Published June 13, 2025
By : Staff Writer
On October 23-25, 2025, the WOC STEM Conference will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a landmark gathering that recognizes outstanding contributions in STEM while honoring individuals who have demonstrated lifelong leadership, sustained commitment, and a lasting impact.
During this three-day event, the conference will honor former IBM Executives Ted Childs and Nicholas Donofrio.
Ted Childs, who served as Vice President of Global Workforce Diversity, and Nicholas Donofrio, former Executive Vice President of Innovation and Technology, made significant strides at IBM Corporation in advancing equity through pioneering corporate inclusion and mentoring the next generation.
In 2004, Asha Goyal, Ph.D., the former Vice President of Quality at IBM Global Services, received the Technologist of the Year Award at the WOC STEM Conference for her expertise in software engineering process improvement and quality management.
Dr. Goyal implemented high-maturity processes at IBM Global Services, significantly enhancing project efficiency and product quality.
She was the first IBM executive to receive this prestigious award at the WOC STEM Conference.
During the 2008 WOC STEM Conference, Irene Hernandez Roberts, who was then the program director of the IBM Software Group, was recognized for her significant contributions as a Master Inventor, holding over 70 patents, and for her pioneering leadership in software engineering and product development.
Three years earlier, Nancy Scott Stewart (May 8, 1945 – February 2, 2022), a former IBM executive, received the award for her outstanding leadership in retail technology. She played a pivotal role in driving Walmart's global IT strategy and technological innovations that enhanced operations and improved the customer experience.
Stewart began her career at IBM Corporation and retired as the first Black female Vice President.
After retirement, she worked at General Motors Corporation as an Information Officer before concluding her career at Walmart Stores, Inc. as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
IBM was the first corporate supporter of the WOC STEM Conference and has been a steadfast partner of the event every year since its inception.
Since 1995, the WOC STEM Conference has been a champion of inclusion in STEM fields.
The 2025 conference will be held from October 23-25 at the Baltimore Convention Center, where professionals, educators, students, and executives will convene for three days of recognition, networking, and inspiration.
