2013 Women of Innovation Awards Dinner Program
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The document outlines the ninth annual Women of Innovation® awards, celebrating 52 women and students from Connecticut's science and technology fields for their accomplishments. It highlights the contributions of nominees, including educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, while also emphasizing efforts to inspire young women in STEM careers. The event marks a significant milestone as it prepares for its tenth year in 2014, fostering a supportive community for women in innovation.
2013 Women of Innovation Awards Dinner Program
- 2. THE CONNECTICUT TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL, Covidien, Day Pitney, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation and Unit- ed Technologies welcome you to the ninth annual Women of Innovation® Awards Dinner. Tonight we celebrate and honor the energy, creativity and remarkable capabilities of 52 women and students working and studying in Connecticut’s science and technology community. We salute all the nominees and finalists – women working as scientists, en- gineers, entrepreneurs – for their efforts and accomplishments. Their biog- raphies in this program are testimony to their remarkable careers, but we should fully recognize that these biographies represent just a brief record of their professional and personal accomplishments. We also wish to thank those individuals who took the time nominate these outstanding women and are here this evening to celebrate their achievements. After nine years, we now have an alumni group of nearly 450 finalists. By gathering together this community of accomplished women, we hope to further support the many efforts that encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math and to foster a collaborative network. Some of the organizations and their volunteers that work to motivate young girls in the STEM disciplines are also present here tonight. We thank all of you for attending tonight’s event and ask you to join us in acknowledging the many achievements of these innovative women. You will remember your time with us and the finalists tonight and leave inspired with an exuberance and inspiration that only a gathering of this type can generate. The Council and the event sponsors look forward to celebrating the 10 year milestone in 2014 with a special and extraordinary celebration.
- 3. 2013 Planning Committee Beth Alquist Jennifer Kowalski Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee Continuous Process Improvement Leader Partner, Day Pitney LLP Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dan Adams Scott Morrison Executive Chairman, Global Head of Business VP Information Systems Prescription Medicines , Development Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation Protein Sciences Corporation Mary Norris Lucy Brakoniecki Partner Research & Evaluation Director Wiggin and Dana LLP Connecticut Women’s Education & Legal Fund Glennis Orloff Vice President, Product Development Teresa Carleton i-Health VP of Mission System Design & Integration Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Paige Rasid Chief Operating Officer Michele Dischino Connecticut Technology Council Associate Professor, Technology & Engineering Education Central Connecticut State University Tracy Romano Sr. VP Research & Zoological Operations , Sea Research Foundation, Inc. at Mystic Aquarium Christine Gemelli Consultant Connecticut Innovations Vanessa Rubano Scientist II Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation Maria Gigliotti Sr. Associate Director, Drug Regulatory Affairs Ellyn Savard Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Program Initiatives Manager Girl Scouts of Connecticut Eileen Hasson President Sondra Schneider The Computer Company CEO & Founder Security University Cathy Intravia Partner Luke Weinstein Shipman & Goodwin LLP Entrepreneur & Mentor Jacqueline Jones Rita Zangari Staff Scientist Executive Director, Technology Partnerships & Covidien Licensing University of Connecticut 3
- 4. MASTER OF CEREMONIES Diane Smith Emmy award winning TV journalist, radio talk show host, author and speaker WELCOME Chuck Pagano Chairman of the Board, Connecticut Technology Council Denise W. Merrill Connecticut Secretary of the State Catherine Smith Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development Elizabeth Alquist Partner, Day Pitney LLP Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee Nancy Di Dia Executive Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation INTRODUCTION OF FINALISTS AFTER DINNER WELCOME, REMARKS, AND KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION Beth Amato SVP Human Resources, United Technologies Corporation , KEYNOTE Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid President, University of Saint Joseph AWARD PRESENTATIONS (In order of presentation) Youth Innovation & Leadership Collegian Innovation & Leadership Community Innovation & Leadership Research Innovation & Leadership Academic Innovation & Leadership Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership Small Business Innovation & Leadership Large Business Innovation & Leadership Collegian Innovation & Leadership CLOSING REMARKS 4
