Women in Technology: Hollywood (WiTH) has announced the nominees for the 7th Annual Leadership Awards, to be presented Nov. 8 at the 2024 SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit in Hollywood.
In the weeks leading up to the event, WiTH will briefly profile each nominee.
Today’s article features Nicole Dove, head of security for Riot Games, Gail Evans, chief digital and technology officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard Entertainment, Adair Fox-Martin, CEO and president of Equinix, Heather Fuller, partner manager of Unreal Engine partnerships for Epic Games, Tracy Geist, global head of media and entertainment, games, and sports marketing for Amazon Web Services, and Carolyn Giardina, senior entertainment technology and crafts editor for Variety.
• Nicole Dove, head of security, Riot Games. Nicole is a thought leader within cybersecurity across M&E (gaming) and a champion for DEI across this vertical.
She brings an incredible passion to everything that she does, and she doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. In fact, she leverages her platform to elevate those around her and to create more opportunities for women in technology across the gaming industry and beyond.
• Gail Evans, chief digital and technology officer, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products. As EVP and chief digital and technology officer (CDTO) for Disney Experiences, Gail leads a global multi-disciplinary team of digital, technology, product, data, and operations professionals focused on the development, and implementation of digital and technology strategies for Disney Experiences businesses around the world.
In addition to her formal responsibilities, Gail is passionate about using her time mentoring the next generation of women leaders in technology and leading programs that build a more inclusive workplace for all.
She also is passionate about connecting academic research with real-world practice and is actively involved with MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR).
• Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard Entertainment. Executives across gaming companies in SoCal and at Activision Blizzard and technology partners speak very highly of the leadership at Blizzard, which is driven largely by Johanna.
Before being named president earlier in 2024, she oversaw business operations, product development, and general management of Call of Duty, served as SVP and head of leagues, and was commissioner of Call of Duty eSports. She also spent more than a decade working for the NFL.
• Adair Fox-Martin, CEO and president, Equinix. Adaire is a highly accomplished executive with a remarkable track record of leadership in the technology industry. Currently serving as the CEO and president of Equinix, Adaire brings more than 25 years of experience leading global teams and driving transformative business growth.
Throughout her career, Adaire has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering innovation, supporting diverse teams, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
As an influential figure in the tech community, she has consistently prioritized creating inclusive work environments and leveraging technology to solve complex challenges. Adaire’s impact on the industry and her dedication to community engagement, mentorship, and driving business transformation make her a standout nominee.
• Heather Fuller, partner manager, Unreal Engine partnerships, Epic Games. In just three short years at Epic Games, Heather has not only proven herself as an invaluable team member but also as a true advocate for diversity, inclusion, and women empowerment within the video games, and M&E industries. Heather joined Epic Games as a sales coordinator for the Unreal Engine team without prior experience in the Video Games or M&E industries.
Yet, her ability to quickly learn, adapt, and excel has been nothing short of remarkable. In a brief period, Heather has earned multiple promotions, demonstrating her commitment to mastering new challenges with a relentless work ethic and unshakable determination.
When Epic Games shifted its business model from free-to-use to a subscription-based licensing for Unreal Engine, the leadership turned to Heather to facilitate this transformational effort. She helped craft a cross-industry business model that has since become the foundation for Epic’s new licensing structure. Her ability to steer Epic through this critical change has been a defining moment in her career, underscoring her capacity for high-level strategic thinking and execution.
• Tracy Geist, global head of media and entertainment, games, and sports marketing, Amazon Web Services (AWS). Tracy Geist is a leader in the technology and media industries, known for her commitment to innovation, mentoring, and supporting inclusivity.
She has made significant contributions by developing new technologies and guiding key changes in the media landscape. Tracy actively mentors young professionals and works to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her focus on helping others succeed aligns with the mission of the Women in Technology: Hollywood Foundation.
• Carolyn Giardina, senior entertainment technology and crafts editor, Variety. Carolyn Giardina is a respected journalist and editor with a distinguished career covering the intersection of entertainment, technology, and the creative arts. As the senior entertainment technology and crafts editor at Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP+) and Variety, Carolyn brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for storytelling to her work.
She has been at the forefront of major industry transitions, including the shifts to digital television and cinema, and has extensively covered entertainment technology, crafts, and labor issues. Her dedication to highlighting the artistry behind film and media has earned her numerous accolades, including the American Cinema Editors’ Robert Wise Award and the International Cinematographers Guild’s Technicolor William A. Fraker Award.
Carolyn’s commitment to the field extends beyond her editorial work; she is an active lecturer at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts and a frequent speaker and moderator at industry conferences. Her impact on the industry is a testament to her expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to celebrating the art and craft of entertainment.