WWIT 2025 SPEAKERS

Samaria Chicas, Senior Manager of Software Engineering, JPMorgan Chase

Keynote

Samaria Chicas is a results-driven technology leader, a passionate advocate for inclusivity, and a mentor dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals in tech. As a Senior Manager of Software Engineering at JPMorgan Chase, she leads teams in delivering enterprise-scale HR data solutions that support critical global workforce functions. Her expertise spans software development, data integration, and system migration. Most notably, she played a key role in the successful implementation of a new HR system of record—a transformational project impacting over 270,000 employees worldwide.

Beyond her technical leadership, Samaria is deeply committed to inclusivity initiatives, serving as co-chair for her local LGBTQ+ employee resource group, where she fosters professional development, ally training, and community engagement for over 2,200 members. She also actively mentors early-career professionals across industries, leading a mentor circle designed to provide guidance and support in career growth and leadership development.

Samaria’s career path was shaped by her willingness to embrace new opportunities. After earning her bachelor’s degree in International Business from Ball State University, she began her career in marketing and membership strategy at the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. Recognizing a growing interest in technology, she pivoted into the field through Ball State’s Center for Information & Communication Sciences (CICS) master's program, which provided the foundation for her transition into software engineering. This journey solidified her belief in staying open to unexpected opportunities—a guiding principle that continues to shape her career and mentorship approach.

In addition to her corporate and mentorship work, Samaria is a dedicated community advocate. She serves on the Livingston Avenue Area Commission, advising city leadership on local development initiatives, and is an active election poll worker.

Jeni McIntosh-Elkins, CEO, Fetch Happiness

Authenticity & Integrity in Tech Leadership

Jeni McIntosh-Elkins holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University Northwest and is now pursuing an Ed.D in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University. She previously completed a Master's in Business Administration at Indiana University Northwest, and a Master of Science Degree in Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University. Jeni's experience is deep and wide. She describes how overcoming a traumatic childhood and becoming a widow at a young age shaped her outlook. "When you cannot change the world, make your corner smile."

DeNeen Attard, founder and CEO of Attard Leadership Academy, LLC.

Authenticity & Integrity in Tech Leadership

DeNeen is deeply committed to empowering women to develop their leadership skills that yield results. She has over 15 years of experience in mentoring emerging leaders across Fortune 500 companies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Attard integrates a growth mindset and positive psychology techniques within each client’s unique professional development strategy. Attard has a Master’s degree in leadership along with multiple leadership and digital entrepreneurship certifications. She also holds advanced graduate learning studies in human resource management.

Bette Smith, Principal Destra Consulting Group LLC

Leading Through Change: Adaptability and Emotional Intelligence

Bette Smith is the principal in Destra Consulting Group. She is a management and communications consultant and coach with over 20 years of experience. Bette works with organizations going through business transformation and specifically does the work of assessment, design, delivery, and evaluation of initiatives for companies and organizations in all industries. Her client portfolio includes CHS Inc., MoneyGram, Turner, Samsonite, Ralston Purina, AT&T, UnitedHealth Group, Ferrer, and many more. She has extensive experience working with global companies.

Leadership coaching is a significant piece of the work Bette engages in – everything from coaching C-level executives on strategy to coaching high potentials on developing into future leaders.

Her certifications include ProsciChange Practitioner and Bridges Method Coaching.s in Business Administration at Indiana University Northwest, and a Master of Science Degree in Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University

Krista Ewing

Landing a New Career in the AI Era

Krista is the Learning Program Director of AI Education at Elevance Health / Anthem. She’s a former AI Responsible Educator, UX Engineer, and Learning Technology Consultant at Humana.

Kim Richman

Table Talk

Kim Richman specializes in the design and implementation of Unified Communications, Video, and Contact Center customer solutions, with 11 years of experience designing and deploying solutions for her clients. Her relevant technical skills include the design, implementation, and deployment of Cisco Unified Communications platforms (Webex and on-premises), UCaaS solutions such as Microsoft Teams, as well as technology assessments, dial plan migrations, E911 compliance, call center workflows, and visual communications.

Jaidyn Coleman

After DEIA, Now What? - Panelist

Jaidyn Coleman is a dedicated graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University. She previously earned her Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Ball State, where she was recognized as a six-time Dean’s List recipient and the 2024 Jimmy Champy Award winner for exceptional leadership and contributions.

Jaidyn is the project manager for the 2025 Women Working in Technology initiative. She is actively involved in Women Working in Technology as a Student Advisor, where she contributes insights on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the tech industry. Jaidyn is passionate about empowering future leaders through mentorship, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Christine Stiles

Responsible AI for the Discerning Techie Presented by Infosys

Christine Stiles has spent over 20 years in IT education, as a college professor and a corporate education manager. For the last five years Christine has been a Senior Principal of Education, Training & Assessment for Infosys, a global IT services company, where she manages and delivers training for employees, clients, and educational partners across the Americas. Christine has a wide range of experience in programming, data science, AI, cloud computing, metaverse, managing, and consulting. Christine has a gift for simplifying challenging IT topics in an engaging and meaningful way for novice to experts alike. Christine has a bachelor’s degree in education and a CICS master’s degree both from Ball State University.