SAS executive honored as one of Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology

SAS Vice President of Research and Development Oita Coleman has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council. This list features the most prominent leaders who drive change, innovate and inspire others to succeed while contributing to the business direction of the organization. Coleman has been key to driving SAS’ strategic growth and business goals.

“Oita is an inspirational leader who has made a positive impact on our business and employees,” said Jenn Mann, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at SAS. “As a well-respected executive, she is a role model who inspires both women and men through her mentorship and encouragement of the next generation of technology innovators.”

By leading the SAS quality testing organization for many years, Coleman has contributed to SAS’ success through her devotion to continuous improvement. Committed to overall customer satisfaction, she ensures the quality of SAS^® products and solutions throughout the software development life cycle. To ensure that SAS functional and technical solutions meet business requirements, Coleman leads, coordinates and directs more than 800 software testing professionals in the United States, Scotland, China and India.

Coleman not only invests incredible energy and time in SAS products, she also nurtures individual contributors and teams. By cultivating future STEM talent through student recruitment and mentorship programs, she focuses on advancing educational and career development opportunities for underrepresented minorities and women. Coleman also helped develop inclusion programs like SAS’ Black Initiatives Group as well as SAS’ Big Ideas which gives employees a platform to share an idea or interest that they are passionate about. She even began SAS’ Quality Week where employees can experience products firsthand and offer relevant and timely feedback.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this talented and prestigious list of top technology leaders who share my commitment to sparking innovation and advocating workplace diversity,” said Coleman. “I am proud to share my passion to advocate for the next generation of technology professionals, ensuring a vital pipeline of top talent to secure SAS’ continued growth.”

Coleman also recently received the Great Place to Work^® For All^™ Leadership Award recognizing women leaders from companies on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For.

About the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology list

Every year, the National Diversity Council compiles a list of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology to feature some of the highest-caliber executive leaders within the technology industry. The list specifically recognizes the achievements of women who are breaking barriers and setting high standards for themselves and others. These women are the most prominent leaders, having reached the top of their profession by being effective leaders in their organizations.