Rashida Hodge is vice president, IBM North America–Insurance Industry and leads the cross- functional IBM client teams for insurance across the United States. In this role she is focused on delivering client value, enhancing customer engagement and driving digital transformation and modernization for clients leveraging the IBM portfolio and partner ecosystem of solutions.

Prior to this role, Hodge was IBM vice president, Watson Strategic Partnerships. Watson is one of IBM’s most significant innovations in IBM’s history and represents a new era of information technology. In this role she was responsible for the strategy, execution and deployment of IBM Watson with independent software vendors (ISVs) who are embedding Watson services in their applications and platforms. Hodge has consistently demonstrated strong client dedication, delivery leadership and global operational excellence throughout her career.

Hodge has previously held numerous leadership roles across IBM where she was core to establishing sustainable business operations and end-to-end client and partner success. Her relentless drive to succeed and win has led to significant client successes and the transformation of key business processes.

Hodge has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University and holds an M.B.A. from Duke University. She is the founder of the NC State College of Engineering Foundation Real Hope for Next Gen Engineers Endowed Scholarship.

Hodge is originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and has a passion for mentoring and giving back to her community. She is a firm believer in the adage “we all stand on the shoulders of giants” and fights to be a giant for many, especially women and people of color.