Calling all middle and high school girls! Join us for our 9th Annual Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference presented by Ford and powered by Lockheed Martin! The Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference is a free conference that introduces underrepresented middle and high school girls to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and includes technology workshops and hands-on demonstrations. This year we are going VIRTUAL! The girls will also have an opportunity to network with women technology leaders.

Have you registered for the 9th Annual Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference Presented by Ford Powered by Lockheed Martin? Register at www.techsassygirlz.org for your chance to enter the the Tech Sassy #ConnectFord Vehicle Challenge!!

At Ford, we believe that curiosity fosters creativity and innovation. We’re curious…can a Tech Sassy Girl build a car out of items she finds in her home? We’d like to see you try!

THE CHALLENGE

  • Be Curious – what items could you put together to create a vehicle?
  • Build a vehicle (car, truck or SUV) out of these items
  • Create a short video and post it on Instagram using the hashtags #ConnectFord and #TechSassyGirlz for your chance to win!

*IMPORTANT: If your Instagram page is NOT public, you’ll need to follow fordeventsteam and techsassygirlz. They will then follow you back. If you don’t allow them to view your page, they will not be able to view your submission. Don’t forget to use BOTH hashtags #ConnectFord and #TechSassyGirlz in your post. The #ConnectFord team will select multiple student winners to receive a cash prize!

The #ConnectFord team has set aside $5,000 to award multiple students with a portion of those funds for participating in this Instagram challenge! All submissions must be in by 11:59 pm on 10.11.20. Thanks and may the best Tech Sassy Girlz win their fair share!

Conference Welcome

Tech Sassy Spotlight

Cool Careers in STEM

  • Florence G Tindle – TindleVice President, Engineering & Technology at Lockheed Martin Corporation Missiles & Fire Control
  • Jaife Rainelli (J.C.) – Business Development, Ford AV LLC
  • Joneshia Bethea – IT Project Manager at City of Orlando
  • Angela Alban – President and Chief Executive Officer at SIMETRI, Inc.

Interactive Exhibit Hall

Lockheed Martin
  • Da’Shagne McNeil, Electrical Engineering Manager
  • Karen Oliver, Systems Engineering Manager & Technical Lead
AceApplications, LLC
  • Courtney Powell, President
Limbitless Solutions
  • Kayla Vonder Embse, Educational Outreach, Projects and Logistics Scholar
  • Jessica Oks, Educational Outreach, Projects and Logistics Scholar
Melrose Center
  • Jennifer Michalicek, FabLab instructor
  • Frank Mackey, FabLab instructor
Ford
  • Jaife Rainelli (J.C.), Business Development Lead
Tech Sassy Girlz
  • Emma Sorensen, Pearls in Tech Alumna
  • Courteney Latimer, Pearls in Tech Alumna
  • Aneesa LeJiste, Pearls in Tech Alumna

Workshops

All Things Oracle presented by Oracle Academy

  • Raina Yancey – Principal Technical Support Engineer
  • Danielle Ferretti – Manager, Suite Academy
  • Kameron Vachuska – North America Business Manager, Oracle Academy

Your Professional Brand – An Overview of Resumes, Interviewing, and Professionalism

  • Sandra Leon-Barth – Faculty Coordinator, University of Central Florida

Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential

  • Dr. Karemah Campbell Manselle – Associate Director Office of Student Financial Assistance, University of Central Florida

3D Modeling and Simulation Workshop

  • Jolie Parris – Community Outreach Representative, FullSail University

Speakers

Angela Alban, President and Chief Executive Officer, SIMETRI, Inc.

Alban’s unique perspective on what it means to be a modern entrepreneur is the result of a calm analytical outlook informed by a lifetime of profound personal experiences. Angela became a U.S. citizen after moving from Colombia with her family at the age of five, and has dedicated herself to the growth and sustainment of the Central Florida community. She graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics & Computer Science. She then earned her Master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Central Florida while simultaneously beginning her professional career in the modeling and simulation industry. She also acquired experience in a number of disciplines during this time that would prove essential to SIMETRI’s creation, broadening her skillset to include design and production process, business development, and sales and marketing.

Joneshia Bethea, IT Project Manager, City of Orlando

Originally born in South Carolina, but has lived in Central Florida the majority of her life.  She graduated from Colonial High School in Orlando, FL and then attended Valencia Community College and attained her A.S in Computer Programming and Analysis.  She further pursued her education at the University of Central Florida where she graduated with her B.S in Information Systems Technology.  She started as a Trainee position with the City of Orlando in the Information Technology Department, and she has worked her way up from trainee, to Application Developer, to Department Interface to her current role as an IT Project Manager. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Administration at Marist College.

