Track 5 Workplace Ecosystem
Deepak Mathur, Member of IEEE MGA Board
Young Minds, Fresh Insights from IEEE Members
Thursday, May 15 | 09:50 – 10:10
About
About: Deepak Mathur, member of IEEE MGA Board, is former Chief General Manager of India’s premier Oil and Gas company with 40+years of professional experience. He served IEEE Board as VP MGA (2024) and Region10 Director (2021-2022).
Abstract: Join us as we dive into perspectives of Gen Z and Millennials as focus groups reveal their true thoughts, perceptions, and expectations of IEEE. Alongside this, an engaging study on young professionals who attended IEEE conferences offers key insights into their unique behavior and needs. Findings can guide program development to engage and retain young members. We will share and explore actionable strategies and insights to connect with and support the future of our workforce.
Carisa White, Director, Human Resources, EUV Tech
Own Your Journey: How to Advocate for Yourself at Every Career Stage
Thursday, May 15 | 10:10 – 10:30
About
About: Carisa White currently serves as Director, Human Resources at EUV Tech, a global leader in the production of at-wavelength extreme ultraviolet (EUV) metrology tools, where she leads core HR and employee development programs with a consistent and empathetic approach.
Abstract: Advocating for yourself is a vital skill at every stage of your career and women face unique challenges when it comes to negotiating salary, stepping into leadership roles, or ensuring their contributions are recognized. In this talk, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you confidently communicate your value and push past subtle barriers. You’ll leave with actionable tools to build influence and take control of your career trajectory using your strong, authentic presence.
Theresa Brunasso, IEEE Governance Committee, IEEE MGA Geographic Unit Operations Committee
The Unintentional Business Owner
Thursday, May 15 | 15:50 – 16:10
About
About: Theresa Brunasso started and operated D&S Microwave for nearly 14 years. She spent more than 20 years at EMS Technologies where she served as Director of Technology Development.
Abstract: Meet an engineer who never intended to start her own business. She often said, “I like working with other smart people and getting paid for holidays, vacations and sick days! Why would I give that up?” Then a company layoff changed everything. A couple weeks after hearing that she was let go, former colleagues started asking her if she could consult, and she said, “Yes, I can!” Learn how this former corporate engineer started her own company, got plenty of work, and discovered the joy of running her own business. You’ll learn the steps she used to start her business, and how she got plenty of work to keep it going.
Bandana Kar, Senior Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Leading by example – Towards a Resilient Workforce and Workplace
Thursday, May 15 | 16:10 – 16:30
About
About: Bandana Kar is a Senior Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with experience in academia, national laboratories, and federal agency. One of her career goals is to promote a resilient and productive workplace.
Abstract: Institutional success depends upon establishing an infrastructure to achieve a positive workspace for everyone and creating a culture to safeguard fair and impartial inclusion of diverse employees and their viewpoints as well as distribution of opportunities and resources to ensure employee success. In this presentation. we will discuss the benefits of authentic leadership, empathetic listening, networking, mentoring, adaptability, and accountability and identify actions to create a resilient workforce adaptable to changes.
Dona Jose, Senior Software Engineer, Slack
Building Your Brand Through DEI: A Personal Journey to Professional Growth
Friday, May 16 | 14:00 – 14:20
About
About: Dona Jose is a Senior Software Engineer at Slack with nearly a decade of product development experience at companies like Visa, Microsoft, Dropbox, and Slack. She holds several leadership roles, including Board Member and Chief Technical Advisor for Give to Africa, Global Volunteer Leader for AnitaB.org, IEEE Dallas Section Treasurer, and Google Women Techmakers Ambassador. Most recently, she launched Show Your Worth Circles, a 10-week leadership program designed to empower professionals to lead with confidence and impact.
Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, DEI initiatives are not just a corporate responsibility—they are essential for personal branding and career advancement. This session will explore how active involvement in DEI initiatives has transformed my professional journey and contributed to my success. Attendees will learn how engaging in DEI efforts has sharpened my leadership and communication skills, expanded my network and opened doors to new opportunities. This session aims to inspire participants to embrace DEI as a catalyst for their own brand-building and professional development.
Megha P Arakeri, Professor, MIT Bangalore
Building Future-Ready Workplace Ecosystems: Engineering Change with EPICS in IEEE
Friday, May 16 | 14:20 – 14:40
About
About: Dr. Megha P. Arakeri, Professor at MIT Bangalore, India, is an active IEEE senior member and researcher with 20 years’ experience in AI, Computer Vision, and Data Analytics.
Abstract: As engineering evolves, professionals must pair technical skills with leadership and social responsibility. This session introduces EPICS in IEEE, which transforms education through real-world, service-driven projects that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact. Students tackle global challenges like sustainable energy and assistive tech while gaining essential workplace skills. EPICS also empowers female engineers to lead and innovate, promoting diversity, mentorship, and inclusion—preparing the next generation for dynamic, socially impactful, and inclusive engineering careers.
Dr. Salma Al Arefi, Lecturer, University of Leeds
An Intersectional Lens for Fostering True Inclusion and Belonging in Engineering
Friday, May 16 | 14:40 – 15:00
About
About: Dr. Salma Al Arefi is an award-winning Lecturer in Engineering at University of Leeds, U.K. Salma is a national finalist for the IET Young Woman Engineer Award, Chartered Engineer, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Abstract: This presentation explores the need for an intersectional approach to fostering a sense of belonging for women in engineering. It highlights the connection between belonging, self-authenticity, and engineering identity, and how these interconnections contribute to either bridging or widening the access and retention gap. It presents findings from UK-based qualitative research that emphasize the importance of recognizing diversity in lived experiences, while cautioning against homogenizing women’s experiences based solely on shared intersectional identities.