- 5. Master of Ceremonies Diane Smith An Emmy award winning TV journalist, radio talk show host, author and speaker, Diane has been on the air in Connecticut since 1982. She is currently anchor and senior producer for program development at CT-N, the Connecti- cut version of C-SPAN. Diane’s “Positively Connecticut” TV series on CPTV is the longest running local TV series in state history. Diane’s next book, Ob- sessed, written with MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski is about solving the American obesity crisis. Obsessed will be published in May 2013 by Weinstein Books. Diane was an award winning news reporter and anchor on WTNH-TV in New Haven, and co-hosted the Morning Show on WTIC-Newstalk1080. She con- tinues as a frequent on air contributor to CPTV, producing and hosting award winning documentaries and programming. Diane serves on the board of the World Affairs Council and is on the advisory council of the non-partisan Women’s Campaign School at Yale. Diane was appointed by Connecticut’s Secretary of the State to the Civic Health Advisory Board, and she has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Culture and Tourism for outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts and tourism in Connecticut. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame honored Diane in 2012 as a woman of “voice and vision”. In November 2012 Diane was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for 25 years of distinguished service to broadcasting and the community. Keynote Speaker Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D., is the eighth President of University of Saint Joseph. Since taking office in 2008 she has worked to build upon the University’s reputation for academic excellence and ensure its com- mitment to integrity, women’s leadership, and service. She initiated and successfully launched the University’s first professional doctoral pro- gram by creating a School of Pharmacy in downtown Hartford. Under her leadership, the size of the graduate program in education has tripled with the introduction of off-site classes throughout Connecticut and un- dergraduate women’s programs have gained increased recognition for student success. Since arriving in Connecticut, Dr. Reid’s demonstrated commitment to the community and her leadership skills have made her a frequently- sought speaker and project collaborator. Dr. Reid currently serves on the boards of the MetroHartford Alliance, the iQuilt Project for Downtown Hartford, and the Wadsworth Atheneum. She is on the executive com- mittees of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education; the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; and the Division III Presidents Council of the NCAA. In July, 2012, she was appointed to the Capital Region Development Authority by Governor Malloy. Dr. Reid is a developmental psychologist, who throughout her career, has enhanced academic quality and promoted diversity. Among her projects, she is most proud of a math and technology enrichment program for middle school girls which continues to operate in Detroit. The program, Gaining Options: Girls Investigate Real Life (GO-GIRL), was also replicated in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Dr. Reid is a nationally-known scholar in the area of gender and racial issues. She has numerous pub- lished book chapters and articles in psychological journals. A Fellow of the American Psychological As- sociation, Dr. Reid was elected President of the APA Society for the Psychology of Women, and served as Chair of the APA Committee on Women in Psychology. She has received national awards, including the Distinguished Leadership Award given by the APA Committee on Women in Psychology. Dr. Reid holds a B.S. from Howard University, an M.A. from Temple University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She has held administrative roles at the City University of New York Gradu- ate School, the University of Michigan, and Roosevelt University. 5
- 6. MEET The Finalists Lili Aramli | Academic Innovation and Leadership Biology Teacher, Academy of Aerospace and Engineering/ Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science Lili received her Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Biochemistry at UConn and continued her research training as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University. She has since been teach- ing at AAE/GHAMAS and has developed an extensive research program that allows stu- dents to design and conduct research projects. She seeks to inspire a love of science not only with high school students, but with all young people through the Girl Scouts. Katherine Ayers | Research Innovation and Leadership Director of Research, Proton OnSite Kathy is responsible for developing and executing Proton’s research and devel- opment strategy in new materials and has been awarded numerous government research grants supporting this strategy. Kathy was part of a Department of Energy Hydrogen Production Expert Panel in 2012 and received the 2012 R&D Award from their Hydrogen Production Team. She received her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and now serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the $125 million Energy Innovation Hub. Cynthia Barnett | Community Innovation and Leadership Program Founder, Saturday Academy Cynthia is the founder of Saturday Academy, a scientific and educational en- richment program designed to create an interest in science and technology. Previously she worked in the Norwalk Public Schools for more than 30 years as a teacher, guidance coun- selor and assistant high school principal. Now retired, her mission is to spark an interest among girls for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Lisa Braden-Harder | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Chief Executive Officer, Appen Butler Hill, Inc. Lisa is the CEO and a founder of Appen Butler Hill. She is a seasoned entrepre- neur experienced in accelerating technology to global markets. Her expertise includes 25+ years of experience in technologies with cultural and linguistic components. In her spare time, Lisa has acted as Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund for Ridgefield, CT. She enjoys Pilates and writing. Meghan Brunaugh | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Founder, Combat2Career (C2C) Meghan, a military veteran and military spouse, is the Co-Founder of Combat- 2Career, a technology start-up developed to assist veterans in pursuing higher education by providing them with an online workflow solution to facilitate the college search and application process. The system maintains services to veterans throughout their academic career and through the transition from student life to the civilian workforce. 6
