DT | WiSTEMM - Staying Career Relevant in a Changing Economy

Change is inevitable and holds especially true in the fields of STEMM. Whether it be the dynamic nature of technology or the rapid advances in science and research, these natural evolutions can impact your career. Even the most skilled are concerned that with the next wave of change, they might be rendered obsolete. So how do we avoid irrelevance in today's fast paced economy? Join us for a panel between STEMM and HR leaders as we dive deep into the topic of change and how to stay ahead of the curve to avoid career irrelevance.

Moderator:

Kara Lowe, COO, KC Tech Council
Kara is Chief Operating Officer of the KC Tech Council, a membership-based association serving as the regional advocate for Kansas City’s tech industry. Kara’s role is focused on organizational growth through investor development, strategic partnerships and marketing. She has more than a decade of experience leading events, marketing, corporate sponsorships and public relations efforts for some of Kansas City's premier destinations, including the Country Club Plaza and Town Center Plaza/Crossing in Leawood, KS. She currently serves on the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology advisory board for KU Edwards Campus, the advisory board for Team KC, the talent initiative for KCADC, and the marketing committee for CCVI. Kara is a 2015 graduate of the KC Chamber's Centurions Leadership Program. An Overland Park native, Kara earned her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas, and lives in Leawood with her husband Pat and two children.

Panelists:

Whitney Lindsey, Talent Acquisition Leader, TIFEC
Whitney Lindsey is an experienced recruiter specializing in acquiring and developing technical talent. As the talent acquisition lead with TIFEC (The Illig Family Enterprise Company), she works for its subsidiaries including FanThreeSixty, Novation IQ and more to secure top talent for roles in engineering, software development, programming and more. Prior to joining TIFEC, she was a lead recruiter with some of the foremost brands in Silicon Valley included Oracle, Google and Amazon, giving her deep knowledge in and insight about the skills and experience required to succeed in the tech/IT industries. With a Master of Science in Strategic HR from University of Denver, Whitney is skilled in relationship management, recruiting, organizational change and learning.

Christine Murray, SVP, Managing Director - Kansas City, Fenaroli & Associates
Christine Murray recently joined Fenaroli & Associates, a leading executive recruiting and talent consulting firm, as Senior Vice President in its Kansas City office. She spearheads the firm’s efforts in the following areas:

Transportation & Logistics
Economic Development and Civic Sectors
The Executive Ascent, a proprietary development program for high-potential business executives
Pure Pitch Rally, a funding assembly for start-ups that includes corporate iconic companies as well as successful tech investors – global tech sponsors include Amazon, WeWork, and General Assembly

Prior to joining Fenaroli & Associates, Christine served as Senior Director of Programs and Entrepreneurship for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. During her tenure, she managed startup and emerging business initiatives, reinforcing the Chamber’s Big 5 initiative to make “Kansas City America’s Most Entrepreneurial City,” including innovation conferences connecting entrepreneurs, innovators and startups. She was also responsible the KC Chamber’s Centurion Program for emerging business professionals, Google Urban Mobility Initiative, Military Affairs Committee and various policy and transportation sector programs. In addition to her extensive work experience, Christine has provided leadership to various business development and community enrichment organizations including Launch KC, InvestMidwest and held leadership positions with the AIA of Kansas City, Hello Art, Athena League, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and The Nelson-Atkins Young Friends of Art. Christine has been honored as part of The American Chamber of Commerce Executives 40 under 40, Techweek’s Top 100 Kansas City Area Leaders, Kansas City Business Journal’s NextGen Leaders, and the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City Celebration of Women.

Deb North, President / Principal, True North Consulting, LLC
Deb North is the President/CEO of True North Consulting, a CWOSB in the Kansas City area. She has over 20 years of experience in executive search and staffing. Deb holds three certifications CPC (Certified Placement Consultant), CSP (Certified Staffing Professional), and TSC (Technical Staffing Certification).

Deb is passionate about supporting women in STEM and is active with WiStemm, the WIT Network, and KC Women in IT. She also serves on the digital advisory board for Topeka High School and serves as a consultant regarding relevant technology in regards to the curriculum. As part of this board, she mentors girls for the Technovation Challenge. She is also an active member of Topeka SHRM and Top Echelon Network, an elite network of highly specialized search firms. Deb is a graduate of Baker University and has three daughters: Grace (16), Rae (12), and Annie (9).

Libby Abbruzzese, Director of Business Operations – Aerotek
Libby is the Director of Business Operations for Aerotek’s Engineering and Sciences business units here in Overland Park, KS. Aerotek is the global leader in technical staffing and recruiting, with more than 250 offices and 6,300 employees and the Kansas City E&S team currently employ over 500 technically trained individuals on client assignment. Libby’s role is focused on organizational growth through marketplace engagement, people development, and operational efficiency. She has more than 15 years of experience in technical recruiting, developing leaders, and growing several Aerotek operations. She currently serves our community through the Junior League of Kansas City and participates in building Kansas City through the KCADC. She and her family were recently featured in the KC Options Magazine for 2019. She has lived and worked in several US cities, namely: Indianapolis, IN, Denver, Co, and San Diego, CA. Libby earned her B.S. in Management from Miami University of Ohio, and lives in Prairie Village with her husband Nick and daughter Zoe (3).