Businesswomen in Technology to be Honored
By Clarissa Spasy, Journal Staff Writer

Even though Eva Neumann had her hands full with her own business, she devoted part of her busy schedule to a volunteer organization.

More than three years ago, a colleague nominated her as communications chair for Women in Technology, a nonprofit group in Alexandria, and Neumann has stayed involved ever since.

"I've met some really competent, intelligent people in WIT," said Neumann, president and founder of ENC Marketing Inc., a Tysons Corner communications firm that focuses on high-tech and telecommunications clients."It's a great place to find other resources," Neumann said of the 10-year-old organization. She said it especially has helped her professionally, introducing her to people she wouldn't normally have met. "It's helped my business," she said. "I've gotten business leads from people I've met."

While Neumann has benefited from her involvement, her role in the organization also has been vital, according to other members, who nominated her as one of this year's recipients of the Women in Technology President's Award. The organization, offering women in all levels of the technology industry professional development and networking opportunities, will honor Neumann and six other women for their work during a ceremony this evening. Bel Leong-Hong served on the five-person judging panel, which sifted through three dozen to four dozen nomination forms.

"It was very hard because each and every one of them was deserving," she said.
Nominees were selected from numerous categories, including telecommunications, health care, media and information technology.

"This awards banquet recognizes individuals and companies who have exemplified leadership in the private and public sectors in the areas of mentoring, entrepreneurship and technology," said Cindy Kendall, president of WIT.

"[Those recognized] have gone beyond their jobs and specific responsibilities to support initiatives to promote women in the workplace, which then prepares these women for additional leadership positions in the technology industry," she said.

Neumann received the honor last year, during the first awards dinner held by WIT.
"I'm very flattered and very appreciative," said Neumann, a Bethesda resident who also was listed by the Washington Business Journal as one of the top 10 business leaders to watch in 2001. Ester Thomas Smith, who will receive the Women in Technology Lifetime Achievement Award, also is thrilled. "I had no idea," said Smith, partner at Qorvis Communications of McLean and founder of TechNews Inc. (now Post-Newsweek Business Information Inc.), which publishes Washington Technology magazine.
WIT is "enormously successful and worthwhile," she said. "It's a great network."
Other businesswoman receiving awards this evening are:

Paula Jagemann, president and CEO of e-Commerce Industries Inc. of Vienna, Women in Technology Leadership Award.

Ana Maria Boitel, director of business development for OP X, a global architecture and interior design firm in Washington, D.C., Women in Technology President's Award.

Ginger Ehn Lew, CEO and managing director of TDF-Telecommunications Development Fund in Washington, D.C., Women in Technology Leadership Award.

TiTi McNeill, president and CEO of TranTech Inc., a consulting firm in Alexandria, Women in Technology Leadership Award.

Deirdre Murray, group manager and market development for Sprint's government systems division, Women in Technology Founder's Award.

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