Vegas Inc and Cox Business present the 2025 Top Tech Awards

Vegas Inc, in partnership with Cox Business, presents the 2025 Top Tech Awards. Technology drives progress across every sector—powering innovation in health care, education, government and beyond. This year’s honorees are shaping the future of Southern Nevada with innovation, skill and a commitment to advancing technology.

Award recipients were chosen by an independent panel of judges for their professional accomplishments, leadership and lasting contributions to their organizations and the community.

Education: Jeremy Brenton

Director of Information Technology Infrastructure | Roseman University of Health Sciences

Technology leadership plays a critical role in shaping how universities operate and evolve. At Roseman University, Jeremy Brenton has led efforts to build and secure the systems that support health care education.

Brenton directed the university’s migration to a cloud-based environment, improving system availability, scalability and reliability for students, faculty and administrators. His cybersecurity program reduced risk exposure by more than 60% through initiatives such as multi-factor authentication, network segmentation and zero-trust policies. These measures were instrumental in maintaining academic operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also managed the rollout of unified communication tools to support collaboration across departments and remote teams. Under his leadership, Roseman adopted an IT governance framework that improved project timelines and aligned technology efforts with institutional goals. He introduced disaster recovery and business continuity plans, tested annually to ensure operational resilience.

Brenton brings a measured, strategic approach to IT leadership. He is known for anticipating institutional needs, delivering projects with precision, and creating a collaborative environment that supports team development. His steady execution and long-range planning have positioned Roseman to grow with confidence.

Nonprofit Business: Asal Gibson

Founder | CyRoot Academy

Asal Gibson is the founder of CyRoot Academy, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit dedicated to providing no-cost technical education to veterans, military families and underserved communities. With more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and project management, Gibson brings both strategic clarity and hands-on leadership to her role.

Since launching CyRoot Academy’s first course in January 2025, she has led the development of multiple full-length programs, built operational systems, coordinated instructors and formed partnerships with organizations including Cisco Networking Academy, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Creech Air Force Base. Her efforts have brought industry-relevant training to underserved communities and created pathways to new careers.

Gibson also serves as an adjunct professor at UNLV’s Lee Business School and holds a community leadership role as an honorary commander at Creech. She is known for her ability to mobilize support around a shared mission and has grown CyRoot Academy into a trusted resource in just a few months.

By aligning education with workforce demand and removing traditional barriers to entry, Gibson is expanding access to opportunity in tech and creating a more inclusive talent pipeline one student at a time.

StartUp: Jamin Thompson

Founder | Deimos-One

Venturing into space no longer requires traditional rockets or ground-based launch facilities. At Deimos-One, Jamin Thompson is advancing a different approach powered by AI and autonomous flight. His team builds launch systems that use less fuel, require minimal equipment on the ground and operate without large crews.

Since founding Deimos-One in 2020, Thompson has led development of the Vulcan Launch System, a two-stage platform that lifts payloads to the stratosphere using a balloon, then ignites a rocket-powered UAV at approximately 100,000 feet. By launching payloads from the stratosphere, Vulcan bypasses much of the atmospheric resistance. This approach reduces fuel needs, environmental impact and overall costs. It also enables smaller, more flexible missions.

Thompson also oversaw the creation of HALO, a fully autonomous stratospheric balloon platform used for Earth observation and intelligence missions. With onboard AI and advanced sensors, HALO delivers real-time imaging and data collection for defense, research and climate monitoring.

Thompson’s ability to connect engineering and execution has attracted interest from research institutions, defense contractors and commercial partners. In an industry long shaped by cost and complexity, Thompson is building a smarter, more accessible path to space.

Government: Sheena Deleon-Guerrero

Manager of Information Systems | Nevada National Security Site

As manager of information systems at Nevada National Security Site, Sheena Deleon-Guerrero has played a central role in modernizing the agency’s technology landscape. Her efforts in infrastructure, application management, cybersecurity and team development have improved efficiency and strengthened mission-critical systems.