- 7. MEET The Finalists Treese Campbell | Community Innovation and Leadership Staff Scientist, United Technologies Research Center Treese is a staff scientist at United Technologies Research Center and has pub- lished and patented work in catalysis and fire suppression materials. Inspired by her past mentors, she is actively involved in organizations that promote science and engineering. She is currently the Chief Judge for the Connecticut Science Fair, organizes events for the Connecticut Science Olympiad and has served as president for the New England Catalysis Society. Kate Donahue | Small Business Innovation and Leadership President, Hampford Research, Inc. Kate is President of Hampford Research, Inc., a specialty chemical manufactur- er serving Fortune 500 companies in the electronics, dental, personal care and industrial adhesives markets. During her six-year tenure at the helm of the business founded by her father, she has turned the company around by focusing on constant improvement, collabo- ration, teamwork and employee development. The firm is well positioned for significant growth in the years to come. Alicia Echevarria | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Graduate Student, University of Connecticut Alicia is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Connecticut. She is originally from Paradise Valley, NV, and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada. Her research entails studying the multi-hazard resilience of conventional and innovative reinforced concrete bridge columns. Alicia is also the co-founder and CEO of Advanced Column Solutions LLC. Zoe Eggleston | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Newtown High School Zoe is the patented inventor of the Ice Safety Device. She credits the Connecti- cut Invention Convention (CIC) for exposing her to a future in technology and works to expand CIC and STEM education in Newtown schools. Zoe is the student board member for CIC, captain of the NHS swim and track teams, a lifeguard, swim coach and motor head. She plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and make it known that Newtown is a proud place to call home. Alysia Evanitsky | Large Business Innovation and Leadership UAE Chief Engineer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alysia is a Lead International Black Hawk Program Engineer at Sikorsky Air- craft. Alysia has worked at Sikorsky since 2005 and currently manages contracts to deliver the Black Hawk to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and serve as the main technical interface. Alysia holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti- tute and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from New York University Stern School of Busi- ness. 7
- 8. Nurturing innovative ideas today for more health tomorrow. Boehringer Ingelheim ranks among the world’s 15 leading pharmaceutical corporations. Our vision drives us forward. It helps us to foster value through innovation in our company and to look to the future with constantly renewed commitment and ambition. For more than 125 years, Boehringer Ingelheim has been committed to the research and development of innovative medicines that help make more health for patients and their families. Congratulations to our finalists, Susan Marotta and Dr. Kremena (Kemmie) Simitchieva. Visit us online at us.boehringer-ingelheim.com
- 9. MEET The Finalists Estelle Fanucci | Academic Innovation and Leadership Science Department Chair, Amity Regional High School Estelle is the Science Department Chairperson at Amity Regional High School. She has overseen the expansion of the science program to introduce STEM based courses, including Science Research and Physics for Engineering, Studies of Subtropical Ecosys- tems, and Science Mentorship. She has developed curriculum materials for the Connecticut State Department of Education and served on the state’s Advisory Committee for First and Second Generation Science CT Academic Performace Test. Estelle received the Connecticut Science Supervisors Association (CSSA) Fred J. Scimone Award in 2008. Lynn Fraga | Large Business Innovation and Leadership General Manager, Customer Services Operations, Pratt & Whitney Lynn joined United Technologies in 2000 and has held positions of increasing responsibility at Hamilton Sundstrand, International Aero Engines and Pratt & Whitney. She has been a leader in transforming Pratt & Whitney’s Commercial Engines customer support infrastructure. Her significant contributions include transforming the 24 hour Customer Help Desk into a World-Class Global Operations Center, modernizing the cus- tomer portal and replacing the technical communication IT systems. Lynn holds a B.S. from Northeastern University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Sonja Glavaski |Large Business Innovation and Leadership Control Systems Group Leader, United Technologies Research Center Sonja joined United Technologies Research Center in 2010 as the Control Systems Group Leader. She is an internationally recognized expert in the field of control systems for commercial and defense applications. Since joining UTRC, she has made sig- nificant technical contributions to UTC’s world-class product/technology portfolio, advanc- ing new knowledge and technology critical to the implementation of cutting-edge control systems. Sonja currently serves as the IEEE Control Systems Society Women in Control Chair. Angela Grieve | Community Innovation and Leadership Project Manager, Pratt & Whitney Angela is a Project Manager at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. She has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hartford, a Masters in Project Management from Boston University and is a Certified Project Management Professional. Angie is the Chair for the Career Development and Mentoring Team on the Pratt & Whitney Women’s Council, the Vice President of her local Women at Work group and a Vernon Greenway Volunteer. Jordan Henck | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Amity Regional High School Jordan participates in many outreach programs sharing her science knowledge with elementary and middle school students. In the 2012 CT Science Fair, she received first place in computer science and several awards for her independent research. She is captain of her local swim team, a member of the Robotics Club, and President of the Anime Club. An amateur black and white photographer, she was inducted into the National Arts Honor Society and won a silver key in the CT Scholastic Art Awards. 9
