Manhattan Celebrates Women in Tech, Inspires Next Generation of Leaders

While women continue to rise in the supply chain industry and take on executive roles, there is still much work to do: women are only a quarter of the technology workforce in 2025. The gap is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where women hold only 11% of executive roles. 

When women are in leadership positions, they can inspire, guide and provide mentorship to further uplift women looking to advance their careers. What’s more, they can influence change at their organization and implement polices that can ease some of the barriers women face, such as mentorship groups, handling professional challenges and striking the right balance between work and home life.

Within the past year, AI and automation has rapidly changed the business world, and strategic leadership is even more essential today. Women at all career stages have a unique opportunity to expand their influence and lead their organization through change with confidence  

At Momentum 2025, we had women from the world of supply chain and retail industries join us at the annual Women in Tech luncheon. Leading retail analyst, Hitha Herzog spoke to Sara Coash, Director of Process and Systems, Hallmark Cards, Carrie Gofron, Global ISV Partnerships at Shopify and Annie Barua, VP of Supply Chain and Inventory, Floor & Decor about how they've achieved success in their industry and learning along the way that other women can benefit from on their journeys.

Advocate for Yourself

A quick poll during the discussion revealed that majority of women do not feel comfortable advocating for themselves, such as showcasing their accomplishments to attain a promotion, highlighting their wins or simply asking for more.

But if women want to rise, learning how to articulate their wants and their wins is a critical skill. Sara Coash recommended that women think about challenging projects they’ve tackled in the past and leverage that credibility. Then, connect the dots about how experiences from those times can help bring the company’s goals to fruition. It is important to show the path forward and build on the trust that has already been established, Coash recommended.

Use Your Voice to Take a Seat at the Table

There was clear emphasis on the importance of tailoring one’s message to the audience. Women must confidently own their experience and advocate for themselves—but in a way that aligns with leadership’s priorities.

Whether seeking a promotion or greater responsibility, it is important to make a compelling business case that demonstrates how their skills and experience directly support organizational goals. Turn your thinking into how you can help them!

Fight Burn Out

Burn out, both at home and at work is common amongst women, and specifically mothers: 55% of women in tech experience burn out. Women may struggle to keep up with expectations at home and at work and may become disengaged with their role in either setting or both.

The leaders offered a few tips on how they fight burn out, such as keeping a positive mindset, cultivating supportive relationships and taking time for themselves.

For instance, there is value in intentionally structuring schedules, avoiding being booked back-to-back throughout the day. By blocking time between meetings, there is an opportunity to slow the pace, build in moments to take a walk, and return to work feeling refreshed.

Carrie Gofron shared that she stays grounded by reflecting on her “why”—the reasons she does her job and the aspects she loves about it. She encouraged women to take time to define their own purpose and revisit it during challenging moments, using it as a source of perspective and motivation.