Conference Speakers
2025 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Connie Mariano
Dr. Connie Mariano is used to breaking barriers, used to shattering the glass ceiling. Born to a Navy steward and his dentist wife in the Philippines, Dr. Mariano lived the life of a family in the American armed forces.
Her life has been filled with many achievements: high school valedictorian, graduate with honors at the University of California at San Diego, medical degree from the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, and a distinguished 24-year career in the U. S. Navy.
Dr. Mariano has also been the first in the following achievements:
The first military woman to become the White House Physician to the President
The first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit
The first Filipino American in US history to become a Navy Rear Admiral
After leaving the White House in 2001 following nine years and service to three sitting American presidents, Dr. Mariano became a consultant in the Executive Health Program at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale from July 2001 to October 2005.
In November 2005, Dr. Mariano founded the Center for Executive Medicine, a medical concierge practice which provides presidential-quality medical care to CEOs and their families.
An expert in presidential health care including the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, Dr. Mariano is a frequent guest speaker on television and print media on the topics of care to VIPs, presidential disability, travel medicine, and optimizing quality of care. Dr. Mariano is also a former external advisory board member to the committee advising the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the overhaul of the VA system. She was named in 2024 as a co-sponsor to the Navy’s planned guided Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG-139), named after Fireman 2nd class Telesforo Trinidad, the only Filipino in the US Navy to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Dr. Mariano is the author of the book, The White House Doctor: My Patients were Presidents, A Memoir, published in 2010 by St. Martin’s Press. Dr. Mariano also hosts two podcasts on the VoiceAmerica network, “House Calls with Dr Connie,” now in its ninth season and “The Widow’s Walk,” launched in February 2023. Learn more at www.whitehousedoctor.com
2023 LeadHERship Conference Speakers
Dr. Safiya Noble
Dr. Safiya Noble is a 2021 MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of the inaugural NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, and author of the highly acclaimed Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism (NYU Press). She is an internet studies scholar and David O. Sears Presidential Endowed Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of Gender Studies and African American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she serves as the Faculty Director for the Center on Race & Digital Justice and the Co-Director for the Minderoo Initiative on Tech & Power, and where she Co-Founded the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry (C2i2). She and her work have been featured in Time, The Guardian, the BBC, CNN International, Wired, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone, among many others. Her talks and research focus on the ways that digital media impacts our lives and intersects with issues of race, gender, culture, and technology. Learn more at safiyaunoble.com
ChristinaJ M.Eng. ’06
ChristinaJ is a first generation Indian American. She has a Bachelors in Computer Engineering from Drexel University and a Masters in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. She began her career as a Systems Engineer and then Project Manager at BAE Systems, a large U.S. government defense contractor, where she earned the Meritorious Performer Award and led her team to win the Chairman’s Gold Award in Innovation, the highest award in the global company. In collaboration with Harvard University, she has been published in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
ChristinaJ currently lives in Colorado with her family and is the Chair of "Taste of CA" a large multicultural event celebrating each other and our differences. ChristinaJ helps others launch their tech ideas through angel investing. As a general partner with XIA Capital, she explores forward-thinking approaches to AI and sustainability.
A passion for the arts from a young age and classical training in Indian dance led ChristinaJ to found and operate two dance schools, in addition to choreographing, teaching, and performing across the world. She has also won several pageants including Miss India NJ, Miss Millennium Beauty Queen and Miss Asia America and starred in the first Telugu movie filmed in the U.S. An award-winning author, ChristinaJ's debut children’s novel Royal Planet is an intersectional and action-packed adventure. Learn more at christinaj.com
Dr. Johné Parker
Johné M. Parker is the inaugural Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky. She is a proud Yellow Jacket who received her degrees from the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her industry career includes working as a roustabout in an oil field and a process engineer on the manufacturing floor.
Dr. Parker’s research interests are in the areas of systems and control, wireless sensing, intelligent manufacturing and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in STEM. She has mentored many amazingly diverse and talented high school, undergraduate and graduate students in her lab. She is also interested in science and technology policy and was honored to serve as an ASME Congressional Fellow in the Office of Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND, retired) on a wide range of issues from appropriations to emerging technologies. Learn more at www.engr.uky.edu
Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey '06
Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey is the Global Head of Community Inclusion Programs for Women of
Color at Google.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY, attended Stevens Institute of Technology and completed her bachelors of engineering degree in Electrical Engineering before starting her career in the finance industry. She then pivoted her career to digital media, where she spent over 10 years in Advertising Operations at major media conglomerates such as Forbes Media, FOX News Digital, and NBC News Digital.
