EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
STEERING COMMITTEE 2024

Shannon Bumgarner is a courageous change maker inspiring leadership transformation within organizations and with women in technical careers. As a seasoned leader with 20+ years of experience, her human centric leadership has cultivated belonging cultures resulting in significant improvements in diversity, employee engagement, and business performance. Shannon is also passionate about mentoring women in largely male-dominated industries with a broader impact on gender equity in STEM and gender wealth equality.

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For more information on Shannon visit: linkedin.com/in/shannonbumgarner

Brittany is an assistant superintendent at R.C. Mathews Contractor in Nashville, Tennessee. She is involved in several organizations that focus on issues surrounding the construction industry, like the National Association of Women in Construction, Crew Collaborative and Go Build Tennessee. In 2023 she receive the NAWIC Nashville Rookie of the Year award and a national 2nd place committee award for reaching out to the community during Women in Construction Week. Her mission is to empower the next generation of women in construction. Through her online presence with LinkedIn and Instagram, Brittany connects with many others who share her mission, like the Space to Build and Dirty and Driven podcasts, among others. Follow her story @builderwithabow.

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For more information on Brittany visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittghomme/

Dianne McMaster is a Water and Wastewater Business Development Manager at Emerson providing support and strategic directions for water and wastewater business. Dianne is the northeast regional lead as well as a chapter lead in Emerson’s Women’s Impact Network employee resource group. The Women’s Impact network supports the vision and purpose to attract, develop and retain the best women in roles related to science, technology, engineering and math. Dianne also volunteers her time with multiple organizations including American Lung Association Fight for Air Stair Climb, P3R Pittsburgh Marathon, and the Society of Women Engineers.

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For more information on Dianne visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-mcmaster/

Daryl is a Project Manager in the commercial MEP construction industry with experience spanning semiconductor, pharmaceutical, offices, CNG stations, and multifamily markets, both in traditional and design-build deliveries. In addition to her direct role, she is integral to strategic planning, training and development, and process improvements. She serves as Chair of TD Women’s ERG and Committee Member & Mentor for the TD Wilmer Hutchins High School mentorship program. As a public speaker, mentor, and industry leader, her advocacy work focuses on Women in Construction/Industry, Equity, Mental Health, and Servant Leadership. She is an Empowering Women in Industry Award Nominee 2022/2023.

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For more information on Daryl visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylanneestill/

Kristel Zaman is a Director of Marketing and Product Management with Grundfos. She is responsible for municipal and groundwater business in Americas region. Kristel is a known speaker and contributor to Hydraulic Institute, Water Environment Federation, and number of other industry organizations.

Kristel describes herself as a learner and servant leader: sensitive to the needs of customers, encouraging mentor developing her team and inspiring others around her. She is passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion at the workplace and focused on empowering women in industry.

Kristel was born in Estonia, moved to USA almost two decades ago. At her leisure, Kristel is an avid reader, beginner yogi, loves needle crafts, and enjoys spending time with her four rescue cats.

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For more information on Kristel visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristel-zaman-ms-pcm-mba-76761b38/

Nicole is a high-energy and results-oriented professional who has worked with diverse multi-cultural teams around the world. She brings 25 years of corporate and technology experience to her training workshops. 

 

Nicole’s professional experience includes enterprise level technology systems with such roles as Software Engineering, Business Systems Analysis and Project Management. Her industry knowledge includes Financial & Merchant Services, Retirement & Payroll Services, Manufacturing and Automotive.  

Nicole’s work experience includes companies like: JP Morgan Chase & Co., General Motors, Delphi, Detroit Diesel, National Steel Corporation and Electronic Data Systems (now DXC). 

 

As a certified John Maxwell Team speaker, trainer, and coach, Nicole delivers content that adds value through an inspiring, engaging, and exciting experience that audiences enjoy. 

 

For more information on Nicole visit: www.sccalhoun.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleccalhoun

Mary-Frances Klimek is the Superintendent at the Racine Wastewater Utility in Racine, Wisconsin. She oversees all wastewater operations, maintenance, laboratory services and regulatory compliance and most reporting. Prior to becoming Superintendent in 2015, she was the first woman to work outside of the lab or clerical support group. She is involved in committees regarding racial equity, inclusion, leadership and wellness. She is excited to be a new member of the Empowering Women in Industry Steering Committee. She is Chair of the Central States Water Environment Association Wisconsin Section, a past Local Arrangements Chair and current committee member for the annual conference.  Additionally, she is the 2019 Empowering Women in Industry Mentor of the Year, a 7S member, recipient of the Water Environment Federation Hatfield Award and the CSWEA Operations Award. She was recently featured in Treatment Plant Operator Magazine and Water & Wastes Digest. She is most proud of her family and the support they show for the many projects she involves them in.

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For more information on Mary-Frances visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-frances-klimek/

Bekah Mechtensimer, Director with Empowering Pumps & Equipment, started in the industrial industry selling nuts, bolts, and washers. From there, she moved up to a technical sales position for pumps, compressors, and pneumatic tools. When she wasn’t in the office selling; she was in the shop helping manufacturing with whatever was needed that day. Bekah joined the EP&E team in 2017 with a desire to grow in the industry. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with her pup, Woodrow, or enjoying her favorite music - preferably at a festival!

