Ascensus Leaders Honored for AI Innovation & Driving Female Leadership in Fintech

November 12, 2025 – Ascensus, a leading technology and service platform for retirement and savings solutions, is celebrating the recent Stevie Awards wins for two of its leaders, Sofia Theodoridou and Tami Evanson. The awards, presented on November 12th, recognize their exceptional contributions to AI integration, operational excellence, and the advancement of female leadership within the financial technology sector.

Sofia Theodoridou received the Gold Stevie Award for Leadership, acknowledging her strategic vision in integrating artificial intelligence technologies across Ascensus’s operations. Tami Evanson was awarded the Silver Stevie Award as “AI Automation Game Changer of the Year,” recognizing her pioneering work in implementing AI-driven automation solutions that have significantly enhanced the firm’s efficiency and client experience.

AI as a Core Strategy

The awards highlight Ascensus’s commitment to leveraging AI not just as a technological upgrade, but as a core strategic element driving innovation and growth. “The firm is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of AI adoption in the retirement space,” explains an industry analyst. “This isn't about replacing human roles, but about augmenting them and streamlining processes to deliver greater value to clients.”

Ascensus has been actively deploying AI in several key areas, including the launch of “CalSavvy,” the first AI-powered chatbot designed for state-sponsored auto-IRA programs. Launched in partnership with CalSavers, CalSavvy provides 24/7 support to over 600,000 employers and savers, addressing a critical need for accessible and instant information.

“The initial results with CalSavvy have been very promising,” notes a source within Ascensus. “It’s demonstrating a significant reduction in call volumes for basic inquiries, freeing up our human agents to handle more complex issues.”

Beyond Chatbots: Automation and Efficiency

Tami Evanson’s award centers around her leadership in implementing broader AI-driven automation solutions. Ascensus has been focused on automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows, and reducing manual errors across its operations.

“We're seeing significant gains in efficiency and accuracy,” says an internal source. “Automation allows us to scale our services without adding significant headcount, and it helps us deliver a more consistent and reliable experience to our clients.”

This focus on automation extends to areas such as data processing, account reconciliation, and fraud detection. By leveraging AI algorithms, Ascensus is able to identify patterns and anomalies that would be difficult for humans to detect, improving both efficiency and security.

Championing Female Leadership

The awards also serve as a powerful message about the importance of female leadership in the traditionally male-dominated fintech industry. Theodoridou and Evanson’s recognition highlights the contributions of women in driving innovation and shaping the future of financial services.

“It’s fantastic to see women being recognized for their leadership in AI and automation,” says an industry observer. “It sends a strong signal to other women in the field and helps to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.”

Tami Evanson, a Senior Vice President with over two decades of experience at Ascensus, has been instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment within the firm. Her long tenure and consistent track record of success demonstrate the value of investing in and supporting female leaders.

“Evanson is a true advocate for her team,” shares an anonymous employee. “She creates a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and take risks.”

Looking Ahead

Ascensus’s commitment to AI and automation is not just about improving efficiency and reducing costs. It’s about delivering a better experience for clients and positioning the firm for long-term growth.

The company is exploring a range of new applications for AI, including personalized financial advice, proactive fraud detection, and predictive analytics.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to leverage AI to create more value for our clients,” explains a source familiar with Ascensus’s innovation strategy. “We believe that AI has the potential to transform the retirement savings landscape.”

Ascensus’s recent Stevie Awards wins serve as a testament to the firm’s leadership in AI innovation and its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. As the retirement savings industry continues to evolve, Ascensus is well-positioned to lead the way with its forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence.

Furthermore, Ascensus’s strategic partnerships, like the recent collaboration with Janusea, highlight their dedication to integrating modern tech stacks and streamlining processes for clients. This focus on innovation is poised to deliver significant benefits to financial institutions and savers alike.

The company’s ongoing investment in AI and automation, coupled with its commitment to fostering female leadership, is a recipe for continued success in the dynamic world of fintech.