Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
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.
Women+ in Technology of Southeast Louisiana Chapter Leadersh
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.
Kelly Bourgeois - Events & Logistics Lead
Based in Prairieville, Louisiana, Kelly Bourgeois is a dedicated
professional with 24 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry.
Before her extended sabbatical as a wife to Greg and mother to Kellyn,
she was a Corporate Sales Manager with Hilton Hotels. Her passion for
driving efficiency and fostering collaboration extends through personal
and professional growth. In her spare time she continues to volunteer for her church, community
and schools.
Greg Bourgeois - Events & Logistics Lead
Greg is a seasoned Technology Advisor with over three
decades of experience in the IT industry. Greg serves as the Sr. Account
Executive at SHI International Corp, the nation's largest Woman Minority
owned company, where he helps leaders maximize their IT investments
and implement innovative solutions. His career has been defined by a
consult-first approach, focusing on transforming customer initiatives
across AI, Cloud, Next Generation Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Modern
Workspace, and Client Experiences. He's known for his ability to connect
complex issues, subjects, and data, and thrives on developing innovative
ideas and solutions tailored to his clients' evolving challenges. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors boating and fishing,
along with DIY projects.
Devan Fendlason - Girls+ in Tech Lead
Devan Fendlason is excited to join the Women in Tech SELA leadership team as the Girls in Tech mentor. With a background in cybersecurity and a passion for empowering the next generation, Devan has experience teaching young adults various cybersecurity tools and best practices. She is eager to help facilitate opportunities for more girls to explore and thrive in the tech industry. Devan's goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where young women can develop their skills and confidence in technology.
In her spare time, Devan volunteers with the New Orleans Bulldog Rescue and serves on the Alumni Board for Delgado Community College’s Computer Information and Technology Program.
Vanessa Hoffman - Sponsorship Lead
Vanessa Hoffman has over 12 years of experience in the dynamic field of CyberSecurity. Currently, she excels as an Enterprise Account Manager at Varonis, where she manages commercial and enterprise accounts across Louisiana and Houston. Vanessa is not only passionate about sales but also dedicated to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in this traditionally male-dominated industry.
Vanessa is thrilled to join the WIT+SELA board, where she looks forward to making a positive impact. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing tennis and pickleball, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Renee LaCour - Membership Lead
Renee LaCour serves as the Membership lead for WIT+ of SELA and is the Director of Process Improvement & Data Analytics at Reily Foods. Her journey has evolved into a passion for strategy and cross-functional collaboration, particularly evident in her instrumental role in guiding the digital transformation and implementation of D365. Notably, Renee's expertise extends to harnessing the power of tools like Power BI and the Power Platform, enhancing data-driven decision-making across departments. Her dedication to effective solutions and fostering teamwork cultivates an environment of mutual growth and success within the organization.
Whitney Fischer - Secretary
Whitney is a seasoned healthcare IT professional with 14 years in the industry.
She has a background that includes clinical business intelligence, strategic
project management, development of enterprise reporting solutions for
hospital systems, and healthcare technology optimization. Whitney enjoys leading diverse teams, fostering strong relationships within the technology
community, and mentoring junior business intelligence developers to meet their full potential. From an early age, Whitney fell in love with technology, and
taught herself to code in HTML at age 11. She has always wanted to share the
fun of IT with others, and to figure out where she best fits within what has
typically been a male-dominated field. As a mother of two young girls herself,
this is especially in focus. Whitney hopes to further the interests of women in technology, and foster an environment of inclusion.