BUFFALO, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 31, 2015) - In recognition of the increasingly important role women play in the IT industry, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) honored four partners with awards at the inaugural Ingram Micro Women of Technology event July 28 at the Mansion on Delaware in Buffalo, N.Y. The awards stem from peer nominations and recognize women who lead by example. The winners are as follows:

  • The Empowering Women Through Mentorship award was presented to Patricia Gonzalez, Director of Sales and Marketing, Centre Technologies, for her work as a humble leader who provides clear, enthusiastic support for her team's personal and professional growth.
  • The Embracing Diversity award was presented to Catherine Carter, CFO, eGroup, for her vocal support of LGBT rights at eGroup, and her efforts to ensure that workplace remains comfortable, with aggressive or oppressive behavior discouraged and punished.
  • The Giving Back award was presented to Patricia Miller, CEO, SpaceBound, in honor of her efforts to turn philanthropy into an opportunity rather than a chore at SpaceBoard, and for her work with foster children who have aged out of the system and as part of the World Leaders Group.
  • The Rising Star Award was presented to Stephanie Kavanaugh, Director of Sales and Marketing, Universal Data Inc., who has overachieved as an entry level marketing hire who now oversees UDI marketing and sales, and brings enthusiasm and integrity, and the drive for constant improvement to her role. 

"Hearing the stories of these women's personal and professional challenges and successes makes for a truly empowering message about the unfettered potential for women in the IT industry," said Jennifer Johnson, senior director of marketing for Ingram Micro, and the host of the event. "And hearing a group, many of whom didn't know one another before today, offering such honest, heartfelt advice about sharing your light and your talent in different ways, and leading other women to do the same, is inspirational to our community."

Ingram Micro's Second Annual Women of Technology event, held as part of the activities leading up to the company's 20th annual Ingram Micro Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 1, included a gathering of more than 80 Ingram Micro customers, select technology partners and associates, along with top female Ingram Micro executives. Keynote speaker Margaret Dawson, who leads Global Product Marketing at Red Hat, spoke about her experiences as a female leader in technology and the struggle to remain true to yourself in highly stressful professional settings.

The gathered women also heard from Sandy Lisa Rouse, founder and CEO of Eco Style, a business travel case vendor; and Julie Israel, co-founder of local charity Save the Michaels Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Through a silent auction held at the event, the attendees raised $5,000 for the charity.

About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro helps businesses Realize the Promise of Technology™. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. More at www.ingrammicro.com.