Speakers
Persis Drell, 9th Dean of Stanford's School of Engineering
Persis S. Drell is the Frederick Emmons Terman Dean of the Stanford School of Engineering, the James and Anna Marie Spilker Professor in the School of Engineering and a professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Physics at Stanford University. Drell, who assumed the post of dean in September 2014, has been on the faculty at Stanford since 2002 and was director of the 1,600-employee U.S. Department of Energy SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2007 to 2012. During Drell's tenure as director, SLAC transitioned from being a laboratory dedicated primarily to research in high-energy physics to one that is now seen as a leader in a number of scientific disciplines. In 2010, the laboratory began operations of the world's most powerful X-ray free electron laser, which is revolutionizing study of the atomic and molecular world as it performs scientific research and drives applications in energy and environmental sciences, drug development and materials engineering. Drell received her bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics from Wellesley College in 1977 and earned her doctorate in atomic physics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1983. She then switched to high-energy experimental physics and worked as a postdoctoral scientist with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Drell is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a fellow of the American Physical Society. She has received Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award.
Persis S. Drell is the Frederick Emmons Terman Dean of the Stanford School of Engineering, the James and Anna Marie Spilker Professor in the School of Engineering and a professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Physics at Stanford University. Drell, who assumed the post of dean in September 2014, has been on the faculty at Stanford since 2002 and was director of the 1,600-employee U.S. Department of Energy SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2007 to 2012. During Drell's tenure as director, SLAC transitioned from being a laboratory dedicated primarily to research in high-energy physics to one that is now seen as a leader in a number of scientific disciplines. In 2010, the laboratory began operations of the world's most powerful X-ray free electron laser, which is revolutionizing study of the atomic and molecular world as it performs scientific research and drives applications in energy and environmental sciences, drug development and materials engineering. Drell received her bachelor's degree in mathematics and physics from Wellesley College in 1977 and earned her doctorate in atomic physics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1983. She then switched to high-energy experimental physics and worked as a postdoctoral scientist with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Drell is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a fellow of the American Physical Society. She has received Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award.
Cecilia Chung, Senior Strategist of the Transgender Law Center
Cecilia Chung, is nationally recognized as a leader, advocating for people most vulnerable to or living with HIV, LGBT equality, social justice and human rights. She is currently a Health Commissioner in San Francisco where she is the first trans woman appointed to the position by Mayor Ed Lee. Cecilia was also the first trans woman and first person living openly with HIV elected Chair to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission where she has served for over seven years. In addition, Cecilia is the current Co-Chair of the Amsterdam-based Global Network of People Living with HIV and the Chair of United States People Living with HIV Caucus.
Cecilia currently oversees Positively Trans*, a constituent-led project, that aims to identify policy and advocacy priorities to address health disparities among transgender women of color living with HIV.
Cecilia Chung, is nationally recognized as a leader, advocating for people most vulnerable to or living with HIV, LGBT equality, social justice and human rights. She is currently a Health Commissioner in San Francisco where she is the first trans woman appointed to the position by Mayor Ed Lee. Cecilia was also the first trans woman and first person living openly with HIV elected Chair to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission where she has served for over seven years. In addition, Cecilia is the current Co-Chair of the Amsterdam-based Global Network of People Living with HIV and the Chair of United States People Living with HIV Caucus.
Cecilia currently oversees Positively Trans*, a constituent-led project, that aims to identify policy and advocacy priorities to address health disparities among transgender women of color living with HIV.
Jaime-Alexis Fowler, Director of Marketing for Code for America
Jaime-Alexis Fowler is the Director of Marketing at Code for America, where she oversees a collaborative, agile team focused on growing the network of Code for America cities, counties, citizens, companies, and community organizations to help build a government that works in the 21st century. Prior to CfA, Jaime-Alexis most recently served as Deputy Director at Exhale, overseeing organizational operations, programs, and strategy. And spent six years developing and growing communications, public relations, and online fundraising at Pathfinder International, a $100M international sexual and reproductive health nonprofit. She continues to serve on Pathfinder’s Development Committee. Jaime-Alexis has been recognized by several honors including the 2013 DoGooder Funny for Good Video Award and the Convio Innovator Award for Best Online Fundraising Campaign. Outside of work, Jaime-Alexis is an avid runner, completing 6 marathons and eating plenty of red velvet cupcakes along the way. In 2010, she joined New Leaders Council Executive Team as their Director of Digital Strategy and later, co-Director of Communications (volunteer). Jaime-Alexis holds a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is a graduate of Vassar College.
