News from the WireKENT, Ohio – October 11, 2022 – PayTech Women, formerly Wnet, the premier non-profit organization helping women rise in the payments and fintech industries, congratulates the winners of the prestigious 2022 Wnet Awards. All nominees and winners were recognized at the 15th annual Wnet Leadership Summit, presented by FIS, on September 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The annual awards program is designed to encourage and honor significant contributions that support PayTech Women’s mission and values. The awards recognize members who demonstrate excellence in engaging, influencing and championing diversity throughout the industry and in their own companies. Eleven award categories were presented, including two special honors: the Founders Award and the Presidents Award.
“We are extremely honored to have such an impressive list of nominees and winners for our 2022 awards program,” exclaimed PayTech Women 2022 Board President Kelly Tufts, VP, Field Talent, Discover. “Their commitment to our mission and to increasing diversity and inclusion in the paytech industry is inspiring for us all.”
Wnet 2022 Individual Nominees:
Wnet 2022 Chapter Nominees:
Wnet 2022 Corporate Partner Nominees:
2022 Award Categories and Winners:
The Founders Award is presented to a current or past Wnet Board Member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the organization by giving their time, talents and resources as a member to further the goals and objectives of the organization's mission. The Founders presented the distinguished award to Liz Pike, president, Green Rhino Recruitment.
The Presidents Award is given by the Past Presidents to a Board Member who has significantly contributed to advancing our mission, acted as a trendsetter within the industry, paved the way for the next generation by mentorship, allyship and/or sponsorship, advocated for Wnet and championed the core values and mission across the industry and within their organization. Cynthia Knowles, former VP, head of business administration, FIS, is this year's Presidents Award recipient.
The Individual Diversity Champion Award is presented to an individual from a Wnet Corporate Partner who has exemplified the spirit of diversity through contributions to her organization in the last year. For 2022, the winner is Kathryn Kmiotek, channel marketing director, Fortis.
The Lean In To Lead Award is given to a Wnet volunteer who has significantly stepped forward to take a leadership role adding ideas, expertise and support that directly champions one of Wnet’s strategic objectives. The winner of the 2022 award is Crystal McCorkle, client service consultant, Global Payments.
The Emerging Trendsetter Award celebrates an individual 40 years or younger who has a bright future in the payments industry and who showcases a commitment and energy to improving the industry. Megan Mountain, director, product, Paya, is the 2022 winner.
The Game Changer Award is given to a Wnet volunteer who has, through strategic thinking, audacious goal setting, outstanding leadership, commitment to implementation and attention to detail, moved mountains and doesn’t take “no” for an answer. In doing so, she moves Wnet forward to stand on new ground toward the realization of our mission and vision. Two winners – both from Discover – received the 2022 award: Brianna Frost, product manager, and Joanna Hanner, director, corporate strategy and development.
The Advocate Award is presented to a Wnet advocate who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to gender diversity through his participation in Wnet. This individual is a male leader who exemplifies the mission of Wnet by advocating for women in the industry. The winner of the 2022 award is Kelley Knutson, President, Netspend and SEVP, Global Payments.
The Corporate Champion Award is bestowed to an organization that embodies the Wnet mission by developing an internal program that supports enhancing women's careers in the workplace. Congratulations to the 2022 winners, awarded by business size: Small Business: Maverick Payments; Mid-Size: Ingenico; and Enterprise: JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Organizations exemplifying an exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion and support Wnet’s mission and values are recognized with the Diversity Helping Hand Award. The 2022 winners, by business size, were: Small Business: US Alliance Group Inc.; Mid-Size: Payroc; and Enterprise: Discover.
The Chapter LinkUp Program of the Year Award recognizes Wnet Chapters and their efforts in planning and executing an online, hybrid or in-person event to stay in touch and support local members virtually. The Phoenix Chapter, led by Tri-Chairs: Katherine Holloway, Bankers' Bank of the West; Melissa Medeiros, Global Payments; and Colleen Rumsey, i3 Verticals, is the 2022 winner.
The Rising Chapter of the Year Award is presented to a newly formed or recently revived chapter that displays high energy and enthusiasm towards Wnet mission and values while delivering creative programming and exceptional member engagement. There was a tie for the 2022 award: The Milwaukee Chapter and Tampa Bay Chapter. The Milwaukee Chapter is led by Tri-Chairs Erin Barbeau, FIS; Kassie Fox-Delaney, FIS; and Erika Smith, Fiserv. The Tampa Bay Chapter is led by FIS’ Donna Gem and Cynthia Knowles.
“The commitment and energy shared by these exceptional volunteers are a testament to our vision of a world where a woman’s potential is as unlimited as her ambition,” said PayTech Women CEO Wendy Holliday, M.Ed., CAE. “They are moving us forward and growing our network to help women rise in payments. Congratulations to all the outstanding 2022 nominees and winners.”
About PayTech Women
PayTech Women is the premier professional organization for women in paytech, providing personal enrichment no matter what stage members are in their careers. Through its focus on DEI, the 5,000+ member-strong association is improving the working environment and opportunities for all women in financial services by propelling meaningful change. The organization provides world-class national and regional programming, fosters networking, and promotes mentoring to help members achieve greater personal success, influence and professional parity. Incorporated in late 2005 and launched in 2006 to empower and invest in women, PayTech Women is the only 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving thousands of women – and the men who advocate for us – across the global paytech industry. For more information or to become a member, visit www.paytechwomen.org.
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Source: Company press release. 
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