer service before finding her way into the IT space as an Epic Analyst—an experience that continues to shape her people‑first perspective. Emily specializes in digital tool enablement, AI adoption, and user experience, with a focus on enabling meaningful technology adoption through strong human connection. A collaborative, servant leader who leads by example, she believes curiosity is the foundation of growth and is passionate about bridging technology and people to create lasting impact.