Who are we?
Tiffany Benitez - National President & Founder
Tiffany is a seasoned technology leader with 23 years of experience across multiple industries, including finance, retail, and food manufacturing. She began her 12-year career at Bank of America, transitioning from the business side to technology after six years. Tiffany then moved to Walmart’s Global Data Technology organization, where she led portfolio strategy, Data Governance and the transformation to Agile and Product. She continued her career at Lowe’s, overseeing cyber-security strategy, data governance, GRC and communications, while also championing women in technology through BRG and Women in Tech leadership roles. As Senior Director at Tyson Foods, Tiffany led IT applications, business engagement, and S4 & Product transformation teams, co-chairing the Women's Business Resource Group and leading Tyson’s Women in Technology group. Currently, Tiffany is the Head of Data Governance at Compass Digital, where she drives the transformation of enterprise data governance. A passionate advocate for women, she is also the founder and president of Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas, a National non-profit, with chapters expanded all over the US, dedicated to empowering women in tech. Tiffany is an author, speaker, and advocate for change, using her strong people skills to inspire growth and leadership.
Lara Gureje - WIT San Francisco President
Lara Gureje is the Founder and CEO of DatOculi LLC, a San Francisco–based Data and AI Governance consultancy, and the Data Governance & Stewardship Champion at Compass Digital. With over 20 years of experience, she has led transformational data initiatives across highly regulated industries, including finance, healthcare, and compliance, helping organizations unlock value, drive innovation, and ensure ethical, trusted data practices. A recognized global speaker, author of Turning Data Into Fortunes, and advocate for women in technology, Lara combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership. She holds a bachelor’s in Computer Science from West London College, a master’s in Business Systems Analysis & Design from City University London, and is an alumna of The Wharton School.
Paige Kuempel - WIT San Francisco Chapter Ops Lead
Paige Kuempel is a technology executive and advocate dedicated to empowering women in tech. With over two decades of experience leading strategic initiatives and technology innovation at top Silicon Valley companies, she has built a career focused on collaboration, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership. As Vice President of Strategic Initiative Management at Allstate Protection Plans, Paige leads global teams delivering customer-focused technology solutions that drive impact at scale. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Paige attended Auburn University (War Eagle!), and she now calls the Bay Area home with her husband, Lance, and their three children. Passionate about creating opportunities for women to thrive in technology, Paige brings heart, authenticity, and a belief in lifelong learning to everything she does — from building teams to exploring new places, music, and ideas.
Shivi Bhandari - WIT San Francisco Secretary
Shivi Bhandari is a strategic and results-driven technology leader with over two decades of experience spanning Data & Business Intelligence, Business Technology, Product Management, and Program Management. She has successfully led digital transformation and enterprise-scale data and analytics initiatives for global organizations including Palo Alto Networks, Intuit, Cisco, and Oracle.
At Palo Alto Networks, Shivi serves as Senior Manager, BI & Data Analytics, where she drives AI-powered analytics and automation to enhance data intelligence, streamline operations, and accelerate enterprise innovation.
Originally from western India, Shivi holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science. A firm believer in karma and community service, she actively volunteers at senior centers and homeless shelters, and mentors women in technology.
A passionate dancer and yoga enthusiast, Shivi embodies a growth mindset—continually learning, embracing challenges, and inspiring others to do the same. Deeply connected to her cultural roots, she also teaches Hindu religion and mythology to children, helping preserve values and traditions for future generations.
Marion Parrish - WIT San Francisco Events & Logistics Lead
Marion Parrish is an accomplished senior executive with deep expertise in digital operations, customer success, and large-scale transformation across media and technology industries. Most recently, as Senior Vice President of Digital Operations at Outfront Media, she led a $1 billion partnership with the New York Transit Authority, expanding the company’s digital footprint by 700% and driving 90% annual recurring revenue growth.
With leadership experience at ActiveVideo Networks and Premier Retail Networks, Marion has successfully managed global teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and end-to-end operations spanning cloud infrastructure, customer success, and digital media delivery. A certified Six Sigma Green Belt and Scaled Agile Framework/SCRUM Master, she brings a strong foundation in process improvement and operational excellence.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Marion is passionate about empowering future leaders. She is a member of Chief, serves as Board Treasurer for Catalyst Youth Network, sits on the Advisory Board for Nerdy Girl Success, and mentors with Everwise.
