

Women in Tech Meetup: Efficiency by Design: AI in Action at Highmark
Generative AI is changing the way organizations operate, and Highmark is leading the way.
Join us on Wednesday, September 24 from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Seneca One Auditorium, a hub for tech and innovation in Buffalo, for a dynamic Women in Tech Meetup exploring how Generative AI is being used internally at Highmark to drive efficiency and reinvent health.
This event brings together women technologists from across Western New York for an engaging evening of learning, connection, and inspiration. Whether you work at Highmark or are simply curious about how AI is transforming enterprise operations, this is your chance to hear directly from the experts.
We’ll kick off with networking, followed by a presentation from Julia McDowell, VP of the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence at Highmark, who will share how their internal AI systems are improving workflows, decision-making, and customer engagement. A fireside chat with Julia and Melissa Shiah, Product Portfolio Manager at Highmark, will dive deeper into the human side of AI adoption, what it means for teams, leadership, and the future of work.
Event Format:
4:00–4:30 PM | Arrival and Networking
4:30–4:55 PM | Presentation by Julia McDowell
4:55–5:00 PM | Audience Q&A
5:00–5:30 PM | Fireside Chat with Julia and Melissa
5:30–6:00 PM | Closing Networking
Whether you're an engineer, strategist, student, or tech-curious professional, this event offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and be inspired by the women shaping the future of AI in WNY.