Join Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Computing for the Women in Tech virtual panel discussion “Women in Tech: The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship.” Friday, October 28 from 12:45–1:45 p.m.
Register for this free virtual event.
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Moderator
Cynthia Hood
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology- College of Computing
Cindy Hood is an associate professor of computer science and engineering at Illinois Tech. She is the director of the Wireless Network and Communications Policy Research Center, and her research focuses on using AI/ML techniques to automate the analysis and understanding of large datasets. Other research interests include spectrum management, sociotechnical systems, and computing in public policy. She currently serves on the Science, Technology and Environment Advisory Council for U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14). Cindy is passionate about increasing diversity in computing and serves as the faculty advisor for Illinois Tech’s ACM-W chapter. She received the NSF CAREER award and will be a Fulbright Scholar in Poland in 2023.
Panelists
Angela Reed
Strategic Technology Project Manager, Feeding America
Angela Reed is a strategic technology project manager for Feeding America and a mentor with the Chicago Innovation Women’s Mentoring Co-Op. She partners with internal and external stakeholders at all organization levels to achieve successful completion of technology project goals and objectives. Reed’s experience includes data governance, systems administration/management/training on various platforms, and managing short and long-term technology-related projects, such as system implementations. She has a passion for mentoring and developing individuals, as well as influencing an inclusive, innovative culture.
Bich-Thuy Le
Executive Advisor
Bich-Thuy Le has a passion for innovative technology solutions and finds challenges irresistible. She has more than 20 years of diverse experience in working with executives from startups to Fortune 500 companies to navigate through the ever-changing technology landscape. Le looks for relevant technology trends and finds new ways to streamline, automate, and transform the business. Whether it is defining the technology vision and roadmap for the global enterprise or developing a highly effective organization, she headed strategic initiatives that leverage leading-edge technologies with a current focus on AI/ML and digital transformation. Le has received awards and recognition for her leadership and product innovation, including four pending patents.
Uma Veluchamy
Software Engineering Manager, Climate LLC
As a software engineering manager at Climate LLC, digital farming’s leading software platform provider, Uma Veluchamy, relishes the challenge of leading complex projects to success through strategic decision making and efficient leveraging of team skills. She drives employee engagement of geographically distributed teams by creating a collaborative, welcoming environment. As a collaborative leader and analytical problem-solver with a passion for building and motivating teams, Veluchamy is focused on client success by delivering reliable processes, and relishes the challenge of leading complex projects to success through strategic decision making and efficient leveraging of team skills. Prior to her role at Climate, Veluchamy served as a tech lead at Invesco. She received her undergraduate degree in computer technology (PSG College of Technology) and earned an MBA from Barathiar University in India. Veluchamy earned a graduate degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Andrea Ocampo
Illinois Institute of Technology Student Studying Computer Science,
College of Computing Student Council Member, Certified Peer Mentor, and
Vice President of Go Run IIT
Andrea Ocampo is a 4th year Illinois Tech student majoring in computer science. She is a team lead for the university’s Yield Engagement Program, a member of the College of Computing’s Student Council, serves on the Running Club executive board, and is a peer mentor. This summer Ocampo will return to Seattle to complete her 3rd internship with Microsoft.
Weronika (Nika) Juszczak
Business Data Analyst, Intuit
Nika Juszczak is a staff business data analyst at Intuit and previously served as the senior manager of data analytics for Hillrom, a leading global medical technology company, and Gogo Inflight Internet Company, a premier provider of broadband connectivity, products, and services for aviation. Juszcak is a data analytics leader leveraging data science, analytics, and story telling to solve problems and provide actionable business insights. Juszcak graduate from Purdue University with a degree in aerospace engineering, and transitioned into a career in data. She is passionate about promoting data literacy, engaging with the community to advocate for inclusivity in STEM fields, and empowering women to own their data narratives and become technology leaders.
Intro/Welcome
Erika C. Burt
Director of Professional & Academic Programs, Illinois Tech – College of Computing
-Welcome and introduction of our moderator and panelists
Event contact:
Erika Burt: eburt@iit.edu