Women+ in Technology of Mississippi National Leadership Team
Tiffany Benitez - National President & Founder
Tiffany is a seasoned technology leader with 23 years of experience across multiple industries, including finance, retail, and food manufacturing. She began her 12-year career at Bank of America, transitioning from the business side to technology after six years. Tiffany then moved to Walmart’s Global Data Technology organization, where she led portfolio strategy, Data Governance and the transformation to Agile and Product. She continued her career at Lowe’s, overseeing cyber-security strategy, data governance, GRC and communications, while also championing women in technology through BRG and Women in Tech leadership roles. As Senior Director at Tyson Foods, Tiffany led IT applications, business engagement, and S4 & Product transformation teams, co-chairing the Women's Business Resource Group and leading Tyson’s Women in Technology group. Currently, Tiffany is the Head of Data & AI Governance at Compass Group USA, where she drives the transformation of enterprise data governance. A passionate advocate for women, she is also the founder and president of Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas, a National non-profit, with chapters expanded all over the US, dedicated to empowering women in tech. Tiffany is an author, speaker, and advocate for change, using her strong people skills to inspire growth and leadership.
Stephanie Hedgepeth - MS Chapter President
Stephanie Hedgepeth is a change agent with more than 17 years of experience leading teams, shaping technology policy, and driving innovation across the public and private sectors. Her wide range of experience and chronic curiosity have led her to her current role as Chief Strategy Officer at the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), where she leads the Office of Enterprise Strategy and Innovation.
In that role, Stephanie leads in setting the technology direction for the entire state — helping Mississippi's agencies plan smarter, operate more efficiently, and serve citizens more effectively. Her work spans strategic planning, enterprise architecture, technology governance, AI innovation, and procurement reform. She built her division from the ground up, and her fingerprints are on some of the most forward-looking initiatives in Mississippi government today, including the state's first AI Innovation Hub and the launch of the first statewide CIO Council.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Technology from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois Chicago. She brings a distinctive blend of technical depth and strategic leadership that has served her well across every role she has held — from identity and access management and statewide IT procurement to performance management and legislative engagement.
A proud Mississippian, Stephanie lives in the Jackson Metro area with her husband and two daughters. Outside of work, you'll find her listening to live music, at a volleyball game cheering on her girls, or channeling her creativity through painting, digital illustration, and photography.
Stephanie is honored to step into the role of Mississippi Chapter President for Women+ in Technology and looks forward to building community, championing opportunity, and opening doors for women across the state's technology ecosystem.