Audrey Taylor recipient of the “Change the Landscape” award and Stephanie Sponsel honored as a Rising Star nominee during biennial event for changing the landscape of women represented in STEM in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 2, 2020 — Audrey Taylor, CEO and partner of netlogx, was bestowed with the 2020 Leading Light Award (LLA) in the Change the Landscape category during the Women & Hi Tech Virtual Leading Light Awards (LLA) on Oct. 1, 2020. Nominees were evaluated by an esteemed committee of local STEM and community leaders for providing notable action, visible advocacy and/or significant impact to positively change the landscape of one or more institutions or workplace environments to more easily recognize, promote and/or champion women in STEM to leadership positions. Special consideration was given to those who have positively affected multiple or numerous women or girls in STEM via their efforts.
Taylor paved her own career path without a formal degree and instead used her passion to make a difference in the lives of many. That’s why she decided to start netlogx over two decades ago with the vision to ultimately help create new opportunities for both men and women in STEM. She has consistently given back to her community through mentorship and development of her employees and mentees. Taylor is known by colleagues, friends and the community as a woman who puts her money (and time) where her mouth is, both by creating official mentorship and professional development programs at netlogx as well as her continued work as a Pass the Torch for Women mentor. Over the last several years, she has mentored more than 15 women, helping them to continue to grow and thrive in STEM careers.
In her role as a mentor, Taylor’s willingness to share best practices and contribute to women’s career growth resonates deeply within her own organization. As a nominee for the Rising Star award, Stephanie Sponsel, operations director at netlogx, is a shining example of Taylor’s advocacy and determination to provide other women with a seat and voice at the table.
Sponsel began her career at netlogx after her college graduation nine years ago. Since that time, she has risen in the ranks to lead operations and outreach, IT and compliance at netlogx. In addition to mentoring and leading her team members at netlogx, Sponsel gives back to the community by volunteering as treasurer for the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and serving as finance chair on the board of her alma mater, Our Lady of Lourdes. She credits her success to the supportive women in her own career who helped bolster her confidence and introduce her to new opportunities, much like Taylor did when Sponsel began her career at netlogx.
“Gender should never be a reason that someone cannot pursue a career or passion,” said Taylor, CEO and partner of netlogx. “As women leaders, it’s important to take the hands of those along our journey and bring them along with us as we succeed. Being ‘Diverse by Design’ is not just a choice: it’s an action to pull minority groups up with you through professional partnerships, volunteerism and advocacy.”
Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in STEM to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve that goal, the group connects female STEM professionals with each other and the community in Indiana. Members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics and information technology. They work as engineers, analysts, scientists, business developers, marketers, educators and more.
Originally called the Spotlight Awards, this year marked the 20th anniversary of the awards program. Women & Hi Tech celebrated this milestone by awarding more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants to women and girls pursuing STEM fields. To learn more about netlogx, visit the website. To learn more about Women & Hi Tech or the Leading Light Awards, visit womenandhitech.org.
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About netlogx
netlogx is a highly-awarded, two-decade old consulting services company that helps clients survive and thrive. Woman-founded, we guide enterprise organizations as they navigate change and make it work for them by solving complex business challenges. Through our expert consulting services, you’ll know what success looks like and how to get there quickly and safely; we guide you from uncertainty to clarity.
Providing services in information management, project and program management, security management, organizational change management, process management, and performance management, netlogx is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) known for delivering complicated projects on time and on budget while meeting the required level of quality. We are dedicated to prioritizing the success of our clients, employees, and community. For more information on netlogx, visit https://netlogx.wpengine.com.
Please note: Featured Image was created by Women & Hi-Tech.
