The expanding ranks of women attending the event since its inception is a testament to their impact on the channel.
The office technology industry recently gathered for a remarkable event that’s become a cornerstone of recognition and empowerment for women in the field. The 9th Annual Women Influencers Brunch, hosted by The Cannata Report, brought together approximately 60 female executives to share insights, inspiration, and camaraderie.
Front row: Maegan Lujan, Bryn Virkler, and Kerstin Woods, Toshiba; Julie Anderson and Krystal Racine, Visual Edge IT; Valbona Marku, US Bank; Sally Brause, GreatAmerica; Carol C. Cannata; Tawnya Stone, Sarah Burnes, Hannah O’Donnell, GreatAmerica; Debra Dennis, CopyPro; Erica Calise and Naeran Rubio, Sharp. Second row: Salley Thornton and Cecilia La Spisa, Toshiba; Jacqueline Smith and Cara Spencer, Systel Business Equipment; Suzanne Wahba and Sarah Custer, Distribution Management; Debra Dellaposta, Doing Better Business; Laurie Sofield, Konica Minolta; Sarah Henderson, MPS Monitor; Trish Pettrone, Distribution Management; Ramona Rodriguez, Hytec Dealer Services; Mary Hart, HP; Emily Rodriguez and Jennifer Amatucci, Hytec Dealer Services. In the back: Deanna Flanick and Elisa Esposito, Konica Minolta; Kay Fernandez and Allie Kern, Katun Corporation; Maggie Grande and Christy Harper, Konica Minolta; Jennifer Healy, Ricoh; Amy Ranttlia, Brother; Amanda Hansen, Konica Minolta; Petra Diener, The Cannata Report; Melissa Confalone, Fraser Advanced Information Systems; Brenda Shelton, Distribution Management; Toni Gorveatt, Cobb Technologies; Charlene Fischer, Xerox; Noah Maphis, Cobb Technologies; Patricia Ames, the Imaging Channel; Patricia McGrath, HP; Kate Kingston, Kingston Training Group; Jayne Tuma, Xerox; Jennie Fisher, GreatAmerica; Lauren Hanna, Blue Technologies; and Adrienne Bastinelli, Centric Business Systems.
Following the 39th Annual Awards & Charities Gala, the brunch was more than a networking event. It served as a testament to women’s growing influence and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The gathering has come a long way since its inception nine years ago when only 14 women attended. Today, it’s a powerful symbol of progress and a catalyst for change.
The event celebrated The Cannata Report’s three outstanding 2024 Women Influencers:
- Sarah Custer, vice president of sales operations at Distribution Management
- Charlene Fischer, vice president of U.S. channel sales for the Eastern Region at Xerox
- Kerstin Woods, vice president of solutions and outbound marketing at Toshiba America Business Solutions
These leaders represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from global corporations to national powerhouses, showcasing the breadth of female talent driving innovation and growth in the office technology industry.
The Cannata Report’s Outside the Box columnist Petra Diener emceed the Brunch and led a lively discussion with the 2024 Women Influencers and guests.
The brunch’s theme, “Leading with Authenticity,” resonated deeply with attendees. Discussions highlighted women’s challenges in the industry, from securing positions to proving their worth beyond filling quotas. However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of determination and mutual support. The growing presence of women in key roles across the sector clearly indicates that change isn’t just possible but inevitable.
This progress wouldn’t be possible without the visionary support of industry leaders like CJ Cannata, who conceived this idea over a decade ago. His commitment to recognizing and elevating women in the field has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive industry landscape.
Three of our Brunch sponsor representatives, Kate Kingston, Anthony DelGrosso, and Brenda Shelton.
Equally crucial is the support of our generous sponsors:
- Distribution Management
- GreatAmerica Financial Services
- Kate Kingston Training Group
- Milner
These organizations have demonstrated dedication to celebrating female executives and promoting diversity within the office technology sector.
Our 2024 Women Influencers were featured on the water bottles at the Women Influencer’s Brunch.
As we reflect on the success of this year’s brunch, it’s clear that the “just a woman” mentality is rapidly becoming obsolete. Women in the industry prove daily that their skills, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities are invaluable assets to their organizations. The growing number of women in positions across all levels of office imaging, equipment, and production printing companies isn’t just about representation—it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives to drive innovation and long-lasting success.
The Cannata Report’s Women Influencers Brunch celebrates our progress and rallies us for the work ahead. It reminds us that mentorship, support, and recognition remain crucial to building a more equitable industry. As we look to the future, we’re optimistic that the office technology sector will continue to benefit from women’s talents, insights, and leadership at every level.
Here’s to all the women reshaping the industry—not just because they’re women, but because they’re exceptional colleagues and leaders driving us all forward.
