TECH PROFESSIONAL
KARI KALGREN
RAHIM ISLAM
director of operations | MAXX Potential Durham
Islam collects “resignation letters” at work. Those letters signify company apprentices moving on to their careers. Supervisors say his experience as a tech business analyst gives him an ability to mentor aspiring professionals. How AI can help: Writer’s block? ChatGPT can get you started. Encountering errors in your code? Gemini can provide a solution. Favorite tech executive: MAXX Potential CEO Kim Mahan embraces cutting-edge technologies while also prioritizing people and society. Influence: Jason Golt was my mentor at my first job in Genworth, Michigan. He helped me land a job at the Clorox Company in Durham. He once drove across Raleigh to jump my car in a Kroger parking lot.
COURTNEY KEIPER controller | Netsertive Raleigh
Keiper took on the role of controller in January after starting with Netsertive as a financial analyst in November 2020. In 2023, she earned the Team Player Award, the most prestigious accolade at the company. How AI can help: Complete mundane tasks that can dominate our lives so we can focus on the real tasks we want to accomplish. Favorite tech executive: Alphabet CEO Ruth Porat because of her belief in long-term investing in the development of technology. Influence: Netsertive CFO Bill Green has provided me with many “life lessons” that will stick with me throughout my career. What others say: “Courtney’s ingenuity has spurred a complete overhaul of accounting processes, elevating them to best-in-class standards,” says Sydney Kleinsasser, marketing manager for Netsertive. Outside work: Spending time outdoors hiking and gardening. Making a difference: Keiper is program manager of Netsertive Gives Back program. She coordinates fundraisers and events with organizations including Toys for Tots, the Boys and Girls Club and the American Heart Association. She also runs the company Wellness Challenge, which encourages employees to exercise, read and take care of their mental health.
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How AI can help: In healthcare, it makes the invisible, visible. AI can analyze and organize medical data in minutes or days, where a search to discover these insights in the past would have taken months.
What others say: “Kari is passionate about closing gaps in care for underserved populations. That drives everything she does each day in her role at Premier,” says Noah Zachary, senior director at Premier.
Making a difference: Works with several community groups focused on economic empowerment and civil rights.
N O R T H
Kalgren sees her job as a “matchmaker” between the health system, life sciences organizations and clients. She’s helping address the nation’s health equity crisis by leading a notable life sciences organization collaboration alongside Henry Ford Innovations, one of the nation’s leading healthcare innovation programs.
Influence: Zoe, Ryan, Elise, Denise, and others. They cleared paths, removed barriers and encouraged innovation when others couldn’t see it.
Outside work: Traveling abroad. I’m the only person in my family, aside from my father, to have traveled out of the country. He was only able to travel due to his U.S. Navy service.
B U S I N E S S
Charlotte
Favorite tech executive: Two organizations: Midi Health uses technology to serve women in need of mid-life care related to menopause; Charlotte-based Mentra brings together neurodivergent individuals with employers in software, UX and data.
What others say: “Rahim exemplifies the qualities and the heart of a true leader in the tech industry with his ability to inspire and guide others in their career paths while exercising a strategic vision for business growth,” says Elizabeth Papile, company marketing director.
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executive director, strategy and innovation, PINC AI applied sciences | Premier
Outside work: Travel, live music, dogs (bigger the better) and time with my two teenage daughters and husband. Many hours spent at volleyball courts or track meets. Making a difference: Passionate about the city of Charlotte and making it better. Kalgren has been on boards of NCMedAssist, currently Charlotte Family Housing and a grant-making group, the Women’s Impact Fund.
LOPAMUDRA MAHAPATRA senior director, global alliances | Infosys Limited Raleigh
Mahapatra’s success can be seen in some of her awards. Infosys named her “Most Valuable Contributor,” one of the company’s most prestigious awards. She was an “All Star” with Women of Color in Technology, given to tech leaders across the United States. How AI can help: Faster and better decision making and predictions on outcomes. Favorite tech executive: Former Meta COO Sheryl Sandburg because of her inspiring journey from Harvard to the board room. What others say: “Lopamudra has always tried to empower, support and uplift women and tech talents through various forums,” says Linda Gossage, AVP Global Alliances. Outside work: Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Women in Agile and KaBoom, a group that builds playgrounds for children. Making a difference: Helps with Habitat for Humanity, speaker at women in tech events, makes YouTube videos used for K-9 STEM education. Her podcast has a reach of 300,000.
C A R O L I N A
5/21/24 8:52 AM