Women of the UA Tech Park
Inspiring
Women in Tech
At the UA Tech Park, we celebrate the women whose curiosity, leadership, and creativity fuel a thriving ecosystem of innovation. Every day, women across our campus push the boundaries of what’s possible—advancing research, building companies, leading teams, and strengthening the collaborative spirit that defines our community.
Across teams ranging from fast‑growing startups to established tech powerhouses, the women at the UA Tech Park are helping shape the future of Southern Arizona and beyond. Their work drives discovery, accelerates new ideas, and inspires the next generation to confidently step into fields where representation and opportunity continue to expand.
But beyond their professional accomplishments, the women of the UA Tech Park enrich our community in ways that are just as meaningful. They mentor colleagues, champion inclusivity, build partnerships and model what it looks like to lead with purpose. Their presence strengthens the culture of the UA Tech Park—one built on collaboration, bold thinking and genuine support for one another.
In 2026, we honor not only their achievements, but also the community we create together. A community where women at every stage of their careers are valued, visible and celebrated. A community where innovation grows because people feel empowered to contribute. Join us in recognizing the extraordinary women who shape the UA Tech Park.
Women of the
UA tech park 2026
Amber Parker
Amber Parker
Software Engineering Co-Op – IBM
I am a woman of resolute spirit and insurmountable will.
I am a first-generation college graduate and a non-traditional engineer who chose to change direction and pursue a STEM degree and career path after successfully establishing an entrepreneurial business endeavor as a hairdresser. I began at community college, worked throughout my education, and returned to school driven by the belief that persistence can rewrite any story. I am a co-op engineer at IBM completing an accelerated master’s degree program, proving that impact is not defined by title or timing. My journey is deeply rooted in community and shaped by SHPE, Reina Hood, and Reinas Who Hike spaces that taught me the power of mentorship and collective success. I believe in opening doors, lifting others as I rise, and leading with purpose. Like Reinas, I believe we should hold each other’s crowns because when one of us rises, we all rise.
Andrea Wallace
Andrea Wallace
CMMS System Administrator – Tech Parks Arizona
I am a woman of momentum.
My career has never been static; it has shifted, expanded, and refined itself over time, much like the software and technology that inspire me. Every chapter of my life has felt like a new version release—shaped by experience, fueled by curiosity, tested by challenge, and refined through growth.
Living on three continents and traveling to more than 30 countries with my active-duty military husband has been the greatest catalyst for that evolution. Each new environment required me to adapt quickly, understand unfamiliar systems, and balance multiple priorities with clarity and intention. From remote bases to crowded cities, I learned to navigate fast changing conditions and build stability wherever I landed. Those experiences strengthened the way I approach both life and leadership.
Collaboration defines me. I bring people together, build trust, and spark ideas through open communication—creating some of the strongest solutions I’ve been part of.
Emotional intelligence guides my decisions. I lead with awareness, empathy, and a long-view mindset, looking beyond immediate outcomes to understand people and purpose. Blending logic with humanity helps me build solutions that are thoughtful, sustainable, and grounded in integrity.
Resilience has been the constant thread woven through every transition. Starting over again and again — new countries, new cultures, new expectations — taught me how to stay centered while everything around me changes. Each move strengthened my strategic thinking and deepened my confidence in my ability to adapt and succeed.
Trishelle Sheldon
Trishelle Sheldon
Executive Assistant – Raytheon
I am a woman of authenticity.
My story is one of growth shaped by my lived experience. As a wife, a mother, and an executive administrative professional, I’ve learned how much leadership shows up in the everyday moments. How you listen, how you coach, support and respond when things don’t go as planned is what sets you apart. Balancing these roles has taught me to think holistically and to understand how decisions impact people, not just outcomes. Along the way, I discovered my strength in empathy and emotional awareness through the relationships I’ve built.
I am a woman who leads by creating trust, bringing calm to complexity, and lifts others as I grow. I believe true leadership is rooted in inclusion, intention and care. My journey continues to shape the woman I am; one who shows up with resilience, compassion and a commitment to making spaces better for the people within them.
Vanessa M Johnson
Vanessa M Johnson
Associate Fraud Ops Analyst – Citi
I am a woman with a voice — one that I’ve learned to honor, strengthen, and use not only for myself but for others. My journey in business began long before I recognized my own potential. I didn’t always see the “gold inside,” as I like to say. I simply worked hard, kept my head down, and focused on getting things done. But over time, I discovered that my path had purpose far bigger than the day-to-day tasks.
Joining the Women’s Network at Citi was a turning point for me. What I thought would be just another professional development opportunity quickly became a source of personal growth, community, and empowerment. It helped me step into my identity as a woman in business — someone who can lead, uplift, and challenge the norms around me.
My greatest supporter is my husband. His support has helped shape the professional I’ve become. As a leader, I am a mentor at heart. I relate to people naturally, and I know how to turn personal connection into professional development.
I bring a naturally bubbly, energetic spirit to my work and prioritize connection, grounded in the belief that we’re linked by our shared humanity. That’s why people choose me as a mentor — I know how to connect differences and help people find their path forward.
My hope is to leave a legacy that encourages others to be comfortable in their own skin. I want people — especially women — to know that negativity should never steal their light. Your voice is powerful. Keep pushing. Keep speaking. Keep rising. Be bold. Be confident. Be yourself.
Diem Thu Curtis
Diem Thu Curtis
Quality Assurance Team Lead – IBM
I am a woman of resilience.
From an early age, I was drawn to math and science, dreaming of becoming a doctor who could help people and improve lives through innovation. Growing up in a developing country, however, I had no access to a computer—I had never even touched a mouse. My introduction to technology began not in a classroom, but with curiosity and a screwdriver, when my family saved enough to purchase our first PC after arriving in the United States. This moment shifted my dream from medicine to computer science, proving that early limitations can become powerful motivators.
Guided by my mother’s belief that education opens doors, but determination keeps them open, I navigated the challenges of a male-dominated tech industry and rose to become a Quality Assurance (QA) team lead.
I carry her lessons into my leadership style by elevating others, making space for different voices, and reminding young women that perseverance can expand the story they believe is possible. My leadership is defined by empathy and strategic collaboration; I believe that diverse perspectives are not just inclusive but are technical requirements for better outcomes.
By being open about my own journey, I hope to show young women that you don’t need a perfect path or early access to technology to thrive in this field. What matters is your curiosity, courage, and persistence. Today, my purpose is to prove that our backgrounds are sources of strength. I am committed to ensuring that women belong, lead, and thrive in every room where the future is being built.
If I can go from never touching a computer to leading a technical team, then there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Samantha Megerle
Samantha Megerle
Accountant – Tech Parks Arizona
I am a woman of purpose.
My path has never been linear, but every twist has strengthened my determination to grow, adapt, and redefine what’s possible for myself. I began in a field where I often had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, and those experiences sharpened my confidence, my voice, and my commitment to showing up with integrity. Choosing to return to school and pivot careers after more than a decade was one of my hardest and most defining decisions, proof that courage isn’t a moment, but a practice.
I strive to lead with clarity, empathy, and intention, creating spaces where others feel heard and supported. My family is my driving force, inspiring me to grow, stretch, and embody the strength, purpose, and self-belief I want to pass on. I hope my journey shows that growth at any stage is possible and that women belong everywhere decisions are made.
Amanda J. Manos
Amanda J. Manos
President/CEO – Darling Geomatics
I am a woman of bold reliance.
I strive to do my best in a world where that isn’t always seen or celebrated. My journey—from Alaska’s untamed stretches to leadership in a field where women remain few—has taught me that resilience is not quiet; it is bold. It is the act of writing new chapters when the old ones don’t fit.
Bias, stereotypes, setbacks—yes, I’ve faced them all. But I’ve learned not to measure a room by how many women are in it. I use my difference as an advantage. If someone overlooks my contributions, I no longer spend energy convincing them. I move forward. When an opportunity didn’t open, there was a better one ahead. Resilience taught me to keep walking, believing and pushing.
And through it all—community has carried me. Mentorship, friendships, and collaboration built the foundation of the career I have today.
