This event recognizes women in the workforce who are leaders in technology, science and engineering. Also honored are high school and college students for research and academic accomplishments.

2. THE CONNECTICUT TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL,
Covidien, Day Pitney, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation and Unit-
ed Technologies welcome you to the ninth annual Women of Innovation®
Awards Dinner. Tonight we celebrate and honor the energy, creativity and
remarkable capabilities of 52 women and students working and studying in
Connecticut’s science and technology community.
We salute all the nominees and finalists – women working as scientists, en-
gineers, entrepreneurs – for their efforts and accomplishments. Their biog-
raphies in this program are testimony to their remarkable careers, but we
should fully recognize that these biographies represent just a brief record
of their professional and personal accomplishments. We also wish to thank
those individuals who took the time nominate these outstanding women
and are here this evening to celebrate their achievements.
After nine years, we now have an alumni group of nearly 450 finalists. By
gathering together this community of accomplished women, we hope to
further support the many efforts that encourage young women and girls to
pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math and to foster a
collaborative network. Some of the organizations and their volunteers that
work to motivate young girls in the STEM disciplines are also present here
tonight.
We thank all of you for attending tonight’s event and ask you to join us in
acknowledging the many achievements of these innovative women. You will
remember your time with us and the finalists tonight and leave inspired
with an exuberance and inspiration that only a gathering of this type can
generate. The Council and the event sponsors look forward to celebrating
the 10 year milestone in 2014 with a special and extraordinary celebration.

3. 2013 Planning Committee
Beth Alquist Jennifer Kowalski
Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee Continuous Process Improvement Leader
Partner, Day Pitney LLP Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Dan Adams Scott Morrison
Executive Chairman, Global Head of Business VP Information Systems Prescription Medicines
,
Development Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
Protein Sciences Corporation
Mary Norris
Lucy Brakoniecki Partner
Research & Evaluation Director Wiggin and Dana LLP
Connecticut Women’s Education & Legal Fund
Glennis Orloff
Vice President, Product Development
Teresa Carleton i-Health
VP of Mission System Design & Integration
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Paige Rasid
Chief Operating Officer
Michele Dischino Connecticut Technology Council
Associate Professor, Technology & Engineering
Education
Central Connecticut State University Tracy Romano
Sr. VP Research & Zoological Operations
,
Sea Research Foundation, Inc. at Mystic Aquarium
Christine Gemelli
Consultant
Connecticut Innovations
Vanessa Rubano
Scientist II
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
Maria Gigliotti
Sr. Associate Director, Drug Regulatory Affairs
Ellyn Savard
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Program Initiatives Manager
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Eileen Hasson
President Sondra Schneider
The Computer Company CEO & Founder
Security University
Cathy Intravia
Partner Luke Weinstein
Shipman & Goodwin LLP Entrepreneur & Mentor
Jacqueline Jones Rita Zangari
Staff Scientist Executive Director, Technology Partnerships &
Covidien Licensing
University of Connecticut
3

4. MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Diane Smith
Emmy award winning TV journalist, radio talk show host, author and speaker
WELCOME
Chuck Pagano
Chairman of the Board, Connecticut Technology Council
Denise W. Merrill
Connecticut Secretary of the State
Catherine Smith
Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development
Elizabeth Alquist
Partner, Day Pitney LLP
Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee
Nancy Di Dia
Executive Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement,
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
INTRODUCTION OF FINALISTS
AFTER DINNER WELCOME, REMARKS, AND KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
Beth Amato
SVP Human Resources, United Technologies Corporation
,
KEYNOTE
Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid
President, University of Saint Joseph
AWARD PRESENTATIONS (In order of presentation)
Youth Innovation & Leadership
Collegian Innovation & Leadership
Community Innovation & Leadership
Research Innovation & Leadership
Academic Innovation & Leadership
Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership
Small Business Innovation & Leadership
Large Business Innovation & Leadership
Collegian Innovation & Leadership
CLOSING REMARKS
4