- 10. MEET The Finalists Mary Ellen Jones | Large Business Innovation and Leadership VP Commercial Engines Customer Support & America Sales, Pratt & Whitney , Mary Ellen is the Vice President for Global Customer Support & Americas Sales for Pratt & Whitney. She chairs the Connecticut Airport Authority, which sets direc- tion and strategy for Bradley International Airport and five general aviation airports in the state, chairs the P&W, Korean Air Institute for Collaborative Engineering and serves on the Board of Governors for the Wings Club. Mary Ellen is a graduate of Michigan State Univer- sity and Johns Hopkins University. Krista Karlson | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science Krista is a high school senior from Granby who participates in a half-day pro- gram at the Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science where she has developed a great love for the interconnectedness of math and science. She plans to pursue environ- mental science and math in college next year. Krista plays lacrosse, participates in 4-H as well as the school newspaper, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She loves snowboarding, water skiing and hiking. Delaney Kehoe | Youth Innovation and Leadership High School Senior, Glastonbury High School Delaney is a senior at Glastonbury High School. For the past two years she has conducted research and she is currently working in the Biology Department at the Univer- sity of Hartford. Her research involves examining immune responses in shark livers that reflect the health of an ecosystem. Delaney is the captain of her softball team, a peer tutor, and a member of both the Spanish club and the National Honor Society. Maria Keilich | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Manager, Systems Engineering, United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) At UTAS, Maria leads a team of engineers developing software specifications and systems analyses for complex, space-qualified Environmental Control and Life Sup- port Systems (ECLSS). Maria created a system model of the “Personal Life Support” model, which tracks water consumption for extra vehicular activities (EVAs). She is also Lead Systems Engineer on the Stratolaunch vehicle, part of the new wave of “commercial” space travel, designing a thermal management system for launch vehicle interface. Deborah Kennedy | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership CEO, NutritionOptions LLC Deborah has studied food her entire life. She learned to cook at age four and went on to become a chef and obtain her doctorate in nutritional biochemistry. She is the founder of Build Healthy Kids®, which is currently in over 240 schools nationwide. She founded the Integrative Therapies Program for Children with Cancer at Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. Deborah has written three books: Beat Picky Eating, Nutrition Bites, and Beat Sugar Addiction Now! for Kids. 10
- 11. MEET The Finalists Yvonne Kielhorn | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Founder & CEO, Why Science LLC Yvonne’s company, Why Science, provides customized inquiry-based learning systems that empower educators to teach STEM effectively. The Why Science® Learning System promotes science literacy and problem-solving skills aligned with frameworks and standards in any classroom. Inspired by the critical need to improve methods of teaching STEM topics and produce a sustainable STEM workforce, Why Science creates learning systems that more fully engage educators and students. Kerry Kozaczuk | Community Innovation and Leadership Analyst, Engineering Services, Pratt & Whitney Kerry supports Pratt & Whitney’s Materials Engineering Lab. She is a member of several diversity initiatives at UTC, and served as chair of the Connecticut Stonewall Speakers. She donates her artwork to non-profit organizations supporting equitable prac- tices and respectful treatment of people and animals. Kerry earned a BFA in Illustration at the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Brittney Lew | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Greenwich High School Brittney is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors Society and the Chinese Honors Society. Her research, using the luminescence properties of bee venom, suggests an economical, more accessible, and simpler method of detecting explosives and pesticides through a portable, battery-operated LED device. This research sparked her interest in pursuing engineering in college. Brittney tutors several students at the International School at Dundee’s Homework Club and volunteers for the Adopt-A-Dog shelter. Jamie Maciaszek | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut Jamie is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate studying biomedical engineering at the University of Connecticut. She currently works in Dr. George Lykotrafitis’ lab studying the signaling and adhesion mechanisms of red blood cells from patients with sickle cell disease using atomic force microscopy. Jamie received a highly competitive American Heart Asso- ciation predoctoral fellowship for her support from 2011-2013. She is listed as first author on four publications for her work. Mallory Madfes | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Greenwich High School Mallory is a senior at Greenwich High School and is enrolled in the Science Research program. Her previous research focused on core mediation of PCB soil contami- nants with Pluerotus ostreatus. This year she focused on creating a dual component dress- ing. She is active in her school’s student government and has also started a chapter for her youth group. Mallory plans to major in engineering in college. 11
