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In the past three decades, women have made significant progress in various fields. Madeleine Albright made history in 1997 by being the first woman to serve as the United States secretary of state. The ban on women serving in combat positions in the U.S. military was lifted in 2013. NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch achieved a significant milestone in October 2019 with the first all-female spacewalk. Kamala Harris made history in 2021 by becoming the first woman and woman of color to serve as vice president of the United States.
Women of color have made major contributions to science and technology, such as Sherry F. Bellamy, who played a crucial role in the passage of landmark legislation in 1996 and was the first winner of the Women of Color magazine Technologist of the Year award.
Dr. Chon-Yin Tsai is an expert in fluid dynamics and applied computational fluid dynamics, and her contributions to the fundamental understanding of Fleet Ballistic Missile Underwater Missile Launch hydrodynamics issues are significant. She has authored numerous publications and reports covering applied research, computer code development, and problem investigation. She was recognized as the Technologist of the Year in 1999.
Mary Hor-Lao, the 2023 Technologist of the Year, is another inspiring figure. She led the development of the world’s smallest rechargeable implantable pulse generator and played a crucial role in creating an award-winning virtual clinic that transformed the lives of patients with chronic pain and movement disorders. HorLao has received recognition from IEEE Women in Engineering and is actively involved in STEM mentorship circles and philanthropic efforts to support children in her native Cambodia. Hor-Lao’s journey from surviving the Khmer Rouge’s brutal genocide to becoming a prominent figure in electrical engineering is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination.
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“When she joined the National Science Foundation, she discovered why women of color do not enjoy a higher representation in STEM.”
Yagna Pathak has overcome multiple obstacles throughout her career. Growing up in hot and dry Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, until she was 11 years old, life took her suddenly across the Atlantic to the windy, cold Chicago, IL winters. This extreme change in environments would later create a family joke, but the challenges Pathak faced assimilating to Western culture were a precursor to the barriers she encountered in school.
Her sometimes-difficult rite of passage was a new milestone. Pathak understood that “assimilation” could mean the loss of her own personality and culture. Her solution was simple yet incredibly smart: “You can only make friends if you are authentic.”
This adage was one of the first cornerstones in the building of wisdom. Later in her college years, her unique background gave Pathak the ability to see intersections in her own migration story with the career struggles of women in STEM.
Even though she had been exposed to inspiring role models, and despite her parents’ emphasis on knowledge and education, Pathak quickly learned that indeed, women of color are underrepresented in the diverse areas composing the STEM universe. When she joined the National Science Foundation, she discovered why women of color do not enjoy a higher representation in STEM. She, like many others, was treated by the scientific community like a young child or dismissed as “just a woman.”
Pathak met this challenge with another brilliant strategy, using her culture and upbringing as a tool. Pathak realized that she had a choice to tolerate underrepresentation in silence, or she could be part of the group of women leading the way. By speaking up and advocating, Pathak made sure that those in the arena
Yagna Pathak, Ph.D. Manager, Medical Affairs Abbott by Jessica Rafaeil jrafaeil@ccgmag.comknew that she had earned her place. The confidence and enthusiasm that resulted from facing challenges head on soon reaped benefits that were tangible and palpable.
The reach of her assimilation and self-defining experiences later served as a beacon of light. The realization that she was part of a minority gave her the clarity to understand how these breaches of human understanding can affect millions of lives. Like many other children of immigrants in America, Pathak had experienced what it felt to be cast out. Like cable lines ready to be connected, Pathak made a discovery that would define her career—or better yet—her calling in life.
In changing her perspective, she was able to pinpoint a new objective: creating a platform that would allow more people to have access to health care. By 2018, she was transferring her experiences into a broader scope.
A diverse team would be tasked to “elevate the experience for patients who were already burdened by their debilitating disease,” as her bio reads.
As Pathak herself points out in a recent interview, at the right time, “the right people came together to create the NeurosphereTM technology.”
Pathak’s trailblazing path has been illuminated by the stars, her left brain—along with arts and dancing, as she has structured her universe based on her character, personality, and continuous learning. Moreover, as a proud member of the STEM community, she now represents the very best of what women of color achieve daily through dedication and passion for their work.
THAT FEELING OF BEING “PERCEIVED AS DIFFERENT” (EVEN THOUGH SHE NEVER SAW HERSELF AS SUCH) BECAME A CULTURAL WAKE-UP CALL FOR YOUNG PATHAK.
Make a difference in your community and help steward and conserve the Nation’s forests and grasslands.
Get your resume ready! We are hiring for many positions across the Nation this October, including geospatial systems specialists, civil engineers, information technology specialists, and more!
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Connect with USDA Forest Service panel members
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In2023, women really can have it all. Women can have an education that allows them to discover and enrich their passions. They can lead teams that code algorithms to change the way we prepare for asteroids and other potential space threats. They can have a family and be present in their children’s lives. It may sound too good to be true, but one woman’s story shows us it is possible to go after the things you want and truly thrive.
Michelle Chen Software Systems Engineer The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics LaboratoryAs a child, Michelle Chen, who currently works as a software systems engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), never imagined she’d be working as an engineer or in the space industry. One might think being born the same year as the Apollo moon landing would serve as some type of omen. However, growing up in a family of doctors, she assumed she would one day go to medical school and follow the tradition of becoming a doctor. But life had a different plan for Chen. Her natural talent for math and problemsolving led her down a new path—engineering.
Chen’s journey as an engineer began at the University of Illinois, where she excelled and discovered her true passion for the field. Her college journey gave her the opportunity to make connections with students and staff
that would guide her beyond graduation.
“It’s something I’m very proud of,” Chen said about graduating from the University of Illinois. “Some of the smartest people I’ve ever met were on that campus.” After graduating, she joined the prestigious APL, where her skills and potential were nurtured.
Her brilliance and passion for problem-solving have propelled her to great heights in her career. Chen’s pivotal role in NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission, along with her innovative creation, the Smallbody Maneuvering Autonomous Real-Time Navigation (SMART Nav) algorithm, have cemented her contributions to planetary defense.
Chen’s groundbreaking work on the DART Mission, and the creation of the SMART Nav algorithm, played a critical role in the mission’s success. Chen’s team worked diligently together to map out every possible outcome in order to find the best solution. SMART Nav employed onboard imagery to identify the target asteroid’s (Didymos) moon, make key decisions on thruster firing and coasting, and account for fuel levels and remaining distance. By hitting the moon of the asteroid, DART demonstrated humanity’s readiness and capability to protect our planet from potential asteroid threats.
“The night before the DART impact, I actually slept really well,” she said, “because I knew that as a team, at least for SMART Nav, we did everything we could.”
While Chen has achieved remarkable success in her career, she has also managed to balance her professional aspirations with family life, thanks to the support she receives from APL. The company’s commitment to work-life balance allowed her to work part-time when needed, ensuring she could be present in her children’s lives as they were growing up. All the while, she was still intricately involved in groundbreaking projects at work.
“I know other women before me that basically had to choose career versus their family,” she said. “I still remember when my research advisor in undergrad told me that at some point, I would have to choose between engineering and a family. I’m glad to see that [idea] changing in work environments, and I hope it continues.”
She attributes her success to her mentors, who saw her potential, challenged her, and encouraged her to take credit for her work. Chen also recognizes the importance of empowering her team members and ensuring they receive recognition for their contributions.
“One of my mentors told me early on to take credit for my work. I never really thought too much about it because I really love the work I do, and I enjoy just being a part of the process and solving problems. But [women] often don’t take advantage of the opportunity to take credit for their successes. I want to ensure that everyone on my team, men and women, can take credit for their contributions.”
Looking toward the future, Chen highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of space exploration, including autonomous navigation, data analysis, and mission planning. She encourages students who are interested in AI or robotics to pursue their passion. Despite the density of brilliant applicants for STEM positions, passion for your work or studies will always stand out.
As the world of engineering and space exploration continues to evolve, Chen’s story reminds us of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and the importance of nurturing talent, supporting work-life balance, and embracing emerging technologies to change the way we manage our space missions. The biggest takeaway? Every woman’s story is their own. Today, thriving isn’t just about having a family and an illustrious career. Thriving is following your passion and giving 100 percent to whatever you love.
Did you enjoy this edition of She Thrives? Watch the 2022 Women of Color STEM Conference to hear about more awesome role models.
“
[Women] often don’t take advantage of the opportunity to take credit for their successes. I want to ensure that everyone on my team, men and women, can take credit for their contributions.”
“I still remember when my research advisor in undergrad told me that at some point, I would have to choose between engineering and a family. I’m glad to see that [idea] changing in work environments, and I hope it continues.”
The triennial Women of Color STEM Conference report shows the attendee breakdown by professionals, college students, and K-12 students.
Event participation numbers include 6,215 for the Technology Recognition Luncheon, 842 for Breakfast with Leaders and Legends, 2,950 for the Women of Color Gala, and 1,053 for the Exhibit Hall in 2020. There were 3,711 registrants, with 45.64 percent being professionals, 22.50 percent college students, and 31.86 percent pre-college students.
In October 2021, 4,022 registered for the conference: 35.53 percent were professionals, 20.91 percent were college students, and 43.56 percent were pre-college students.
October 2022, 3,357 registered:
40.21% WERE PROS
19.72% WERE COLLEGE STUDENTS
40.07% WERE PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS
Attendees at events varied.
3,357 Conference registrants at the 2022 Women of Color STEM Conference
NEARLY 41% of the total number of conference registrants were professionals.
OVER 19% of total conference registrants were college students.
MORE THAN 40% of the college registrants were pre-college students.
Karynna Tuan is an aerospace engineer who joined Ansys in 2015 after completing a concurrent bachelor’s/master’s degree in bioastronautics from the University of Colorado. Her achievements demonstrate that anyone can succeed in engineering with determination and hard work.
Her journey began as an application engineer for Systems Tool Kit (STK) software, where she helped clients in the aerospace industry plan missions for air, space, and military purposes.
Her clients included the Royal Australian Air Force, the Algerian Space Agency, the Indian Space Research Organization, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Fujitsu Corporation, the Korean Air Force, Rocket Lab, Inc. (New Zealand), and the Royal Thai Air Force.
With her technical skills, command over the software, and ability to quickly grasp customer applications, Tuan soon became a top performer. She also played a key role in the internal training program for new application engineers and fostered team building within and outside the office.
After 15 months, Tuan moved to Singapore for a pre-sales field position, supporting Ansys customers across the AsiaPacific region, where she’s been working for over six years.
During this time, she collaborated with over 100 organizations in 10 countries, contributing to aerospace mission design and planning, satellite flight dynamics, and special-purpose aerospace applications.
Tuan’s work involved understanding multi-domain aerospace architectures, satellite flight operations, and structured programming in a managed software development environment. Apart from supporting Ansys
customers, Tuan also trained engineers in several channel partners who worked throughout the region.
Her clients included the Royal Australian Air Force, the Algerian Space Agency, the Indian Space Research Organization, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Fujitsu Corporation, the Korean Air Force, Rocket Lab, Inc. (New Zealand), and the Royal Thai Air Force.
Tuan’s technical expertise and ability to work with people across all categories made her a valuable addition to the organization.
Currently, Tuan is working with partners and employees
from Ansys in the region to expand her presence in Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific defense industry. She focused on specific countries such as Japan, Korea, India, and Australia.
Following Ansys’ acquisition of AGI, Tuan was offered a competitive management position. She was promoted to a management role for application engineers for the Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions. Tuan has demonstrated the ability to advance the collective contribution of the teams and help set the direction for her leadership.
Ifyou have ever sat in a meeting and felt uncomfortable being there or began to doubt your right to participate, you have experienced imposter syndrome. There is no sign or symptom to look out for. It’s more of a sinking feeling, a sense of not being good enough. And it is far more common than you might think.
According to the “Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome” review conducted by Dena M. Bravata and others, more than 80 percent of people experience a sense they haven’t earned what they’ve achieved and are concerned they are a fraud. That’s a massive chunk of the U.S. population!
So, what is imposter syndrome?
Essentially, it’s a collection of feelings such as self-doubt and inadequacy coming together in a perfect balance. Of course, these feelings crop up all the time, but imposter syndrome is characterized by the strength and frequency with which these feelings present. Those who are high achievers can find themselves assailed with a sense that they will be revealed as a fraud. But it isn’t just high-achieving individuals who find themselves in this predicament, as the research by Bravata highlights. With more than 80 percent of people experiencing this level of self-doubt, the field extends far beyond the highest achievers. Imposter syndrome is common in underrepresented racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, as well as transgender and non-binary groups.
And then there is imposter syndrome in women. Back in the late 1970s, psychologists Clance and Imes coined the term “imposter phenomenon” to explain how women with outstanding professional and academic
achievements can frequently believe they are not bright and that they are fooling anyone who thinks they are.
In the years that followed, the term imposter syndrome became more popular, and the concept has since extended far beyond one gender.
With such a universal impact and a raft of wellresearched and understood mental health issues—such as stress, anxiety, and burnout—it is vital that you know how to tackle it when it rears its head. So, here are five tips for tackling imposter syndrome.
National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information
Each time you tell yourself you aren’t good enough, that someone is better than you, or that you are less than your peers, you are fueling the imposter belief. Pay attention and catch the thoughts as they crop up, replacing them with positive alternatives.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, and it is unlikely that you are the only person feeling that way in whatever situation you find yourself in.
2. Keep your achievements in mind:
People with imposter syndrome are more likely to overlook or discount everything they have achieved in their careers or lifetime. There is also a tendency to attribute any success to external factors such as the help of others or just plain old good luck. Make an effort to spend time reflecting on all you’ve achieved and give yourself full credit. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
3. Don’t be afraid to grow:
No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Rather than turning on yourself and worrying that you aren’t good enough, convert your mistakes into powerful opportunities to learn and grow in your chosen activity or profession.
4. Take good care of yourself:
Looking after your physical and mental health will increase your resilience and make you feel confident. By eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of sleep, and taking the time to engage in activities that make you feel joyful, you are setting yourself up for success. And make some time for peace and tranquility too. Mindfulness, meditation, and even simple self-reflection can make a big difference.
5. Seek out support:
Be bold and chat about your concerns with someone you trust, whether that is a close friend, a colleague, or a family member. They will keep you focused on your strengths and abilities and offer encouragement when you need it most.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, and it is unlikely that you are the only person feeling that way in whatever situation you find yourself in. Some of the most well-known and successful people have admitted to experiencing it at some stage in their careers. And yet, it remains something we are ashamed of, something we keep hidden and battle quietly with. By taking action to tackle how you feel, you are taking control and minimizing the impact.
