Featured Speaker(s)

Saira Kazmi, Ph.D.
is an engineering leader with the ability to align cross-functional technology, business, and research teams that deliver advanced analytics capabilities into business workflows. She heads The Hartford's engineering teams for the Incubation Lab, Data Science as a Service Group, and is the Asset Owner for Image Factory, the Computer Vision Platform. 



Outside of her engineering role, Saira co-chairs the Lean-In Circles for the Women in Technology group at The Hartford. She is a volunteer instructor for Data Carpentry and Software Carpentry Organizations, and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Connecticut College.



She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus in Bioinformatics from the University of Connecticut and her post-doctoral training in Medical Informatics from Yale University.



Sharon Luty, CPCU, FLMI, PMP , CPCU, FLMI, PMP is currently an Assistant Vice President, Hartford Next IT Transformation Delivery Lead, reporting directly to Deepa Soni, The Hartford's Chief Information Officer. Sharon has been in the insurance industry for 30+ years, delivering technology solutions to solve business problems. She started her insurance career at The Hartford more than 30 years ago, and rejoined in November 2018 as an Assistant Vice President in Middle and Large Commercial IT, leading IT Program Delivery for Sales and Service value streams.



Prior to The Hartford, Sharon worked at Amica Insurance in Rhode Island as an AVP, Life Technology Services. Before that, she was at AXA Equitable in various roles, including Senior Information Officer and Senior Transformation Officer. She has held various roles in both business and technology, within insurance companies and software companies.



Sharon is also a passionate advocate for women's professional development. She was co-chair of the Women's employee resource group at AXA, where she also founded Lean-in Circles for the IT organization. Currently, she's a member of The Hartford's Women in Technology group.


Melissa Wrinn, is currently Assistant Vice President Group Benefits Operations. She's responsible for the company's Shared Services Organization which includes Process Transformation, Intelligent Operations, Contact Center, Quality, Learning, Academy, Enrollment, Evidence of Insurability, Small Business and Safe Haven. Mellissa has been with the Hartford for 20 year and began her career working in the Personal Lines Contact Center. She believes anything is possible if we're all brave enough to reimagine how we think, and challenge our own perception of uniqueness!



Melissa is a strong advocate for employee personal and career development and is involved in multiple mentoring relationships across The Hartford. Mellissa chairs the Life Office Management Association's Employee Benefits Committee, is a member of Professional Women's Network and PRIDE-LBGTQ+ Professionals Network (two of nine employee resource groups at The Hartford), and is actively involved in coaching soccer.



About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at @TheHartford_PR.