Virtual Career Industry & Networking Series Archives

Join Penn Alumni, Penn Career Services, Penn Arts & Sciences, Vagelos Life Sciences & Management program, Biomedical Engineering Society, Penn Biotech Group and Penn Undergraduate Biotech Society for our virtual Career Industry & Networking Series program focused on Biotech. The field of biotech has led to medical and technological breakthroughs that have improved our quality of life for generations to come. What does a traditional and nontraditional path in the biotech field look like? In this program we will discuss different areas and functions that have converged from biology, technology, and the world around to improve the quality of life for humans, plants, and animals.

Host:
Grace Qian, ENG23, Past President, Biomedical Engineering Society, Majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Computer and Information Sciences

Panelists:
Arun Das, C10, W10, MD, Chief Business Officer, Cabaletta Bio
Chrysta Irolla, ENG08, MS, MSPO, CPO Clinical Manager of the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Unit, University of California, San Francisco
Cecilia Sun, C12 W12 WG18, Executive Director, Business Development & Strategy at Entrada Therapeutics

Health & Wellbeing

From virtual fitness communities to meal delivery programs to telehealth platforms, the prevalence of new technology and social media has introduced us to innovative ways to stay healthy. The availability of and increased prioritization of wellness has created opportunity for growth and re-invention in re-defining what staying healthy means on an individual level. Leaders and entrepreneurs in the field are training their focus on giving consumers more agency in seeking a healthier lifestyle by building customizable products and services representative of our rapidly changing world.

Program Host: Joan Dartey C'23, Penn Wellness Chair; Majoring in Psychology and International Development

Panelists:
Sachin Chaudhry WG’13, Founder / CEO of TrustCircle and Founder of BringChange Foundation Inc.
Bridget O’Carroll WG’21, Founder of Studio Qila; Product Strategy and Operations Lead at Google

Strategic Communications - Recording

In an organization, clarifying purpose and connecting mission with senior leadership and its consumers is essential. Roles in brand strategy, public relations, internal communication, and corporate messaging are just several of the players creating the blueprint for the consistent and concise communication needed for an organization to achieve continuing relevance and profitability in our competitive marketplace. Join us for a discussion with alumni professionals who work with a variety of major brands, representing both consumer goods and public figures, to learn more about the different functions of this professional field.

Program Host: Jaden Baum C’21 (she/her) Associate Language Strategist, maslansky + partners
Moderator: Michael Karam C’17 (he/him) Communications Officer, The GroundTruth Project

Panelists:
David Helfenbein C'08 (he/him) Vice President, Public Relations, Burford Capital
Amber Efé Tingle GR’11 (she/her) Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations at the Data Science Institute, Columbia University in the City of New York

Data Analytics - Recording

For the past two years, organizations and employees have had to pivot to different ways of thinking about and doing business. Tracking and understanding trends in the ways people are working, spending their time and money, and preparing for the future have become vital in shaping strategy and culture. Now more than ever, Data Analytics has become the key to drive productivity, efficiency, and revenue growth in every type of industry. Join our discussion with alumni professionals in the Data Analytics field to learn more about how the field is changing and evolving to respond to our ever-rapidly changing trends in business, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, government, and beyond.

Program Host: Ashley Clarke, W’23 (she/her), Co-President, Wharton Analytics Fellows & Member, Wharton Customer Analytics Student Advisory Board

Panelists
Shomik Sarkar, C’12, (he/him), Senior Officer, Business Intelligence & Analytics, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Catherine Griffin, LPS’08, (she/her), Founder, ImpactableX Analytics
Sajjad Jaffer, WG’01, (he/him), Head of Data, Analytics and Machine Learning, GrowthCurve Capital and ex co-founder Two Six Capital

Emerging and Booming Fields - Recording

The effects on the labor market during the pandemic have led to severe and sudden consequences. Millions of people lost their jobs or were furloughed while many were deemed essential and continued working at great health risks; the rest of the workforce pivoted to remote work. Amid these sudden changes, a new reality that is touching every aspect of the labor market is setting in. In this program we will discuss the current landscape of career and professional development while focusing on the new roles and opportunities that have been created or re-invented because of these changes.

Program Host: Zöe Patterson W’23 (she/her) Student Leader at the Wharton School
Will Jackson GEN’16 (he/him) Management Associate at HEB
Steven Tristan Young W’02 (he/him), Chief Marketing Officer at Poshmark.
Afia Genfi C’09 (she/her) Program Manager, Enterprise Technology at Peloton Interactive

Faith & Career - recording

We all hope to find genuine meaning and purpose in the work that we do – to be able to align our personal values with our career path. For many of us our religious and spiritual identity provides us with space to reflect on and shape our personal values, but it can be challenging to integrate these reflections with our daily life and work. Join us for a conversation with alumni who have ventured down this path as we discuss the ways they have found to combine their career goals with their spiritual pursuits and religious commitments.

Student Host: Nikki Zinzuwadia C’22 Student Fellow, Office of Social Equity & Community
Shrestha Singh, C’12 (she/her), psychotherapist, spiritual director, and storyteller (moderator)
Rabbi Justin Pines, Esq., C’05 (he/him), Director, Youth and Young Adult Initiatives, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America
Rev. Dr. Donique McIntosh GED’04 (she/her), Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Kingswood Oxford School

Sports - recording

The ongoing battle against COVID-19 and fight for social justice has elicited timely dialogue on the role and influence of Sports in our society. What role do professionals in Sports Administration play in this current environment? What does that mean for the future of the field? Join Penn alumni professionals who have dedicated their careers to the administration and development within this field as they discuss their career trajectories and share relevant tips on how to navigate the field.

