WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Each year at the Elevate Her Gala, STEM for Her proudly honors an exceptional woman whose leadership, achievements, and dedication have made a lasting impact in STEM and in the lives of others. The Woman of the Year Award recognizes trailblazers who break barriers, inspire innovation, champion STEM education, and create opportunities for the next generation of girls and women pursuing STEM careers.


Recipients exemplify excellence in their profession while demonstrating a deep commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and advancing the representation of women in STEM fields. Through their accomplishments and service, they serve as role models and catalysts for change throughout our region.

Conference banners for “Woman of the Year” awards displayed in a hotel hallway, labeled 2023–2026.
Three women pose onstage beneath a STEM for HER banner, smiling and holding bouquets.

MILE CORRIGAN

2026 Woman of the Year

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Mile Corrigan serves as president and CEO of Noblis where she sets the corporate business strategy and overall science and technology priorities for solving complex problems that benefit the public and advance federal government missions. In this capacity, she directs and oversees research programs, business and technology investments, and cultivates strategic partnerships that fuel the company’s innovation pipeline.


Corrigan previously served as the company’s executive vice president (EVP), overseeing the strategic direction of its overall scientific, technical, financial and administrative activities. While serving as EVP, she launched Noblis Ventures, which she operationalized as CEO in 2023, to enable the firm to invest in early stage, deep-tech startups that accelerate dual-use technology to the federal government in the areas of autonomy, robotics, quantum computing, immersive technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning and biodefense.


Corrigan has a distinguished record of delivering strong financial results and innovative outcomes for federal missions. In her prior role as senior vice president for Noblis’ federal civilian portfolio, she led market strategies for large-scale federal programs. As a technologist and innovative business leader, she delivered advanced technology solutions for complex lifecycle programs in IT, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications and aerospace missions.


Corrigan has served on numerous industry panels and published a broad range of technical papers in peer-reviewed journals and symposia including digital information technology, cross-platform computing, user experience, interoperability of autonomous systems and AI. She has received professional recognitions in the government and technology sectors, including Women in Technology awards for her business leadership and recognition for her technical innovations in Green Information Technology.



Corrigan earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in management science and information technology from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. She currently serves on the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Tech College of Engineering.


Past Woman of the Year Honorees

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FRAN CRAIG

2025

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AISHA BOWE

2024

Smiling professional in navy blazer and red blouse against a light background
SHAWN PURVIS

2023

TONI TOWNES-WHITLEY

2022

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