A.J. Kumar, Vice President
La'Toya Lacey, DEI Strategist
Tiana Veldwisch, Consultant
Sam is a passionate advocate and ally for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She brought energy and enthusiasm to these efforts at Indigo Ag when we worked together and could always be counted on to speak up. Her passion is complemented by reflectiveness that she showed by being open to feedback and working to build bridges and
Sam is a passionate advocate and ally for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She brought energy and enthusiasm to these efforts at Indigo Ag when we worked together and could always be counted on to speak up. Her passion is complemented by reflectiveness that she showed by being open to feedback and working to build bridges and resolve conflicts. She is a wealth of knowledge and resources. She also finds ways to inject fun and humor into advocacy work, reminding us all that advocacy work is not just important, it can be fun!
Tiana Veldwisch, Consultant
La'Toya Lacey, DEI Strategist
Tiana Veldwisch, Consultant
Sam is a dedicated ally and advocate, pouring not just time but also immense heart into her contributions in the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging space. She approaches the work like a scientist, finding resources worth sharing, and tirelessly organizes to make space for events and learning. In team settings, she speaks up for the
Sam is a dedicated ally and advocate, pouring not just time but also immense heart into her contributions in the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging space. She approaches the work like a scientist, finding resources worth sharing, and tirelessly organizes to make space for events and learning. In team settings, she speaks up for the voiceless, for instance raising tough questions about organizational decisions or pushing for more transparency from leadership. Her curiosity and thirst for knowledge makes her the best kind of open-minded and always-learning ally.
La'Toya Lacey, DEI Strategist
La'Toya Lacey, DEI Strategist
La'Toya Lacey, DEI Strategist
Samantha is a tireless advocate for change, whose passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Her work has touched countless lives, bringing attention to critical issues and championing the causes of those who often go unheard. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, combined with her exceptional ability to mobilize communities
Samantha is a tireless advocate for change, whose passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Her work has touched countless lives, bringing attention to critical issues and championing the causes of those who often go unheard. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, combined with her exceptional ability to mobilize communities and influence policy, sets her apart as a leader in advocacy.
Inclusive Communities
Pride ERG Co-Lead (Indigo Ag)
When I joined Indigo, there were only a few employee resource groups (ERGs), and none in support of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. A few of us lobbied for one, and I was part of it for my entire time at Indigo, and assumed the role of co-lead within a few months of its inception. We held educational events, provided social outlets, highlighted relevant issues, and even had our own webstore and newsletter!
DEI Task Force Member (Indigo Ag)
As part of ongoing employee resource group (ERGs) efforts, I joined the DEI Task Force to outline concerns and issues, raise up colleagues' voices, and promote an atmosphere of inclusion across the company. The Task Force included members of the executive leadership team and met monthly to collaborate on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across Indigo.
Women in Science
Tips and Advice for Getting Your Dream Job! Panelist (UIUC)
As part of the 12th Annual Gender Equity in Chemical Sciences (GEICS) Conference, I was invited to participate as a panelist during the afternoon session. That day was a lot of fun; we opened with a couple of guest speakers, followed by lunch and a panel discussion about "getting your dream job!" It was certainly a unique opportunity to be on "the other side" this time!
CERMACS WIS Symposium Organizer (Ohio State Univ)
As part of the Women in Science (WIS) effort, I organized a mini symposium for the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (CERMACS). The symposium purpose was two-fold: (1) showcase the awesome science that women are doing, and (2) highlight women scientists. The symposium included guest speakers as well as a panel discussion, and we even had a catered lunch provided by Procter & Gamble.
WIS Chemistry Luncheon Series Coordinator (Ohio State Univ)
A staunch advocate for Women in Science (WIS), especially the hard sciences where the ratio is still below 50%, I took over coordination of the WIS luncheon series. Each month all women in the department of chemistry could get together to discuss relevant issues, review recent publications, promote events, and provide general support for one another.
Support & Mentorship
PMs of CU Meetup Group Leader (Pixo)
As part of community outreach, I started a Meetup group for local project and product managers with the goal of creating a shared atmosphere for learning, professional development, and mutual support.
Penn State Postdoctoral Society Member (Penn State Univ)
The Penn State Postdoctoral Society (PSPS) is just what it sounds – an organization for postdocs by postdocs. The society provides social events, professional growth opportunities, and advocates for the fair treatment of all Penn State postdocs. The highlight of our efforts centered around National Postdoc Appreciation Week!
Animal Rescue
It’s a Pittie Rescue Supporter (UIUC)
When we finally purchased our home, it was time to get a pit bull! Notoriously stigmatized, it is nearly impossible to rent and own a pit bull, so we finally realized our dream in 2020 and adopted a rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) mix. Our 60-lb love muffin named Bumi has been such fun (so many snuggles), and we can't imagine life without our velvet hippo!
Centre County PAWS Volunteer (Penn State Univ)
Centre County PAWS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in State College, dedicated to finding forever homes for cats and dogs. I was a volunteer there during my postdoctoral fellowship. I did all manner of things: cleaned stalls, prepared food, walked dogs, etc. It was such a treat to see all the puppers every Tuesday. There's something about walking a dog that helps clear the mind.