OUR STORY
It started over a glass of wine. (Or two.) Five of us gathered to catch-up and commiserate about the craziness of the industry, jobs, and life in general. We had known each other—or in some cases had known of each other—for a very long time in the ad tech space. We had been colleagues, clients, partners, and vendors. When we paid the check that night, we realized that this small community we had cultivated was so rewarding and impactful that we wanted to bottle it up and share it like the Cabernet we had finished off.
And thus, TechBae was born. In October 2018, we hosted our first ever TechBae event where 50+ female executives from leading ad tech and media companies got together to lift up and empower one another. It has been quite the journey ever since…when great women come together, incredible things really do happen!
Bae, or the slang for “before anyone else,” represents the pact we have made with each other and our extended network. A commitment to advocate for each other and the women that will come after us.
Our Mission
“TechBae advances equality by creating meaningful connections and developing opportunities for women across all levels within the Ad Tech & media landscape.”
BAE FOUNDERS ON THE GO
SEEMA
PATEL
It’s safe to say that in Tech Bae–and the industry–Seema is our connective tissue, ensuring that we are constantly raising each other up with opportunities, networking, and, well, connections. She knows almost everyone (no joke!) and is respected and liked by all as a no-nonsense advocate for diversity, inclusion, and getting things done. Just like her trips all over the world to celebrate family and friends, she constantly connects our history and future together as a welcome statement.
SARAH
FOSS
As a female leader always surrounded by men, Sarah Foss brings a direct, let’s-do-what’s-not-been-done-before passion to Tech Bae. A seasoned executive, she knows the only way to make change is to, well, make it happen. (Or, as she likes to remind her co-founders, it’s not being bossy, but aggressively helpful.) She loves her sports, especially watching her athlete daughter, and hasn’t traveled anywhere lately that doesn’t have a river for rowing. (Shown here at Mercer Lake, New Jersey.)
CHRISTINA VILLANO
Christina Villano proves that glass ceilings and boundaries are meant to be broken…every damn day. As a fiercely capable leader, she not only breaks through bullsh*t but helps her Baes do the same. Known as our “Mama Bear,” she works hard with and for her teams–and plays hard around the world with her family. (Can’t you just see the joy in this picture from the Italian Riviera?)
BRENDA
SALCE-GARCIA
To say that Brenda is a champion for women in media, technology, and advertising is simply an understatement. Her bold voice and gregarious nature has catapulted Tech Bae and her career into a number of adventures, ensuring that others are lifted up to come along for the ride. And, while she is comfortable chillin’ in the sun and surf of her birth country, the Dominican Republic, Brenda is a force to be reckoned with.
HEATHER
McCREA
Heather McCrea is Tech Bae’s moral compass. Having walked many miles through a male-dominated industry as a single mom, she knows how hard the road can be; now, Heather’s passion is to help other women navigate their paths. An avid hiker and world traveler, Heather knows her North Star, which includes taking time with friends and family on the road. Not afraid of a road less traveled, Heather recently walked through the gorgeous foothills of Scotland with friends.
Grit. Grace. Transformation. Inspiration. Rewarding. Empowerment. Career-building. Community.