Professional Development for Women and Minorities

In today's fast-paced world, technology is advancing rapidly, and it's essential for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) managers to keep up with the latest trends. This seminar aims to educate STEM managers on the critical technology trends that are shaping the industry and impacting their jobs.   During this seminar, we will cover the latest technology trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, the internet of things (IoT), and more. We will explore how these technologies are transforming the business landscape and what they mean for STEM managers. The seminar will provide insights into how STEM managers can leverage these trends to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in their respective fields. We will also discuss the potential risks and challenges associated with adopting these technologies and how to manage them.   Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest technology trends and their impact on STEM management. They will leave the seminar with practical insights and strategies to effectively navigate the ever-changing technological landscape and drive innovation in their organizations.   Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to: Understand the latest technology trends and their impact on STEM management. Gain insights into how to leverage these trends to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in their respective fields. Learn about potential risks and challenges associated with adopting these technologies and how to manage them. Develop practical strategies for effectively navigating the ever-changing technological landscape and driving innovation in their organizations. Network with other STEM managers and industry experts to share insights and best practices.   Speakers: Christopher Jock Global Sciences Practice Director Actalent Services   Tatemya Douglas Global Strategic Programs Leader   Brandon Ha Chief Technology Office PepsiCo Inc.

Motivated by a sense of duty and a calling to make an impact on the human condition, a professional career dedicated to public service can be very rewarding. Yet for women of color, it can also sometimes pose challenges that impact both their contributions to service and their career trajectories.  In this session, you’ll meet WOC leaders from Department of Commerce subcomponent agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Learn how these esteemed public servants who support and advance STEM innovation globally -- especially to underserved communities -- have navigated the federal landscape - both challenges and opportunities - during their careers. This panel will discuss negotiating identity, visibility, and authenticity; maneuvering hostile waters and creating brave spaces; and defining and celebrating success.   Speakers: Sharon Watson International Program Specialist United States Patent and Trademark Office   Alisa Young Weather and Climate Portfolio Lead National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   Rita Williams Supervisory Administrative Officer National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   Nathanya Ferguson United States Patent and Trademark Office   Kiesha Bryant United States Patent and Trademark Office   Marilyn Nash United States Patent and Trademark Office

As a community, we have grown accustomed to the voices of influence at the proverbial “table” being reflective of very few black women, if any at all. The closer the table gets to the C-suite, the influence of the black female voice diminishes even more.  Raytheon Technologies, a leader with a global reach specializing in defense and commercial markets, is inviting you to an eye-opening panel discussion with RTX female executives on amplifying the influence of Black Women at the table.  There is work to be done and we are being intentional about having our say in ways that will bring awareness, visibility and change to the tables of influence at every level.  Accordingly, our executive panelists will be “having their say” about:  their personal journeys to the table;  tips to encourage black women to increase their influence in impactful ways; how to continue to render that influence in virtual settings; the approach for gaining the sponsorship of those who are already at the table; and the importance of leveraging the influence of black women beyond the boardroom.  The discussion is sure to bring perspective and a basis for action as the panelists are all leaders of influence at Raytheon Technologies and in their respective communities. This seminar will be a conversation that brings consciousness to the power and significance of Black Women having influence throughout their respective career journeys and community endeavors.  The RTX executive panelists are having their say and we will be listening as they continue to create avenues of success for black women.   Speakers: Ceah Justice Head of Global Employee Engagement Raytheon Technologies   LaQuasha Johnson Department Manager RTX   Dakeesha Wright Operations & Site Leader Raytheon Technologies   LaKindra Francis-Jones Executive Director RTX Collins Aerospace

