MicroAge is celebrating 50 years of business, and throughout this half-century, women have played a crucial role in paving the way and defining what success looks like at the company. Their leadership, innovation, and resilience have helped shape MicroAge’s culture and strengthened its commitment to excellence.
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March, honoring the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. Starting off as a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, the movement quickly grew to other communities, with the U.S. Congress eventually designating March as Women’s History Month in 1987. Today, this celebration carries even deeper meaning as women continue to make important strides in technology, where women now hold roughly 35% of STEM-related jobs in the U.S., marking a steady improvement in representation across the industry.
While this progress is encouraging, there are still meaningful opportunities to strengthen representation across the technology landscape. Globally, women currently make up less than one third of the tech workforce, and the talent pipeline is still growing, with women earning about 21.3% of U.S. computer and information science degrees. Leadership representation is also evolving, with women now holding about 25% of C-suite roles in tech and continuing to advance into senior positions. These insights highlight why celebrating women’s achievements is not only about honoring the past but also about fueling continued progress for future generations.
Associate Spotlights: Women Who Inspire
Katie Barrett, Marketing Manager
Katie Barrett joined MicroAge through the cStor acquisition in 2023 and quickly felt at home thanks to the supportive, talented team that welcomed her. A pivotal moment in her career came early on when she was trusted with a leadership opportunity that pushed her outside her comfort zone and accelerated her growth. She hopes her journey shows future generations of women, especially her daughter, that you can build a meaningful career while still being fully present for the people you love.
Her advice: work hard, lead with compassion, and stay true to your values. Inspired by her first manager’s blend of accountability and empathy, she strives to create that same environment of trust and empowerment for her team today.
“More than anything, I hope my daughter can see that it is possible to take pride in your career while also being a present and loving mom. I want her to know that ambition and family do not have to be mutually exclusive, and that fulfillment can come from embracing both.”
Linda Bergen, Controller
Linda Bergen joined MicroAge for the chance to work again with her mentor, Kevin Lane, and stayed because of the trust, transparency, and genuine support she experiences every day. Rather than one defining moment, Bergen’s growth has been shaped by the confidence built through learning, improving processes, and helping her team succeed. Her mother immigrated from Nicaragua, her father was born in Puerto Rico, and as the first in her family to graduate from college, she has always been driven by the desire to make her parents proud. Starting as an intern and gaining 30 years of experience, she discovered a true passion for accounting and for helping others understand the “why” behind the work.
Her advice: She hopes her journey shows other women that leadership has many paths and that staying curious, committed, and authentic can take you far.
“If my story helps even one woman feel more confident showing up as herself, that means everything to me.”
Jade Hansen, Business Operations Manager
After graduating from ASU, Jade Hansen joined MicroAge’s Operations Team through a mutual connection and was attracted by its closeknit culture and reputation as one of Phoenix’s Best Places to Work. A defining moment in her career came when she helped build a new billing process for MicroAge’s Microsoft business, an 18-month project that grew her skills, earned her a promotion, and recognized her with Associate of the Quarter and Circle of Excellence honors.
She credits mentors like Cheryl Wildner and Robin Malone, both previously members of the operations team, for shaping her early growth and guiding the supportive leadership style she brings to her role as Business Operations Manager.
Her Advice: “I hope to inspire women to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, especially opportunities that feel different, exciting, or even a little challenging. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself or to dive deep into something unfamiliar. There’s so much more out there than what you already know, and growth often comes from taking that first leap.”
Tracey Hayes, Senior Vice President of Sales
Tracey Hayes joined MicroAge early in her career as a recent college graduate after being drawn to an opportunity in technology sales and a company culture centered on support, development, and collaboration. Mentored by leaders like Jeff McKeever and Rob Zack, she grew into a leader who values communication, curiosity, and helping others succeed.
Her advice: As a mother of three children, two that are daughters, Hayes hopes her journey shows future generations of women the power of strong work ethic, teamwork, and continuous learning in a fast moving industry. Inspired most by her own mother’s resilience and ability to balance ambition with family, she strives to lead with that same dedication and presence every day.
“My mom has been the greatest inspiration in my story. She was raising four children while attending graduate school for her PhD and working full-time—a level of dedication and perseverance that left a lasting impression on me. Her work ethic was incredible, but what stood out even more was her ability to be present. Despite everything on her plate, I never felt like she missed an important moment in my life. She showed me that it’s possible to pursue your goals with determination while still being deeply committed to your family, and that example continues to guide me today.”
Christi Kalmer, Director of Sales
After years in large corporate environments, Christi Kalmer joined MicroAge for the chance to make a real impact, and she’s stayed because leadership listens, encourages creativity, and values employee ideas. Leading a diverse sales team became a defining experience, teaching her how to understand what motivates each person and how to help them achieve their version of success.
Her advice: Kalmer hopes her journey inspires future generations of women by showing that a strong work ethic, consistent effort, and a desire to contribute can open doors and shape meaningful career paths.
“I’ve always believed that a strong work ethic can open doors; not just for women but for anyone who is focused on putting in the effort every day and wanting to be a contributor to an organization.”
Vickie Liebsch, Director of Administration
Vickie Liebsch joined MicroAge in 1989 after hearing how much a friend loved the company, and 37 years later she’s still here. Drawn in by the culture, community, and endless opportunities, Liebsch continues to use her ability to grow and make an impact. Some of her most defining experiences include leading Investor Relations when MicroAge was a public company and managing the closure and complete build out of the new facility in 2022.
Throughout her career, she has been inspired by leaders like Colleen Parker (Marketing & Events Director), Claudia Haines-Paddock (Marketing & Events Director), Katie Pushor (Marketing & Distribution), and Tracey Hayes (Senior Vice President of Sales), whose influence continues to motivate her to give her very best every day.
Her advice: She hopes her journey shows younger women that you can grow, evolve, and build a meaningful career within a strong, supportive culture.
“I’m hoping that younger women can see that you can evolve and grow as opportunities come from within when you are part of an excellent culture.”
Keala Stant, Presales Support & Renewals Manager
Joining MicroAge during the COVID pandemic, Keala Stant was drawn to the company’s flexibility and genuine care for its people, a support that allowed her to relocate to Texas to care for her mother while continuing to grow professionally.
Although she spent most of her career in leadership roles, stepping into an individual contributor position at MicroAge reshaped her perspective. This showed her that consistent execution can drive meaningful impact, and the role ultimately grew beyond its original scope.
Her advice: trust your transferable skills, stay curious, master the fundamentals, and advocate for the balance you need to thrive.
“I want future generations of women to know they can build successful careers without sacrificing who they are or what matters most to them. You can lead, innovate, care deeply, and still accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
Defining Culture: Women are at the Core of MicroAge’s Story
At MicroAge, women are at the heart of the company’s story: past, present, and future. Their impact is woven into every chapter of our 50-year history, from the foundations laid by early leaders to the everyday contributions that push the business forward. The women featured in this spotlight represent a fraction of the women whose talent, dedication, and leadership fuel MicroAge’s success. Their stories remind us that growth comes in many forms, like resilience, mentorship, curiosity, courage, and embracing new opportunities.
Together, these milestones remind us that honoring women’s achievements is not just about reflecting on the past but about recognizing the groundwork they’ve built and the future they continue to shape.
