This year, the Women in Technology: Hollywood (WiTH) Foundation celebrates a new class of trailblazers whose leadership, innovation, and mentorship are shaping the future of media, technology, and entertainment.
The WiTH Leadership Awards recognize those whose actions and values embody the spirit of WiTH: collaboration, courage, and community.
As we prepare to honor these extraordinary nominees live on stage at the SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Avalon in Hollywood, we invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements and amplifying their impact.
Catalyst for Change and Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees:
Samira Panah Bakhtiar
General Manager, Global Media and Entertainment, Games, and Sports, Amazon Web Services
Samira Panah Bakhtiar leads a global AWS organization that serves more than a billion streaming consumers and hundreds of millions of gamers each month. Her visionary leadership has fueled digital transformation across the entertainment industry, from the rapid twelve-month launch of Peacock to Formula One’s groundbreaking AI-powered content strategy.
A champion for inclusion, Samira has built diverse, high-performing teams with sixty percent female representation, founded Women at AWSI, and actively mentors emerging leaders. She represents the perfect intersection of innovation and humanity, bold, brilliant, and deeply inspiring.
Soyoung Lee
Co-Founder and Head of GTM, TwelveLabs
At the forefront of AI video understanding, Soyoung Lee is redefining how the world experiences media. Her company, TwelveLabs, developed foundation models that make video searchable and interpretable in ways that mirror human context and perception. Soyoung’s relentless pursuit of innovation has unlocked creative potential for studios and storytellers everywhere.
She is a shining example of passion fused with purpose, a leader who transforms imagination into industry evolution.
Megan Mauck
Senior Vice President, Media Operations, NBCUniversal
A powerhouse executive leading a team of eight hundred, Megan Mauck’s operational excellence and strategic leadership have redefined scale and impact at NBCUniversal. Her career reflects a legacy of execution, empowerment, and forward-thinking leadership, a true testament to a lifetime of achievement in the evolving world of media and entertainment.
Sharon Plunkett
Senior Director, Social Innovation and Workforce Development, St. Joseph Center
As the force behind CodeTalk, Sharon Plunkett has helped hundreds of women launch careers in technology. Her leadership in vocational training and workforce development has opened doors for individuals who once faced barriers to opportunity. Sharon leads with heart, transforming lives through mentorship, compassion, and belief in human potential.
Jen Trahan
Technical Advisor to the CTO, Warner Bros. Discovery
With a career spanning Microsoft, Disney, and WBD, Jen Trahan has consistently championed transformation, diversity, and innovation. At WBD, she led AI Enablement and Engagement and was the executive sponsor of the company’s first AI Hackathon. Her career journey reflects an unwavering dedication to elevating technology from a support function to a strategic force. Jen embodies what it means to be a catalyst for change, boldly reimagining what is possible.
Emerging Leader Award Nominees:
Sonia Doshi
Vice President, Strategic Operations, Design and Production, The Walt Disney Company
Sonia is transforming how creativity and technology intersect at Disney Studios. Her leadership in applying AI to creative production workflows makes her one of the industry’s most exciting voices to watch.
Julia King Senior Vice President, Marketing and Distribution Technology, Sony Pictures Entertainment
A rising star in studio technology, Julia King has charted a remarkable career from manager to senior vice president across WBD, E!, and Sony Pictures. Known for her strategic insight and leadership excellence, Julia exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and vision.
Grace Shim
Director, Business Transformation, Crunchyroll
Grace brings clarity, collaboration, and drive to every initiative she touches. Her ability to lead through both strategy and execution has made her an indispensable force at Crunchyroll and a model of thoughtful, human-centered leadership.
Subhadra Unmeda
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Data, AI and Automation, Warner Bros. Discovery
From Novartis to WBD, Subhadra has built a reputation as an intrapreneurial leader driving data and AI transformation. Her impact demonstrates how curiosity, innovation, and inclusion can redefine enterprise success.
Emily Wat
CMT Consulting Manager, Cognizant
As a WiTH volunteer and emerging leader, Emily brings fresh perspectives on artificial intelligence, leadership, and collaboration. Her courage to speak up and inspire change represents the next generation of women in technology.
Mentor and Champion Award Nominees:
iAsia Brown
Tech Picasso, Microsoft, WiTH Board Member
A U.S. veteran, technologist, and storyteller, iAsia embodies the WiTH mission through mentorship, diversity, and action. From founding a scholarship at USC to mentoring coders and veterans, she truly lifts others as she rises.
Beate Chelette
Founder and CEO, The Growth Architect
Known as The Growth Architect, Beate empowers women to define their value and lead with confidence. Her global reach and unwavering commitment to mentorship exemplify the spirit of this award.
David Cortese
Chief Digital Information Officer, McGraw Hill
A mentor and advocate for women in technology, David has spent his career opening doors and ensuring equity. His commitment to advancing others’ success is both personal and profound.
Krystyn Hilliard
HR Director, Tubi
A champion for equity and inclusion, Krystyn mentors young women through Black Girls in Media and uplifts professionals across the tech and entertainment landscape.
Rosemary Ampuero-Jacobs
Head of Program and Business Development, AutoDCP
Rosemary’s steady moral compass and dedication to uplifting others have made her a beloved leader across industries.
Kristina Tioseco
Senior Manager, Program Management, Studio Technology Operations and Insights, The Walt Disney Studios
Kristina is known for her balance of patience, intelligence, and empowerment, an inspiring example of leadership through partnership and trust.
Join Us in Celebration
The SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit is more than an event. It is a movement celebrating the power of connection, courage, and leadership.
To register for the event, click here.
To sponsor the SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit, email [email protected] before Oct. 31.