INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FORUM

THEME: "Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future of Women"

img2 17-18 Mar 2025
img2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emily Carlson

Emily Carlson

PBA Consulting, United States

Title: Empowering Women in Technology: Changing the Narrative

Biography

Emily Carlson is a distinguished executive and mentor with over 30 years of experience in IT with 25 of those focused on supporting Healthcare organizations. Throughout her illustrious career, Emily has led over 1000 training sessions, keynotes, panel discussion and public speaking events, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic speaker and advocate for women in technology.

Her dedication to the healthcare industry has been unwavering, as she consistently delivers top-tier projects that drive strategic initiatives and bolster client revenue. As a coach and mentor, Emily extends her expertise not only to organizations and the technology sector but also throughout her community.

Emily's podcast, "Powered by Authenticity," serves as a platform to champion equity and inclusion for women, featuring insightful conversations with trailblazing females who are reshaping industries traditionally lacking gender diversity.

Beyond her podcast, Emily is sought after as a keynote speaker at conferences and events across the country, where she shares her technical expertise and advocates for equity and inclusion. Her impact has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including being named one of the Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence, and Innovation by Consulting Magazine in 2021. Additionally, Consulting Magazine honored her as Mentor of the Year in 2022, acknowledging her relentless dedication to supporting and empowering other women.

Abstract

As a young girl from Alexander, NY, I was once told that becoming a CEO was beyond my reach. This early dismissal of my aspirations ignited a lifelong mission: to shatter the stereotypes that limit women, especially in technology. Today, as the founder of PBA Consulting and the Powered by Authenticity podcast, I am dedicated to creating a future where women can lead and innovate in tech without barriers.

Inspired by the discouraging words of a high school guidance counselor, I realized the importance of authenticity and resilience. This personal experience shaped my leadership philosophy: leading with empowered authenticity. It’s about embracing your true self, making confident decisions, and breaking free from the need to conform.

Through keynotes, workshops, and my podcast, I address the critical issues women face in STEM fields—low representation, higher dismissal rates, and the pervasive imposter syndrome. My work emphasizes actionable steps beyond diversity and inclusion, focusing on creating tangible opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for women in tech.

By aligning our vision with meaningful actions, we can bridge the gender gap in STEM. I strive to build networks that celebrate individual contributions and collective achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. Together, we can inspire a new wave of female leadership in technology, proving that with authenticity and determination, anything is possible.

Join me in this mission to redefine the landscape for women in tech, empowering the next generation to lead with confidence and authenticity.