Meet the Women Powering Charlotte’s Technology

Published on March 26, 2026

Members of the WEWIT ERN pose together at a career journeys event.

Members of WEWIT at an event learning about career journeys.

The technology field remains a male-dominated field. According to a report from Skillsoft, women make up 25% of the technology workforce. At the City of Charlotte, women are leading technology and providing support for women in the field.

The Women Empowering Women in Technology (WEWIT) group started in 2019 and was re-introduced as an employee resource network in 2024. It’s a supportive group for women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roles across the city. It provides a special space for women in STEM to showcase their success, learn new skills, network and volunteer in the community.

Inspiration to Leadership

Assistant Innovation & Technology Director Crystal Combs has been with the group since the beginning and is one of the leads for WEWIT. She says, “I have always aspired to support women in STEM and the WEWIT group was a perfect opportunity.”

A woman presents at a podium while three women stand off to the side. One is clapping.

Crystal Combs recognizing Tina Godwin, Shanta Scott and Deborah Donald during a department meeting for their leadership and service in technology.

Combs started her technology career in the U.S. Navy where she learned about electronics, communication circuits and hardware support. Now, she leads the operations, enterprise applications, public safety and water divisions within the Innovation & Technology Department.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, she is inspired by Mel Robbins, Brene Brown and many others. She was also inspired by a woman who set up a major information sharing initiative in the San Diego area supporting law enforcement. The woman facilitated discussions and made such an amazing impact for local and national agencies in the law enforcement technology space.

Now, Combs motivates and supports others. One of her favorite WEWIT events was an event focused on women in technology sharing their career journeys with members. The group also provides networking and development opportunities.

Charting a Path Forward

Members are also working on some of the city’s biggest technology projects. The city is on a path to modernizing city applications which means upgrades, transitions to the cloud and learning new skills across I&T to better support its customers.

Five women pose together for a photo at a conference, where they presented.

Rebecca Serena, Jackie Tynan, Diannah Halim, Charlitta Hatch and Lindsay McCleary at the Women in Data Conference.

Earlier this week, WEWIT executive sponsor Charlitta Hatch and members Jackie Tynan, Rebecca Serena and Diannah Halim presented at the Women in Data Science conference at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Members also helped plan the City’s Data Conference held in February each year.

As the city grows, WEWIT encourages women to join the field. Combs says, “Do not be afraid of technology and stay curious! Depending on which area of technology you have interest, find courses on LinkedIn and opportunities to get involved in technology projects across the city.”

The City of Charlotte offers many great opportunities and benefits, like this ERN, to its employees. Learn more and search for available jobs on the City Jobs web page.