Lenel’s chief technology officer, Ewa Pigna, has been recognized as the 2016 Technology Woman of the Year by Digital Rochester, a group of technology professionals in the Rochester region. 

 

Lenel, a provider of advanced, integrated security systems, is part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. 

 

The annual award recognizes, celebrates and makes visible the achievements of women in high-technology fields, as well as contributions to their communities. Pigna was selected from 14 nominees and honored at a recent event.

 

“This award is recognition of the outstanding technical work being done in the Rochester area, but more important, it recognizes the role of women in the field,” Pigna said. “Women need role models and mentors to help them achieve their goals in a highly technical industry. Diversity is something that benefits everyone.”

 

As Lenel’s chief technical officer, Pigna focuses on new product development and innovation, as well as developing technology partnerships. Previously she worked for UTC Fire & Security as principal software engineer of software architecture. There, she was named a United Technologies fellow for her software architecture expertise and contributions to the business. 

 

Prior to joining United Technologies, she was a software technology leader at General Electric, where she received the GE Security CEO Award and the GE Woman in Technology Award. She was awarded several patents for her work on mobile devices and security applications. Pigna also worked as a software developer for access control manufacturer, CASI, and began her career as a software engineer for IBM Corp.