WOMEN IN INNOVATION

September 12, 2019 | Bolling Haxall House | Richmond, VA

The re-cap

Champions


Inspire & grow

Pamela Northam, First Lady of Virginia Commonwealth of Virginia


Energize & elevate

Keyanna Conner, Ph.D., Secretary of Administration


Spark & impact

Grindly Johnson, Deputy Secretary of Administration

2019 Event photos

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2019 Maggie Award Winners

Keyanna Conner, Ph.D. STEM Book Scholarship

In Partnership with the KLM Scholarship Foundation (KLMSF), a Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University student will be awarded the inaugural Keyanna Conner, Ph.D., STEM book Scholarship. 

2019 Winner: Zoie McMillian

My name is Zoie and I am from Glen Allen, Virginia. I am currently a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Animal Science. Virginia Tech is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. I would love to have a career that is based on helping animals through extensive research. My goal is to someday become a Wildlife Biologist or a Wildlife Forensic Scientist. My hobbies include volunteer work at animal clinics and wildlife centers, participating in undergraduate research, and traveling. I chose a STEM major because there will always be opportunities to make improvements within science and technology. People who work in STEM are able to pave the way for a better future. Black women are often underrepresented in STEM fields and I felt that I would have some unique ideas and perspectives to bring to the table.

2019 Event Schedule and Sponsors

View September 12, 2019 WIN event program.

8:30AM Registration and Wake Up & WIN Breakfast
 

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and then join us for breakfast while mingling with local authors.

 

Karen R. Winston is a native of Petersburg, VA and a K-12 educator who has also taught and worked in higher education. She completed her undergraduate study at Virginia State University and attended Graduate Studies at the University of Virginia (Master's of Public Administration Program.) Lindula Finds Joy is the first in this short, short stories series. Others in the series include: Lindula Smile, Lindula Walks, Lindula Knows, Lindula Helps, Lindula Loves, and Lindula Sunday and are all published under the title: Lindula Lives. Additionally her other published works include: Thinking Aloud, Manifestations because God Says So, Seasons of Sisterhood, and Just a Few Words of Thanks.

 

Rosalinda Rivera is an accomplished author, producer, CEO, entrepreneur, inspirational and international speaker. Rosalinda is both outspoken and passionate about helping others change their lives and accomplish their dreams. She is a sought after speaker by major companies, non-profits, and ministries around the world for her transparent and down-to-earth motivational style. Rosalinda is author of Wonder Women and Dare to Begin Again.

9:25AM Welcome
 

Grindly Johnson
Deputy Secretary of Administration

Grindly Johnson was appointed as Virginia's Deputy Secretary of Transportation by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014. She previously served as Chief of Administration for the Virginia Department of Transportation where she directed the divisions of Communications, Civil Rights, Human Resources and Training, Administrative Services and Safety and Performance Management.

Commonwealth of Virginia Secretary of Administration 

Keyanna Conner, Ph.D.
Secretary of Administration

Dr. Keyanna Conner currently serves as Secretary of Administration for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Previously, she served as State Director and Director of Government and Community Affairs for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, where she was the primary point of contact between the Senator's office and representatives of state and local governments, public agencies and constituency organizations. Prior to joining Sen. Warner's official Senate office, Dr. Conner was a senior advisor on Sen. Warner's 2014 re-election campaign.

Conner received her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Hampton University, and her doctoral degree in organic chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

Pamela Northam
First Lady of Virginia

An educator, environmentalist and longtime advocate, Mrs. Northam has taken a leading role in Hampton Roads and Virginia to protect water quality and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Most recently, the first lady has served as community outreach coordinator for Lynnhaven River NOW (LRN), a nonprofit environmental group. In this role, she oversaw advocacy and outreach programs for homeowners, congregations and businesses to help them to become more sustainable.

9:40AM Energy & Innovation
 

Julie Manzari
Innovation Strategist, Dominion Energy

With a focus on rapidly changing tech and consumers, she specializes in areas of autonomous vehicles, digital transformation and electrification transportation. She is able to drive strategic/financial planning, business development and product implementation with an organized approach and effective decision support tools. Her experience in Investment Banking provides a benefit to any business seeking to grow with partnerships, investments and acquisitions. Her most valuable skills are her ability to make connections, be inclusive and motivate others around strategies and opportunities of the future.

9:55AM Keynote Speaker
 

Ingrid Harb
Founder, CEO, Women Ambassadors Forum

Ms. Harb is an international speaker, global advocate & enabler of change from Mexico who fought through the cultural mold to create a career for herself and hundreds of young women around the world. Founded the Women Ambassadors Forum in 2015 while still in college. Ingrid has since partnered with over 30 Fortune 500 Companies and created Four Five-Day Global Forums and Local forums that have reached women from 95 countries. Ingrid is empowering women internationally and locally to pursue their career goals regardless of social, economic, racial or cultural background.

