CCI junior Ana Pathak receives inaugural Kathy Harris Award

Monday, August 9, 2021

Ana PathakAna Pathak, a junior Computer Science major from Cornelius, North Carolina, is the inaugural recipient of the Kathy Harris Service and Leadership Award, which honors and encourages the next generation of female technology leaders.

Harris, who passed away in 2020, was an accomplished technology leader, change maker, innovator and advocate for broad and meaningful diversity in technology. As a pioneer in the Charlotte technology community, Harris overcame many barriers associated with being a woman in the information technology industry. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was to be a mentor and role model to many young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); establishing herself as an important member of several technology and educational organizations including the N.C. Technology Association, Women in Science and Engineering program, SIM Charlotte Chapter and the School of Physical and Mathematics Sciences at N.C. State. Her involvement within UNC Charlotte’s College of Computing and Informatics spanned more than 20 years and included multiple speaking engagements, being a consistent benefactor toward the college’s mission and service as member and chair of the CCI Dean’s Advisory Board.

Pathak, a transfer from Appalachian State, was nominated by her academic advisor, Ryan Mulkeen. The junior stated coming to UNC Charlotte changed her life and wants to give back by mentoring others, especially women and other underrepresented minorities in computing. 

“I have grown so much as a person and am now trying to take advantage of the many opportunities UNCC gives its students to grow,” said Pathak, who dreams of working with various types of technology upon graduation “in a way that I can give back to the community and be a part of something bigger than myself. To receive the first Kathy Harris Award is a huge honor. She embodied everything I strive to be and is a role model whose legacy will continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself and keep growing.”