5. Master of Ceremonies
Diane Smith
An Emmy award winning TV journalist, radio talk show host, author and
speaker, Diane has been on the air in Connecticut since 1982. She is currently
anchor and senior producer for program development at CT-N, the Connecti-
cut version of C-SPAN. Diane’s “Positively Connecticut” TV series on CPTV
is the longest running local TV series in state history. Diane’s next book, Ob-
sessed, written with MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski is about
solving the American obesity crisis. Obsessed will be published in May 2013
by Weinstein Books.
Diane was an award winning news reporter and anchor on WTNH-TV in New
Haven, and co-hosted the Morning Show on WTIC-Newstalk1080. She con-
tinues as a frequent on air contributor to CPTV, producing and hosting award
winning documentaries and programming.
Diane serves on the board of the World Affairs Council and is on the advisory council of the non-partisan
Women’s Campaign School at Yale. Diane was appointed by Connecticut’s Secretary of the State to the
Civic Health Advisory Board, and she has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in
Culture and Tourism for outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts and tourism
in Connecticut. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame honored Diane in 2012 as a woman of “voice
and vision”. In November 2012 Diane was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences Silver Circle for 25 years of distinguished service to broadcasting and the community.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid
Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D., is the eighth President of University of
Saint Joseph. Since taking office in 2008 she has worked to build upon
the University’s reputation for academic excellence and ensure its com-
mitment to integrity, women’s leadership, and service. She initiated and
successfully launched the University’s first professional doctoral pro-
gram by creating a School of Pharmacy in downtown Hartford. Under
her leadership, the size of the graduate program in education has tripled
with the introduction of off-site classes throughout Connecticut and un-
dergraduate women’s programs have gained increased recognition for
student success.
Since arriving in Connecticut, Dr. Reid’s demonstrated commitment to
the community and her leadership skills have made her a frequently-
sought speaker and project collaborator. Dr. Reid currently serves on the
boards of the MetroHartford Alliance, the iQuilt Project for Downtown
Hartford, and the Wadsworth Atheneum. She is on the executive com-
mittees of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges and the
Hartford Consortium for Higher Education; the board of the National
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; and the Division III Presidents Council of the
NCAA. In July, 2012, she was appointed to the Capital Region Development Authority by Governor Malloy.
Dr. Reid is a developmental psychologist, who throughout her career, has enhanced academic quality
and promoted diversity. Among her projects, she is most proud of a math and technology enrichment
program for middle school girls which continues to operate in Detroit. The program, Gaining Options:
Girls Investigate Real Life (GO-GIRL), was also replicated in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington
D.C.
Dr. Reid is a nationally-known scholar in the area of gender and racial issues. She has numerous pub-
lished book chapters and articles in psychological journals. A Fellow of the American Psychological As-
sociation, Dr. Reid was elected President of the APA Society for the Psychology of Women, and served
as Chair of the APA Committee on Women in Psychology. She has received national awards, including
the Distinguished Leadership Award given by the APA Committee on Women in Psychology.
Dr. Reid holds a B.S. from Howard University, an M.A. from Temple University and a Ph.D. from the
University of Pennsylvania. She has held administrative roles at the City University of New York Gradu-
ate School, the University of Michigan, and Roosevelt University.
5

6. MEET The Finalists
Lili Aramli | Academic Innovation and Leadership
Biology Teacher, Academy of Aerospace and Engineering/ Greater Hartford
Academy of Math and Science
Lili received her Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Biochemistry at UConn and continued
her research training as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University. She has since been teach-
ing at AAE/GHAMAS and has developed an extensive research program that allows stu-
dents to design and conduct research projects. She seeks to inspire a love of science not
only with high school students, but with all young people through the Girl Scouts.
Katherine Ayers | Research Innovation and Leadership
Director of Research, Proton OnSite
Kathy is responsible for developing and executing Proton’s research and devel-
opment strategy in new materials and has been awarded numerous government research
grants supporting this strategy. Kathy was part of a Department of Energy Hydrogen
Production Expert Panel in 2012 and received the 2012 R&D Award from their Hydrogen
Production Team. She received her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and
now serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the $125 million Energy Innovation Hub.
Cynthia Barnett | Community Innovation and Leadership
Program Founder, Saturday Academy
Cynthia is the founder of Saturday Academy, a scientific and educational en-
richment program designed to create an interest in science and technology. Previously she
worked in the Norwalk Public Schools for more than 30 years as a teacher, guidance coun-
selor and assistant high school principal. Now retired, her mission is to spark an interest
among girls for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Lisa Braden-Harder | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Chief Executive Officer, Appen Butler Hill, Inc.
Lisa is the CEO and a founder of Appen Butler Hill. She is a seasoned entrepre-
neur experienced in accelerating technology to global markets. Her expertise includes 25+
years of experience in technologies with cultural and linguistic components. In her spare
time, Lisa has acted as Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund for Ridgefield, CT. She enjoys
Pilates and writing.
Meghan Brunaugh | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Founder, Combat2Career (C2C)
Meghan, a military veteran and military spouse, is the Co-Founder of Combat-
2Career, a technology start-up developed to assist veterans in pursuing higher education
by providing them with an online workflow solution to facilitate the college search and
application process. The system maintains services to veterans throughout their academic
career and through the transition from student life to the civilian workforce.
6