- 12. Covidien Committed To Connecticut’s Technology and Innovation Congratulations Connecticut Technology Council’s Women of Innovation Nominees and Winners We are especially proud of and congratulate our own finalist and the finalists for the youth category. Large Business Innovation & Leadership award finalist Angela Throm, Ph.D. Staff Development Scientist Research and Development Youth Innovation and Leadership award finalists Zoe Eggleston Delaney Kehoe Mallory Madfes Jordan Henck Brittney Lew Shiyu Zhuang Krista Karlson Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien has Connecticut locations in New Haven and North Haven. COVIDIEN, COVIDIEN with logo, COVIDIEN logo and positive results for life are U.S. and internationally registered trademarks of Covidien AG. Other brands are trademarks of a Covidien company. © 2013 Covidien
- 13. MEET The Finalists Stacy Malecki | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Design Integration Manager, Pratt & Whitney Stacy is the Design Integration Manager for Pratt & Whitney. In this role she is responsible for configuration management and control of all Pratt & Whitney products and processes. Her 27 year career has developed from its roots in mechanical design and project engineering, and has included a variety of technical and management roles such as the distinguished role of Pratt & Whitney Fellow in Turbine Design. Radenka Maric | Research Innovation and Leadership CT Clean Energy Fund Professor of Sustainable Energy, University of Connecticut Radenka is a noted Professor in Sustainable Energy in the UConn Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. She has introduced innovative approaches to nanomaterial synthesis that have led to a number of industrial projects. Her most significant contribution is the development of a new manufacturing process for fuel cells that could make highly efficient fuel cell-powered vehicles a viable commercial option. She is passionate in her commitment to nurture and educate female engineers, contributing time toward mentoring female students in both soft and technical skills. Susan Marotta | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Executive Director, Quality & Records Management Unit, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sue is Executive Director of Quality and Records Management at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. She is responsible for directing compliance functions within Development US and ensuring a vision of outstanding quality, compliance and ethics in accordance with the global strategy. She has 27 years experience in pharmaceutical development, managing clinical trial supply and quality functions. Sue earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Kent State University. Beth Mercier | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Vice President, Personal Lines, The Travelers Companies, Inc. Beth is a results oriented leader with 25 years of financial, operational, and technical delivery experience in a variety of complex financial services organizations. She is the VP of Personal Lines at Travelers and is responsible for investment prioritization, governance, portfolio controls, and the linking of critical business initiatives to the strate- gic roadmap. Beth is President-Elect for the Insurance Accounting & Systems Association (IASA), a trade association with 1000+ members and 26 chapters. Paiyz Mikael | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut Paiyz migrated to the U.S. from Iraqi Kurdistan in 1997. She graduated with honors from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Biology. She earned her Masters in Biomedical Engineering at UConn, where she focused on developing me- chanically superior 3D scaffold for segmental bone defects. Paiyz is now a Ph.D. candidate at UConn in the Material Science and Engineering program, where she continues to focus on developing constructs for bone repair. Paiyz loves spending time with her husband Mo- hammad and six-year old daughter Rojan. 13
- 14. MEET The Finalists Sandra Muller | Community Innovation and Leadership President, Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair Sandra has served 25 years on the Connecticut Science Fair Board, and as President, she chairs scientific reviews, secures annual grants and oversees 700 students from 120 schools. A retired nursing administrator, she worked in Houston with Dr. DeBakey performing heart transplants. Sandra has been honored as Woman of the Year in Healthcare, appointed by the Governor as Chair of the Commission on Aging, and recognized by the town of Cromwell for 25 years volunteering on School Board and Water Pollution Control Authority. Phyllis Pierce | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership CEO and Founder, My Luck Club A seasoned entrepreneur and marketing guru, Phyllis is the founder and CEO of My Luck Club, a new patent-pending, crowd-sourcing website that provides a monetary and social incentive for people to help one another find what they need, including jobs, homes, services, objects, even love. Prior to My Luck Club, Phyllis founded two successful startups — a television production company and a gourmet pie company and café. Teresa Piliouras | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership CEO, Technical Consulting & Research, Inc. Teresa is the CEO of Technical Consulting & Research and founder of Best We Can Be (BWCB). BWCB helps high school students prepare for college and careers by help- ing them interact with mentors and experts, providing them a variety of hands-on experi- ences. Teresa has held appointments in Computer Science and Management of Technology departments at Polytechnic Institute of New York University and Iona College. The author of many scholarly publications, she is a recognized educator, entrepreneur, and consultant. Donna Ray | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Manager, General Engineering, United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) Donna leads a cross-functional team at UTAS to design, develop and deliver complex space-qualified Environmental Controls and Life Support (ECLS) Systems for NASA’s next space exploration vehicle, Orion. She played a key role in systems manage- ment for the Environmental Mobility Unit (EMU), also known as ‘the space suit’. In 2004, Donna received the distinguished NASA Space Flight Awareness award and has also re- ceived 14 other awards from peers and customers. Amalia Rusu | Academic Innovation and Leadership Assistant Professor of Software Engineering, Fairfield University Amalia received her Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University at Buffalo. She was named the 2008 Frontiers in Education (FIE) New Faculty Fellow by the National Academy of Engineering Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education (NAE CASEE). Her activities include three years of leading the partnership with GE on the joint outreach program for the Connecticut High School Com- puter Science Contest and organizing a Google workshop for local secondary STEM teach- ers. She also participates in the ASAP AVANCE project for advancing the careers of women in STEM at undergraduate institutions through professional networks. 14
- 15. MEET The Finalists Kremena Simitchieva | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Director, Pipeline Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. Born and raised in communist Bulgaria, Kremena (Kemmie) came to the U.S. as an internal medicine doctor looking to improve the health to patients. Inspired to impact global health through work at the World Health Organization, she graduated as an inter- national MBA from USC. Later Kremena was recruited by Merck, where she spent seven years, followed by five years at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals before joining Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. Carolyn Slayman | Academic Innovation and Leadership Deputy Dean, Academic and Scientific Affairs, Yale Medical School Carolyn is the Sterling Professor of Genetics and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology while also serving as Deputy Dean for Academic & Scientific Affairs. She was the first woman to chair an academic department at Yale School of Medicine and to serve as Deputy Dean. In that role, she has been a dynamic leader who has encouraged the devel- opment of outstanding technology cores and research resources in areas such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Lindsay Soh | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ph.D. Candidate, Yale University Lindsay is a doctoral student in Environmental Engineering at Yale University who works with Dr. Julie Zimmerman. After completing her bachelor’s degree at the Uni- versity of California, Berkeley, Lindsay moved to Yale to focus on her dissertation research on biodiesel production from algae. Her forthcoming research interests involve the applica- tion of green engineering towards sustainably producing biofuels and bio-based commodi- ties. Lindsay is also passionate about teaching, music and the outdoors. Joan Steitz | Academic Innovation and Leadership Molecular Biologist and Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University Joan is one of leading scientists in her field and is best known for her pioneering work in RNA (Ribonucleic acid). Her breakthroughs into the previously mysterious splicing process have clarified the science behind the formation of proteins and other biological processes, including the intricate changes that occur as the immune system and brain develop. Some of her many honors include the National Medal of Science and the Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation 23rd Annual Medical Research Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research. Renee Sutherland | Community Innovation and Leadership Design Engineer, Pratt & Whitney Renee has been working at Pratt & Whitney as a Design Engineer for the Compression Systems Module Center for almost two years. She has been cross-trained as a structural analyst while providing support to integrally bladed rotors on the manufacturing floor. In the community, she is serving as Chair to the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals (SNEATP), a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). As Chair, a primary goal of hers has been to take on the mission to increase the number of Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. 15
- 16. Congratulations Finalists! we are proud supporters of Connecticut technology Council’s Women of Innovation Boston ConneCtiCut new Jersey new york washington, DC | www.daypitney.com
