Women's Mentoring Program
At the Center for Success Center in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, we are seeking to diversify the fields of engineering and computer science while providing resources for our students to become workforce ready as they plan their careers. One of those resources is the Women’s Mentor Program, a year-long experience available to sophomore, junior, and senior students.
The mentors who make up the Women’s Mentor Program are experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge with students to help develop life skills for success. The mentor acts as a coach and role model to support a student with their personal growth and career development. The program provides a great opportunity for professionals to counsel and influence the next generation of leaders. Being a mentor provides personal satisfaction as well as the ability to increase the workforce readiness of future recruits.
The objectives of the program:
- With the support of a practiced professional, students will bring goals into focus and identify actions required to reach objectives.
- Students will learn and practice communication and networking skills.
- Students will develop professional competence to ease the transition into the workforce.
- Students will gain a deeper understanding of how their academic learning applies to the world of work.
- Students will have access to a role model who can provide guidance and psychosocial support.
Enrolling in the Women’s Mentor Program:
Self-motivated CECS majors in their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior years who are ready to network and be challenged should consider taking part of this unique program. Students will be invited to apply in the spring semester for the following academic year.
Interested professionals in the fields of engineering and computer science who identify as female or non-binary are welcome to reach out to the program director to discuss serving as a mentor. Reach out to [email protected].
Mentor Bench
Jessica Gann
Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) - Product Delivery Manager, Technology & Innovation
Jessica Gann is Product Delivery Manager for Tennessee Valley Authority's Technology and Innovation organization where she leads a team of Software Engineers responsible for enterprise-wide foundational software systems. Jessica began her interest in technology right out of high school in the early days of the internet and web design where she entered the work force as a web application developer and found a passion for programming and all things databases. Throughout her career she has worked in many industries as Software Engineer, Database Administrator (DBA), and even Manager but always making a point to learn new skills and challenge herself along the way. In her spare time, she takes care of dozens of plants, loves traveling and exploring with her daughter and husband, and of course, learning and bettering herself both humanly and technically. Mentoring is a passion for Jessica because she was once that person in need of mentoring and it proved to be vital to her growth throughout her career.
Work Philosophy: Never stop learning. Always find ways to challenge yourself, and you will love what you are getting paid to do therefore it will shine through in your work.
Best Advice for Students: Everything is temporary. Just because you aren't seeing the results you desire or aren't on the exact path you intend to be on, stick with it, things will ultimately work out for you.
Jessica Would Like to Mentor: Any student who is driven, questioning, and humble. But one who is, most of all, passionate about bringing change for the greater good of those around them and those who will follow in their footsteps.
Erin Pasquith
Stanley Black & Decker – Product Design Engineer, Heavy Applications
Erin joined the Heavy Applications Engineering group at Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) in June of 2021. Few people are aware of the impact SBD’s family of brands has on such a wide variety of industries. Stanley’s reach ranges from household appliances to power tools to railroad maintenance technology. Several years ago, SBD acquired Paladin, a brand which specialized in providing attachments for excavators, skid steers, wheel loaders, and other heavy equipment.
Prior to joining Stanley, Erin worked for as a Process Engineer Intern at Duracell, a Facilities Management Intern at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a Senior Maintenance Technician at Gestamp, and a Skilled Team Member at Volkswagen. Each job was a step in a slightly different direction and came with its own unique set of difficulties and opportunities for growth. Persevering through discrimination and subversion, breaking out of natural introversion and self-reliant tendencies, and learning to lead teams to accomplish and exceed goals.
Erin was raised in a rural town just west of Chattanooga and acquired two Associates of Applied Science degrees from Chattanooga State before graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2021 with a B.A.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology. She recently married (if you like Hallmark movies, ask her how she met her husband). She enjoys spending her free time riding motorcycles, introducing her husband to the finer points of being a cultured country bumpkin, and hanging out with her nieces and nephews.
Work Philosophy: Never stop learning and carry that “student” mentality your whole life. If you make a mistake, be humble and open to guidance. When you encounter an issue, don’t just complain about it; gather a few possible solutions and present that as an opportunity.
Best Advice for Students: It’s never too late to start over. Sometimes you must try something before you know it’s not what you want. There’s a difference between persevering through a short-term roadblock and staying in a bad situation because you feel trapped. Take calculated risks.
Erin Would Like to Mentor: A student who has a genuine interest in personal and professional development. Someone who always asks “why?” and doesn’t stop until they achieve an answer they’re satisfied with.
Karina Jensen
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. – Civil Analyst
Karina Jensen is a Civil Analyst in the Water/Wastewater Department at Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (Kimley-Horn) in the Mobile, AL office. As an analyst, she provides preliminary analysis and design calculations for water/wastewater distribution systems in addition to conducting field work and observations. Her professional passions originated from connecting and maintaining the utility hook ups for the RV during family vacations across the country.
Karina holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and a former center defender for UTC’s Women’s Soccer team. She lives in Daphne, AL but is originally from Memphis, TN. When Karina is not in the office, she is spending quality time with her English Lab -Diesel, embracing her love of the great outdoors, or training for an upcoming race.
