Each March, all members of the MIT Sloan community are invited to nominate a woman colleague or peer for a Spotlight Award. Winners are featured below.
If you would like to nominate a woman in our community who has had a significant impact on you, please use the form link below. The form is open from March 1-25, 2024.
Profiles are added to the page in chronological order, based on when nominees receive and accept their respective nominations during the month of March.
Director, Marketing and Communications, MIT Sloan Executive Education
I’m responsible for the marketing of the open enrollment portfolio consisting of various course formats and Executive Certificate tracks. I oversee an internal marketing team, a supporting full-service marketing agency, and a PR firm. The team is responsible for a wide range of marketing activities including: email campaigns, SEO, advertising, website maintenance and content creation, blog posts, webinars and LinkedIn Lives, desktop publishing, and conferences. One of our goals is to increase the number of female participants in our courses and to highlight their stories.
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Nomination:
"Julie Harju is a remarkable leader who champions empowerment and support for her employees while actively striving to bring more women to MIT. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and gender diversity is evident through her unwavering commitment to exhibiting at women-focused events such as the MA Conference for Women and Boston Business Journal's Bizwomen Mentoring Monday. Julie goes beyond conventional measures, serving as a beacon of advocacy for women to assume executive roles, even when they may not readily step forward themselves. This is based on her experience as the community leader for the executive certificate holders at MIT Sloan. Her visionary approach not only uplifts her team but also paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future within the academic and professional spheres."
Assistant Director, Marketing and Outreach, Admissions
I’ve worked at MIT Sloan for over two years and am part of the Marketing team in the Office of Admissions. I primarily focus on email and event marketing and promotion, marketing strategy and planning, graphic design, and merchandise planning and purchasing.
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Nomination:
"Maria goes out of her way to help everyone on her team on a regular basis. Her default is to always add valuable and meaningful feedback while making sure everyone feels heard and included. She is thoughtful about all of the work she does while also empowering everyone around her to work harder and smarter. She makes the work day better for all of us on her team and many of us would be lost without her."
Nomination:
"Maria Claudia Daza is a smart, kind, and hardworking woman and member of the Sloan community. She deserves to be recognized for her beyond incredible work ethic and passion for marketing our amazing Masters programs. Maria led the marketing efforts for this year's MBA Admit Day and along with her team, created an exceptionally enticing and branded environment reflecting the invaluable educational experience of MIT Sloan. The Admissions and Marketing team are grateful to have you as a leader, thank you for being you!"
Nomination:
"Maria is one of the kindest, most dedicated, forward-thinking people I've ever worked with. She creates space for everyone to express themselves authentically and let their ideas shine – and leaves plenty of room for laughs! I'm grateful to both work with her and call her a friend."
John C. Head III Dean (Interim), MIT Management Sloan School
Georgia Perakis does research in analytics/AI in areas such as pricing, supply chains and healthcare. Among others, she has received the CAREER from NSF and the PECASE from the Office of the President on Science and Technology. She is an INFORMS Fellow, and a Distinguished MSOM Fellow for lifetime achievement in her field. Perakis has passion supervising students and builds lifelong relationships with them. She has served as the Associate Dean for SERC in the College of Computing and MIT Sloan, as the faculty director or co-director in many programs such as the ORC, the EMBA and the LGO Program. In February 2024, she started serving as the John C. Head III Dean (interim) at MIT Sloan (the first female to serve in this role). Perakis is the Editor in Chief of the M&SOM journal (the first female to serve in this role across the four flagship journals of her field).
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Nomination:
"Georgia is currently serving as the first female Dean of the MIT Sloan School. In addition to being a wonderful teacher and mentor to her students, over the years Georgia has taken on many additional leadership roles both at Sloan and across the Institute. She is a data scientist with a people driven approach, the epitome of mind, hand and HEART. I am so proud to have her as our leader."
Program Coordinator, Operations, Executive Degree Programs
I've been at MIT for a little over 2 years. I work with both the Sloan Fellows MBA and the Executive MBA programs. In my role, I handle program operations and plan lots of fun events. I also manage the calendar of Johanna Hising DiFabio.