7. MEET The Finalists
Treese Campbell | Community Innovation and Leadership
Staff Scientist, United Technologies Research Center
Treese is a staff scientist at United Technologies Research Center and has pub-
lished and patented work in catalysis and fire suppression materials. Inspired by her past
mentors, she is actively involved in organizations that promote science and engineering.
She is currently the Chief Judge for the Connecticut Science Fair, organizes events for the
Connecticut Science Olympiad and has served as president for the New England Catalysis
Society.
Kate Donahue | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
President, Hampford Research, Inc.
Kate is President of Hampford Research, Inc., a specialty chemical manufactur-
er serving Fortune 500 companies in the electronics, dental, personal care and industrial
adhesives markets. During her six-year tenure at the helm of the business founded by her
father, she has turned the company around by focusing on constant improvement, collabo-
ration, teamwork and employee development. The firm is well positioned for significant
growth in the years to come.
Alicia Echevarria | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Graduate Student, University of Connecticut
Alicia is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Masters of Science in Civil
Engineering at the University of Connecticut. She is originally from Paradise Valley, NV,
and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada. Her research entails
studying the multi-hazard resilience of conventional and innovative reinforced concrete
bridge columns. Alicia is also the co-founder and CEO of Advanced Column Solutions LLC.
Zoe Eggleston | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Newtown High School
Zoe is the patented inventor of the Ice Safety Device. She credits the Connecti-
cut Invention Convention (CIC) for exposing her to a future in technology and works to
expand CIC and STEM education in Newtown schools. Zoe is the student board member for
CIC, captain of the NHS swim and track teams, a lifeguard, swim coach and motor head.
She plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and make it known that Newtown
is a proud place to call home.
Alysia Evanitsky | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
UAE Chief Engineer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Alysia is a Lead International Black Hawk Program Engineer at Sikorsky Air-
craft. Alysia has worked at Sikorsky since 2005 and currently manages contracts to deliver
the Black Hawk to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and serve as the main technical
interface. Alysia holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti-
tute and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from New York University Stern School of Busi-
ness.
7

8. Nurturing innovative ideas today
for more health tomorrow.
Boehringer Ingelheim ranks among the world’s 15 leading
pharmaceutical corporations. Our vision drives us
forward. It helps us to foster value through innovation in
our company and to look to the future with constantly
renewed commitment and ambition.
For more than 125 years, Boehringer Ingelheim has
been committed to the research and development of
innovative medicines that help make more health for
patients and their families.
Congratulations to our finalists,
Susan Marotta and Dr. Kremena (Kemmie) Simitchieva.
Visit us online at
us.boehringer-ingelheim.com

9. MEET The Finalists
Estelle Fanucci | Academic Innovation and Leadership
Science Department Chair, Amity Regional High School
Estelle is the Science Department Chairperson at Amity Regional High School.
She has overseen the expansion of the science program to introduce STEM based courses,
including Science Research and Physics for Engineering, Studies of Subtropical Ecosys-
tems, and Science Mentorship. She has developed curriculum materials for the Connecticut
State Department of Education and served on the state’s Advisory Committee for First and
Second Generation Science CT Academic Performace Test. Estelle received the Connecticut
Science Supervisors Association (CSSA) Fred J. Scimone Award in 2008.
Lynn Fraga | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
General Manager, Customer Services Operations, Pratt & Whitney
Lynn joined United Technologies in 2000 and has held positions of increasing
responsibility at Hamilton Sundstrand, International Aero Engines and Pratt & Whitney.
She has been a leader in transforming Pratt & Whitney’s Commercial Engines customer
support infrastructure. Her significant contributions include transforming the 24 hour
Customer Help Desk into a World-Class Global Operations Center, modernizing the cus-
tomer portal and replacing the technical communication IT systems. Lynn holds a B.S. from
Northeastern University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Sonja Glavaski |Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Control Systems Group Leader, United Technologies Research Center
Sonja joined United Technologies Research Center in 2010 as the Control
Systems Group Leader. She is an internationally recognized expert in the field of control
systems for commercial and defense applications. Since joining UTRC, she has made sig-
nificant technical contributions to UTC’s world-class product/technology portfolio, advanc-
ing new knowledge and technology critical to the implementation of cutting-edge control
systems. Sonja currently serves as the IEEE Control Systems Society Women in Control
Chair.
Angela Grieve | Community Innovation and Leadership
Project Manager, Pratt & Whitney
Angela is a Project Manager at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. She has a
Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hartford, a Masters in Project
Management from Boston University and is a Certified Project Management Professional.
Angie is the Chair for the Career Development and Mentoring Team on the Pratt & Whitney
Women’s Council, the Vice President of her local Women at Work group and a Vernon
Greenway Volunteer.
Jordan Henck | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Amity Regional High School
Jordan participates in many outreach programs sharing her science knowledge
with elementary and middle school students. In the 2012 CT Science Fair, she received first
place in computer science and several awards for her independent research. She is captain
of her local swim team, a member of the Robotics Club, and President of the Anime Club.
An amateur black and white photographer, she was inducted into the National Arts Honor
Society and won a silver key in the CT Scholastic Art Awards.
9

