Guest Features

As an initiative to showcase the many amazing and diverse leaders that exist in and out of the field of engineering and UConn, JLLA is taking nominations for people to be featured on our social media platforms and websites. You may nominate yourself or others HERE. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate someone, please fill out this form, which can also be found in our bio.

Check out some of the awesome leaders that we have the pleasure to introduce and share their stories below:

Cel Welch

Meet Cel Welch! They are a PhD Student at Brown University doing research in Biomedical Engineering.

To them, leadership is about inspiring others to achieve things they never felt they could. Teaching others to internalize their capabilities is hugely important to them as it is something they've always personally struggled with. They believe "that leadership is fundamentally about motivating people to achieve their maximum potential. It's also about learning to accept criticism and improve yourself." Cel recently got very into accepting how little they know and have used this to be a better leader. They are constantly growing and learning how to be respectful while also pushing forward. In summary, they stated that "leadership is a process, and effective leadership extends far beyond simply bossing people around."

They said that "[r]epresentation in leadership positions is critically important because leaders are the people who inspire others. People look to leaders for guidance. If no leaders look like them or have similar background to them, people will feel that they cannot achieve success, that they don't know how to or simply don't know if it's possible."

They also said, "[s]tudents of color, LGBTQIA+ students, first generation students, immigrants and other groups have very challenging times in the [biomedical engineering] field still. We are moving towards progress and understanding the unique assets that a diverse group of biomedical engineers bring to the table. However, it's inaccurate to say that discrimination isn't lurking in the bushes in academic and industrial workplaces. I have personally faced much retaliation for being visibly LGBTQ+, and have observed racism, sexism, and more. I believe in the philosophy of continuous improvement and I think that as a community we are constantly moving towards a more equitable future. I am personally committed to overseeing this change during my lifetime."

You can follow them at /@citizenSTEM and /@QueerEngineers on Twitter. Additionally keep a look out on Wednesday to learn more about Cel!

Written by: Mikayla Moody
Posted on: March 1, 2021

Taylor Griggs

Taylor Griggs is a Sales and Project Management of Mechanical Systems with MacDonald - Miller Facility Solutions, where he employs his nuclear engineering background.

The daily problem solving intricacies within Grigg’s position appeal to him, and allow him to assert himself as a leader. His job also requires patience during the longer engineering process.

The term “leadership” varies in definition from person to person. Griggs says leadership means “setting an example for others to emulate while pointing your team in a positive direction.”

Diversity and inclusion are an absolute must in leadership positions, according to Griggs. It allows for eclectic areas of input. Check out how JLLA creates holistic leaders: https://jlla.engr.uconn.edu/past-events/

Written by: Allison O'Donnell
Posted on: August 24, 2020

Yadano Kumbi

Yadano Kumbi is a Bio-Resource Researcher based in Washington, where she is responsible for finding the right talent for research positions, advising the managers what type of skill set align with their needs.

In Kumbi’s experience, leadership is when you “lead by example- get your hands a little dirty with the team”. She also believes it means “putting the right people in at the right time... [and] trusting yourself and others around you to get the work done.”

While being able to help and make a difference in people's lives, Kumbi says that she wishes the engineering industry was more diverse and inclusive.

“I believe representation matters in all positions especially leadership positions because when leadership is accompanied with diversity and inclusion then it thrives. It’s important people who work under that leadership feel welcomed, respected, and protected.”

Reflecting on the JLLA’s dedication to representing all engineers and facilitating a diverse curriculum, Kumbi said It seems engaging, welcoming and led through practice.

Written by: Allison O'Donnell
Posted on: August 17, 2020

Genesis Quiles-Galarza

To chemical engineer Genesis Quiles-Galarza, leadership is not just one, particularly outspoken person with certain traits that we look up to to guide us to our goals. Rather, leadership is a collective effort. “Everyone has their own unique set of skills and talents that they bring to the table, and whenever someone leads in using their skills to further a collective goal - that is leadership”.

Quiles-Galarz attributes her inspiration to a science teacher- who instilled confidence within her. She says teachers fill a vital leadership role by leading students on “a quest to become inspired to learn about something and to continue to learn beyond the teachers’ influence until the student becomes a leader”.

It is her belief that leadership is even more effective when students can look up to a teacher who looks like them. This same idea can be extended to leaders in any realm - will they inspire others to pursue a common goal? Will they interact with people directly and engage them? Are the leaders from a diverse set of backgrounds to provide new perspective and inspire different types of people to do the same work?

“Often I am saddened when I look around the rooms I'm in and I'm the only Latina. Nine times out of ten, I'm the only woman. I wish science and engineering was made more accessible for people who look like me, as well as other groups traditionally left out of the science and engineering fields. Unfortunately, there is a lot of gatekeeping that happens in academia and science in order to keep underrepresented groups out of STEM, starting at a very young age. One of my career goals is to address this problem, through direct action at a policy level, leadership, and science communication.”

Written by: Allison O'Donnell
Posted on: July 20, 2020

John Lof Leadership Academy

Cel Welch

Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil

Dr. Raychelle Burks

Dr. Minerva Cordero

Bertha “Bertie” Parker Cody

Janaki Ammal

Tu Youyou

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

Dr. Alexa Canady

Hadiyah-Nicole Green

Dr. Ainissa Ramirez

Mary G. Ross

Taylor Griggs

Yadano Kumbi

Dr. Ellen Ochoa

Satya Nadella

Farida Bedwei

Genesis Quiles-Galarza