Finally, let’s not be afraid to talk about it. We need to make it part of the conversation. By bringing it out into the open, we provide support to each other in a more
relaxed and honest way, and slowly, the stigma will disappear, taking much of the mental health impact along with it.
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By bringing it out into the open, we provide support to each other in a more relaxed and honest way, and slowly, the stigma will disappear, taking much of the mental health impact along with it.
Finding your tribe is essential. Stay connected with our community, you are never alone at
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Intoday’s work environment, professionalism is absolutely essential. However, being able to stand out from the crowd takes strategy and purpose. It is imperative that as you hone your skills, you also get an edge by inspiring confidence and communicating value. At a recent Career Communications Group event, four experienced pros from the electric services, shipbuilding, and global cosmetic industries sat down to share their thoughts on how knowing your worth helps you earn more money, influence, and success.
These tips will not only help you be professionally savvy, but they will also usher in happiness, fulfillment, competence, and confidence in all your business and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Creating your personal brand is all about being authentic, bold, and positive. Unfortunately, it is not something many people take enough time to consider seriously. Rather, they tend to go about their lives and hope people make the right perceptions of them. Doing that allows people to make up the brand they think fits you. The goal of your brand is to be known for being yourself, not anyone else. It’s not until we show up as ourselves that people will start to notice the spark within us.
Authenticity will help you stand out and open doors you never expected to open. When you show up as your authentic self, your professional endeavors will not feel like a “job.” The comfort of being who you naturally are prevents exhaustion and promotes genuine creativity. When you try to become who you think people want you to be, what you do ultimately becomes a task and limits opportunities of growth in front of you. Be confident in who you are and have the courage to stand alone.
Here’s an unknown fact: When you stand alone, you’re usually standing with someone who was afraid to stand up first. Know you are never truly alone.
Own and cement within yourself that you are capable of doing whatever you set your heart and mind to do. You bring skills and strengths to the table no one else has. Allow your self-confidence to guide you to your best performance. Within you is the power of influence. That means in every situation, your thoughts, ideas, and work are necessary to challenge and change the next level of improvement for your team or organization.
Cornelia Butler Director DTE Energy
Cynthia Lee Gallo Sales Director DTE Energy
Sondia Christian Business Integration Director HII
As an influencer, you are a mentor, sponsor, and champion for your community and others. Your charisma causes people to believe in what you do and the direction you take. Take a vested interest in the people around you, and sincerely care about them. They will return that to you 100-fold.
Always be prepared. Practice, train, and build your knowledge base. Have a growth mindset, and take the time (and money, if needed) to invest in your craft and skills. Never automatically tell yourself no. If you do ultimately say “no,” let it be on your terms, not anyone else’s. Also, always let people know your vision for yourself so you’re not placed in areas someone else thought would be good for you. This is your life and career, not theirs.
The only responsibility to yourself is to BE yourself. You are skilled at so many things. Know what those are and where you stand tall in your knowledge. Resolve any internal insecurities because that is the beginning of self-confidence. Also understand you’re not perfect. Everyone has room to improve, so be aware of when and where you should lead, and when you should follow. True leaders remove excuses and learn from their mistakes, but they also give themselves grace to know the past is in the past. Forward is the only direction of progress.
Jesseca Dupart Chief Executive Officer Kaleidoscope SoulFed
“You are skilled at so many things. Know what those are and where you stand tall in your knowledge.”
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ForValerie Sheares Ashby, 2023 has been a year of major professional and lifestyle changes that she has embraced and continues to celebrate.
She moved her life from North Carolina to Maryland; began serving as the first Black female president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); and fulfilled a wealth of commitments as Women of Color magazine’s Technologist of the Year.
Before becoming UMBC’s sixth president, Sheares Ashby spent seven years at Duke University as dean of the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences. As dean, she led the development and implementation of strategic plans that resulted in significant new investments in faculty recruitment and development, philanthropy, and student engagement, as well as a realignment of operations that enhanced services and created operational efficiencies. Throughout, she consistently advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion as imperative to excellence in both teaching and research.
As president of UMBC, she also holds a faculty appointment in UMBC’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In her new role, Sheares Ashby guides an academic institution with a student body of nearly 14,000 students and 1,100 faculty.
FOR VALERIE SHEARES ASHBY, 2023 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF MAJOR PROFESSIONAL AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT SHE HAS EMBRACED AND CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE.
Asked to describe her Technologist of the Year experiences, Sheares Ashby said organizations approached her about participating in various gatherings—forums, webinars, workshops, talks—of students, young professionals, and veteran leaders. Individuals seeking her advice and guidance about challenges they face also repeatedly contacted her.
“It was an incredible surprise and an extreme honor,” said Sheares Ashby of being named Technologist of the Year. “It was really special because it brought people to me and gave me an
opportunity to share with people.”
Having the opportunity to have discourse with and give advice to other leaders and the next generation of leaders was profound, said Sheares Ashby, adding, “It made what I do even more meaningful.”
One of the questions that kept coming up while speaking to groups and individuals concerned how to be one’s authentic self in the workplace.
“They don’t need you to be them,” she told them. “They need you to be you. If it doesn’t work out, that place is not for you.”
She emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals’ unique personalities, skills, talents, ways of thinking, culture, and more, and the benefit of bringing one-of-akind attributes to the corporate table.
“Don’t ever change who you are or what you are,” said Sheares Ashby, adding it’s better to walk away than change one’s core values.
Questions and comments from Black women across the country about her wearing her hair natural while serving as a top administrative leader initially took her by surprise. She said many women asked how much tolerance exists in leadership environments.
She reiterated, “If they don’t like it [natural hairstyles], that’s not your place.”
Another topic that came up consistently was about imposter syndrome, which she has addressed frequently.
She explained that early in her career as a professor, she had doubts about whether she deserved and was qualified to hold positions of greater responsibility.
“It’sOF CHANGE OCEANS OF OPPORTUNITY by Gale Horton Gay editors@ccgmag.com
that I was not good enough to be where what I was doing,” said Sheares Ashby,
struggled with thoughts such as, “They don’t know I can’t do this. They made a Sheares Ashby, who received a bachelor’s
in chemistry from the University of
and completed
Universität Mainz in Germany as a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and NATO Postdoctoral Fellow.
After learning about imposter syndrome, Sheares Ashby said she started taking action to address those feelings and process things differently. “My brain changed,” she said. “I’ve been clear ever since.”
Sheares Ashby advises the next Technologist of the Year to be prepared for the unexpected.
“This honor will make you visible in ways you might not have anticipated,” she said, adding that a tremendous number of individuals and groups will want to engage with the honoree. “It’s such a gift.”
Sheares Ashby offers those interested in charting a successful leadership path the following advice:
1. Get a great mentor. “You are going to need some help,” she said, adding that she has a team of mentors and a leadership coach.
2. Take really good care of yourself. Don’t allow work to be your whole life. “Leaders need to know what replenishes them. I know I have to recover every weekend.”
3. Maintain a healthy perspective on one’s importance to an organization. “You are needed, but you are not irreplaceable.”
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/live/KaAey8XKzU4?f eature=share&t=8969
Valerie S. Ashby, Ph.D. President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyRelive Dr. Ashby’s very special moment from 2022.
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MARY HOR-LAO is a director of R&D focusing on software engineering and artificial intelligence at Abbott in Plano, TX, where she specializes in R&D as part of the company’s neuromodulation business.
With extensive experience in building and leading global teams, Hor-Lao radiates exceptional leadership skills and a positive attitude. She is passionate about incubating and commercializing new technologies that help people live fuller and healthier lives and is recognized for her innovative contributions to the field.
An engineering pioneer with more than 33 years of experience, Hor-Lao first joined Abbott in 2019 to lead the development of complex software projects. During her tenure, she has been part of multiple industry-defining FDA approvals and product launches, including the company’s implantable pulse generators (IPGs) like Proclaim™ Plus and Eterna™—the world’s smallest, rechargeable spinal cord stimulator (SCS) system—and extensible digital platforms, such as NeuroSphere™ myPath™ and NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic.
Each of these innovative products offers significant advancements for people managing chronic pain and movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. The Eterna SCS device, for example, is smaller than a sugar packet and about half the size of other SCS devices, making it an ideal fit for even the smallest of adult patients suffering from chronic pain.
Mary Hor-Lao Director of Software Engineering Abbott NeuromodulationLikewise, NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic is a first-of-its-kind technology that allows people with one of Abbott’s neuromodulation devices to communicate with their doctors, ensure proper settings and functionality, and receive new treatment settings remotely as needed. Prioritized and accelerated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic was a vital technology that addressed the key need for people to maintain direct and remote communication with their
Hor-Lao developed much of her engineering prowess while working in the telecommunications and high-tech industries prior to joining Abbott. She started her career with a major mobile company and worked with mobile chipset vendors, U.S. carriers, and software technology companies, leading diverse teams across different regions. Her work was primarily focused on end-to-end software delivery for wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and near-field communication), serving an instrumental role in bringing location services and GPS to cellular devices; sensors and sensor hubs; and other low-power flagship experiences for Google, Motorola, and Lenovo products.
During her time at Motorola specifically, HorLao drove the innovation of flagship gesture experiences with the company’s mobile devices including always-on display, quick capture, and low-power geofencing. In the years following, the company was acquired by Google and later by Lenovo. At Lenovo, she served as a director of engineering and proudly led global technology software development teams of 40plus engineers across the U.S., India, Brazil, and China to deliver similar offerings.
During her career, Hor-Lao has filed 140 patents worldwide, including 50 granted in the U.S. for Abbott, Google, Motorola, and Lenovo.
Among those submitted and accepted for Abbott include various systems and methods for providing digital health services and establishing remote care sessions between a patient controller device and a clinician programmer device to administer treatment.
Some of these patents include a method and device that discover neighborhood awareness networking (NAN) devices, a wireless radio frequency identification (RFID)-based system for personalized adjustments and monitoring, and a method for biometric identity verification using location data. She has also filed patents for different ways to incorporate RFID technology into wearable clothing and textiles with stretch-activated switches or contact-activated buttons that transmit different data sets.
When she’s not filing patents or leading the way in developing new technologies and offerings, Hor-Lao is facilitating mentorship discussions with doctors, partners, and key decision leaders as the Plano lead for the Women Leaders of Abbott community. In this role, she creates a thoughtful and welcoming space where her colleagues can discuss and support each other in their careers, promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and encourage others to step outside of their comfort zone in pursuit of creating a brighter future for all.
Knowing the importance education had on her personal and professional life, Hor-Lao is also an active participant in STEM mentorship circles and helping children in her home country of Cambodia by sponsoring schooling and distributing school supplies and meals. Committed to innovating today’s solutions for a better tomorrow, Hor-Lao continues to trailblaze new ideas and technology that can positively impact the lives of many people and ensure that they are heard, represented, and cared for.
Hor-Lao notes that Abbott prioritizes people by researching and delivering treatment options, technologies, and products to positively impact their lives. Its neuromodulation portfolio focuses on developing therapies that help those with chronic pain or movement disorders live life on their terms. Advanced connected care technology makes it easy for people to receive treatment, relieving the burden of care. Abbott is committed to making connected care accessible for all.
For those pursuing a career in STEM, Hor-Lao’s advice is: Follow your curiosity, ideate on the “could be,” and join communities with different perspectives. Don’t give up on your passions and ideals that can help others lead healthier and happier lives.
Although her co-workers may not know it, Hor-Lao says she is naturally introverted. However, as a female leader in STEM, she has learned to embrace confidence. Overcoming her shyness has allowed her to communicate, collaborate, and inspire
“People are at the forefront of all that we do at Abbott as we research, evolve, and lead the way in delivering treatment options, technologies, and products that can positively impact their lives.”
OCEANS OF OPPORTUNITY
others effectively in the workplace. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she has experienced growth both personally and professionally, connecting with others and making a greater impact in the field of technology.
Growing up in Cambodia was incredibly difficult for myself and my family as our lives were significantly impacted by the Khmer Rouge, who in 1975 started a brutal genocide. My family and I were fortunate enough to escape to a refugee camp in Thailand, where I was able to focus on my education for the first time at the age of 12 and study science. In 1981, we made the move to the U.S., which had its challenges. I had to learn English, which was an entirely new language for me, during high school and college, and regularly used a dictionary to help me get through the reading material. I was also often the only woman in many of the science and engineering classes, in part because there was an ingrained bias and lack of female representation in these fields.
I have always been curious about building and creating new technologies, and the science behind them, which is why I went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to learn more. However, my real passion for engineering began during my first summer internship with Motorola, where I created circuit boards and ran simulations with software. It was fascinating for me to create something new, and as I entered my career, I was inspired by seeing and supporting first-of-its-kind offerings for an industry and witnessing the impact it had on whatever field I was supporting and the people utilizing the technology.
Through persistence and hard work, I was able to make great strides in my education and career by continuing to remind myself to see these challenges as obstacles to overcome that serve as opportunities to grow from and shape solutions that can help others. I’d like people, especially younger female scientists, or engineers, to look at challenges they may face the same way I did and believe in themselves and their abilities, and not be afraid to ask a fellow student, friend, or potential mentor for guidance and support as you continue to navigate your educational and professional career and life.
People are at the forefront of all that we do at Abbott as we research, evolve, and lead the way in delivering treatment options, technologies, and products that can positively impact their lives. Specifically for the neuromodulation portfolio, we are focused on developing therapies that help people with chronic pain or movement disorders feel better and live life on their terms without being tied to a regimented therapy schedule. To make that happen, we continue to break down barriers and
transform care with our advanced connected care technology to make it easy for people to receive treatment, and relieving those with chronic conditions of the burden they often face to get the care they need. We’ve seen evidence of the power of our technology through our offerings, such as the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic, which has provided people with the ability to remotely communicate with their doctors, ensure proper settings and functionality with their implanted device, and receive new treatment settings as needed from wherever they are.
A driving factor behind the success of this and other technologies is that they are designed to easily fit into a person’s life rather than requiring a person to adjust their lifestyle to fit the treatment they need. It’s exciting to be a part of Abbott as we work tirelessly to make this the gold standard of treatment and do our part to make connected care more accessible for all.
As an engineering innovator, I find joy in gardening because it reflects my passion for seeing tangible results and the evolution of my work. From selecting seeds or germinating plants to nurturing their growth and witnessing the blossoming of flowers or the fruition of vegetables, gardening parallels the problemsolving process. It also teaches me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of nurturing for desired outcomes. Gardening serves as a tranquil balance to the fast-paced world of technology and provides a firsthand experience of growth and transformation, aligning with my professional endeavors. For young individuals wanting to pursue a career in STEM, I encourage them to follow that curiosity and ask questions, ideating on the “could be” and exploring how technology can benefit our lives. I’d also suggest building and joining communities that can offer helpful insights and different and diverse perspectives on how to innovate and create new solutions that can positively impact the world.
