When most people think about tech careers, they picture giants like Microsoft or Google. But some of the most dynamic and impactful tech work is happening in industries you might not expect — from the cockpit to the vault.
This panel brings together technology professionals from aviation, banking, and beyond to explore how AI is transforming their fields and creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of tech talent. Panelists will discuss how AI is being applied in their industries, what roles are in demand, and what job seekers need to know to stand out.
If you're curious about where a tech career can take you, this conversation will open your eyes to a world of possibilities beyond traditional tech.
As the Managing Director of Software Engineering for the eCommerce organization, Clare Megathlin serves as a change leader driving strategy and execution for all guest facing technology at Alaska Air Group. In collaboration with product management, the commercial team, and operating divisions, Clare oversees the implementation of technology and processes that drive forward momentum around growing revenues. streamlining operations and defining guest interaction.
Clare joined Alaska Airlines in 2015 in the IT organization, where she led technology team designing and developing the employee facing technology tools and played a critical leadership role in the integration of Virgin America.
Duncan Taylor is the CEO of the Washington Bankers Association and serves as President of CareerWork$. He is a seasoned association management professional and an experienced small business and nonprofit technology consultant. He’s a third-generation “accidental banker”, as both his mother and grandmother had careers at Washington Mutual. Duncan grew up around “the bank”, and it left an indelible impression on him as to the nobility of the work the industry performs
Duncan is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School, and holds an ABA Bank Operations Diploma, along with a Certificate of Excellence from the Society for Nonprofits’ Leadership and Management program at Michigan State University.
Dr. Shawn L. Ramirez is a seasoned entrepreneur and Data/AI expert with a proven track record of accelerating high-growth technology companies from early-stage R&D to broad impact. Her career spans the full innovation lifecycle—from architecting AI-driven systems to overseeing the development of over 200 tech products to now pioneering the use of AI in healthcare.
A former Harvard Fellow and Emory professor, Shawn brings a rare combination of academic rigor and "in-the-trenches" startup leadership. She is a frequent advisor to growth-stage companies and serves on boards for Ethical AI and Education, where she helps define the roadmap for scaling in the AI era and career pathways in technology.