Objective: Develop strategies to enhance productivity and career longevity   As professionals, we often face challenging situations that can lead to burnout, including high email volumes, difficult colleagues, and workplace politics. Despite finding work that aligns with our interests, most of us experience varying levels of burnout throughout our careers. It is crucial to stay connected to the vision, mission, and goals of our work and to find ways to express our identity, creativity, and passion. In this workshop, we will share tools and techniques to help you re-energize and shift your thinking, transforming dead-ends into multiple paths of opportunities, morale, and effectiveness.   At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: Identify strategies to connect personal and professional values. Manage stress, adapt to change, and navigate industry rumors. Examine ways to become a strategic professional instead of just a task manager. Explore five techniques to cultivate passion and commitment. Speakers: Scyatta Wallace CEO/Founder Janisaw Company   Sondia Christian Director, Business Integration HII   Jhansi Nalla EGM, Driver Technologies and Program Management General Motors

Learning objective: Discover best practices for supporting employee mental health Employees' mental health is being affected in unprecedented ways due to factors such as the pandemic, economic uncertainty, political tensions, remote work, and return-to-work policies. Despite these pressures, many employers' mental health benefits, policies, and practices remain outdated and in dire need of an update. The mental health support workers require varies significantly depending on diversity factors such as age, race, nationality, and gender. At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: Recognize the mental health challenges faced by today's workers. Understand the impact of flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home and hybrid work, on employees' mental health. Explore the creation of programs that cater to the unique needs of employees based on factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and work location. Examine HR's role in developing and communicating mental health resources that can assist employees and become a crucial component of your overall employee wellness program. Speakers: Tamika Gray Health Catalyst   Nadine Louis Director, Client Success Health Catalyst   Rhonda Davis Registered Nurse Health Catalyst   Brianna McCullough

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) are revolutionizing the way we work and interact with each other. From chatbots and virtual assistants to automated decision-making processes, AI is changing the way we approach work and the workplace. This seminar will explore the impact of AI and Chat GPT on the workplace and how businesses can leverage these technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. During this seminar, we will cover a range of topics related to AI and Chat GPT, including the history and evolution of AI, its current state of development, and the different applications of AI in the workplace. We will also discuss the impact of these technologies on the job market and the skills required to work effectively with them.

Featuring Minda Harts, best-selling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table Join The Boeing Company for a candid dialogue on the challenges or “sharks” that many women of color face in their careers.  These sharks may show up as imposter syndrome, a lack of allyship and sponsorship, a toxic workplace culture, microaggressions or bias in hiring and promotions. We will provide meaningful insights to help recognize sharks, discuss practical ways to ride the waves, highlight the skills needed to face these challenges head-on and develop strategic plans to help lifeguard careers.  By the end of our seminar, attendees will have essential everyday tools necessary to turn rough waters into smooth sailing. Our seminar will include a keynote address by best-selling author, Minda Harts, a moderated panel discussion with experienced leaders of color and allies in STEM and a reflection exercise.   Speakers: Sara Bowen Vice President, Global Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Employee Listening The Boeing Company   Madeline Augustin Senior Manager, Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Technology Strategy The Boeing Company   Christina Upah Vice President, Attack Helicopter Programs The Boeing Company   Minda Harts Author

Speakers: Dr. Nicole Henley Regional Manager Google

Learning objective: Discover the untapped potential of neurodiverse talent Companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of neurodiverse talent—people with conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. While the benefits of diversity are well-known—enhanced creativity, innovation, and more—neurodiversity goes even further by providing expanded perspectives and breakthrough thinking to keep organizations at the forefront. Major companies like Microsoft, J.P. Morgan, Home Depot, and Hewlett Packard are tapping into this neurodiverse talent pool. At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: Understand the most recognized types of neurodiversity. Examine the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce for your company. Explore the unique skills of neurodiverse individuals. Investigate recruiting and hiring for neurodiversity—overcoming interview bias. Discover practical ways to maximize the strengths of neurodiversity. Speakers: Erika Watson President & CEO Intersection Collection   Stacy West Senior Organizational Development Consultant DTE Energy