10. MEET The Finalists
Mary Ellen Jones | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
VP Commercial Engines Customer Support & America Sales, Pratt & Whitney
,
Mary Ellen is the Vice President for Global Customer Support & Americas
Sales for Pratt & Whitney. She chairs the Connecticut Airport Authority, which sets direc-
tion and strategy for Bradley International Airport and five general aviation airports in the
state, chairs the P&W, Korean Air Institute for Collaborative Engineering and serves on the
Board of Governors for the Wings Club. Mary Ellen is a graduate of Michigan State Univer-
sity and Johns Hopkins University.
Krista Karlson | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science
Krista is a high school senior from Granby who participates in a half-day pro-
gram at the Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science where she has developed a
great love for the interconnectedness of math and science. She plans to pursue environ-
mental science and math in college next year. Krista plays lacrosse, participates in 4-H as
well as the school newspaper, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She loves
snowboarding, water skiing and hiking.
Delaney Kehoe | Youth Innovation and Leadership
High School Senior, Glastonbury High School
Delaney is a senior at Glastonbury High School. For the past two years she has
conducted research and she is currently working in the Biology Department at the Univer-
sity of Hartford. Her research involves examining immune responses in shark livers that
reflect the health of an ecosystem. Delaney is the captain of her softball team, a peer tutor,
and a member of both the Spanish club and the National Honor Society.
Maria Keilich | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Manager, Systems Engineering, United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)
At UTAS, Maria leads a team of engineers developing software specifications
and systems analyses for complex, space-qualified Environmental Control and Life Sup-
port Systems (ECLSS). Maria created a system model of the “Personal Life Support” model,
which tracks water consumption for extra vehicular activities (EVAs). She is also Lead
Systems Engineer on the Stratolaunch vehicle, part of the new wave of “commercial” space
travel, designing a thermal management system for launch vehicle interface.
Deborah Kennedy | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CEO, NutritionOptions LLC
Deborah has studied food her entire life. She learned to cook at age four and
went on to become a chef and obtain her doctorate in nutritional biochemistry. She is the
founder of Build Healthy Kids®, which is currently in over 240 schools nationwide. She
founded the Integrative Therapies Program for Children with Cancer at Children’s Hospital
of New York-Presbyterian. Deborah has written three books: Beat Picky Eating, Nutrition
Bites, and Beat Sugar Addiction Now! for Kids.
10

11. MEET The Finalists
Yvonne Kielhorn | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Founder & CEO, Why Science LLC
Yvonne’s company, Why Science, provides customized inquiry-based learning
systems that empower educators to teach STEM effectively. The Why Science® Learning
System promotes science literacy and problem-solving skills aligned with frameworks and
standards in any classroom. Inspired by the critical need to improve methods of teaching
STEM topics and produce a sustainable STEM workforce, Why Science creates learning
systems that more fully engage educators and students.
Kerry Kozaczuk | Community Innovation and Leadership
Analyst, Engineering Services, Pratt & Whitney
Kerry supports Pratt & Whitney’s Materials Engineering Lab. She is a member
of several diversity initiatives at UTC, and served as chair of the Connecticut Stonewall
Speakers. She donates her artwork to non-profit organizations supporting equitable prac-
tices and respectful treatment of people and animals. Kerry earned a BFA in Illustration at
the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Brittney Lew | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Greenwich High School
Brittney is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Math
Honors Society and the Chinese Honors Society. Her research, using the luminescence
properties of bee venom, suggests an economical, more accessible, and simpler method of
detecting explosives and pesticides through a portable, battery-operated LED device. This
research sparked her interest in pursuing engineering in college. Brittney tutors several
students at the International School at Dundee’s Homework Club and volunteers for the
Adopt-A-Dog shelter.
Jamie Maciaszek | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut
Jamie is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate studying biomedical engineering at the
University of Connecticut. She currently works in Dr. George Lykotrafitis’ lab studying the
signaling and adhesion mechanisms of red blood cells from patients with sickle cell disease
using atomic force microscopy. Jamie received a highly competitive American Heart Asso-
ciation predoctoral fellowship for her support from 2011-2013. She is listed as first author
on four publications for her work.
Mallory Madfes | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Greenwich High School
Mallory is a senior at Greenwich High School and is enrolled in the Science
Research program. Her previous research focused on core mediation of PCB soil contami-
nants with Pluerotus ostreatus. This year she focused on creating a dual component dress-
ing. She is active in her school’s student government and has also started a chapter for her
youth group. Mallory plans to major in engineering in college.
11

