The Women & Technology Summit is thrilled to feature Erika Cheung as this year’s keynote speaker. Known for her role as one of the whistleblowers who exposed unethical practices at Theranos, Erika’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of ethics in business and technology. Her keynote address on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 6 -8 p.m. in the Tudor Room will highlight her experiences and the critical lessons she learned about accountability and integrity.
A Journey of Courage and Advocacy
Erika’s time at Theranos revealed the dangers of sidelining ethics in the pursuit of success. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“Before my time at Theranos, I assumed ethics were just part of how businesses operated. But what I saw there made me realize how often ethics is treated as an afterthought. It should be deeply embedded in every aspect of a business—from hiring and fundraising to daily operations.”
This realization has fueled her mission to advocate for accountability as a cornerstone of organizational culture. Through her keynote, Erika will challenge attendees to rethink how ethics is integrated into their work, asking the critical questions: What does it mean to be ethical? How can organizations uphold the highest standards in every decision they make?
Empowering Individuals to Drive Accountability
One of Erika’s key messages is that building a culture of accountability starts with individuals. She emphasized the importance of self-awareness in this process:
“What are your values? Your boundaries? Where do you draw the line? Once you understand that, you can align yourself with organizations that share your principles. And if something doesn’t feel right, never underestimate the power of speaking up.”
While whistleblowing is one of the most challenging forms of advocacy, Erika believes that cultivating the courage to have difficult conversations and promoting hope-based initiatives are equally vital. “It’s not just about avoiding what’s wrong—it’s about striving for what’s right. That’s how we create ethical cultures,” she said.
You Won’t Want to Miss This Keynote
Erika’s story is a timely reminder of the need to balance technological progress with ethical responsibility. Her experiences as a whistleblower at Theranos and her insights into creating a culture of accountability make her keynote a must-attend session for anyone passionate about ethical leadership and innovation. Her story is truly unbelievable, and we are so excited to hear the lessons she’s learned, where she is now, and how she’s changed due to her experiences. Beyond Erika’s keynote, the Women & Technology Summit will also feature Tara Aggarwal, Responsible AI Leader at Microsoft, as the plenary luncheon speaker on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the Frangipani Room. Tara’s work on responsible AI and ethical technology aligns perfectly with the Summit’s mission of fostering meaningful conversations about innovation, inclusivity, and ethics.
Join Us at the Women & Technology Summit
The Women & Technology Summit offers attendees the chance to engage with leaders and changemakers, explore cutting-edge topics, and leave inspired to make a difference. From Erika Cheung’s keynote to interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and professional development sessions, the event promises to be transformative.
Register today to secure your spot and be part of this impactful experience. Let’s redefine leadership, ethics, and accountability together.