Learning Objective: Examine the elements of constructing superior resumes that will land you interviews  An efficient and robust resume will improve your chances of landing that dream job and starting your career on the right foot. Creating the perfect resume takes practice and skill. You want to ensure that your resume stands above the rest without overdoing it. How does one make sure that their resume is top-notch and bulletproof? This seminar will give you the scoop on creating the standout resume to get your following interview. We will discuss tips such as determining your resume’s purpose, supporting your strengths, using appropriate keywords, the benefits of proofreading, bullet points, and proper font usage.  After this seminar, the participants will be able to:   Identify the purpose of a solidly effective resume.  Discern good resumes from bad resumes.  Analyze the factors that recruiters identify to disregard some resumes. Identify the attributes of resumes that get on the interview schedule. Speakers: Ella Ziegler Sales Practice Lead - Engineering Actalent   Lisa Davis Service Delivery Manager (NASA/AEGIS) Leidos   Melanie Boyd Recruiting Practice Lead - Sciences Actalent

Resilience and navigating obstacles are vital skills for anyone in corporate America, but women of color often face unique challenges due to intersectional discrimination and biases. This dynamic panel of Jacobs’ leaders will delve into key aspects including Intersectionality; Stereotypes & Biases; Micro/Macroaggresions; Lack of Representation; Pay & Promotion; and Networking Challenges. Attendees will walk away with practical and actionable insights and strategies to promote resilience and overcome obstacles.   Speakers: Alexis Collier Inclusion & Diversity Sourcer Jacobs   Denise LaMaison-Bell Program Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Jacobs   Jilma Jimenez VP Strategist Jacobs   Sharon Jean-Baptiste V.P., Midwest U.S. P&PS Operations Jacobs

Learning objective: Examine methods for fostering a diverse workplace Diversity and inclusion are vital drivers of business success. However, creating a more diverse and inclusive work environment can involve overcoming significant barriers within an organization. How can you effectively drive change? How can you help others seize opportunities to create a culture where everyone truly feels valued? In this program, our panel will discuss the roles of C-suite leaders to frontline employees in establishing a diverse and welcoming workplace. The discussion will focus on examples, practical tools, and technologies to help develop a purpose and strategy that makes diversity a workplace reality. At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: Explain why creating a diverse workplace requires ongoing effort across the entire enterprise. Explore a framework that anyone can use to impact change and create a more inclusive environment. Examine how recognition and other solutions can be used to mitigate unconscious bias and improve belonging. Speakers: Victoria Bowens Director, Diversity and Inclusion Operations Department of Defense   Cynthia Miller National Security Agency   Antonia Arnold-McFarland Manager, Diversity STEM Advancement Deere and Company   Reggie Humphrey Director of DEI Operations General Motors

Learning Objective: Advice that inspires leadership growth and development. You don’t want to miss Real Talk: A Conversation on Breaking the Glass Ceiling! The experiences of women in the workplace can be vary dramatically from person to person, and group to group. Yet with these differences, there are also similarities that all women experience. This executive panel promises insights from trailblazing leaders whose ability to transform obstacles into opportunities has helped them reach incredible heights in their careers. Join us for a “real” conversation about personal and professional challenges, strategies to overcome barriers, shifting perspectives, and shattering the glass ceiling for future generations of women.   Speakers: Jennifer Boykin President Newport News Shipbuilding   Melanie Anderson Huntington Ingalls Industries   Sabrina Bailey Vice President of Operations - Integrated Product Support HII

