Track 2 Career Development
Biographie
About: Nehad El-Sherif is President and Founder at MNKYBR Technologies Inc. Executive Board Member at IEEE Industry Application Society Executive Board Member at IEEE Canada
Workshop Moderator: Nehad El-Sherif, M.Sc., P.Eng., MBA, SMIEEE, President of MNKYBR Technologies Inc, and Edward Au, Member of the IEEE Technical Activities Board
Codes and Standards – What Are They and How Can They Benefit Your Career?
Thursday, May 15 | 14:00 – 15:20
Biographie
About:Edward Au is member of the IEEE Technical Activities Board
Abstract: This workshop provides attendees having little or no background of codes and standards with information to develop a basic understanding of the topic. It also serves as a refresher for experienced attendees. The 5W’s method will be used to engage attendees and historical examples to emphasize the importance of complying with codes and standard and the benefits of getting involved in the development of codes and standards.
Biographie
About: Lorie, founder of Conversations in the Workplace, helps women communicate confidently while overcoming gender bias and navigating the challenges faced in male-dominated environments with impact and resilience.
Lorie Reichel-Howe, Founder, Conversations In The Workplace
Speaking Up While Female: Defeating Gender Bias
Thursday, May 16 | 16:10 – 16:30
Abstract: Effective communication significantly impacts career success. For women, assertiveness can be risky when unfair cultural stereotypes labeling them as aggressive or emotional. However, you can develop communication skills that empower you to speak confidently and clearly without compromising your values or career goals. Learn how to address concerns respectfully, present differing views with conviction, and overcome resistance and gender discrimination while ensuring your voice is heard and respected in the workplace.
Biographie
About: Nancy Marmolejo is dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in the workplace. Organizations call her when they need an expert who blends cultural and emotional intelligence to help their people become more effective leaders and communicators. With 1000s of hours of coaching and facilitation experience, her mission is to uncover the greatness in others and transform workplace culture to make belonging and inclusion the norm. As the creator of “Personal Branding From the Roots Up” for Workshop University, she’s guided over 100 BIPOC aerospace engineers through a self-branding program that honors identity and offers culturally relevant action steps.
Workshop Moderator: Nancy Marmolejo, Principal Consultant and Trainer
Engineered for Inclusion: Personal Branding for Underrepresented Women in STEM
Friday, May 16 | 14:40 – 15:20
Abstract: In engineering, visibility and leadership are essential for career progression, especially for mid to senior-level women. However, women from underrepresented and marginalized communities often find self-promotion challenging due to cultural norms, unconscious biases, and workplace dynamics. This session will teach you how to construct a personal brand that showcases your expertise and leadership, helping you overcome barriers and earn well-deserved recognition. We will tailor our approach to address the unique challenges faced by women who contend with cultural expectations and underrepresentation. This culturally relevant session will equip you with practical strategies to enhance your leadership presence, boost your visibility, and guide your career development in alignment with your personal values and desired legacy.
Biographie
About: Mariette Johnson Wharton is an award-winning innovator, speaker and author with 25+ years of expertise in successful tech innovation, 15+ in Silicon Valley, and holds an MBA with highest honors from Columbia Business School in Strategy and Operations. Mariette is a Forbes Contributor.
Mariette Wharton, Tech and Social Enterprise Founder | Speaker – UN, US Embassy, Davos | 12-year angel investor including Ring
Track 2: Career Development
Thursday, May 16 | 16:30 – 16:50
Abstract: Missing
Biographie
About: Jahnavi is the CEO and founder of the Vivid Leader a coaching and HR consulting firm. Her team works with organizations that want to create resilient “follow anywhere” leaders and award winning workplace cultures. Their clients include companies in tech, healthcare, consumer products, consulting and more. Jahnavi has a BS in Chemical Engineering from MIT and a MS in Management & Organization from CU Denver. She is a certified coach, holding the PCC designation from the International Coaching Federation and has developed leaders thousands of leaders at companies like Procter & Gamble, Medtronic, Rally Software and Aurora Organic Dairy.
Jahnavi Brenner, Founder, CEO
Beyond Technical Excellence: Leveraging the PIE Framework to Accelerate Your Engineering Career
Thursday, May 16 | 16:10 – 16:50
Abstract: While technical expertise is crucial in engineering, research shows that career advancement depends on three key elements: Performance, Image, and Exposure (PIE). For women in engineering leadership roles, understanding and strategically leveraging these elements becomes even more critical in traditionally male-dominated technical environments. This session unpacks how successful women engineers can move beyond the “just do good work” mindset to intentionally shape their career trajectories. Drawing from real-world examples of successful women technical leaders, we’ll examine how the PIE framework applies specifically in engineering contexts. While Performance (delivering excellent technical work) forms the foundation, we’ll explore why Image (how others perceive your leadership potential) and Exposure (visibility to decision-makers) are equally crucial for advancement. Data shows that women in technical roles often over-index on Performance while underutilizing Image and Exposure opportunities, potentially limiting their career progression. Through interactive exercises and case studies, participants will learn practical strategies for each PIE element: maintaining technical credibility while building a leadership image, gaining exposure through strategic project selection, and navigating the unique challenges women face in technical environments. We’ll address common barriers like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the double-bind of being both technical and approachable. Attendees will leave with a personalized PIE action plan, practical tools for building influence in technical organizations, and strategies for advocating for high-visibility opportunities while maintaining authentic leadership styles. This session is designed for mid to senior-level women engineers ready to strategically accelerate their career growth.