What is your current role and area of oversight on staff?
I am the Senior Manager, Conferences & Events for the IEEE Photonics Society, overseeing the Society’s conference portfolio with a focus on the planning, strategy, and execution of our conferences and events. My role ensures our events are technically enriching, well-organized, and engaging for attendees. I work closely with volunteer leadership, technical program committees, and global partners to align our conferences with the Society’s mission and evolving priorities. It’s a dynamic role that allows me to contribute to the growth and visibility of the photonics community while creating meaningful experiences for our members around the world.
What is your background and how long have you been with the IEEE?
I’ve been with IEEE for 18 years, starting in IEEE Conferences, Events & Experiences (CEE) before transitioning full-time to the IEEE Photonics Society. During my time with IEEE CEE, I had the opportunity to work with multiple IEEE Societies, including the IEEE Photonics Society, where I served as a conference portfolio manager. In this role, I supported a range of conferences and initiatives, helping to shape and execute impactful events. This diverse experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of IEEE’s event landscape and best practices, while also allowing me to establish valuable relationships across the organization. Over the years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside the Society and contribute to its ongoing success.
What inspired you to join the IEEE and IEEE Photonics Society team? What do you enjoy most about your work and/or working with volunteers?
While working in IEEE CEE, I recognized the dedication of the volunteers and staff within the IEEE Photonics Society. Their energy and commitment to advancing photonics technology inspired me to join the team full-time.
I enjoy working with volunteers who bring cutting-edge research and industry insights to our events. Their enthusiasm fuels our conferences, their ideas drive innovation, and it’s rewarding to help create platforms where they can share knowledge, collaborate, and network. The multidisciplinary perspectives and expertise they offer make every event a dynamic learning experience, enriching the content and discussions. It’s particularly fulfilling to witness the impact these events have on both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, creating lasting connections and sparking new opportunities for collaboration.
From your area of oversight, what is a challenge that our community is facing?
A major challenge is ensuring our conferences remain engaging and valuable for both academia and industry. Balancing technical depth with practical, real-world applications is key to broadening our audience and strengthening industry participation.
Can you share a recent project you’re proud of and how you collaborate with other IEEE departments to achieve the Society’s goals?
I encouraged the adoption of Smartsheet, a cloud-based project management platform, to facilitate open collaboration across multiple IEEE Photonics Society events. This centralized tool enhanced coordination among teams, boosted efficiency, and simplified the complexities of event planning. It allowed us to track progress, set timelines, and allocate resources effectively, ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks.
As a collaborative organization, IEEE relies on close teamwork with various departments, including finance, marketing, publications, membership and CEE, to ensure our conferences run smoothly. We work together to align goals, streamline communications, and share resources across the organization. By leveraging each other’s expertise, we can deliver the high-quality events that IEEE is recognized for, ensuring an enriching experience for our members and attendees. This teamwork is essential for the success of every event, and I take pride in being part of a system that consistently delivers excellence in the photonics field.
Tell us something fun about yourself!
Outside of IEEE, I spend most of my time with my husband and two young daughters, who keep me very busy! I love exploring new places with them, and in rare quiet moments, I enjoy DIY home projects.
