Denise Hayman-Loa is the CEO and Co-Founder of Carii, Inc. and its platform Connective.Network. She leads an innovative technology start-up that has grown into an award-winning business, providing a robust online community platform for businesses and nonprofits. Her journey in technology began in 1980 when she started her career in Financial Services in New York City, working at esteemed firms such as Salomon Brothers and Goldman Sachs. Throughout her career, she has focused on aligning technology with business strategy, managing teams, and working on groundbreaking innovations like neural networks. She has also led teams of developers, testers, and analysts in Investment Management.
Denise Hayman-Loa | CEO and Co-Founder | Carii, Inc. & Connective.Network
Later, she transitioned into management consulting at Ernst & Young (E&Y), where she became a partner based on her ability to align business and technology strategies effectively. At EliteX, we are proud to have Denise Hayman-Loa as part of the edition: Top 05 Extraordinary Women in Tech, 2025.
Her interest in technology was sparked during the 1980s when she worked on Wall Street. At the time, technology was one of the most accessible career paths for women, where merit and hard work were rewarded. During her tenure at Salomon Brothers, she was inspired by Mike Bloomberg, who was leading the IT division. She went through extensive training, working in different areas, from data centers to production support, before moving on to collaborate with trading and research departments. This experience deepened her passion for technology, which remains strong today.
“Work hard, ask questions, and never give up.”
In her current role, she enjoys working with clients and seeing them use her company’s technology effectively. The ability to integrate new technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, into the platform excites her. Her work is driven by the desire to bring meaningful digital solutions to businesses and organizations, helping them streamline operations and enhance engagement within their communities. Like many women in technology, she has faced challenges throughout her career. However, she believes that perseverance is key. Her approach to overcoming obstacles has always been to keep pushing forward, as talent alone is not enough without consistent hard work.
Among her many achievements, a few stand out. Landing her first job on Wall Street was a major milestone, but making Partner at E&Y was particularly significant, as only two women were promoted that year. Being hired by Goldman Sachs was another major achievement, given the firm’s reputation in the industry. Additionally, transitioning into running a tech start-up and leading it to success has been a rewarding experience, exposing her to an entirely new industry and new challenges.
She believes technology is the driving force behind innovation, shaping the future of various industries, including business, education, and healthcare. Currently, she is working on incorporating AI into her platform, which will enhance content generation, networking, and operational efficiency for clients. The ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to improve client experiences remains a core focus for her company.
“Technology is the driving force behind innovation, shaping the future of industries.”
Throughout her career, she has drawn inspiration from leaders like Mike Bloomberg, admiring his vision and technological focus. For young women aspiring to enter the tech industry, her advice is to work hard, ask questions, and never give up. In her early years, being taken seriously and receiving fair promotions was challenging, but she overcame these obstacles by demonstrating exceptional effort and seeking mentorship from senior leaders.
Staying updated with the latest trends and innovations is a priority for her. She dedicates time every day to reading and learning about new technological advancements that could impact her platform and benefit her clients. In today’s fast-paced tech environment, she believes that critical thinking, strategic planning, and hard work are essential skills for success. Balancing professional and personal life in a demanding industry can be challenging, but she emphasizes the importance of carving out time for activities like exercise and socializing. Awareness is key when work begins to overshadow personal life, and making a conscious effort to maintain balance is crucial.
She hopes to see more opportunities for women in technology, particularly in training young girls and women so they can recognize the potential of the industry from an early stage. Increasing awareness and accessibility can encourage more women to enter and thrive in tech roles.
Looking back, she would advise her younger self to spend more time with her children, as balancing family and career is always a delicate challenge. As for the future, she is focused on continuing to deliver high-quality solutions for clients and scaling up her business. She strongly believes in the value her technology provides and aims to expand its reach to benefit more businesses and organizations. Her journey in technology has been one of persistence, innovation, and leadership, and she remains committed to driving forward with the same passion and determination.
“Talent is meaningless without hard work.”