No matter how challenging life may be, don’t give up. It is important to continue to try, believe in yourself, and put your energy behind passions and ideals that are good, especially if they can help individuals and communities lead healthier and happier lives.
While many of my co-workers may not be aware of this, I am actually quite introverted by nature. However, as a woman in STEM and a leader of my team, I have learned to embrace my confidence. It is important for me to overcome any inherent shyness or reserved tendencies to effectively communicate, collaborate, and inspire others in the workplace. I believe that stepping out of my comfort zone has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, allowing me to connect with others and make a greater impact in the field of technology.
“I have always been curious about building and creating new technologies, and the science behind them.”
“NO MATTER HOW CHALLENGING LIFE MAY BE, DON’T GIVE UP. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO TRY, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, AND PUT YOUR ENERGY BEHIND PASSIONS AND IDEALS THAT ARE GOOD, ESPECIALLY IF THEY CAN HELP INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES LEAD HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIVES.”
Mary
Mary
GENERAL MOTORS HONORS AND CONGRATULATES ALL OF OUR WOMEN OF COLOR 2023 HONOREES
2023 TECHNOLOGY RISING STARS
Reeshemah (Rae) Howard ESG Sustainability Strategies Manager
Deleria Hammond GRX Assembly Technical Support Organization Shift Lead
Kangpang (Kathy) Wang, Ph.D. Advance Material Technology & VDDV Material Focus Group Lead Technical Specialist Rachel Nederhoed Additive Manufacturing Polymers Engineer
Rikki Rothe Exterior Lighting Electronics Engineer
Brooke Waldon Innovation DRE
THE WOMEN OF COLOR (WOC) STEM DTXTM CONFERENCE has a rich history of honoring women whose accomplishments have positively impacted the world. In all cases, their diverse skills have kept them relevant, resulting in their lasting power and success. The conference stems from almost decades of dedication and aims to promote the representation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Additionally, the conference seeks to ensure that career women conquer obstacles in STEM fields. By acknowledging that change is a constant, individuals can become catalysts for progress. The biographies of our 2023 AWARDEES serve as a collection of how-to stories, demonstrating what is possible when one leads, invents the future, and changes the world. Discover how these exceptional women are responding to the rapid digital transformation and recognize the can-do attitudes that allow them to excel in their respective organizations, inspiring the next generation of leaders.
TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR
MARY HOR-LAO
Director, Software Engineering
Abbott Neuromodulation
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT
PATRICIA SULLIVAN
Deputy Director
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY
KATHLEEN JOLIVETTE
Vice President & General Manager
Vertical Lift Division
The Boeing Company
MELISSA WELCH, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Health Catalyst
COMMUNITY SERVICE
SHANEKA STARR LAWSON
Research Plant Physiologist
US Department of Agriculture - Forest Service
MARIA THORPE
Director, Systems Acquisition Group, Human System Engineering Department
NAVAIR/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
TERESA BLANCO
Vice President—Supply Chain Global Field Operations and Structures
The Boeing Company
TOYIN OGUNFOLAJU
Director, Social Value & Equity Americas
Jacobs
DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT
KAREN H. HUDSON
Chief, Avionics Engineering Division
Department of the Air Force, Air Force Lifecycle Management Center
LYNDSEY MCMILLON-BROWN, PH.D.
Research Electrical Engineer
NASA Glenn Research Center
DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP IN INDUSTRY
LADAVIA DRANE
Global Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
DEEPA SHANKAR
Director, Partnerships
UL Research Institutes
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP— COLLEGE-LEVEL PROMOTION OF EDUCATION
WHITNEY GASKINS, PH.D.
Assistant Dean
University of Cincinnati
ANNE-MARIE KOSI-KUPE
Lecturer 1
University of Detroit Mercy
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP— CORPORATE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION
KELLY KEENA
Senior Director
Office of Research Experiences and Education, UL Research Institutes
KADIDIA THIERO
SOARS® Principal Investigator/ Program Lead
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
FINTECH LEADERSHIP
MADHURA DAMLE
Business Intelligence Specialist
Lordstown Motors Corporation
MANAGERIAL LEADERSHIP
MANASI REARDON, PH.D.
Director, R&D
Abbott
CHRISTINA UPAH
Vice President Attack Helicopter Programs
The Boeing Company
DAKEESHA WRIGHT
Operations & Site Leader
Collins Aerospace, an RTX Company
NEW MEDIA/IT LEADERSHIP
AMANDA HUNDT
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Health Catalyst
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION
MICHELLE CHEN
Software Systems Engineer
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
YAGNA PATHAK
Manager, Medical Affairs
Abbott
NING YU, PH.D.
Chief National Language Processing Research Scientist
Leidos
PIONEER AWARD
JESSICA R. JONES
Senior Aeroelastician
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT
ARIEL ASH-SHAKOOR
Biomedical Engineer
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
NATASHA D. WHITE, PH.D.
Program Manager
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
With over 25 years of experience, this multicultural event provides numerous opportunities to achieve your STEM goals and aspirations.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY
ASHLEY JOHNSON-LONG, PH.D.
Chief of Staff, President & COO Corning Incorporated
LAURA IMELDA LUENGO
HERRERO
Voice of the Customer Supervisor, Vehicle Integration
Lordstown Motors Corporation
STUDENT LEADERSHIP—GRADUATE LEVEL
TRACY SIMON EDWARDS
Ph.D. Student
Michigan State University
TECHNICAL INNOVATION IN GOVERNMENT
CHENELLE RENEE’ COVIN
Technical Writer/Editor
Department of Defense
PATRICIA MCDANIEL, PH.D.
Army’s Senior Executive Research Scientist for Chemistry
Army DEVCOM Chemical - Biological Center
TECHNICAL INNOVATION IN INDUSTRY
CLARA RIVERO-BALEINE
Lockheed Martin Fellow
Lockheed Martin
RASHMI PRASAD
Staff Researcher
General Motors
VISIONARY AWARD
ANIKE SAKARIYAWO
Founding Executive Director
S.E.E.K. Foundation, Inc.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
SABRINA H. BAILEY
Vice President of Operations
HII Mission Technologies
DIEDRA HOLLINS
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Idaho National Laboratory
QIANA JACKSON
Engineering Program Manager
Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State
JUDITH JEEVARAJAN
Vice President & Executive Director
UL Research Institutes
YOKO KAWAI PARKER, PH.D.
Scientist, Systems Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
AUTUMN LEAKE
Chief Engineer
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
MELODY CATHERINE MARTINEZ
Chief, Prototypes and Flight
Experiments Branch, Section B
Air Force Research Laboratory
GITANJLI MCROY
Chief Engineer, Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems
Ford Motor Company
ANA LUCIA OCHOA-LORENZINI
Global Supply Chain Director
American Axle & Manufacturing
Meet our 2023 Awardees.....
Patricia Sullivan is an exceptional leader and renowned expert in the field of engineering and scientific research. With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Sullivan holds the esteemed positions of deputy director and senior scientific technical manager.
Throughout her extensive tenure at ERDC, including nine years as associate director, Sullivan has showcased her exemplary leadership abilities and deep expertise in driving cutting-edge research initiatives. She oversees a network of seven laboratories across four states, providing strategic direction and guidance to a diverse workforce of over 2,000 dedicated professionals.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Sullivan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Meritorious Civilian Service Award, which highlights her exceptional dedication and remarkable achievements in her field.
Her groundbreaking research has not only propelled the field forward but has also contributed to the enhancement of military capabilities and infrastructure.
The Boeing Company
Starting as an intern at The Boeing Company in 2002, Kathleen Jolivette has ascended to the esteemed role of vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS).
Raised on South Dakota’s Rosebud Reservation, Jolivette’s remarkable journey took her from the U.S. Army to becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree, and finally to the apex of the aerospace industry. Commanding a large division, overseeing a worldwide fleet of 2,500 aircraft, and managing over 9,000 employees, Jolivette’s leadership shines.
Beyond her career milestones, Jolivette’s impact lies in her dedication to diversity and mentorship. Through her work with business resource groups, she has consistently championed women of color in the STEM field.
With 35 years of service in healthcare, Dr. Melissa Welch is a beacon of leadership, driving significant change. As chief medical officer at Health Catalyst, she propels data-informed healthcare improvements.
Navigating both private and public spheres, she’s built efficient clinical teams, optimized operations, and delivered substantial financial results. During her tenure at InnovAge, she expanded inclusive care for the elderly. She also held pivotal roles at Blue Shield of California, United Healthcare, and Aetna, leading care management teams and advancing value-based care initiatives.
Her career started in public health, and her commitment to diversity has stayed strong, marked by her founding of a diversity training firm and serving on numerous diversity boards. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Leaders in Diversity in 2021, she advocates fiercely for diverse and underserved populations.
A Harvard Medical School alumna, she supports women’s heart disease awareness and first-generation immigrant education.
In 2013, Pamela D. Carter, Vice President for Business Development in Global Services and Support of the Defense, Space & Security unit at The Boeing Company, won this award.
Research Plant Physiologist
US Department of AgricultureForest Service
Dr. Shaneka Lawson is a leading researcher in the field of climate change and its impact on tree species. Her focus lies in understanding how trees adapt to changing environmental conditions and developing strategies for conservation and protection of vulnerable species.
Using advanced DNA sequencing and bioinformatics technologies, Lawson investigates the genetic markers and physiological responses of trees to climate change. Her research aims to uncover crucial insights into tree populations’ ability to inform conservation efforts.
As a research plant physiologist, Lawson collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and engages in extensive outreach efforts. She effectively communicates her research findings to diverse audiences, raising awareness about climate change and its impact on ecosystems.
Beyond her research, Lawson actively participates in community service initiatives. Through her volunteer work, she encourages young individuals to connect with nature, fostering their interest in STEAM fields related to climate change and environmental conservation.
Director, Systems Acquisition Group, Human System Engineering Department
NAVAIR/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
Maria Thorpe brings over 30 years of engineering expertise, specializing in human systems engineering and naval aviation. She holds advanced degrees in national resource strategy and engineering science from reputable institutions like the National Defense University, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Pennsylvania State University.
Throughout her career, Thorpe has assumed influential leadership positions. Her remarkable skills and leadership have been evident in these roles. She has exemplified exceptional leadership, overseeing a diverse team consisting of civilian, military, and contractor employees spread across different locations. Thorpe actively champions initiatives to enhance the representation of underrepresented groups—such as minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities—in traditionally overlooked occupations. Beyond her professional achievements, Thorpe guides children and families, imparting critical thinking and strategic planning skills through the game of chess. Thorpe’s outstanding contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Department of the Navy HBCU/MI Administrative Officer of the Year.
Vice President—Supply Chain Global Field Operations and Structures
The Boeing Company
Teresa Blanco is the first woman and first Latina senior manager to lead the Field Operations team in Japan at The Boeing Company. Her achievement has paved the way for women and Latinx individuals in male-dominated industries. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Blanco dedicates her time as the cohort leader of Women of Color and a sponsor for the Fabrication Women in Manufacturing group. She actively works to increase membership and representation of Latinx and Hispanic individuals as the first Latina president of the Boeing Leadership Network.
Blanco’s mentorship extends to high school students in STEM and trades education, as well as the Albers School of Business at Seattle University. Her support encourages young women to pursue careers in STEM.
Blanco’s commitment to mentoring, empowering women, and promoting diversity demonstrate her belief in collaboration and uplifting others. Her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire and create opportunities for future leaders.
Toyin Ogunfolaju’s expertise in infrastructure management consulting has had a significant impact on the development and improvement of critical systems such as transportation, water and sanitation, energy grids, and communication networks. She prioritizes social-economic solutions to ensure infrastructure projects benefit the communities they serve.
A key focus of Ogunfolaju’s work is workforce development, creating job opportunities and skill-building initiatives that empower local individuals. She also emphasizes local supply chain sourcing to stimulate economic growth at a grassroots level and foster community pride.
Engaging communities and stakeholders is paramount to Ogunfolaju’s approach. By involving them in decision-making processes, she ensures infrastructure projects align with their needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach results in culturally sensitive, sustainable, and inclusive solutions.
By recognizing the interplay of infrastructure with broader factors, Ogunfolaju ensures effective and sustainable initiatives for long-term impact. Her work exemplifies the transformative potential of infrastructure in our society.
Karen H. Hudson
Chief, Avionics Engineering Division Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
Karen Hudson is a groundbreaking professional who has shattered barriers and set new standards of excellence. As the first African-American female division chief in the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center Engineering Directorate, she has paved the way for future generations of women and minority professionals.
Hudson’s leadership as avionics chief, overseeing electrical and computer engineers across Air Force bases, marks another significant milestone in her career as the first African-American female to hold such a prestigious role. Her expertise has been instrumental in delivering state-of-the-art avionics capabilities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hudson is a dedicated mentor supporting young engineers and advocating for diversity and inclusion. She actively engages in STEM outreach activities, inspiring and empowering the next generation of engineers.
Hudson creates pathways in engineering careers, particularly for underrepresented students. She is a trailblazer, inspiring others to fearlessly pursue their dreams.
Research Electrical Engineer
NASA Glenn Research Center
Dr. Lyndsey McMillon-Brown is an expert in advanced materials and nanopatterning techniques for solar cell light harvesting. Her research focuses on photovoltaic systems and developing space-grade solar technologies. With extensive experience studying the durability and performance of perovskite solar cells in space environments, she investigates the impact of radiation and environmental factors on cell stability.
Sponsored research grants from NASA have supported her work in advancing solar energy technologies. McMillonBrown has published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, covering topics such as hybrid perovskite prototypes and encapsulants for enhanced durability.
Additionally, McMillon-Brown collaborates with research institutions and industry partners. Her expertise and insights have been sought after in conferences and workshops, where she delivers keynote speeches and participates in panel discussions on solar energy and materials science.
McMillon-Brown continues to drive innovation in the field of photovoltaics and shape the future of solar energy.
Global Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
LaDavia Drane is a trailblazer in driving inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) in the tech industry. She is transforming how AWS approaches ID&E, both within the company and beyond.
At AWS, Drane leads a dedicated team of ID&E professionals who are committed to making AWS “Earth’s Best Employer” for all talent, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities. Through her strategic partnerships with community and minority-owned organizations such as GTA Black Women in Tech, Black Girls Who Code, Global Women in Tech, and Disability, Drane is championing the advancement of underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
In addition to her groundbreaking partnerships, Drane’s innovative approach includes the launch of the Global Strategic Events Team (GSET) at AWS. Through GSET, she has orchestrated experiential activations that engage and inspire AWS employees, customers, and partners. These activations have reached over 25,000 individuals in targeted events worldwide.
