Denver, Colorado — UnionHub is proud to announce that Tessa Aubry, Chief Operating Officer, has been nominated as a finalist for the Emerging Leader of the Year award at the 2026 Colorado Technology Association (CTA) APEX Awards.
The APEX Awards, presented by the Colorado Technology Association, spotlight the individuals and organizations driving innovation, leadership, and growth within Colorado’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Held in conjunction with the Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards on February 18, 2026, the event celebrates outstanding contributions to the industry and honors those shaping the future of technology in the state.
Emerging Leader of the Year: A Prestigious Recognition
The Emerging Leader of the Year category recognizes a Colorado-based technology professional (typically aged 21–40) who demonstrates passion for technology, impactful contributions to their organization or the broader industry, and strong potential for future leadership. This award highlights rising stars who exhibit excellence and influence early in their careers, helping pave the way for the next generation of tech leadership.
Tessa Aubry joins an impressive group of finalists in this category, including Brandon Archuleta of the Governor’s Office of Information Technology and Gaëlle Koanda of BAE Systems. Read more about the CTA Apex Awards here: https://coloradotechnology.org/apex-awards/
From Employee #1 to COO: Tessa’s Leadership Journey
Tessa’s rise within UnionHub is a testament to her commitment, strategic vision, and people-centric leadership. Originally from Nebraska and raised in North Texas, she moved to Colorado and became part of UnionHub’s founding team in January 2021. Since then, Tessa has played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s operations and shaping its culture.
Before her time at UnionHub, Tessa built a diverse professional background in business analytics, digital marketing, and development, working with companies like Pier 1 Imports and Signet. She also ran her own photography business for over a decade, demonstrating both entrepreneurial spirit and creative agility.
After earning a dual major in Merchandising and Digital Retailing from the University of North Texas and completing a Full Stack Development Certification at the University of Denver, Tessa brought this multidisciplinary expertise to UnionHub, and ultimately leading cross-team collaboration, day-to-day operations, and product strategy as COO.
Leadership Rooted in People and Purpose
Tessa is widely admired for her people-first leadership philosophy, grounded in mentorship, curiosity, and empowering teams to thrive. She has been instrumental in fostering an environment where team members feel respected, supported, and inspired to grow; a reflection of UnionHub’s values and commitment to culture.
Her contributions extend beyond operations to shaping how UnionHub evolves with both clarity and purpose. Tessa’s leadership has helped position the company not just as a technology innovator, but as a force for expanding access to tools and protections that matter for employers and workers alike.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Being named a finalist for the CTA APEX Emerging Leader of the Year award underscores Tessa’s impact on Colorado’s tech community and her growing influence as a leader in the industry. The recognition speaks to her unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and community — qualities that inspire both her peers and the broader tech ecosystem.
Please join us in congratulating Tessa Aubry on this well-deserved nomination!
