About the Award
The IEEE WIE Technology and Leadership Award Fund is established to recognize technologists for their outstanding contributions to engineering and
technology and for championing collaborative practices that foster innovation through global engagement.
This award is sponsored by Walmart Global Tech. 
2026 IEEE Women in Technology & Leadership Award Recipient – Preeti Bajaj
“In recognition of enabling Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Development in ITS and Medical Devices.”
Congratulations, Preeti!!!
What inspires Preeti…
“The three words’ Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn’ by Alvin Toffler strongly resonate with my philosophy of life. I believe these words encourage continuous growth, positivity, adaptability, humility, and openness towards change and innovation.
What inspires me is young minds’ limitless capacity, skills, potential, and meaningful dreams. The world today faces countless challenges, and I am inspired by every individual who sincerely uses technology, innovation, knowledge, and leadership in their own way to better humanity and society.
I believe that those who can dream, visualize, and think beyond boundaries also carry the responsibility to become torchbearers for others. Throughout my journey of 35 years, I have dedicated myself to empowering students, supporting teachers, contributing through IEEE, and working towards technology-driven solutions that can positively impact society.
I have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from my family — my mother, my elder sister who has always cared for and guided me like a mother, my younger sister, the children in the family whose love and encouragement keep me motivated, and my extended family whose blessings, encouragement, and constant support have always strengthened me throughout my journey.
My late father has been my greatest inspiration and guiding force. His values, discipline, integrity, and belief in education, hard work, and humanity shaped my vision and purpose in life. I dedicate this recognition to his memory with deep gratitude and emotion.
I am deeply thankful to all my students, colleagues, collaborators, mentors, employers and well-wishers who trusted me, believed in my vision, and continuously supported me throughout this journey. This recognition is also for every woman in technology who comes from a small town or humble background yet carries big dreams, courage, determination, and the vision to create meaningful impact. I hope my journey inspires more women to believe in themselves, rise beyond limitations, and continue leading with confidence and purpose.”
Schedule
The IEEE WIE Awards submissions window is now closed. It will reopen on 1 January 2027 for the 2027 Awards.
Scope
One award annually
Basis Of Selection
In the evaluation process, the following criteria should be considered:
- Individual technologist/engineer.
- IEEE WIE Member of member grade or higher in at least the candidate’s second consecutive year of WIE membership.
- Candidate cannot be a member of the IEEE WIE Committee (voting members) or IEEE WIE Awards and Recognition Committee.
- Impact of the candidate’s experience in the candidate’s field, timeliness, innovation and groundbreaking solutions, leadership, professional contributions, and for championing collaborative practices that foster innovation through global engagement.
- Track record of volunteer contributions to IEEE and the WIE mission.
- Nomination must be endorsed by three individuals including at least two IEEE members.
- Self-nominations and nominations from others are acceptable.
Applicants may apply multiple times but can only receive the award one time. Previous IEEE Medal recipients are not considered eligible candidates.
Selection Committee
- IEEE WIE Committee voting members will evaluate all candidates and select the winner.
Prize
- Certificate of Recognition
- A Plaque
- Cash prize in the amount of US$10,000
Instructions & Guidelines For Award Nominations
Nominators can submit nominations, endorsers can upload endorsement letters all within the online system.
Please email wie-award@ieee.org if you have any questions about this award or the IEEE WIE Awards process.