Deepa Shankar, an accomplished professional in partnership development and management, has spearheaded over 30 successful collaborations during her tenure as senior education partnerships manager at UL. Her expertise has led to the expansion and enhancement of UL’s research-based education programs, reaching diverse audiences globally.
In her role, Shankar actively seeks collaborations with organizations like the National Society for Black Engineers and the National Gem Consortium, ensuring inclusive recruitment and retention practices across UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement.
Shankar has established strong relationships with organizations such as The Walt Disney Company, The World Resources Institute, DiscoverE, STEM Connector, and global NGOs.
As the global co-chair of Underwriters Laboratories’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, Shankar has made significant contributions to advancing DEI goals within the organization. She has initiated DEIfocused speaker series, developed the organization’s first DEI website, and implemented initiatives to drive diversity and positive change across UL.
Dr. Whitney Gaskins is not only the first dean in the college to hold this position but also the sole African-American female faculty member. As assistant dean, her primary focus lies in the recruitment, support, and retention of marginalized and minority students within the College of Engineering.
Gaskins spearheads various initiatives, including outreach programs that introduce engineering concepts and careers to underrepresented middle and high school students.
Recognizing the need to expand support to other minority groups, Gaskins extended her office’s programming in 2019 to encompass assistance for female, LGBTQ, veteran, and physically disabled students, faculty and staff. Beyond her role as assistant dean, Gaskins serves as the principal investigator for the Choose Ohio First and Lewis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation programs. These initiatives provide students with competitive scholarship funding and valuable professional development workshops, preparing them for successful careers in STEM fields.
We are committed to hiring quali ed candidates with diverse perspectives and the skills necessary to solve our customers’ most demanding challenges. We’re seeking powerhouse talent in the areas of IT, engineering and science. Join us.
Chief Natural Language Processing Research Scientist
2023 OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD
STEM Professional
Ning Yu, PhD
Technology All Stars
Ana Cheng
Angela Peek
Cherie Burke
Cheryl Talley
Christine Estacion
Cree-Tricia Fitzgerald
Gzne Brown
Harolynn Morgan
Harpreet Raheja
Hieu Perez
Hilda Brown
Irene Jian
Joy Carter Minor
Karen Cheng
Technology Rising Stars
Annitta Haywood
Bonnie Xu
Carol Lee
Elsa Gonzalez-Aguilar
Giji Varghese
Heidi Batres
Jasmine Sullivan
Jesuseun
Oluwadarasimi
Julie Thomas
Kaimiao Liu
Kas’Sietta Edwards
Keisha Freeman
Top Women in Finance
Jessica Thames
AdKaryta Barnes
Lakshmi Ashok
Linette Brito
Lisa Davis
Michelle Hostetler
Nita Robertson-Smith
Sandra Richardson
Savetri Storoy
Teena Thomas
Tien Chen
Ursel Allen
Vonda Williams
Yufen Shane
Lisa Maddrey
Matilda Parker
Melissa Lee
Michelle Francis
Portia Artis
Pranjali Muley
Rebecca Weller
Samantha Jamison
Sierra Robinson
Smita Pande
Sujatha Saikumar
Terena Chao
Tyra Ledesma
Wei Xiong
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP –COLLEGE-LEVEL PROMOTION OF EDUCATION AWARD
Lecturer 1
University of Detroit Mercy
Dr. Anne-Marie Kosi-Kupe is an esteemed educator with a diverse educational background, including a doctorate in biology, a master’s degree in microbiology with sub-majors in virology, ecology, environmental hygiene, and a master’s degree in nutrition science.
With over 20 years of teaching experience at institutions such as the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, she has excelled in delivering lectures and laboratory instruction across a range of biological science subjects. Kosi-Kupe’s dedication to research has resulted in the acquisition of two U.S. patents, showcasing her innovative contributions to nutrition science and the advancement of nutritional supplements.
An advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, Kosi-Kupe engages in STEM outreach to empower underrepresented students and ignite their passion for pursuing scientific careers.
Beyond her teaching and research endeavors, Kosi-Kupe plays an active role in her community through various leadership positions, serving as a mentor to aspiring educators and participating in service-learning initiatives.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP –CORPORATE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION AWARD
Kelly Keena
Senior Director
Office of Research Experiences and Education, UL Research Institutes
With over 25 years of experience in environmental and STEM education, Dr. Kelly Keena is a highly experienced expert in the field. Her contributions encompass teacher professional development, curriculum design, and resource creation, all with a focus on integrating nature and hands-on experiences into learning environments.
As chairwoman of the National Environmental Education Advisory Council, Keena played a pivotal role in shaping national sustainability education priorities and fostering partnerships. She emphasized the significance of evaluation in environmental education programs, highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches.
Beyond the classroom, Keena assists environmental education organizations in understanding their impact and developing evaluation capabilities within the field.
Keena has promoted equitable access to STEM, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of learners. Her research focused on understanding the quality of children’s experiences in green schoolyards, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature into learning environments.
SOARS® Principal Investigator/ Program Lead University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Kadidia Thiero is the principal investigator and program lead of the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS®) Program at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, CO. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the SOARS® program aims to enhance the participation of historically marginalized communities in the atmospheric and related sciences.
Thiero’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the mission of SOARS® have led to significant advancements in education, mentorship, and mental health support for program participants. Under her guidance, SOARS® has provided crucial support to 232 students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to pursue STEM careers. Currently, 78 students are enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as a result of Thiero’s impactful efforts.
Moreover, Thiero’s influence extends beyond SOARS® as she actively collaborates with other institutions to develop similar programs for students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
Business Intelligence Specialist
Lordstown Motors Corporation
Madhura Damle’s journey in technology began during her undergraduate at Fergusson College, Pune. Even at an early age, she demonstrated a keen interest in finding practical solutions with limited resources. Recognizing the inefficiencies in her college department’s paper-based record-keeping system, Damle proposed and developed the Department Portal System digitizing the work and providing tools to gain further insights.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Damle pursued a master’s degree in computer applications, delving deeper into advanced technologies in the software industry. She secured a full-time internship at Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (FIS), where she worked with the Payments Product team. Damle’s dedication to her craft led her to join Lordstown Motors Corp. as a purchasing project manager. In this role, she excelled at creating order out of chaos, developing complex financial models, and finding elegant solutions to unforeseen circumstances. She played a key role in launching electric vehicles while striving to forge a path for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Manasi Reardon has devoted her career to enhancing global health care accessibility. Raised by physician parents in rural India, her early exposure to health care ignited a passion for merging science, mathematics, and medicine.
During her internship at Philips Medical Systems, servicing ultrasound machines and aiding in Cath Lab installations, Reardon’s fascination transformed into a tangible career. Pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in the U.S., she learned to identify unique patient and provider needs, shaping her approach to innovation.
With expertise in clinical study execution, regulatory navigation, and strategic product development, Reardon leads a diverse team at Abbott. Her team focuses on designing neuromodulation hardware for chronic pain and movement disorders, addressing critical challenges in the field.
Reardon’s commitment extends beyond her professional achievements. She mentors women in STEM fields, inspiring them to pursue scholarships and internships. In India, she motivates rural students to dream big and make a difference.
The Boeing Company
Christina Upah has redefined the boundaries of aerospace leadership. From her humble beginnings as an electrical technician to overseeing billion-dollar divisions, her journey epitomizes resilience, determination, and unwavering ambition. Raised in Apache Junction, AZ, Upah’s values of hard work, integrity, and compassion shaped her character.
Joining Boeing in 1997, Upah’s remarkable ascent began. Balancing her professional life with single motherhood, she pursued higher education and became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University.
Throughout her tenure, Upah’s leadership fortified defense systems for the U.S. Army and allied forces, leaving an indelible mark on global security. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a champion for diversity and inclusion, actively supporting women of color and fostering community engagement through business resource groups. Upah’s involvement with the Arizona Educational Foundation and other educational initiatives shapes the future by promoting equity in education and empowering the next generation.
Operations & Site Leader
Collins Aerospace, an RTX Company
Dakeesha Wright began her career as a co-founder of the SECME club at her high school. Graduating as the second African-American female to earn a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, she made significant contributions to the field of rocket engines. Throughout her career, Wright has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and a passion for making a difference. She revitalized employee resource groups and led multiple sites within Raytheon Technologies.
Wright’s commitment to empowering others extends beyond work, as she has mentored students in a Lego Robotics League and engaged in community outreach initiatives. Recognized with awards and featured in SUCCESS South Florida magazine, she currently manages operations at the Collins Aerospace site, ensuring manufacturing success and fostering an engaging work environment. With a master’s degree in quality systems management, Wright’s commitment to excellence and her exceptional leadership qualities shine through her ability to lead others effectively.
Amanda Hundt
Vice President, Corporate Communications Health Catalyst
In her role as the vice president of corporate communications at Health Catalyst, Amanda Hundt has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving positive change and innovation. Since joining the company in 2020, she has reshaped the landscape of branding, public relations, and earned media capabilities, propelling Health Catalyst to new heights of visibility and impact.
Hundt’s influence extends far beyond her exceptional work in corporate communications. She is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, making significant contributions to environmental, social, and governance efforts. Moreover, she has played a pivotal role in key events such as the Healthcare Analytics Summit, leveraging web, app-based, digital, and social media platforms to amplify the organization’s message and impact. Her dedication and remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. Hundt’s role has expanded, and she now spearheads the company’s business development proposal efforts, showcasing her versatility, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver outstanding results.
Michelle Chen
Software Systems Engineer
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Michelle Chen played a pivotal role in NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission, aiming to demonstrate humanity’s ability to defend our planet. Chen’s brilliance led her to develop a prototype capability that formed the basis for the instrument deployed on DART.
Operating onboard the spacecraft, her innovative creation—the Small-body Maneuvering Autonomous Real-Time Navigation (SMART Nav) algorithm— took charge during the critical terminal phase. SMART Nav’s efficiency and precision were crucial to DART’s success. SMART Nav utilized onboard imagery to identify the target, make crucial decisions on thruster firing and coasting, while considering fuel levels and remaining distance.
The impact of Chen’s work is profound. By hitting the moon of the asteroid Didymos, DART showcased our readiness and capability to protect our planet. Chen’s contributions to planetary defense are vital for safeguarding our future and the well-being of future generations.
Yagna Pathak
Manager, Medical Affairs
Abbott
Dr. Yagna Pathak, the medical science manager in Abbott’s Neuromodulation division, combines her love of neuroscience and technology to improve brain therapies. Inspired by the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the nervous system, she pursued engineering with a focus on neural engineering. Despite the underrepresentation of women of color in the field, Pathak’s determination led her to pursue a Ph.D., where she explored neural interfaces and witnessed the magical effects of deep brain stimulation.
At Abbott, Pathak’s team developed the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic to enhance patient experiences. Addressing socioeconomic disparities in care access also became a crucial focus, reflecting their patient-centric approach. As a woman of color in STEM, Pathak emphasizes the importance of passion, strategy, and mentorship for young scientists. She strives to create a more inclusive workforce and believes in the potential of neural technology to revolutionize health care.
Ning Yu, Ph.D.
Chief National Language Processing Research Scientist Leidos
Dr. Ning Yu has made significant contributions in the field of technology. One of Yu’s notable achievements is her leadership in a joint effort to improve the processing of veterans’ benefit applications. This initiative resulted in the development of an innovative triage model that combines transformerbased language models with domain knowledge. The model achieved an accuracy level of over 95 percent and received the Leidos 2022 Information Technology Innovation Award.
In addition, Yu has led successful artificial intelligence/machine learning pilots for the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Scientific Review (CSR), focusing on review quality and detecting conflicts of interest. Yu is also a prolific author with numerous peer-reviewed publications in information retrieval and natural language processing.
She played a key role in turning Leidos into an industry leader in online narrative analysis. Yu’s exceptional contributions led to her induction into the Leidos Tech Fellows Council in 2022.
Senior Aeroelastician Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company
During her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, Jessica Jones co-developed the Nonlinear Aeroelastic Simulation Toolbox tool to support the development of the composite experimental high altitude long endurance testbed. She has also developed a process for automating the condensation of structural models into beam models for use in aeroelastic models. Jones’ tools and processes were used to study the design impacts of nonlinear aeroelastic responses, including large deformations and whirl flutter of several experimental aircraft and technology demonstrators. As a senior aeroelastician at Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, Jones has applied her work to myriad cutting-edge programs including electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, novel configuration X-planes, and uncrewed aircraft systems.
Ariel Ash-Shakoor
Biomedical Engineer
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr. Ariel Ash-Shakoor has made remarkable contributions in the field of interventional cardiovascular devices.
As a lead reviewer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Ash-Shakoor plays a pivotal role in the evaluation and approval of numerous medical devices, clinical trials, and manufacturing process changes. Her expertise and diligent evaluation ensure the safety and efficacy of these critical health care innovations.
Ash-Shakoor’s research work has been widely recognized, earning her prestigious accolades such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Syracuse University Orange Circle Award. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of biomedical engineering is evident in her achievements.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ash-Shakoor is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B). She actively leads initiatives and serves as a mentor for students in STEM fields, working toward creating an inclusive and equitable environment in healthcare and research.
Program Manager
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Dr. Natasha White has made significant strides in her field by developing a pioneering microparticle system for delivering biosurfactants to oil spill sites. This innovative approach enhanced oil emulsification, making it more accessible to native microbial communities. Her groundbreaking work resulted in four peer-reviewed publications that advanced understanding in oil spill remediation strategies.
Throughout her academic journey, White’s passion for research led to the publication of 14 peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals. Her research focused on studying the effects of environmental contaminants on marine mammals, fish, and other marine species.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Florida A&M University, followed by a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in environmental sciences. Her educational background provided a solid foundation in biology and environmental sciences.
Ashley
Johnson-Long, Ph.D.Chief of Staff, President & COO Corning Incorporated
Dr. Ashley Johnson-Long is an accomplished plant engineering manager at Corning Incorporated, specifically in the Integrated Die Manufacturing (IDM) plant of the Coming Environmental Technologies (CET) division. She leads the Technical Die Business Team and ensures technology synchronization for regional and contract manufacturing of dies.
Having joined Corning in 2012, JohnsonLong has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and innovation. She has been instrumental in delivering numerous die improvements and developing a portfolio of new die manufacturing techniques that have increased capacity and improved capability to meet the growing demand in CET.
Johnson-Long is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She co-founded the first Toastmasters club in the Corning Valley, served on the leadership team for the Corning Black Growth Council, and actively participated in programs aimed at empowering young girls in their career exploration.