Work Philosophy: Nourish others, do everything with integrity, work hard, and have a good attitude. Karina’s father once told her about the following quote from Charles Swindoll, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it… we are in charge of our attitudes.” Support your coworkers, friends, and family and they will be there when you need them most. Be honest with yourself and others so that your word and actions can be trusted.
Best Advice for Students: Listen to yourself and explore your own passions. Never be afraid to ask questions. Embrace every opportunity and challenge because you never know what you will discover when you do something you thought you couldn’t do.
Karina Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is adventurous, a lifelong learner, not afraid to take healthy risks, and has high expectations for themselves.
Jodie Branum
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – HR Business Partner (Manager)
Jodie has worked at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for about 13 years in a variety of progressively advanced roles. She is currently an HR Business Partner for Operations where she and her team partner with executive leaders to improve the employee experience, drive engagement, and influence strategic outcomes. She graduated from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga with degrees in Biochemistry and Engineering Management, and her interest in understanding the science of people has led to her current pursuit of a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Austin Peay State University. She began her career at TVA as an intern and was hired on as an Environmental Scientist to ensure compliance and minimize risk for transmission projects. From there, she took on a role leading the enterprise-wide power supply planning process, developing TVA’s first seasonal reserve margin, and improving modeling of batteries and renewable resources to inform TVA’s asset strategy. Her passion for learning and serving others was quickly recognized which led to opportunities researching emerging industry issues to inform TVA’s strategic direction, creating alignment and cohesion for a newly formed and growing commercial energy team, and in Human Resources where she spearheaded the enterprise transformation to hybrid work and championed pandemic relief response before being selected for her current role in leadership.
Outside of work, Jodie can be found at the climbing gym, on local trails, or at home with her husband and their three beloved senior dogs. She has a goal to complete at least 60 shifts at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen in 2022, serves as a Community Investment Volunteer Advocate for United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and is on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run of Southeast TN. Her weaknesses include terrible reality TV and enthusiastically starting new hobbies.
Work Philosophy: Build credibility through integrity and accountability, and by authentically nurturing your network. Leverage that credibility to follow your curiosity and achieve goals. Independently develop your personal boundaries and empower yourself and others to honor them.
Best Advice for Students: Remain open-minded and give yourself grace to grow. Recognize that every aspect of your life (work, school, relationships, etc.) should be fulfilling in some way and that what you find fulfilling is allowed to change over time. Name your values and use them to evaluate decisions so that your path reflects who you want to be.
Jodie Would Like to Mentor: Any student who is curious and willing to share their questions, experiences, and perspective.
Ace Yanagida
SmartRent (SMRT) - Embedded Software Engineer
As a homegrown Chattanoogan, Ace enjoys igniting change both in the local tech community and the city through education and activism. They have worked at the Company Lab and Visionario supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem locally and for the county government redesigning their website with accessibility (WCAG) in mind. Pre-COVID, they volunteered in local middle schools teaching coding alongside teachers. Currently, Ace works as a software engineer at SmartRent creating firmware for new IoT hardware hubs. In their spare time they dance, read webcomics, and hang out at one of the community veggie gardens.
Work Philosophy: Fill in the gaps. Find the features or processes being overlooked and create solutions there. This often has the greatest impact on your team and your users.
Best Advice for Students: Do the things you are interested in, rather than the things you think are required. To pick, think strategically about the value you are receiving or creating. You cannot do both, the “good to have” and the things that interest you, fully without burning out. It is okay to pick just one
Ace Would Like to Mentor: Someone who wants to start something (a project, a business, a fight, etc)
Mary Opalka
Google - Senior Data Center Engineer
Mary Opalka is a senior data center engineer at Google. In her role she collaborates with the Operations and Design teams to develop the data center (DC) mechanical designs, starting from project conception to issue for construction (IFC) for new DC projects build outs and major infrastructure upgrades. She also contributes to new technology insertions through collaboration with the core engineering teams during development and creates system level concept and schematics designs, and carry through to detailed designs to ensure requirements are met. In short, Mary manages all site-level mechanical system issues during the project design and construction phases and identifies and resolves issues with the cross-functional program teams. Mary has been serving in this role at Google since 2019.
Prior to joining Google, she worked for a mechanical contractor in Washington state for 2 years and spent the 8 years prior to that in Washington DC doing anything from standard writing to design to construction to commissioning. Some of her favorite projects she has ever worked on are The Catalyst Building in Spokane, WA (a NetZero office and education building) and Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB - a particle accelerator) at MSU in Lansing, MI.
Mary was raised in Scranton, PA and graduated from Wilkes University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She also has a Masters in Engineering Management from UTC. She enjoys spending her free time traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Work Philosophy: You are replaceable at work but not at home. Work hard during your work time but don't neglect yourself or your family for work.
Best Advice for Students: Your degree is just a starting point not your whole definition. STEM fields are very broad and there's a lot of opportunity to do something outside your standard role. Reach for it!
Mary Would Like to Mentor: Someone trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up - we can figure it out together!
