Isabella Piña Receives the 2026 Technologist of the Year Award
On October 10, 2026, Isabella Piña received the Technologist of the Year Award at the AI NEXTGEN America Futurist Awards in Baltimore. Career Communications Group honored the Founder, President, and CEO of Inspired Solutions at the ceremony.
In her acceptance speech, Isabella spoke about her childhood in Dominica and the grandmother who insisted on education. She shared how 21 years of Army service brought nursing and technology together in her life. She also recognized the family, mentors, partners, and Inspired Solutions team who helped her along the way.
CLICK ON THE VIDEO.
The 12-minute video includes Tamla Olivier’s tribute, Rick Piña’s introduction, the award presentation, and Isabella’s complete acceptance speech.
The musis is: 'Discovery' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
A grandmother’s lesson that stayed with her
Isabella grew up in a home without running water, electricity, or indoor plumbing. Her grandmother raised her with few material resources and a conviction Isabella still carries:
“Education is your only way out of poverty.”
At 20, Isabella came to the United States and enrolled at Florida Memorial College. She worked three jobs, but by her second semester, she could no longer afford tuition. In 1994, she joined the U.S. Army.
Her grandmother’s words remained with her. At the ceremony, Isabella shared that she was nearing completion of her doctorate and expected to graduate in spring 2027.
Where service and technology came together
The Army first made Isabella a logistician and assigned her to the 13th Signal Battalion. Much of the equipment she moved supported communications. Around her, Soldiers built networks and established the connections that helped people stay safe and accomplish their missions.
She wanted to understand how it worked. That curiosity marked the beginning of her interest in technology. The 13th Signal Battalion was also where she met Rick.
Later, the Army sent Isabella to nursing school. She had wanted to be a nurse since childhood. That work led to an opportunity she had never expected: training in robotic surgery in Silicon Valley.
“A girl from a village without electricity was now standing beside a surgical robot,” she told the audience.
Building Inspired Solutions and expanding access
After retiring from the Army, Isabella founded Inspired Solutions. She credited her faith with that decision. Today, the company delivers IT infrastructure, network services, cybersecurity, and AI solutions for federal and commercial customers.
In her remarks, Isabella named customers and partners including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. She also named the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, AT&T, Eli Lilly, and World Wide Technology. She credited World Wide Technology with giving Inspired Solutions its first contract and noted that the relationship continued 11 years later.
She also spoke about the computer labs she and Rick have helped establish in the Caribbean through Rick and Isabella Piña Ministries. Those labs give children access to computers when their families cannot afford one. During his introduction, Rick also recognized their school’s work in the Dominican Republic.
Recognition for leadership, service, and impact
The ceremony included a recorded tribute from Tamla Olivier, President and CEO of BGE, who described her experience as the previous year’s honoree. She recognized Isabella’s military service, her work in robotic surgery, and her commitment to developing others and creating opportunities.
Olivier identified innovation, leadership, service, and impact as the qualities the award recognizes.
Rick, Inspired Solutions’ Chief Operating Officer and Isabella’s husband, presented the award. Before introducing her, he asked the audience to recognize Dr. Tyrone Taborn’s more than 40 years of work and impact.
Isabella began her speech by giving God the glory for her journey. She thanked her grandmother, Rick, their sons Joshua and Ethan, her mentors, family, and friends. She also offered a direct message to young women who question whether their background gives them a place in technology:
“Education is the way out. Curiosity is your fuel, and you do not need permission to belong in technology.”
A celebration with family and friends
Family and friends joined Isabella and Rick for the evening.
Isabella recognized those relationships in her speech. She thanked Rick for his support, their sons Joshua and Ethan for allowing her to be their mom, and the family and friends who came to celebrate with her.
An award she shared with her team
Near the end of her speech, Isabella thanked the Inspired Solutions team for the work they do every day. She closed with a dedication:
“Inspired Solutions team, this one is for you!”
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