- 17. MEET The Finalists Maria Tarczynska | Small Business Innovation and Leadership AIA, LEED A.P MS3 Corp. Architects ., Maria is a registered architect in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, and is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. She received a Masters of Architecture from Warsaw Polytechnic in 1976. She has worked on some large-scale projects including the American Airlines Terminal and East Side Access project, which will bring the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. Maria lives in Clinton with her two children. Angela Throm | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Senior Biomedical Engineer, Covidien Angela is a Staff Development Scientist at Covidien where she leads a team of biologists and chemists in the evaluation of biomaterials. At Covidien she serves as De- velopment Committee co-lead for the Women’s Leadership Alliance and is a member of Covidien Cares. Angela has a doctorate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Medical School. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedi- cal Engineering from Saint Louis University. Julie Trowbridge-Dillman | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Senior VP Enterprise Business Intel, The Travelers Companies, Inc. , Julie is Senior Vice President leading eBusiness, where she is accountable for the digital strategies and capabilities across Travelers Insurance. She also sits on the Achieve Hartford Board of Directors and Executive Committee, a nonprofit established to monitor, support and serve as a catalyst for education reform and community involvement in the Hartford Public School District. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin. Amanda Van Wagner | Small Business Innovation and Leadership Director of Client Services, Prometheus Research, LLC Amanda joined Prometheus Research in 2008 as a Junior Analyst. Today, she holds the title of Senior Director of Client Services and manages a team of business ana- lysts. Amanda’s innovations have led to numerous company-wide improvements in the areas of professional development, hiring, onboarding, business development and project delivery. Amanda holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and plans to pursue a PMI certification. Jodi Vecchiarelli | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Group Leader, Physical Sciences Department, United Technologies Research Center Jodi has been at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) for ten years, holding roles in the areas of chemistry, materials, and characterization. Jodi’s responsibility is to lead the group that provides technical expertise across UTC in the area of Measurement Science Advancement and Materials Characterization. Jodi received a B.A. in Chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts. 17
- 18. MEET The Finalists Carol Wallace | Small Business Innovation and Leadership President & CEO, Cooper-Atkins Corporation Carol is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cooper-Atkins Corporation, a leading manufacturer of temperature, time, and humidity instruments for global foodservice, healthcare, HVAC/R, industrial and OEM markets. Prior to joining Coo- per-Atkins Corporation as Director of Planning in 1991, Carol spent 12 years in the manu- facturing field. She currently serves on the Boards of the following Connecticut companies and organizations: Connecticut Water Service, Inc., Zygo Corporation, The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and Middlesex Hospital. Zhaohui Wang | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut Zhaohui received her B.S. degree from Beijing University of Chemical Technol- ogy in 2006 and her M.S. degree from the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sci- ences, China, in 2009, both in electrical engineering. She is currently a Ph.D candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut, under the direction of Dr. Shengli Zhou. Her research interests lie in the areas of underwater acoustic commu- nications and networking. Temeka White | Large Business Innovation and Leadership Manager, Global Supply Chain, Pratt & Whitney Temeka is an 11-year veteran at Pratt & Whitney, currently leading global proj- ect management efforts for large resource-based projects, along with the change manage- ment process for work transitions. Temeka is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for All Star Gymnastics, where her duties include fundraising, obtaining grants, and aiding com- petitive gymnasts, ages 6 to 17. Yvonne Will | Research Innovation and Leadership Associate Research Fellow, Pfizer Yvonne began her industry career in 1999 at MitoKor in San Diego, a company dedicated to finding mitochondrial drug targets to cure Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. She joined Pfizer in 2003 where she pioneered many of the mitochondrial toxicity assays, new technologies and engaged in colleague career development. When she is not at work, she and her nine-year old daughter, Natalia, can be found at a nearby stable spending time with their two horses. Zengmin Xia | Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut Zengmin, a doctoral candidate at the Wei Laboratory at the University of Con- necticut, is conducting research that will help pave the way for faster, longer-lasting and more successful bone and tissue regeneration and repair. Zengmin received her B.S. from Zhejiang University, an M.S. from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and then joined Invensys Process Systems, China. She is currently working on the fabrication of novel polymer/ceramic tissue engineering scaffolds and eventual commercialization of the material. 18
