Dr. Carmen Henne Ochoa, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, College of Arts & Sciences, Indiana University

A sociologist, Dr. Carmen Henne-Ochoa, received her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Her scholarship and teaching focus on questions of social stratification and identity formation processes, in particular, the ways in which embodied difference (e.g., race, ethnicity, social class) connect to larger systems of privilege, power, and oppression. Currently she serves as Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University, Bloomington. As Director, she leads efforts that strategically broaden and deepen the College’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Her focus is on creating concrete opportunities for faculty and staff to build knowledge around and to engage difference, equity and inclusion as necessary qualities for effective research and teaching. 

Susan Loucks, Senior Consultant, Organizational Development and Strategy

Susan Loucks is Senior Consultant, Organizational Development and Strategy at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University. A longtime resident of Boston, she has worked as an organizational development consultant for nonprofits independently and with the Human and Institutional Development Forum in Bangalore, India.  Particular areas of focus include transitions (e.g. leadership, business model, size), efficiently and effectively involving people in organizational improvements and systems development, and communication/conflict. Susan holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College, and a certificate in Grassroots Development and NGO Management from the School for International Training.

Panelists

Audrey Russo,  President & CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council

Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest (1983) and largest technology trade association. In this role, Russo facilitates strong interaction across all sectors of the regional economy. With a background in information technology, operations and finance, Russo previously worked for large multi-national Fortune 500 companies (Alcoa, Reynolds Metals), as well as at MAYA Design, and in an adjunct faculty and project role at Virginia Commonwealth University. She loves the complexity of Pittsburgh’s physical, literal and metaphorical terrain and believes the city will succeed and grow through technology innovation and commercialized disruptions across every platform and experience.

Ann McCarthy, Clinical Director, The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health

Ann McCarthy has nursing and midwifery degrees from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.  After becoming a nurse, she volunteer at Holy Family Services Birth Center in Weslaco, TX.  There she embraced midwifery, birth center birth and her love of the Spanish language.  

Ann enjoys practicing true client-centered care and working with populations vulnerable to poor outcomes.  She runs The Midwife Center's walk-in GYN program for Spanish-Speaking clients, Con Mujeres, every first Friday of the month.  She joined The Midwife Center as a staff Nurse-Midwife in 2004 and became the Clinical Director in 2010.  
 
Leah Lizarondo, CEO & Co-Founder, 412 Food Rescue

Leah Lizarondo is the CEO and Cofounder of 412 Food Rescue, a technology and logistics organization setting the standard for retail food recovery. Leah received her graduate degree in Public Policy & Technology from Carnegie Mellon University. Founded in 2015, 412 Food Rescue is one of the fastest-growing food recovery organizations in the U.S. Creating the infrastructure for national retailers, 412 Food Rescue has prevented over 5 million pounds of food from going to waste via technology that mobilizes over 4,000 drivers--food rescue heroes--the largest volunteer food transport network in a single urban region. 412 Food Rescue's innovative distribution model bridges the last mile and significantly impacts access and food security. 

Set to expand globally, her work at 412 Food Rescue has been featured in national media including NPR, Martha Stewart Living, Food & Wine, Saveur, Organic Life, Bust Magazine, Success Magazine and Civil Eats. 

Kathi Elliott, Executive Director, Gwen's Girls; Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commissioner

Kathi R. Elliott earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chatham University in August 2014. Dr. Elliott also completed dual Master’s degrees in Nursing and Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008. She has over 20 years of experience in social service, community and individual mental health treatment. Advocacy and giving back to others in need is a value that has been instilled in her by her mother and founder of Gwen’s Girls, the late Commander Gwen Elliott. In August 2015, Dr. Elliott accepted the position of CEO at Gwen’s Girls. 

As a visionary leader, Dr. Elliott is purposed to lead Gwen’s Girls in becoming a well-recognized forerunner in the integration of evidence-based clinical prevention and intervention policies and practices that enhance the child and social welfare system. Gwen’s Girls had two important achievements in the past year – contributing to the production of a report “Inequities Affecting Black Girls in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County” and the convening of an inaugural Equity Summit for Black Girls in October 2016 to address the racial and gender biases that exist within the juvenile justice, health and wellness, child welfare, and education systems. As a result of the summit, a collaboration of over 50 individuals, organizations, and government entities that work with Black girls in Allegheny County have been convening four workgroups that center these issues of inequities. This group, now known as the Black Girls Equity Alliance, continues to build momentum and incite systemic change. 

Dr. Elliott has served of several other boards and professional committees throughout her career. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Chatham University and previously on Robert Morris University’s Sociology/Criminal Justice Advisory Board and Slippery Rock University’s Criminology Advisory Board. In December 2007, she was appointed to serve on the newly formed Gender Equity Commission for the City of Pittsburgh. Dr. Elliott is also a 2017 fellow with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) program. She is most proud of being the mother of two adult children.

Moderator: Andrea Stanford, Assistant County Manager, Allegheny County

Andréa is a community-minded professional with 10 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, private and public sectors. 