Currently her work at Google is in service of women of color and parents/caregivers to create
community where it doesn't naturally exist and to influence the policies, programs and
processes that impact their sense of belonging and inclusion at Google. Learn more at www.iamslg.com
Past Conference Speakers
2021: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Dr. Kevin Ryan and Dr. Aprille Ericsson
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha in conversation with Dr. Kevin Ryan.
Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, is founder and director of the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, an innovative and model public health program in Flint, Michigan.
A pediatrician, scientist, activist and author, Dr. Hanna-Attisha has testified three times before the United States Congress and was awarded the Freedom of Expression Courage Award by PEN America. She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Century for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis and leading recovery efforts, and most recently, received the 2020 Fries Prize for Improving Health.
A frequent contributor to national media outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post, Dr. Hanna-Attisha has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, BBC and countless other outlets championing the cause of children in Flint and beyond. She is the founding donor of the Flint Child Health and Development Fund (flintkids.org). A Covid-19 survivor, Dr. Hanna-Attisha has donated her convalescent plasma several times while continuing to advocate for health and racial equity.
With concentrations in environmental health and health policy, Dr. Hanna-Attisha received her bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. She completed her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and her residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, where she was chief resident. She is currently a Charles Stewart Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health and an associate professor of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
Dr. Hanna-Attisha is the author of the widely acclaimed and bestselling book What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City.
Dr. Aprille Ericsson
Aerospace engineer Aprille Joy Ericsson’s career is distinguished by “firsts” - she considers her most prestigious honor of being the first person of color to receive The Washington Award from the Western Society of Engineers. She is the first African-American female to receive a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University (HU) and the first African-American female civil servant to earn an Engineering Ph.D. at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC. There she currently serves as New Business lead for the Instrument Systems and Technology Division (ISTD). During her 25+ year tenure with NASA, Dr. Ericsson has worked as Aerospace Engineer, Technologist, Project and Program Manager and Executive. She has taught at both Howard University, University of Maryland, and Bowie State University. Dr. Ericsson has been named one of the top 50 minority women working in science and engineering fields by the National Technical Association and she was ranked 8 of 20 on the 2016 list of the Most Powerful Women Engineers by Business Insider.
After graduating high school, she attended the MIT, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering. During her time there, she was involved in several Aerospace research projects and lead the research for Manned Mars Mission crew systems for interplanetary vehicles for her senior project. “These projects generated my strong desire to participate in manned space missions,” she explains. She applied to NASA’s astronaut program, but a history of asthma placed her on medical review.
She earned her masters and doctoral degree at Howard University (HU), Washington, D.C., where her research focused on developing practical design procedures for future orbiting space structures, like the Space Station. She received several prestigious internships, fellowships, and grants, including the NASA GSFC SIECA Summer Institute for Engineering and Computer Applications, the NASA/HU Center for Studies of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Atmospheres, the Wright Patterson Air Force Laboratories, the NASA DC Space Grant Consortium, Dorothy Danford Compton and HU Terminal Dissertation Fellowships.
She speaks to young people across the country – especially minorities and women – to encourage them to follow in her footsteps. She mentors student every year and 20 years ago she created an email pipeline for groups underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This pipeline distributes opportunities for employment, grants, internships, and fellowships. “I feel obligated to spur the interest of youth particularly minorities and females in STEM,” she says. “Without diversity in these fields, the United States will not remain technically competitive.” She currently serves as an Advisor to the DMV NSBE Jr. Chapter at Howard University. She is lead Coach for the chapters FIRST Lego League Robotics teams. Dr. Ericsson is a Board member of MIT’s Industry Advisory Council for Minority Education; Advisory Council of Organization Black Aerospace Professionals; and Chair of the Advisory Council of HU Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Dr. Ericsson has always pursued are ambitious undertakings and has never shied away from aiming high. In fact, she lives by these words of Norman Vincent Peale: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
2019: Deanne Bell and Malena Higuera '75
Deanne Bell
Deanne Bell is an engineer, television host, and entrepreneur. Her television hosting credits include PBS, ESPN, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, DIY Network, and most recently CNBC’s ‘Make Me a Millionaire Inventor'. Deanne is also the founder and CEO of Future Engineers, an education technology company that engages students in online contests and challenges. Future Engineers' inaugural competition, developed with the ASME Foundation and NASA, produced historic achievements including the first student-designed 3D print in space. Her company has since become a US Department of Education SBIR awardee, and was selected by NASA to host the Mars 2020 "Name the Rover” contest. Deanne lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two young children. She earned her mechanical engineering degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and she is the 2019 Young Alumni Award recipient for its McKelvey School of Engineering.
