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If you are interested in speaking at Women in Industry Day, please download our call for speakers information sheet, available on the left, or contact our Sponsorship Coordinator, Krista Grooms, at [email protected].
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An overview of WIID 2025 speakers will be available soon.
2024 Conference Speakers
Jody Davids
Keynote Speaker
Session Title: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Jody Davids recently retired from her role as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer for PepsiCo. As the leader of the IT function, Jody and her teams delivered all information technology and digital services to PepsiCo through a large network of IT associates and partners worldwide. Jody has over 40 years of experience leading and developing technology for large companies. Prior to joining PepsiCo in 2016, Jody was CIO for Agrium Inc. and over the course of her career, she led at Best Buy, Cardinal Health, Nike, Inc., and Apple Computer, Inc. She serves as an independent director for two companies; Premier Inc., and Paymentus, and on the board of two non-profit organizations; The Eyes of Freedom and the National Veteran’s Leadership Foundation. Laura Bogusch
Keynote Speaker
Laura Bogusch is the functional Chief Engineer for Digital and Systems Engineering at the Boeing Company. Prior to this role, Laura led Materials & Manufacturing Technology for Boeing Research & Technology.
Since joining Boeing in 1997, Bogusch helped contribute to the success of the industry’s first commercial airplane composite fuselage. She has worked with 787 Composite Fabrication in Boeing South Carolina, and held positions as the 737 Chief Project Engineer for the P-8A Poseidon, 737 Production Engineering Chief, 747 Fleet Chief, Manufacturing and Safety tools and processes leader, and the General Manager of Boeing Salt Lake City. Bogusch earned a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the Leaders for Manufacturing program at MIT. In addition to her passion for STEM and The Boeing Company, Laura enjoys photography, cooking (and eating), traveling, and having adventures with her friends and family. Brittanie Buckley
Session Title: Shifting the Paradigm in DEI for Women in Leadership
Dr. Brittanie Buckley is a leadership expert and educator with a career expanding over 25 years within the Occupational Safety, Health, Environmental, Aerospace, Medical, Manufacturing, and Construction Management industries. She is also CEO of B-Safe Solutions Consulting Firm. And Doctoral Dissertation Chair with Southern Nazarene University. Dr. Buckley understands the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within this industry and its impact on workplace psychology. Today, she helps organizations disrupt ‘change as usual.’ Through a practical and repeatable framework, to emphasize how we can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through positive change that impacts everyone.” As a global leader in safety and research, she is also a advocator for whats right! Kate Buckholz
Session Title: Lean Out: There's No Such Thing as Balance
Kate Buckholz (she/her) is the Director of Digital Operations at WEX. Her 20 year career spans experience at Google, AWS, and Blackbaud, as well as startups and non-profits. She is an expert in operations, product and program management, and is passionate about providing mentorship to women in the workplace. Kate is a a mother of three and lives and works out of her home in Mount Pleasant, SC. She holds a BA from Seattle University and an MA from New York University. Tracey Sigler
Session Title: The Power of Curiosity: When Asking Questions is the Answer
Dr. Tracey Sigler is an Associate Professor and Department Head for Leadership Studies at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. As part of this role, Tracey created and leads the Citadel Women’s Leadership Series to help women in the region learn, develop, and network. Tracey is a member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Thrive Steering Committee and program committee. Dr. Sigler earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her BA and MBA from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Ullas K. Perez
Session: Be a Wealth Sophistocrat
I am an engineering leader and a motivational speaker. I empower people to live the ultimate good life, a life of abundance, by harnessing the power of the subconscious mind. I do this because when people experience an abundant life—a life overflowing with vibrancy, satisfaction, and happiness, they follow their heart and their passion and ultimately become exceptional human beings, who do great things for the world. My journey towards unlocking the secrets of abundance and realizing the importance of financial education as a woman is deeply rooted in a profound revelation that emerged during a pivotal moment in my life - a life altering health condition. You may say, I have found purpose through pain. Julie Henderson
Session Title: #worklife Lessons Learned from a career in corporate
Julie Henderson was a part of the IBM team for 18 years in Research Triangle Park, NC where she worked as a software developer. She moved to Charleston in 2016 where she has served as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Charleston Southern University. She is also a part of the MUSC Health Hereditary Cancer Clinic where she is actively involved in research and educational efforts to help increase the understanding of cancer genetics and decrease cancer risk when gene mutations are present. Stephanie Hajducek
Session Title: Fueling the Future of Women in Industry
Stephanie Hajducek is a Territory Sales Manager for SAMSON Controls – a market leader in control valves for industrial processes. In January 2022 she started a nonprofit organization called This One’s for the Gals that helps girls with career exploration and workforce development. Focusing their efforts on the construction, energy, and manufacturing industries, TOFTG likes to say that they talk to girls about career pathways that not very many people talk to girls about from Skilled Trades to STEM and everything in between. Stephanie hopes that by sharing her experiences and lessons learned she can help empower the next generation of female leaders to step out of their comfort zone and step into a world of endless possibilities in industry! Kenya Dunn