Sarah Thomas
Miller Industries - Business Systems Analyst [IT]
Sarah Thomas is a Business Systems Analyst within the Information Technology department at Miller Industries. She started there as a Quality Engineering intern in the spring of 2018. Prior to this, she worked as an intern at EPB in both the Engineering and Fiber Design departments. She completed two years of her undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering at UTK and finished with dual degrees in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Technology Management at UTC.
At Miller Industries, she has worked on multiple projects throughout her career that have made an impact on where she is today. While an intern, her most important project was improving the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) process. She created a solution that utilized technology to solve reporting, communication, and analysis gaps in the business process. A few months after delivering the proof-of-concept to her manager, she accepted a full-time position in IT as a Business Systems Analyst. Since then, that project has gone live, and she has managed and supported multiple other IT business solution projects for the company. These projects include the implementation of a training platform, supplier portal, and various applications for Operations.
When Sarah is not working, she is spending time with her dogs, playing board games, or doing something related to food. She also rotates between rollerblading, learning Mandarin, and piano every three months when she starts to forget the last thing she learned.
Work Philosophy: It is up to the individual how much purpose they want to derive from their work. That being said, it is much more enjoyable to spend your time and energy doing something you want to do instead of something you have to do. Do something that incorporates your passions and that you can be proud of.
Best Advice for Students: Approach everyone you interact with as someone who can teach you something, and be willing to listen to ideas even more than you share them. Early in your career, you will often find yourself less knowledgeable than your more experienced coworkers. You can either stay unknowing, ask questions, or do your own research. The last two options will help you in every aspect of your career. Lastly, once you do gain knowledge, appreciate the work it took to get there and be patient and willing to share it with others so that they can grow as well. People remember when you help them.
Sarah Would Like to Mentor: Any student who understands and appreciates that learning will continue throughout their entire career. They should be both excited for it and willing to work through the challenges they will face. They should also find value in getting to know others and their diverse experiences. Due to my background, I think I could provide the most benefit for someone interested in technology, business process improvement, or project management.
Chanel Booker
Mueller Water Products - Process Engineer
Career Path and Personal Passions: Chanel Booker is currently a Process Engineer at Mueller Water Products where her primary duties include process optimization, process documentation and root cause analysis of various water distribution products. Chanel has had an interest in engineering since a young age and decided during high school that a degree in Mechanical Engineering would be a good fit and began attending UTC in the Fall of 2014. The highlight of her college experience was her senior project in which she got to be on UTC’s first NASA University Student Launch Initiative team: a yearlong process of designing, building, and testing a rocket to eventually launch at NASA’s annual USLI event. Chanel’s career began with an internship at Miller Industries during her junior year, which then turned into a full-time position as Manufacturing Engineer Supervisor after graduation in May of 2019. In February of 2021, Chanel started at her current position at Mueller Water Products. In her spare time, Chanel enjoys rock climbing, cooking, as well as playing Magic the Gathering and D&D.
Work Philosophy: Trust yourself and always do your best because that is all that anyone can ask. Always seek out innovation and don’t be afraid to voice your ideas/concerns.
Best Advice for Students: Take everything one day at a time and don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help.
Chanel Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is looking for guidance- both personal and professional growth. As a first generation college student, Chanel hopes to connect with someone who may also be a first generation college student.
Olivia Pearson
ALL4, Inc. - Staff Engineer
Olivia Pearson graduated from UTC in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and from there began her graduate program at Georgia Institute of Technology studying Materials Science and Engineering. This time in graduate school was a season of significant personal growth for her, and in May 2022, Olivia graduated with her master’s degree. Since June, Olivia has been employed as a Staff Engineer at ALL4, Inc, an environmental consulting company.
Work Philosophy: Balance is the most important element in doing consistent, high-quality work. Mental health and rest are both treasures which are critical to success and must be protected.
Best Advice for Students: The 80/20 rule is something to live by, and intentional time management (knowing when you have hit “good enough”) is a key tool for self-preservation. Perfection is the enemy of complete.
Olivia Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is friendly, works hard, and has a desire for personal growth.
LaTasha Rogan
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - Manager, Analysis & Controls, Technology & Innovation
LaTasha Rogan is the Manager of Analysis & Controls for Technology Portfolio Management within the Technology & Innovation organization at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). In her role, she is responsible for leading a team of portfolio analysts in creating and managing project schedules and forecasts while driving projects to complete on time and within budget.
LaTasha has worked for TVA for over 20 years, starting as a System Engineer at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant. Over the years, she has been able to move into several different areas within the company including the Transmission organization as a Project Control Specialist and later to T&I as a Portfolio Analyst and Senior Project Manager.
LaTasha was born and raised in Selma, AL and graduated from Tuskegee University with a BS in Chemical Engineering. She also holds an MBA from Bethel University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She enjoys serving in community organizations, church, and spending free time with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy taking family vacations, trying new restaurants, and going to sporting events.
Work Philosophy: Do your best right where you are. You never know who may be watching you. At the right time, the right opportunity will come your way.