Malena Higuera '75
Malena is a high-level executive in the cosmetic industry who consistently builds value for employers and clients. For over 25 years, Malena’s creativity and business savvy have brought success at companies like Revlon, Coty, Honeywell, and Ajinomoto, among others. Her client and partner list include L’Oréal, Estee’ Lauder, P&G, Elizabeth Arden, Unilever, and more. Today, Malena is Managing Partner at MAldecoa & Associates, LCC. A Hoboken High School graduate, Malena was among the first class of women admitted to Stevens when the university became coed in 1971. During her time at Stevens she served as the Secretary in the Latin American Association. Earning her BS in Chemical Engineering and MS in Management Science, Malena is now celebrated as the first Latin American woman to graduate from Stevens in 1975.
2017: Carla Harris and Jennifer Casson Tripucka
Carla Harris
Carla Harris is vice chairman of wealth management and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley. She was chair of the Morgan Stanley Foundation from 2005 to 2014, and sits on the boards of several community organizations. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. Ms. Harris joined Morgan Stanley in 1987 after earning an AB in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Among her many accolades, Ms. Harris has been named to Fortune’s list of “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America,” American Banker’s “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance,” Black Enterprise’s “Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business” and “Top 75 African Americans on Wall Street,” Essence’s list of “The 50 Women Who are Shaping the World," and Ebony’s “Power 100” and “15 Corporate Women at the Top.”
Ms. Harris is the author of several books including Authenticity: The Power Is You, The 90-Day Rule, Perception is the Co-Pilot to Reality, Leverage Your Voice, Expect to Win: Show Up With Your Best Self Every Day, and, most recently, Strategize to Win. Ms. Harris is also an accomplished gospel singer. While at Harvard, she sang with the world-renowned Radcliffe Chorale Society and in her own band Rhythm Company. She has performed four sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and released several albums.
Jennifer Casson Tripucka
Jennifer Casson Tripucka is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the popular lifestyle site Hoboken Girl (HobokenGirl.com). She has also served as a digital editor at BRIDES Magazine (of Condé Nast). Before her digital and writing dreams came to fruition, Jennifer's career started with an interest in human behavior — she served as a school counselor in public education for over five years, after obtaining her undergraduate and Master's degrees in psychology from Lehigh University. She lives in Hoboken with her husband and French Bulldog, Pierre.
Past Conference Workshops
The Extraordinary Women of the Founding Stevens Family
It’s not exaggerating to say that Stevens Institute might not exist without the efforts of Martha Bayard Stevens. While the women of the Stevens family offer insightful examples of leadership, philanthropy, and community building, their stories are not as well-known as those of the male inventors in the family. Panelists will underscore the role of teaching, museum outreach, and archival preservation in disseminating these narratives, and will share ways that the audience can get involved.
Panelists: Leah Loscutoff, Ted Houghtaling, Eileen Lynch, and Dr. Lindsey Swindall
Moderator: Vivian Touch '23
The panel moderator, Vivian Touch ‘23, is a Business Management Major and chairperson of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Panelists are: Eileen Lynch, Director of Development and Programming Manager at the Hoboken Historical Museum, Leah Loscutoff, Head of the University Archives and Special Collections, Ted Houghtaling, Archivist and Digital Projects Librarian at the Samuel C. Williams Library, and Dr. Lindsey Swindall who teaches in the College of Arts and Letters.
Managing Life’s Variable Pathways
As women who choose to pursue studies and careers in science and technology, we face unique challenges. Join Joelle Hinds, class of 1993, as she shares her experiences through the twists and turns of life – both professionally and personally. Gain insights into the varied paths our lives can take, find solace that your contributions are invaluable in many capacities, and uncover common bonds even through life’s different journeys.