10:45PM Break
 

Network and visit our sponsors.

10:55AM Innovations in Science
 

Denise Marie Toney, Ph.D., HCLD
Director, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services

Dr. Denise Toney is the Director for the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), Virginia's State Laboratory. Denise has worked at DCLS for over 20 years with nearly 30 years of professional laboratory experience in areas of biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology. She has actively worked to build and strengthen laboratory partnerships at the local, state and federal level through the implementation of quality analytical testing and a commitment to providing services that address the public health, environmental, food safety and agricultural needs of the Commonwealth. Denise has lead efforts at DCLS to build a premier molecular testing facility designed to rapidly detect and track highly infectious and emerging diseases of public health significance using innovative scientific approaches. Throughout her career, she has developed a passion for mentorship of students and scientific professionals at all levels. She holds an adjunct faculty appointment at Virginia Commonwealth University, serves on numerous scientific and advisory boards and provides guest lectures at universities and colleges throughout the Commonwealth to promote opportunities and careers in science and public health, especially for women.

11:10AM Innovations in transportation
 

Cathy McGhee P.E.
Director of Research and Innovation, Virginia Transportation Research Council

Cathy has been with VTRC, the Research Division of the Virginia Department of Transportation since 1993, becoming its Director in December of 2016. She has led VDOT's research program on connected and automated vehicles and works with VDOT staff and University partners to develop, test, and deploy equipment and applications within the Virginia Connected and Automated Corridors to advance VDOT's mission of delivering safe and efficient mobility. In December of 2018, Cathy took on a new role as the Director of Research and Innovation. In this capacity, she is encouraging the deployment of innovation and technology across the transportation modal agencies. Current focus areas include data and analytics, Automated Virginia, and broadband deployment.

 

Renee Hamilton
Deputy District Administrator - Northern Virginia District at Virginia Department of Transportation

Renee Hamilton is a seasoned leader in the engineering field who is currently the Deputy District Administrator for VDOT in the Northern Virginia District. She has over 31 years of transportation-related experience with a proven record in leading and directing all aspects of highway transportation which includes construction management, preliminary engineering/design and maintenance. Renée is an effective communicator and oversees many large scale DOT and contractor projects, works closely with executives across the state and and in the political arena.

11:30AM Eat, Learn & Grow Lunch
 

Plated lunch will be served. Vegetarian option available upon request.

 

Megan Healy, Ph.D.
Chief Workforce Development Advisor, Commonwealth of Virginia

Dr. Megan Healy serves as the Commonwealth's highest ranking workforce officer. In this role, she oversees a range of regional, state, and federal programs that connect Virginians to the skills, training, and opportunities they need to thrive in the 21 st century economy. In addition to her partners within government, Secretary Healy works closely with Virginia's labor and business communities to identify and fill vacant jobs in high demand sectors including IT, healthcare, and energy.

Prior to joining the Northam administration, she served as Virginia's first Director of STEM-H. Healy is a proud product of Virginia's public schools, holding a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, a master's from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate from Old Dominion University.

 

Kim Corazzini
Senior Director of Product, Capital One

Setting teams up for success and failure in an innovative environment. Kim is a product leader, problem solver and trusted delivery partner. Kim leads voice experiences and platforms for Capital One with a focus on innovation, multi-channel customer experiences and delivery excellence.

1:10PM Chocolates, Laptops & Lasers
 

Kelly Wombold
Founder, Chocolates By Kelly

Kelly Wombold is a 5th Generation Master Chocolatier. Kelly has reimagined the artisan chocolate trade on every level, from production to presentation to education. Thanks to her research into the Chemistry of Chocolate, she has been a guest speaker and teacher for the Advanced Culinary Program at Fort Lee, the Math and Science Innovation Center, the Science Museum of Virginia, and several STEM programs in the Richmond area. She also teaches a series of classes in her own facility. Currently, Kelly is working on several new ideas for equipment and supply redesign which seek to improve efficiency, scalability, and sustainability for others in her field.

