Ann’s Bio
Ann Madea has over 25 years of technology experience and was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer U.S. for HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world.
Throughout her career, Ann has held U.S., Global and America’s leadership positions focusing on strategy, execution, operations and leading technology and business transformation. Ann drives results and impact to differentiate customer experience and business enablement, while realizing the potential of the U.S. contributions to the Global network.
Ann is passionate about women and girls in technology and was recently the Executive Sponsor for the Summer Immersion Program for ‘Girls Who Code’, a nonprofit organization which aims to increase the number of women in computer science. Ann is also a frequent speaker, mentor, and coach dedicated to the advancement of women in business and technology.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and serves on the Advisory Board for UIC’s College of Engineering.
WITH GROUPS CREATING PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE FEMALES TO CONSIDER STEM, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER TO ENTRY THAT IS STILL PREVALENT TODAY?
Studies are showing that a girl’s interest in STEM changes (or falls off of a cliff) by the age of 13. Having spoken to girls in high school, they are still the minority in STEM courses and they do encounter pushback and peer pressure from their classmates. These girls chose to not give up, but think of the number of girls that did give up!
I also did an informal survey with my senior women colleagues and the vast majority went into STEM because their parents, in particular, their fathers, strongly encouraged them. Personally, my father encouraged me to take a programming class in College and that’s what I ended up pursuing. We can’t underestimate the role parents play.
Women also need to see other women in senior-level positions in the organization. This gives hope that they too can achieve that level or greater.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by people who work hard to achieve their goals through integrity, empathy, taking risks and strong leadership. Trusted leaders who give back also inspire me.
I am truly inspired by my 2 daughters as they start their careers. I am so proud of them. They have worked hard and I look forward to seeing them progress and make a difference in the world. I am also inspired by my parents who have worked so hard and achieved so much in their lives.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT/ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I am exceptionally proud of my career and the opportunities and risk I have taken throughout. I always chose honesty and integrity, commitment and continuous learning. Without those qualities, real success is never possible.