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News Release

Kelli McMillan Honored on 2023 Channel Futures DE&I 101 List

The list recognizes individuals promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology channel. 

PHOENIX (Sept. 28, 2023) — Today, Five9, the intelligent CX platform provider, announced that Kelli McMillan was named an honoree on the third annual Channel Futures DE&I list. The list recognizes individuals from a wide spectrum of multicultural backgrounds who are driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communications and technology channel through their words, actions, and leadership. This is the third time McMillan has been named to this list.  

As Five9 Director of Global Partners, McMillan began her career at Five9 as a Channel Sales Manager in 2018, where she was responsible for client success and growth strategies. Outside of her professional life, McMillan is the Founder and Chair of Xposure Inclusion & Diversity Council, an organization that offers a collaborative space for those in technology to have access to career changing resources, education, mentorship, and outreach opportunities. In addition, McMillan is the Co-chair of ACW’s DEI Committee.  

The Channel Futures DE&I 101 list was created to spotlight the efforts of dedicated and determined individuals working to eliminate discrimination in the industry. Many of these individuals work behind the scenes and too often their efforts go unacknowledged. 

“DE&I work requires levels of dedication and determination that many people do not possess,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager, Informa Tech Channels. “But as anyone on this list can tell you, the work is as rewarding as it is hard. We are pleased to be able to recognize these individuals and, hopefully, amplify their efforts.” 

“DE&I is alive and well in the channel,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content, Informa Tech Channels. “This year we received more nominations than ever before and learned of some remarkable achievements that should be celebrated.” 

Nominations for the DE&I 101 list were solicited on the Channel Futures website and through social media. Between April 12 and July 14, individuals could nominate themselves or others for the list. Applications were open to managers, leaders and individual contributors. All submissions were reviewed by members of the Channel Futures editorial team with input from advisory board members.  

“We’re proud that Channel Futures has recognized Kelli three consecutive years for her contribution to DE&I at Five9 and in the technology industry,” said Jake Butterbaugh, SVP Five9 Global Partner Organization. “Kelli not only lives her own values, but also encompasses the Five9 values we all strive to achieve. The recognition by Channel Futures is a testament to her leadership and passion in this important area.”  

About Channel Futures 

Channel Futures, a media and events destination for the information and communication technologies (ICT) channel community, is part of Informa Tech. It provides information, perspective and connection for the entire channel ecosystem, including solution providers (SPs), managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors, technology solutions brokerages, subagents and agents, as well as leading technology vendor partners and communication providers.  

Channel Futures’ properties include many awards programs such as the Channel Futures MSP 501, a list of the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry; Channel Partners events, which deliver unparalleled in-person events including Channel Partners Conference & Expo, Channel Futures Leadership Summit, Women’s Leadership Summit, the MSP Summit and Channel Partners Europe; and a DEI Community Group, our initiative to educate, support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the ICT channel industry. Channel Futures is where the world meets the channel; we are leading Channel Partners forward. More information is available at channelfutures.com.