Cori Carter-Wiggins
Cori Carter-Wiggins is an accomplished program manager with over two decades of experience in IT, project management, and AI-driven business transformation. With a foundation in biology and chemistry and an MBA in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, Cori has developed a unique skill set that blends technical knowledge with strategic leadership. Her career began in corporate project management roles at SunTrust Bank and Accenture Technology Solutions, where she honed her expertise in managing complex projects, aligning cross-functional teams, and delivering results on time and within scope.
Since 2007, Cori has served as a Program Manager at Amdocs, where she focuses on integrating AI into project-management operations and PMO workflows. She develops innovative tools and dashboards, including Smartsheet-based solutions and the Ask Ambrian application, to provide leadership with a consolidated, real-time view of project scope, budget, and status. Her work spans construction, enterprise, and IT projects, helping organizations streamline processes, automate reporting, and make project execution more efficient.
Beyond her corporate role, Cori operates Charles Coaching and Consulting, where she leverages her expertise to mentor and coach professionals in project management and leadership development. She is a passionate advocate for responsible AI use and visible, bold leadership, while also supporting charitable causes such as the Kidney Foundation and Autism Speaks. Recognized for her influence and impact, Cori has been selected to be featured by Influential Women representing Georgia for 2026, highlighting her contributions to the intersection of technology, leadership, and professional development.
• Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Keller Graduate School of Management- M.B.A.
• Kidney Foundation
• Autism Speaks
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute everything I am to my mom, 110%. My biological father died when I was 11 years old, and my mother had 3 girls that she had to take care of, and she did not waver. I saw that drive very young. I saw it. My mom was a teacher who went on and worked for Roar Barnes. She was featured in Time Magazine as the National Teacher of the Year, the Tandit Award. I saw my mom's drive as a single mom with 3 girls and being a widow so young. My father died when he was 35, and my mom was 32. I contribute that everything I am is because of my mom, 110%.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be bold. Don't shrink yourself, because you're in a male-dominant field. Don't shrink yourself at all. Be seen, be heard, don't be afraid. Make sure that you can still achieve all things, and if this is your goal, to go after it. Don't shrink yourself at all. And if you fail, guess what? Get back up. Get back up, you'll do it again. My mother used to tell me, your heart may bleed, but you won't die. Take on adversity head on. As women, we do know that there are a lot of fields that men dominate in, right? So at the end of the day, don't be afraid to shine. And whenever you can support a woman around you, don't be afraid to lift her up, grab her, and walk together. It's so important that we support each other, and network, and just look after each other. Check on your strong friends. Is there anything I can help you with?
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field is leveraging AI to simplify tasks, create consolidated dashboards, and accelerate project delivery across diverse projects. A key challenge is overcoming misconceptions about AI and effectively transforming PM offices beyond IT, ensuring all types of project management benefit from these innovations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are boldness, mutual support among women, and a strong commitment to family and caregiving responsibilities, while also emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and maintaining mental health and happiness. I strive to lead with courage and compassion, creating balance between professional ambitions and well-being.