GirlCon 2024
DIGITAL CONFERENCE
Day 1 Schedule
Thursday, June 20th
1:00 – 2:00
1:00 – 2:00
Opening Ceremony + Keynote Session
2:00 – 2:45
2:00 – 2:45
Professional Development Sessions
2:55 – 3:40
2:55 – 3:40
Tech x Topic Sessions
3:50 – 4:35
3:50 – 4:35
Tech x Topic Sessions
4:45 – 5:30
4:45 – 5:30
Tech x Topic Sessions
Day 2 Schedule
Friday, June 21st
11:30 – 12:20
11:30 – 12:20
Lunch Networking Date
12:20 – 1:00
12:20 – 1:00
Day 2 Opening Keynote
1:00 – 1:45
1:00 – 1:45
Tech x Topic Sessions
1:55 – 2:40
1:55 – 2:40
Professional Development Sessions
2:50 – 3:35
2:50 – 3:35
Tech x Topic Sessions
3:45 - 4:30
3:45 - 4:30
Tech x Sessions
4:40 - 5:30
4:40 - 5:30
Closing Ceremony + Keynote
2024 Virtual Keynote Speakers
Hear from inspiring women to kickstart your career and gain the confidence to launch forward in tech and beyond.
- Lauren Bean-BuittaLauren is the founder and CEO of Girl Security. Lauren began her career in national security in Chicago, IL in 2003 as a policy analyst with the National Strategy Forum, a nonpartisan national security think tank. In 2009 while attending law school, Lauren launched her consulting firm, Stele Consulting, which provided support to clients on local policy issues, including exclusionary land use policies and racial segregation in Chicago. In 2016, Lauren recognized both the continued underrepresentation of women in national security and the need for a more intersectional approach to security. In response, she launched Girl Security – the only organization dedicated to advancing girls, women, and gender minorities in national security through supportive pathways.
Lauren is a mom to two amazing humans. In September 2022, Lauren was named one of the Most Influential People in Security by Security Magazine. She was also named one of "50 Women Making the World a Better Place" by Instyle Magazine in 2021. She was recently awarded the 21st Century Leader Award by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy. She is also a former Fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (2003), Truman National Security Project (2006), American Bar Association Standing Committee on Law and National Security (2012), and Chicago Council on Global Affairs (2017). She has authored articles, reports, and book chapters on national security, foreign policy, and public policy. - Nabeela SyedNabeela Syed is proud to represent the 51st District of the Illinois State House of Representatives, serving the communities of Palatine, Inverness, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Deer Park, Vernon Hills, and Long Grove. Nabeela previously worked for a non-profit in digital strategy supporting a variety of civic engagement efforts including voter mobilization, ending sexual assault on college campuses, and promoting gender equity. In the legislature, Nabeela has worked to champion prescription drug affordability and access to healthcare, passed paid leave policies for organ donors, defended and helped expand access to reproductive healthcare, and has been a staunch supporter of firearm safety reform. Nabeela was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois.
2024 Virtual Breakout Session Bios
Tech + Law: Leslee Cohen
Learn about the many different ways to use a law degree, including to satisfy your interest in STEM. In addition, hear career advice from a female attorney who has practiced for many years at both the large and small firm level.
Leslee Cohen is the founder and Managing Partner of AllRise Legal Counsel. AllRise concentrates its transactional practice in securities and startup law, corporate finance, technology law, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Small Business Advocacy Council, the co-chair of the Advisory Committee of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law (of which she is also a co-founder), a speaker and mentor for the Good Food Accelerator, the Hatchery, LegalPad, the Wisconsin Technology Council/the Founders Institute and Workbox, and involved with the Chicago Job Creators Grant organization and GirlCon, which supports high school girls interested in careers in technology. Leslee received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Leslee Cohen is the founder and Managing Partner of AllRise Legal Counsel. AllRise concentrates its transactional practice in securities and startup law, corporate finance, technology law, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Small Business Advocacy Council, the co-chair of the Advisory Committee of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law (of which she is also a co-founder), a speaker and mentor for the Good Food Accelerator, the Hatchery, LegalPad, the Wisconsin Technology Council/the Founders Institute and Workbox, and involved with the Chicago Job Creators Grant organization and GirlCon, which supports high school girls interested in careers in technology. Leslee received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Tech + AI Ethics: Encode Justice NY Chapter
Coming soon!
Led by Manjot, a fourth-year computer science student at Binghamton University passionate about product management and ethical tech. She serves as the Co-Director of Research at Encode Justice New York.
Led by Manjot, a fourth-year computer science student at Binghamton University passionate about product management and ethical tech. She serves as the Co-Director of Research at Encode Justice New York.