- 19. MEET The Finalists Shiyu Zhuang | Youth Innovation and Leadership Senior, Amity Regional High School Shiyu is a representative of the Clean Energy Task Force and President of the Amity Global Warming Club. She is also secretary of Amity’s National Honor Society and student council Vice President. She has been performing ballet since age three. She is an avid enthusiast of the sciences and has pursued multiple research projects, winning second place at CT JSHS. Shiyu currently interns at the Malone Engineering Center at Yale and plans to continue studying biomedical engineering in college. Julie Zimmerman | Research Innovation and Leadership Associate Professor of Green Engineering, Yale University Julie is an Associate Professor jointly appointed to the Department of Chemi- cal Engineering and the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale. Her re- search interests broadly focus on green chemistry and engineering with specific emphasis on green downstream processing and life cycle assessment of algae biomass for fuels and value-added chemicals. She is also studying novel bio-based sorbents for purification of drinking water and remediation of industrial wastewater. The Covidien and Jana Moak Scholarships Tonight, we also celebrate Jana Moak, a remarkable woman we first met in 2006 as a Women of Innovation winner. She later joined the Connecticut Technology Council Board of Directors. Jana passed away in 2007. With a physics degree, she had spent a large portion of her career as an investment banker in the South, moving to Con- necticut in 2003 to manage a Connecticut technology company. An abiding interest of hers was attracting more young people, and in particular, young girls, to technol- ogy and science careers. For that reason, and to honor Jana Moak, the Connecticut Technology Council is awarding a total of $1,500 to the youth finalists introduced this evening, in addition to the $2,500 Youth Innovation and Leadership scholarship contributed by Covidien. Tonight’s honorees were selected from over 25 outstand- ing nominations. Four criteria were considered by the selection panel: academic achievement, innovation and creativity, leadership and a decision to pursue a career in a science or technology profession. Selecting the Covidien scholarship winner this year was not an easy task. All of our finalists are deserving of the scholarship. Each will likely go on to excel in their collegiate and professional careers. We wish them immeasurable success. 19
- 20. Otis Pratt & Whitney sikOrsky utc aerOsPace systems utc climate, cOntrOls & security
- 21. CONGRATULATIONS ZOE! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. You inspire the thousands of young inventors and innovators who dream to make the world a better place. From your friends at the Connecticut Invention Convention The Connecticut Invention Convention is an educational non profit which supports K-8 inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs through school-based programs. Now in its 30th year, the CIC is the longest continuously operating program of its kind in the nation, encouraging thousands of Connecticut children to “become an inventor once, better twice.” More than 54% are girls. THANK YOU TO OUR Table Sponsors Academy of Aerospace and Engineering/ Fairfield University School of Engineering Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science Hampford Research, Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation Hartford Steam Boiler Cantor Colburn Pfizer Proton OnSite COCC Shipman & Goodwin Comcast Sea Research Foundation Covidien Travelers Insurance Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair UConn School of Engineering Connecticut Invention Convention UK Trade and Investment CTNEXT United Technology Corporation Day Pitney Wiggin and Dana LLP ESPN Yale University 21
- 22. The Women of Innovation® The Women of Innovation program, now in its ninth year, has created a vibrant network of over 400 women studying, working and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Women of Innovation 2005 Women of Innovation 2006 Women of Innovation 2007 Women of Innovation 2008 Women of Innovation 2009 Women of Innovation 2010 Women of Innovation 2011 Women of Innovation 2012 22
- 23. 2013 EVENTS innov tion co n n e c t i c u t Girls of Innovation Innovation Summit An offshoot of the Women of Innovation program, Each year CTC selects 75+ exciting technology the Girls of Innovation Science Challenge inspires start-ups as “Tech Companies to Watch.” The middle school students to consider science and Summit includes a poster fair, a “pitch fest” com- technology-related research and careers. Girls of petition in which the winner is decided by an audi- Innovation is for girls, grades 7 & 8, to explore sci- ence vote, and an awards presentation for the top ence and its challenges in a fun, interactive way. companies in each of five business vertical catego- The event is sponsored by Covidien. ries. The event attracts angels, venture investors, corporate business development executives and technology boosters. CEO Forum IT Summit An annual program designed for the executive Formerly the CIO Forum, this an annual program management of mid-sized to large technology is for the executive information management of companies. Our goal for the Tech CEO Forum is to mid-sized to large companies. Our goal is to intro- introduce the state’s technology executives (CEOs duce the state’s IT executives to each other and and Presidents only) to each other and to share to present topics and information that will make information that will make them more successful. them more successful. Marcum Tech Top 40 PowerMatch Marcum LLP one of the nation’s leading account- , An exclusive executive networking program, Pow- ing and advisory firms, and CTC recognize the erMatch is a structured event designed to help 40 fastest growing technology companies in Con- participants quickly and efficiently network with a necticut each year based on revenue growth over maximum number of Council members. The event the past four years. The evening culminated in the is open to technology executives. Attendees are designation of the top performers in five key tech- CTC members, but a select group of non-members nology sectors. are occasionally invited. Find Us Online @CTTech | Connecticut Technology Council 23
- 24. Congratulations to all the Finalists Presenting Sponsors Supporting Sponsors Collaborators Special Thanks Acuity PR Premier Limousine Steve Gaynes Communication Connecticut Technology Council 222 Pitkin Street, Suite 113, East Hartford, CT 06108 860-289-0878 • www.ct.org