Q&A with Expert Judge: Margaret Schmitt, Technology Entrepreneur

Q&A with Expert Judge: Margaret Schmitt, Technology Entrepreneur

ARTICLES Awards
Electronics Weekly Women Leaders in Electronics

Q. Why do you think the Women Leaders in Electronics Awards are important for the electronics sector, especially in recognizing and elevating women’s leadership?

The electronics sector thrives on innovation, and innovation thrives on diversity of perspective. The Women Leaders in Electronics Awards are significant because they give visibility to inspiring female leaders -- leadership that has historically been under-recognized and whose impact is shaping the future of the industry. By elevating women who are leading at scale, across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, these awards broaden the definition of what leadership in electronics looks like and the important contributions women make at the decision-making table. Visible role models strengthen the leadership pipeline, inspire the next generation of engineers and executives, and reinforce a culture where innovation, trust, and performance thrive. Visibility changes narratives, and narratives influence who enters, stays, and leads in this field.

Q. What practical advice would you share to help entrants stand out in the awards?

Clarity of impact matters. Strong entries clearly articulate not only what was achieved, but why it mattered to an organization, a community, or the broader ecosystem. I encourage entrants to reflect on leadership as a multiplier: how their work enabled others, built capacity, or created lasting change. At its core, this is about answering a simple but powerful question: how are you changing the world? Authenticity, systems thinking, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the field are the hallmarks of innovative leaders who truly move our industry forward.