Kate Maxwell
CTO, Defense & Intelligence Microsoft Worldwide Public Sector
Thursday, October 26 | 8:30-9:45 a.m. PT
The Woman in the Arena
It takes courage to lead, to be different, and to show up as an agent of change, particularly in the face of naysayers. Learn what it means to be The Woman in the Arena who strives, who struggles, who never loses track of who she is and what she stands for, and who lives – without limits.
Kate Maxwell is the Chief Technology Officer for Defense & Intelligence in Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector, where she delivers on Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
Maxwell is an accomplished technology leader and strategist with almost 20 years of experience supporting allied Defense & Intelligence customers around the world. She has expertise in Public Sector digital transformation, unmanned systems, and innovation leadership and is a sought-after public speaker, author, and innovator. Maxwell holds two patents and speaks regularly on keynote stages and in conference proceedings both domestically and abroad.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Maxwell held various technical and engineering leadership roles within Raytheon Intelligence & Space, including Technical Director of the Navigation & Modernization Solutions product line ($2.4B), Chief Engineer of the Product Support business ($700M), and Founding Director of the Raytheon Innovation Center – a global corporate innovation engine that inspires and empowers employees to innovate, across all levels and functions.
Maxwell is a passionate advocate for STEM and a diversity & inclusion thought leader in the tech community. She serves on the Board of Directors for TechPoint Foundation for Youth, an Indiana-based non-profit connecting underprivileged youth with opportunities in STEM, as well as TechPoint, an organization focused on growing the Indiana tech ecosystem. She also launched the annual Maxwell Scholarship for Women in Computing and Engineering at her high school alma mater.
Maxwell was named #1 of the “Top 100 Women in Tech” by Technology Magazine in 2023 and one of “100 Women in Tech Leaders to Watch” by WomenTech in 2022 & 2023. She was honored as the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) Tech Executive of the Year in 2022, was a Forty Under 40 recipient in 2021, and a Woman of Influence in 2019. Kate is active in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and is a two-time national award winner.
Maxwell holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh- Johnstown. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, and finding adventure wherever life takes her.
Supported by:
Joannie Fu
Vice President, Network & Edge Group (NEX), NEX Execution Office (NEO), Intel
Friday, October 27 | 8:30-9:45 a.m. PT
Be Extraordinary – Embrace the Power of Authentic Intersectionality
Explore the technological future through the lens of intersectionality. Discover the significance of going beyond surface-level diversity to understand the intricate layers of each person’s identity and the value in amplifying every voice, recognizing diverse perspectives, and providing equal opportunities for shaping a fair and innovative technological future.
Joannie Fu leads Intel’s Network & Edge (NEX) Execution Office, responsible to accelerate global cross-functional execution with quality by driving consistent management systems, optimizing operational framework, energizing our employees, and bringing a world-class culture of integrity to life. During her 20+ years tenure with Intel, Joannie has held leadership positions in various technical/business domains, division and sites – giving her the breadth of semiconductor business and technology industry. She also actively leads key diversity & inclusion programs that continue to propel innovation and empower world-changing technology development.
Joannie was named to Fast Company’s Annual Top Queer 50 Leader list in 2023. She won the Working Mother of the Year by Working Mother Magazine and was recognized as Intel Inclusive Leader of the Year for her contribution and positive impact both within and outside of Intel.
Joannie holds MBA degree from University of California, Irvine and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Architecture degree in Structural Engineering from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Supported by:
Maryam Brown
President, SoCalGas
Saturday, October 28 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. PT
The Lever
Explore the history of the lever, one of engineering’s earliest tools. Touching on the energy transition, the life of SWE Member Yvonne Young Clark, and stories from her own life journey, Maryam will encourage SWE members to use the levers of their minds to lift up their colleagues and women in general through the power of inspired engineering.
Maryam Brown is President of the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the United States’ largest gas distribution utility. As President, Brown develops and executes SoCalGas’ strategic vision focusing on SoCalGas’ aspiration to achieve carbon-neutral operations and energy delivery by 2045.
Brown has 25 years of experience in the energy industry across engineering, legal, policy, and regulatory roles, having started her career as an engineer in the petroleum refining sector.
Before joining SoCalGas, Brown amassed a decade of legislative and policy expertise working on Capitol Hill, serving as Chief Energy Counsel to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and subsequently as Senior Energy and Environment Counsel for two Speakers of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Brown is Chair of the American Gas Association Foundation, serves on the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council, and is on the Board and Executive Committee of the California Chamber of Commerce.
At SoCalGas, Brown is guiding the company through the domestic clean energy transition and helping California reach its climate goals while delivering reliable and affordable energy.
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