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Lightning Talks
The event will open with a series of lightning talks from the following speakers highlighting their story and tech insights for their organization.
Rick Turoczy is a central figure in Portland's startup landscape, boasting over 25 years of experience. He established Silicon Florist, a blog dedicated to Portland startups, and co-founded PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment) in 2009 with Wieden+Kennedy. His entrepreneurial endeavors include launching TechFestNW, Oregon Story Board, and Built Oregon, each contributing to different aspects of Oregon's business ecosystem. Rick also serves as an advisor to SXSW, a mentor at Backstage Capital, and a scout for Clearco, marking his significant impact in the startup community.
Yoseph, a dedicated husband, son, and brother, has a rich history of traveling to over 30 countries, significantly contributing to the semiconductor industry in locations like South Korea, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. Educated in mechanical engineering at Portland State University and Portland Community College, Yoseph currently excels as a system owner at ASML, focusing on high numerical aperture machines. He is the founder of the SHADES Netherlands Employee Resource Group at ASML, showcasing his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, Yoseph's experiences include being a Business Development Consultant for OMEK in Amsterdam, a Co-Founder of Simple X in Portland, Oregon, and serving as a traveling mentor with Engineers Without Borders. These roles highlight his passion for engineering and fostering global community connections.
Rahim Harji, the Deputy City Manager of the City of Hillsboro, began his journey in Gainesville, Florida, and spent his childhood in Kenya, nurturing a love for diverse cultures and languages, including Swahili. His academic path led him to Canada and eventually to Portland State University in Oregon, where he completed an Executive MPA. A licensed Professional Engineer in Oregon, Rahim's career in public service took a significant turn in early 2020 when he joined the City of Hillsboro as Assistant City Manager during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, he rose to the position of Deputy City Manager. Rahim, along with his wife Emily and their dog, enjoys the serene Oregon outdoors, exploring hiking trails, visiting the coast, and sharing a passion for soccer.
Karla Flores Jaime is a mechanical engineer at SSOE Group, a distinguished architecture and engineering firm specializing in designing manufacturing facilities for the automotive, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries. Since her days as an engineering student at Portland State University in 2016, Karla has been actively involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Her commitment to the organization has grown over the years, culminating in her current role as the president of SHPE's Oregon Professional Chapter. In this capacity, she dedicates herself to supporting and fostering the growth of other Hispanic engineers, embodying her passion for both engineering and community empowerment.
Cindy Rogel is a trailblazing first-generation Mexican American college graduate, originally from Phoenix, Arizona. As the eldest of seven children, Cindy has set a strong example for her siblings, earning a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering. This academic achievement has paved the way for a successful career that has spanned across Arizona, California, and Oregon. Currently, Cindy holds dual roles as a Process Engineer and Package R&D Engineer at two Intel campuses, showcasing her expertise and versatility in the field. Outside of her professional life, Cindy is passionate about giving back to the community, dedicating her spare time to volunteering in K-12 STEM education advocacy, where she helps inspire and guide the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.
Miguel "Mike Firm," based in Portland, merges multimedia creativity with community building, leveraging over a decade of experience in education and the nonprofit sector. His work is guided by systems-level thinking and a commitment to design justice, currently serving as the Talent Development & Inclusion Strategist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Holding an MFA in Collaborative Design and a BS in Mathematics, Miguel is also engaged in producing political hip-hop, leading a Latinx collective, and providing diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting. His multifaceted interests extend to creative hobbies and community activities. More about his projects and initiatives can be found at mikefirm.com.
Adrian Wright, a dynamic co-founder of XB Community and a Manager at PacifiCorp, stands out as a visionary leader in both the corporate and entrepreneurial spheres. At XB Community, he spearheaded the development of an innovative app that serves as a comprehensive hub for black events and businesses in Portland, showcasing his dedication to empowering the African American community. His corporate role at PacifiCorp complements his entrepreneurial flair, contributing significantly to his ability to drive growth and foster economic and cultural development within the community. Adrian's unique blend of corporate acumen and commitment to community enhancement has established him as a prominent figure in Portland, making substantial contributions to both the business sector and societal progress.
Gladys, a graduate of The University of Arizona with master's degrees in Engineering Management and Mechanical Engineering, has over a decade of experience in various industries, including medical and semiconductors. As an instructor at her alma mater, she developed a passion for mentoring students. She served as the president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Oregon Chapter, leading it to significant accolades. Recognized with awards like the Technology Rising Star and SHPE's Professional of the Year, Gladys also contributes as a judge in entrepreneurial competitions and volunteers in community services. An advocate for gender and racial equity in the workplace, she balances her professional life with a love for nature, outdoor activities, and scuba diving.