Best Advice for Students: Most people you meet have had help along the way. Be open to meeting new people and receiving their advice. Also, always think positive even in the face of adversity. Having the right perspective makes the difference in most situations.
LaTasha Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is a sponge and desires to soak in all the professional/career advice that I am looking forward to giving them.
Dr. Sevin Sozer
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - Senior Manager of the Advanced Analytics, Enterprise Planning
Dr. Sevin Sozer is currently the Senior Manager of the Advanced Analytics team in Enterprise Planning organization at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Sevin joined TVA in 2013 and held a variety of roles within Enterprise Planning developing mathematical models to support operational, financial, and strategic planning decisions. She also played a key role in developing the TVA Analytics Strategy. Since 2018, Sevin has been part of the Pricing and Contracts team, focusing on the long-term pricing strategy and leading a cross-functional team to create a rate design evaluation framework. Prior to TVA, Sevin worked at Southern Company, where she gained a diverse background in power system modeling, portfolio management, strategic generation planning, finance, and risk management.
Sevin attended Galatasaray University, Turkey, for B.S. and M.S. degrees and graduated as top of the class with a major in Industrial Engineering. She continued her studies in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Auburn University, where she served as a teaching and research assistant. During her studies, she had the opportunity to have teaching duties for several classes including Probability and Statistics, Production Economy, Stochastic Operations Research, and Real Options. Her research duties for an NSF supported project included reviewing power systems literature and presenting subjects including Deregulation, Market Design, Congestion Management, Transmission Pricing and Planning.
Sevin joined the UTC as an Adjunct Faculty in 2021 and teaches in the Engineering Management Department. Sevin loves her interactions with her students and having a small role in preparing them to their professional careers.
Sevin currently lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Al, daughter Eda, and son Ege. Sevin is passionate about women in STEM areas and currently serves as the Girls Inc liaison for Women Empowered Employee Resource Group at TVA. She loves spending time in Turkey every summer visiting family and friends and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
Work Philosophy: Total commitment and transparent communication. Always be curious and adaptable. Keep a growth mindset.
Best Advice for Students: Always look for the opportunities in every situation. Take advantage of the experiences around you. Be a team player.
Sevin Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is open to take feedback to become their best self.
Laura Gustad
Missile Defense Agency - Engineer, Radiation Hardness Assurance for Electronic Parts
Laura Gustad is a general engineer in the Radiation Hardness Assurance for Electronic Parts group at the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, AL. She joined MDA through the SMART Scholarship Program as part of the rotational Career Development Program. In May 2021, she graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with a BS in Electrical Engineering and minors in Applied Mathematics and Design Integration. While at UVA, she was a teaching assistant for Intro to Engineering, worked several semesters in a microfluidics lab in the Chemistry department, and spent a summer in the laser lab in the Electrical Engineering Department.
In her free time, Laura enjoys exploring and finding new things to do in the Huntsville area. She's very involved with her church and loves being part of the choir there. Her main hobbies include baking, yoga, viola, reading, and hanging out with her talkative cat, Chloe. She's participated in STEM outreach efforts for age groups from elementary school up and is excited to work with the UTC Mentoring Program.
Work Philosophy: My philosophy toward work is to challenge myself and find ways to enjoy what I'm doing. Looking for new ways to get involved, learning new skills, and working with different people help challenge me to grow personally and professionally. I find enjoyment and motivation in understanding how my work fits into the larger program needs and overall goals.
Best Advice for Students: Whether it's with the TA or the professor, office hours are a great resource. If they're not busy, it's time to ask about class recommendations (and honest reviews from TAs who've taken them), research positions, or how to focus your studies for the career you're interested in.
Laura Would Like to Mentor: Students with a healthy work ethic committed to their studies and furthering their careers. I enjoy people who are open to trying new things and who enjoy engaging in discussions. Pet lovers and book lovers especially are welcome!
Patricia Hatem
Practical Improvement - Owner
Patricia Hatem is a semi-retired Chemical Engineer who now runs her own consulting business, Practical Improvement. She moved to Chattanooga in the Spring of 2021 for the same reason everyone else moves here – it’s awesome! She has over 30 years experience in a wide variety of roles (process engineering, Supply Chain, plant management, R&D, Process Improvement, etc) and industries (metals, food, cleaning supplies, injection molding, recycling, etc.). She has worked for all sizes of companies, from Fortune 500 to startup, in roles as high as leadership of the Supply Chain function.
Patricia grew up on a farm in Illinois, planning to study pre-med in college. After struggling in Calculus, and excelling in Chemistry, she decided to change her major to Chemistry. That same semester, her high school chemistry instructor took her to lunch and steered her into Chemical Engineering – something she had never heard of. That conversation was life changing! She would like to help other female students understand and think through their future opportunities.
Work Philosophy: You are there to make the place better. There is something to be learned from everyone. Be open to different positions. Those opportunities will open the door to larger roles.
Best Advice for Students: Your future coworkers expect you to respectfully ask questions and think to solve a problem. They don’t expect you to come out of school with all the answers. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Patricia Would Like to Mentor: someone with a positive attitude and curiosity.