Jaime-Alexis Fowler is the Director of Marketing at Code for America, where she oversees a collaborative, agile team focused on growing the network of Code for America cities, counties, citizens, companies, and community organizations to help build a government that works in the 21st century. Prior to CfA, Jaime-Alexis most recently served as Deputy Director at Exhale, overseeing organizational operations, programs, and strategy. And spent six years developing and growing communications, public relations, and online fundraising at Pathfinder International, a $100M international sexual and reproductive health nonprofit. She continues to serve on Pathfinder’s Development Committee. Jaime-Alexis has been recognized by several honors including the 2013 DoGooder Funny for Good Video Award and the Convio Innovator Award for Best Online Fundraising Campaign. Outside of work, Jaime-Alexis is an avid runner, completing 6 marathons and eating plenty of red velvet cupcakes along the way. In 2010, she joined New Leaders Council Executive Team as their Director of Digital Strategy and later, co-Director of Communications (volunteer). Jaime-Alexis holds a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is a graduate of Vassar College.
Dereca Blackmon, Director of Stanford's Diversity and First Generation Education & Training office
Dereca L. Blackmon is a passionate speaker, trainer and facilitator on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. For over 25 years she has consulted with a wide variety of corporate, educational, nonprofit and community-based groups to facilitate “uncommon conversations” on issues of race, gender, class and social justice. She currently serves as the Director of Education and Training in the Diversity and First Generation Office at Stanford University where her groundbreaking work on intergroup dialogue and authentic engagement has received outstanding reviews from students, faculty and staff. Ms. Blackmon is a national expert on issues of identity and inclusion. Her experiential training models cut through “diversity fatigue” and allow participants to engage in deep, authentic and meaningful dialogues. Her training, organizing and youth development work have been featured in two books: Black Youth Rising by Dr. Shawn Ginwright; and Learning to Liberate by Dr. Vajra Watson and cited in countless national forums including The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The New York Times. Her lifelong commitment to undermining sexism has included over 200 workshops on issues facing women and girls ranging from power exchanges critiquing sexism in commercial hip hop, to healing circles and retreats for women. Ms. Blackmon is a graduate of Stanford University, a licensed minister, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as a proud wife, and mother of four bold and beautiful girls.
Dereca L. Blackmon is a passionate speaker, trainer and facilitator on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. For over 25 years she has consulted with a wide variety of corporate, educational, nonprofit and community-based groups to facilitate “uncommon conversations” on issues of race, gender, class and social justice. She currently serves as the Director of Education and Training in the Diversity and First Generation Office at Stanford University where her groundbreaking work on intergroup dialogue and authentic engagement has received outstanding reviews from students, faculty and staff. Ms. Blackmon is a national expert on issues of identity and inclusion. Her experiential training models cut through “diversity fatigue” and allow participants to engage in deep, authentic and meaningful dialogues. Her training, organizing and youth development work have been featured in two books: Black Youth Rising by Dr. Shawn Ginwright; and Learning to Liberate by Dr. Vajra Watson and cited in countless national forums including The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The New York Times. Her lifelong commitment to undermining sexism has included over 200 workshops on issues facing women and girls ranging from power exchanges critiquing sexism in commercial hip hop, to healing circles and retreats for women. Ms. Blackmon is a graduate of Stanford University, a licensed minister, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as a proud wife, and mother of four bold and beautiful girls.
Nancy Milliken, M.D., Associate Dean of Admissions USCF Medical School, director of the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health
Nancy Milliken, MD is the Founding and Current Director of UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is Vice Dean Emerita of the UCSF School of Medicine and Professor Emerita, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. In 1996, Dr. Milliken led a multidisciplinary team in successfully competing for one of the first National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health designations by the federal government. Under her leadership, the Center of Excellence has developed partnerships within UCSF and with the communities it serves. The Center has galvanized support for initiatives with impact locally, nationally and globally. Success has included advancing research in women’s health; implementing models of comprehensive women-focused clinical care; promoting partnerships with individual women and their communities on relevant health and wellness issues; designing women’s health curricula for the training of the next generation of researchers and clinicians; and developing leadership potential and opportunities for women. In recognition of her important contributions to women and women’s health, Dr. Milliken received the UCSF Chancellor’s Award for the Advancement of Women. Dr. Milliken has received local and national recognition for her efforts including the UCSF Award for Exceptional Leadership and Achievements in Establishing Innovative Women’s Healthcare Models.
Nancy Milliken, MD is the Founding and Current Director of UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is Vice Dean Emerita of the UCSF School of Medicine and Professor Emerita, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. In 1996, Dr. Milliken led a multidisciplinary team in successfully competing for one of the first National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health designations by the federal government. Under her leadership, the Center of Excellence has developed partnerships within UCSF and with the communities it serves. The Center has galvanized support for initiatives with impact locally, nationally and globally. Success has included advancing research in women’s health; implementing models of comprehensive women-focused clinical care; promoting partnerships with individual women and their communities on relevant health and wellness issues; designing women’s health curricula for the training of the next generation of researchers and clinicians; and developing leadership potential and opportunities for women. In recognition of her important contributions to women and women’s health, Dr. Milliken received the UCSF Chancellor’s Award for the Advancement of Women. Dr. Milliken has received local and national recognition for her efforts including the UCSF Award for Exceptional Leadership and Achievements in Establishing Innovative Women’s Healthcare Models.
