Calline Sanchez

BizTUCSONApril 4, 2025

3 minutes read

2024 Greater Tucson Leadership Woman of the Year

By Valerie Vinyard

With an already impressive resume, Calline Sanchez has one more accolade to add to the list − Woman of the Year by Greater Tucson Leadership.

“This award reflects not just my accomplishments, but the chance I’ve had to inspire change,” said Sanchez, 48. “If I can encourage others to take action, it’s all been worth it.”

Sanchez began her IBM career as a software engineer intern in 1999 after working at Sandia National Laboratories for several years. Today, she serves as IBM’s VP for technical lifecycle management and Tucson site manager, where she drives innovation, revenue growth and improved user experience by collaborating with clients on solution design and execution.

The 72nd Community Impact Awards, which will honor Sanchez and others, will be held April 11 at Casino Del Sol. Attendees can celebrate the leaders shaping Tucson while supporting GTL’s mission to inspire, develop and promote leadership.

GTL posted a glowing announcement on social media about Sanchez’s nomination. The post included: “From her groundbreaking leadership at IBM to her passionate advocacy for STEM education and workforce development, Calline embodies excellence in community impact. … Her bold vision, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to uplifting others make her the perfect recipient of this award.”

Awards are not new to Sanchez. In 2018, she was named Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Las Cruces, N.M., native earned two bachelor’s degrees – in communications and management information systems – from the University of Arizona, and she later went back to the UA to get an MBA.

Cristie Street, senior VP and COO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, has known Sanchez for almost 10 years, first in their roles as technology leaders and later as mothers “trying to balance school-age children, life and careers.”

“She is a rare breed of ambidextrous citizen-scientist − equally adept at complex technical concepts and deeply committed to investing in the people and the community surrounding her,” Street said. “Calline is a catalyst and can often be found in the middle of generative conversations.”

Street went on to say that Sanchez’s “inclusive leadership style has never been bound by the rules of what is expected.”

“She loves brainstorming, starting with ‘yes’ instead of proving why something should not be done,” she said. “Calline is known for soliciting great ideas from certified geniuses and average contributors alike, while never competing with either participant or seeking the spotlight for herself.”

“Calline cares deeply about results and invests her professional and personal time championing data science and technology and the importance of a STEM mindset,” said Ted Maxwell, GTL’s Man of the Year honoree and a retired U.S. Air Force major general.

He is happy to share the stage with Sanchez, whom he has known for years.

“She sets a great example for so many young women and men, both inside IBM and throughout the community,” he said. “Through her accomplishments, she has proven the power of these areas when combined with driven leadership.”

He believes that Sanchez recognizes the importance of developing the region’s future leaders. He noted the time she has spent encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM, as well as serving as a mentor in a program that pairs members of SALC and Tucson Young Professionals.

“Calline serves on numerous boards, including SALC, and her confidence and expertise enable her to be vocal in recommending fresh and visionary ideas on issues affecting the region,” Maxwell said.

Sanchez has a 14-year-old daughter, Helena, with her husband, Chad Driedger. She serves, or has served, as a leader or board member in the following councils and organizations: Arizona-Mexico Commission; Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Arizona Tech Council; SALC; UA School of Management Information Systems; United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona; and Angel Charity for Children.

“For me, leadership is about responsibility to those I serve – at work and in the greater Tucson community,” Sanchez said. “This award is a reminder of the trust I’ve worked to earn and the difference I strive to make every day. It’s an honor, and I’m deeply grateful to be surrounded by so many incredible people who make it all possible.”