Tech + Climate: NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
Dr. Kimberley R. Miner is a Climate Scientist and Program Manager at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab. Her research on climate risks has taken her to the planet's extreme environments- from the North Pole to Antarctica and Mt. Everest. Dedicated to science communication, Kimberley's research teams have reached international audiences with features in the BBC, NYT, GQ, and a 2020 Guinness World Record. Before coming to NASA, Kimberley worked on climate security for the Department of Defense in DC, and holds a research professorship at University of Maine and Virginia Tech. She is also writing a book on how younger generations can plan for climate change--to be released in early 2024. Kimberley is a Black belt, wilderness Firefighter, and lives in a fishing harbor on the Pacific Ocean.
Tech + Music: Code.org
Learn how to use block coding to make your own music and remix music from top musicians with Code.org's new MusicLab. Make music, learn to code, and unleash your inner creativity. No experience with coding or music necessary. Led by Nimisha Mondal, Director of Innovation at Code.org
Tech + Neuroscience: Professor Lina R. Nih
This session will offer a comprehensive look at the numerous obstacles encountered in the development of effective stroke treatments, will explore the synergy of bioengineering, vascular biology, and neuroscience in stroke research, and will present the impactful unanticipated discoveries made in the realm of neurovascular engineering.
Dr. Lina Nih is a distinguished neuroscientist and vascular biologist renowned for her groundbreaking work in developing cutting-edge engineered materials and nanotechnologies aimed at enhancing brain recovery following strokes. As the founder of the Nih Laboratory, her mission is to delve into the intricate interplay between blood vessels and brain tissue regeneration. Her pioneering research seeks to manipulate the brain's vasculature to ignite repair mechanisms and facilitate functional recuperation post-stroke.
Dr. Lina Nih is a distinguished neuroscientist and vascular biologist renowned for her groundbreaking work in developing cutting-edge engineered materials and nanotechnologies aimed at enhancing brain recovery following strokes. As the founder of the Nih Laboratory, her mission is to delve into the intricate interplay between blood vessels and brain tissue regeneration. Her pioneering research seeks to manipulate the brain's vasculature to ignite repair mechanisms and facilitate functional recuperation post-stroke.
Tech + Skincare: Bubble
Led by Amanda Grutza, Head of Technology at Bubble
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Tech + Space: United States Space Force
Have you heard of the U.S. Space Force? Learn about the mission and vision of the country's newest military branch that combines satellite protection, humanitarian and military operations, and facilities rocket launches with cyber security, intelligence, engineering, and GPS capabilities. We will question how and why rockets are evolving, what the vast job needs of the Space Force are, and explore exclusive rocket launch data! You will hear from a civilian Guardian about the excitement of being a woman in a squadron supporting the mission of developing space superiority. From being a high school history teacher in Chicago, to a member of the 50th Contracting Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Sara Tolva is excited to share how studying history, psychology, education, and intelligence has landed her a role working as the Contract Specialist in the United States Space Force.
Tech + Environment: Rachel Berry
Rachel Berry graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Chemical Engineering and has been working in industrial environmental compliance and remediation ever since. She has spent time doing a bit of everything, including: -Running a NCASI certified environmental lab -Overseeing OSHA 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance -Directing operations and maintenance for an environmental remediation site -Specializing in industrial storm and wastewater management And now spends her time focused on air emissions compliance in the oil and gas industry. She makes educational content surrounding environmental engineering and sustainability on TikTok: you can find her @theberrybestt on all platforms!
This session will go over:
- Industrial driven pollution
- Environmental toxicology and disasters like the derailment in Ohio last year
- Environmental remediation and control technologies
- New and exciting climate change mitigation technology
This session will go over:
- Industrial driven pollution
- Environmental toxicology and disasters like the derailment in Ohio last year
- Environmental remediation and control technologies
- New and exciting climate change mitigation technology
Tech + Social Good: Professor Veronica Catete
Coming soon!
Tech + Medicine: Abbvie
Led by Brian Martin, Head of AI in R&D Information Research at Abbvie.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Tech + Media: Sabrina Tong
The Media & Entertainment landscape is fast-evolving, and there are more ways than ever to access and consume your favorite content. During this session, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between technology and media. We'll explore the essential skills needed and steps you can take to thrive in a media career!
Sabrina Tong is a University of Southern California alumna with experience across the technology, media & entertainment sectors. Her early experiences as a pianist and violist as well as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper ignited her passion for the industry and has continued to drive her career trajectory. Beginning as a management consultant, she is currently on the Strategy & Business Development team at NBCUniversal where she focuses on growing NBCU's portfolio of news brands.