Veronica Barredo
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - Coal Combustion Residuals Groundwater Senior Program Manager
Veronica Barredo was born in Mexico, and at the age of 3 her father moved the family to a passion fruit farm in Venezuela. Veronica and her family lived in Venezuela for about 7 years. She came to the United States in 1996, at the age of 9, without speaking a word of English. She saw math as a “common language” that was universal. Her love of math took her to the Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, where she graduated in Civil Engineering. Veronica was one of two women engineering graduates in the class of 2008. In 2015 Veronica received her Professional Engineering License. In 2020 she completed her graduate school work while being a working professional and received a Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Central Florida.
Veronica began a career as an engineering consultant in the dam safety industry, primarily engaged in the construction of dam remediation projects. She supported major rehabilitation efforts at TVA’s Bear Creek Dam and Blue Ridge Dam, designs and construction of upgrades and repairs to several smaller water resource structures, with a short assignment at the Panama Canal Expansion.
In 2019, Veronica joined the Tennessee Valley Authority and assumed responsibilities for construction engineering at the Boone Dam Seepage Mitigation project. The project has received several awards by Technical and Professional Societies, and she was an integral part of the winning team. Veronica was the onsite engineer on the TVA Generation Construction team and was responsible for providing onsite technical support for construction including oversight of the technical and engineering aspects of the Contractors work. The project was completed on time and under budget, and the remediation demonstrated successful performance during the refilling of the reservoir. These work efforts coupled with her engagement in the community and in mentoring college students were recognized and she was named the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year by the United States Society on Dams. In 2022, she was a nominated as the TVA Generation Projects and Feet Services 2022 Engineer of the Year.
Upon completion of the Boone Dam Project, Veronica was asked to oversee the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) groundwater sampling and maintenance program at TVA and has implemented the project to ensure data integrity.
When she is not working, she is enjoying family time with her two wonderful children.
Work Philosophy: “It can’t be considered success if you are not smiling.” Veronica believes that it’s important to enjoy your career and job duties.
Best Advice for Students: Bring your authentic self to work/school. Being honest with who you are, and understanding yourself will make you perform better and allow you to identify your passions a lot easier.
Veronica Would Like to Mentor: A student who can take the driver’s seat when developing the mentoring relationship. In other words, she would like to mentor someone who will be willing to communicate their development needs so that she can support the student in areas that they need help with.
Dr. Deborah Mudali
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science
Dr. Deborah Mudali is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Computer Science at UTC, imparting her knowledge and experience as an academician and researcher. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), her expertise lies in applying Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to health medical data, showcasing her dedication to using technology for the betterment of society. Driven by her passion for forging connections, Dr. Mudali's vibrant and approachable personality emphasizes the transformative power of building relationships for personal and professional growth. Her unique ability to blend her love for movies with socializing has not only allowed her to hang out with friends but also create new and meaningful friendships along the way.
While pursuing her academic endeavors, Dr. Mudali maintains an unwavering enthusiasm for aerobics, recognizing its role in maintaining an active and energized lifestyle. However, as a devoted new mother, she gracefully juggles her responsibilities, understanding the importance of prioritizing her children's needs while effectively managing her time. This harmonious balance exemplifies her unwavering commitment to both her career and her family, exemplifying her ability to cultivate a fulfilling personal life alongside her professional pursuits.
Work Philosophy: The ever-evolving nature of computer science requires professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. I embrace curiosity, explore new ideas, and am always open to lifelong learning.
Best Advice for Students: Fearlessly seek assistance when faced with challenges. Reach out to professors, advisors, or classmates when you encounter difficulties. Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, and it can lead to valuable insights and solutions. Embrace the learning process, stay motivated, and believe in your abilities. With dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning, you can achieve your goals and excel in your academic journey.
Deborah Would Like to Mentor: Students who possess an unwavering eagerness to push boundaries, embrace creativity, collaborate with peers, and consistently challenge themselves.
Kim Hulvey
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – Director, Nuclear Regulatory Affairs
Kim Hulvey is Director of Nuclear Regulatory Affairs for TVA. Kim was previously the Senior Manager of Design and Procurement Engineering. Her diverse background includes nuclear fleet and site leadership roles. Kim previously held roles of Senior Manager of Fleet Licensing and Manager of Watts
Bar Site Licensing, before earning her Senior Reactor Operator certification. Prior to her Licensing leadership roles, she was Manager of Watts Bar Reactor Engineering. She began her TVA career in 2010 as a nuclear core designer and her nuclear career started at Progress Energy in 2008 as a system engineer.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a member of Women in Nuclear (WIN), serves as the Chair for the TVA WIN chapter, has a passion for inclusion with diversity and is involved with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives.
Work Philosophy: My philosophy toward work is to be a part of something I believe in and work hard even if the task is challenging or unknown. I believe in asking questions and leaning on my peers and teams to learn and grow.
Best Advice for Students: Ask questions and be curious.
Kim Would Like to Mentor: A student that values communication and transparency. I want a mentee that accepts feedback and gives feedback to me. A mentoring pairing should be based on a trusting relationship that is built from the start.