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Nomination:
"What can I say? Juliette is a WONDERFUL member of this community, making a significant impact in just a short span of time. Her blend of creativity, kindness, intelligence, and an unwavering eagerness to contribute wherever needed sets her apart as a truly remarkable individual. Juliette's ability to innovate and think outside the box, combined with her compassionate approach and sharp intellect, has fostered a supportive and dynamic environment. I'm looking forward to seeing all that she will do in the future."
Nomination:
"Juliette is a fresh breath of air at MIT Sloan! She is positive, committed to her work, and passionate about advancing DEI initiatives, not only within the Executive Degree Programs, but across the school as well. Juliette takes the time to thank every member of our team and make sure they know they are appreciated for their hard work and contributions. MIT Sloan is lucky to have her!"
Assistant Director of Communications, Student Life Office
I'm the communications person and resident SloanGroups "expert" for the SLO team. On the comms side, I manage Student Life's websites, social media, weekly newsletter, create graphics, and advise students on branding guidelines, marketing events at Sloan, MIT, and beyond. On the event side, I manage registration and ticket sales (so the SloanGroups operations) of things and other behind the scenes tasks for SLO events as well as staffing them day of.
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Nomination:
"Jackie is simply the best. She is organized, thorough, and an overall great colleague. Whenever Jackie is involved with a project, you KNOW it will get done and it will get done correctly. She has only been at Sloan for a few years, but she has already left her mark."
Nomination:
"Jackie stays on top of things. She joined our team and quickly built relationships with all of us, learned the systems, asked questions when she didn't understand something, and has learned how to manage all of us! She is not only highly motivated, but she has a sharp sense of humor that keeps her and the rest of the team laughing. I am grateful for how helpful she is, never missing an opportunity to step in and help the team where needed."
Director, Financial Planning & Operations, Finance
I oversee financial operations, systems, and processes across Sloan through community trainings and support as well as via internal accounting, budgeting and forecasting. I lead the FinOps team to deliver instruction and support on topics like Procurement, FRC, Travel, and Roles Authorizations.
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Nomination:
"Heather is TRULY outstanding, setting a high bar as both a phenomenal colleague and an inspiring individual. Her ability to consistently generate brilliant ideas leads to innovative solutions that drive projects and initiatives forward. Heather's direct approach, coupled with her formidable 'get it done' attitude, ensures that she not only meets, but exceed our goals with efficiency and effectiveness. The impact of her work is evident, and I wish that there were more Heathers in the world."
Assistant Art Director, Office of External Relations
In her role, Souxsie (Susan) Campbell delivers digital, print, and experiential branding to the MIT Sloan community of alumni, donors, friends. You may have seen her work expressed in printed materials like postcards, event invitations, direct marketing, strategic initiatives proposals, stewardship fellowship, and professorship reports, and signature publications like A Year in Review. Experiential branding for in-person events like MIT Sloan Reunion, MIT Sloan’s Women’s Conference, Executive Board Meetings, and the 24-HR Challenge is also a part of her primary role. Souxsie is as committed to fostering an environment of belonging and inclusion as she is to her team’s mission and success and continues to champion DEI initiatives at MIT Sloan.
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Nomination:
"Souxsie embodies the rare quality of allowing others to express themselves purely and honestly, providing a listening ear that encourages authenticity and vulnerability. Her presence is a safe haven, where colleagues find comfort and understanding, enabling them to be their true selves without fear of judgment. Not only is she a beacon of compassion, but she also excels in her professional role, demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication. Her outstanding contributions were rightfully recognized last year at the Sloan staff appreciation awards. Her ability to speak up with passion about the causes and ideas she believes in inspires those around her, driving positive change."
Senior Director of Development, Office of External Relations
I oversee the annual and major giving teams in OER -- helping alumni and friends of the school make both current-use, unrestricted gifts and restricted commitments through the endowment to support our students, faculty, and programs.
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Nomination:
"Emily Gurry is one of those women who turns around to pick other women up. One who has been successful in her own right and when she sees potential in other women she is not threatened or intimidated. Instead, she says 'join me' or 'how can I help you be even more successful?' As a manager, Emily is willing to 'go to bat' for her team and to find creative ways to encourage professional growth. As a mother, Emily advocates for an office culture that protects parental leave and offers flexibility to all parents, all people who need it. I am unsure of what other organizations, trainings, or committees Emily serves on that indicate her more public commitment to women at MIT Sloan... I simply wanted to nominate her for the quiet, consistent, and impactful way in which she supports women at MIT Sloan every day. We should all aspire to be more like Em G.!"