Sabrina Tong is a University of Southern California alumna with experience across the technology, media & entertainment sectors. Her early experiences as a pianist and violist as well as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper ignited her passion for the industry and has continued to drive her career trajectory. Beginning as a management consultant, she is currently on the Strategy & Business Development team at NBCUniversal where she focuses on growing NBCU's portfolio of news brands.
Tech + Astronomy: Nathalie Oullette
Astronomy and space exploration have advanced by leaps and bounds in the last few years, with the launch of exciting new missions and space telescopes! During this session, you will learn how revolutionary telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope is pushing the boundaries of what we know about our Universe. We will discuss the exciting technology that makes this telescope unique and some of the mystifying science questions it hopes to answer. You will also learn how scientists create the beautiful images that have been shared from this mission. Nathalie Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette is an astrophysicist, science communicator and lifetime lover of all things space! She is currently the Deputy Director of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) and the Mont-Mégantic Observatory (OMM) at the University of Montréal and is also the Outreach Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope in Canada, collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency.
Tech + (Particle) Physics: Dr. Heather Russell
Led by Dr. Heather Russell, Particle Physicist at U Victoria.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Tech + Bioengineering: Athiyya Umar
In this session, we'll delve into what an early career in a medical device company looks like and how interdisciplinary the biotechnology field really is! We'll discuss how to seek opportunities, leverage your skills, and establish connections to pave your own path in this industry. From college majors and research experiences to internship opportunities and networking, we'll uncover how your niche interests in biotech can jumpstart a fruitful career!
Led by Athiyya Umar,
R&D Engineer @ Johnson & Johnson Vision
UC Berkeley, B.S. in Bioengineering & Materials Science and Engineering
UCLA, M.S. in Engineering Management
Led by Athiyya Umar,
R&D Engineer @ Johnson & Johnson Vision
UC Berkeley, B.S. in Bioengineering & Materials Science and Engineering
UCLA, M.S. in Engineering Management
Tech + Nuclear Energy: Krista Hawthorne
Tech + Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy is the largest source of carbon-free electricity in the United States and provides 60% of our electricity in Illinois. Eliminating greenhouse gas emissions will require deployment of new advanced reactors to provide the green electricity we need to power our houses, cars, and manufacturing. This session will break down the basics of nuclear fuel and reactors, show how uranium atoms split and are turned into electricity, and discuss all the ways technology is evolving to support the next generation of nuclear electricity! Bio: Dr. Krista Hawthorne manages the Pyroprocess Engineering Section at Argonne National Laboratory. She leads a team of researchers in the development and scale-up of processes for recycling used nuclear fuel to provide fuel for advanced reactors. Her current research is focused on the electroreduction process to convert uranium dioxide to uranium metal. Dr. Hawthorne received her PhD in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 2014 and has 15 years of experience in the development of electrochemical processes and devices (using electricity-driven chemical reactions and processes). She also holds a BS in chemical engineering from the University of New Mexico.
Tech + Engineering: SpaceX
What exactly does an engineer do? During this session, we will discuss how engineers design, build, test, code, and manufacture to develop technology that serves the world. Tune in to learn more about modern day engineering x tech applications, the different career opportunities available to engineers, tips for being an engineering student, and more!
Leading this session is Erika Jarosch, a launch controller at SpaceX and Aerospace Engineering graduate from UIUC. Can't wait to see you all there!
Leading this session is Erika Jarosch, a launch controller at SpaceX and Aerospace Engineering graduate from UIUC. Can't wait to see you all there!
Tech + Risk: RSM
Coming soon!
Tech + IT Audit: ISACA
In this engaging session titled, Tech + IT Audits, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic field of IT audit. We will delve into the fundamentals of IT audit, exploring its significance in today's digital landscape. Additionally, students will discover the diverse career paths and specializations available within the realm of IT audit, ranging from cybersecurity to cloud governance. Through real-world examples and insights, attendees will be empowered to envision their future roles and contributions in this evolving field. Join us for an illuminating session that promises to inspire and inform aspiring professionals about the exciting opportunities in IT audit.
Led by Anamika Roy – AVP and Head of IT Internal Audit North America with over 17 years of experience in corporate and Big4 consulting environments. She is also an ISACA Chicago Chapter Board member.
Led by Anamika Roy – AVP and Head of IT Internal Audit North America with over 17 years of experience in corporate and Big4 consulting environments. She is also an ISACA Chicago Chapter Board member.
2024 Virtual Professional Development Sessions
Internships
Led by Adora Vaz, SWE Intern at Apple.
LinkedIn and Resume Building
Led by Samantha Fricano, Associate Product Manager at JP Morgan.
Coming soon!
Led by Ahmya Rivera, STE(A)M Education Author/Speaker, Coca-Cola Scholar'23, and Student at USC Jimmy Iovine School.