Jessica Anthony
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – Director, Enterprise Analytics & Innovation
Jessica has worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for over 20 years across a variety of organizations and functions. Her prior leadership roles included load and revenue forecasting, long-term utility system planning, economic business case analysis, organizational performance programs, and technology vendor management and sourcing in both operational and support organizations across the company. She is currently in TVA’s Technology & Innovation organization as the Director of data governance & management, business intelligence, analytics, and Digital Centers of Excellence functions. She and her team partner with employees across TVA to enable the business to harness the power of technology and innovation to drive improvements in their daily work. This includes accessing and leveraging data, using advanced analytical methods, automation and productivity solutions, and emerging innovative technology like robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). She is a proud Chattanooga MOC with a BS in Economics and an MBA both from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Jessica has called the Chattanooga-area home for over 25 years. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and reading classic literature. She finds cooking a way to relax and bring order after a long day and she continues to hone her skills and share her food with others. Jessica is a dedicated Hamilton County election registrar, holds leadership roles in her church, and has been a mentor with the TNAchieves program for several years.
Work Philosophy: Be the leader you always wanted to work for, create space for everyone and their ideas, don’t take yourself too seriously, and never say ‘it’s not my job.’
Best Advice for Students: Find balance across the things you love that give you energy, keep an open mind, have a plan but stay flexible, focus on relationships and people.
Jessica Would Like to Mentor: A student who is open-minded, curious, hard-working, and driven to achieve their dreams.
Emily Thomas
Invisible Technologies - Principal Software Engineer & Tech Lead Manager
A Chattanooga native, Emily was encouraged to explore engineering from a young age. Feeling more like a creative than an engineer, she was very apprehensive. Instead, she found an interest in web design in high school through taking courses at Chattanooga State Community College. With a newfound passion she continued to explore, and with time it led her to pursue a Computer Science degree from UTC to be able to make those designs and experiences come to life.
While in school, Emily interned at a local startup, Bellhop, eventually becoming a full-time engineer and later an engineering manager. Through her internship, she was able to find her niche in front-end development and user experience engineering. Through developing her engineering skills, she found herself equally enjoying mentoring and guiding engineering teams to delivery. Very soon, she was able to make the goal to work at a Silicon Valley startup come true - managing a full stack product engineering team at Iterable. Now she is a Principal Engineer at Invisible, getting to be a software engineer and a manager, and being at the forefront of rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Work Philosophy: Never be above getting your hands dirty, the world needs more doers.
Best Advice for Students: Don’t be scared that you don’t know everything, the truth is no one does! All your future co-workers use Google 10x times a day. Instead, learn how to be humble, honest, and always hungry to understand more.
Emily Would Like to Mentor: Someone who considers themselves creative and a problem solver, someone who is questioning where they might fit into the workplace or into a role as an engineer.
Susan Santos
MBI Companies – Intern Architect
Susan Santos is an Intern Architect at MBI Companies where she works designing and managing projects varying from commercial, industrial, K-12 and Higher education. Susan is originally from Brazil and, after high school, she decided to pursue double major in Architecture and Computer Science. During her senior year, she put her architecture education on hold and moved to Chattanooga to focus on completing her BS in Computer Science at UTC. During the first part of her career, she worked as a Software Developer, Database Administrator, and, eventually, as a Team Lead.
After eleven years in the IT industry, Susan took a professional break and focused on raising her young kids. By the time she was ready to return to the workforce, she decided to complete her architecture education and pursued a master’s in architecture, graduating in May 2020. Susan currently works for an architecture firm in Chattanooga while pursuing her architectural license. She has also started teaching as an Adjunct Professor at the Engineering and Interiors departments at UTC. Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, reading, and volunteering at her church.
Work Philosophy: Continue to learn, identify your strengths, collaborate with those that are experts on your weaknesses and learn from them. Respect everyone, working towards the success of the team.
Best Advice to Students: Be open to learning lessons from each phase in life, knowing that they are preparing you for the steps ahead.
Susan Would Like to Mentor: A Computer Science or Construction Management student who is curious, open to listen and explore new possibilities, and willing to look at the bigger picture, particularly how her unique gifts and knowledge could be used to positively impact the community around her.
Rebecca Hope
Southern Champion Tray (SCT) – Manufacturing Engineer
Rebecca Hope is a Manufacturing Engineer for Southern Champion Tray, where they manufacture paper board products such as doughnut boxes, drink carriers, biscuit trays, etc. As a manufacturing engineer she supports efficient production scheduling and coordination, process improvements, and leads the plants safety team.
Prior to joining SCT, Rebecca’s love for manufacturing developed during her college years as she interned at various manufacturing companies in Chattanooga. Overall, Rebecca has over 4 years of experience in various engineering departments in manufacturing. She worked as a Production Engineering Co-Op for Denso Manufacturing (an automotive supplier), where she focused on product quality, data analysis and automation, and prototyping. She then worked as an industrial engineering intern for Plastic Omnium (an automotive supplier), where she supported scrap reduction, new procedure documentation, and continuous improvement. She also learned how to weld through this internship! After that, she worked as a CI/Quality Engineering Intern for ASTEC (asphalt equipment & infrastructure), where she supported value stream mapping, developed training tools, built data dashboards, and created plant layouts. Rebecca has a love for learning and all things manufacturing!