As the Assistant County Manager of Allegheny County, she works closely with the County Manager to oversee the internal operations of several Allegheny County departments. Additionally, she represents County Executive Rich Fitzgerald on county boards and commissions and leads external initiatives, including the regional preparation for the 2020 Census. 

Prior to her work in local government, Andréa managed digital strategy and media relations efforts at PNC Financial Services, Inc. and UPMC, respectively. 

Andréa actively engages with her community and volunteers with several local nonprofit organizations. She serves on the board of directors for the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh and the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, she mentors youth through the Y Achievers Program at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and Strong Women, Strong Girls. 

Andréa received the Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Young Professional Award in 2017 and was acknowledged as a 2018 Western PA Raising Star by Get Involved! Inc. She was recently recognized as part of The Incline’s Who’s Next: Politics edition. 

Andréa graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Felicia Savage Friedman, YogaRoots on Location
 
For over 28 years, Felicia has continued to joyfully practice Raja Yoga, which encompasses all aspects of her life: behavioral restraints, behavioral observances, movement, breathing techniques, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and self-realization through an intimate reflective practice. Felicia continues to teach “Felicia Fusion” through YogaRoots On Location, LLC, for over 22 years, which includes: power yoga, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, rhythm and movement dance routines, Young Living essential oils exploration, Reiki-Japanese relaxation techniques, nutritional support, self-awareness and self-care strategies to address the symptoms of Pain, Anxiety, Nausea, Insomnia, Constipation, Exhaustion, Frustration and Anger, Rage and Racism.

Felicia’s newest endeavors are working on integrated yoga curriculum that will certify youth ages 13-18 to become certified yoga teachers with YogaRoots On Location and working with business partners on The New Woke, a business venture to assist social justice advocates to access their personal power and reclaim our Humanity as heterogeneous communities.
Felicia is newly married to Martin Lee Friedman, who is an antiracist trainer, daily reclaiming his humanity through embracing his Jewish culture and religion. They have two adult children: Cleveland, 30, an independent inventor and fresh juice warehouse worker in Minneapolis, MN and Maya, 27, an 8th grade science teacher at a charter school in Brooklyn, NY.

Panelists

Jody Madala, Senior Product Manager, UPMC Enterprises 

Jody Madala is a Senior Product Manager at UPMC Enterprises leading new product development, evaluating the healthcare start-up market for new investment opportunities and helping to oversee UPMC Enterprises’ venture fund investments. 

Prior to joining UPMC Enterprises, Jody spent over eighteen years in New York City working as a sell-side healthcare analyst at Jefferies, at Citi investment banking, and as a rating agency analyst for FitchRatings. For her work as a credit analyst, Jody was named to Institutional Investors’ All America Fixed-Income Team in multiple years.

Jody is a CFA charterholder and obtained her Master’s in Public Administration from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University.  She is a board member of the Pittsburgh chapter of the CFA Society and a member of New Mexico CFA Society. Jody also serves as an adviser to the Santa Fe Business Incubator and as a mentor for Plug and Play, a healthcare accelerator headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Laura Goossen, Senior Manager, Strategy Portfolio Management, Nova Chemicals

Laura Goossen is an experienced, strategic and driven engineering and operations leader. Laura started her career as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army. After serving her Country, she held increasing levels of leadership positions with Westinghouse Electric Company such as Site Engineering Deputy Manager, Program Manager of Nuclear Safety Culture and Director of  Innovation & Strategy. During her time at Westinghouse, she was part of the inaugural team that built the first AP1000 Nuclear Reactor in China. Laura then transitioned to the Manager of Customer Success & Operations at Direct Energy. She currently serves as the Senior Manager, Strategy Portfolio Management at NOVA Chemicals.

Laura graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point where she received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering. She graduated with high honors from Purdue University where she received her M.S. in Engineering Management.

Kim Reed, Enterprise Change Management & Organizational Resiliency, BNY Mellon

Kim Reed prides herself in utilizing her Program Management skills to connect people, build strong teams, and help others reach their goals at BNY Mellon. Kim has been with BNY Mellon for 25 years. She believes that servant leadership allows a diverse team to build a robust product. Her experience ranges from with Project Portfolio Management, Business Process Improvement, Enterprise Architecture, and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Portfolio Planning and Execution, PMO development, and Agile practices.

Kim has earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and her Master’s Degree in Internet Information systems, both from Robert Morris University. 

Kim also has several certification including: Project Management Certification (PMP), PMI – ACP, IT-CMF Certificated Professional, Certified Scrum Master, Scrum Master Professional, Certified Product Owner,  Scaled Agilist (Safe), Large Scaled Scrum (LeSS) Certified Practitioner, and CompTia Network+ Certified. 

Julie Poepping, Founder & Principal Consultant, Copasec LLC; Board Chair, redchairpgh

As an independent consultant Julia Poepping delivers risk-based cyber security and information technology value strategies to IT and business executives in the Pittsburgh area.  

Julia has extensive experience delivering business-first IT solutions. Over a 30+ year career with PPG and then Axiall, she directed the IT strategy for businesses ranging from $700Million to $5Billion.  Her extensive industry experience brings a fresh set of eyes to IT challenges and allows her to translate technical issues into practical and actionable business priorities.

Julia has a BBA in Management Information Systems from University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh-Katz Graduate School of Business.  She is actively engaged in the community, serving on volunteer boards with Pitt’s MBA business simulation program, 412 Food Rescue, Red Chair Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University’s Center for Cyber Research and Training.  She is an adjunct teaching professor for Carnegie Mellon University’s IS program and she has delivered guest lectures for Pitt’s Risk Management program in the business school.

Moderator: Jennifer Ozdinec, Senior Project/Program Manager, BNY Mellon 

Jen Ozdinec has achieved a reputation for consistently going beyond what is required. She holds a reliable record of delivering successful projects and providing business value by; recognizing achievable solutions to business objectives, building teams to develop novel technology, and setting expectations with individuals at all levels.  She believes that the core scrum values of commitment, courage, focus, openness and respect drive successful teams and provide the transparency needed by stakeholders.

Jen earned both her M.S. Communications and Information Systems and B.S. Information Systems Management from Robert Morris University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).  Jen is heavily active in the BNY Mellon Women In Technology (WIT) group by holding the Community Outreach Global Co-Chair position as well as being the NCWIT #sitwithme Campaign Ambassador for BNY Mellon.  She also is a founding member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) - Pittsburgh Chapter – Women’s Group; and is Professional Mentor for the RMU WLMP.  In her local community, she is the head coach of the U5 boys soccer team. 

Dr. Daria Crawley, Professor & Chair, Department of Management, RMU

A visionary leader in education and business, Dr. Daria C. Crawley has led an impressive career in the classroom, board room and within the halls of government. Currently, Dr. Crawley is an Professor and Management Department Head at Robert Morris University where in addition to her administrative duties she teaches courses in business management and continues her research examining altruism in women, mentoring and gender wage inequities.

She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and doctorate from the University of Michigan.  She is a faculty mentor for the RMU Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program, served on the 2015 RMU Presidential Search Committee is the Co-Advisor School of Business Women in Business student club and Chairs the School of Business Ethics Committee. From time to time Dr. Crawley can be heard on KDKA radio providing the talk back commentary with Larry Richert (KDKA Morning News Host) after the RMU Pittsburgh Speaker Series lectures.

Prior to joining Robert Morris University, Dr. Crawley was a faculty member and the Assistant Dean and Director of the 11-month MBA Program at the University of Pittsburgh, worked in human resources at TransAmerica Corporation, a Fortune 500 private holding company for various life insurance and private investment firms and worked extensively in the area of international politics and public policy development. She served as a policy advisor for Bernie Grant, a Member of the British Parliament and founder of the Parliamentary Black Caucus. Dr. Crawley’s impressive research background was forged when she served as Director of Research at the Center for Organizational and Leadership Effectiveness.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Crawley has been the recipient of the WQED Multimedia Duquesne Light African-American Leadership Award, the Onyx Women Business Women of the Year Award, and Women of Excellence Award from the New Pittsburgh Courier. Her commitment and dedication to preparing ethical professionals for the global marketplace was recognized when she received the Robert Morris University School of Business Service Award in 2014 and Teaching Award and Women Leadership and Mentoring Program Faculty Mentor of the Year award in 2016. In 2017, Dr. Crawley received the Robert Morris University President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Service and Theodore Jones Impact Award from RMU’s Black Student Union. Dr. Crawley, is a member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America and the Pittsburgh Chapter of The Links Incorporated. She is the mother of two young sons, Xavier and Vaughan.

Lauren Speerhas, Assistant Director, Center for Student Success, RMU

Lauren E. Speerhas currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Student Success at Robert Morris University. Her primary role as the Assistant Director is to orchestrate the First Year Seminar Program (FYSP), including the development of the course curriculum, the management of the student staff, and the coordination of the staff instructors. Assisting first year students in their transition to higher education has been a passion of Lauren's since her undergraduate years at the University of Mount Union. To forge a career path in higher learning, she completed her Master's degree in Higher Education Administration at Geneva College. Lauren has been nominated for an Outstanding First Year Advocate award and an Advisor of the Year award, and received the Staff Excellence Award at Robert Morris University as presented by the Student Government Association.

In addition to her work with student success, Lauren is a strong advocate for equity on many platforms. She has been a staff mentor for the Women's Leadership and Mentorship Program since 2015, has been trained as a Safe Zone ally, serves as a facilitator for AAUW Start Smart Salary Negotiation workshops, and has been trained as a Title IX investigator and hearing panel member since 2014.

When she isn't working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and family, serving as an Advisor for her undergraduate sorority chapter, reading murder mysteries, pretending she can cook, and spending time outdoors. 

* This workshop is for RMU students and alumnae only.