STEM & Healthcare Innovation. Real World Impact
Why Rise Circle?
Two Founders. One Encounter. Boundless Possibilities.
We connected last year, survived an accelerator together (it didn't kill us, so I guess we are stronger). Several train rides (to NYC) and car rides (to Philly) later, we were more exposed to the founder ecosystem, absolutely loved the experience, but something was still missing...
We are curating conversations and experiences that our ecosystem needs. And we are excited to do it right here in New Jersey.
Join Us.
About This Event
The Rise Circle is a curated evening experience designed to connect the people shaping the future of STEM and healthcare innovation. Through intentional networking and timely conversations, we explore how AI, emerging technologies, investment priorities, financing, and human-centered healthcare solutions are transforming industries and everyday lives.
We are bringing together founders, investors, financial industry leaders, executives, healthcare innovators, STEM professionals, and curious builders who are ready to think bigger and do more.
...
🎤 Speakers:
Rachel Malka Barr, Advisor/Investor Science, Technology, & Environmental Start-ups
Gadareth Hiiggs, PhD, Healthcare & Life Sciences Investor, Advisor
Courtnee Williams.MBA, Founder & CEO INKREMNT
Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, Founder & CEO, SCHEQ (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity)
Sonia Estevez, Global Product & Platform Executive
PNC Financial Services Group
...
Panels:
Discussion One: STEM Innovation & Real-World Impact
What STEM innovation actually looks like when it moves from idea to execution
Where are the biggest opportunities and gaps that exist across industries right now
How founders, executives, and financial institutions are collaborating to scale what's next
Discussion Two: Healthcare Innovation in the Age of AI
Where AI is already transforming care delivery, diagnostics, and patient experience
Is healthcare moving too fast or too slow, and who gets to decide
How clinicians, founders, and financial leaders are navigating the balance between innovation and responsibility
Whether you're building the next big thing, deploying capital, or leading transformation in your industry, this panel will leave you with real-world perspective, honest insight, and the connections that actually move the needle.
RSVP now to save your spot!
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.
*This ticket does not include a drink
Disclaimer: By attending The Rise Circle, you agree that the photos/videos taken during the event will be used for the promotion of future events.
Interested in becoming a sponsor/ vendor for this event? Fill out this form to apply. We are seeking partners who share our commitment to innovation, impact, and the people shaping what's next
Learn more about Us
Idongesit Obeya | Founder, Altruistic Scribe
Idongesit Obeya, RN, BSN, MSN, CCM, is a distinguished healthcare leader, professor, and advocate whose work is rooted in advancing equity, innovation, and human-centered care. As the Founder and CEO of Altruistic Scribe, she is committed to transforming health outcomes through culturally responsive education, strategic advocacy, and solutions that bridge gaps in care for underserved communities.
With more than 16 years of experience across diverse healthcare settings, Idongesit brings deep expertise in nursing, case management, patient education, and public health engagement. She is widely recognized for her ability to connect clinical insight with compassionate leadership, creating meaningful impact for both individuals and communities.
A passionate champion for progress at the intersection of healthcare, STEM, and innovation, Idongesit believes that the future of care must be both technologically forward and deeply humane
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya | Founder, African Women in STEM
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya is a leadership and AI strategist, TEDx speaker, and the founder of African Women in STEM, a global career and leadership ecosystem advancing access and opportunities for women in STEM fields.
With over 20 years of experience as an engineer, strategist, and executive in the energy sector, Adaeze has led large-scale initiatives totaling more than $500 million. Today, she works at the intersection of leadership and emerging technology, advising organizations and professionals on how AI is reshaping authority, decision-making, and visibility.
Through African Women in STEM, she partners with organizations, institutions, and companies to deliver events, programming, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines and expand professional opportunities. Her TEDx talk, viewed over 100,000 times, reframes cultural identity as a strategic advantage in the future of work.