Speakers

Rebekah Collogan, Engineering Vice President at Phoenix Mecano

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 Roberts, Retired Head of U.S. Regulatory Policy and Intelligence at AbbVie

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, Forensic Chemistry Supervisor at Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory

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. 

MODERATOR: Amanda Whitener, Executive Director at Woman to Woman Mentoring

Amanda joined the Woman to Woman Mentoring family in October 2023 and serves as the Executive Director. Amanda holds a B.S. in Biology from Lake Erie College in Ohio and completed her Master’s work in Biology at Illinois State University. In 2021, she graduated with an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. Her previous roles were primarily focused on STEM and informal education, most recently as the Head of Workforce Development with WorldStrides. Amanda resides in Gaithersburg with her husband, dog, and two ancient cats.