1:20PM The Making of a Technologist
 

Kimberly Mahan
Founder, CEO, MAXX Potential

Recognized by Southern Living Magazine as one of 2016's "Innovators Changing the South," Kim is the Founder of MAXX Potential, a unique apprenticeship program that has been finding and nurturing tech talent from its Richmond, VA headquarters since 2012. The company hires aspiring tech professionals and provides on-the-job training using a completely individualized, hands-on approach. MAXX Apprentices gain valuable experience that helps them land high-paying jobs at companies like Capital One, General Electric, and numerous mid-size companies in the mid-Atlantic region.  Prior to MAXX, Kim held global technology leadership positions at GE Corporate, GE Industrial Systems and Genworth Financial.  In addition to co-founding multiple startups, the RVA Tech Women's conference, and Techsters program for middle school girls, she was on the founding committee for the CodeRVA High School and she is the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Richmond Technology Council. In 2017, Kim was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

1:30PM From Roots to Stem
 

Trina L. Coleman, Ph.D.
President, CEO, Coleman Comprehensive Solutions, LLC

Dr. Coleman is a scientist, educator, entrepreneur, radio host of Beyond the Classroom with Dr. Trina Coleman on HBCU iRadio, visiting professor at Stillman College and public speaker. She is the second of five African-American women in this nation's history to obtain a degree in theoretical nuclear/quantum physics.

Dr. Coleman has crafted a diverse professional portfolio over a 25 year span. From post-doctoral researcher and faculty member, to executive director, assistant provost and CIO, her experience ranges across a broad spectrum. Her professional journey includes: educating high school and postsecondary students in physics and astronomy; conducting unclassified research that focused on solving national defense issues as a Post-Doctoral Fellow of the Central Intelligence Agency; and spearheading enterprise IT and policy initiatives as a member of the Howard and Hampton University administrations.

As CEO & President of Coleman Comprehensive Solutions, LLC, an educational and IT consulting and services firm, Dr. Coleman has created an online course platform get.stemskills.online to help bridge math and science deficiency gaps for middle and high school students, as well as adults seeking knowledge for careers in technical fields.

Her outreach and public persona Academic Blue Blood connect to her illustrious academic lineage, and her website academicblueblood.com.

1:40PM Workforce Transformation with Virtual Reality
 

Annette Perry
Vice President, DELL North America Commercial, US East Field Sales

An advocate and mentor for women leaders, Perry has held various leadership positions in Women in IT organizations, both in the Philadelphia area and within Dell Technologies. A 21-year veteran of Dell Technologies, Perry has held sales leadership positions of increased responsibility spanning Commercial Sales, Large Institutions/Major Account Solutions and Public Divisions. She has a track record of success in navigating complexity, building teams and cultivating relationships in the commercial, healthcare and life sciences, state and local government, and education sectors.

1:50PM Mid-Day Break: Strike a Pose!
 

Networking #WIN2019VA

2:10PM Impacting the Community THrough Change
 

Camille Schrier
Miss Virginia 2019

Camille Schrier, 24, is a 2018 graduate of Virginia Tech with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Systems Biology, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. In June of 2019, she was named Miss Virginia, after breaking from tradition to perform the "catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide" as her onstage talent. Her unique talent performance and focus on women in STEM has sparked a positive reaction for many. Her story has been shared and viewed by millions, and has been featured on multiple national and international media outlets including CNN, BBC, CBS this Morning, Inside Edition, The Weather Channel, Southern Living, Canada's CTV, Germany's RTL, and many more. A certified Naloxone trainer in the city of Richmond, Schrier also uses her platform as Miss Virginia to promote her own social impact initiative, Mind Your Meds: Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention from Pediatrics to Geriatrics. Most recently, Camille was awarded the Engineering Champion Award by the Phi Sigma Rho National Sorority for her work in promoting women in engineering and technical fields. Camille will now move on to the nationally televised Miss America competition, aired live on NBC this December 19th 2019, where she will compete for the title of Miss America 2020.

2:30PM Scholarship and Awards Presentation
Commonwealth of Virginia Secretary of Administration 

PRESENTED BY Keyanna Conner, Ph.D., Secretary of Administration, Commonwealth of Virginia and Nelson Moe, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Commonwealth

3:00PM Closing Remarks
   

Thank you to our 2019 sponsors!

Platinum Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Thank you to our additional sponsors

Where should I park so I can attend the event all day?

Parking Near the Bolling Haxall House

Attendees are responsible for securing their own parking, but the City of Richmond has provided several resources to simplify parking downtown near the WIN event.

The PassportParking® app enables parkers to monitor and extend parking sessions remotely, sends alerts and notifications about parking sessions, provides payment history and e-mails receipts at the end of each parking session. The app is available in your phone's app store.

Traditional payment options also are available. Resources:

The city advises visitors to pay particular attention to areas where parking is prohibited during peak traffic times, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is the attire?

The attire for the event is business casual

Is the Bolling Haxall House wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of the house that are available for rent are wheelchair accessible. Please send email to vip@vita.virginia.gov to request assistance or for any special needs or requirements 48 hours in advance.

How do I contact the Women in Innovation team with questions?

You can reach the Women in Innovation team by email at vip@vita.virginia.gov.

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