Presenter: Joelle Hinds ‘93
Joelle earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Stevens, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, and is part of the Benchmark Income Group team (Dallas, TX). She is a member of the Stevens Board of Trustees (Alumni Trustee) and the Texas Bar Association Grievance Committee. Joelle has two missions: to walk alongside clients and provide financial guidance as they navigate through Life Events, and to assist Black families with building wealth legacies
Ending the Imposter Syndrome Epidemic Among Women in Business
Though the term was coined in 1970, Imposter Syndrome has been plaguing high achieving people for years, especially women. This workshop will teach you what imposter syndrome is, how prevalent it is as a woman in business and how to identify the signs that it is affecting you. . When building your professional brand, self-doubt can only hinder your potential. By attending this workshop, you will learn ways to transfer blame away from yourself and build habits that will eradicate self-doubt.
Presenter: Julianne Greco ‘20 MBA ‘21
Julianne Greco is an MBA student at Stevens and a Corporate Strategy Associate with SUEZ. She works directly with the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Executive Officer to implement North America Strategy and track performance across the organization. She was selected to lead Sustainability Coordination and ESG initiatives for the North America Region and is a Board Member of the Leadership Development Business Resource Group, where she hosts leadership development workshops for her colleagues.
COVID-19 Data Analysis of Women in STEM Fields: What did we learn?
This presentation aims to explore various data and reports highlighting the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women in the STEM field with a focus on black and Latino women. These two groups have experienced the worst of the CV-19 crisis and continue to face greater challenges than their male counterparts as the pandemic rages on.
Presenters: James Salvadon ‘02 and Berthilde Dufrene
James Salvadon is a professor of Mathematics at Rockland Community College with 28 years of teaching experience. As a software engineer and one of the original online instructors, he helped many colleges make the transition from distance learning to online learning in the mid 1990’s. He’s a strong believer in the power of innovative use of technology in the classroom and online learning. Berthilde Dufrene has held several positions in marketing and administrative support at International Business Machines, Inc (IBM) and is presently serving as the Chief Nursing Officer for the New York State Office of Mental Health Corrections Based Operations. Dr. Dufrene is the founder of the Haitian American Nurses Association and the Haitian Cultural Heritage Preservation, Inc. She is a published author, acclaimed leader and sought-after speaker on leadership, mental health and addiction.
I Don't Dream of Labor: Reconsidering your "dream job"
EXCERPT FROM WEBINAR RECORDING
“What's your dream job?” vs. “Do you dream of labor?” are two different questions. What does having a "dream job" mean? Do we dream of labor? Should we? Through historical contexts to modern ideologies, we will explore the concept of a dream job. We will revisit childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut or pop star, and how that morphed into dreaming of working at investment banks or small nonprofits. It is never too early or late to reconsider your dreams and how they align with earning a paycheck.
Presenter: Monica Anne Razak ‘19
Monica Anne Razak is a creative critical thinker, a passionate environmentalist, and a plant mom. Currently working as a full-time software engineer, part-time fashion designer, and part-part-time content creator, Monica always finds time to scour Tiktok for controversial career topics and form controversial opinions about them. Monica graduated from Stevens in 2019 with a Masters in Engineering Management and a Bachelors in Computer Science.
WomenWhoBuild: Conversations in Self-Advocacy&Cultivating Leadership Styles
EXCERPT FROM WEBINAR RECORDING
Join this moderated panel & audience discussion highlighting how women can develop their leadership style in male-dominated industries. With careers in engineering and general contracting in the building and construction industry, a diverse panel of 3 alumnae will share the growth that led to their career success. The panelists have 15+ years of experience developing their personal styles throughout different stages in their careers, leading them to leadership positions in their organizations.
Panelists: Brooke Dubinski (BE '05), Christina Martinez (BE '94/ME '96) and Lisa Peterson (BE '02).
Moderator: Dione Francis (BE '99/MS '05)
Dione Francis is the Operations Manager of the New Jersey Business Unit of Turner Construction. During her time on campus she played varsity soccer, helped start the women's lacrosse club, was involved with the Society of Women Engineers and was a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. Lisa Peterson is an Associate Vice President and Business Unit Manager for the Mount Laurel Office of Dewberry. She was President of the student chapter of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering Honor Society) as well as serving as an RA and being a member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. Brooke Dubinski is a Senior Estimator at Turner Construction. While at Stevens, she was an active member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and a RA in The Lore-El Center, participating in various programs such as E.C.O.E.S. Cristina Martinez is a Business Development Director at Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers. She was involved with the Stevens Technical Enrichment Program and Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority while attending Stevens.