When Rebecca is not at work, she enjoys spending her free time hiking, playing board games, and trying new recipes!
Work Philosophy: Always work to improve and grow in any position, do not stay stagnant.
Best Advice for Students: Success is a process and never a single event. Mistakes are unavoidable, always look at them as learning opportunities.
Rebecca Would Like to Mentor: Any student with a positive outlook, who is enthusiastic about learning and growing in their career or wanting to develop new skills for success!
Blair Brown
Electric Power Board (EPB) – Recruiting & Technical Specialist
Blair's journey began with her graduation from Auburn University, where she earned a BS in Management Information Systems (MIS). Since joining EPB in 2002, she has dedicated more than half her life to the company—an accomplishment that seems unfathomable yet serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment. EPB is truly an amazing place to work, providing an enriching environment for professionals like Blair.
Initially starting as a network engineer during EPB Fiber Optics' early days of reselling AT&T services, Blair's career blossomed in tandem with the company's growth. She transitioned into a pivotal role as a systems engineer, supporting the intricate backend infrastructure that powers Chattanooga's world-renowned internet. Her deep understanding of these systems and her firsthand experience have uniquely equipped her to comprehend the requirements that hiring managers seek when recruiting technical personnel.
In recent years, Blair has directed her focus towards the human aspect of her work. In 2020, an opportunity arose for her to embark on a new journey within EPB's Human Resources department as a recruiter. Eager to expand her horizons and make a meaningful impact, Blair embraced this role with enthusiasm. Now entrusted with the responsibility of hiring technical professionals, she leverages her hands-on experience to comprehend the intricacies and expectations of hiring managers.
Blair's dedication extends beyond her professional pursuits. Prior to the pandemic, she took the initiative to launch a Girls Who Code class for middle-schoolers at CGLA. This rewarding experience provides a nurturing environment where young minds can explore and develop their coding skills, igniting their passion for technology.
During her leisure time, Blair immerses herself in various activities. She finds solace and joy in cycling, dedicating a significant portion of her spare time to this pursuit. Additionally, she embarks on adventures with her partner, with whom she has shared a remarkable 24-year journey. Engaging in boot camp-style workouts, indulging in reading, tending to her garden, and staying up to date on technical subjects further enrich her multifaceted lifestyle. (And because she knows her limitations and embraces new technology, this bio was ‘written’ by ChatGPT, but based on her own words.)
Work Philosophy: Be open to feedback, unafraid to speak up, and admit when you don't know something.
Best advice to students: step outside your comfort zone whenever possible and recognize that embracing new challenges can be a catalyst for personal and professional development.
Blair Would Like to Mentor: Any student who possesses curiosity, a strong work ethic, and an eagerness to learn and grow.
Karrin Ridley
Google - Site Operations Manager
Karrin Ridley is the Global Server Operations, Site Operations Manager at Google’s Data Center in Bridgeport, Alabama. She leads a team of Operations Managers and Data Center Technicians to deliver and maintain critical data center infrastructure. Karrin began her Google career in January 2019 as a Data Center Technician, and worked her way up to a management position, and eventually GSO Site Operations Manager.
Karrin was raised in a rural town about 45 minutes from Chattanooga and acquired an AAS and an AS degree from Northeast Alabama Community College before graduating from Athens State University with a BS in Computer Science. She discovered her interest in and aptitude for technology while taking an Intro to Computer Science course at NACC. During her time at Google, she has worked in hardware maintenance and with software engineering teams before advancing into management. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Work Philosophy: A strong work ethic is essential for success in any career. Never turn down an opportunity to improve yourself.
Best Advice for Students: Give your best at all times. Be resourceful and willing to learn. Success comes from hard work and dedication to achieving your goals.
Karrin Would Like to Mentor: A highly motivated student who is excited about learning and developing new skills. She believes that these are the qualities that are essential for success in any career. She would be happy to share her knowledge and experience with a student who is eager to learn and grow.
Lilly Kennamer
KCH Transportation – Systems Security Engineer
Lilly is a Systems Security Engineer for KCH Transportation which, essentially, means she is responsible for building out the entire IT Stack for KCH as well as monitoring its security and implementing remediations as quickly and painlessly as possible. Lilly was the very first IT person that KCH hired and was responsible for building the entire IT department. Every person on her team was handpicked and she has dedicated herself to providing growth opportunities for each team member.
Although Cyber Security is now Lilly’s passion, her undergraduate career was focused on Politics and Philosophy, and she still enjoys analyzing the political landscape as it develops. It wasn’t until she was an IT Student Assistant at her alma mater, California State University San Marcos, that she found she loved solving the technical puzzles that come with being an IT professional. Lilly has worked her way up from being a student worker to her current managerial role and is passionate about sharing the knowledge that has driven her success.
Work Philosophy: It sounds cheesy, but you do have to find what you love to do and choose that as your profession. You’ll never work a day in your life. It’s hard work, takes time and requires a lot of self-reflection, but it is so worth it. I promise.