Hazel Valdez, the Executive Director of PDXWIT, has an extensive background in the tech community, with over 11 years of experience. Before her current role, she was the Associate Director at the Oregon Bioscience Incubator (OBI) & OTRADI, where she played a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage organizations, particularly in bioscience and digital health, while also contributing to OBI's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Hazel's journey in the tech sector began as Operations Manager at PDXWIT, following her studies in English at UC Irvine and a BA in Culinary Management from Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts. She is also actively involved as the board secretary for Saturday Academy. Outside of her professional life, Hazel enjoys traveling, culinary explorations, boxing as a USA Boxing official, and spending quality time with her wife Crystal and their cat, Maple.
Scott Hanselman, based in Portland, Oregon, is a multifaceted programmer, teacher, and speaker working with Microsoft's Web Platform Team. Renowned for his personal blog on technology, diversity, and the open web, he maintains a distinct voice independent of his professional affiliation. Scott hosts three podcasts, covering tech discussions, developer life, and tech culture, alongside a friend, and runs a YouTube channel. His prior roles include Chief Architect at Corillian Corporation, Principal Consultant at STEP Technology, and Adjunct Professor at OIT. Notably, he developed the first PalmPilot Diabetes Management System. A fervent advocate for community and social equity, Scott is active across various social media platforms and invites interaction through his blog, social channels, and email at scott@hanselman.com.
Speaker Bios
Event Schedule
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Service Leadership:
a gateway to community
Expect an insightful discussion on how servant-leadership principles can foster community growth and individual well-being. The panel will explore practical strategies for integrating service-oriented leadership within tech organizations to build more supportive and engaged communities.
Fidel Ferrer's journey to personal and professional excellence began with his emigration from Cuba to the United States in 2010, just a year shy of obtaining his DMD. This pivotal move not only continued his career path but also opened doors to new professional avenues, leading him to discover his full potential. Fidel's years of experience in leading projects and managing teams have significantly contributed to the growth of the organizations he has worked with. Through these roles, he has uncovered his true passion for leadership in the field of science, particularly in STEM. This journey reflects his belief in the power of will to win, desire to succeed, and the urge to reach one's full potential as key elements in achieving personal excellence.
Romanna Flores, educated at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, is a key player in user experience at Intel, focusing on internal applications and mobile tools. She extends her expertise beyond her corporate role by actively leading STEM education initiatives for over a decade, mentoring SHPE student chapters, and engaging with Intel’s Latinx Network. Her service includes roles on Oregon’s STEM Investment Council and as an advisor to Oregon MESA. Romanna also founded the 4-H STEAM program, Mariachi STEAM, which has inspired over 200 students in STEAM fields and garnered recognition, including a feature in Forbes and an award from Oregon State University.
Stephen Green is a strategy, operations, and financial leader with a passion for community impact and building trust. He has a track record of helping founders understand how to work "ON" the business, rather than just "IN" the business, in order to achieve results and manage growth effectively. Stephen has experience as a founder and investor. He is also a startup mentor, a founder of “PitchBlack” a pitch competition, and has served in leadership positions at several companies, including WeWork.
Joseph Bull, the Dean of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University, is notable as the first Native American engineering dean in the U.S. Previously, he served at Tulane University and the University of Michigan, focusing on ultrasound and biofluid mechanics research. Recognized for his efforts in promoting racial equity and diversity, including receiving the Raymond J. and Monica E. Schultz Outreach and Diversity Award, Dr. Bull is a Fellow of several esteemed engineering societies. An enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, his leadership role represents a significant advancement in diversifying the engineering academic landscape.
Speaker Bios
Lightning Talks
Our final series of lightning talks from the following speakers highlighting their story and tech insights for their organization.
Natalie Ruiz, the CEO of AnswerConnect, stands out for her unconventional path to success, a journey that fuels her drive to redefine work, achievement, and life balance. Recognized as an award-winning executive, Natalie has received accolades including Female Executive of the Year and Women Helping Women by the Stevie Award Association, Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal, and being listed as one of the 100 Women to Know in America. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she actively contributes to the community by serving on the board of PDXWIT, engaging in volunteer work, and sharing her insights as a keynote speaker, podcast guest, and published writer. Natalie is committed to positively impacting people and places, striving to leave a lasting and beneficial imprint in all her endeavors.
Rita Munarwi is a seasoned professional with 19 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing across Asia, Europe, and the USA, focusing on Fab start-up and development. Passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, she actively supports women in her field. Her expertise lies in efficiently managing cross-functional teams in dynamic, multicultural engineering environments. Specializing in Program/Project Management, Tapeout Integration, and New Product Introduction, she is also skilled in Lean Six Sigma and Technology Transfer, with significant experience in CMOS technologies ranging from 65 to 12nm tech nodes. Rita's diverse skill set and commitment make her a notable figure in the semiconductor industry.