One of Deleon-Guerrero’s most notable initiatives was an application consolidation project that reduced the agency’s application portfolio by 30% and retired more than 50 legacy systems, easing technical debt and lowering enterprise risk. She also directed the integration of Single Sign-On across more than 70 applications, streamlining user access and improving security. In collaboration with the IT Project Management Office, she helped standardize software development practices and formalize Agile project delivery.

Building on that foundation, Deleon-Guerrero led automation efforts to streamline account provisioning, which reduces delays and eases the IT burden associated with access requests. She also helped facilitate data collection and system inventory in support of the agency’s post-quantum cryptography migration planning.

In addition to technical leadership, she prioritizes team growth. She launched the “Summer Dev Workshop,” a peer-led series to expand skills across her 14-person development team. Her efforts continue to strengthen NNSS’ digital capabilities while fostering a collaborative, forward-looking IT culture. 

Cybersecurity: Kevin Kealy

Chief Information Security Officer | Light & Wonder

Kevin Kealy is chief information security officer at Light & Wonder, where he directs cybersecurity efforts for one of the gaming industry’s leading technology companies. With more than 25 years of experience spanning internet technologies, voice over IP, ethical hacking and network architecture, he brings both technical expertise and seasoned leadership to the role.

Kealy leads a global team charged with protecting systems, employees and assets from evolving threats. He has led employee training efforts, strengthened internal defenses and introduced safeguards such as email filtering to reduce phishing and malware risks. These measures have been essential in addressing cybersecurity challenges across a complex operating environment.

Casino technologies often require regulatory approval for updates, complicating routine security patching. Kealy works closely with operators and regulators to navigate these constraints and improve system resilience. His ability to bridge communication gaps among IT teams, regulatory bodies and casino stakeholders has helped reduce exposure to ransomware and other threats.

Beyond his work at Light & Wonder, Kealy holds two patents in VoIP security, is CISSP-certified and has co-authored several books on digital forensics. He also volunteers as a pilot with Pilots and Paws, transporting rescue animals to safe, permanent homes.

Private Small-Midsized Business: Juanny Romero

Owner and Chief Executive Officer | Mothership Coffee Roasters

Juanny Romero has built Mothership Coffee Roasters into one of Southern Nevada’s leading specialty coffee companies, blending technology-driven growth with a strong commitment to social impact. As CEO and owner, she has embraced technology to keep the business competitive and maintained a commitment to sourcing high-quality, single-origin coffee. She has also built partnerships with female farmers and fostered an inclusive culture that empowers her team to contribute to the company’s mission.

Romero expanded Mothership’s reach through an e-commerce subscription platform that ships coffee directly to customers, creating a steady revenue stream and broadening the company’s customer base. She implemented AI-powered forecasting to optimize inventory and reduce waste, and invested in energy-efficient roasting equipment to advance sustainability without sacrificing flavor.

Her leadership extends beyond operations. Romero engages customers through targeted digital marketing and social media, strengthening loyalty and highlighting the people and practices behind each roast. Through the company’s Sip with Purpose program, she directs proceeds to local charities, aligning the brand with community needs.

Romero also mentors entrepreneurs through SCORE Las Vegas and participates in the SBA Emerging Leaders Program to support the growth of other small businesses.

Private Large Business: Angie Cosca

Chief Information Officer | Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

At the intersection of health care technology and community influence is Angie Cosca, chief information officer at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging. Of her 20 years in health care IT, 17 have been with SDMI, where she has helped the family-owned practice evolve into a modern, technology-driven organization.

Cosca began her career as a picture archiving and communications system administrator and went on to build SDMI’s IT department from the ground up, leading projects in cybersecurity, hardware upgrades and AI integration, including tools to streamline imaging analysis. She is recognized for advancing infrastructure—from servers and PACS to more than 600 workstations—while maintaining a strong record for data security and patient privacy.

Her leadership extends beyond SDMI. Cosca serves as president of the Information Systems Security Association’s Las Vegas chapter, where she teaches the CISSP certification course. She also sits on the board of the Society for Information Management and is a member of InfraGard, the FBI’s private-sector cybersecurity partnership.