Session Title: They're mad, now what? Using healthy tension as a strategic move
20 years corporate experience, 12 years in executive and senior executive roles. Community leader and change maker. Fierce advocate for women in leadership roles. Executive coach, strategic business coach, CEO of PFW Coaching and Consulting, Founder of the P.O.W.E.R. Tribe, Board Chair, Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, Curator & Host of POWER-FILLED women’s conference. As an experienced mentor and coach, I have helped hundreds of women build confidence in their leadership abilities through a maniacal focus on building skills to navigate some of the most challenging situations in the workplace, boardroom and at the negotiation table. I help women move with bravado and stand in their power. Nesha V. Frazier
Session Title: Navigating Ambition Without Mom Guilt
Nesha V. Frazier is a dual-certified HR professional turned certified coach and trainer helping women overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome and see themselves as influential leaders. As an HR professional working within a global HR consulting firm she ranked in top 5% within the nation. worked with brands like Upwork and Global Woman Tech Conference. She's been featured in Carry Media, XO Necole, Forbes, and Post & Courier. Nesha is an USAF veteran, Spartan finisher, and mom of four (under 10). Emily Coleman
Session Title: Inclusion: Practical Tips and Tricks
Emily is a senior software developer at Boeing. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2018 with a major in Computer Science, and minors in Data Science and Linguistics. After graduation, she started working with Boeing as a software developer and internal agile consultant. Today she is with the Factory Mobility team, where she leads the development of mobile applications used on the factory floor. Qian Zhang
Session Title: What can face tell? - Exploring facial changes as potential stress indicators
Qian Zhang, assistant Professor from System Engineering, College of Charleston. Qian Zhang did her postdoc at Hoston Methodist Hospital in Texas in 2022, and received her Ph.D. Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo (2017-2022). She is the reviewer for the Journal of IEEE Human-Machine Systems, Virtual Reality, and International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. Her previous research concentrated on physical workload measurement in occupational safety. Her current research focuses on Human-robot collaboration, medical device development, and wearable technologies. She is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and American Society of Safety Professionals. Katie Lindsey
Session Title: Work Life Balance: Importance of setting boundaries and saying no
Currently I am a Regional Operations Director at DaVita and cover about 1/3 of SC facilities. I am recently married and expecting my first child. Creating a meaningful and intentional work life balance was the key to my success both personally and professionally. I developed a hard wired plan to set boundaries, say no, and be a top performer. I would love to share that with more women. Sarah Castle
Session Title: Boundaries Are Power
A purposeful leader who elevates people and transforms organizations, Sarah is a former Amazon executive, professor, leadership coach, and speaker. With almost 20 years of corporate experience in mergers & acquisitions, digital devices, voice technology, books, and human resources, Sarah grew into a skilled general manager. She is a builder with a knack for transforming teams into high-performing organizations and growing them to scale. Today her focus is on growing the leaders that the future needs, now. Through teaching entrepreneurship and coaching, Sarah is living in her purpose. She is a proud board member for Charleston Hope, Harbor Entrepreneur Center, and the YWCA Greater Charleston. Sarah has a master’s from Cornell University and a bachelor’s from Syracuse University. Richard Austin Jr.
Session Title: Finding your FLEX through Mentorship Relationships
Richard has developed a system of mentoring that guides mentees in finding fulfilling positions that highlight their strengths. He serves as the Operations Superintendent for the IRC in Ladson South Carolina supporting the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Richard has been a leader at Boeing for over 20 years and holds an MBA in Operations Management. He has a passion for mentoring and developing leaders. Richard volunteers as a recreation league coach to encourage youth through sports. He also spends time at local schools promoting STEM and inspiring young leaders to strive for their full potential. Richard is active in his local church leading couples in unlocking the power of effective communication. In his spare time he enjoys camping with his family, playing sports, running and reading. |
Dr. 'Zibi' Turtle
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Elizabeth (Zibi) Turtle is a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. She is the Principal Investigator for the Dragonfly New Frontiers mission to Titan and for the Europa Imaging System (EIS) cameras on the Europa Clipper mission. She also participated in the Galileo, Cassini, and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter missions. Dr. Turtle's research has focused on combining remote-sensing observations with numerical geophysical models to study geological structures and their implications for planetary surfaces, interiors, and evolution, including: tectonics and impact cratering on terrestrial planets and outer planet satellites, the thickness of Europa's ice shell, the formation of Io's mountains, and the nature of Titan's landscape and weather. She earned her PhD in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and her BS in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Claudia J. Alexander Prize by the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences.
