Women & Hi Tech Welcomes First Latina President

4 new board members assume roles for 2022-2023

[INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA August 2022] – Women & Hi Tech is happy to announce the new Board of Directors for 2022-2023. This includes the organization’s first Latina president, Dr. Maria Alvim Gaston. Maria is a scientist by training with an educational background across organic, medicinal, and computational chemistries. In her 20+ year professional career in the biopharmaceutical industry she has made impactful contributions in computational chemistry, research IT, discovery operations, open innovation, and talent acquisition.

“I am proud to be the very first Latina to lead the Women and Hi Tech organization. I am eager to grow our impact in Indiana’s STEM communities by bringing all STEM professionals together to support K-12 student accomplishments and connect students with STEM career opportunities.”

Maria is enthusiastic about creating an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion. She loves to coach and mentor students and early career professionals to help individuals achieve their best throughout their career.

“We are often asked how we can get more women into STEM degree programs and occupations,” she said. “Families, schools, and communities can create an environment of encouragement that can disrupt negative stereotypes about women’s capacity in these demanding fields. By supporting the development of girls’ confidence in their ability to learn math and science, our board helps motivate interest in these fields. Women’s educational progress should be celebrated, yet more work is needed to ensure that women and girls have full access to educational and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And here in Indiana, Women & Hi Tech is committed to making these STEM fields more welcoming for women and giving women support they need to thrive in these careers.”

The existing Board is also pleased to welcome two new Board Directors to the 2022-2023 term. Shanniese Rice, Manager, IT Business Solutions: Product Line Specialty at Community Health Network, will serve as the organization’s new Secretary.

Tiffany Trusty, Associate Director of Product Management for Digital Health at Eli Lilly, will serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Existing board member Joy Neely, Senior Vice President of Sales, CareMetx, has elevated to the organization’s President-Elect role. See the current full board of directors at https://womenandhitech.org/Board