Shannon Bumgarner is an integrated supply chain leader inspiring change within organizations and women in technical careers. As a degreed engineer with 20+ years experience, she has worked for leading industrial companies strengthening, procurement and process engineering strategies, and mentoring women in largely male-dominated industries. She speaks, writes, and creates peer-coaching networks as part of her own endeavor, FemSpired. 

 

2021 Host of the Empowering Women Podcast

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For more information on Shannon, visit linkedin.com/in/shannonbumgarner

Morgan Brown is a Senior Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on initiatives for advancing racial equity in water, One Water management, and equity in climate resilience. Prior to the Alliance, she worked at the Water Environment Federation, managing programs to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, municipal wastewater treatment, water reuse, resource recovery, and innovation in the water sector. Morgan is a certified Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) and holds a BA in Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia.

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For more information on Morgan, visit linkedin.com/in/morganebrown

Kristel Zaman is a Director of Marketing and Product Management with Grundfos. She is responsible for municipal and groundwater business in Americas region. Kristel is a known speaker and contributor to Hydraulic Institute, Water Environment Federation, and number of other industry organizations.

Kristel describes herself as a learner and servant leader: sensitive to the needs of customers, encouraging mentor developing her team and inspiring others around her. She is passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion at the workplace and focused on empowering women in industry.

Kristel was born in Estonia, moved to USA almost two decades ago. At her leisure, Kristel is an avid reader, beginner yogi, loves needle crafts, and enjoys spending time with her four rescue cats.

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For more information on Kristel, visit linkedin.com/in/kristel-zaman-ms-pcm-76761b38

Emily Soloby is the Founder and CEO of Juno Jones Shoes (www.junojonesshoes.com), making stylish steel toe boots for women. She is a former lawyer, and the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a school and transportation safety training firm. Emily is also the founder of the Hazard Girls (Women in Nontraditional Fields) community, and the host of the Hazard Girls Podcast.

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For more information on Emily, visit linkedin.com/in/emilysoloby

A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Yolanda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a specialization in Broadcast Journalism. She has an extensive background in B2B marketing, communications, and public relations. As a marketer, she is a passionate brand advocate and has worked over the past two decades helping leading companies build engaging brands and telling their stories. 

 

Yolanda is a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Empowering Women, Manufacturing Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) Marketing Council and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council.

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For more information on Yolanda, visit linkedin.com/in/yolandakokayi

Lauren Dreher is a mindset author and speaker. After growing up with scars and finding herself with little confidence in her adulthood, she decided to make a change. She became and advocate and speaker for those who have a lack of confidence due to their outer image. Lauren took a deep personal development dive and developed a passion for mindset. Her mission is to help people shift their mindset to a positive one. Using habits, tools, and learning triggers she helps people to be able to manage their mindset even on the toughest days. 

 

She has a passion for speaking and motivating people to help themselves make this change in her life. 

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For more information on Lauren, visit linkedin.com/in/lauren-dreher-55210336

Nicole Calhoun is founder of SC Calhoun Consulting, a Talent Development Trainer and Coach, and an IT Professional.

 

“I understand the challenges IT companies face with diversifying every level of their organizations. I am a woman and minority who has successfully employed leadership and personal development disciplines to advance and transition my career. I’ve spent more than 20 years as an IT Professional and I know that women and minorities in IT face special challenges which prevent them from fully maximizing their careers. Using my knowledge of the technology profession, I work with companies to create customized programs that deliver lasting results”.

 

Nicole currently resides in the Dallas, Texas area and in her leisure she enjoys traveling with her husband and two sons. Her favorite things include getting cozy on the sofa for a family movie night, and of course, weekend ‘girl getaways’ with friends.  

 

For more information on Nicole, visit: www.sccalhoun.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleccalhoun

Lisa Dirksen is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC)—a non-profit organization committed to developing strong water and wastewater professionals through standardized testing and internationally recognized certifications. Prior to ABC, Lisa worked for a Fortune 100 company leading marketing, communication, training, and employee development initiatives. She is a positive, strong leader and is a proud supporter of women in industry with affiliations to diversity groups such as WomenREACH and Women in Technology.

