Meet the Woman Behind One of Zebra’s First Value-Added Resellers (VARs) – and One of the Tech Industry’s First-Ever Tech VARs
Cammy Shaheen shattered the glass ceiling for women. She also pulled many others through it behind her. Find out how she inspired inclusivity by helping women translate their non-technical skills to technology sector jobs.
Ever wonder what it was like to be a woman in tech in the 1970s? Or a woman business owner in that decade? If so, you’ll want to hear Cammy Shaheen’s story, as told by her daughter Lisa.
Cammy founded a tech company at a time when very few women were business owners, much less tech business owners. She instinctually recognized a problem faced by many businesses at the time and solved it at a time when no one else could or would even attempt to do so. Her ambition to help others – especially women – led to the formation of a family-run technology business – Add-On Data – that ultimately grew, evolved, and persevered for decades! (Add-On Data was eventually sold, but it served as the incubator for DTG, which is focused on customized technology solutions that make it easier for front-line workers to do their jobs and meet customer expectations on every order.)
Find out how a former secretary who had no college education and three kids came up with a solution – and a supporting business model – that was so compelling that Raytheon signed on to be her very first client! Hit play now:
You can also download the MP3 to listen later or read the transcript here.
Meet Cammy Shaheen: One of the First Women Tech VAR CEOs
Therese Van Ryne
Therese Van Ryne is Senior Director of External Communications for Zebra Technologies. She joined Zebra as part of the acquisition of Motorola Solutions Enterprise business in October 2014. She and her team are laser focused on growing the company’s brand awareness globally aligned with business objectives. Her accomplishments include leading Zebra events with Harvard University and TED as well as the creation of the annual Intelligent Enterprise Index, resulting in positive media coverage, customer engagement and revenue growth.
Prior to Motorola Solutions, Van Ryne worked at SC Johnson where she led corporate communication strategies and drove PR and branding efforts for leading consumer products. One of her top achievements was leading the Windex® placement in the film, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” resulting in a 25% sales increase for the brand.
One of PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR and Crain's Chicago's 2021 Most Notable Executives in Marketing, Therese also has experience as a journalist, editor and producer, reporting nightly from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Van Ryne holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from Marquette University and an Executive Leadership Master’s Certificate from Cornell University.