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Sloan Technology Services
I have been with MIT Sloan since July of 2022. My focus is on supporting the CIO’s ongoing meetings from start to finish (coordinating, agenda, note tracking, and post meeting follow-up). I also help the Finance and Operations manager handle routine financial transactions and offer general support and management of the STS Office.
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Nomination:
"Joanna is an exceptional colleague, and she shares knowledge and resources beyond her role in STS. She is technologically savvy but also kind, respectful, inclusive, thoughtful. Joanna goes above and beyond by being flexible and proactive. I am always so grateful for her help and her ability to manage the any last-minute calendar issues. Joanna wants to be involved and included in MIT Sloan activities and always shares excitement. She embodies every attribute you [Sloan Women 4 Women] are looking to recognize: empower peers, celebrate diversity, reinforce solidarity, build connections across our school or MIT, or otherwise enhance our community and uphold the mission. Joanna delivers and does it with authentic enthusiasm for her role and MIT Sloan community."
Technology Support Consultant, Sloan Technology Services
I collaborate with users to address user concerns and promptly resolve various hardware, software, and network issues. I also document common and recurring issues along with their resolutions to ensure comprehensive support for both users and colleagues. Educate users on best practices, security measures, and efficient technology utilization. In addition, I manage computer inventory, provide technical assistance with hardware procurement and software installation.
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Nomination:
"Mirian is a true gem in the realm of customer service, exuding a warmth and kindness that instantly puts everyone at ease. Her approach to handling requests showcases not only her extensive expertise but also her genuine desire to assist others in the most thoughtful way possible. Even in instances where the answer isn't immediately available, Mirian's commitment shines through as she tirelessly works to ensure every tech need is addressed and met with precision and care. What sets Mirian apart is her unparalleled ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, creating an atmosphere where each interaction is not just a transaction but a meaningful exchange. I am thrilled to have met Mirian and to be able to call her my colleague."
Nomination:
"Mirian is absolutely exceptional - she's not just a colleague, but a true superstar. Her pride in her work and her relentless commitment to going above and beyond are truly incredible!"
MBA, 2024
MBA with a focus on leadership strategies. I am pursuing the Graduate School of Engineering's Technical Leadership Certificate. I am also a Communications Coach through the AeroAstro department.
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Nomination:
"Stephanie co-leads Sloan Women in Management (SWIM), the biggest club at Sloan with over 500 members, and was instrumental in creating an inclusive, supportive community. As a SWIM leader, Stephanie did an incredible job of motivating our leadership team to plan events for the community. She consistently thanks individuals for their contributions at our team meetings, plans VP social events so everyone can get to know each other better, and is always available to provide support during the planning process. The result of her efforts is a Vice President team that is incredibly invested in providing programming for women at Sloan. This is evident in the energy in the room at every leadership team meeting and that our team collectively put on Push for Parity this February and March. Push for Parity is an event series that had over 1000 registrations for 14 events all geared toward creating gender parity at Sloan and beyond. A few of the event highlights were a collaboration with BBSA called “Harmony and Hustle,” a panel with PRIDE club on the diverse paths to parenthood, and a session on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Overall, Stephanie has brought an abundance of energy and passion to SWIM and is a huge reason for the club’s success this year. She is the example of what a principled, inclusive leader looks like, and I believe her leadership will have a profound and lasting impact on the MIT Sloan community."
Senior news editor and writer, Office of Communications
I am a writer and editor with the editorial team in the MIT Sloan Office of Communications. My areas of focus include artificial intelligence and how new technologies will affect businesses and workers.