Architecting Your Personal Brand
Business-level branding has been a key part of the economy since the Industrial Revolution. Today, children who are not yet old enough to read can recognize popular brands like McDonald’s and Nike. But, what about personal branding...those unique combinations of skills and experiences that make a person...that person? Together we will explore how to take methodologies typically allocated to organizations (business models, mission/vision statements, capability maps) and use them on your person to discover what makes you unique and come alive. The foundation is YOU. This workshop is designed for ANYONE who wants their wisdom and experience to be more discoverable, shareable, and memorable.
Presenter: Kathleen Walsh ‘11
Kathleen Walsh is currently the Chief of Staff for Network Integration at Verizon. She is known for her creativity and innovative projects - and before Verizon she was a senior innovation strategist with the Department of Defense, she developed the Army's first Business capability map. After receiving her Master's in Systems Engineering from Stevens, Kathleen became fascinated with applying architecture to all sorts of things - from war games to film-making to Virtual Reality to herself.
The Mindful Leader: Making your time and energy work for you
Mindfulness has been practiced for thousands of years. However, only in the past century have researchers taken clinical interest in comprehending its connection to mental and physical health. Studies indicate daily meditation and self-care increases productivity, memory retention, focus and stamina while decreasing cortisol. This workshop provides an introduction to the science behind mindfulness and attendees will develop actionable steps to become more productive, focused, and refreshed.
Presenter: Dr. Robyn Ashmen
Robyn Ashmen is an adjunct professor in the School of Business and Doctor of Health Science candidate at Drexel University. Ms. Ashmen developed leadership training courses for CentraState Hospital, the VNA and the American College of Healthcare Administrators. A recipient of the NAWC’s Management Innovation of the Year Award, Ms. Ashmen is a Girl Scout Leader, coach and former board member of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Rahway Arts Council and Hackensack Meridian NICU Advisory Board.
Practicing Inclusive Leadership
This workshop will focus on helping the participants develop a deeper understanding of what knowledge and skills are needed to practice inclusive behaviors in various contexts. Research-based evidence will be provided, and practical tools will be discussed and practiced during the workshop. There will also be an opportunity to develop action plans based on the discussions.
Presenter: Dr. Wei Zheng
Wei Zheng is an Associate Professor of Management and the Richard R. Roscitt Endowed Chair in Leadership. Her research, teaching, and practice lie at the intersection of leadership and diversity, answering questions such as what practices and mechanisms enhance diversity, how individuals grow into leaders, how leaders influence learning and innovation, and how women leaders navigate gendered organizations. She has studied leadership in corporate, entrepreneurial, and faith-based organizations.
No Such Thing as a Female Brain
Often we look to scientific evidence to substantiate sociocultural beliefs, for example, that humans exist in a sex binary, and that our biologies must reflect that binarism. Funding, theories, and research outcomes demonstrate this: geneticists relentless look for the "gay gene," testosterone is misappropriated as the "male hormone," brain science continually asks about the difference between "male" and "female" brains. But what does the science actually say?
Presenter: Dr. Amber Benezra
Dr. Amber Benezra is an Assistant Professor of Science and Technology Studies in CAL. She is a sociocultural anthropologist researching how studies of the human microbiome intersect with biomedical ethics, public health/technological infrastructures, and care. In partnership with human microbial ecologists, she is developing an "anthropology of microbes" to address global health problems across disciplines.
The Long and Winding Road: Embracing Your Unique Career Story
Sometimes the best path from point A to point B is not a straight line. Follow the twists and turns of one alumna's career through 8 very different industries and 7 unique functional roles into the position she feels she was always meant to play.
Presenter: Laura Paglione ‘90
Laura Paglione has over 25 years of experience in start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, including both commercial and nonprofit organizations. Her career has supported industries across technology commercialization, software development, global research infrastructure, not-for-profit management, broadcast, automotive, and others. She is a frequent domestic and international speaker and writer about these industries as well as open science, persistent identifiers, and innovation.