From Mentorship to Sponsorship: How Elaine Cheng is Shaping the Future of Women in Technology Leadership

March 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST

In the fast-paced world of enterprise technology, the infrastructure that powers our businesses is only as strong as the people who build and manage it. This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Elaine Cheng, SVP and Chief Information Officer at Shentel, who is redefining what it means to be one of the women in technology leadership in the digital age, and encouraging other women to fill top positions.

For business owners and enterprise leaders, the challenge of cultivating top-tier talent in technology is a constant priority. In a recent feature for TechDay and the JSA Women in Digital Infrastructure series, Elaine shared insights that go beyond traditional leadership advice, focusing on a concept she calls “The Art of Encouragement.”

The Strategic Shift: Advocacy Over Advice

While mentorship, the act of offering guidance, is a staple of corporate culture, Elaine argues that sponsorship is the most important vehicle for organizational growth. For a scaling business, sponsorship is an active, intentional choice. Truly advocating for a peer means opening doors for high-potential talent, validating their contributions in executive-level meetings, and advocating for them in rooms they haven't entered yet.

Leaders must intentionally move from passive support to active sponsorship to ensure that the most capable voices are elevated. This strategic act will create a more resilient and diverse leadership pipeline.

Embracing Agility: "Getting on the Bus"

Elaine’s own career trajectory highlights a philosophy that resonates with the agility required of up-and-coming leaders: the importance of seizing unpredictable opportunities. She compares career growth to "getting on a bus," even when you might not know the exact destination. In a dynamic industry, the only true risk is staying where you are and not leaving the station.

Leadership at Every Level

At Glo Fiber Business, we believe that innovation isn't tied to a title. Elaine encourages professionals at every level to lead from where they are by raising their hands for special projects and proactively pitching ideas. This mindset benefits the individual and also fuels the collective innovation of the entire organization.

Dive deeper into Elaine’s leadership roadmap and actionable strategies for the next generation of tech leaders..