Yvette Schmitter

 YVETTE SCHMITTER  is a visionary leader reshaping the global tech landscape, one groundbreaking initiative at a time. From defying expectations as a fiercely curious young girl to becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated technology sector, Yvette has made it her mission to turn obstacles into opportunities and transform walls into bridges of possibility. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary—a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and unapologetic ambition.

As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Fusion Collective and a former Digital Architecture Partner at PwC, Yvette combines visionary leadership with technical mastery to guide organizations through complex transformations. Her mission is bold and unrelenting: to ensure that technology serves everyone —not just the privileged few. Through her work with Fortune 50 companies and her relentless advocacy for underrepresented voices, Yvette has become a beacon for inclusive innovation, proving that diversity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a driver for sustainable success.

Yvette’s superpower lies in her ability to demystify the world’s most complex technologies—AI, cloud computing, blockchain—and make them not only accessible but profoundly transformative. For Yvette, innovation isn’t about chasing trends or launching flashy tools; it’s about unlocking human potential, leveling the playing field, and creating systemic change that uplifts entire communities. Her approach is as pragmatic as it is revolutionary: she marries cutting-edge technology with empathy and purpose, ensuring that innovation fuels progress for people, not just processes.

What sets Yvette apart is her unique ability to blend strategic foresight with a deeply human touch. She doesn’t just talk about progress; she drives it, equipping C-suite executives and global teams to evolve from where they are today to where they could be tomorrow. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the conviction that the future of technology—and business—depends on diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation. Yvette is a relentless advocate for filling decision-making rooms with voices that reflect the richness of humanity, challenging industries to build solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and enduring.

More than a leader, Yvette is a movement in motion. She is rewriting the narrative of who belongs in technology, ensuring that ambition—not background—defines opportunity. Her influence extends beyond the boardroom and into the global stage, where she challenges the status quo, inspires bold action, and leads by example. Whether advising top-tier executives, mentoring the next generation of tech talent, or championing inclusivity in innovation, Yvette is proof that technology’s greatest potential lies in its ability to bring people together and bridge divides. Yvette’s story isn’t just one of personal triumph—it’s a call to action. She is a joyful warrior who radiates contagious energy, igniting the belief in others that they, too, can dream bigger, push boundaries, and create a future where technology is a catalyst for empowerment. With her signature blend of bold vision, technical expertise, and deep empathy, Yvette invites the world to imagine—and build—a future where innovation is fast, smart, inclusive, and equitable.

Yvette’s work is more than her profession—it’s her purpose. She envisions a world where technology serves as a tool for equity, not exclusion; for empowerment, not division. By challenging limitations, status quo and rewriting the rules of what’s possible, Yvette is shaping a legacy that proves innovation thrives when it reflects the diversity of humanity. Her story is an open invitation to join her in shaping a world where technology creates opportunities for all.  She's been featured in news outlets including Huffington Post Live, Ladies Home Journal, New York Post, New York Times, Dr. Oz and BetterTV.  Yvette's story has become her mission, to serve as an agent of change, helping women spread their wings in diverse and inclusive environments, where their voices and perspectives are heard anywhere decisions are made.

ERICKA SHOULARS believes in the mantra “lift as you climb”. A senior project management professional at the Bank of New York Mellon, she drives complex high visibility programs and project initiatives to successful completion. Prior to BNY Mellon, Ericka managed technology integration and transformation programs at American International Group. During her time at Deloitte, she focused on projects across the financial services, telecommunications, and health care sectors. She has a proven track record for managing projects impacting companies facing rapid expansion, reorganization and transformation challenges. Ericka earned her B.B.A in Management Information Systems from Pace University in New York City. Community service is in Ericka’s blood. As a proud member of an illustrious public service African American sorority, she is driven to implement programs to benefit those in underserved communities. She enjoys the opportunity to share her experiences with young women of color to mentor them and inspire them to be their best selves.