12. Covidien Committed To Connecticut’s
Technology and Innovation
Congratulations
Connecticut Technology Council’s
Women of Innovation
Nominees and Winners
We are especially proud of and congratulate our own finalist
and the finalists for the youth category.
Large Business Innovation & Leadership award finalist
Angela Throm, Ph.D.
Staff Development Scientist
Research and Development
Youth Innovation and Leadership award finalists
Zoe Eggleston Delaney Kehoe Mallory Madfes
Jordan Henck Brittney Lew Shiyu Zhuang
Krista Karlson
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical
solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and
excellence. Covidien has Connecticut locations in New Haven and North Haven.
COVIDIEN, COVIDIEN with logo, COVIDIEN logo and positive results for life are U.S. and internationally registered trademarks
of Covidien AG. Other brands are trademarks of a Covidien company. © 2013 Covidien

13. MEET The Finalists
Stacy Malecki | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Design Integration Manager, Pratt & Whitney
Stacy is the Design Integration Manager for Pratt & Whitney. In this role she
is responsible for configuration management and control of all Pratt & Whitney products
and processes. Her 27 year career has developed from its roots in mechanical design and
project engineering, and has included a variety of technical and management roles such as
the distinguished role of Pratt & Whitney Fellow in Turbine Design.
Radenka Maric | Research Innovation and Leadership
CT Clean Energy Fund Professor of Sustainable Energy, University of
Connecticut
Radenka is a noted Professor in Sustainable Energy in the UConn Department of Chemical
& Biomolecular Engineering. She has introduced innovative approaches to nanomaterial
synthesis that have led to a number of industrial projects. Her most significant contribution
is the development of a new manufacturing process for fuel cells that could make highly
efficient fuel cell-powered vehicles a viable commercial option. She is passionate in her
commitment to nurture and educate female engineers, contributing time toward mentoring
female students in both soft and technical skills.
Susan Marotta | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Executive Director, Quality & Records Management Unit, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sue is Executive Director of Quality and Records Management at Boehringer Ingelheim
Pharmaceuticals. She is responsible for directing compliance functions within Development
US and ensuring a vision of outstanding quality, compliance and ethics in accordance with
the global strategy. She has 27 years experience in pharmaceutical development, managing
clinical trial supply and quality functions. Sue earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics and
an MBA in Finance from Kent State University.
Beth Mercier | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Vice President, Personal Lines, The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Beth is a results oriented leader with 25 years of financial, operational, and
technical delivery experience in a variety of complex financial services organizations. She
is the VP of Personal Lines at Travelers and is responsible for investment prioritization,
governance, portfolio controls, and the linking of critical business initiatives to the strate-
gic roadmap. Beth is President-Elect for the Insurance Accounting & Systems Association
(IASA), a trade association with 1000+ members and 26 chapters.
Paiyz Mikael | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut
Paiyz migrated to the U.S. from Iraqi Kurdistan in 1997. She graduated with
honors from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Biology. She earned
her Masters in Biomedical Engineering at UConn, where she focused on developing me-
chanically superior 3D scaffold for segmental bone defects. Paiyz is now a Ph.D. candidate
at UConn in the Material Science and Engineering program, where she continues to focus
on developing constructs for bone repair. Paiyz loves spending time with her husband Mo-
hammad and six-year old daughter Rojan.
13

14. MEET The Finalists
Sandra Muller | Community Innovation and Leadership
President, Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair
Sandra has served 25 years on the Connecticut Science Fair Board, and as
President, she chairs scientific reviews, secures annual grants and oversees 700 students
from 120 schools. A retired nursing administrator, she worked in Houston with Dr. DeBakey
performing heart transplants. Sandra has been honored as Woman of the Year in Healthcare,
appointed by the Governor as Chair of the Commission on Aging, and recognized by the town
of Cromwell for 25 years volunteering on School Board and Water Pollution Control Authority.
Phyllis Pierce | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CEO and Founder, My Luck Club
A seasoned entrepreneur and marketing guru, Phyllis is the founder and CEO
of My Luck Club, a new patent-pending, crowd-sourcing website that provides a monetary
and social incentive for people to help one another find what they need, including jobs,
homes, services, objects, even love. Prior to My Luck Club, Phyllis founded two successful
startups — a television production company and a gourmet pie company and café.
Teresa Piliouras | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CEO, Technical Consulting & Research, Inc.
Teresa is the CEO of Technical Consulting & Research and founder of Best We
Can Be (BWCB). BWCB helps high school students prepare for college and careers by help-
ing them interact with mentors and experts, providing them a variety of hands-on experi-
ences. Teresa has held appointments in Computer Science and Management of Technology
departments at Polytechnic Institute of New York University and Iona College. The author
of many scholarly publications, she is a recognized educator, entrepreneur, and consultant.
Donna Ray | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Manager, General Engineering, United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)
Donna leads a cross-functional team at UTAS to design, develop and deliver
complex space-qualified Environmental Controls and Life Support (ECLS) Systems for
NASA’s next space exploration vehicle, Orion. She played a key role in systems manage-
ment for the Environmental Mobility Unit (EMU), also known as ‘the space suit’. In 2004,
Donna received the distinguished NASA Space Flight Awareness award and has also re-
ceived 14 other awards from peers and customers.
Amalia Rusu | Academic Innovation and Leadership
Assistant Professor of Software Engineering, Fairfield University
Amalia received her Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the
University at Buffalo. She was named the 2008 Frontiers in Education (FIE) New Faculty
Fellow by the National Academy of Engineering Center for the Advancement of Scholarship
on Engineering Education (NAE CASEE). Her activities include three years of leading the
partnership with GE on the joint outreach program for the Connecticut High School Com-
puter Science Contest and organizing a Google workshop for local secondary STEM teach-
ers. She also participates in the ASAP AVANCE project for advancing the careers of women
in STEM at undergraduate institutions through professional networks.
14