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Nomination:
"Sara Brown is the Senior News Editor and Writer in the MIT Sloan Office of Communications. In her role, Sara oversees coverage of management science, including artificial intelligence, data, analytics, and the digital economy for Ideas Made to Matter, the school’s thought leadership platform. In her work, Sara highlights matters of ethics, diversity, and inclusion in these fields, including reporting on how to ensure artificial intelligence benefits everyone, with attention to workers, women, and people of color. Sara takes a practical approach to this work, finding and prioritizing opportunities to advance conversations about ethics and equity, ensuring diverse representation in the work she writes and edits, and seeking and platforming women leaders working in and with artificial intelligence. Because Sara’s work is seen by more than a million people each year, these efforts give her a real voice in conversations about AI, and position her sources as experts in those conversations. Within the workplace, Sara is an engaged, collaborative, and supportive colleague. People go out of their way to tell me how much they enjoy working with her, and faculty members and other researchers regularly compliment the sophistication and accuracy of her work."
Director of Media Relations, Office of Communications
The media relations team works to raise awareness and understanding of MIT Sloan with our target audience of current and future global business leaders, positioning MIT Sloan as a thought leader, and strategically engaging target publications to proactively communicate news and faculty research and expertise to members of the global media.
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Nomination:
"Casey is a trailblazer in the communications department and the best leader you could hope for. Her dedication to making sure her direct reports and colleagues are heard, represented, and acknowledged are commendable — especially those of us who are minorities, women and LGBTQ+."
Custodian
I have been working at Sloan for four years as a contract custodian. As a custodian, I play a crucial role in maintaining and safeguarding our facilities. The cleanliness and overall appearance of our building directly impact the well-being and satisfaction of its occupants. My attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness contribute significantly to creating a pleasant environment.
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Nomination:
"Margarita is truly amazing, playing a pivotal role in our community that often goes unrecognized. Her dedication ensures our spaces are not just clean and tidy but also welcoming, contributing significantly to the homely atmosphere at Sloan. Margarita's presence is felt everywhere, a testament to her tireless work ethic and her commitment to making our environment the best it can be. What sets Margarita apart is her warm, personal touch. She never misses an opportunity to greet everyone with a smile, share a hearty laugh, or recount an anecdote that brightens our day. These small acts of kindness add immeasurably to the sense of community and well-being within Sloan, making it a more joyful place for all of us."
Program Assistant, MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative
I currently do a little bit of everything at the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative! Specifically, I support program operations, our research projects (Climate Pathways Project & Aggregate Confusion Project), management of finances, course management, student engagement, project management, etc. etc.
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Nomination:
"I nominate Sophia for her exceptional contributions to our community. She goes above and beyond to empower her peers, always willing to assist anyone in need with a positive and proactive attitude. Her actions reinforce solidarity by bringing people together and creating connections across our school. Sophia also plays a key role in building connections between our team and students, staff, faculty, and other external partners, further enhancing our community."
Assistant Director, Marketing, Office of Admissions
I now primarily work on content development, creation and student engagement for our marketing needs within the Office of Admissions. I oversee projects like photoshoots, video shoots, student and affinity club collaborations, etc. from start to finish, that can are utilized across our main marketing channels. I also lend a hand in certain recruiting and evaluation projects.
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Nomination:
"Gaelle brings warmth, her distinct and authentic perspective, and joy to the Admissions Office, both as a teammate, and in her professional work marketing MIT Sloan's degree programs. Her eye and sense of message, especially one that promotes our programs inclusively, is invaluable to building the community and culture that MIT Sloan is about."
Associate Director, Sloan Undergraduate Education
Rianna is an Academic Advisor and Administrator for the Sloan Undergraduate Program. She joined the team in 2023, and her role consists of advising students, ensuring students are on track to complete their majors, and overseeing faculty advising. She is also the liaison with partner offices across MIT, building community through events and championing DEI efforts across Sloan and MIT. During her 13 years at MIT, Rianna was also a part of the MBA Program Office and the Academic Areas (EFA) teams. She is a lifelong learner and participates in professional development seminars to build leadership, communication, and technology skills. She is an active member of the Quincy Toastmasters and a Co-lead for MIT’s African, Black, American, Caribbean (ABAC) Employee Resource Group.
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Nomination:
"Rianna is a rare combination of heart, fairness, and logic that is hard to come by. She also has the amazing ability to challenge people's thoughts in a way that is both firm and safe. I engage with her primarily through our co-leadership of ERGs and her authenticity, joy, humor, sharp mind, willingness to speak up, protective nature, and leadership style have made MIT feel like a much safer place for me to exist."