Learning Objectives: Enhance your understanding of the role STEM professionals play in the research and management of the effects and mitigation of climate change, with a particular focus on disturbances such as fire, with outstanding leaders and scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. Climate change is affecting disturbance regimes across the globe. These include catastrophic wildfires, drought, hurricanes, flooding, and extreme weather that threaten the health and resilience of our communities, lands, waters, and wildlife. Now more than ever, science-based management of natural resources is increasingly important for mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. In an era of unprecedented change, STEM professionals are increasingly asked to think about climate change science and land management strategies and look for effective management techniques now and decades into the future. Join USDA Forest Service panel members as they describe how they study and manage lands affected by climate changes. This includes research that covers the impacts of changing disturbances regimes on ecosystems, analysis of fire behavior and effects on ecological dynamics, human health, forest products across our nation’s diverse landscapes. Our panelists will provide expertise to help guide sound, science-informed, decision-making in response to climate change and extreme climate events. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: Deepen their understanding about best practices and STEM professional career opportunities in the management of unique ecosystems currently threatened by climate change. Connect with USDA Forest Service science and scientists providing leading scientific knowledge of climate change, disturbance regimes, fire, and smoke that influence management decisions on the Nation’s forests and grasslands.   Speakers: Nayomi Plaza Rodriguez Materials Research Engineer USDA Forest Service   Jennifer Croft Applied Fire Ecologist USDA Forest Service   Shaneka Lawson Research Plant Physiologist USDA Forest Service   Teresa Hollingsworth Senior Science Advisor USDA Forest Service   Tamara Scalley Research Ecologist USDA Forest Service

As businesses face rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, it's more important than ever to have robust business continuity plans in place. In this session, business leaders will share their experiences on how they leveraged digital transformation to build resilience in their organizations. They will discuss the role of agile decision-making, global business models, and governance models like GBS in ensuring continuity during times of crisis. Attendees will learn from these experts on how to build and implement effective business continuity plans that can weather any future disruptions. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: Analyze the impact of workforce management decisions on productivity and the bottom line. Assess the role of automation in building a stable future of work model. Understand how governance models like GBS deliver more resilient business practices. Explore the use of data analytics, intelligence, and forecasting in creating effective business continuity plans. Speakers Laura Luengo Senior Engineering Supervisor Lordstown Motors   Jacqueline Toussaint Director of Engineering AFCS/NWC   Natoshia Anderson CEO Nerdy Brain, LLC.

There are a lot of personal and professional reasons why folks strive for a Ph.D. but a fair generalization is the aim to change the world for the better. Other fair generalizations are that many PhDs leave academia because they don’t find the institution conducive to tangibly change the world and that there is very little guidance on how one can utilize their Ph.D. skill sets in jobs outside of academia. At Booz Allen Hamilton, we have made it a mission to bring together our over 1000 doctorate employees (and our many other engineers willing to roll up their sleeves) to collectively help with the firm’s bigger VoLT Strategy by (1) generating R&D that will advance client products and services, (2) building strategic partnerships with high-level government officials looking to solve their “Ph.D.-level hard” problems, and (3) ensuring that diversity remains paramount as business imperative. We look forward to talking about our experience with you and really look forward to talking with the audience about ways we all can work together in changing the world for the better. After this panel, the participants will be able to: Better utilize their PhDs/hands-on engineers towards research opportunities that can help your organization’s bottom line Build a pipeline to help both attract more PhDs to join your organization and help members of your current organization in attaining a Ph.D. Build strategic partnerships with outside entities that can lead to further business Speakers: Charles Johnson-Bey, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton Dr. Christina Leggett, Nuclear Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton Dr. Kalena Stovall, Chemical Engineer, Booz Allen Hamilton Dr. Sean Guillory, Booz Allen Hamilton

Have you ever felt like your seat at the table was two feet lower than everyone else’s or every time you showed up virtually or in person, you felt invisible?  Or maybe you’ve been subjected to the hypervisibility that comes along with being the only minority in the room and dealt with how to “blend in” affecting your ability to be authentically seen and heard. Either way, the challenges associated with visibility for minority populations are real and are being experienced everyday. Can we really overcome the challenges of being seen and heard in today’s culture?  In this forum, we will hear from individuals who will share their experiences and perspectives about being seen and heard, despite the microaggressions, marginalization and unconscious biases that exist in the workplace.  Their experiences will shed light and give voice to those who have been silently waiting to show up in ways that pierce the darkness of invisibility and inspire all of us to open our eyes and ears to those who have been challenged with being seen and heard. Just know that you are visible, even if others refuse to remove their blindfolds. Speakers: Charles Everett, Executive Director, Raytheon Technologies Dawn Charleston, Director of Supplier Quality and Compliance, Raytheon Technologies Amanda Goodson, Senior Director, Raytheon Company Robert Griffifths, Vice President, Raytheon Technologies Ceah Justice, Head of Global Employee Engagement, Raytheon Technologies