Best Advice for Students: Know thyself.
Lilly Would Like to Mentor: A student who is genuinely curious about IT and wants to improve their technical skills. Someone who loves to challenge the norm and provides space for everyone to be who they are.
Fengjie Zhang
Electric Power Board (EPB) – Data Analyst I
Fengjie Zhang is a Data Analyst in the Advanced Analytics Department at EPB. As an analyst, she conducts energy analysis to support data-driven energy planning and management for executive leaders. Prior to this, she worked as an intern at Volkswagen in the Quality Department. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Data Analytics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and one in Economics from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
When Fengjie is not working, she is spending time with her little ones, working out, making family favorite dishes, and hanging out with friends.
Work philosophy: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be adaptable, flexible, and never stop learning. The rate of change will never stop, and neither should you.
Best Advice for Students: Create opportunities for yourself by getting involved.
Fengjie Would Like to Mentor: Any data science student who is curious and willing to work through challenges.
Tonya Williams
Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee – Enterprise Information Technology Team Lead
Tonya is an Enterprise Information Technology Team Lead for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee – the state’s largest health insurer. Tonya helps the company improve operations and test effectiveness of technology that facilitates quality care for customers. Being a Team Lead is a rewarding role as Tonya can see how her individual contribution not only fosters an environment of positive team morale but also nurtures collaboration in driving quality results.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Tonya attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS where she graduated with a BS in Computer Science and minored in Mathematics. Tonya also holds an MBA in Health Services Management from the University of Dallas in Irving, TX.
She is family oriented, dependable and an effective communicator. Tonya enjoys photography, reading and traveling with her husband and two teenage children.
Work Philosophy: Always be in a position to grow your talent through continuous learning and skill development.
Best Advice for Students: Look for balance between your career goals and personal life. Be able to accept that there is no such thing as a “perfect” schedule as there’s only 24 hours in a day. Use your time wisely.
Tonya Would Like to Mentor: Students who are seeking guidance to achieve their goals. I want to support students in expanding their professional network and empower them to unlock their full potential.
Heather Hawkins
Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee – SQA Analyst I
Heather has journeyed through life's twists and turns with unwavering determination. As a spouse and parent of four amazing teenagers, family is at the core of Heather's life. She embarked on parenthood at a young age, a challenging journey that shaped her resilience and determination.
In 2019, Heather achieved a significant milestone by earning her associate degree in computer programming, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to great accomplishments. But her thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in data science, she is dedicated to expanding her skills and making a mark in the dynamic field of data analysis.
Beyond the world of code and algorithms, Heather finds solace in the great outdoors. She has a deep passion for hiking, kayaking, and camping, relishing the beauty of nature and the serenity it offers. When she isn't exploring the wilderness, she can often be found immersed in the pages of young adult fantasy novels, fueling her creative spirit, and nurturing her dream of becoming a writer.
In Heather, we find an individual whose life story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and an unyielding love for family. With each step she takes on this remarkable journey, she inspires those around her to reach for the stars and never stop dreaming.
Work Philosophy: My philosophy of work is built upon resilience and an unyielding commitment to self-improvement. I've faced challenges in life, such as becoming a teenage mother, but I've never let those obstacles deter me from pursuing my dreams. However, I firmly believe that work isn't everything. This perspective reminds me that while professional success is essential, so too is maintaining a rich and fulfilling life outside of work. My philosophy, therefore, centers on achieving my goals while embracing a well-rounded and satisfying existence.
Best Advice for Students: Embrace Resilience: Life may throw unexpected challenges your way, but don’t let them define your future. Face adversity head-on and use it as a steppingstone to success.
Heather Would Like to Mentor: I believe I’d be an ideal mentor for students who are determined to overcome challenges, prioritize work-life balance, seek career growth, and value the role of family in their lives.
Caroline Meacham
Sargent & Lundy – Transmission Line Associate
Caroline Meacham began her engineering journey at UTC in 2015 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and minor in Spanish Language in 2019. Throughout college, Caroline was passionate about mentorship which led her to be involved in many programs involving outreach to local high school to teach kids about STEM and pursuing higher education. She was heavily involved on campus as she worked at the University Center, was an ambassador at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, a member of the ASCE Student Chapter, a member of SGA, and a sister in the Kappa Delta Sorority. Caroline started her professional career at TDOT as a Roadway Designer in 2020 where she earned her EIT certification. In 2022, Caroline transitioned career fields for the opportunity to do more structural work and is now at Sargent & Lundy (S&L) as a Transmission Line Associate.
Work Philosophy: You don’t have to be the smartest one in the bunch to achieve your goals. You would be surprised at how far ambition and determination will get you. While work is important, work life balance is even more important. She believes to succeed, there must be downtime to be creative and grow your personal self which will in turn support your professional self.
Best Advice for Students: Believe in yourself and have a support system. These are the main keys to success.
Caroline Would Like to Mentor: A passionate student who is excited to learn and is seeking an advocate along this engineering journey. It can be difficult to navigate at times!