Christina Lock
Session Title: Working Moms: Keep them by letting them go
Christina is an entrepreneur, leader, human resources executive, and public speaker with a proven track record of building companies and talent attraction expertise. As Founder and CEO of Catch Talent, Christina leads the delivery of technical recruiting services to growing technology companies. Christina serves on the boards of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Women in Tech, and is the Chairperson Elect for the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. She is also proud “Boy Mom” of two sons, Connor and Carson. Anna Haydock
Session Title: Showing Up Authentically You/ Navigating Your Mental Health and Industry
Anna Haydock is currently a senior quality engineer at Volvo Cars. Her educational background is in Metallurgical Engineering. Prior to Volvo, she was in the nuclear industry, aluminum manufacturing, aerospace, and mining. Anna is a certified lean six sigma black belt and currently pursuing her master black belt. She is 28 years old and a mother of 3 young children who has worked her way up in multiple companies and setting herself up for her next career shift; STEM education. Anna has overcome imposter syndrome within the industry as a young multi-racial female engineer, while also learning how to present her authentic self. Nefateri Smalls
Session Title: Finding The Will To Win At Life
Nefateri P. Smalls is a Southeastern Emmy nominated creative arts genius. She is the writer of three transformational books that will lead anyone that has faced traumatic experiences with a flashlight of hope through their own journey to wholeness. Mrs. Smalls is a Certified Trauma Recovery and Mental Health Coach. She has spent 22 years working in the human service field. She is a podcast host of ‘The Recovery Room" for stories that encourage, provide faith-based principles, and instill practical coping strategies to apply to your own life. She is a Pastor, the CEO/Founder of Nefateri P. Smalls Trauma Recovery Coaching and the CEO/Founder of a SC nonprofit agency, Healing Hurts Ministries, an independent film producer, songwriter, and a much sought-after keynote speaker. Fadia Williams
Session Title: Be a ‘Leadher’ with Purpose - Out with missions & visions, In with Purpose & Values
Hello, I’m Fadia, seasoned She EO Coach, former president of the United Nations Association of South Africa, social entrepreneur and humanitarian, who teaches women how to transform their business into a social impact enterprise and lead with purpose through The Compassion Culture framework. Over 15 years experience as a consultant & coach, Global Ambassador for Future Females and former principal of Leap Science & Maths School as the youngest female school leader in South Africa. Alumni of the University of Chicago and post graduate of the University of Cape Town. From South Africa to South Carolina Michele Heyward
Session Title: The Next IT Girl
Dirt road born and raised in rural South Carolina, Michele Heyward is one of five children and was known for being quiet unlike the confident leader she is today. She is not your typical tech startup CEO. Michele may appear as an extrovert, but she's actually an ambivert at heart. And while she hated coding in school, she loved math and its endless possibilities. Michele is the founder and CEO of PositiveHire, a company that is revolutionizing recruitment and retention by matching diverse talent with companies that align with their career goals. PositiveHire's SaaS platform, PH Balanced, teaches Construction Engineering companies how to use a data-driven talent marketplace to retain and develop underrepresented employees. Michele is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world of STEM by creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Industrial Management from Clemson University, and has experience as a construction project manager in the energy sector, providing her with a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise. Natalie Davidson
Session Title: Where's the manual? How to succeed without clear directions
Natalie is a software engineering professional with experience in product development, large scale web service operations, and cybersecurity. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2020 with a degree in Computer Science and internships at Boeing, Google, and Nvidia. Natalie balances her career with volunteering, fitness, and time on the water with friends and family. Kendra Logan
Session Title: The Collaboration Coefficient
Kendra Logan is a Senior Engineering Staff Analyst for The Boeing Company, where she has worked for the past 10 years. During this time, she has supported the Nacelle Engineering Teams on various programs and assisted in standing up the PSC factory. She is also the Enterprise Vice President of the Boeing Women Inspiring Leadership (BWIL) Business Resource Group (BRG), which focuses on creating an environment where all women can succeed and promotes gender equity, a Global Equity Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador, and a Grantmaker on the Board of Boeing’s Employee Community Fund SC Chapter, where she provides grants to local non-profits. Kendra is a published author and her book, The Courage to Grow - Life Strategies to Become the Best Version is available on Amazon. Alexis Holland
Session Title: Navigating Your Tech Career: Insights for Emerging Professionals
Alexis is an experienced product marketer and financial services thought leader. Driven by solving complex client payment needs, she takes pride in providing the best customer experience possible by effectively communicating the numerous benefits of the financial services offerings within OpenText Business Network. With years of experience in the financial services industry, Alexis enjoys topics around the rapidly growing and constantly changing world of banking and payments. Alexis is highly skilled in management, public speaking, and communications. Alexis holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing from Florida State University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Auburn University LB Adams