Women make up 38% in ocean science, according to a recent UNESCO Report.
Laura Imelda HerreroLuengo
Voice of the Customer Supervisor, Vehicle Integration
Lordstown Motors Corporation
As the Voice of the Customer supervisor in the Vehicle Integration team at Lordstown Motors Corporation, based in Farmington Hills, MI, Laura Luengo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She oversees the Prototype Vehicle Fleet and ensures customer satisfaction through innovative engineering solutions for electrical vehicles.
With 18 years in the automotive industry, Luengo Herrero’s career began as a CAD engineer handling a diversity of components including exterior, interior trim, powertrain, and chassis developments. Her ability to quickly grasp new concepts and communicate ideas effectively propelled her to lead the development of various subsystems for the Endurance Vehicle.
Luengo Herrero’s dedication extends beyond her engineering expertise. She mentors university students aspiring to enter the automotive industry and encourages young girls as a STEMinista at the Michigan Science Center.
With her strong leadership, problemsolving acumen, and deep understanding of the automotive industry, Luengo has become a respected figure in her field.
Tracy Simon Edwards
Ph.D. Student Michigan State University
Tracy Edwards is one of fewer than 150 African-American women with a doctorate in physics. Her research focuses on creating zinc isotopes that could revolutionize medical devices, potentially freeing diabetes patients from insulin shots. Edwards’ journey into physics began with a personal connection to her brother’s autism and the transformative power of physicsbased therapies.
Beyond her research, Edwards is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She actively contributes to initiatives at her university, supporting and mentoring fellow students at all levels.
Edwards’ impact extends to the wider community, where she educates senators on non-proliferation policies and serves on the national committee for the National Society of Blacks in Physics. Her dedication inspires local students to pursue their scientific dreams.
Edwards embodies student leadership, defying statistics with her accomplishments. Her groundbreaking research, combined with her commitment to diversity and inclusion, make her a shining star in physics and beyond.
Chenelle Covin is the brilliant mind behind the Required Content Checker tool, a revolutionary invention that has enhanced the review process for technical manuals. With this tool, she has streamlined the creation of manuals for military equipment, ensuring they adhere to essential guidelines and become more reliable and accessible.
Drawing on her expertise, Covin has significantly improved the efficiency and quality of technical manuals. Her efforts have made these crucial documents easier to read and comprehend, benefiting soldiers who rely on them to operate and maintain million-dollar equipment.
Covin also developed the CECOM X-Change tool, which automates the conversion of manuals into a computerfriendly format. This innovation has sped up transforming vital information into easily accessible digital versions, enabling swift access for soldiers.
Covin’s contributions have not only empowered technical writers to complete their work more efficiently but also allowed them to focus on creating highly useful manuals.
Army’s Senior Executive Research Scientist for Chemistry
Army DEVCOM ChemicalBiological Center
Dr. Patricia McDaniel’s groundbreaking research and development in threat detection systems have played a crucial role in equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to protect our communities from chemical and explosive dangers.
In her capacity as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) program manager, McDaniel demonstrates strategic leadership by ensuring the implementation of rapid prototyping and innovative solutions to effectively counter terrorism and mitigate potential threats.
McDaniel’s expertise in chemical and biological threat detection has been instrumental in establishing policies and standards that enhance security at critical sites, including mass transit hubs and large arenas, fortifying our defenses against potential attacks.
As a recognized subject matter expert, McDaniel has provided invaluable technical data on improvised chemical threats. This information has enabled regulatory agencies to establish carry-on limits for powdered materials, enhancing air travel safety measures.
Clara Rivero Baleine
Lockheed Martin Fellow
Lockheed Martin
Dr. Clara Rivero Bailene, a distinguished fellow at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), has established herself as a prominent figure within the company. Since joining Lockheed Martin in 2005, she has held progressive roles, demonstrating her expertise in infrared materials, optical coatings, and metamaterials. As a technical expert in applied research sensors systems and technology, her contributions have had a profound impact on MFC’s diverse business lines.
With over 15 years of experience, Rivero Bailene has led groundbreaking research, driving the development of state-of-theart technologies in advanced infrared windows, gradient index (GRIN) optics, meta-optics, and high-performance coatings. Her ongoing research focuses on enhancing broadband window durability, validating coatings with superior transmission, and designing reconfigurable optics for future platforms.
Rivero Bailene holds 18 U.S. patents and has been the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Lockheed Martin MFC Technical Innovation Award and the NOVA Award for Technical Innovation.
Rashmi Prasad
Staff Researcher
General Motors
Dr. Rashmi Prasad is a highly accomplished professional with over 12 years of research and product experience in electrified propulsion systems. Prasad has made substantial contributions to the advancement of technologies for vehicle electrification. Her innovative ideas have resulted in numerous patents and publications, exceeding 65 in the automotive domain alone, establishing her as an esteemed expert in the field. Prasad’s exceptional work has garnered recognition and prestigious awards, including the Boss Kettering Award in 2021. This accolade acknowledges her outstanding innovation, which has generated significant cost savings for General Motors.
Prasad is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She actively works toward eliminating gender bias and empowering women and girls in STEM fields, promoting equal opportunities for all.
In addition to her career, Prasad serves as a mentor for young girls and actively engages in nonprofit STEM activities.
Anike Sakariyawo
Founding Executive Director
S.E.E.K. Foundation, Inc.
Anike Sakariyawo embarked on her teaching career in Miami Dade County Public Schools, initially instructing K-3 grade students, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and gifted abilities. In her pursuit of making science more engaging, she undertook further education in teaching science, ultimately earning a master’s degree in general science education. Working at Title 1 schools in underprivileged neighborhoods, Sakariyawo established the S.E.E.K Foundation in 2012, aiming to narrow the opportunity gap through private STEM programs.
Leading the introduction of a robotics program at Miami Norland Senior High School in 2016, Sakariyawo expanded S.E.E.K’s offerings with an all-girls STEM summer camp featuring diverse subjects such as drones, farming business, agriculture, and hydroponics. Adapting to the pandemic, the foundation successfully transitioned its programs to virtual platforms, providing STEM opportunities for children in impoverished Miami, Broward, and Greater Atlanta neighborhoods.
Sakariyawo’s initiatives have propelled the foundation’s growth with a dedicated team of 15 staff members.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Sabrina H. Bailey
Vice President of Operations
HII Mission Technologies
Sabrina Bailey has been with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Mission Technologies for over 28 years, where she currently serves as the vice president of operations for the Integrated Product Support team. HII is a global provider of engineering and defense technologies with 135 years of trusted history. It creates naval ships and unmanned systems. HII supports a networked, all-domain force and has 44,000 skilled employees in Virginia. Over the years, Bailey has held various positions, including systems engineer, logistics engineer, program manager, program control manager, and division manager. She started her career at HII as a Newport News Shipbuilding division systems engineer and has since risen through the ranks to become the first African-American woman to be promoted to vice president in HII’s Mission Technologies division. Bailey has played an integral role in supporting key business initiatives that strategically position the company for growth and innovation.
Diedra Hollins
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Idaho National Laboratory
Diedra Hollins has shattered barriers and opened doors for women in technology. As the leader of the Workforce for the Future initiative at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), she drives technological solutions for telework, hoteling, and on-site work to fulfill INL’s mission. With a proven record of leadership, including roles as deputy CIO for Baltimore and CIO for the Department of Transportation in Baltimore, MD, Hollins brings extensive experience from top management and technology firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Unisys.
Her notable accomplishments include being an award recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Modern Day Technology Leader in 2022, as well as spearheading the mobile enablement of the General Services Administration (GSA), making it the first agency to securely conduct its entire program on mobile devices.
Hollins’ impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland University College, teaching information systems management and ethics in IT. She is also a Six Sigma Green Belt and a member of the Laboratory Operations Leadership Academy.
HII recognizes individuals who enhance opportunities for minorities through the promotion of scientific and technical education programs.
HII proudly congratulates our team members and all other winners of the 2023 Women of Color Awards.
Join our growing team at HII.com/careers
Equal Opportunity Employer | Veterans/Disabled welcome. U.S. citizenship required for most positions.
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Gitanjli McRoy, Chief Engineer, EV Energy Management Systems
Cari-Lynn Ristic, Global Launch Process, Planning and Strategy Manager
Xin Liu, Research Supervisor
Mina Balasubramanian, Technical Software Engineering Leader
Sumandeep Singh, Head of Data Engineering, Ford Credit Cloud Transformation
Engineering Program Manager
Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State
Qiana Jackson is a program manager for engineering at the Applied Research Laboratory of Pennsylvania State University. In 2019, Jackson played an instrumental role in forging a memorandum of understanding between the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State and the University of the District of Columbia. This resulted in seminars focused on resume-building for students within UDC’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as internships for UDC students through the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State’s Student Opportunities in Applied Research (SOAR) internship program. Jackson’s efforts to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility were key objectives in the latest version of the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University Strategic Plan. Her efforts are in alignment with the 2019 report by the National Academies of Sciences report entitled Minority Serving Institutions: America’s Underutilized Resource for Strengthening the STEM Workforce and the National Science Board’s Vision 2030 document.
Vice President and Executive Director
UL Research Institutes
Dr. Judy Jeevarajan has over 25 years of experience in the field of batteries. In April 2020, she was recognized as one of the leading women in the energy storage and electric vehicle industry by IESA. Jeevarajan’s expertise and dedication have helped make the world safer, as batteries play a crucial role in everyday devices, from spacecraft to laptops and cell phones.
She is a published contributor on battery safety and has made over 150 conference presentations. She has won numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA-NESC Engineering Excellence Award, and the AIAA Aerospace Power Systems Award. She is a member of various technical working groups for standards organizations, including UL Standards & Engagement, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. She also leads an effort under the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics to develop a space safety standard for battery systems.
Scientist, Systems Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Yoko Kawai Parker has made significant contributions to the field of cluster chemical physics. With an extensive publication record of 70 authored or co-authored papers, her research has focused on understanding cluster ion reactions, particularly those involving water clusters, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry.
In her current role, Parker leads a major effort to upgrade prompt X-ray simulators for the U.S. Department of Defense. This $40 million-plus initiative aims to enhance the nation’s ability to test and certify critical military systems. The new simulators offer increased X-ray yield, reduced size, improved environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety features.
At L3Harris ATI, Parker serves as the head of the simulation and modeling working group, where she focuses on developing advanced physics models for high-voltage, high-current pulse power systems and components. Her expertise in this area contributes to the company’s technology development initiatives and roadmap.
Chief Engineer
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
Autumn Leake has an impressive background in weapon systems technology. Since 2011, she has also served as a recruiter for the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, with a focus on targeted recruiting through historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and conferences such as National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), BEYA (Becoming Everything You Are), and Women of Color in STEM. Leake is a leader of a team that tackles pipeline issues at the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. She has been a member of APAT since its inception in 2012 and has worked to increase active membership by over 350 percent as the China Lake APAT lead. This employee resource group strives to address barriers and promote awareness about issues affecting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
Chief, Prototypes and Flight Experiments Branch, Section B Air Force Research Laboratory
Melody Martinez has been a dedicated explorer of technological advancements since June 2009. Her impressive performance and achievements in 2022 demonstrate her ability to manage nearly $1 billion in programs, champion the concept of power beaming to the highest levels of Air Force and Space Force leadership, provide support to her colleagues in space acquisitions, and mentor the junior force. She has held several leadership positions in the Air Force Research Laboratory, specifically in the Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division, Prototypes & Flight Experiments Branch, located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Martinez has been involved in various spaceflight programs, including managing college/universitydeveloped spacecraft programs for the University Nanosatellite Program. She also managed a spacecraft that independently carried nine space payloads, including three standalone spacecraft. Martinez has mentored several junior engineers in advancing the capabilities of space-based power beaming, enabling personal excellence in many others in the organization.
Chief Engineer, Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems
Ford Motor Company
Gitanjli McRoy has over 30 years of experience in product design. During her tenure, McRoy has held various roles in powertrain, including over 10 years in electrification, where she has taken on positions of increasing responsibility. Currently, McRoy is the chief engineer of EV (Electric Vehicle) Energy Management Systems and is dedicated to designing fun and exciting products that are mindful of our carbon footprint. McRoy’s expertise in STEM, coupled with her emotional intelligence and courage, has inspired her teams to design optimal propulsion systems and mobility products for Ford’s customers. Her engineering experience provides the infrastructure for her success, and she continually advances her skill set to match the latest technological advancements. McRoy’s journey in engineering began as an internal combustion engine components Design & Release (D&R) engineer, which included both design and manufacturing aspects. She continued to gain breadth and influence as an engineering supervisor.
SINCE 1995, THIS MULTICULTURAL EVENT HAS BEEN PRESENTED ANNUALLY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WOMEN OF COLOR MAGAZINE AS A PREMIER
FORUM FOR RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN IN STEM
Global Supply Chain Director
American Axle & Manufacturing
Ana Lucia Ochoa Lorenzini, with nearly 25 years at American Axle & Manufacturing, has excelled as a leader overseeing 45 metal-forming plants in eight countries. Her guidance has achieved 100 percent customer delivery performance and established a standardized PC&L strategy. Ochoa Lorenzini’s focus on best practices, enhanced team performance, and optimized logistics has resulted in substantial cost savings. She is an inspirational figure, particularly for women and the Latino community, offering mentorship and earning recognition for her dedication and impactful outcomes. Leading over 400 associates worldwide, she drives improvements in manufacturing and administrative processes, transforming underperforming plants into exemplary sites of operational excellence. With expertise in procurement, program management, logistics, customs, materials, and manufacturing, she possesses the skills to lead a multibillion-dollar global supply chain. Ochoa Lorenzini’s international trade background further deepens her understanding of supply chain management and global business relationships. Her fluency in Spanish and English fosters trust and respect across diverse cultures.
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1997 - Sherry F. Bellamy, vice president, Verizon
1998 - Stephanie Manuel Bailey, vice president, Fannie Mae
1999 - Dr. Chon-Yin Tsai, principal mechanical engineer, Lockheed Martin
2000 - Margarita Dominguez, vice president, Tampa Electric
2001 - Sherita T. Ceasar, vice president, Tampa Electric
2002 - Duy-Loan T. Le, senior fellow, Texas Instruments
2003 - Vallerie Parrish-Porter, CIO, Embarq Corporation
2004 - Asha Goyal, Ph.D., vice president, IBM Global Services
2005 - Nancy Stewart, senior vice president and CTO, Walmart
2006 - Lina Echeverria, Ph.D. , vice president, Corning Incorporated
2007 - Chineta K. Davis, vice president, Northrop Grumman
2008 - Irene Hernandez Roberts, program director, IBM Software
2009 - Norma Clayton, vice president, The Boeing Company
2010 - RADM Eleanor Valentin, director of the Military Health System, United States Navy
2011 - Sarita Rao, vice president, AT&T Business
2012 - Sonya Sepahban, senior vice president, General Dynamics Land Systems
2013 - Camille D’Annunzio, manager, Automated Sensor Exploitation Technology Center, Northrop Grumman
2014 - Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president, General Motors
2015 - Delia Grenville, research scientist, Intel Corporation
2016 - Dr. Aleksandra Boskovic, research director, Corning Incorporated
2017 - Denise Gray, CEO, LG Chem Power Inc.
