STEM Talks
STEM professionals from a variety of industries, and often some of the same neighborhoods as the students, share what inspired and motivated them in both their life and career journey. Through this experience, students can begin to visualize their future differently.
Ready to become a STEM Talk Speaker? Contact Querube Della Cella with questions at (312) 237-4214 or click the button to the right.
Peter Bernstein
Principal Architect, TransUnion
“Find your mentors”
Beth Bond
Founder of ForGoods and Founder of Community Startups, an incubator and accelerator program for CPS youth.
“Your perspective can change the world”
Seli Cerda
Manager of Application Support, CDW
“You are important enough to make an impact”
Tyrone “Tye” Clark
Director of Business Continuity Management, William Blair
“Resiliency: A life skill and a business need”
Charles Gill
Owner, Creating Life Goals, LLC
“Whatever life throws at you, be prepared”
Miguel Guerra
Wireless Enterprise Architect, CDW
“The choices you make determine the life you live”
Andee Harris
“Don’t get furious, get curious!”
Ron Harris
ITS Director of Configuration Services, CDW
“Growth is the result of learning from your mistakes”
Sara Hruska
Senior Sales Executive, NTT Data
“Taking control of your personal brand”
Vernon Johnson, Ph.D.
Director, Diversity & Inclusion Retail, Brookfield Properties
“Finding the right track”
Arunashish Majumdar
Senior Leader, Financial Services Consulting, Accenture
“Change is the only constant”
Fletcher McCombie
Director, Jabian Consulting
“Learning from failure can create success”
Diana Mucci
Sr. Director, Security Services, NTT Data
“All Roads Lead to STEM”
Victoria Ocholla
Corporate Counsel, Oracle
“Fearlessly Chase Down Your Biggest Goals in Life”
Ahmed “Flex” Omar
Founder, Global Eventz
“Making connections”
Christina Perry
Sr. Team Lead, TransUnion
“A career in STEM can begin anywhere.”
Luna Rajbhandari
Senior Director, Data Management and Platforms, Cars.com
“From BASIC to big data”
Ajith (AJ) Rao
Senior Researcher, USG
“Learning is the most useful skill”
William J. Reed
Enterprise Account Manager, HP
“Finding the best job for me”
Pradeep Sadhu
Vice President, Client Digital Platform Service, Northern Trust Corporation
“Learning is not compulsory; it’s voluntary. But to survive, we must learn”
Carmen Santiago-Keenon
Founder, IT Girl Solutions
“Stay aware of the opportunities presented in life, and look to make some of your own”
Karriem Shakoor
VP, CIO at Underwriters Laboratories
“Technology Gave Me a Future”
Alok Sharma
Business Analyst/Technology, Arity
“Change: the only constant”
Jack Shedd
Partner/Interactive Director, Mess
“An unnecessary amount of hard work”
Chandrika Shrinivasan
Business Unit Head, Tata Consultancy Services
“Dare to dream and never lose hope”
Aaron Sims
Director of Converge Consulting, Forefront
“Making the most of your failures”
Rosemary Swierk
President, Direct Steel and Construction
“The Power of Your Strengths.”
Ken Townsend
VP, Chief Information Security Office, R1 RCM
“Preparing for success in an unknown world.”
Paula Tripp
Director, Consumer and Business Insights, McDonald’s Corporation
“Seventh grade science fair launches a 6 figure career.”
Nicole Walker
Senior Director Innovation Incubator, Innovation Platform Consultant, HCSC Innovation Platform
“Staying True to What You Enjoy”
Bryant O. C. Wallace
Founder/CEO, WallScott Solutions
“Turning obstacles into opportunities”