On Friday, the Technology Recognition Luncheon, one of the leading recognition events at the Women of Color (WOC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference, was held under the theme: "Cultivating STEM Ecosystems: Sowing Seeds of Inclusion and Equity."

The event sponsors included Eastman, Leidos, World Wide Technology, as well as conference co-hosts Apple and Women of Color magazine, and conference co-sponsors Google and RTX.

Among the testimonies and tribute video messages from friends and loved ones watching at home were speeches from the sponsors.

First up was Shirleena Celestine, global lead of inclusive products and services at Apple. Celestine, who is currently writing her doctoral thesis on Black professional women in the workplace, said it was inspiring to stand before a group of innovators, trailblazers, and change-makers.

Celestine said the day was not just about celebration but a recognition of the impact that the Technology Stars and rising stars were making on the future of technology and ultimately on the world.

The best of Apple comes from cultures of collaboration and teamwork, Celestine added. "Your contributions are rewriting the narrative on what success in technology looks like," she said.

She ended by saying the award winners were the architects of tomorrow, the visionaries who will redefine what is possible. "The future is counting on your brilliance, resilience, and boldness," she said.

Izabela Lopes, managing director of GPS SDS + Apps AMER, Google echoed the same sentiments. Lopes said that Google believed that technology is the greatest and most powerful when it reflects the diversity of the people who create it.

"Women of color in STEM are at the forefront of groundbreaking innovations," she said. They are reshaping industries and solving some of the world's most pressing challenges. "Your contributions are part of the collective movement that is redefining what is possible in the tech world," she said, adding that their efforts are not just fostering technological advancement. They are also making it possible for more diverse voices to be heard.

Juanita Logan is vice president, global corporate impact, World Wide Technology (WWT), the largest African-American-owned technology solutions provider.

The company strives to harness AI in partnership with NVIDIA and many other leaders in artificial intelligence computing to transform businesses all over the world.

Logan said WWT loves being part of the annual WOC STEM DTX conference because one of the company's goals is to grow the pipeline of more women in the tech field. "We must ensure that our STEM fields are inclusive and equitable," she said.

Katea Murray, vice president, chief technology officer, and mission solutions in the national security sector, said it was inspiring to see so many leaders all committed to reshaping the landscape of technology, as well as champions for inclusion.

"As technology advances in AI and cyber, STEM disciplines fuel the collaborations for Leidos and its partners and form the foundation of efforts where Leidos employees live and work," she said.

Murray said the theme recognizes the importance of collaboration within the STEM ecosystem. Because equity and inclusion are at the heart of the ability to create pathways to STEM opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

From RTX, Vice President Adaora Nelson also stressed the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in critical missions.

"It takes everyone in this room and beyond, at various companies and from different backgrounds to move the needle. We each have a role to play. Maybe it's mentoring or giving a helping hand. However you fit into this intricate tapestry of women in color, we must empower each other and champion the diversity of experiences."

Kaamilya Clinkscales-Major, global head for inclusion and diversity at Eastman shared a similar message as her counterparts.

"At Eastman, we know that innovation thrives on diversity of thought and of experiences," she said, adding that the company's 14,000 employees spread all over the world develop groundbreaking technologies and sustainable materials that help everyone innovate and make an impact.