Theresa Campbell, Business Development Specialist, Ford Motor Company

Theresa Campbell currently serves as the Business Development Specialist for Ford Motor Company in the Orlando Region. In her fifteen years in Marketing, Sales & Service operations at Ford, she’s: opened 9 Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers, sold billions of dollars’ worth of inventory, developed and implemented statewide multicultural marketing initiatives, conducted performance consulting to over 50 independent dealership franchises, and helped develop the corporation’s first ever work-life-integration initiative entitled, “Drive Culture.”
In her current role, Theresa is committed to helping Ford become the world’s most trusted company by not only supporting the rollout of smart vehicles and services for a smart world; but by intentionally creating myriad opportunities to give back to the Central Florida community, as a Bill Ford Better World Challenge ambassador.
Theresa is also a leadership coach, author, and life-long learner who believes in the power of deep listening so much, that she’s writing a book about it entitled, “Just Listen: Creating Confidence in Yourself, Others & God.”

Danielle Ferretti,Manager, Suite Academy, Oracle Academy

Danielle Ferretti is part of Oracle’s education philanthropy program, Oracle Academy. She is responsible for working with school districts and universities to help advance their STEM education programs so that today’s students are equipped for future success. Danielle has a bachelor’s in International Finance & Marketing from the University of Miami and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Her career has afforded her the opportunity to live in many places around the country and to work in many different industries, giving her a diverse set of experiences. She received a Top Secret clearance from her time at Lockheed Martin, got to explore the Magic Kingdom tunnels from her time at Walt Disney and got to record news segments during her time at Yahoo! in California. Always be open to new learning experiences. You never know where they will take you!

Dr. Laine Powell, Founder and Executive Director, Tech Sassy Girlz

Dr. Powell is the Founder and Executive Director of Tech Sassy Girlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring underrepresented girls in middle and high school to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Taking on the challenge head-on of addressing the notable shortage of girls and women in STEM fields, Dr. Powell created the organization in 2012 to address the critical shortage of women and minorities being represented in high-tech STEM careers. She firmly believes that leveraging technology is an opportunity for girls to be content creators and makers. With a mission to empower middle and high school-age girls to pursue future careers in STEM, Central Florida-based non-profit organization Tech Sassy Girlz is leading the way in inspiring the next generation of female STEM professionals.

In 2016, Dr. Powell was invited by the White House to present STEM Access for Marginalized Girls. Dr. Powell has been recognized as one of Orlando Magazine’s 2020 Women of the Year, a Community Champion by the Orlando Magic and WESH 2 News, featured on PBS, NPR and received a host of other community and professional awards including:

  • African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Eagle Award
  • i4 Business Magazine Spirit of Collaboration Award
  • National Philanthropy Day Diversity and Inclusion Award
  • WTS Central Florida Chapter Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Deloris H. Oliver Service to Mankind Award
  • University of Central Florida Trailblazer Award and
  • Nominated three times in 2016 and 2017 for the White House Champions of Change: Young Women Empowering Communities; Computer Science Education; and Extracurricular Enrichment for Marginalized Girls

In the community, Dr. Powell is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the University of Florida Alumni Association. In September 2020, she was appointed by the Florida Board of Governors to serve on the Board of Trustees for Florida Polytechnic University. In 2007, she was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. Board of Directors. She served two terms from 2004 – 2010. Dr. Powell also serves on the boards of WTS Central Florida Chapter, NAF Information Technology Academy and the Women’s Business Center at Seminole State College.

Dr. Powell is married to her college sweetheart, Courtney and they reside in Oviedo, FL.

Jaife Rainelli, (J.C.), Business Development, Ford AV LLC

Jaife Rainelli is the Business Development Lead for Ford AV LLC in Miami. She is committed to launching Ford’s self-driving services alongside the Miami community. Previously, Jaife held senior manager roles at Uber and WeWork, in addition to holding traditional marketing roles at Saks Fifth Avenue and Del Monte Fresh Produce. Jaife was born and raised in Miami and a proud graduate of the University of Miami. In 2010, Jaife represented the city of Miami as Miss Miami and placed second runner up at the Miss Florida competition.

Florence G Tindle, Vice President, Engineering & Technology

Lockheed Martin Corporation Missiles & Fire Control

She has over 25 years of experience leading complex, multi-functional engineering, science, and technology research departments across multiple business units within Lockheed Martin and the USG. In her current position she leads and manages core functional teams; Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Software& Cybersecurity, Integration & Test, Engineering Labs & Technical Services and Logistics & Sustainment Engineering, across the MFC Enterprise.

Kameron Vachuska, Business Manager, Oracle Academy

Kameron Vachuska, Business Manager, Oracle Academy supports North America’s operations and budget management for Oracle’s global philanthropic outreach to advance computing education. Kameron volunteers her time to support and serve students within her role at Oracle and in her local community, most recently supporting college students experiencing food insecurity. She previously led an Oracle Academy commitment to support undergraduate and graduate scholarships. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with an emphasis in fashion and design.

Exhibitors

Kayla Vonder Embse, Educational Outreach, Projects and Logistics Scholars, Limbitless Solutions

Kayla Vonder Embse: is a sophomore studying at the University of Central Florida majoring in Business Economics. She has worked with Limbitless Solutions since the beginning of this year, January 2020.