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For more information on Lisa, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadirksen/

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Bekah Mechtensimer, Director with Empowering Pumps & Equipment, started in the industrial industry selling nuts, bolts, and washers. From there, she moved up to a technical sales position for pumps, compressors, and pneumatic tools. When she wasn’t in the office selling; she was in the shop helping manufacturing with whatever was needed that day. Bekah joined the EP&E team in 2017 with a desire to grow in the industry. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with her pup, Woodrow, or enjoying her favorite music - preferably at a festival!

 

For more information on Bekah, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-mechtensimer-0a867958/

Maria Elena Rodriguez Hernandez is a Water Engineering Director at Indar, Ingeteam Group, with +23 years of experience in the field of Turbomachinery and Water Engineering. Elena is based in Zarautz, Basque Country in Spain and is a mechanical, hydraulic, and civil engineer who is currently completing a course in the University about Management and Direction of Water Companies. Elena is an active advocate for women in Engineering Fields and Technical careers, serving as a founding member of the Empowering Women in Industry steering committee. She is passionate about travel, photography, and Water Megastructures.

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For more information on Elena, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-rodriguez-hernandez-01163133/

Rachel works an Application Engineer at Verder, Inc. In her role, she enjoys working with the team to provide customers with the perfect pump for their application. This includes learning process details and effectively communicating the pump technology.

 

Rachel Molnar is a graduate from Mercer University who majored in Biomedical Engineering, after developing a passion for calculus, physics, and biomechanics. A couple highlights of Rachel’s collegiate career were traveling with Mercer to Vietnam to fit amputees with prosthetics and coordinating an international conference for the Coalition of Collegiate Women’s Leadership. 

 

Rachel was born and raised near Atlanta, GA. Having grown up as a competitive swimmer, she enjoys exercise but, more importantly, thrives while working in a team environment. On weekends, she can be found spending time with family and friends or cultivating her love of the outdoors by section hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail. During baseball season, Rachel can be found watching her favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles, nearly every night, and during the off-season she can be found reading a book.

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For more information on Rachel, visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhmmolnar/

Is a Mechanical Engineer for John Crane Inc. for 20 plus years.

She plays an important role with the company with 20 plus years of experience.  She provide dedication and commitment with products in the area of Compression Packing, Gaskets, PTFE and some Mechanical Seals items. She is very passionate with upholding and advocating for John Crane’s Brand.

 

She continuously makes strides in creating relationships with other women the Technical Industry.

She has been a mentor and have offered guidance to young people within her community in reaching their goals in life.

 

Kathy is a member of FSA, Empowering Women, Society Women Engineers (SWE), National Technical Association (NTA) and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

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For more information on Kathy, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-johnson-85b6894/

Jennifer Anderson is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Director at The University of Alabama. She developed and implemented the OLLI at UA program thirteen years ago with the advice, experience, and direction of an advisory board.  She has also managed over 1000 events and conferences during her 16-year tenure at UA which included overseeing the Bryant Conference Center.   She has been looked upon as an “out of the box” thinker and idea generator in the industry of lifelong learning and small businesses known to many as the “gig” industry.

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Her previous work experience includes teaching Secondary Education Language Arts, Managing Store operations for the Limited Corporation, Retail and Food Service Director for the launch of Visionland Theme Park and Director of Bama Dining Food Service at The University of Alabama.   Jennifer received her B.A. in Education from The University of Alabama along with her Masters in in Human and Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama with a concentration in conflict resolution.   Jennifer serves the community as a board member on the Police Athletic League, Shelton State Community College Foundation, and the Holy Spirit Athletic Association.  Jennifer has made an impact through her work and service.  She was chosen by The University of Alabama as the Professional Staff Employee of the Year for 2015.  She was also awarded in 2016 from the Circle K organization as the community leader and partner of the year.  Jennifer’s family which consists of six children is known as the modern day Brady Bunch.  She and her husband Steve reside in Tuscaloosa, AL. 

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For more information on Jennifer, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-anderson-59362a18/

Jennifer Cardillo works for Sulzer and is the Marcom Director for the rotating equipment services division in the Americas and for the global turbo product line. She has spent her career in a variety of roles including working as an artist for several years. Jennifer enjoys being a dynamic, strategic, creative and solution-focused international Marcom Manager. Via her career, Jennifer’s number one mantra is to inspire people.

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For more information on Jennifer, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hauri-cardillo/

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