15. MEET The Finalists
Kremena Simitchieva | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Director, Pipeline Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Born and raised in communist Bulgaria, Kremena (Kemmie) came to the U.S.
as an internal medicine doctor looking to improve the health to patients. Inspired to impact
global health through work at the World Health Organization, she graduated as an inter-
national MBA from USC. Later Kremena was recruited by Merck, where she spent seven
years, followed by five years at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals before joining Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
Carolyn Slayman | Academic Innovation and Leadership
Deputy Dean, Academic and Scientific Affairs, Yale Medical School
Carolyn is the Sterling Professor of Genetics and of Cellular and Molecular
Physiology while also serving as Deputy Dean for Academic & Scientific Affairs. She was
the first woman to chair an academic department at Yale School of Medicine and to serve
as Deputy Dean. In that role, she has been a dynamic leader who has encouraged the devel-
opment of outstanding technology cores and research resources in areas such as genomics,
proteomics and metabolomics.
Lindsay Soh | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, Yale University
Lindsay is a doctoral student in Environmental Engineering at Yale University
who works with Dr. Julie Zimmerman. After completing her bachelor’s degree at the Uni-
versity of California, Berkeley, Lindsay moved to Yale to focus on her dissertation research
on biodiesel production from algae. Her forthcoming research interests involve the applica-
tion of green engineering towards sustainably producing biofuels and bio-based commodi-
ties. Lindsay is also passionate about teaching, music and the outdoors.
Joan Steitz | Academic Innovation and Leadership
Molecular Biologist and Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and
Biochemistry, Yale University
Joan is one of leading scientists in her field and is best known for her pioneering work in
RNA (Ribonucleic acid). Her breakthroughs into the previously mysterious splicing process
have clarified the science behind the formation of proteins and other biological processes,
including the intricate changes that occur as the immune system and brain develop. Some
of her many honors include the National Medal of Science and the Robert J. and Claire
Pasarow Foundation 23rd Annual Medical Research Award for Extraordinary Achievement
in Cancer Research.
Renee Sutherland | Community Innovation and Leadership
Design Engineer, Pratt & Whitney
Renee has been working at Pratt & Whitney as a Design Engineer for the
Compression Systems Module Center for almost two years. She has been cross-trained as a
structural analyst while providing support to integrally bladed rotors on the manufacturing
floor. In the community, she is serving as Chair to the Southern New England Association
of Technical Professionals (SNEATP), a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE). As Chair, a primary goal of hers has been to take on the mission to increase the
number of Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively
impact the community.
15

16. Congratulations Finalists!
we are proud supporters of
Connecticut technology Council’s
Women of Innovation
Boston ConneCtiCut new Jersey new york washington, DC | www.daypitney.com