 

For more information on Bekah visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekah-mechtensimer/

Maria Elena Rodriguez Hernandez is a Water Engineering Director at Ingeteam (Water Sector), with +25 years of experience in the field of Turbomachinery and Water Engineering. Elena is based in Zarautz, Basque Country in Spain and is a mechanical, hydraulic, and civil engineer who is currently completing a course in the University about Management and Direction of Water Companies. Elena is an active advocate for women in Engineering Fields and Technical careers, serving as a founding member of the Empowering Women in Industry steering committee. She is passionate about travel, photography, and Water Megastructures.

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For more information on Elena visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-elena-rodriguez-hernandez-01163133/

Kathy Johnson has been a Mechanical Engineer for John Crane Inc. for 20 plus years. She plays an important role with the company with 20 plus years of experience.  She provide dedication and commitment with products in the area of Compression Packing, Gaskets, PTFE and some Mechanical Seals items. She is very passionate with upholding and advocating for John Crane’s Brand.

 

She continuously makes strides in creating relationships with other women the Technical Industry. She has been a mentor and have offered guidance to young people within her community in reaching their goals in life.

 

Kathy is a member of FSA, Empowering Women, Society Women Engineers (SWE), National Technical Association (NTA) and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

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For more information on Kathy visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-johnson-85b6894/

Renee Joseph is the VP of Global Customer and Sales and Enablement for a Fortune 500 Company as well as speaker, author, and leadership coach

 

She has a 20+ year career introducing and executing strategies to drive growth within global competitive markets with deep knowledge of customer and sales enablement principles.  She is known as a transformative leader with a passion for establishing, growing, and leading top performing teams. Working exclusively in a male dominated engineering industry throughout her entire career, she has dedicated herself to educating, mentoring and advocating for diversity in the workplace. 

 

Renee resides in Wisconsin and in her leisure, she enjoys playing the piano, watercolor painting, writing, practicing yoga, beekeeping and spending time with her husband, four children and seven grandchildren.

For more information on Renee visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-joseph-46017946/

Stephanie Hajducek is a Territory Sales Manager for SAMSON Controls – a market leader in control valves for industrial processes. She has also held positions with other industry leading companies such as Bechtel, ChevronPhillips, Citgo, Steel Dynamics and The Chemours Company. In January 2022 Stephanie started a nonprofit organization called This One’s for the Gals that helps girls with career exploration and workforce development. Focusing their efforts on the construction, energy, and manufacturing industries, TOFTG likes to say that they talk to girls about career pathways that not very many people talk to girls about from STEM to Skilled Trades and everything in between! Stephanie hopes that by sharing her experiences and lessons learned she can help girls step out of their comfort zone and step into a world of endless possibilities in industry!

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For more information on Stephanie visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slhajduc/

Jill possesses over 20 years of expertise in Enterprise Business Development, with a focus on supporting major CPGs. Transitioning her efforts, she is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion across ecosystems. Her dedication lies in expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for diverse-owned businesses and promoting sustainable prosperity for workers and communities.

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Operating at the intersection of purpose and profit, Jill has demonstrated success in collaborating with closely held companies and private equity firms, facilitating transitions to employee ownership and empowering workers to build generational wealth. In her role as Curriculum Director for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center, she crafted a groundbreaking curriculum designed to accelerate later-stage Black female entrepreneurs in the CPG and Food sectors. This curriculum provides crucial education, access to networks, and capital.

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Among her current endeavors, Jill collaborates as a member of the Steering Committee for Empowering Women in Industry and the 17 Rooms Initiative. Her collaborative efforts aim to advance the economic, social, and environmental priorities inherent in the world's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her proactive engagement extends to the working group for Room 8, focusing on UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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Jill's fervor for effecting positive change is deeply rooted, driven by her desire to inspire connections that lead to meaningful transformations. Presently, she serves with distinction on the Board of Directors for the Spondylitis Association of America, striving to enhance outcomes for individuals impacted by Spondyloarthritis while also hosting Spondycast.

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A seasoned speaker, Jill is well-versed in delivering engaging talks on topics including technical content, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the transformative power of connection. Her recent speaking engagements include notable events such as Empowering Women in Industry Chicago and Deeper Women Lead Atlanta, where she provided audiences with invaluable insights and inspiration. Additionally, Jill has served as a spokesperson for Novartis in Sat Media Tours and online commercials for their MPITAS, further amplifying her influence.

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For more information on Jill visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejillsmiller/

Richa Paliwal is a Regional Head/Director of Customer Sales and Support Center for Groundwater/Irrigation and Municipal market for the Americas region for Grundfos. Here we enable our customers to transform water management to build a sustainable future. In the past 11 years, I’ve progressed through multiple positions in customer service starting as an applications engineer to leading a team of engineers to heading the Americas regional customer support team. My journey has taught me to embrace and appreciate a new level of diversity and inclusion within the organization. I am passionate about building a team culture that is creative, collaborative and customer centric.

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For more information on Richa visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richa-paliwal-01912319/