Senior Associate Director, MIT Sloan Student Life Office
I've worked in the Student Life Office for 12 years and at MIT Sloan for 15 years. In my current role, I oversee student organizations at MIT Sloan. I lead my team in supporting student leaders of clubs, conferences, and other initiatives. I develop student leader trainings, advise student leaders, and collaborate with students to bring their ideas to fruition.
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Nomination:
"Nicole feels like a potentially unsung hero to me – like she quietly incredible things happen :-) She invited me to contribute to the student leader DEI Event Planning Checklist being developed by Sloan Student Life Office, and I felt welcome and appreciated instantly. Since then, we have continued to collaborate during the development of a similar guide for staff - which has been such an easy process because of who she is, how she communicates, and her ability to think analytically about where our projects overlap, where they don't, and how to support these efforts optimally. I'm so glad I've met and been able to work with her."
Director, Development Marketing and Alumni Communications, Office of External Relations
Sonia Reagan oversees alumni communications at MIT Sloan. Her team serves as a collaborative partner across MIT for marketing and communications projects that inspire and delight MIT Sloan's 31,000+ alumni, donors, and friends.
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Nomination:
"Sonia is EXCEPTIONAL. I’m consistently in awe of the command and grace in which she leads, not only her team of five, but our entire ecosystem as the Director Development Marketing & Alumni Communications in the Office of External Relations. Sonia is creative, deliberate, democratic, empathetic, hardworking, intentional, uber organized and strategic. She has encyclopedic knowledge of who’s who at MIT and can introduce you to anyone at the institute that can answer your inquiry. Sonia leads by example, often putting in long hours and personal time switching hats and rolling up her sleeves to do whatever it takes to enable not only the success of her team, but also the philanthropic mission of MIT Sloan. Sonia empowers everyone within OER to deliver their best for the Institute and MIT Sloan."
MBA 2024
Over the course of my MBA at MIT Sloan, I have immersed myself deeply in the intersection of energy, climate, and finance. This transformative journey has not only deepened my understanding of finance but also strengthened my resolve to contribute to energy and climate change solutions. My involvement has spanned from engaging in Sloan's rigorous finance courses to a collaboration with a climate tech startup in Boston and teaching energy systems in South Africa and Botswana. These experiences have been pivotal in honing my skills for applying finance effectively in the sector and advancing technologies from concept to market. True to MIT's 'mens et manus' principle, my focus extends beyond learning to practical application. Furthermore, my active participation in MIT admissions and career services underscores my commitment to open doors for future students to join this inspiring community and supporting my peers in pursuing impactful and fulfilling career paths.
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Nomination:
"Damola has done a lot of work in enhancing the community and fostering diversity through her work on the Sloan women in management executive board as well as an executive in the African business club Her contributions have improved are well recognized and appreciated by the community."
Nomination:
"Damola is actively involved in MIT Admissions initiatives, ranging from participating in various Admission Panels to contributing to the URM Applicant Buddy Program. From day 1 she has aimed to increase representation of underrepresented minorities and women within the program Career Peer Mentor: As a Career Peer Mentor at Sloan, Damola has had the privilege of giving back to the community. Serving as an MBA Career Peer, She provided mentorship to first-year MBAs navigating the recruiting process during the fall of 2023. Academic Contributions: Building meaningful connections with classmates, supporting professors, and cultivating a welcoming learning environment have been central to Damola's role. She has served as a Teaching Assistant for Essential Law for Business and Global Entrepreneurship Lab. Furthermore, her academic collaborations, including research contributions with Professor Catherine Wolfram at MIT Sloan, have enriched the understanding of climate and energy challenges for fellow students. Climate Tech Start-Up: Collaborating with organizations such as the MIT Energy and Climate Club and The Engine, Damola has worked on projects aimed at tackling carbon capture and other climate-related issues. Climate Education: Through the MISTI program, Damola developed a curriculum on Energy Systems for tomorrow. This experience enabled her to teach high school students in South Africa and Botswana, sharing his learning from MIT and furthering his commitment to global energy education."
