Meet Cloud Girls Rising Trailblazer Award Winner: Jen Waltz

Mar 26, 2025

Jen Waltz is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving cloud technology innovation, cybersecurity advancements, and high-impact partnerships across global markets. As a strategic leader in cloud computing and digital transformation, she has spearheaded multi-billion-dollar growth initiatives by aligning cloud service providers (CSPs), OEMs, and enterprise clients with forward-thinking go-to-market strategies.

At Kron Technologies, Jen led the company’s global partner program, generating $20M in new revenue and securing 15+ strategic partnerships in AI/ML-driven access management solutions. She also expanded international market penetration by 40%, leveraging cloud-based security innovations to drive adoption.

Previously, at Unisys, Jen managed global strategic partnerships that generated over $1B in revenue, designing and executing innovative go-to-market strategies that positioned Unisys as a leader in cloud and cybersecurity services.

She built and led a 16-member team at Equinix, forging partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Dell, and HPE GreenLake. She delivered $1B+ in new revenue and exceeded sales targets by up to 176%. Her expertise in hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, infrastructure modernization, and cloud security has positioned her as a trusted advisor in the evolving cloud ecosystem.

As the Chief Cybersecurity Officer at IMAJENATIVE, Jen drives innovation at the intersection of cloud, AI, and cybersecurity, ensuring organizations remain resilient against modern threats. She also serves on the CRN Women of the Channel, PartnerTap, and CloudGirls advisory boards, championing diversity and inclusion in technology leadership.

What ONE example shows how you have innovated in the cloud and next-gen tech space and shunned the status quo?

At Unisys, I saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo in public-sector technology by rethinking how state and local (SLED) governments deliver citizen services. Traditionally, cities relied on fragmented, outdated communication systems, making it challenging to efficiently handle emergency and non-emergency requests.

Leading the Microsoft and SAP teams, I spearheaded the development of a next-generation 3-1-1 citizen engagement solution, integrating cloud-based AI, automation, and real-time data analytics to improve response times and service delivery. This innovative approach enabled cities to:

Streamline citizen interactions across multiple departments
Enhance efficiency through cloud automation and predictive analytics
Improve accessibility with AI-powered self-service options

🚀 Result? The 3-1-1 solution became the gold standard for city services and is now deployed in every major U.S. city. My leadership and partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors transformed how municipalities engage with residents and earned Unisys industry awards for innovation in public-sector technology.

Lesson: I don’t just build partnerships—I develop game-changing solutions that redefine industries. She proves that cloud and AI are not just enterprise tools but critical enablers of more innovative government.

How have you elevated the position of women in cloud or technology and  “paid it forward” to create more opportunities for women growing their careers?

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to breaking barriers for women in cloud, cybersecurity, and technology sales. I don’t just advocate for diversity—I take action, creating real opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive in the industry.

Founding the “Women in Tech Sales” ERG at Equinix

I saw a glaring gap at Equinix—women were underrepresented in tech sales leadership. Instead of waiting for change, I co-created it. I helped found the “Women in Tech Sales (WITS)” Employee Resource Group (ERG) to provide:

Mentorship & career guidance for women in sales and cloud partnerships

Advocacy for leadership roles, ensuring women had a seat at the table

Visibility and networking opportunities, helping women build strong industry connections

🚀 Impact: Many of the women I mentored at Equinix have since moved into leadership positions, and the ERG continues to influence diversity efforts within the company today.

Championing Women in Cloud & Cybersecurity Through Advisory Boards

Beyond corporate initiatives, I’ve used my platform to drive industry-wide change, serving on advisory boards that shape the future of women in technology:

CRN Women of the Channel – Advocating for more women in cloud sales, partnerships, and leadership

CloudGirls – Supporting the advancement of women in cloud computing through mentorship and professional development

PartnerTap & Partner Optimizer – Ensuring women gain access to leadership roles in cloud partner ecosystems

🚀 Impact: My work on these advisory boards has helped influence policies, mentorship programs, and visibility initiatives that elevate women across the cloud and tech ecosystem.

Mentoring Over 20 Women in Tech & Film

Mentorship has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Over the years, I have mentored more than 50 women through my corporate roles, industry leadership, and volunteer advisory board positions. I’ve helped women:

Navigate their careers in cloud, cybersecurity, and sales

Break into leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries

Find their voice and confidence in the workplace

Beyond tech, I mentor underrepresented women in film through The Blackhouse Foundation, helping them gain visibility and industry access.

🚀 Impact: Seeing the women I’ve mentored go on to lead teams, break barriers, and mentor others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

My Leadership Legacy: Creating Lasting Change for Women in Tech

I’ve built programs that elevate women within major tech organizations

I’ve used my industry influence to advocate for women in cloud, cybersecurity, and sales

I’ve personally mentored over 50 women, ensuring the next generation has more opportunities than ever before

I believe authentic leadership isn’t just about personal success and lifting others with the ladder I build for myself. My mission is to ensure that women in cloud and technology navigate ‘career potholes’ and don’t just get a seat at the table—they help design our industry’s future.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

This quote speaks to the power of partnerships and collaboration, which I believe are the foundation of sustainable success.

If you were an animal or a superhero, who/what would you be and why?

I’d be a direwolf from ‘Game of Thrones’—loyal, strategic, and effective both as a leader and as part of a team. I chose a wolf over a superhero because while superheroes often operate solo with extraordinary powers, wolves thrive through collaboration, communication, and shared purpose. That mirrors my leadership approach: empowering others and navigating complexity together.

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