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DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Five technology professionals who have demonstrated leadership in the industry and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion have been selected as the winners of the 2021 Spotlight Awards by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the industry and its workforce.

The award winners were honored today, the first day of CompTIA’s annual Communities & Councils Forum (CCF) Online.

“Many of our members have demonstrated commitment, courage and resilience to help us make it through a year of unprecedented challenges,” said Nancy Hammervik, executive vice president of industry relations and CEO of the CompTIA Tech Careers Academy. “Our Spotlight Awards Winners are among the best and brightest in our industry, demonstrating the true promise of ‘Tech for Good.’”

CompTIA’s 2021 Spotlight Award honorees are:

• Rama Akkiraju, Distinguished Engineer and IBM Fellow, recipient of the CompTIA Industry Advisory Council Leadership Award for her outstanding service and commitment in support of the CompTIA Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council’s mission and objectives.
• Rita Loncar, Canada channel leader for Veritas Technologies, honored with the CompTIA Community Leadership Award for demonstrating outstanding commitment, leadership, passion and professionalism in support for the objectives and initiatives of the CompTIA Canadian Business Technology Community.
• Ashley J. Martinez, marketing strategist at Tech Data, presented with the Future Leader Award for making her mark within a CompTIA Corporate Member organization by demonstrating success and originality as an entrepreneur and industry professional.
• Michelle Ragusa-McBain, vice president, global channel and digital strategy, JS Group, recognized with the Advancing Women in Technology Leadership Award for her advocacy to create new opportunities for women in technology, serving as a role model and making a positive impact on individuals and organizations.
• Deborah Schildkraut, Global Program Director - Ecosystem Marketing Leader, IBM, recipient of the Advancing Diversity in Technology Leadership Award for her advocacy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology industry; serving as a role model; and having a positive impact on the lives and careers of others.

CompTIA’s annual CCF, which concludes on March 17, is an online gathering where association members and other technology industry leaders come together to discuss the latest developments in IT security, tech talent and diversity, emerging technologies, managed services and more. It's also an opportunity to learn about how CompTIA’s member communities and advisory councils work to move the industry forward. https://myccf.comptia.org/

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit connect.comptia.org/.

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