Nomination:
"I am nominating Damola for the SW4W Spotlight Award to recognize and celebrate her remarkable contributions to the MIT Sloan community, embodying the spirit of empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity. Her role as VP of Admissions for the Africa Business Club showcases her dedication to ensuring access to resources and support for all members, highlighting her commitment to diversity and empowerment. Beyond her club involvement, Damola's engagement with Sloan's broader initiatives, particularly the URM Applicant Buddy Program, demonstrates her efforts to foster greater representation and inclusivity within our community. Damola's ability to empower her peers is evident in her approach to mentorship and support. Through her work as a Career Peer Mentor, she has provided invaluable guidance to first-year MBAs, helping them navigate the complexities of the recruitment process with confidence. This mentorship extends beyond professional development; it's about instilling a sense of self-belief and readiness to face challenges, reinforcing the solidarity among our community's women and gender-expansive members. During the last consulting and investment banking internship, our club had over 4 offers due to the support provided by Damola and others. Her commitment to building connections across Sloan and MIT is showcased through her academic contributions and extracurricular engagements. As a Teaching Assistant for courses like Global Entrepreneurship Lab, Damola has fostered a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. Her involvement in climate tech initiatives and education, particularly through the MISTI program where she developed a curriculum on Energy Systems for high school students in South Africa and Botswana, exemplifies her passion for global empowerment and her ability to bridge communities through shared knowledge and learning. Through this nomination, I hope to spotlight Damola's achievements and the positive impact she has made, inspiring others within our community to engage in initiatives that celebrate diversity, reinforce solidarity, honor commonalities, and build connections."
Nomination:
"Damola has been an invaluable asset to our community at Sloan, particularly within the Black community. Her contributions began in earnest last year when she assumed a pivotal role in recruiting underrepresented minority students. Leveraging her unique perspective as an international student, Damola guided new students through various challenges and opportunities, offering insights drawn from her own experiences. Her resilience was further demonstrated during the competitive investment banking recruitment process, where she noticed a significant gap in career mentorship for students targeting this industry. Undeterred by the lack of support, Damola stepped up to become a peer mentor, offering first-year students crucial guidance in their recruitment journeys. She went above and beyond, conducting numerous calls, preparing students for interviews, and providing detailed feedback to enhance their performance. Damola's contributions extend beyond professional support; she embodies the spirit of Sloan with her ever-present smile and willingness to listen. Her positive impact on our community is profound, making her not only a cherished colleague but a dear friend. I am proud to call her a fellow Sloanie."
Director of Strategic Communications, MIT Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER)
The mission of the MIT Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) at MIT Sloan is to conduct and disseminate cutting-edge research that improves the lives of workers and their loved ones and that guides managers in crafting a successful and inclusive future of work. I help members of the IWER faculty amplify the findings of their research and disseminate their ideas to the wider world. IWER is a great community of scholars, and I love working at IWER. I am also the former editorial director of the MIT Sloan Management Review.
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Nomination:
"Martha reaches out all across IWER (attending meetings, helping all faculty and staff wherever she can) and also out from IWER to the rest of Sloan.... working with communications people and other SSM faculty and staff here and there. She is very innovative, always thinking how some process or ideas could work a little better or come to flower. She never gives up on a project or collaboration."
MBA 2025
My Sloan journey has been immensely enriching so far, allowing me to integrate my passion for education with entrepreneurial training and real-world impact. I'm pursuing the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Certificate and taking thought-provoking electives like Breakthrough Ventures (Effective Business Models in Frontier Markets) and Learning, Media, and Technology. Also, a particularly meaningful endeavor to me is my leadership role in Sloan's recently launched Prison Education Initiative (PEI). We are working to provide introductory business classes on entrepreneurship, leadership, and math to incarcerated populations in Massachusetts, aiming to improve their access to education and employment opportunities. I believe all of these experiences will prove helpful in my desire to build a career in Education after my MBA.
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Nomination:
"Mariana is a 1st year MBA student who has empowered her peers with her energy, caring behavior and by showing vulnerability. Mariana has shared her story of overcoming depression with the class motivating other students to discuss openly about the subject. She has also contributed actively to the MIT Prison initiative and is specializing in Entrepreneurship and Education. After Sloan, Mariana hopes to innovate by bringing affordable and high quality education to as many people as possible focusing on low-income countries, such as her country of birth, Brazil."
Senior Administrative Assistant, Deans' Office
I assist Bill Garrett, Senior Associate Dean & Chief Administrative Officer.
