Catharine Montgomery Honored as AI and Innovation Leader by Ragan's Awards

Celebrating AI Leadership: Catharine Montgomery's Recognition

In an inspiring moment for marketing and technology, Catharine Montgomery, the Founder and CEO of Better Together Agency, has been named an honoree in the AI and Innovation Leaders category at Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards for 2026. This accolade, which signifies her immense contributions to the marketing field, comes in recognition of her innovative endeavors, particularly the launch of TogetherAI, a platform designed to empower small nonprofits and advocacy groups.

Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards

The Top Women in Marketing Awards celebrate outstanding women whose leadership, innovative capabilities, and significant achievements have advanced their organizations and the marketing landscape. This year's class introduces an array of leaders from diverse sectors including brands, agencies, and nonprofit organizations, all making remarkable strides in marketing.

Montgomery's initiative with TogetherAI is a testament to her commitment to driving change within the tech and marketing domains. This private platform, launched in March 2026, arose from two years of research that tackled the ever-pressing issue of bias in generative AI.

Understanding TogetherAI

TogetherAI was developed specifically to assist smaller organizations in creating effective communication strategies. Through this innovative platform, organizations can use their own tailored messaging and data to maintain consistency in voice and tone across all communications. This alleviates the burden of correcting generic language that often deters from a brand's identity.

One of the standout features of TogetherAI is its ability to treat each organization’s data with confidentiality while ensuring every output is screened for biases concerning race, gender, age, disability, income, and geography. This ensures that the communication remains aligned with the organization's goals and values. Staff can initiate requests simply without having to craft elaborate prompts, saving valuable time and effort. According to Montgomery, organizations that adopt this platform have reported a significant efficiency boost, completing policy-related tasks 15% faster compared to conventional methods.

A Legacy of Research and Advocacy

Catharine Montgomery is not just an entrepreneur; she is an advocate for responsible AI use. In 2026, she graduated with distinction from the Center for AI and Digital Policy's AI Policy Clinic. Her extensive research during this program covered key legislative frameworks such as the EU AI Act and the Council of Europe's AI Treaty, pushing the discourse on AI ethics forward.

Montgomery has also been actively involved in discussions about AI governance and bias, featuring as a speaker at esteemed conferences including Ragan's AI Horizons Conference in collaboration with Google DeepMind. Her contributions have also been shared at the Nonprofit Technology Conference and She Speaks CEO.

Looking Ahead

Montgomery acknowledges that her recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the collaborative efforts of the Better Together Agency team and their clients. She emphasizes that understanding and addressing the needs of clients regarding privacy, bias, and reliability was crucial in shaping TogetherAI as a solution geared towards daily communication challenges.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Montgomery's remarkable work serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders in technology and communications. Her insights into the challenges and opportunities within AI are valuable to various sectors.

Catharine Montgomery is set to be officially recognized for her contributions at Ragan's prestigious awards luncheon on October 22, 2026, taking place at the Yale Club in New York City. This gathering will honor not just Montgomery, but also the remarkable community of marketing professionals who collectively shape the industry's future.

The future for Montgomery and her initiatives looks promising, as she continues to pave the way for innovation while championing ethical practices within artificial intelligence and marketing. For further information about Better Together Agency and TogetherAI, visit their official website.