Four Yale women have been named as 2025 Women of Innovation® finalists by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC). The Women of Innovation program, now in its 20th year, collaborates with groups across Connecticut, including Yale Ventures’ amplifyHERscience, a program that has been a catalyst for equipping women scientists with the tools, mentorship, and confidence to bring their ideas to the world since 2020.

This year's 46 finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool. Representing academia, entrepreneurship, research, and corporate leadership, these honorees embody excellence and community impact. Winners will be announced at the 20th annual Women of Innovation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Bristol.

Meet the Yale Finalists  

Malgorzata (Margaret) Cartiera, Ph.D.

Innovation Director, Yale University 
Category: Academic Innovation and Leadership – Post-Secondary

Dr. Cartiera plays a critical role in advancing innovation at Yale by supporting translational research, commercialization, and venture creation. With a background in biomedical science and strategic leadership, she helps bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world impact. Her work reflects the broader mission of Yale Ventures to empower impactful, inclusive innovation.

Amber W. Childs, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine; Founder, M-Select 
Category: Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership

Dr. Childs is an accomplished clinical psychologist and educator whose work bridges academic research and practical innovation. As founder of M-Select, she has developed tools to improve the selection and training of mental health providers—supporting a more effective and equitable behavioral health workforce. At Yale, she is known for her leadership in clinical training and her scholarship on adolescent mental health, health equity, and evidence-based care. Her dual impact in academia and entrepreneurship reflects the power of translating research into scalable solutions.

“Being named a finalist is an incredible honor,” said Amber W. Childs, Ph.D. “And I share it with those who’ve helped shape this journey. The support I’ve received from Yale Ventures and amplifyHERscience has been instrumental in translating my research into real-world solutions. Their belief in women-led innovation made it possible for M-Select to grow from an academic idea into a tool advancing equity in behavioral health.”

Ruzica Piskac, Ph.D.

Donna L. Dubinsky Associate Professor of Computer Science, Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science | Category: Research Innovation and Leadership

Dr. Piskac is a nationally recognized expert in programming languages and software verification. Her groundbreaking work improves the safety and reliability of computer systems, making essential contributions to both theory and application. As a mentor and advocate for women in computing, she exemplifies Yale's commitment to advancing both research excellence and diversity in tech.

Lea Winter, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University 
Category: Research Innovation and Leadership

Dr. Winter's work tackles some of the most urgent global challenges—developing novel materials and chemical processes to address pollution and climate change. Her lab focuses on sustainable catalysis and environmental chemistry, positioning Yale as a leader in climate-driven innovation. Her mentorship and collaborative ethos strengthen the next generation of environmentally focused engineers and scientists.