Overview
This online event celebrates the closure of the 2025 cohort of our Mentoring Program and is designed to inspire, connect, and empower current and future leaders in STEMM. It brings together an exceptional community of women in STEMM to share experiences, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen their professional networks. The event opens with a series of public keynote talks featuring accomplished mothers in STEMM and distinguished leaders, who share authentic stories of growth, resilience, and leadership across diverse career paths. This is followed by short flash talks highlighting the work and achievements of our members. The program concludes with a members-only networking session in facilitated breakout rooms, followed by an interactive leadership workshop led by an expert coach. By connecting mothers in STEMM and creating opportunities for professional visibility, mutual support, and collaboration across diverse STEMM careers, this event equips participants with practical tools and strategies to confidently advance their leadership journeys.
To learn more about the event and the speakers, check the program below.
PROGRAM
| Time ET | Time CET | Agenda | Speaker |
| 9:00AM |
3:00PM |
Introduction | Dr Isabel Torres Co-Founder & CEO, Mothers in Science |
| 9:10AM | 3:10PM |
Session I - Keynote talks OPEN TO EVERYONE |
Prof Chioma Blaise Chikere Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria Dr Julie Lefebvre Vice President, Emerging Technologies Division at the National Research Council of Canada Dr Mary Ellis CEO of PheroSyn, United Kingdom | 10:30AM | 4:30PM |
Session I - Flash talks OPEN TO EVERYONE |
Speakers TBA
|
| 11:00AM |
5:00PM |
Break |
|
| 11:30AM | 5:30PM |
Session II- Networking session EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS |
Breakout Rooms: 1) Overcoming Maternity Bias and Mom Guilt 2) Burnout and the Work-Life Balance Myth 3) Networking and Career Advancement Strategies |
| 12:20AM |
6:20PM |
Break | |
| 12:30AM | 6:30PM | Session III – Workshop EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS |
Sarah Tilkens Executive Coach and Founder, The KPI Lab, USA "Becoming a Catalyst: Confidence, Clarity & the Power of You" |
| 2:00PM |
8:00PM |
Closing | Dr Isabel Torres |
SPEAKERS
Chioma Blaise Chikere
Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Chioma Blaise Chikere is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where she also serves as Head of the Department of Microbiology. She holds international appointments as Professor Extraordinarius at the University of South Africa and Visiting Professor at the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research.
With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 80+ conference presentations, Prof. Chikere is recognized globally for her research and collaborations, including the Erasmus+ AMIGO mobility program. Her award-winning project under the Elsevier Foundation’s Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge restored biodiversity in oil-polluted farmland in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
A passionate advocate for the African Union Agenda 2063, gender equity, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Prof. Chikere champions diversity and inclusion in higher education and research leadership.
Julie Lefebvre
Vice President, Emerging Technologies Division at the National Research Council of Canada
Julie Lefebvre is Vice President of the Emerging Technologies Division at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), leading innovation in quantum science, nanotechnology, astronomy, metrology, and photonics. Since joining NRC in 2019, she has held senior roles, including Director General of the Security and Disruptive Technologies Research Centre and Acting Director General of Nanotechnology and Advanced Electronics and Photonics.
Previously, Dr Lefebvre spent two decades at Defence Research and Development Canada, advancing from researcher to Director General, overseeing national programs in cyber operations, space operations, and sensing technologies.
She holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from McMaster University, completed postdoctoral research at Washington State University, and is a graduate of Canada’s Executive Leadership Development Program. McMaster University awarded her an honorary doctorate for her contributions to science and society.
Mary Ellis
CEO of PheroSyn, United Kingdom
Mary Ellis is co-founder and CEO of PheroSyn, an agri-tech company developing sustainable insect pheromone solutions as alternatives to chemical pesticides. An entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in life sciences and agri-tech startups, Dr Ellis combines scientific expertise with a passion for biodiversity and climate-positive technologies.
Raised on a regenerative farm, she trained as a pharmacologist and neuroscientist before founding and leading multiple technology ventures. She has served as CEO and CSO in agri-tech and life sciences, co-founded a Canadian technology commercialization fund, and held leadership roles with FarmTech Society and Biotalent Canada.
Dr Ellis is an experienced board chair and mentor, supporting entrepreneurs through programs such as SHAKE Climate Change.
Sarah Tilkens
Executive Coach and Founder, The KPI Lab, USA
Sarah Tilkens is an executive coach, facilitator, and founder of The KPI Lab, specializing in leadership development, operational excellence, and problem-solving strategies. With over 10,000 hours of coaching experience, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a background at GE HealthCare, Tilkens helps organizations build confident leaders and resilient systems.
Her dynamic keynotes and workshops blend practical frameworks with real-world insights, empowering teams to think clearly, act decisively, and deliver measurable results. Known for creating clarity and momentum, Tilkens is a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex challenges.
As a working mother, she brings empathy and authenticity to her approach, while remaining focused on performance and sustainable impact.
This 90-minute session is all about helping women in STEM reconnect with their strengths, own their voice, and lead with authenticity. We’ll explore what confidence looks like from the inside out—then dive into an interactive activity to help participants identify and harness their unique “superpowers.” The vibe will be reflective, energizing, and highly practical—designed to leave everyone feeling more grounded in who they are and how they want to show up in their work, leadership, and life.