At Amazon, invention and innovation are two sides of the same coin. Both require breaking through the constraints of convention and apparent technical limitations. Invention requires you to imagine a future where things are markedly different, and then to imagine what it would take to get there. Innovation takes an existing process or product and blows apart the constraints that make it behave the way it does today and imagine what it could become. This seminar is an intimate conversation with some of Amazon's top Senior Principal Technologists to discuss their role as individual contributors and how they have used their expertise to invent and innovate to optimize the output for their respective organizations. Speakers: Stephanie LaBoo, Director of Mechatronics Grocery Automation, Amazon Bryan Liles, Senior Principle Engineer, Amazon Joshua Thomas, Regional Director Sub Same Day Business, Amazon Chris Musoke, Director Design Services, Amazon Global Robotics Jovonia Thibert, Director of Mechatronics Grocery Automation, Amazon Tia White, General Manager, Amazon

Learning Objective: Exploring an array of messages received from family, friends, media, and society may cause some to question their knowledge, skills, and abilities. These messages can also lead to struggles with confidence and self-limiting thoughts on the roles they apply for. Historically, minorities and women have received messages that they are not capable of achieving the heights of success; they must work harder than others; or their natural hair, choice of style and clothing are not deemed professional. In other words, they “don’t belong,” or they must fit in to succeed. The pressure to compete can cause some to internalize these messages. They may succumb to perfectionism or feel like they are carrying the weight of their whole race or gender on their shoulders. These experiences can become internalized leading to negative self-talk and reduced confidence. “Can I listen to the music I enjoy in the comfort of my office or cubicle?” “Will I be judged for growing up in a low-income neighborhood?” “Will I be deemed unprofessional for wearing cultural attire to work?” This fear of judgement and perceptions based on messages or experiences can cause some to hide aspects of their identities at work (covering), code switch, and in some cases, morph into a completely different person during work hours. Learn from and interact with a multi-generational panel of industry leaders as they share experiences, challenges they’ve conquered in their careers, the power of owning your diversity, and advice to build confidence in your truth. After this seminar, participants will be able to: a. Identify and learn skills to combat negative self-talk when it appears. b. Learn skills to navigate societal norms and interpersonal barriers. c. Understand what it means to bring your authentic self to work and walk in your truth. Speakers: Randy Johnson, Senior Director for Research, Development, and Process Technology, Huntington Ingalls Industries Lauren Bruner, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, Huntington Ingalls Industries Sondia Christian, Director of Business Integration, Huntington Ingalls Industries Stephanie Simmons, Director, Huntington Ingalls Industries Dr. Dorian Newton, Apprenticeship School & Pipeline Training Program Manager, Huntington Ingalls Industries Marcus Jackson, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Huntington Ingalls Industries Emmanuel Onafeko, Systems Engineer, Huntington Ingalls Industries

This six-member panel will discuss the importance of scientists and engineers (S&Es) in accomplishing the mission of the Department of the Air Force. This diverse panel will address the exciting challenges as well as note the personal and professional fulfillment they experience by working alongside their military partners. Two senior leaders will share their visions of the important roles that S&Es have in advancing our technology in defense our nation; the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; commitment to public service; and share important points in their careers. Three S&Es will show exciting highlights from projects they have had as well as paint a picture of their work-life balance, impacts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in their careers, and their own personal professional and personal fulfillment serving as S&Es in the Air Force. Speakers: Karen Hudson, Chief, Avionics Engineering Division Dr. Marcus Smith, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Officer, Air Force Research Laboratory Damon Brown, Engineering Technical Expert, USAF / 402 Electronics Maintenance Group Jacqueline Janning-Lask, Director of Engineering and Technical Management and Chief Engineer, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center CDR Heather Pringle, Air Force Research Laboratory Jessica Peterson, Technical Director, Flight Test Engineering