Inspiring STEM Equitability Award Finalists
Equitability, diversity, and inclusivity are not just women’s issues – they are business, economic, and societal issues. Organizations need change agents who will champion equitability and diversity, and encourage others to also become ambassadors of the effort.
Each finalist works to create a climate that is not only diverse but also inclusive of all people in such ways that further the success and promotion of the STEM fields. Awarded to an individual, irrespective of gender expression, 17 years of age or older who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting equitability, diversity, and inclusivity in the STEM arena.
JENNIFER GAFFNEY
Inspiring STEM Equitability Award Finalist
Occupation
Senior Project Manager
Organization
Walt Disney Company
Hometown
Wallingford, CT
Passion
Jennifer is passionate about the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in tech.
Bio
Jenny is a Senior Project Manager for Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment currently supporting ESPN’s Fantasy App and Web portfolio. Jenny is on Disney’s Women + Tech leadership team and previously served on the ESPN+ launch team. She has an MBA and Advanced Business Certificates in both Human Resource Management and Project Management from the University of Connecticut. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cumberland University.
JACQUELYNN GAROFANO
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Margaret Ingels Engineering Development Program Manager
Organization
Raytheon Technologies
Hometown
Prospect, CT
Passion
Dr. Garofano is a STEMinist with a passion for mentoring tomorrow’s most promising engineers.
Bio
Jacquelynn is program manager of the Margaret Ingels Engineering Development Program at Raytheon Technologies, leading the next generation of engineers who will redefine aerospace and defense. She earned a doctorate from UCONN and was named WOI in ’11. She was named Forty under 40, twice, and was honored by CWEALF and the CT Science Center for advancing women and girls in STEM. She holds two U.S. patents and authored eleven publications.
AMY GRACE
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Director, Advanced Sustainment
Organization
Pratt & Whitney
Hometown
Ellington, CT
Passion
Amy transitions cutting edge digital and data technologies to improve product and business performance.
Bio
Over her 30-year career with Raytheon Technologies, Amy’s passion has been applying advanced analysis techniques to enhance customer experience with P&W engine and Collins Aerospace systems. Amy was inducted into the Collins Aerospace Fellows Program in 2018. She recently returned to her P&W Military Engines roots as Director, Advanced Sustainment, to develop cutting-edge tools to enable future support of 6000+ engines. Amy received her BS in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University.
LESLIE HAWLEY
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Executive Director
Organization
Pfizer
Hometown
Stonington, CT
Passion
Leslie is passionate about leading teams of scientists that use cutting edge technology to bring innovative new medicines to patients around the world.
Bio
Leslie is an Executive Director in the Pharmaceutical Sciences division of Pfizer R&D. She applied her expertise in analytical, regulatory, and drug formulation sciences to bring important new medicines including Xeljanz and Crisaborole to patients who suffer from debilitating inflammatory and immunological diseases. Leslie is a member of the Board of Directors of S.T.E.P.S., Inc., holds a BS in Chemistry from U.C. Berkeley, a Ph.D. from UCLA and an MBA from URI.
CHRISTINE SEYMOUR
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Director, Global CMC
Organization
Pfizer
Hometown
East Lyme, CT
Passion
Dr. Seymour is passionate about developing new medicines that change patient’s lives and mentoring the next generation.
Bio
Christine is a R&D Leader with 25 years of experience in chemical process development and regulatory sciences where she has led development/commercialization of many pharmaceutical products. She is a globally recognized technical expert, extensively presents/publishes including several books, serves on several University Advisory Boards, and was the 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers President. Chris is passionate about mentoring the next generation. She is a yogini and a yoga teacher.
SHERI SHAMBLIN
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Director
Organization
Pfizer
Hometown
North Stonington, CT
Passion
Sheri is passionate about creating a culture where science, creativity and collaboration can lead to innovative approaches for delivering medicines to patients.
Bio
Sheri is a Director at Pfizer Global Research & Development, where she leads a team of scientists who design and develop new drug delivery platforms intended to address the needs of specific patient populations. Recognized for her expertise in oral controlled drug delivery, she has a successful track record progressing novel drugs to commercial medicines. She is driven by her passion for science and desire to promote health and wellness.
SARAH WOJISKI
Large Business Innovation & Leadership Finalist
Occupation
Director of Education and External Programs
Organization
The Jackson Laboratory
Hometown
Bethany, CT
Passion
Sarah is passionate about providing educational experiences to develop the next generation of biomedical leaders.
Bio
As Director of Education at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Sarah oversees educational programs and provides mentorship for student and trainee populations ranging from high schoolers through postdoctoral fellows. With over 11 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development and program administration in the sciences, her work emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, promoting effective and innovative teaching practices, and fostering diversity and inclusion in the biomedical workforce.
The 16th annual Women of Innovation® event planned for April has been postponed. Details are being finalized and will be provided at a later time. Please contact Maureen Lord with any questions, MLord@CT.org or 860-289-0878.