Her mentorship through Tech Impact’s ITWorks program earned her the 2024 Volunteer Mentee of the Year Award, with several graduates now on her team.

Public Company: Victor Blanco

Chief Technology Officer | Light & Wonder

Victor Blanco brings a strategic and product-focused mindset to his role as chief technology officer at Light & Wonder, where he leads global innovation and cross-platform technology development. Since joining the company, he has prioritized platform unification and streamlined product workflows and scalable software architecture to support sustained business growth.

Blanco oversees more than 600 employees across nine global development centers, guiding efforts to consolidate systems, manage technical debt and advance embedded technology capabilities. His leadership has helped align engineering operations with long-term goals, contributing to Light & Wonder’s consistent double-digit growth.

Before joining the gaming and entertainment company, Blanco played a central role in several landmark technology launches. At HTC, he partnered with Google to release the first Android device. Prior to that, while at Microsoft, he led development of the original Xbox Dashboard interface.

Blanco holds more than 50 U.S. patents spanning gaming automation, gaming systems and interfaces in automobiles and small computer devices. He is recognized for his disciplined approach to quality, his ability to connect technical strategy with business impact and his commitment to building high-performing teams that deliver innovative, reliable products across global markets.

Hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism: Clinton Sparks

Founder | Global Gaming League

Through a career that bridges entertainment, education and technology, Clinton Sparks has built platforms that do more than entertain—they create opportunity. As founder of the Global Gaming League, he leads the Las Vegas-based esports and digital media company that connects underserved communities with careers in game development, streaming and digital marketing.

A Grammy-nominated producer and seasoned entrepreneur, Sparks guided the launch of GGL’s first content creation facility in Las Vegas’s Historic Westside, offering hands-on training and career access in a neighborhood long overlooked by the tech sector. He also developed GGL Academy’s interactive curriculum, which blends gamified learning and AI tools to boost student engagement and expand educational partnerships.

Sparks is closely involved in program development, innovation strategy and community outreach. His partnerships with organizations like Nevada Partners and Valhallan Esports have helped introduce structured mentorship, leadership training and workforce development initiatives across Southern Nevada.

Beyond his organizational role, Sparks speaks frequently at industry events and youth summits, advocating for inclusive technology and cultural relevance in digital education. His leadership reflects a belief that the future of tech must be built for everyone. Through GGL, he’s helping ensure that vision becomes a reality.

Healthcare & Biotech: Edgar Garrobo

Vice President of Information Security | Astrana Health

At Astrana Health, Edgar Garrobo leads efforts to align secure, scalable technology with the organization’s mission to deliver high-quality, value-based care. As vice president of information security, he directed the deployment and optimization of Astrana’s proprietary technology platform that integrates care coordination, data analytics and patient engagement. The system improved communication among primary care providers, specialists and urgent care teams, reducing patient wait times and enhancing outcomes.

Garrobo also introduced predictive analytics and machine learning to identify high-risk populations and support more proactive care management. These capabilities helped reduce hospital re-admissions and improve efficiency across the network.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Garrobo guided the expansion of telehealth services to maintain continuity of care and increase access for underserved communities. He also advanced the integration of electronic medical records with internal systems, easing administrative workload and improving provider satisfaction. He played a key role in scaling technology following strategic acquisitions, including the integration of the Prospect Health business.

Garrobo remains deeply involved in the broader health IT community. He is a member of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, contributes to regional technology collaborations that drive innovation in care delivery and mentors emerging professionals committed to improving health systems.

Cox Innovation: Gary Larkin

Co-founder and President | Koin Payments

Digital payments have advanced rapidly in recent years and Gary Larkin has played a key role in that progress. As president and co-founder of Koin Payments, he has helped grow Koin from its online gaming roots into a platform for hospitality, retail and entertainment with instant, secure, fee-free transactions.

Before launching Koin, Larkin held senior roles at TNS Payments and Debit Plus, developing payment innovations for global institutions including Visa and the World Bank. This experience helped shape Koin’s early focus on the rigorous requirements of online gaming and its later expansion into broader commercial use.

