Join us for an event celebrating Women in STEM! Our program includes panel discussions showcasing women in different STEM fields and how they have overcome challenges.
We invite you to network with like-minded individuals and be inspired by the incredible accomplishments of women in STEM. Together, let's empower and support each other in building a more diverse and inclusive STEM community for the future. See you there!
Rose E. Sekulovich, Ph.D. |Vice President of Bioanalytical, Translational Biology, Arcturus Therapeutics
Dr. Sekulovich is currently leading the Bioanalytical team at Arcturus Therapeutics, a cutting-edge biotechnology company that is developing a portfolio of mRNA vaccines as well as therapeutics for treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Sekulovich is an executive-level scientist with a proven track record in managing research and development activities in large lab groups with budgets up to $20M. She has led phase-appropriate project planning and implementation from research through licensure and commercialization, and has experience working with global project teams.
Her strategic focus is on getting new therapies to patients and she has contributed to the analytical and clinical pharmacology sections of successful submissions in the US and EU, and helped launch commercial vaccines and drug products.
During her career she has worked in vaccines development at Chiron; gene therapy at MediGene; metabolic diseases at Amylin; and oncology therapies at Halozyme Inc. At Arcturus, she is a key member of the team that developed a novel self-amplifying mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Dr. Sekulovich excels in leading cross-functional teams and is known for her mentoring capabilities as well as for her scientific expertise. She has demonstrated strategic oversight through IP submissions, due diligence for Business Development programs and as an SME for Alliance partnerships.
While an acknowledged expert in her field, she also brings a balanced approach to her life. She has a passion for wildlife conservation and is a longtime supporter of the San Diego Zoological Society. She also enjoys travel, art, cooking and spending time with her family and her dogs.
Aparna Seksaria | Global Life Science Strategy Lead at SAP
Aparna Seksaria is the Life Sciences solutions Director with seventeen plus years of experience in consulting and implementing SAP solutions across pharma and med devices companies. Aparna specializes in understanding the pharma business processes, trends and challenges of the industry and translates them to potential SAP solutions while strengthening functions and features roadmaps for the existing products, ensuring that Life Sciences customers maximize their benefits from SAP solutions and SAP partners eco systems.
Joyce Williams | Department of Defense
Ms. Joyce D. Williams, a professional with a unique blend of leadership and technical expertise, has significantly impacted the national intelligence community. Her career, over 25+ years, has been dedicated to analyzing and designing large, complex systems for this crucial sector. Her contributions to Artificial Intelligence (AI), systems engineering, and tactical autonomy while supporting the DoD in various capacities have been instrumental.
Ms. Williams' commitment to lifelong learning is truly inspiring. She has been recognized for her ongoing STEM mentoring, community service work, and professional achievements. She holds a BS in Mathematics and Psychology, an MS in Computer Science (AI), and an MS in Computer Information Systems. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Data Science and Visualization certification, and she has completed numerous doctoral-level courses in data science and data analytics.
Shirin Alipanah | Technology Partner at META
Shirin Alipanah is a distinguished leader in the technology sector, celebrated for her visionary leadership and strategic acumen in driving digital transformation across the industry. Boasting over two decades of experience, Shirin has been instrumental in shaping the future of tech, notably at premier companies such as Bumble Bee Seafoods, Jack in the Box, and Meta, where she has pioneered the development of innovative technological solutions. In her role, Shirin stands as a formidable advocate for gender diversity within tech, tirelessly working to forge inclusive environments that facilitate the advancement of women into leadership positions. Her dedication is evident through her strategic involvement with organizations such as SIM WIT San Diego, where she leverages her position to champion gender equity in the technology landscape. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to societal betterment, Shirin holds a pivotal role as a board member of The VillageCore, advocating for intergenerational learning and support. This, coupled with her active participation in the North San Diego Business Chamber, highlights her comprehensive approach to fostering both technological innovation and community development. Shirin’s leadership excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious recognitions, including her nomination as an Unstoppable Woman 2022 finalist, her accolade as a 2023 Woman of Influence in Technology, and her distinction as a 2024 Leader of Influence in Technology. These honors not only reflect her impactful contributions to technology and advocacy but also her status as a thought leader in the field. As a luminary in the tech community, Shirin embodies the essence of leadership, her advocacy for women, and her commitment to community building, continually inspiring industry professionals. Her initiatives underscore the critical role of innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement in propelling the technology sector to new heights.
