The Boston Globe Names Dr. Aisha Francis to Tech Power Players 50

May 14, 2024

Dr. Aisha Francis, president of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology has been named to the third annual Tech Power Players 50, a list of the most influential—and interesting—people in the New England technology scene, as ranked by The Boston Globe’s business journalists and an external advisory.

The Tech Power Players 50 recognizes leaders in software, cybersecurity, AI and robotics, climate tech, health tech, crypto, and beyond. The list examines their career impact on technology and business, taking into account their tech-specific contributions and innovations that have kept the sector vibrant in a challenging economic climate.

Franklin Cummings Tech, Boston’s only two-year technical and trade college, offers programs in technical industries including cybersecurity, computer information technology, automotive technology, sustainable building management, and biotechnology. In 2023, the college launched the Center for Energy Efficiency and the Trades (CEET) and the Center for Computing and Interdisciplinary Technology (CCIT) to expand access to job opportunities in industries that drive the Massachusetts economy.

“Having Franklin Cummings Tech listed among the people and companies driving Massachusetts’ tech economy for the second consecutive year, highlights the crucial role Franklin Cummings Tech plays in training and building the skilled, diverse, and entrepreneurial workforce that is needed to make each of these success stories possible,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, president and CEO of Franklin Cummings Tech. “Although I am recognized, the power players at Franklin Cummings Tech are the faculty and staff who ensure that our students are learning the very latest technology and have the supports they need to succeed and prosper in today’s economy.”

The advisory committee and the Globe’s newsroom also considered each leader’s activity in the
Massachusetts tech community and the degree to which they are engaging with local efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“It is important to recognize the leaders of our innovation economy who are developing technologies that are transforming our world,” said Linda Henry, CEO of Boston Globe Media. “The Globe is committed to telling the story of this remarkable community and its incredible impact on our region and beyond through our everyday reporting and by recognizing the pioneers who are driving this innovation with this list.”

The Globe convened local leaders in business and technology to serve as advisors alongside the Globe’s newsroom, including Dave Balter; Larry Bohn; Paul English; Yasmin Cruz Ferrine; Aisha Francis; Yvonne Hao; Linda Henry; Scott Kirsner; Youngme Moon; Eric Paley; and Katie Rae. The committee and the Globe’s newsroom submitted over 200 nominations and scored candidates based on their business impact—in terms of value created, revenue, number of jobs—and their broader influence in the tech community in terms of ideas, reputation, and mentorship. A few members of the committee were included on the list; these decisions were made by Globe staff alone.

“Boston is a leader in tech and innovation, and we’re seeing a lot of opportunity even in a challenging economy,” said Greg Huang, the Globe’s Business and Tech editor. “In our third year, we wanted the power players list to both stand alone and reflect broader trends in the industry, including the surging interest in fields like AI and climate tech.”

Readers are invited to explore the list and accompanying business and tech content at Globe.com/Tech50 and to follow social chatter on X (formerly known as Twitter) at #GlobeTech50. To stay in the know on the latest tech news, sign up for the Globe’s Innovation Beat newsletter and follow @BostonGlobe on X and Boston Globe Media on LinkedIn.