At Koin, Larkin led investments in cloud infrastructure, advanced security protocols and flexible APIs. These upgrades eased partner integration and lowered operating costs, while maintaining high performance as transaction volumes doubled. In 2023, he led an innovation sprint that secured partnerships with hotel chains and entertainment companies, introducing real-time analytics to anticipate demand and prevent fraud.

Active in the Las Vegas tech community, Larkin mentors early-stage entrepreneurs, speaks at industry events and advises startups on building secure, scalable platforms for global markets.

Community Exemplary: Brandon Ward

Founder | The WE Mentality LLC

Brandon Ward brings a mission-driven approach to technology as founder of The WE Mentality, a Las Vegas-based company that blends leadership development with digital tools. Through coaching, workshops and AI-driven systems, he supports clients ranging from veterans and students to entrepreneurs and government agencies.

One of his most notable achievements is LemonBot—an AI-powered business assistant that helps early-stage entrepreneurs craft business plans, understand finances and tailor strategies to their communication styles. The tool anchors his broader initiative, the Lemonade Stand Business Plan, a tech-integrated program combining storytelling, personality science and AI to teach business fundamentals. Delivered through sponsored programs, the initiative and its tools have supported more than 250 youth.

In addition to leading The WE Mentality, Ward serves as a business advisor for the Veterans Business Outreach Center, where he teaches veteran-owned businesses to use CRM platforms, LivePlan and AI marketing tools to grow. His leadership blends vision, empathy and consistent execution. He is also involved in mentorship and education through partnerships with Junior Achievement, Nevada Partners, Toastmasters and the Clark County School District.

Through his work, Ward demonstrates how technology—when guided by empathy and purpose—can expand opportunity and create lasting change.

Emerging Technology: Carami Olsen

Founder | Pilula

Carami Olsen is the founder of Pilula, a Henderson-based wellness technology startup offering a thoughtful approach to daily medications and supplements. Its flagship product, the Pilula Pod, combines a sleek pill organizer with a companion app that manages reminders, tracks usage and allows for shared wellness monitoring. The design avoids the clinical aesthetic of medical devices, aiming instead for something discreet and suited to daily life.

The concept was born from Olsen’s personal experience. While following a strict supplement regimen, she struggled to find tools that were both functional and appropriate for professional settings.

Olsen began her career in brand management before spending more than a decade teaching business in the Clark County School District. She created a program that allowed high school students to earn college credit if they met GPA and testing requirements. She also holds degrees from UNLV and a digital marketing certificate from San Diego State.

Pilula took shape with support from UNLV Black Fire Innovation, the Nevada Small Business Development Center and the Fusion 42 accelerator. Since launch, Pilula has reflected Olsen’s aim to create wellness tools that are practical, well-designed and aligned with real-world routines.

Top Tech of the Year: Seth Ravin

Chief Executive Officer | Rimini Street, Inc

Seth Ravin has built a career challenging convention. As CEO of Rimini Street, he has reshaped the economics and expectations of enterprise software support. Since launching the company in 2005, he has turned a startup vision into a global operation with more than 2,000 employees and nearly 6,000 client contracts. Under his leadership, Rimini Street has helped clients save more than $9 billion, avoiding costly vendor-driven upgrades and gaining flexibility over their IT strategies.

Ravin, a veteran of PeopleSoft and Oracle, saw an opportunity to deliver better enterprise software support at a lower cost. That insight led to Rimini Street’s core offerings, including an AI-powered service platform and support for Oracle, SAP and other systems. His approach prioritizes client value, with guaranteed response times for critical issues and personalized service.

The company’s broader portfolio includes security, observability, managed services and system interoperability. Strategic partnerships with ServiceNow, Salesforce and AWS reflect Rimini Street’s expanding influence.

Ravin’s work has earned recognition for its technical rigor and business impact. As enterprise IT leaders face pressure to drive efficiency and avoid vendor lock-in, he offers a proven alternative rooted in independence, long-term value and measurable outcomes.