Carly Lieberman, W’22 (she/her), Vice President, Undergraduate Sports Business Club & Summer Analyst, BlackRock
Kerry Scalora, C’14, (she/her) Director, Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch
Gil Beverly, W’96 (he/him), Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, Tennessee Titans
Oscar Benitez, C’09, (he/him) NFL Color Commentator & Director, Third Sector Capital Partners

Public Health - recording

Public Health expert CEA Winslow defines Public Health as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.” Roles in the Public Health field can range in function and scope across different communities and areas that include research, policy, education, and direct service. Take a deep dive with alumni professionals in the Public Health field to learn more about their unique experiences and perspectives in the work that they do. This discussion will give its participants a rounded understanding on different Public Health career paths traveled by fellow Penn alums.

Laura Lagunez-Ndereba GR’20 (she/her), Project Manager, Department of Family Health and Community Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Rahima Dosani C’09 (she/her), Market Access Advisor, Center for Innovation and Impact, USAID Global Health Bureau
Jonah DeChants SPP’13 (he/him), Research Scientist, The Trevor Project
Kiahana Brooks, NU’12, GR’16 (she/her), Special Assistant, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Discussion - recording

Work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has existed since the 1960s, evolving into different approaches and philosophies. In its earlier iterations, DEI practices were limited to compliance-oriented content for human resources practices and training. More recently, however, DEI work has become a vocation of its own focusing on promoting understanding and appreciation of all types of diversity to enhance business performance. Outside of the individual organization, DEI exists in a range of professional services, dedicated to advocacy for the advancement of equity and inclusion for society at large. In this discussion, you will hear from DEI professionals who serve in various capacities to elevate and realize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.

Alba Disla C’19 (she/her) – Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Comcast
Cecilia Ramirez C’05 SPP’10 (she/her) Chief of Staff, Equal Justice USA
Kimberly Truong GR’10 (she/her) Executive Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Office, MGH Institute of Health Professions
Chris Noble C’13 (he/him) Regulatory Counsel, Ohio Credit Union League

Public Service Discussion - recording

Explore the multifaceted nature of government and public service. Learn how to hone your passion into a career in Public Service. Careers in this field run the gamut of roles at the state and local levels, federal government, think tanks, and nonprofits. Join us to gain insight into the careers of alumni professionals in Public Service and to get tips on carving a path of your own.

Kaitlyn Rentala C’22 (she/her) Major: Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE); author of The Public Sector Pivot: How Gen Z Will Lead a Renaissance of Public Service
Paul Garr C’10 (he/him) – Foreign Service Officer, the United States Department of State; Current assignment: U.S. Alumni Coordinator at the Department of State Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs
Ellen Kamei G’11 (she/her) – Mayor, City of Mountain View, California
Monica Rhodes MSHP’12 (she/her) – Director of Resource Management, National Park Foundation

Entertainment Discussion - recording

As the entertainment industry navigates the effects of COVID-19, what has and what will change for those in the profession? Learn about what the future holds for the media and entertainment industry and how it may impact various roles and functions. Through our alumni panel of professionals, you will hear different perspectives and stories from the field to give participants insight to plan their approach.

Justin Ching, C’12 - Founder & Filmmaker, J-School
Carolina Angel C’14 - Production Coordinator at Pixar Animation Studios
Dara Cook W’95 – Senior Vice President, Original Franchise Programming, MTV Group, Viacom

Environment Discussion - recording

Hear from alumni who will discussed their experience in the areas of scientific research, education, sustainability, policy, resilience, and planning for the environment. Explore the latest developments and challenges by hearing from professionals in the field who will spoke about their progression in the field.

Kelly Bridges C’16 - Senior Associate, Global Water 2020
Niva Kramek C’06, MES’08, Associate Chief, Existing Chemicals Branch, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, US Environmental Protections Agency
Clarence Tong C’04 Director, Government Relations at Environmental Defense Fund

Technology Discussion - recording

In our ever-increasing digital and virtual world, what is the role and impact of those who work in non-technical roles? Hear from alumni in tech who work in an interpersonal or business development capacity at various tech companies. Learn about the different opportunities that may exist for you in tech and how to leverage your skills to be successful in this climate.

Jason Post C’01 - Director, Global Communications and Public Affairs, Google
Victor Scotti C’13 – Cloud Human Resources Program Manager at Google
Allie Nava C’94 - Amazon AWS Private Equity, Amazon Web Services

Social Impact Discussion - recording

How does one find their footing in the complex field of social impact? How does one use their knowledge and skills to benefit others? Learn about the different ways our speakers have helped align an organization’s mission with its goals and make a difference in the community. In this discussion, we will meet professionals who work in different areas of social impact and hear their experiences and views on industry trends and practices from a grassroots level to a global perspective.

Stephanie Fenniri SPP’19 – Deputy Director at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Penn Teaching Fellow at CSIS (Center for Social Impact Strategy)
Patrice Green, C’05, G08 - Program Officer, Inclusive Economies at the Surdna Foundation
Sayeeda Rashid SPP’20 - Coordinator, Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia