Virtual Tech Speaker Series: Break through to leadership: Executives share their stories

Break through to leadership: Executives share their stories – Presented by the Arizona Technology Council’s Tech Inclusion Forum Committee

Join us for an inspiring, transparent conversation as industry leaders share their stories and pivotal moments that revealed their leadership potential and the defining milestones that shaped their rise. Through personal stories and candid reflections, attendees will gain a firsthand look at how mentorship, opportunity, resilience and community influenced their career growth in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re early in your career journey or already on the path to leadership, this event offers honest insights, actionable guidance and inspiration to help you shape your own future.

Who Should Attend:

• Early‑ and mid‑career professionals interested in leadership development
• Employees exploring their long‑term career path or considering leadership roles
• Emerging leaders seeking mentorship, inspiration and guidance
• Anyone passionate about personal growth, professional storytelling and learning from executive experience

What You’ll Take Away:

• Understand the real pathways into leadership—including how mentors, sponsors, networks, and opportunity shape executive careers.
• Recognize the obstacles leaders faced and overcame, including representation and inclusion challenges common in the tech industry.
• Gain insights into pivotal “spark moments” that helped panelists recognize their potential and push toward leadership roles.
• Learn the values and behaviors today’s executives believe define strong, modern leadership.
• Walk away with actionable guidance, recommended resources, and mindsets to support your own leadership development.

Panelists:

• Christine Boles, Founder, MC Consulting Services LLC, Board Chair, Arizona Technology Council
• Malissia Clinton, EVP and Chief Legal Officer, Meritage Homes
• Heidi Sanders, Managing Director, AHEAD
• Moderator: Mitchell Eskritt, Director of Marketing and Development, Beacon Group

Our Sponsor:

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is an intimate technology University focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate for our future. UAT is the technophile’s college experience—a community uniquely suited to provide students passionate about technology an ideal place to live and grow. UAT is a private and family-owned University that merges the values of the traditional academy with the modern technology campus, a fusion that enhances our ability to fulfill the mission of educating students in the fields of advancing technology who innovate for our future.