17. MEET The Finalists
Maria Tarczynska | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
AIA, LEED A.P MS3 Corp. Architects
.,
Maria is a registered architect in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, and
is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. She received a Masters of Architecture from
Warsaw Polytechnic in 1976. She has worked on some large-scale projects including the
American Airlines Terminal and East Side Access project, which will bring the Long Island
Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. Maria lives in Clinton with her two children.
Angela Throm | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Senior Biomedical Engineer, Covidien
Angela is a Staff Development Scientist at Covidien where she leads a team of
biologists and chemists in the evaluation of biomaterials. At Covidien she serves as De-
velopment Committee co-lead for the Women’s Leadership Alliance and is a member of
Covidien Cares. Angela has a doctorate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester
Polytechnic Institute and UMass Medical School. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedi-
cal Engineering from Saint Louis University.
Julie Trowbridge-Dillman | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Senior VP Enterprise Business Intel, The Travelers Companies, Inc.
,
Julie is Senior Vice President leading eBusiness, where she is accountable
for the digital strategies and capabilities across Travelers Insurance. She also sits on the
Achieve Hartford Board of Directors and Executive Committee, a nonprofit established to
monitor, support and serve as a catalyst for education reform and community involvement
in the Hartford Public School District. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication
Disorders from the University of Wisconsin.
Amanda Van Wagner | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
Director of Client Services, Prometheus Research, LLC
Amanda joined Prometheus Research in 2008 as a Junior Analyst. Today, she
holds the title of Senior Director of Client Services and manages a team of business ana-
lysts. Amanda’s innovations have led to numerous company-wide improvements in the
areas of professional development, hiring, onboarding, business development and project
delivery. Amanda holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and
plans to pursue a PMI certification.
Jodi Vecchiarelli | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Group Leader, Physical Sciences Department, United Technologies Research
Center
Jodi has been at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) for ten years, holding roles
in the areas of chemistry, materials, and characterization. Jodi’s responsibility is to lead the
group that provides technical expertise across UTC in the area of Measurement Science
Advancement and Materials Characterization. Jodi received a B.A. in Chemistry from the
College of the Holy Cross and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts.
17

18. MEET The Finalists
Carol Wallace | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
President & CEO, Cooper-Atkins Corporation
Carol is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cooper-Atkins
Corporation, a leading manufacturer of temperature, time, and humidity instruments for
global foodservice, healthcare, HVAC/R, industrial and OEM markets. Prior to joining Coo-
per-Atkins Corporation as Director of Planning in 1991, Carol spent 12 years in the manu-
facturing field. She currently serves on the Boards of the following Connecticut companies
and organizations: Connecticut Water Service, Inc., Zygo Corporation, The Connecticut
Women’s Hall of Fame, and Middlesex Hospital.
Zhaohui Wang | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut
Zhaohui received her B.S. degree from Beijing University of Chemical Technol-
ogy in 2006 and her M.S. degree from the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sci-
ences, China, in 2009, both in electrical engineering. She is currently a Ph.D candidate in
Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut, under the direction
of Dr. Shengli Zhou. Her research interests lie in the areas of underwater acoustic commu-
nications and networking.
Temeka White | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Manager, Global Supply Chain, Pratt & Whitney
Temeka is an 11-year veteran at Pratt & Whitney, currently leading global proj-
ect management efforts for large resource-based projects, along with the change manage-
ment process for work transitions. Temeka is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for All
Star Gymnastics, where her duties include fundraising, obtaining grants, and aiding com-
petitive gymnasts, ages 6 to 17.
Yvonne Will | Research Innovation and Leadership
Associate Research Fellow, Pfizer
Yvonne began her industry career in 1999 at MitoKor in San Diego, a company
dedicated to finding mitochondrial drug targets to cure Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
She joined Pfizer in 2003 where she pioneered many of the mitochondrial toxicity assays,
new technologies and engaged in colleague career development. When she is not at work,
she and her nine-year old daughter, Natalia, can be found at a nearby stable spending time
with their two horses.
Zengmin Xia | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut
Zengmin, a doctoral candidate at the Wei Laboratory at the University of Con-
necticut, is conducting research that will help pave the way for faster, longer-lasting and
more successful bone and tissue regeneration and repair. Zengmin received her B.S. from
Zhejiang University, an M.S. from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and then
joined Invensys Process Systems, China. She is currently working on the fabrication of
novel polymer/ceramic tissue engineering scaffolds and eventual commercialization of the
material.
18