2018 - Donna L. Bell, director of research operations, Ford Motor Company
2019 - Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., professor & laboratory director, University of Central Florida
2020 - RADM Sylvia Trent-Adams , principal deputy assistant secretary for health, HHS
2021 - Mei Cai, Ph.D., director of battery cell systems research, GM Chemical & Materials System Lab
2022 - Valerie S. Ashby , president, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
ADVERTORIAL
BY ELIZABETH WOODRUFF
PHOTO BY UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The mythical Greek goddess Athena was renowned for her ferocity … and her wisdom. Deeply valuing this combination of military and intellectual excellence, many years ago West Point adopted Athena’s helmet with sword as one of its primary institutional symbols. Today, it still adorns many cadet uniforms, academic buildings, sports fields, special equipment and more.
Yet, symbols are only meaningful if they inspire future human behavior. If looking for the virtues of Athena in a senior military officer, what knowledge, skills, and behaviors would one look for?
Regarding Athena’s military excellence, the U.S. Army has established formal processes such as command selection boards and command assessment programs to select its best leaders and warriors to lead its battalions. Due to both voluntary officer attrition and the Army’s centralized selection process, fewer than one out of every 10 active-duty second lieutenants will ever command an Army battalion. Indeed, the Army’s battalion commanders are among our nation’s finest warriors.
Regarding Athena’s academic excellence, Army officers who earn a doctoral degree (typically Ph.D.’s) are even rarer than those who command battalions. Whereas graduation from most undergraduate and master’s degree programs is guaranteed if one adequately completes a specified set of courses, earning a Ph.D. entails the rigors and unknowns of researching a new human, social, or scientific phenomenon, and sharing that knowledge with the world through a published dissertation. The Ph.D. graduate is a producer of knowledge, versus just a consumer of it. Indeed, the Army’s Ph.D.’s are among our nation’s finest scholars.
Though Athena’s integration of military and intellectual excellence represents West Point’s broader faculty, staff, cadets and alumni, its symbolism may be even more powerful for West Pointers who are women. Women currently represent only 24% of the cadet population and 15% of the senior military faculty. Yet, for the first time in the history of West Point, four current members of the West Point faculty – Cols. Kate Conkey, Julia Coxen, Katie Matthew, and Julia Wilson -- have both commanded an Army battalion and earned a Ph.D. Though quick to defer credit toward those who have served with or supported them along the way, all of them are remarkable exemplars for others, particularly other leaders and those who aspire to lead in the future. Athena has arrived.
Conkey is an academy professor and director of the PL300: Military Leadership program in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Commissioned into the Military Police Corps from Furman University ROTC, she earned a master’s degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from Auburn University. She commanded a unit with the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq that was recognized as the best military police company in the Army, and the criminal investigative command (CID) battalion headquarters she served in as executive officer was also selected as the Army’s finest. She then led the University of Hawaii’s Army ROTC program before commanding the Brigade Special Troops Battalion and U.S. Army Garrison-Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
One of Conkey’s Hawaii ROTC subordinates, Cpt. David Frye, shared stories of how her spirit of “encouragement, guidance, and challenge” motivated him and others to achieve bucket-list goals, such as running marathons. A peer from Kuwait, Lt. Col. John Bagaglio, remembered Conkey’s “always present” leadership style and her officer development program focused on building commitment as opposed to compliance. “(Conkey) had lieutenants do PT in an EOD bomb suit … helping them develop some emotional (intelligence) for our (diverse) team … She gave each lieutenant a copy of ‘The Way of the Shepherd: Seven Secrets to Managing Productive People’ with a personalized note in each. One of my lieutenants ... still has that book on his desk daily.”
Coxen is a professor, USMA, and deputy head of the Department of Systems Engineering. Commissioned as a signal officer through University of Pennsylvania Army ROTC, she earned two master’s degrees from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from the University of Michigan. She deployed to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division and was selected for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, where she served at home and abroad with distinction in leadership roles, including battalion command, at the intersection of special operations and intelligence.
Coxen is an exemplar when it comes to leading and developing officers. John Miranda, her former command sergeant major, shared, “(Coxen’s) unique ability to establish a vision, create teams and drive change is unmatched. When often approached by junior officers … I would undoubtedly tell them, 'Don’t worry about (U.S. Army Human Resource Command), nobody will pay more attention to your career and development than Lt. Col. Coxen.’” Miranda also shared that, “However, it is her spirit that ultimately makes her the best officer I have worked for. Julia was the smartest person in the room and had the heart of a true warrior … there was no one more patriotic. She can motivate a room of steely-eyed Soldiers to follow her anywhere.”
Matthew is an academy professor and director of the Sociology Program in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Commissioned as a logistician in USMA’s Class of 2000, Matthew later earned a master’s degree from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in sociology from George Mason University. She deployed to Iraq with both the 1st Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division, and again deployed to the Mid-East as part of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in the fight against ISIS. Subsequently, like Colonel Conkey, she commanded the Brigade Special Troops Battalion and U.S. Army Garrison-Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
AdA junior officer who served with Matthew in the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division noted that “In high stress situations where people are tired, and conflict almost always arises, I quickly learned to bring Matthew into engagements with high tension to leverage her uncanny ability to re-focus people on the real problems facing the team, unit, or organization.” A peer from Fort Riley noted Matthew was one of the few who always built everyone else up, and a peer from JSOC noted that even though her Syria logistics portfolio kept growing to the point that would make most officers overwhelmed, Matthew just kept “so cool” and level-headed. Another example of her positive impact was highlighted by a peer, who remembered, “When the division commander asked for Katie to be his aide, (Matthew’s) brigade commander pleaded, ‘you can’t take Katie. If you take Katie, everything falls apart.’”
Wilson is an academy professor and deputy director of the Department of Physical Education. Commissioned as a finance officer through Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ROTC Green to Gold Program, she earned a master’s degree in health education and Ph.D. in human behavior from the University of Florida. She served in the 25th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 18th Airborne Corps, and 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Iraq. She commanded both the 33rd Financial Management Support Unit at Fort Drum and in Afghanistan and the Special Troops Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division’s Sustainment Brigade at Fort Riley and in Afghanistan.
Her former command sergeant major, Mike McCabe, shared how “(Wilson) IS the epitome of THE Leader who everyone should follow. She possesses a clear vision … never micromanages … is extremely courageous; I’ve never seen her afraid of anything, and we deployed together. She has the best candidness and integrity and makes you feel that you must be that way as well, without saying you should. She has this ability to make you want to do well for her and the team. All of this comes from her caring for everyone without any biases or judgments. (During) all the Article 15 readings I sat on with her, she never dismissed anyone without them knowing we were there to help … We very rarely had any repeat offenders. As a matter of fact, during our time together, we had the best retention rate in the whole division … Whether it came to PT, training, field time, driving, cleaning, improvements, etc.… she was right there, alongside any Soldier lending a hand. She earned the respect of everyone.”
The next time we see Athena’s helmet and sword symbolized at West Point or beyond, let it remind us that the Army’s warrior-scholar Athenas – including Cols. Kate Conkey, Julia Coxen, Katie Matthew, and Julia Wilson— have arrived. Indeed, we are fortunate that these phenomenal officers choose to be leaders in our Army, defending our great nation and its values, while actively developing others to do the same.
The Women of Color Technology Awards Conference is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women in scientific and technical fields. This conference pays tribute to women of color who have excelled in their careers at various stages.
The first two are TECHNOLOGY ALL-STARS AND RISING STARS. The former category includes women who have been working for over 22 years and have demonstrated excellence in their work and communities, while the latter category includes women who have been working for less than 22 years but are already shaping the future of technology. Both categories are celebrated at special recognition events during the Women of Color STEM Conference.
The third category is TOP WOMEN IN FINANCE. Top Women in Finance are superstars in the financial sector. Whether they work at a financial institution, in retail, for the defense industry, or the government, they are leaders in their field while promoting diversity and serving as role models.
One outstanding honoree is Dr. Adiel Guinzburg from Boeing, who was featured on the inaugural Technology All-Stars list in 2002. Over the years, she has achieved much in multi-country endeavors in various industries such as space launches, smart grids, and commercial airplanes. Since 2020, Guinzburg has been a program management leader of the productivity leadership development program.
The Technology All-Stars list was established to acknowledge deserving workers in the American enterprise. The first Technology All-Star Power Recognition Luncheon was held in 2002 to celebrate some of the best researchers, managers, and executives in the technology and science enterprise in the United States. The Rising Stars list recognizes women whose work has not only positively impacted the bottom line but has also changed perceptions about what individuals of their gender, race, or ethnicity can achieve in the workforce.
Ganga Beligere
Manager of Process and Product Optimization
Abbott
Marla Dunn
Senior IT Compliance Analyst – CAPA
Abbott
Veronda Johnson
Principal Project Manager PMO
Abbott
Jennifer Jones-McMeans, Ph.D.
Divisional Vice President, Global Clinical Affairs
Abbott
Wanda Ndimbie
Leader Technical Support II
Abbott
Elissa Perez
Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer
Abbott
Anu Rampalli, Ph.D.
Director, Technical Product Support
Abbott
Tanya Titus
Director, Integrated Systems Test and Program Management
Abbott
Nadene Van Pelt
Senior Manager, Software Configuration Management
Abbott
Jennifer Salb
Project Cost Analyst
Actalent
Jessica Ekundare
Electronics Engineer AEGIS Technical Representative (AEGIS TECHREP)
Jyothi Krishnan, Ph.D.
System Engineering Division Head
AEGIS Technical Representative (AEGIS TECHREP)
Mamar Gelaye
Vice President, Operations Technology Solutions
Amazon
Mai-Lan Tomsen Bukovec
Vice President, Technology
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Soma Chakrabarti, Ph.D.
Lead Education Development Manager Ansys
Erica Jones
Branch Chief, Lifecycle Cyber Engineering
Aviation and Missile Center
Macy Chu
Program Manager
BAE Systems
Kiran Dubey
Vice President Supply Chain
BAE Systems
Mrinal Iyengar
Business Area Engineering Director
BAE Systems
Jandria Alexander
Vice President
Booz Allen Hamilton
Jamila Duckett
Solutions Architect, Chief Technologist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Crishelle Lytle
Senior Associate
Booz Allen Hamilton
Kemi Somuyiwa
Systems Integration Lead
Booz Allen Hamilton
Jennifer Carpino
Advanced Purchaser
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Melissa Nowakowski
Director R&D, Head of Application Engineering
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Kimberly Slan
Program Manager
Corning Incorporated
Mina Balasubramanian
Technical Software Engineering Leader
Ford Motor Company
Meghan Franklin
Senior Consultant, Data Science
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Cari-Lynn Ristic
New Model Programs Launch Manager
Ford Motor Company
Sumandeep Singh
Director of Global Data Engineering
Ford Motor Company
Deleria Hammond
GRX Assembly Technical Support Organization
Shift Lead
General Motors
Reeshemah Howard
ESG Sustainability Strategies Manager
General Motors
Kangping (Kathy) Wang, Ph.D.
Advance Material Technology & VDDV Material
Focus Group Lead Technical Specialist
General Motors
Tori Blake
Advisory Lead
Cathy Chase
Logistics Contract Manager
Frances Chukwu
EHS Program Manager
Stacey Cline
Head of Contract ManagementGlobal Logistics
Tatemya Douglas
Global Strategic Programs Leader
Latonya Hortage
NASA Logistics Operations
Vannie Huynh
Quality Engineering Manager
Archana Jain
Head of AI/ML Developer and Data Services
Pam Kanazawa
Head of Product Manufacturing/Material Management
Lela McKnight-Eily, Ph.D.
Global Lead for Mental Health and Well-Being, Google Data Centers and Cloud Supply Chain Operations
JoAnne Miranda
Lead Program Manager, Supply Chain and Operations
Dominique Williams, Ph.D.
Head Global Cost Management & Strategic Scheduling Ops – Global Data Centers Google
Tamika Gray
Proposal Project Manager
Health Catalyst
Suma Kumar
Senior Integration Analyst/Analytics Engineer
Health Catalyst
Nadine Louis
Client Success Director
Health Catalyst
Keisha Anderson, Ph.D.
Director Training
HII
Jaime Giles
Engineer Systems 3
HII
Chona Kelly
Project Management Analyst 4
HII
Hai-Au-Ashley Nguyen
Engineering Designer IV
HII
Cenise Waites
IT Project Manager 4
HII
Charisse Lu
Senior Technical Staff Member
IBM
Michelle Rush
Technology Manager
ICF
Sarita Abraham
Senior Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Rajani Chacko
Senior Project Manager Infosys Ltd.
Shilpa Gupta
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Stephanie Puryear
Principal – Business Consulting Infosys Ltd.