I pride myself on pursuing excellence—both personally and for my team. I want every environment I’m part of to be a place where people can learn, grow, laugh, and discover what they’re capable of. Women bring detail, diligence, empathy, and a careful, conscientious approach to STEM fields, and I’ve learned to use those strengths rather than hide them. After decades in a male dominated industry, I serve as a sounding board for women navigating struggles I once faced alone.
I am proud of many things, but becoming the fourth woman to serve as President of the National Society of Professional Surveyors stands near the top. My work with the Future Surveyors Foundation has broadened my world, given me purpose and allowed me to shape the next generation entering this profession.
I measure success by the health and happiness of the people around me. If my team is thriving, learning, and enjoying the work we’re privileged to perform, then I know I’ve done my job well. My hope is to leave a legacy that opens doors—one that gives others the chance to improve their lives, build wealth, and create a personal and professional story they can be proud of. My advice to young women entering STEM is simple: don’t set aside your superpowers. Your empathy, your focus, your drive—these are strengths. Use them.
Kelly Lensink
Kelly Lensink
Director of Product Strategy & Delivery – Citi
I am a woman of purpose—grounded, decisive, and committed to leading with integrity, fairness, and respect.
I strive to create environments where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow by creating the space for dialogue and modeling the respect and inclusivity I want to see.
I bring a unique perspective that drives me to support and encourage women in the workplace. Whether through sharing my expertise, connecting women to resources, or simply offering encouragement, I aim to create pathways that help more women thrive.
My background in musical theater and economics adds another dimension to how I approach my work. Those disciplines trained me to listen closely, adapt quickly, see the big picture, and communicate with clarity and empathy. When people know your character and your capabilities, the dynamics in the room shift in meaningful ways. Working in development allows me to lead with clarity and intention. My commitment to community engagement keeps me connected to the broader impact of my work and fuels my passion for service.
I believe in balancing meaningful work with a rich personal life. Strong family ties keep me centered, while investing in my own well-being and development allows me to lead with intention and empathy. My commitment to community engagement keeps me connected to the broader impact of my work and fuels my passion for service.
Above all, I am a woman who leads with purpose and heart—anchored by family, driven by community, and focused on creating space for others to rise.
Mary Darling
Mary Darling
Retired, Former CEO/Principal Owner – Darling Geomatics
I am a woman grounded in serenity.
I know hard work, tough times, discipline, and compassion. I have been blessed with a healthy work-life balance, an adventurous spirit and faith in God.
Serenity and purpose have guided my career, which has been both intentional and serendipitous. I could not achieve anything meaningful without the wonderful support of those around me, especially my husband. God has given me the ability to learn from each experience and move forward with new perspective. The growth that came through trial and error, persistence and perseverance has been immense and rewarding. I now understand that my mistakes were a blessing in disguise – lessons I did not want to repeat. I had two choices: learn and go forward or quit. I chose to learn, and I am grateful for the hard lessons that made my career possible. I did not always know what career I wanted, but I discovered an aptitude for science and technology that aligned with my love of the outdoors, and I found purpose in my work.
My advice to others is to follow your passion. We spend so much of our lives working that it is important to choose a path we genuinely enjoy. Rather than chasing money, focus on doing meaningful work, and success will follow.
I am a dynamic collaborator and mentor, dedicated to lifting the next generation of STEM and business professionals.
Through my work with JTED, SheTech, and hands-on internships, I actively share my experience and help others to discover their own strength and passion. I have also taken on influential leadership roles in major professional associations including the Society of American Military Engineers—stepping forward, setting high standards and championing women in traditionally male-dominated fields. My commitment to teaching, supporting others, and leading with integrity has allowed me to serve as both a trusted voice and a catalyst for growth and opportunity in my community.
People measure success in many ways, but for me, true success is found in peace of mind, healthy relationships, and the well-being of both body and spirit. When my life is grounded in serenity, I know I am living with purpose and fulfillment.
Women of the
UA TECH PARK archives
Women of the UA Tech Park 2025
2025
Women of the UA Tech Park 2024
Women of the UA Tech Park 2023
2023
Women of the UA Tech Park 2021
2021
Women of the UA Tech Park 2020
2020
Women of the UA Tech Park 2019