Agenda

Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., Hood College provost welcomes everyone to the event.

Rebekah Collogan joined the Phoenix Mecano Team in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State University and a Master’s of Engineering in Professional Practice from the University of Wisconsin. Her manufacturing journey began as a way to gain technical skills on her path to a law degree. However, she discovered her passion for improving work processes and driving change, leading her to pursue a career in engineering.

Rebekah’s diverse background includes experience in heavy equipment OEM manufacturing, project management, and capital investment. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, cooking, and baking.

Favorite quote: “Believe.” – Ted Lasso 

Khyati is a recognized industry expert with over 35 years of experience as a pharmacist, regulatory consultant, and regulator driving innovative approaches to government regulation and legislation. With a deep understanding of the regulatory environment, Khyati has advanced healthcare strategies related to the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, diversity, expedited pathways, the Orphan Drug Act, pediatric trials, importation, dynamic regulatory assessments, patient centricity, clinical trial modernization, international harmonization activities, and e-labeling. She is an active contributor to professional organizations and her published manuscripts and presentations have been impactful in changing the regulatory environment for biopharmaceutical development. She is both enthusiastic and practical while always keeping public health in the forefront of any solutions. Since retiring in 2023, Khyati has been actively involved in mentoring programs and is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Food and Drug Administration Alumni Association (FDAAA).

Leah King serves as the supervisor of the Forensic Chemistry Unit at Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory. Leah developed an interest in chemistry and history during high school, although she initially found limited career options that integrated these fields. In 1999, Leah graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, a concentration in Biochemistry, and a minor in Mathematics.

Following her graduation, she worked as an analytical chemist at L'Oreal USA; however, she sought a career that would allow her to make a greater impact on her community. In 2002, she transitioned to a role as a Forensic Chemist with the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. In 2007, she joined the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory as a Forensic Scientist, where she has continued to contribute her expertise.  

Leah cites the impact of her parents’ unwavering guidance in shaping her into a compassionate individual. She was fortunate to have a deep liberal arts education, which aided in pursuing an interdisciplinary career in forensics. Forensics bridges the gap between highly technical aspects of science and promotes collaboration among various disciplines to benefit the community. Leah currently resides in Frederick County with her husband and two children. 

Attendees have the opportunity to ask speakers questions.

Amanda Whitener, executive director of Woman to Woman Mentoring, closes out the event and invite in-person attendees to stay for networking.

For those attending in person, stay after the talks for a chance to mingle with the speakers and fellow attendees.