On October 6th, 2022, Women & Hi Tech will host its signature biennial event, the Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala (LLAs). We are so excited it is back in person this year! This prestigious event focuses on celebrating Indiana women, including diverse women, in STEM – women who are risk-takers, leaders, educators, mentors, and those who are changing and impacting our local STEM landscape.
As we began in the 2020 LLAs, Women & Hi Tech will again honor our male allies and our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Champions at this exceptional event. During the Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala, we will also award scholarships and grants to women and girls in Indiana pursuing degrees and/or continuing their education in STEM fields. We would be delighted to have you and your organization join us for this remarkable evening at the Indiana Rooftop Ballroom!
The theme of this year’s event will be focused on how we are all “In This Together.” The last two years have had impacts on the world that none of us could have imagined. Focusing on how we have come together during these challenging times, particularly in the STEM community, has been encouraging experience and we are hopeful this sense of community and support will only grow going forward.
Thank you to the Signature Sponsor of the 2022 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala, Eli Lilly & Company!
Please read more or stay tuned to this site for updated information as we march forward toward the 2022 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala. For general information or questions please contact lla@womenandhitech.org.
Event Schedule
5:30 PM: Doors Open
5:30-6:30pm: Networking, DJ
6:30 PM: Program Presentation Begins - dinner served during program
9:00 PM: Program Presentation Concludes
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Networking, DJ, DANCING
Registration for the Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala is now closed.
Meet Our Emcee, Jennie Lopez
Jennie Lopez embodies "Bring Yourself to Work" in everything she does. She empowers diversity and engages employees and organizations to achieve new highs.
Her superpower? Her authenticity! She realized that her strengths are a combination of her Latinx heritage, passions, and learnings from being a mom. Intentionally using her strengths has been the secret towards her personal and professional successful growth journey.
Jennie is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to the US to complete her Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering. Her engineering career includes roles in both Manufacturing & Quality (including Site Head roles) and the business side (Global Brand Leader, Sr. Leader & Chief Operating Officer). She is currently the head of Global Recruiting and Talent Acquisition for Eli Lilly and Company. Jennie is also an executive board member for the Organization of Latinx at her company focusing on developing and accelerating Latinx talent. In 2021 Jennie Lopez joined the Board of Directors for Genesis Research.
In parallel she has also found success in her dancing and fitness careers. Her experiences include: Back up dancer for artists like Julio Iglesias and Ednita Nazario, TV shows, Superbowl Winning NFL Cheerleader/Captain, Fitness Instructor, Presenter and Zumba Master Trainer.
Jennie is frequently invited as a guest speaker at many local and national organizations and was awarded 2020 Working Mother of the Year. She enjoys making intentional fun memories with her family Brad, Izzie (11), & Ethan (8)- they are the WHY and fuel for everything she does.
After many years of working hard to hide her unicorn horn she realized that that’s where magic takes place. She is now proud of being an intentional unicorn and empowers all to do the same.
Instagram: @intentionalunicorn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/intentionalunicorn/
Website: https://www.intentionalunicorn.com
With special support from our Partners and Friends in the Indiana STEM community, as well as our members, we are committed to award at least $50,000 in grants and scholarships at our 2022 Leading Light Awards.
See the full list of awards categories, nominees, and student applicants.
