Sofia Mondragon | Associate Banker - Vice President | Citi Law Firm Group
I started as a JP Morgan Chase-Retail Banker in Chicago IL, helping clients in the community with their banking, lending and financial planning needs.
Through this role I was introduce to the investment division of banking. I obtained my investment licenses and joined the Private Banking division, helping the organization expand in the Houston TX market, working with ultra-high net-worth clients. I was able to leverage my experience in the previous roles and transitioned into a Supervisory position in Chicago IL, ensuring the supervision of investment accounts were in line with the firm’s policies/procedures while adhering to FINRA regulations. After almost 11 years, I joined Citi Wealth at Work in the capacity of an Associate Banker – Assistant Vice President in 2022. I was recently promoted to Vice President in recognition of my consistent performance excellence across financial goals and behaviors.
Alexandra Mercz | Director of Cybersecurity | Synterra Asia
I am a cybersecurity, technology, risk, and transformation expert with extensive experience across multinational financial, telco, and consumer goods institutions, as well as innovative startups.
Throughout my career, I’ve successfully managed complex transformations, optimized operations, and driven organizational efficiency across diverse sectors. In the financial industry, I have worked with both incumbent and digital banks/fintechs, where I applied a modern, execution-oriented approach to deliver resilient, scalable solutions tailored to meet evolving business needs. A significant part of my work has involved managing risk for financial institutions, ensuring robust compliance with regulatory requirements while driving audit readiness and adherence. I’ve helped organizations navigate the complex landscape of multi-cloud solutions, and I specialize in ensuring data privacy by ensuring compliance with stringent standards while protecting sensitive information. My hands-on, goal-driven style ensures businesses optimize resources, driving efficiency and doing more with less. I employ modern delivery methodologies and integrate execution strategies to ensure outstanding outcomes. My expertise in risk management, program management, and consultancy makes me a trusted partner for ensuring business resiliency. As a globally recognized speaker and presenter, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with the industry and contributing to its growth through thought leadership.
Magdalena Groszek | Vice President | Goldman Sachs
Growing up with a programmer for a mother, a career in tech felt natural. She demystified what still seems impossible for many young women.
Her consistent support helped me build my skills, leading to my first role at Goldman Sachs in 2013 as a summer intern. It was then that I realized my story is an exception to the rule, and there’s so much more to be done in the industry. I became committed to acting as a role model for other women who don’t get these naturally. Research consistently shows that seeing women in leadership positions and successful careers in STEM increases girls’ and women’s self-belief in their ability to succeed in those fields. Since 2016, I have helped shape the Perspektywy’s IT for SHE program, which supports talented women studying IT to enter the Polish job market. In 2018, I collaborated with the Perspektywy foundation to establish the Women in Tech Summit, Europe’s largest conference for women in tech, which gathered over 14,000 participants in 2024. I co-head internal Goldman Sachs Warsaw Women’s Network. Over the years I have aimed to inspire hundreds of people through these and other initiatives, and I have directly mentored over 30 individuals, helping them to build courage to achieve their goals, find first job in IT or simply find their way in the fast-paced IT industry. My goal is to continue fostering an inclusive tech industry, empowering the next generation of leaders.
Elena Drakulevska | BI & UX Consultant | MoonStory
Elena Drakulevska is a BI & UX Consultant with a background in tech and a passion for making data intuitive and accessible through design.
She holds an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and started her career in business intelligence, where she quickly realized the gap between technical reporting and user experience. This led her to UX design, where she found her mission—bridging the worlds of data visualization and usability. Through her blog MoonStory 🌙, international conference talks, and community initiatives, Elena helps teams create intuitive, impactful Power BI reports. She also leads the Global Fabric VizDesign Hub, a unique space where UX-focused data professionals connect, learn and grow together. Her contributions to the community and commitment to user-centered design earned her the Microsoft Data Platform MVP award in early 2025.
Shadè Alcine | Client Relationship Manager | HUMAN
I’m Shadè Alcine, a leader in cybersecurity, fintech, and payments, with a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and delivering exceptional results.
I’m honored to have been recognized at the NYSE as an Inspiring Women of the Year, named a 2024 Top 25 Mentor by Upnotch, and selected as a finalist for both the Black Tech Achievement Fintech Person of the Year and the PayTech Women Rising Star award. In my work, I’ve established myself as a trusted leader in cyber, consistently closing business at an impressive 120% success rate. My expertise lies in building secure, scalable systems, protecting digital identities, and combating fraud in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Beyond technical achievements, I am passionate about creating pathways for underrepresented voices through roles such as co-chair of PayTech Women and board member of Blacks in Tech.
Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez | Design Engineer | RJC Engineers
I am a structural earthquake engineer with a diverse career bridging both industry and academia.
I began my journey with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Costa Rica. In 2013, I joined SismoConsultores, a seismic design firm, where my passion for structural dynamics grew. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology through an international program at IUSS (Italy) and METU (Turkey). In 2016, I moved to New Zealand to pursue a PhD in Earthquake Engineering at the University of Canterbury. The Kaikōura Earthquake, which occurred shortly after my arrival, significantly influenced my research. I joined a reconnaissance team examining damaged infrastructure and later conducted research at Politecnico di Torino and the Eucentre Foundation in Italy, focusing on seismic performance and resilience of precast concrete buildings. In 2022, I transitioned to industry as a Design Engineer at RJC Engineers in Vancouver, where I apply my expertise to the seismic design of tall buildings and the seismic assessment of existing structures, enhancing my practical knowledge of resilient design. I also actively support women in the profession through mentoring junior engineers, volunteering with organizations like SCWIST, and advocating for greater female representation in engineering through professional societies. As a recipient of the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, I am excited to combine my academic and industry experience to redefine seismic design for high-rise buildings in Canada. My goal is to improve resilience in seismic regions and contribute to advancing building design practices.
