Outlaw honored for achievements in technology

Sonja Outlaw, IT Infrastructure Operations manager, was among 13 women honored for high achievement in the field of technology at the Women of Color Empowered luncheon Jan. 28.  

Created by the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation to honor women for achievements in their careers and service in their communities, WoCE takes place three times a year. Each luncheon focuses on a different field and provides opportunities for women and men to build networks and share stories while feasting on Chinese food and inspiration.

Outlaw, who has worked at the Hutchinson Center since 1994, said mentorship was key to her success.

“When I became the IT manager in the Clinical Research Division in early 1996, Myra Tanita mentored me—encouraging me to build alliances with other women managers in the division. That advice took me a long way,” Outlaw said.

“In 2002, Peggy Means coached me on the importance of furthering my education as a means of continuing to grow as a leader,” she said. With support from Tanita, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Means, former executive vice president and chief operating officer; and Kim Wells, organizational development manager, among others, Outlaw earned a master’s degree in business administration.

Today, she oversees operations of telephone, networking, e-mail, storage and data protection services, as well as application and database support.