At the 12th Annual Tech Coast Conference in Jacksonville, FL, the future of tech leadership was on full display as Shakia “Kia” Riggins, Founder and CEO of Data B.I.T.S., LLC, took the stage to moderate the powerhouse Women in IT Panel—a highlight of the event that left attendees inspired, energized, and ready to lead.
Hosted by Dr. Wendy Norfleet, CEO of Norfleet Integrated Solutions, the panel brought together some of the most influential voices in technology.
Pictured left to right:
Shakia “Kia” Riggins, Founder and CEO of Data B.I.T.S., LLC,
Kristen Wende – Vice Chair of Digital Technology at Mayo Clinic
Dr. Wendy Norfleet, CEO of Norfleet Integrated Solutions,
Taryn Swietek – Head of Governance, gTech at Google
Mary Ann Coburn – VP of Technology at Crowley
Mikey Stewart – VP, Enterprise PMO at VyStar Credit Union
With Kia Riggins at the helm, the conversation dove deep into leadership, innovation, equity, and the real-world challenges women face in shaping the digital future. Her moderation brought clarity, warmth, and bold inquiry—reflecting her commitment to ethical AI, inclusive tech education, and empowering the next generation of IT professionals.
This wasn’t just a panel—it was a movement. A moment of collective brilliance where experience met vision, and where the next chapter of tech leadership was written by women who are already transforming the industry.
Hats off to every speaker, organizer, and attendee who made this event unforgettable. The ripple effects of this dialogue will be felt far beyond the conference walls.
