ISTConversations: Building Momentum Through Mentorship
The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition invites you to the first ISTConversations webinar!
Forging the future of innovation in Illinois requires early and intentional investments in our youth. ISTC is connecting present STEM industries to their future leaders through mentorship. Join us on November 20th as we explore how bridging classroom learning with real-world opportunities can empower the next generation and strengthen the innovation ecosystem statewide.
Hear from champions of education:
Special guest Jabili Kandula, STEM advocate & Miss New Jersey USA 2024 - Jabili is a private pilot and aviation journalist for Aviation for Women and Business Aviation Insider magazines. This summer she was a graduate intern at NASA as a communication strategist on the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project. Jabili is using her voice to promote higher education and career explorations for young girls to succeed in all facets of aviation and aerospace, as less than 5% of pilots are female.
ISTC Partner Devon Hill, Google - Devon is a process manager on the compliance operations team and has been with Google for over four years. Outside of his core work, he is passionate about mentorship and talent development. Currently, he serves as Google Chicago's Educational Outreach Lead where he champions various initiatives focused on building student and structural equity in STEM education throughout Chicago, such as ISTC's Teacher Externship program.
Mentor Matching Engine Mentor Melissa Kessler, ADM - Melissa is Director of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) with nearly 20 years of experience ensuring compliance. Melissa volunteers with ISTC’s education programs which connect Illinois high school students with STEM mentorship and experiential learning.
CEO Kate Calabra, ISTC - Kate is the CEO of the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. She has a professional history of stakeholder engagement and business development with a focus on cross-sector collaboration and technology.
Moderator Helen Abad, ISTC - Helen is Director of Strategic Partnerships at ISTC. She is focused on creating cross-sector partnerships and advancing STEM education to strengthen Illinois’ capacity to turn big ideas into real-world impact.
Together, let’s build momentum through mentorship.