Farhana Huq, Certified Executive Coach through the Coaches Training Institute and Award Winning
Social Entrepreneur
Farhana is a surfer dedicated to helping people make courageous transitions and to “surfing their wave” in leadership and in life! Farhana taps into her 15+ years of entrepreneurship and leadership expertise to coach her clients, which she honed through her work as an Americorps/VISTA, Consultant, Manager, Board Member and eventually Founder and CEO of an award-winning non-profit. Farhana is most passionate about coaching and supporting clients through meaningful transitions - the kind that take your breath away. Her clients range from seasoned C-level executives over 50 wondering what’s next to highly creative Gen Y social entrepreneurs, to spirited individuals seeking to transform themselves into more effective leaders. An entrepreneurial spirit, Farhana founded and for 11 years ran C.E.O. Women, an organization dedicated to supporting low-income immigrant women entrepreneurs. She is also the Founder of Brown Girl Surf, a global community dedicated to highlighting and sharing stories of trailblazing female surfers from around the world. A graduate of Tufts University and a former member of the U.S. National Karate Team, she resides in Oakland, CA and enjoys surfing all types of waves on California’s Northern Coast, and integrating the lessons learned from the ocean and the mind into her work coaching clients.
Social Entrepreneur
Farhana is a surfer dedicated to helping people make courageous transitions and to “surfing their wave” in leadership and in life! Farhana taps into her 15+ years of entrepreneurship and leadership expertise to coach her clients, which she honed through her work as an Americorps/VISTA, Consultant, Manager, Board Member and eventually Founder and CEO of an award-winning non-profit. Farhana is most passionate about coaching and supporting clients through meaningful transitions - the kind that take your breath away. Her clients range from seasoned C-level executives over 50 wondering what’s next to highly creative Gen Y social entrepreneurs, to spirited individuals seeking to transform themselves into more effective leaders. An entrepreneurial spirit, Farhana founded and for 11 years ran C.E.O. Women, an organization dedicated to supporting low-income immigrant women entrepreneurs. She is also the Founder of Brown Girl Surf, a global community dedicated to highlighting and sharing stories of trailblazing female surfers from around the world. A graduate of Tufts University and a former member of the U.S. National Karate Team, she resides in Oakland, CA and enjoys surfing all types of waves on California’s Northern Coast, and integrating the lessons learned from the ocean and the mind into her work coaching clients.
Ruthe Farmer, Chief Strategy Officer for the National Center of Information and Technology
Ruthe Farmer has focused her efforts on increasing girls' participation in technology and engineering since 2001. She provides strategic planning and direction at NCWIT, fund development, and cultivation of new partnerships, and leads the NCWIT K-12 Alliance. Ruthe is the driving force behind the hugely successful Aspirations in Computing talent development initiative, served as the 2012 Chair of Computer Science Education Week, was named a Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion by the White House in July 2013, received the Ulla Popken Phenomenal Woman Award for her work to increase girls' participation in technology and engineering and received the Anita Borg Institute Award for Social Impact. Ruthe frequently speaks and presents on the topic of girls and women in technology and has been an invited speaker at the White House, the United Nations International Telecommunications Union, the European Union Energy Committee, the WebSummit in Dublin, and many more. Ruthe served on the National Girls Collaborative Project Champions Board, the FIRST Robotics Girls FIRST Advisory Board, and was a founding board member of Springboard Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to incubating grass roots social entrepreneurs. From 2001-2005, she was on the founding committee of the Oregon Robotics and Tournament Outreach Program (ORTOP), one of the largest and most successful FIRST Lego League programs in the U.S. She sits on the Lewis & Clark College Board of Alumni and is an ambassador for the University of Oxford Said Business School.
Ruthe Farmer has focused her efforts on increasing girls' participation in technology and engineering since 2001. She provides strategic planning and direction at NCWIT, fund development, and cultivation of new partnerships, and leads the NCWIT K-12 Alliance. Ruthe is the driving force behind the hugely successful Aspirations in Computing talent development initiative, served as the 2012 Chair of Computer Science Education Week, was named a Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion by the White House in July 2013, received the Ulla Popken Phenomenal Woman Award for her work to increase girls' participation in technology and engineering and received the Anita Borg Institute Award for Social Impact. Ruthe frequently speaks and presents on the topic of girls and women in technology and has been an invited speaker at the White House, the United Nations International Telecommunications Union, the European Union Energy Committee, the WebSummit in Dublin, and many more. Ruthe served on the National Girls Collaborative Project Champions Board, the FIRST Robotics Girls FIRST Advisory Board, and was a founding board member of Springboard Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to incubating grass roots social entrepreneurs. From 2001-2005, she was on the founding committee of the Oregon Robotics and Tournament Outreach Program (ORTOP), one of the largest and most successful FIRST Lego League programs in the U.S. She sits on the Lewis & Clark College Board of Alumni and is an ambassador for the University of Oxford Said Business School.