Cynthia Wiesenthal
Senior Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Maia Lightner
Project Manager and Workforce Development Manager
Jacobs
Columba Martinez
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Thai Vu Fellow
L3Harris Technologies
Pamela White
Senior Manager, Program Management
L3Harris Technologies
Ursel Allen
Director/Cloud Migration Portfolio
Leidos
Lakshmi Ashok
Enterprise Service Management Integration Leader
Leidos
Karyta Barnes
Principal NetDevOps Engineer
Leidos
Linette Brito
Systems Safety Engineer
Leidos
Gzné Brown
Project Manager, VA EHRM Leidos
Hilda Brown
Executive Administrative Assistant Leidos
Cherie Burke
Network Administrator and Ops Leidos
Joy Carter Minor
Department Manager, Systems Engineering Leidos
Tien Chen
Senior Software Engineer/Subject Matter Expert Leidos
Ana Cheng
Chief Software Engineer Leidos
Karen Cheng
Machine Learning Research Scientist SME Leidos
Lisa Davis
AEGIS Service Delivery Manager Leidos
Col Christine Estacion
Senior Software Developer Leidos
Cree-Tricia Fitzgerald
Deputy Program Manager Leidos
Michelle Hostetler
Senior Engineering Manager Leidos
Harolynn Morgan Manager Medical Records Leidos
Angela Peek
Software Configuration Manager Leidos
Hieu Perez
Senior Systems Implementation Lead Leidos
Harpreet Raheja
Agile Team Leader Leidos
Sandra Richardson
AEGIS Resource Manager Leidos
Nita Robertson-Smith Migration Manager Leidos
Sujatha Saikumar
Test Engineer Leidos
Yufen Shane
Deployable TARP Representative Leidos
Savetri Storoy
Project and Program Manager Leidos
Cheryl Talley
Blanca Ramirez-Alvarez
Christina Pinheiro
Tatiana Garcia
Senior Test Engineer
Leidos
Teena Thomas
Senior Security Specialist
Leidos
Vonda Williams
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer
Leidos
Janice Wilson
Project Analyst
Leidos
Lisa Chamberlain
Systems Engineering Manager
Lockheed Martin
Jigna Dharia
Space Equity & Compliance Senior Manager
Lockheed Martin
Claudia Jara
Supplier Diversity Representative, Senior Staff
Lockheed Martin
Teresa McKenzie
Staff System Engineer
Lockheed Martin
Erica Whiteway
Systems Engineering Manager
Lockheed Martin
Michelle Heyd
Environmental Specialist
NASA
Liliana Alvarado
Deputy Program Manager for the NOAA Radio
Frequency Interference Monitoring System (RFIMS) Program
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Shari Carroll
Level II Integrated Product Team Lead
Naval Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division
Amanda PattersonWomble
Competency Supervisor
Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
Ruth Stokes
MILCON P-913, Chief Engineer
Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
Wanda Lam
Platform Application Layer Stack (PALS) Lead
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
Lorena Galvin Engineer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Branch Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Priscilla Rivera
Branch Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Maria Diaz-Masterson
Head, Sensors and Arrays Division in the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department
Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Division, Newport
Erika Goldstein
Senior Director, New Equipment, Field Operations
Otis Elevator Company
Courtney Grant Agbobli
Design Assurance Coordinator
Raytheon Technologies
Xiaoying (Lucy) Wang
General Manager
Raytheon Technologies
Mary Lorber
Business Solutions Engineer Senior Principal
SAIC
Aparna Vasanth
Staff Software Engineer
Tenable
Sandra Barton
Software Engineer
The Boeing Company
Christina Brumfield
Design and Analysis Engineer
The Boeing Company
Terri Chan
Product Security Engineer
The Boeing Company
Kamaria deChabert
Structural Analysis Engineer
The Boeing Company
Maria Hainsworth
Business Operations Integrator
The Boeing Company
Tiffania Ham Fayall
Government Operations
The Boeing Company
Stacey Hill
Staffing Specialist Manager
The Boeing Company
Angela Lessington
Productivity Process Engineer
The Boeing Company
Minh Luong
Information Technology Engineer
The Boeing Company
Nikkisha Ming
Project Engineer
The Boeing Company
Senior Manager
The Boeing Company
Lorraine Retych
Project Manager
The Boeing Company
Acetra Russell
Business Operations Integrator
The Boeing Company
Corinne Wolcott
Senior Manager, Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Enterprise Programs
The Boeing Company
Debra Thedford
Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities
Development Command
Pamela Lamb
Chief Integrated Product Support
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Aisha Mims
General Engineer Software Sustainment
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Charneta Samms
Chief Technology Officer
U.S. Army DEVCOM
LTC Carolina Cruz
Senior Technical Advisor
U.S. Army Futures Command
Gloria Pumpuni-Lenss, Ph.D.
Director of Operations
UL Research Institutes
Wanda Bland
Legal Coordinator, Compliance Law & Intellectual
Property
Vitesco Technologies
Brenda Branch
Customer Service Specialist
Vitesco Technologies
Amber Carlton
Talent Management and Organizational
Development (TMOD) Specialist
Vitesco Technologies
Martha Grant
Customer Service Specialist
Vitesco Technologies
Stella Jonah
Engineering Admin
Vitesco Technologies
Robin Jones
Supplier Quality Global Category Manager
Vitesco Technologies
Tracey Myers
Mechanical Engineering Manager
Vitesco Technologies
Jenny Zhang
Sales Admin
Vitesco Technologies
Director CyberX Information Security
Walmart
Kim Miller-Anderson
Senior Director Strategic Initiatives & Operations
World Wide Technology
Sandi Tolliver
Director of Communications
World Wide Technology
RISING STARS
Nakisha Muhammad
Chief Technology Officer
1nHealth
Maneesha Beeravolu
Senior Manager – Engineering Product
Management
AAM
Saima Sattar
Director IT – Digital Analytics
AAM
Rashida Abdul-Ganiyu, Ph.D.
Research Scientist II
Abbott
Benitta Chaedir
Intermediate Engineer Product Engineering
Abbott
Prachi Chandna
Manufacturing Process Development Engineer
Abbott
Arianna Chin
Senior Project Engineer
Abbott
Marisela Concepcion
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Abbott
Solimar Diaz Puig
Manufacturing Engineer
Abbott
Indralakshmi Gautham
Staff Systems Engineer
Abbott
Andie Gonzalez
Pediatric Medical Science Liaison
Abbott
Ruba Hadidi
Senior Manager of Manufacturing & Process
Engineering
Abbott
Penni Hicks, Ph.D.
Director, Pediatric Nutrition Science
Abbott
Archana Krishnan Sekaran Scientist II
Abbott
Neha Malhotra
Staff Systems Engineer
Abbott
Ayanna Miller
Regional Sales Director
Abbott
Isabel Ojeda
Research Scientist II
Abbott
Nalini Patel
Research Engineer
Abbott
Hinal Pittaliya
Senior Specialist Quality Assurance
Abbott
Crystal Ramirez
Senior Quality Assurance Specialist
Abbott
Devanxi Shah
Senior Manager, Procurement
Abbott
Lorena Skelley
Director, Molding and Packaging Engineering
Abbott
Swetha Vinjimoor
Project Manager
Abbott
Jun Yang
Principal Engineer Software
Abbott
Breona Blackwell
Project Manager of Controls Engineering
Actalent
Navneet Dharni
Project Engineer
Actalent
Dipshikha Goyal
Project Manager/Product Owner
Actalent
Natasha Hewlett
Lead Project Manager
Actalent
Hannah King
Project Manager
Actalent
Celine Lee
New Product Development Engineer Actalent
Bethelhem Legesse
Technician
Actalent
Becky Lu
Clinical Trial Manager
Actalent
Olivia Martin Systems Engineer Actalent
Caitlin McArthur
Project Analyst Control Supervisor Actalent
Janani Neelakantan
Senior Technical Manager Actalent
Sailaja Palasamudram
Software Test Engineer Actalent
Candis Polite
Substation Engineer Actalent
Nicole Scott
Transmission Operations Supervisor Actalent
Itzel Vidals Designer III Actalent
Megan Wonnell Supervisor, Project Management Actalent
Laura Wu
Packaging Engineer Actalent
Carmeisha Layton
Senior Enlisted Leader, Operations and Maintenance Division Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC)
Shava Meadows
Model Based Systems Engineer
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center/Long Range Standoff Weapon System
Kimberly Jacoby-Morris, Ph.D.
STEM Program Coordinator
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Bhavana Chandrashekhar
Senior Manager SDM
Amazon
Yanfang Shen
Senior Manager, Technical Program Manager
Amazon
Karynna Tuan
Manager, Application Engineering
Ansys
Adetola Wahab
R&D Documentation Specialist
Ansys
Leslie Rojas-Bullock
Senior Program Planning & Scheduling Analyst
ASRC Federal Holding Company
- NASA Contractor
María Abreu Sepúlveda, Ph.D.
Engineering Development Director
BAE Systems
Kristal Long
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
BAE Systems
Meg Thakkar
Program Engineering Manager
BAE Systems
Nissa Tuman
Program Director II
BAE Systems
Shana Kirkland
Engineering Specialist
Bell Textron
Kindra Porter
Senior Operations Alignment Specialist
Bell Textron
Karolyn Babalola
Senior Lead Engineer
Booz Allen Hamilton
Jayne Chang
DevOps Leader
Booz Allen Hamilton
Katrell Crenshaw
Cyber Mission Specialist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Alissa Fujimoto
Advanced Data Scientist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Trishna Lovley
Chief Technologist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Mayriam Robles, MD Associate
Booz Allen Hamilton
Juneja Shruti
Solutions Architect
Booz Allen Hamilton
Tiara Taylor
Electrical Engineer, Lead Engineer
Booz Allen Hamilton
Angela Thomas
Senior Lead Technologist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Chelsea Thorpe
Associate
Booz Allen Hamilton
Marion Tinio
Chief Technologist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Nicole Wishart
Lead Technologist
Booz Allen Hamilton
Diandre Jacob-Sampson
IT Specialist/NH-2210-03
CECOM Software Engineering Center
Nohemi Chagollan
Head of Engineering Software Region America
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Whitney McClinton
Engineering Supervisor
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Vera Odish-Asmar
Engineering Supervisor
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Claire Ricketts
Quality Statistical Engineering Supervisor Corning Incorporated
Ebony Peak
Team Lead
Dealer Tire LLC
Lingian (Lin) Feng, Ph.D.
Group Leader, Coatings Application Research Eastman
Ariana Rogers-Smith
Innovation Process Manager – Care Solutions and AventaTM Eastman
Subhashini Vashisth
Group Leader, Corporate Innovation Eastman
Derika Vidale
Digital Service Manager, Sustainability Eastman
Xin Liu, Ph.D.
Process Engineer
Ford Motor Company
Rachel Nederhoed
Additive Manufacturing Polymers Engineer
General Motors
Rikki Rothe
Exterior Lighting Electronics Engineer General Motors
Brooke Waldon Innovation DRE General Motors
Smruti Jaitpal
Senior Manager, Product Manufacturing Operations Google
Josephine Jing
Global Leader, Mechanical Quality Google
Deanna Jones
Risk & Resiliency Senior Program Manager Google
Hannah Law
Porscha Moore
Nicole Hayes
Andrea Permessur-Gee
DCOps Facility Manager
Brianna McCullough
Risk & Resiliency Senior Program Manager
Lucy Munyugi
Program Manager, EHS, Third Party Data Centers
– CSRM, EMEA
Shriyanka Nayak
Environmental Compliance Technical Program Manager
Lorna Omondi
Head of Operations
Meera Patel
Lead Program Manager, Procurement
Operations
Asya Cara Peña
Technical Program Manager, Robotics and Automation
Jenna Richardson
Global Program Manager & Entrepreneur
Tu Rivera
TPM, Manager
Erica Smith
Administrative Business Partner
Ruby Tseng
DCEHS Program Manager
Iyunna Walker
Program Manager
Molly Yuan
DCEHS Program Manager
Rhonda Davis
Customer Success Operations Lead Health Catalyst
Joanna Laucirica
Customer Success Operations Lead Health Catalyst
Yasmine Coleman
Engineering Designer III HII
Ebony Hedgepeth
Business Technology Programmer
HII
Aracelis McAloon
IT Software Engineer 2 HII
Technical Editor and Writer HII
Colleen Randle Engineering Designer III HII
Isabel Santiago-Lewis Network Communications 2 HII
Ambika Coletti
Senior Manager Beneficial Electrification ICF
De-Shunda Jones
Senior Software Application Engineer ICF
Dara Pressley Director of User Experience ICF
Nkoli Ukpabi
Lead Health Sciences Technical Editor ICF
Snehal Arya
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Ruchika Bansal Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Arnita Chakravorty Principal Consultant Infosys Ltd.
Sushmita Deb Project Manager Infosys Ltd.
Prachi Dhawan Business Development Executive Infosys Ltd.
Gowri Gopalakrishnan
Technical Test Lead Infosys Ltd.
Honey Purushotham
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Akansha Rajpal
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Charu Sharma
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Eryn Stein
Associate Manager – Client Services Infosys Ltd.
Alexis Collier
Inclusion & Diversity Sourcer
Jacobs
Faith Feng
Design Architect Jacobs
Senior Project Manager
Jacobs
Candice Howard
Document Controls Professional
Jacobs
Kyla Kirk
Water Process Engineer, Project Manager, Group Leader
Jacobs
Nora Kodis
Professional Water Engineer
Jacobs
Monica Shei
Transportation Engineer
Jacobs
Alessandra Smith
Urban Planner
Jacobs
Crystal (White) Diggs
Construction Engineering Professional
Jacobs
Amy McMaster
Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering
L3Harris
Anjali Pradeep
Senior Associate, Systems Engineering
L3Harris
Parneet Sandhu
Specialist, Software Engineering
L3Harris
Lauren Burrell, Ph.D.
Software Engineering Scientist
L3Harris Technologies
Lorena Cruz Quintero
Senior Supervisor, Microelectronics
L3Harris Technologies
Priscilla De La Torre
Associate Manager Software Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Alyvia Hildebrand
Specialist, Software Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Anagha Indic
Senior Supervisor, Software Engineer
L3Harris Technologies
Cynthia Ko
Manager, Manufacturing
L3Harris Technologies
Ti’ona McCauley, DBA
Senior System Engineer
L3Harris Technologies
Elizabeth Merritt
Lead Engineer
L3Harris Technologies
Natacha Olugemo
Senior Supervisor, Software Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Maria Rye, Ph.D.
Scientist, Systems Engineering
L3Harris Technologies
Lymaris Serrano
Senior Manager, Engineering Management
L3Harris Technologies
Nneka Taylor
Senior Manager Mechanical Analysis
L3Harris Technologies
Portia Artis
User Activity Monitoring Lead Leidos
Heidi Batres
Junior Autonomous System Engineer Leidos
Terena Chao
Principal Cyber Software Engineer Leidos
Kas’Sietta Edwards
Vulnerability Management Lead/Deputy Cyber Manager Leidos
Michelle Francis Customer Support Leidos
Keisha Freeman Project Lead Leidos
Elsa Gonzalez-Aguilar
Senior Software Engineer Leidos
Annitta Haywood Software Development Manager Leidos
Samantha Jamison Systems Engineer Leidos
Irene Jian, Ph.D.
Senior Human Factors Engineer Leidos
Tyra Ledesma Systems Engineering Leidos
Carol Lee
Cloud Transformation Analyst Leidos
Melissa Lee
Lead Systems Integrator Leidos
Kaimiao Liu
Materials Specialist Leidos
Lisa Maddrey
Purchase Requisition Request Analyst
Leidos
Pranjali Muley
Microwave Research Scientist
Leidos
Jesuseun Oluwadarasimi
Cyber Security Analyst
Leidos
Smita Pande
Software Developer
Leidos
Matilda Parker
Systems Engineer
Leidos
Sierra Robinson
Deputy Program Manager
Leidos
Mengling Stuckman
Scientist 4 – Geochemist Research Scientist
Leidos
Jasmine Sullivan
Cyber Security Application Vulnerability Analyst
Leidos
Julie Thomas
Senior Software Developer
Leidos
Giji Varghese
Software Engineer
Leidos
Rebecca Weller
Research Physiologist
Leidos
Wei Xiong
Research Scientist
Leidos
Bonnie Xu
Senior Systems Integration Test Engineer
Leidos
Kayann Barnswell
Engineering Manager
Lockheed Martin
June Fodor
Electrical Engineer
Lockheed Martin
Shakita Glosson
Electrical Engineer Staff
Lockheed Martin
Margaret King
A/AI Research Engineer Senior
Lockheed Martin
Ebony LeBlanc
Program Quality Engineer
Lockheed Martin
Alice Libert
Software Configuration Analyst Manager
Lockheed Martin
Jagdeep Shergill
Program Management Director
Lockheed Martin
Stacey Washington
Supplier Diversity Representative, Staff
Lockheed Martin
Laura Nayeli Espriella
Treviño
Durability Test Engineer
Lordstown Motors Corporation
Jevita Johnson
Purchasing Manager
Lordstown Motors Corporation
Wei Chuan Melisa
McSweeney
Program Manager - Alliances, Special Projects, and Core Methods
Lordstown Motors Corporation
Nandita Pandey
Embedded Software Engineer
Lordstown Motors Corporation/ Teoresi Inc.
Randa Elhertani
Aerospace Engineer
NASA
Patrice Hopkins
PMA-242 Direct Strike Integrated Product Team
Acquisition Lead/Operations Manager
Naval Air Systems Command
Krisiam Ortiz-Martinez
Chemical Engineer
Naval Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division
Veronica Wesson
Program Analyst
Naval Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division
Marilynn Bell
Program Directorate, Undersea Directorate
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Khenia Melendez Resendez
Industrial Engineer (Schedule Analyst)
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Laura Nieves
Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Brittany Scott
FMS Product Manager/Suite Integration Lead
Naval Air Warfare Center
Weapons Division
Ebony Lanier
COLUMBIA Class Main Propulsion Motor
Engineering Manager
Naval Sea Systems Command
Larriel Hester
Computer Scientist/Test Director
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division
Mia Korngruen
SEA 21 Portfolio Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division
Katrina Abboud
Systems Engineer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Rita Bradfield
Branch Head
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Racquel Camarillo
Human Resources Specialist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Mery Castilho
Hardware Engineer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Lola Cole
Logistics Management Specialist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Khalilah Durias
Branch Head
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Lauren Gee
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Maria Christina Libranda
Branch Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Shameka Nickens
Engineering Technician
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Taña Peraza
Branch Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Gina Ramirez Benavidez
Business Intelligence IT Specialist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Dana Sortino
Team Lead
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Camille Timan
Supportability Integrator
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Patricia Vu
Readiness Analyst
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Mariejoy Waldron
Supportability Integrator
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Irine Chenwi, Ph.D.
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport
Karin Kaplan
Manager
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport
Kimberly Cross, Ph.D.
Director of Programs 1, Strike Production
Operations
Northrop Grumman
Christa Smith
Software Test Engineer
Oasis Systems, LLC
Elizabeth Howard
Global Demand Generation & Digital Marketing Director (AVP)
Otis Elevator Company
Alexandra Nowlin
Marketing Technology Manager
Otis Elevator Company
Allyson Alston, Ph.D.
Supply Chain Strategy, Work Transfer Manager
Raytheon Technologies
Rumee Barua
Senior Electrical Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
Kady Coulibaly
Senior Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
Abrielle Otero
UX/UI Design Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
Nickietha Phinn
Senior Software Quality Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
Kesha Rainey
Project Manager
Raytheon Technologies
Rama Rajarathinam
Manager, Quality System Compliance
Raytheon Technologies
Jodee Ross
Principal Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
Asima Silva
Technology Lead, Software Engineering
Raytheon Technologies
Mary Simmons
Systems Integrated Project Team Lead
Raytheon Technologies
Sujita Chatterjee
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
SAIC
Sandra Dorsey
Jaimie Cornell
Tara Melton
Lauren Thomas
Cybersecurity GRC Manager
SAIC
Jalese Giles
Principal Business Process Analyst
SAIC
Priya Nataraj
Technical Operations Manager - Base Software
Engineering
Stellantis
Sulbin Park
Senior Staff Engineer - AI Fusion
Stellantis
Natalie Ward
Human Factors & Ergonomics Engineer
Stellantis
Sasmita Panda
Director, Engineering
Tenable
Darnita Alfred
Software Engineer
The Boeing Company
Shahida Anjum
Materials Process Engineer
The Boeing Company
Crystal Arnold-Johnson
Process Engineer
The Boeing Company
Afifa Azad
Test & Evaluation Engineer
The Boeing Company
Nayana Badhya
Programmer Analyst
The Boeing Company
Anika Bell
University Relations Specialist
The Boeing Company
Micheala Bennekin
User Experience Specialist
The Boeing Company
Marquita Blanding
Integration Logistics Support & Management 3
The Boeing Company
Logan Brown
Strategy Development Specialist
The Boeing Company
Alexsiara Bynum
User Experience Specialist
The Boeing Company
Evelyn Cash-Santos
Systems Engineering Manager
The Boeing Company
Kim Chau
Business Process Analyst
The Boeing Company
Contessia Cook
Quality Engineer
The Boeing Company
Procurement Agent
The Boeing Company
Anne Dang
Industrial Engineer
The Boeing Company
Danette Davis
Accountant II
The Boeing Company
Sohini Dey
Information Technology Manager
The Boeing Company
Tiana Ellison
Employee Development Program Manager
The Boeing Company
Olivia Halvorson
Financial Analyst
The Boeing Company
Lan Ho Systems Safety Engineer
The Boeing Company
Donella Johnson
Project Management Specialist
The Boeing Company
Eric’el Johnson
Analysis, Integration and Test Manager
The Boeing Company
Tiffany Jones
Senior Project Manager
The Boeing Company
Shavon Jones-Mansaw
Systems Engineer Support Analyst
The Boeing Company
Fatima Kazmi
Industrial Engineer
The Boeing Company
Leslie Kirkland
Supply Chain Quality Manager
The Boeing Company
Lavanya Kumarraju
Nadampalli
Product Specialist
The Boeing Company
Kellie Little
IT Project Manager
The Boeing Company
Felicia Long
Electromagnetic Effects Engineer
The Boeing Company
Scarlett Marzo
Systems Engineer
The Boeing Company
Kenia Mazier
Business Process Analyst
The Boeing Company
Pamela McDermott-Jijon
Integrated Planning & Scheduling Specialist
The Boeing Company
Product Support Engineer
The Boeing Company
Swati Mishra
Programmer Analyst
The Boeing Company
Courtney Mixon
Senior Director – Supply Chain
The Boeing Company
Euniqué Mosqueda
Senior Quality Manager
The Boeing Company
Catherine Muñoz
Real-Time Software Engineer
The Boeing Company
Mya Nguyen
Senior Supply Chain Procurement Agent
The Boeing Company
NormaBat-Sheva OronoSamms
Structural Analyst
The Boeing Company
Diana Popoca
Project Manager
The Boeing Company
Priyanka Priyanka
Programmer Analyst
The Boeing Company
Terra Randolph
Analyst – Internal Consolidation Analytics
The Boeing Company
Breonna Rodgers
Systems Engineer
The Boeing Company
Elany Saavedra
Electrophysics Engineer
The Boeing Company
Catarina Salite
Procurement Agent
The Boeing Company
Socheata San
Flightline Ops Manager
The Boeing Company
Daniela Santos-McGinnis
Accountant
The Boeing Company
Karen Shine
Procurement Agent
The Boeing Company
Tasha Silas
Aircraft Operations Integrator Manager
The Boeing Company
Priya Sukumaran
Senior Solution Architect
The Boeing Company
Karpagam
Thirunavukkarasu
Programmer Analyst
The Boeing Company
Staffing Specialist Manager
The Boeing Company
Megan Tucker
IT Business Success Leader
The Boeing Company
Sabrina Wan
Electrical Technician – Vertical Lift
The Boeing Company
Lily Xia
Structural Analysis Engineer
The Boeing Company
Shelby Wilson, Ph.D.
Applied Mathematician
The Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Laboratory
Van Nguyen
Sustainment Engineering Section Chief
Tinker Air Force Base
Tiffany Self
Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Confinement
U.S. Air Force
Jazmin Love
Fabrication Flight Chief
U.S. Air Force
Tanya Chantawansri
Strategic Planner and Integrator
U.S. Army
Tamika Williams, DBA
IT Specialist
U.S. Army
Patrice Collins, Ph.D.
Branch Chief, Educational Outreach
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities
Development Command
Kathleen Abille
Engineer Technician/Executive Admin
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Bridgett Barlow
Engineering Technician
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Brandy Diggs-McGee
Research Mechanical Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jessica Frierson
Training Program Coordinator
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Elizabeth Gao
Research Materials Engineers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Catherine Thomas
Research Biologist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Courtney Coulter
Branch Chief
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Paula Latorre
Supervisory General Engineer
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Rupal Varshneya
Electronics Engineer
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Sharon Crumblin
EEO Specialist/Outreach Program Manager
U.S. Army Futures Command
CW2 Niesha Cox
Data Operations Warrant Officer
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
LTC Sierra Symonette Regimental Psychologist
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Lisa Russell
Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
U.S. Marine Corps, Program Executive Officer Land Systems
Maryann Ayoade
Medical/Health Physicist
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Briana Wellman, Ph.D.
Professor
University of the District of Columbia
Nayomi Plaza, Ph.D.
Materials Research Engineer USDA Forest Products Laboratory
Fatemah Abolqasemi, Ph.D.
Electrical Engineer Vitesco Technologies
Lydia Ding
Mechanical Engineer Vitesco Technologies
Eman El-Masri
Associate Electrical Engineer Vitesco Technologies
Ritu Goel
Lead IT Analyst
Vitesco Technologies
Lijie Hao
Manager - Security and Privacy Management NA Vitesco Technologies
Jessika Leycock
Head of Customer Quality Vitesco Technologies
Yuxian Li
Associate Mechanical Engineer
Vitesco Technologies
Radhika Parikh
Project Manager
Vitesco Technologies
Priscila Prince
Lead Purchasing Specialist Vitesco Technologies
Norah Valcourt Validation Engineering Coordinator Vitesco Technologies
Dania Abdin Systems Engineer, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Rimsha Alam
Intrusion Analyst III
Walmart
Ankita Chatrath
Analyst III Technology Operations
Walmart
Anuradha Chauhan
Senior Systems Engineer, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Alphy George Intrusion Analyst III
Walmart
Aryn Head Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Bervelyn Kumi
Senior Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Mwansa Mulenga-Asoh
Director Access Control Governance & Compliance Cybersecurity
Walmart
Brenda Pacheco-Franco
Systems Engineer Technology Cybersecurity
Walmart
Shaki Prakash
Senior Technical Expert, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Harshini Sarvotham
Senior Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Kritica Sinha
Senior Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Deepthy Thomas
Principal Software Engineer, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Cathy Walker
Risk Lead, Cybersecurity
Walmart
Huiyun Wu
Principal Software Engineer
Walmart
Kristin Casey
Senior Director, Marketing
World Wide Technology
Rachel Gore
Senior Strategic Advisor, Federal Solution Consultant
World Wide Technology
Krystin Hogan-Pettaway
Quality Engineer
World Wide Technology
Mia Hunt
Strategic Engagement Manager
World Wide Technology
Aparna Kumar
Public Sector Analytics Practice Lead
World Wide Technology
Jyothsna Rajyam
Development Operations Engineer
World Wide Technology
Grace Hu
Finance Controller, Global Development Abbott
Jessica Hoyt
Proposal Specialist
Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State
Brunilda Lushnjari
Head of Facilities Management
Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
Christien Middleton
Budget Analyst
Department of Defense
Christina Myers-Taylor Manager, Programs 1
HII
Shaunna Williams
Internal Auditor
Jacobs
Jessica Thames
Division FBO Director
Leidos
Laura Chou
Business Operations Senior Manager
Lockheed Martin
Karen Turner
Senior Manager of Financial Management
Lockheed Martin
Michele Estep
Contract Specialist
Naval Air Systems Command
Patricia Johnson
PMA-281 Foreign Military Sales Business
Financial Manager
Naval Air Systems Command
Kari Pierce
Financial Management Analyst
Naval Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division
Teresa Crawford
Administrative Technical Specialist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Patricia Quezada
Management Analyst
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
Bancy Seale
Contracting Officer’s Representative
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport
Annie Davis
Associate Director, Finance
Raytheon Technologies
Paula Hill
Director, FP&A
Raytheon Technologies
Sandra Reyna
Finance Manager
SAIC
Chiny Ferrell
Cash Management Manager
Stellantis
Zenia Yee
NA Consolidation Manager
Stellantis
Rendora Munson
Financial Operations Technician
U.S. Air Force
Lakreisha Johnson
Diversity Division Chief
U.S. Army Futures Command
Adrienne Stapleton
Business Financial Manager, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Office
U.S. Navy, Program Executive Office Ships
Alethea Diaz Lozano
VT Head of Operations Controlling Americas
Vitesco Technologies
Sudha Wuppalapati
Finance Manager
Vitesco Technologies
WATCH
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At AAM, we believe an equitable and inclusive culture encourages, supports, and celebrates the unique voices of our global workforce. We are proud to sponsor the 28th Women of Color STEM conference— honoring the significant contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Congratulations to all of the honorees. We celebrate and shine a spotlight on three members of #TeamAAM:
I love working for the organization because I get to be a part of a talented and diverse team of professionals that collaboratively work together to meet the needs of the organization, the community, the Region and the Nation. This gives me a sense of instant gratification.
- Narissia Skinner, Executive Assistant
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approximately 37,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 130 countries worldwide.
FIND US
Globally - 37 Countries to include: Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea. In the U.S. - 39 Geographic districts across the U.S.
9 laboratories and centers
Learn more: https://www.usace.army.mil/careers/
Mission Critical Occupations:
• General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences series (0401)
• Engineering Technical series (0802)
• Construction Control Technical series (0809)
• Civil Engineering series (0810)
• Mechanical Engineering series (0830)
• Electrical Engineering series (0850)
• Contract Specialist series (1102)
• Realty series (1170)
• Lock and Dam Operating series (5426)
• IT Specialist (2210)
The U.S. Army fosters a culture built on trust and accepts values and views as strengths: the attributes, experiences, cultures, characteristics, and backgro unds each Soldier and Civilian brings to the institution .