Silvia Plaza Martin | Health Psychologist / Therapist | Violet Psychology
I’m Silvia—a certified General Health Psychologist originally trained in Spain, with specializations in Gender Studies and Health Psychology.
Since moving to Ireland, I’ve been pursuing an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy while continuing to grow Violet Psychology, the Counselling and Psychotherapy service I founded two years ago. Violet Psychology is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities, offering a safe, affirming, and inclusive space. My decision to start this practice was born from my own experience navigating healthcare systems that often lack affirming, inclusive care. I wanted to create the space I wish I had—one where people can show up fully as themselves, without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. As a queer and neurodivergent person, I bring my lived experience into my work to create a relatable and compassionate environment. I’m deeply passionate about empowering people who may feel overlooked by traditional systems of care, including those in kink, polyamorous, and sex-working communities, as well as individuals managing chronic illness or disability. Together, we explore how societal systems like capitalism and patriarchy shape our lives—and how we can reclaim our power within them. My approach is rooted in transfeminist theory, intersectionality, and a commitment to social justice. I believe in a psychology that not only supports individual healing but also advocates for systemic change, challenging the structures that perpetuate inequality and marginalization.
Sara Yahia | HR Expert & Author of Quietly Sparks
Sara Yahia is an award-winning HR leader, author, and DEI advocate with over 12 years of international experience.
She has led HR strategies for prominent companies like DoubleTree by Hilton, Jade Associates, and FIFA Qatar/Mall of Qatar. Now a consultant for U.S. companies, Sara focuses on optimizing HR operations and fostering inclusive, diverse workplaces. Fluent in four languages, Sara’s disciplined, emotionally intelligent leadership blends cultural awareness, adaptability, and resilience. She empowers employees through an introvert-friendly framework, prioritizing understanding and connection for organizational success. Initiatives like creating an inclusive app for visually impaired customers and launching the Hi-Five Welcoming strategy have delivered measurable business outcomes, earning her accolades such as two 40 Under 40 awards and a Global Recognition Award for DEI contributions. Sara’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply compassionate and volunteers her time preparing meals for those in need. She supports causes like children’s welfare, regularly attending charity galas to make a difference in others’ lives. Sara also advocates for underrepresented groups through her involvement in the United Women in Business Foundation and the CUNY Alumni Engagement Council. Outside of work, Sara embraces diverse hobbies that reflect her curiosity and passion for self-improvement, including playing the piano, flying planes, horse riding, skiing, CrossFit, cooking, and reading romance novels. Sara’s unique combination of leadership, emotional intelligence, grit, and dedication makes her a true Rising Star and a leader to watch in her industry.
Dr. Anmol Agarwal | Security Researcher | Nokia
Dr. Anmol Agarwal is a senior security researcher working in cybersecurity at Nokia. She specializes in AI security, and she works to secure 5G and 6G networks.
Dr. Agarwal is an award-winning speaker and has spoken at numerous international events and conferences to educate the public about cybersecurity and data science. Dr. Agarwal has experience in industry, government, and academia. She is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University and teaches AI and Machine Learning. Prior to her industry role at Nokia, Dr. Agarwal worked at the U.S. CISA to manage risk and protect critical infrastructure. Dr. Agarwal contributes to ongoing research and writes research papers about cybersecurity and AI. She has contributed work to prestigious international conferences such as IEEE Smart Nets. She has a doctoral degree in cybersecurity analytics which focused on cybersecurity, AI, and advanced data analytics. Her research focused on privacy-preserving Machine Learning and the security vulnerabilities of AI and Machine Learning algorithms. She also has a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. During her studies, she worked on AI, big data analytics, and cybersecurity research projects.
Daniela Camberos | Head of People | DD360
As a pioneering force in ethical AI, I am revolutionizing global recruitment through ground-breaking technology that eliminates 87% of unconscious hiring biases.
Named one of ”30 Promising Leaders of Mexico” recognizing Mexico’s most influential young leaders and the sole global expert in talent processes recognized by a leading international organization for ethical AI, I have developed the world’s first AI-powered avatar system for unbiased interviews, transforming over 10,000 careers worldwide. From my base in Mexico, I drive innovation with purpose, combining technological advancement with social impact. My achievements include creating the first HR-focused educational AI podcast, democratizing access to career development knowledge across borders. As a professor of Ethical AI at a prominent Mexican university, I shape the next generation of responsible tech leaders while serving as Country Chair for AI, Data & Cybersecurity in an influential international forum. My implementations have achieved a remarkable 35% increase in leadership diversity, demonstrating my commitment to creating equitable opportunities for traditionally excluded communities. Recently named among the Global 200 Power Leaders 2024, I also contribute my expertise as a member of a prestigious UK university’s Women’s Leadership Centre. What truly distinguishes me is my vision of humanizing technology. While my innovations set new global standards for ethical AI implementation in human resources, my focus remains steadfast on building bridges for future female tech leaders. I exemplify how the next technological revolution can be both innovative and humane, inspiring women worldwide from my groundbreaking work in Mexico.