Meet our 2025 US ZipSTAR Award winners

Drum roll please....Announcing our annual US ZipSTAR award winners for 2025! Each of the winning Zipsters have set the standard across their teams and the company, making game-changing contributions in their work over the last 12 months.

These individuals represent many different teams, functional and locations across the US, and were voted for by their fellow Zipsters across a number of award categories, representing Zip's values.

Please join us in celebrating these game-changing Zipsters and take a read of just some of the testimonials their colleagues gave when voting for them :)

🏆 ZipSTAR of the Year: Renamed last year to the Diamond Award, this award recognises an exceptional Zipster whose impact has made a significant difference across the company. This individual leads with a customer-first mindset, takes ownership, drives collaboration, and consistently delivers results that move Zip forward.

Winner: Hannah Rodriguez, Director, Talent Acquisition

✨”Hannah’s impact is felt across the entire company. She brings a deep understanding of the business, a genuine care for people, and a forward-looking approach to building Zip’s talent capabilities. From modernizing how we hire to strengthening our employer brand and improving core metrics, Hannah’s leadership has helped shape Zip’s future in meaningful ways. She leads with empathy, clarity, and conviction and embodies what it means to be a ZipStar.”

🏆 Change the Game Award: Celebrates a Zipster who accelerates our strategic priorities by adapting quickly, experimenting boldly, and raising the bar for themselves and the team. Their commitment to excellence helps modernise and strengthen Zip.

Winner: Dhanya Tatachar, Senior Manager, Platform Assurance

✨“Dhanya challenges the status quo by asking not just how things should be done, but why. Her work has shaped smarter solutions and driven meaningful, long-term change across the business.”

🏆 Own It Award for Rookie of the Year: Celebrates a new Zipster who made an immediate impact through smart prioritisation, fast delivery, and strong ownership. They balance risk and reward, step up to solve problems, and consistently drive scalable, innovative outcomes.

Winner: Eli Weinstock-Herman, Senior Enterprise Architect

✨”Eli made an immediate impact from day one. He earned trust quickly through strong execution, thoughtful questions, and a clear willingness to own complex problems. His confidence, curiosity, and follow-through have raised the bar for those around him.”

🏆 Customer First Award: Honours a Zipster who champions customer needs, seeks their voices, and delivers smarter, faster outcomes. They act with care and advocate confidently through deep product understanding.

Winner: Katherine Maldonado, Customer Experience Manager, Complaints & Compliance

✨ “Katherine consistently shows up for customers with empathy, precision, and care - even in the most challenging moments. She balances compassion with action, ensuring customers feel heard while driving real, lasting solutions.”

🏆 Stronger Together Award for Team of the Year: Recognises a team that unites around collaboration and respect, working efficiently to deliver stronger results. They enable each other’s success and elevate outcomes through candid feedback.

Winner: IT & Security

✨“IT & Security is the quiet force that keeps Zip running securely and smoothly every day. As a small but mighty team, they work behind the scenes to implement critical systems, respond rapidly to shifting business needs, and collaborate closely across regions. Their agility, responsiveness, and exceptional communication make their impact felt across the entire organization.”

🏆 Zipsters’ Zipster Award: Honours our ultimate culture ambassador. Someone approachable, dependable, and passionate about making Zip an incredible place to work.

Winner: Zachary Dobush, IT Support Engineer I

✨“Zak is consistently there when people need support — always responsive, always willing to help, and always going above and beyond to make sure Zipsters feel set up for success.”

🏆 Exceptional Coach of the Year:

Winner: Jo Wang, Manager, Data Analytics

✨“Jo is a leader who unlocks potential. Through intentional coaching and a deep investment in people, Jo helps others see what’s possible while building confidence, capability, and growth across her team.”

Congratulations to all our 2025 winners, and to the many other Zipsters who were shortlisted. Thank you all for your efforts!