19. MEET The Finalists
Shiyu Zhuang | Youth Innovation and Leadership
Senior, Amity Regional High School
Shiyu is a representative of the Clean Energy Task Force and President of the
Amity Global Warming Club. She is also secretary of Amity’s National Honor Society and
student council Vice President. She has been performing ballet since age three. She is an
avid enthusiast of the sciences and has pursued multiple research projects, winning second
place at CT JSHS. Shiyu currently interns at the Malone Engineering Center at Yale and
plans to continue studying biomedical engineering in college.
Julie Zimmerman | Research Innovation and Leadership
Associate Professor of Green Engineering, Yale University
Julie is an Associate Professor jointly appointed to the Department of Chemi-
cal Engineering and the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale. Her re-
search interests broadly focus on green chemistry and engineering with specific emphasis
on green downstream processing and life cycle assessment of algae biomass for fuels and
value-added chemicals. She is also studying novel bio-based sorbents for purification of
drinking water and remediation of industrial wastewater.
The Covidien and Jana Moak Scholarships
Tonight, we also celebrate Jana Moak, a remarkable woman we first met in 2006 as
a Women of Innovation winner. She later joined the Connecticut Technology Council
Board of Directors. Jana passed away in 2007. With a physics degree, she had spent
a large portion of her career as an investment banker in the South, moving to Con-
necticut in 2003 to manage a Connecticut technology company. An abiding interest
of hers was attracting more young people, and in particular, young girls, to technol-
ogy and science careers. For that reason, and to honor Jana Moak, the Connecticut
Technology Council is awarding a total of $1,500 to the youth finalists introduced
this evening, in addition to the $2,500 Youth Innovation and Leadership scholarship
contributed by Covidien. Tonight’s honorees were selected from over 25 outstand-
ing nominations. Four criteria were considered by the selection panel: academic
achievement, innovation and creativity, leadership and a decision to pursue a career
in a science or technology profession. Selecting the Covidien scholarship winner
this year was not an easy task. All of our finalists are deserving of the scholarship.
Each will likely go on to excel in their collegiate and professional careers. We wish
them immeasurable success.
19

20. Otis
Pratt & Whitney
sikOrsky
utc aerOsPace systems
utc climate, cOntrOls & security

21. CONGRATULATIONS ZOE!
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU.
You inspire the thousands of young inventors and innovators
who dream to make the world a better place.
From your friends at the
Connecticut Invention Convention
The Connecticut Invention Convention is an educational non profit which supports K-8 inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs
through school-based programs. Now in its 30th year, the CIC is the longest continuously operating program of its kind in the
nation, encouraging thousands of Connecticut children to “become an inventor once, better twice.” More than 54% are girls.
THANK YOU TO OUR Table Sponsors
Academy of Aerospace and Engineering/ Fairfield University School of Engineering
Greater Hartford Academy of Math and
Science Hampford Research, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation Hartford Steam Boiler
Cantor Colburn Pfizer
Proton OnSite
COCC
Shipman & Goodwin
Comcast
Sea Research Foundation
Covidien
Travelers Insurance
Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair
UConn School of Engineering
Connecticut Invention Convention
UK Trade and Investment
CTNEXT
United Technology Corporation
Day Pitney
Wiggin and Dana LLP
ESPN
Yale University
21

22. The Women of Innovation®
The Women of Innovation program, now in its ninth year, has created a vibrant
network of over 400 women studying, working and pursuing careers in science,
technology, engineering and math.
Women of Innovation 2005 Women of Innovation 2006
Women of Innovation 2007 Women of Innovation 2008
Women of Innovation 2009 Women of Innovation 2010
Women of Innovation 2011 Women of Innovation 2012
22

23. 2013 EVENTS
innov tion
co n n e c t i c u t
Girls of Innovation Innovation Summit
An offshoot of the Women of Innovation program, Each year CTC selects 75+ exciting technology
the Girls of Innovation Science Challenge inspires start-ups as “Tech Companies to Watch.” The
middle school students to consider science and Summit includes a poster fair, a “pitch fest” com-
technology-related research and careers. Girls of petition in which the winner is decided by an audi-
Innovation is for girls, grades 7 & 8, to explore sci- ence vote, and an awards presentation for the top
ence and its challenges in a fun, interactive way. companies in each of five business vertical catego-
The event is sponsored by Covidien. ries. The event attracts angels, venture investors,
corporate business development executives and
technology boosters.
CEO Forum IT Summit
An annual program designed for the executive Formerly the CIO Forum, this an annual program
management of mid-sized to large technology is for the executive information management of
companies. Our goal for the Tech CEO Forum is to mid-sized to large companies. Our goal is to intro-
introduce the state’s technology executives (CEOs duce the state’s IT executives to each other and
and Presidents only) to each other and to share to present topics and information that will make
information that will make them more successful. them more successful.
Marcum Tech Top 40 PowerMatch
Marcum LLP one of the nation’s leading account-
, An exclusive executive networking program, Pow-
ing and advisory firms, and CTC recognize the erMatch is a structured event designed to help
40 fastest growing technology companies in Con- participants quickly and efficiently network with a
necticut each year based on revenue growth over maximum number of Council members. The event
the past four years. The evening culminated in the is open to technology executives. Attendees are
designation of the top performers in five key tech- CTC members, but a select group of non-members
nology sectors. are occasionally invited.
Find Us Online
@CTTech | Connecticut Technology Council
23

24. Congratulations to all the Finalists
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Collaborators
Special Thanks
Acuity PR
Premier Limousine
Steve Gaynes Communication
Connecticut Technology Council
222 Pitkin Street, Suite 113, East Hartford, CT 06108
860-289-0878 • www.ct.org