Jarvez Hall, as the Director of the East Metro STEAM Partnership, plays a pivotal role in promoting equitable STEAM education in East Multnomah County. An Oregon State University alum, he was part of the acclaimed football team that clinched the Pac-10 Championship and the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. Jarvez also held significant leadership roles at OSU, including Memorial Union President and President of the Black Student Union. He completed his MBA at Willamette University, where he continued to foster his leadership and teaching skills. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership at Gonzaga University, Jarvez has a rich background in academia, teaching at various institutions, and providing consultancy and executive coaching. His commitment to community service is evident through his board memberships in several nonprofit organizations and his role on the Greater Portland Economic Development District Board, representing the East Metro region.
Dwindell Joseph is a testament to resilience and advocacy. A first-generation American born in New York to Haitian immigrants and raised in foster care, he has dedicated his life to serving marginalized communities. Starting his career as a Project Intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, Dwindell moved to Portland in 2019 to work with their Columbia Northwest branch. Holding a B.A. in Communications with a focus on Digital Media Production from SUNY Plattsburgh, he also founded Dwins Designs, a digital media company. His extensive community work includes creating programs for at-risk youth and serving on advisory boards in New York. Following the 2020 national unrest, he founded Love Your Black Community, raising substantial funds to support Black individuals and bridge digital divides. As of September 2021, Dwindell serves as Development Manager at Free Geek, leveraging technology to further empower and connect communities.
Natnael Girmai is an ambitious and aspiring consultant, currently enriching his knowledge at Portland State University with a specialized focus in finance and a double major in technology analytics. His professional journey is distinguished by significant internships at renowned institutions, including Nike Jordan, the United States Senate, Cambia Health Solutions, and Multnomah County, providing him with a diverse range of experiences and insights. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Natnael enjoys exploring the picturesque trails of the Pacific Northwest, embracing the natural beauty and tranquility of the region. His dedication to both his career and personal interests highlights his well-rounded character and determination to excel in multiple facets of life.
Speaker Bios
Networking & Resource Fair
*Activities and Demonstrations available*
Thank you to our sponsors and community partners!
Come meet:
Portland Community College
Intel
ASML
Cameron Stallings
Portland State University
JIREH
Autodesk
Oregon State University
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Work Systems
Free Geek
PDX WIT
OMSI
Mesa Oregon
Technology Association of Oregon
Centro Cultural
Blacks In Tech
Sneaker Week
Day One Tech STE(A)M
Word Is Bond
SHPE Oregon
NSBE PDX
Black Portland/XB
PDX BE
Mercury League
East Metro STEAM Partnership
Daimler Trucks
Microsoft
ASML
Project LEDO
Urban League
The Script
Fireside
Hillsboro Oregon
Smart Cities - City of Portland
Oregon STEM
Keynote Panel:
a conversation about Education
Our event will conclude with an intimate conversation with leaders in education who will speak on the importance of education in the future of technology
Dr. Richard Osibanjo, the Director of Transformation and Chief of Staff at Intel, is a renowned expert in transformational leadership and team performance. With a foundation in analytical chemistry from Nigeria, he has developed into a globally recognized thought leader, focusing on energizing organizations and unlocking human potential. His career, which spans over 20 years, includes roles as an executive coach and advisor to Fortune 500 executives. Dr. Osibanjo holds advanced degrees in Chemistry, including a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. He is a Forbes Columnist on Leadership Strategy, a Marshall Goldsmith Top 100 coach, and a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, making him a respected voice in the field of leadership and organizational development.
Dr. Adrien Bennings joined Portland Community College (PCC) as its first permanent female president in 2022, bringing over 15 years of higher education experience. Previously, she was president of Kellogg Community College in Michigan, also leading its foundation with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her earlier roles include vice president of administration and finance at Clovis Community College, New Mexico, and regional director of small business development at Texas Tech University, overseeing significant economic initiatives. Dr. Bennings, a certified peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University, a Master's in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University, and a Bachelor's in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Charlene Williams, with deep ties to the Pacific Northwest, has made significant contributions to public education in the region. As Deputy Superintendent at Evergreen Public Schools in Southwest Washington, she led the development of a strategic plan and established a superintendent advisory committee. Previously, she served as Assistant Superintendent in the Camas School District, where she facilitated the adoption of the district's first equity policy. Her tenure at Portland Public Schools included a pivotal role as Senior Director of School Performance, and as principal of Roosevelt High School, she significantly improved graduation rates, particularly for students of color. Beginning her Oregon journey at Portland Community College as a math instructor, Dr. Williams later became principal at Rosemary Anderson High School, earning accolades for her contributions to student achievement and equity in education.
Dr. Robert D. Kelly became the 21st President and the first layperson and person of color to lead the University of Portland, a historic Roman Catholic institution, in July 2022. His distinguished career prior to this included roles as Vice President, Special Assistant to the President, and Clinical Professor at Loyola University Maryland, overseeing various sectors including mission and identity and diversity initiatives. With extensive experience in higher education, Dr. Kelly has held senior roles at Loyola University Chicago, Seattle University, and Union College. He possesses a PhD in Education Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont, and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Kelly's leadership is defined by his commitment to inclusivity, equity, and academic excellence.
