September 18, 2020 — CHICAGO — AVANT Communications a platform for IT decision-making and the nation’s premier distributor for next generation technology, announced that Shannon Orr, National Partner Manager, was one of four women to receive Alliance of Channel Women 2020 LEAD Award recognizing exceptional female leaders in the tech channel.
The fourth annual LEAD Award winners were honored at a ceremony during the ACWConnect Live! Virtual Event on September 17.
“Alliance of Channel Women started the LEAD Awards four years ago as a way for our members to recognize the female channel leaders who we look to as role models and advocates for women in the channel,” said Michelle Kadlacek, Chair of the ACW Awards Committee and Vice President, Enterprise Channel Partner Program for Spectrum Enterprise. “Shannon was selected by the ACW Board of Directors as one of only four women to receive this award. She is in rare company and we are grateful for her continued inspiration and leadership.”
Shannon began her professional career with AVANT as the 6th employee and has been a lead contributor to the growth of their VAR community. She is originally from West Philadelphia, graduating from University of Toledo in 2011. In her tenure with AVANT, Shannon’s expertise has resulted in four elevations across the sales function, having earned AVANT’s coveted President’s Club Award twice along the way. Shannon co-chairs the company’s charity initiatives, organizing fundraisers and events for regional and global charitable organizations. She also serves as co-captain for the Alliance of Channel Women’s Chicago chapter, having grown the group from 4 to 75 over the course of a year.
“Shannon has been an invaluable asset to AVANT, our partners, customers and other female channel members over the past several years and I’m thrilled to see her recognized for all of her achievements,” said Ian Kieninger, chief executive officer, AVANT. “Organizations like the Alliance of Channel Women are incredible resources for the strong and aspiring women who are leading the industry.”
The 2020 ACW LEAD Award winners were chosen by the ACW Board of Directors from nominees submitted via online application between July 6 and August 7, 2020. Nominations came from third parties or candidates themselves. All applicants were required to demonstrate leadership and innovation in the channel as well as support, advocacy and mentorship of women in the channel.
The ACW LEAD Award is presented annually to celebrate women who are courageous, creative, collaborative, connected and confident in advancing channel careers. It also seeks to inspire other channel women to follow their lead.
About AVANT Communications
AVANT Communications is a platform for IT decision-making and the nation’s premier distributor for next-generation technologies. AVANT provides unique value to its extensive network of Trusted Advisors with original research, channel sales assistance, training, and tools to guide decision-making around IT services that promote business growth. From complex cloud designs to global wide-area network deployments to the latest in security services, AVANT sets the industry standard in enabling its partners and clients to make intelligent, data-driven decisions about services, technology and cost-effective communications. For more information, visit www.goavant.net, or connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About the Alliance of Channel Women
Founded in 2010, the Alliance of Channel Women is a not-for-profit organization of women in the indirect sales channel of the telecom and IT industry. ACW brings us together to empower and advance women’s careers and leadership roles in the technology channel through education, community, advocacy and opportunities for personal growth. To learn more and to become a member, please visit www.allianceofchannelwomen.org.
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