Leading Ladies & Allies Of… Aerospace, Defense & Space Annual Virtual Summit 2025 
PROVISIONAL AGENDA

8:00 PST | 11:00 EDT | 16:00 GMT

Join us for an opportunity to meet other Leading Ladies and Allies ahead of the formal program. Build your community through our structured networking session and get supported beyond the summit!

Welcome and Scene Setting

9:00 PST | 12:00 EDT | 17:00 GMT

Get ready for a shot of inspiration to set you up for the day with our Founder & CEO, Fiona McKay.

9:10 PST | 12:10 EDT | 17:10 GMT

Stepping fully into your power is essential for creating impact and driving your career forward. In this keynote, retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander & Diplomat will explore what it means to claim your voice, make bold decisions, and confidently navigate opportunities. Through her practical insights and personal stories, this talk will inspire you to recognize your strengths, embrace your influence, and take deliberate action to own your power in the workplace and beyond.

Elizabeth Booker, U.S. Coast Guard Commander (Ret.) & Founder, Literary Aviatrix

9:25 PST | 12:25 EDT | 17:25 GMT

Uncertainty is the only constant in today’s world – whether it’s economic turbulence, shifting markets, or organizational change. In these moments, leaders are called to be both courageous and compassionate, providing direction while also creating stability for their teams. This panel will explore what it means to lead with bravery and boldness when the path ahead is unclear, sharing practical strategies to build trust, inspire resilience, and keep people focused and engaged even in the face of disruption.

Moderator- Sarah Cooney, VP Defense Aftermarket Americas, Honeywell

Nicole Cummings, Program Manager, L3Harris

Ross Sealfon, President, KAMAN & Integrated Polymer Solutions

Sherryl Platte, Director Supply Chain Management, United Launch Alliance

Greg Krekeler, Vice President/ General Management, StandardAero

10:05 PST | 13:05 EDT | 18:05 GMT

Mergers and acquisitions are often judged by the deal’s numbers, but the real test lies in how well businesses bring their people, cultures, and operations together. This panel will explore the realities of integration – from aligning strategy and systems to managing uncertainty, culture shifts, and employee morale. Join us as leaders share practical lessons on navigating both the business complexities and the human side of M&A to ensure long-term success.

Moderator- Diane Rothkopf, SVP, Acquisition & Strategy, Integrated Polymer Solutions

John Benscheidt, President,  JetParts Engineering

Katrina Kilborn, General Manager Space Systems Division, Aerojet Rocketdyne

10:10 PST | 13:10 EDT | 18:10 GMT

10:10 PST | 13:10 EDT | 18:10 GMT

In today’s fast-changing world, the skills that got you here won’t always be the ones that take you forward. This panel will explore why continuous learning and upskilling are critical to staying relevant, competitive, and future-ready. Leaders will share how they’ve embraced growth, the most in-demand skills shaping the aerospace, defense, and space industries, and practical ways to take charge of your own development. Walk away inspired and equipped to own your impact—and your future.

Moderator- Amanda Stapleton, Systems Engineering Director, Northrup Grumman

Kari O’Sullivan, Sr. Category Sourcing Manager, Amazon Kuiper

Danielle Charles, Lead Aviation Maintenance Technician, Delta Tech Ops

Hannah Satchwell, Marketing Specialist, ATSG Inc.

11:10 PST | 14:10 EDT | 19:10 GMT

One of our signature presentations, leading industry analyst Mariana Perez Mora returns again to provide a comprehensive analysis of current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry. It will also consider key factors shaping the market, including the impact of global economic conditions, tariffs, technological advancements, sustainability, and shifting customer demands. Attendees will gain insights into projected growth areas, potential risks, and strategies for staying competitive in this rapidly evolving sector.

Mariana Perez-Mora, Director, Bank of America

11:40 PST | 14:40 EDT | 19:40 GMT

11:50 PST | 14:50 EDT | 19:50 GMT

A layoff can feel like a career setback, but it can also be a catalyst for reinvention. This panel will explore how to navigate the emotional and practical realities of job loss while uncovering new opportunities for growth. Leaders will share real-world stories, strategies for pivoting into new roles or industries, and tips for rebuilding confidence. Participants will leave with actionable tools to turn career disruptions into opportunities to rise stronger and chart a path forward.

Moderator- Julie Bennett, Co-Founder, Lemonade Standers

Shelly Pahk, IT Project Manager, Independent

Dana Kirchmar, Supply Chain Manager, Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sunita Vij, Senior Director of Supply Chain, Teledyne

Samantha Sheffey, Regional Procurement Manager & Veteran Inclusion Lead, EATON

12:25 PST | 15:25 EDT | 20:25 GMT

Personal & professional change is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines our growth. This panel will focus on individual strategies for navigating transitions, embracing new opportunities, and turning uncertainty into momentum. Panelists will share their personal stories of adaptation, lessons learned from pivoting under pressure, and practical tools to help you stay agile, resilient, and proactive, ensuring you don’t just survive change – you thrive through it.

Moderator- Shoumi Jeyarajah, Client Partner, Sr. Director, Capgemini

Beth De Young, VP Marketing & Strategy, Safran

Gina Radke, CEO, Galley Support Innovations

Run concurrently for each track

13:15 PST | 16:15 EDT | 21:15 GMT

Julie Bennett, Co- Founder, Lemonade Standers

14:00 PST | 17:00 EDT | 22:00 GMT

Emily French, Co-Founder, Lemonade Standers

14:45 PST | 17:45 EDT | 22:45 GMT

15:00 PST | 18:00 EDT | 23:00 GMT

Fiona McKay, Founder, Leading Ladies Of…

15:45 PST | 18:45 EDT | 23:45 GMT

Fiona McKay, Founder, Leading Ladies Of…