CONNSTEP’s Anna Mumford Named 2026 Women of Innovation Finalist by Connecticut Technology Council

The Connecticut Technology Council has announced the 47 finalists for its 21st annual Women of Innovation Awards, recognizing women across the state who are advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through leadership, innovation, and mentorship.

Selected from a competitive field of 100 nominations, this year's finalists represent a diverse cross-section of Connecticut's innovation community, including manufacturers, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and technology professionals whose work is driving business growth and scientific advancement.

Among this year's finalists is Anna Mumford, Cybersecurity Consultant at CONNSTEP, who has been nominated in the Corporate Innovation & Leadership – Small/Medium Business category. This marks Anna's second Women of Innovation nomination, recognizing her continued leadership in helping Connecticut manufacturers strengthen their cybersecurity posture and build more resilient operations, particularly surrounding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

"I am honored to be named a Women of Innovation finalist for the second time,” said Mumford. “To be recognized alongside so many inspiring women who are advancing STEM and driving innovation across Connecticut is truly meaningful. Cybersecurity is more than my profession, it's a passion.”

"Anna's expertise and commitment to helping Connecticut manufacturers strengthen their cybersecurity and resilience exemplifies the innovative leadership and collaborative spirit that Women of Innovation celebrates,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO, CONNSTEP. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate Anna and congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment."

Held annually since 2005, the Women of Innovation program celebrates women who are making meaningful contributions to Connecticut's STEM community while serving as mentors and leaders for the next generation. Over the past two decades, the program has grown into one of the state's largest networks supporting women in technology, engineering, and science.

"For 21 years, this program has celebrated the incredible women whose ideas, leadership, and achievements are shaping Connecticut's innovation community," said Milena Stankova Erwin, Executive Director of the Connecticut Technology Council. "We're proud to continue this tradition and look forward to recognizing the inspiring impact these women are making across Connecticut and beyond."

This year's finalists span nine award categories, recognizing innovation and leadership in corporate, entrepreneurial, academic, community, research, collegiate, and youth STEM fields. Beyond individual achievement, the awards highlight the strength of Connecticut's talent pipeline and the organizations investing in innovation across industries—including manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, education, cybersecurity, and advanced technology.

For manufacturers, programs like Women of Innovation underscore the importance of developing and recognizing STEM talent. As manufacturers continue to adopt advanced technologies, automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, cultivating diverse technical leadership has become increasingly important to driving innovation and long-term competitiveness.

The 2026 Women of Innovation Awards will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at The Woodwinds in Branford, where finalists will be recognized and winners announced across all nine categories. Youth finalists will also receive scholarships to support their continued education and careers in STEM.



CONNSTEP congratulates Anna Mumford on this well-deserved honor and extends its congratulations to all of this year's Women of Innovation finalists.

“This recognition is truly an honor, and I’m grateful to the Connecticut Technology Council for celebrating the women who are leading innovation and helping shape Connecticut’s future,” said Mumford.

CONNSTEP also celebrates Sorceres Rivera-Tamarez, Program Manager, Quality & Innovation at the Pathways Academy of Technology and Design for CONNSTEP affiliate ReadyCT, who was named a finalist in the Community Innovation & Leadership category. Together, these recognitions reflect the outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing Connecticut's workforce education and manufacturing communities across the CBIA, CONNSTEP, and ReadyCT family.