Courteney Latimer, Pearls in Tech Alumna, Tech Sassy Girlz

She is a senior at Oviedo High School, Class of 2021, currently studying S.T.E.M with Tech Sassy Girlz and working for them as a Social Media Marketer. Courteney plans to go to college to study criminology and information technology. She hopes to encourage young women to challenge themselves by studying STEM. She is interested in IT and is a gifted dancer who has been competing with Edge Dance Studios since the age of 8. You will also find her at the gym, training for track season. She is also well known on social media as “cxreloaded” for her funny and inspiring videos.

Frank Mackey, FabLab Instructor, the Melrose Center

Frank Mackey: His background is in science, and his interests include understanding the world one reproducible result at a time. He will invite you to him about physics, math, astronomy, and / or programming. He is currently working at the Melrose Center serving as a FabLab Instructor.

Da’Shagne McNeil, Electrical Engineering Manager, Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control and DRS

Da’Shagne has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Central Florida and a master’s in Systems Engineering from Iowa State University. She has had the privilege of designing power supplies, ethernet cards, LED boards, and cables. In her current role as an electrical engineering manager in the Engineering and Technology organization, Ms. McNeil leads a team of engineers – guiding them, setting expectations, and building a positive team atmosphere. Previously, she has been an electrical engineer designer where her responsibilities included designing boards, testing, and troubleshooting various hardware. As a system engineer, she performed integration and testing based on customer requirements and design.

Jennifer Michalicek, FabLab Instructor, the Melrose Center

At the age of twelve, Jennifer Michalicek knew two things: she wanted to build a full sized R2-D2, and she had a lot to learn to make that happen. Within a year, she had built her first robot. Within five, she had built her first company, teaching other people how to make robots. She now works at the Melrose Center in the Orlando Public Library, where she teaches engineering, art, and science.

Karen Oliver, Systems Engineering Manager & Technical Lead, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control

Karen has over 20 years of experience in passive and active Electro-Optical remote sensing system design and development. Ms. Oliver is a Floridan who grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She moved to the Orlando area after high school to attend engineering school at the University of Central Florida. In the latter years of her undergraduate education she was introduced to the amazing world of optics and photonics. Ms. Oliver went on to get a Master of Science in Electro-Optical Engineering from UCF CREOL and later a Master of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.

Jessica Oks, Educational Outreach, Projects and Logistics Scholars, Limbitless Solutions

Jessica is a junior studying at the University of Central Florida majoring in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with Limbitless Solutions since June 2020.

Courtney Powell, President, AceApplications

Courtney R. Powell founded AceApplications, LLC as a provider of top tier technology solutions including software, web and mobile application development and IT consulting and staffing services to businesses, schools, public and government agencies. Prior to founding AceApplications, Powell served as director of technology for CNL Financial Group, Inc., an Orlando-based commercial real estate and financial services firm. Powell began his distinguished career as a software engineer in Lockheed Martin’s Engineering Leadership Development Program. Powell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an M.B.A. (specializing in Finance) from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.

Emma Sorensen, Pearls in Tech Alumna, Tech Sassy Girlz

Emma is a senior at Edgewater High school and prior to her interning with us, a Tech Sassy Girlz volunteer. In 2019, Emma participated in our inaugural Tech Sassy Girlz Pearls in Tech cohort. She received her micro-certification in web development and interned at the City of Orlando’s IT department. Her favorite memories about participating in TSG are all the people that she met and the technical skills she learned. She also highlighted all the field trips with the City of Orlando. She’s currently completing dual enrollment, as well as participating in extra-curricular activities.

Workshop Presenters

Sandra Leon Barth, Faculty Coordinator, University of Central Florida

Ms. Leon-Barth is certified as an Experiential Learning practitioner by the Experiential Education Academy (EEA). Originally from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. She is a graduate of the UCF Leadership Enhancement Program, and her interests include Leadership and motivational topics, STEM experiential education and her passion lies in seeing students learn and reach their full potential through gaining relevant experience.

Jolie Parris, Community Outreach Team, FullSail University

As a Community Outreach Representative, I empower individuals to explore their creativity by facilitating hands-on and virtual workshops in entertainment, media, arts, and technology.

Raina Yancey, Principal Technical Software Engineer, Oracle Corporation

Raina Yancey is an IT professional with over 22 years of experience in software support. As a Principal Technical Software Engineer at Oracle Corporation, she is responsible for providing specialized global technical support for some of Oracle’s largest clients and assisting during critical software upgrades and implementations. She is recognized as a Concurrent Processing team Advanced Resolution Engineer and a significant contributor to the success of her global team.

As a passionate leader both at Oracle and in the community, Raina serves as Community Leader for the Orlando Chapter of the African-American Business Leaders for Excellence (ABLE) at Oracle, community volunteer Project Leader and President of the Central Florida Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association. She is passionate about exposing underserved youth to career opportunities in STEM fields and volunteers with several local youth organizations. Raina’s most recent accomplishment is the Special Recognition Award for exemplary achievements at the 2017 Women of Color STEM Conference.

Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


In-Kind Sponsors