Obopay, a leading global mobile payments and banking provider, announces that two of its senior leaders have been named 2010 Women of Influence in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal. Obopay Founder and CEO Carol Realini and Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Judy O’Brien were honored with this award.
The Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal annually honors 100 Silicon Valley women, nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of judges, as Women of Influence for their leadership and contributions to the community.
“This is such a great tribute to be acknowledged as a female leader in the high-tech innovation hub of the United States. I am proud to be a part of this select group,” said Obopay CEO Carol Realini.
A veteran entrepreneur with three decades of technology experience, Carol is passionate about delivering universal and affordable access to financial services through mobile technology. Carol’s vision to start Obopay took root when she was in Africa where she witnessed people with mobile phones who were un-served by traditional banking. By leveraging the growing mobile network, Carol realized she could create a low cost banking approach that empowers the life and work of millions of people and small businesses around the world.
Under Carol and Judy’s leadership, Obopay has established partnerships with global leaders including Nokia and MasterCard; launched its services on three continents and raised significant investment capital.
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Carol inspires innovation to all her employees, and as a result, Obopay was the only financial services provider to be named Technology Pioneer 2010 by the World Economic Forum and selected as one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world by MIT Technology Review 2010.
Also playing an integral role in Obopay’s success, EVP, General Counsel and Secretary Judy O’Brien is involved in all corporate matters, including strategic partnerships, intellectual property and international expansion. With a long track record of accomplishments, prior to joining Obopay in 2006, Judy spent 20-years successfully building a significant independent practice at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati where she represented many of Silicon Valley’s premiere high-tech companies.
“It is amazing the power we are seeing women have in business today and the positive impact we are having on society, government and the business world. I encourage all women to know their potential and realize the wonderful opportunity that exists to lead and make a difference. I am truly honored to be recognized as a Women of Influence,” commented Judy O’Brien.
Editor of Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal Shana Lynch stated, “We received a record number of nominations for our annual Women of Influence publication, and this year’s 100 awardees represent noteworthy women in every industry, leaders in their professions as well as their communities.”
About Obopay
Founded in 2005, Obopay delivers an open, trusted, secure and interoperable mobile payments and banking service by transforming any mobile phone into a convenient and easy way to send and receive money and get paid – anywhere, anytime with anyone. Obopay’s broad based offering addresses the needs of consumers and businesses around the world by providing a ubiquitous service that delivers value, empowers lives and improves opportunity for merchants both in the physical and virtual worlds. Obopay’s innovative mobile money services make it easy for all mobile phone users to securely send and receive money, top-up their mobile account, buy online, buy via mobile, pay bills and pay for purchases with small businesses. Obopay was selected as the only financial services provider to be named Technology Pioneer 2010 by the World Economic Forum and was named one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world by MIT Technology Review. Obopay believes the power is in the network and has global partnerships with companies like Nokia and MasterCard. Obopay powers the MasterCard MoneySend service in the U.S., the Nokia Money initiative in India and yuCash by Obopay in Kenya. Global headquarters are in Redwood City, CA with operations in India.
