Session

From Strategy to Execution: Women Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI & Cyber Risk
Women in Technology Roundtable

VIP Theater

Starts: March 3, 2027 2:00 pm
Ends: 3:00 pm
Sponsored by
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From Strategy to Execution: Women Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI & Cyber Risk

As artificial intelligence accelerates innovation and cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, technology leadership is no longer defined by vision alone, it is defined by execution. This panel brings together accomplished women technology leaders who are translating strategy into action across AI adoption, cybersecurity resilience, and enterprise transformation.

Panelists will share firsthand insights on how they are operationalizing AI responsibly, embedding security into digital initiatives, and making high-stakes decisions in environments defined by speed, uncertainty, and risk. The discussion will move beyond theory to explore real-world leadership challenges: aligning stakeholders, securing executive and board buy-in, balancing innovation with governance, and building teams that can execute at scale.

Designed for senior IT, security, and business leaders, this session highlights how women are redefining modern technology leadership, driving measurable outcomes, strengthening organizational trust, and shaping the future of enterprise IT in an era where AI and cyber risk are inseparable.

 

Host

Tiffany Gray

President, WiCYS Phoenix Chapter

I'm an experienced, ambitious and successful sales professional who focuses on understanding client needs and aligning them to the appropriate solution necessary. Over the course of my career, I've been blessed to work in a client consultation role for a high-functioning sales organization across many different industries. This experience has helped me craft an approach to sales that puts the client at the center of everything that I do. Regardless, of what is being sold, I recognize that the sales process is a consultative one. Clients respond best when they are being listened to and not being sold something that they don't need. I have gained a tremendous amount of experience by developing a sales philosophy that values listening with intent and asking the right questions to understand the clients challenges. Both current and past clients describe me as : efficient, authentic, warm-hearted, caring and professional. My mindset is to ensure that my clients walk away happy, but it also provides me with a sense of fulfillment knowing that my work has provided them with the right tools to solve their problem. As an Enterprise level sales consultant, I now look forward to being able to share my expertise, tireless work ethic and positive approach with your organization. I bring a wealth of Enterprise Sales experience and I'm passionate about helping organizations grow revenues by engaging their clients and utilizing industry best practices.

Speakers

Ashley Palms

Head of Cybersecurity Risk Transformation - Avalara

With over 12 years of experience in cybersecurity and technology, Ashley is a forward-thinking leader specializing in cyber risk, enterprise risk, and AI risk transformation. As a global cybersecurity leader, she has shaped risk strategies across 11 countries, helping organizations stay resilient and compliant while minimizing risk attack surfaces. As a recognized leader in the industry, Ashley serves as a 2025 Board Member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Phoenix Affiliate. She is Founder of the Women’s Cybersecurity Collective (WCC), an initiative dedicated to mentoring cybersecurity professionals and uplifting marginalized communities. Ashley is committed to driving strategic risk transformation by empowering her teams through servant leadership. When she’s not tackling risk, Ashley and her husband are busy chasing their two French bulldogs, Thor & Gnocchi around Arizona.

Bindi Davé

Field Chief Information Security Officer, Optiv

Bindi is an accomplished cybersecurity professional, specializing in building and maturing cyber capabilities that securely enable the business. At her core, Bindi is a builder. She has an incredible talent for clearly seeing the problem and developing simple solutions that empower the business. Bindi is a battle tested cyber incident response leader, which has fostered her passion for shaping secure, data-driven risk management strategies and fostering a culture of proactive defense. Her work lies at the critical intersection of technological advancements and maintaining digital trust in our interconnected society. With a background that bridges technical acumen, strategic vision, and leadership excellence, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as automating identifying and protecting the company’s “protect-surface”, reducing vulnerabilities across global operations, advancing organizational cyber maturity, and establishing a culture of security joining forces. Her certifications, including CISSP and CRISC, reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards. Bindi’s contributions and expertise include: · Contributing to industry standards governing bodies to develop baseline security requirements. · Authoring an early podcast series where she shares her learnings and strategies for securely enabling organizations. · Advocating automation for low-value security and leveraging resilient technologies that safeguard the organizations crown jewels. · Global Ambassador for the Global Counsel for Responsible AI (GCRAI)

Paige Hanson

Co-Founder, SecureLabs Inc

Paige Hanson is a renowned authority in consumer and digital safety with nearly two decades of experience in identity management. As co-founder of SecureLabs, Paige has dedicated her career to protecting consumers and businesses from identity theft and cyber threats. She is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist™ and holds a certificate in Identity Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Identity. Paige also serves as an advisory board member to R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly). Her dedication to public safety has led her to design a national identity theft training program for law enforcement, in collaboration with FBI-LEEDA. This program was taught in all 50 states, reaching nearly 20k law enforcement officials. In addition, Paige has served as a liaison for the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), where she played an instrumental role in training thousands of victim advocates and military personnel. Paige is a frequent speaker at nationwide events, raising awareness about identity theft and related issues. Her expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in the field of digital safety. On a personal note, Paige resides in Arizona with her husband, daughter, and their boxer dog, Stella. And for the record, Stella’s name is not her password.

Errika Celsy

Chief Privacy & Compliance Officer, Arizona Department of Homeland Security

Results-oriented GRC leader, drawing on a strong foundation as a K-12 leader and educator to excel as State Chief Privacy and Compliance Officer. Proven ability to translate educational leadership experience into the development and execution of innovative, impactful privacy and compliance strategies. Adept at fostering collaborative, proactive compliance cultures and a passionate advocate for ethical data practices.

Seema Patel

Chief Information Security Officer, Maricopa County

Seema is the Interim Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer for Maricopa County, prior to that she was the Assistant CISO overseeing security architecture and cyber risk management. She has over 20 years of experience in program management, mostly in the government and healthcare industries. For the last 15 years, Seema has focused on utilizing technology to support data driven decisions while maintaining data security and privacy. In her free time she is student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga and volunteers in her community as a crisis counselor and animal rescue advocate.