CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO
ITSMF Technology Leaders Awards (2023)
Accepting Nominations: November 16, 2022 – February 13, 2023
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed judges who graciously lent their expertise in evaluating the nominations for the Technology Leaders Awards. Your invaluable assistance and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional technology leaders. Thank you for your time, dedication, and insightful evaluations. Together, we honor innovation and drive in the ever-evolving world of technology.

For over 25 years, ITSMF has remained the premier national organization dedicated exclusively to cultivating executive talent among Black technology professionals. ITSMF increases the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology, to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul.
In support of our mission, ITSMF is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual ITSMF Technology Leaders Awards. We invite you to nominate the best and brightest in the technology industry to be considered as a 2023 awardee.
Nomination Criteria / Eligibility
- The nominee must be aware of your nomination
- Anyone in the community may nominate deserving technology executives and entrepreneurs. There is no limit to the number of nominations you may submit
- All nominees should also demonstrate outstanding community service, impact and promote diversity within their organizations in alignment with ITSMF’s mission and goals.
- Nominee must be Black (African/Afro-descent or origin)
- Nominee must currently reside in the U.S. and have either U.S.-based or Global responsibility.
CATEGORIES
The Carl Williams Award
Under the leadership of Carl Williams, this 501c(3) organization began recruiting Black professionals who ranked among the Who’s Who in technology, along with companies and individuals that boldly dared to disrupt the status quo and seek more diversity, equity and inclusion among technology executives.
In support of our mission and memory of our founder, Carl Williams ITSMF is pleased to announce the launch of The Carl Williams Award and we invite you to Nominate the best and brightest in the technology industry to be considered as a 2023 awardee.
Qualifications:
All nominees must display the following characteristics for consideration:
- Leadership: The individual has demonstrated admirable leadership in the face of crisis or has shown a unique capacity to show up beyond their role. Leadership qualities include having a profound positive impact on people, continuously giving others the courage to excel, and welcoming and mentoring those around them who are not immediate direct reports.
- Courage: The individual has taken stands on issues important to them and their work and is willing to push their organization and the technology industry to do better.
- Integrity: The individual embodies qualities such as fairness, a commitment to equity, and a willingness to admit faults and learn from mistakes. This individual consistently exhibits ethical behaviors publicly and privately and inspires others to exemplify principled values.
- Unapologetically Bold: The individual has built a strong community around him/her to assist others in excelling. This individual is willing to take risks to create positive change and improve our world.
- Strategic Thinker: This individual holistically examines goals and desired outcomes, anticipates variables, overcomes obstacles, applies data-driven decision-making, and is creative, innovative, and inclusive when exploring solutions. S/he thrives on continual learning and self-improvement and generously shares knowledge with others.
- Community Champion: The individual is a steadfast advocate for the Black community. S/he has a passionate soul and continuously seeks ways to support others and mentor the next generation of Black leaders. As a leader in the community, the individual works hard to promote unity, expose and fix inequity and injustices, and help others achieve excellence.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be a current member of ITSMF for at least 10 consecutive years in either an Executive or Associate member classification.
- The individual’s contributions to ITSMF promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity in the IT field.
- The individual also promotes the goals and philosophies of ITSMF.
Technology Executive of the Year (C-Suite executives only) nominees must be the highest-ranking Technology/Digital Executive of a company who is also a thought leader or influencer. Nominee must demonstrate outstanding community service, impact and promote diversity within their organizations in alignment with ITSMF’s mission and goals.
Technology Executive of the Year – Global
(Leader of a Fortune 100 company with reach beyond the U.S. and U.S. territories)
• Technology Executive of the Year – Enterprise/Corporate
(Leader of a Fortune 1000 company with local or global reach)
• Technology Executive of the Year – Education
(Leader of an accredited U.S. based secondary institution, college or university)
• Technology Executive of the Year – Nonprofit/Public Sector
(Leader of government institution or other not-for-profit organization generating at minimum $1M in revenue)
• Technology Executive of the Year – SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business)
(Leader of a business with 100 or fewer employees (small), or 100-999 employees (medium-sized)
Entrepreneur of the Year ($1Million – $5 Million) – (C-Suite executives only) nominees must be the Founder/Owner of a technology product or services company with $1M – $5 M in annual revenue who is also a thought leader or influencer. Nominee must demonstrate outstanding community service, impact and promote diversity within their organizations in alignment with ITSMF’s mission and goals.
Entrepreneur of the Year (More than $5 Million) – (C-Suite executives only) nominees must be the Founder/Owner of a technology product or services company with more than $5M in annual revenue who is also a thought leader or influencer. Nominee must demonstrate outstanding community service, impact and promote diversity within their organizations in alignment with ITSMF’s mission and goals.
Technology Leader on the Rise – (non C-Suite executives) nominees are Technology/Digital Executives one or two levels from the C-Suite (i.e. Director, VP or VP-equivalent) who is also a thought leader or influencer. Nominee must demonstrate outstanding community service, impact and promote diversity within their organizations in alignment with ITSMF’s mission and goals.
• Technology Leader on the Rise – Global
(Leader of a Fortune 100 company with reach beyond the U.S. and U.S. territories)
• Technology Leader on the Rise – Enterprise/Corporate
(Leader of a Fortune 1000 company with local or global reach)
• Technology Leader on the Rise – Education
(Leader of an accredited U.S. based secondary institution, college or university)
• Technology Leader on the Rise – Nonprofit/Public Sector
(Leader of government institution or other not-for-profit organization generating at minimum $1M in revenue)
• Technology Leader on the Rise – SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business)
(Leader of a business with 100 or fewer employees (small), or 100-999 employees (medium-sized)

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