https://www.sikich.com

Sikich Principal Karlene Stecchi recognized with FORUM’s Leading for IMPACT Women in Leadership Award

INSIGHT 3 min read

WRITTEN BY

Avatar photo
Brian Evancho

CHICAGO – September 3, 2026 Sikich, a professional services company specializing in consulting, technology and compliance, today announced that Karlene Stecchi, principal, has been named a recipient of FORUM’s Leading for IMPACT Women in Leadership Award. The award recognizes women who are providing strong leadership, mentoring the next generation of leaders and helping transform the way technology is implemented across mission-focused programs in the federal sector.

The Leading for IMPACT Women in Leadership Awards bring together government and industry professionals to celebrate women who are helping shape the future of government technology and mission delivery. This year’s program theme, “Unstoppable: Women Redefining GovCon,” highlights the impact of women leaders across the federal community.

As one of this year’s honorees, Stecchi is being recognized among a respected group of leaders from across the government contracting community for her leadership in helping federal agencies modernize and optimize technology solutions that support mission-critical operations. Through her work with government technology clients, she has helped drive digital transformation initiatives while fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging leaders and delivering meaningful outcomes for agencies and the citizens they serve.

Her work increasingly focuses on helping agencies evaluate and responsibly apply emerging technologies, translating rapidly evolving capabilities into practical strategies that improve mission performance. Beyond her work with federal clients, Stecchi also partners with local schools to expand access to quantum computing education and help ensure that students from diverse backgrounds are exposed to emerging career pathways in quantum technologies.

Her selection reflects the growing importance of leaders who can bridge technology strategy and mission execution, helping agencies navigate rapid change, build stronger teams, and turn emerging capabilities into meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

Stecchi will be recognized alongside fellow award recipients during the Leading for IMPACT Women in Leadership Awards Gala on October 8, 2026, at MGM National Harbor.

Visit the Leading for IMPACT Women in Leadership Awards to learn more.

About Sikich

Sikich offers the public and private sectors a diverse platform of professional services across consulting, technology and compliance. Highly specialized and hands-on teams deliver integrated solutions rooted in deep industry experience. Our approach is strategically and thoughtfully designed to help our clients, teams and communities accelerate success. 

Sikich has approximately 2,500 team members and operates across North America, EMEA and APAC.

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services. The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC. 

Author