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Nomination:
"In just over a year, Aldonsa has profoundly impacted the Sloan community, making her presence felt and her voice heard in the most positive ways. Her authentic and caring nature shines through in every interaction, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Aldonsa stands out not only for her compassionate approach but also for her courage to challenge the status quo, pushing us all to think deeper and strive for excellence in everything we do. She has fostered a culture of inclusivity and respect, making our workplace not just a place to work, but a community where individuals feel a sense of belonging and empowerment."
Executive Director, Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, Senior Lecturer
As Executive Director of the Legatum Center, we focus on the nexus between entrepreneurship, innovation and prosperity within global growth markets. Since joining MIT, my goal has been to shift the narrative around "emerging markets" to places of growth, abundance, opportunity and innovation. We do this by shining light on the amazing work of our Fellows from around the world and by taking the best of what MIT has to offer directly to growth markets through our bootcamps/workshops and our thought leadership.
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Nomination:
"For decades, Dina has worked to champion women entrepreneurs and innovators locally and from growth markets worldwide. She actively works to be always specific in the language we use and how we conduct all of our work, not in effort for some outdated view of 'pushing women forward' but in solidarity and constant attempt to applaud and champion women who every day are solving some of the world’s most complex issues."
Director, Marketing & Special Projects, Office of Communications
I love helping folks around MIT Sloan tell their story, connect with their audience, and reach their communications and marketing goals.
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Nomination:
"JoAnna embodies such a passion for MIT Sloan, and she strives to optimize as much as possible for other departments as well as our own. She gave me the warmest welcome when I started last year, and she has an innate ability to connect with others to achieve common goals. JoAnna is so deserving of this award!"
LGO 2024
At MIT, I’ve been working at the intersection of technology and business, with a lot of focus on applied artificial intelligence (AI). My work has allowed me to leverage my background in energy to devise strategies that align with critical climate objectives. My thesis research investigates the practical applications of AI in streamlining the supply chain operations in critical industries like biotech. My passion for AI translated into a research assistant role, focusing on novel application of generative AI for negotiation preparation. Alongside my studies, I've actively engaged in campus life, participating in clubs, assisting with admin and school events, worked with professors in TA positions and mentoring peers and undergraduates. These activities and opportunities have expanded my professional network and enhanced my interpersonal abilities, adding depth to my educational experience.
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Nomination:
"I am nominating Ololade Olaleye for her remarkable dedication to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and leadership within the MIT community, aligning with the MIT Sloan Women 4 Women's mission. Ololade's extensive involvement in MIT Admissions initiatives, especially the URM Applicant Buddy Program, demonstrates her commitment to empowering underrepresented peers. Her leadership in the LGO Leadership Seminar Committee, which brought 25 industry leaders to campus for insightful discussions, significantly contributed to the educational landscape. Her innovative efforts in establishing the inaugural LGO Allyship potluck have been crucial in advancing diversity and inclusion, showcasing her dedication to creating an inclusive community. Through her active participation in panels and AdMIT events, Ololade has played a key role in building connections across MIT, sharing her experiences, and providing invaluable support to prospective candidates. Moreover, Ololade's mentorship within the Sloan Women in Management and the Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership programs highlights her commitment to reinforcing solidarity and guiding future leaders. Her operational leadership in the Africa Innovate Conference and her academic contributions, including research on AI in public sector negotiations, underline her commitment to driving socioeconomic discussions and academic excellence. Ololade's wide-ranging contributions to community engagement, mentorship, and academic endeavors not only strengthen our community but also firmly embody MIT's values and mission, showcasing principled leadership with a positive global impact."
Associate Director, MIT Leadership Center
As a member of the MIT Leadership Center team, Jennifer focuses on developing and implementing approaches to assessment and evaluation of the Center’s leadership development courses. Equally committed to finding ways to measure what matters and to support meaningful leadership curriculum development, she moves between the applied and conceptual to contribute to providing students with the most meaningful learning experiences. She joined the Center in October 2022.
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Nomination:
"Jenn frequently goes unrecognized for her contributions. She brings many valuable experiences, distinct skills, and innovative ideas to the table. She is also incredibly thoughtful and genuinely curious - one of MIT's values. Beyond her professional achievements, she is consistently supportive and empathetic. It has been great getting to know her."