Lori Martel - WIT San Francisco Programs Lead
Lori Martel is a seasoned C-Suite Product Executive with 25+ years of experience driving growth of scalable SaaS platforms, and building high-performance Product Management teams across Capital Markets, Banking, Wealth Management, and Insurance. As the Chief Product Officer at InvestorFlow, Lori is focused on creating AI-differentiated, digital experiences to enable Raising Capital, Deploying Capital, and Servicing Investors. Known for her customer-centric approach, Lori excels in applying innovation to customer outcomes, optimizing technology debt, and leading high-performing teams. Her career spans leadership roles at KPMG Consulting, Oracle, and Envestnet | Yodlee, where she drove growth through scalable CRM and SaaS platforms and transformative digital initiatives. Outside of work, Lori enjoys cooking, playing Bocce, and spending time with her West Highland Terrier. A lifelong Red Sox fan, she’s proud of her Western MA roots.
Gabriella (Gaby) Makstman - WIT San Francisco Treasurer
Gabriella “Gaby” Makstman is a finance and strategy leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformation at the intersection of business, technology, and operations.
She specializes in connecting financial strategy to digital modernization—translating complex data, systems, and technical initiatives into clear, actionable insights that guide decision-making.
Known for her calm, analytical approach, Gaby builds strong cross-functional partnerships and helps teams navigate change with clarity and purpose.
Outside of work, Gaby is the mother of two girls and an active community volunteer, serving on multiple boards and with the Daly City Women’s Coalition.
Maranda Dziekonski - WIT San Francisco Visibility & Impact
Maranda Dziekonski is the Chief Customer Officer at Fexa, bringing over 20 years of experience building and scaling world-class teams and operations. She’s helped lead 11 startups (five with successful exits — including one unicorn!) and is passionate about driving exceptional customer experiences.
Recognized as one of the Top 50 CCOs to Watch and a Top 25 Customer Success Influencer four years running, Maranda also lends her expertise on multiple boards and as an advisor for the University of San Francisco’s Customer Success MBA Program.
Marilyn Weinstein - WIT San Francisco Membership Lead
Marilyn Weinstein is CEO and founder of Vivo, a boutique high tech staffing and consulting company based in Pleasanton, California. With over 20 years of executive experience, she has successfully staffed and delivered programs for some of the world’s best known companies. Prior to launching her company, Marilyn was Vice President and General Counsel for a global staffing company. She holds a bachelor’s in Social Sciences from Hofstra University, a Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University, and several executive certificates from Tufts University, Boston University and The Wharton School. In Marilyn’s spare time she teaches Pilates, and spends time with her husband and 3 sons.
Shriya Mandarapu - WIT San Francisco Training & Certs Lead
Shriya Mandarapu is a Data Scientist at Walmart, where she has spent the past two and a half years working on high-impact data and machine learning initiatives, with a recent focus on generative AI solutions. She brings over five years of professional experience spanning data science, applied machine learning, and computer vision, including prior
work as a Computer Vision Research Assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree from IIT Kanpur and a master’s degree from Indiana
University Bloomington. Deeply passionate about technology and community building, she is committed to empowering women in tech, fostering meaningful connections, and helping create inclusive spaces for innovation and growth.
Nirmayee “Nemo” Dighe - WIT San Francisco Girls in Tech Lead
Nirmayee “Nemo” Dighe is a data and AI strategist with experience helping organizations design and scale decision-driven, AI-ready operating models within complex enterprise environments. She works at the intersection of business, data, and technology, partnering with leaders to translate strategic goals into practical analytics and AI roadmaps that deliver measurable business value.
Nemo has built her career as a strategist focused on helping organizations adopt AI with clarity and purpose. She developed a practical four-step framework for AI adoption that guides teams from defining business objectives and assessing data readiness to evaluating infrastructure and building the skills and culture required for sustainable impact. Her work helps organizations cut through AI hype, align initiatives to real business needs, and establish strong foundations for responsible, scalable AI use.
A published writer and frequent speaker, Nemo shares insights on the future of analytics, AI, and decision intelligence through industry journals, conferences, and community events. She is also a passionate advocate for women in technology, supporting initiatives that promote representation, mentorship, and leadership development across the tech ecosystem.
Irene Waldman - WIT San Francisco Marketing Lead
Irene Waldman is a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer and global product marketing leader with deep experience spanning AI, fintech, photonics, and emerging technologies. She has built and scaled go-to-market strategies for both high-growth startups and global enterprises, helping innovative companies translate complex technology into clear value, adoption, and impact.
Irene currently serves as a Fractional CMO and strategic advisor to multiple technology ventures, including AI-powered and deep-tech companies focused on sustainable innovation, financial wellbeing, and next-generation computing. Her career includes senior leadership roles at companies such as Visa, Intuit, Envestnet, and Napster AI, where she led global product marketing, brand strategy, and growth initiatives across diverse markets.
As Chief Marketing Officer of Women in Tech SF Bay Area, Irene brings a strong commitment to amplifying women’s voices, expanding access to opportunity, and building inclusive, high-impact communities across the technology ecosystem. She is passionate about mentorship, cross-border collaboration, and creating platforms that enable women to lead, innovate, and thrive—particularly at the intersection of emerging technology and business leadership.