Session Title: The 4 Languages of Leadership
LB Adams is a TEDx speaker & 2 times TEDx Emcee, a DisruptHR speaker, former actor and shark-diving scuba instructor. She spent years in corporate America, and using the skills and strategies she learned in the theatre, was able to move up to and through executive leadership positions. With Practical Dramatics, she's connected theatre strategies and corporate communication/soft skills training to bring humorous and engaging learning events to individuals and teams. She has taught or coached thousands of people through her keynotes, breakout sessions and best selling book "The Irreverent Guide to Spectacular Communication." It's her mission to positively change the world, one conversation at a time. Katie Maniscalco
Session Title: Working Mom and Mom Working
Started career in tech as an implementation consultant for cornerstone OnDemand. From there moved into a sales role conducting system demos for a matter of years before jumping back on the implementation side. Have spent the last 4 year implementing workday with a focus in compensation management. Eva Singleton
Session Title: Mentorship: Find who you are looking for.
Dr. Singleton joined The Citadel in January 2023 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Leadership and Program Management (ELPM) in the School of Engineering (SOE) teaching undergraduate and graduate project management and leadership courses. Dr. Singleton is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over a decade of dedicated experience as a business and project management practitioner. Her background includes government contracting, manufacturing, publishing, software solutions, healthcare, and entrepreneurial endeavors. In these industries she has served in a progressively responsible capacity ranging from a project assistant to senior project manager. As a strategic planner, she is passionate about helping small business owners achieve their business objectives using project management tools and techniques. Her education includes a Bachelor of Business Administration from Strayer University (2009), a Master of Science in Project Management from The Citadel Graduate College (2018), and a Doctor of Business Administration from Walden University with a concentration in Project Management (2022). Dr. Singleton is passionate about project management, strategic planning, leadership, entrepreneurship and reducing burnout using project management principles, tools and techniques. Morgan Fordham
Session Title: Contacts, not friends
Morgan is an Internal Logistics Engineer for Volvo Cars in Ridgeville, SC. She transitioned to the automotive industry in 2020 to participate in the launch of two fully electric vehicles. Prior to Volvo Cars, she worked for International Paper as a project and people leader. Morgan has been able to leverage her character and Mechanical Engineering degree to create a fluid and flourishing career. She enjoys sharing lessons learned through successes and failures with women in industry. Morgan and her husband, Sam, are preparing to have their first son in August. Which means you can usually find her shopping for onesies or studying up on early childhood development. Additionally, she is actively involved with Flowertown Players in Summerville, SC and Auburn University’s 100+ Women Strong. Lindsay Squeglia
Dr. Lindsay Squeglia is an Associate Professor and licensed clinical psychologist at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She is the co-Director of the MUSC Youth Collaborative, and her research focuses on: (1) understanding the effects of alcohol and cannabis use on brain development and (2) using neuroscience to improve prevention and treatment of adolescent substance use disorders. She co-leads MUSC's site for the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) and has served in various roles on the ABCD Steering Committee, Novel Technology Workgroup, and Community Engagement and Dissemination Workgroup. She has a strong interest in community outreach and education efforts and leads the MUSC High School Teen Science Ambassador Program, providing high school students from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences with a three-phase internship experience in academic clinical research.
Dr. Squeglia is originally from South Carolina and grew up in the Charleston area. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology at the University of South Carolina and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the San Diego State University/University of California San Diego (UCSD). She completed her clinical internship in neuropsychology at the University of California Los Angeles and her postdoctoral fellowship in neuroimaging at UCSD. In 2023, she completed her Fulbright Senior Scholar fellowship at the University of Sydney, establishing a cross-national collaboration between the United States and Australia to improve health outcomes globally for youth struggling with problematic substance use and mental health issues. Amanda Hodges
Amanda Hodges has 14+ years of demonstrated success in technology, product & operations. She drives performance, efficiency and growth of diverse organizations through discovery and delivery of change the world products. Amanda is a pragmatic leader with recognized ability to lead high performing teams and to drive user experience, quality and ROI. Champion of hackathons, knack for talent acquisition & evangelist for culture.
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