The hiring landscape is changing fast. AI tools are transforming the recruiting process, reshaping job descriptions, and raising the bar on what employers expect from candidates. In this session, talent specialists share candid insights on how to navigate your job search, position your skills, and land a role in today's evolving tech market.
Karthika (Kathy) Ahuja is an industry leader specializing in Cybersecurity Compliance. Focusing on the intersection of talent and technology, she is passionate about helping emerging professionals navigate the evolving hiring landscape in the age of AI.
In her current role at Unisys as a fractional CISO, she drives strategic client engagement and oversees cybersecurity risk management for Fortune 500 clients. Over the past 25 years, Kathy has held Information Security leadership roles at Kalles Group, Qumulo, OneLogin, DocuSign, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Kathy has been serving on the board of Computing For All for the past three years, bringing her deep technical expertise and passion for emerging professionals directly to the mission we serve. She holds a degree in English Literature from Carleton University (Ottawa) and an Associate's degree in Management Information Systems from Trios College (Toronto).
Justin Santillan graduated with a B.A. in Marketing and Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University in 2018. He is currently a Marketplace Talent Specialist at TEKsystems, recognized for strategic implementations across the company. He has supported many communities around the US based around military service, multi-cultural, and women in technology. He is an active mentor in Big Brother Big Sister of Puget Sound.
Annalisa Naccarato is a Senior Recruiter at Amazon in Seattle, where she spends her days connecting legal professionals with one of the world's most innovative companies. With over five years of recruiting experience at Amazon and a background in placing candidates across the North America and LATAM regions, she has a front-row view of how AI is changing the hiring game — and what it really takes to get noticed. Today, she's here to share what she knows so you can walk away ready to stand out.
Kate Zimberg, PhD is a senior HR executive and executive coach with deep experience in the technology and telecommunications industries — intentionally building a career that bridges strategy and execution, and translating talent solutions into real business results.
As the founder of Novatra Coaching, Kate works with senior leaders and executive teams to expand their strategic impact, strengthen executive presence, and lead with greater clarity and influence. She brings both psychological insight and operational credibility to every engagement.
Her executive career includes senior roles at F5 — including VP of Employee Experience & Enablement, SVP of Global Talent Solutions, and Interim Chief People Officer — as well as HR leadership roles at T-Mobile and Microsoft.
Kate holds a master's degree and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Purdue University — grounding everything she does in both rigorous research and real-world practice.