Meet the Experts, All in One Place
When you 'Ask the Experts', you are tapping into the collective expertise of this group of highly accomplished leaders!
Sahana Mukherjee
![Sahana Mukherjee](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Headshot.jpg)
With a Bachelor's degree in Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering from India, a Masters in Human Resource Management from Rutgers University, and a SHRM SCP certification, Sahana possesses a rare blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of human capital dynamics. Her bold data-driven leadership has garnered recognition, including being named among Crain’s NY 2022 Notable HR Leaders and receiving invitation-based memberships to Forbes HR Council and Chief. As a sought-after speaker and published author, Sahana has demonstrated her exceptional ability to navigate the ever-evolving technology landscape, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in innovative thought leadership.
Her commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional endeavors, reflecting her exceptional contributions to the HR industry and showcasing her passion for thought leadership and creating meaningful change.
Sejal Amin
![Sejal Amin](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/01_1%20-%20Sejal%20Amin.jpg)
Sejal Amin is a senior technology executive and product development expert with over 25 years of experience leading large teams through cultural, operational and technology transformation for SaaS initiatives. Currently, she is the Chief Technology Officer for Shutterstock.
Sejal was recognized on the BT150 Transformational Executive List in 2021 and has several professional associations including Board Director for the Value Stream Consortium.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
Despite the progress companies have made by investing in mentorship and sponsorship programs to advance female talent, high-potential women are still less likely than men to be awarded high-level promotions and appointed to top roles. Without sponsorship, women may also be more reluctant to apply for these roles. This is even more the case for women of color, who have fewer interactions with senior leaders, which means they often don’t get the advocacy they need to advance. Mentors and sponsors are not the same thing and all too often, these roles are often misunderstood. I've had a variety of experiences with great mentors and sponsors with equally as many not so great experiences. Those experiences taught me so much and this organization represents a way for me to share those learnings to pay it forward ensuring that women are able to take control of their own career journey.
Paola de Almeida
![Paola de Almeida](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Paola%20de%20Almeida.jpg)
Paola is an innovation and transformation officer with more than 20 years of experience leading strategy, innovation, and business transformation in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and consulting industries, now focused on value creation, mutual sustainable solutions and the frontiers and resilience of human systems. She was for the last 4 years the Chief Innovation Officer for Mars, Inc and is well recognized for her fluent ability to bring the outside in, articulating the next generation of needs and tactical solutions. She is also a highly experienced systems thinker, known as a skilled network orchestrator, managing multi-stakeholders in public and private networks, deploying multi-disciplinary change in large-scale programs and external partnerships, including the United Nations (Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Programme and World Health Organization), World Bank and African Union. Her current focus is in helping broad acceleration and scale up of Sustainable Goals solutions across multiple sectors and stakeholders.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
The importance of this effort and of proper representation cannot be underscored. If we are to have equitable systems that represent all people, we need to ensure we are offering the equal opportunities to those that don't always have access into rooms where decisions and investments are made.
The novelty of this program, where theory meets practice has already impacted the lives of minority women and helped them accelerate their careers and leadership position.
Dr Swasti Gupta-Mukherjee
![Dr Swasti Gupta-Mukherjee](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/FINAL_headshot_sgm%20(2).jpg)
Wanda Shoer
![Wanda Shoer](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Wanda%20Shoer.jpg)
Wanda's academic achievements include a BA in Italian Studies and Economics from Wheaton College, complemented by an MBA from Simmons University. Beyond her professional commitments, she finds solace in reading, prioritizes fitness, and cherishes quality time with her loving husband and two children.
Furthermore, Wanda's unswerving dedication to the Latinx community is evident through her role as a board member at The Mariposa Foundation, active participation in community-building initiatives, mentorship of aspiring talents, and advocacy for educational programming.
Leyla Samiee
![Leyla Samie](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Leyla%20Samie.jpg)
Dr Stephanie Murphy
![Dr Stephanie Murphy](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Dr%20Stephanie%20Murphy.jpg)
Dr. Stephanie Murphy is the founder and principal consultant at MCS Consulting, specializing in employee listening and analytics. In her role, she partners with leading organizations, such as UnitedHealth Group, to enhance the employee experience and give voice to hundreds of thousands of team members.
Previously, Stephanie was Head of People Insights & Assessments at Dell Technologies where she led a global team to create the employee engagement and listening strategy, the talent research strategy to inform company-wide decisions, and developed and implemented the assessment strategy to enable leaders and team members to do their best work. Stephanie aided in the culture integration efforts as Dell Technologies made history with one of the largest acquisitions in the Tech industry. She serves on several boards and committees including HR Exchange Network and the Society of I-O Psychology. Stephanie was recognized as one of the Top 10 Data and Analytics Professionals, a Top 100 Under 50 Executive & Emerging Leader, Austin under 40, and one of the Top 50 Women in Austin. Stephanie also teaches management courses to graduate students at McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. She holds a B.S. in psychology from the University of New Orleans and a Ph.D. and M.A. in industrial-organizational psychology from Louisiana Tech University.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
As a woman of color, sponsorship has been critical to my career success. It’s been key to have someone in the room where decisions are made that can vouch for my talent. It took me years to learn the importance of these individuals and how to foster those relationships, and I hope to pay it forward and pass what I’ve learned on to other women.
Wagner Denuzzo
![Wagner Denuzzo](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Wagner%20Denuzzo-1.jpg)
Wagner Denuzzo, LCSW-R, is a transformational Latino executive leader with expertise, breadth, and experience in Leadership Development and all aspects of the future of work. He is a thought leader in the areas of the future of HR and has led talent transformations in large global enterprises. Wagner is known as an inclusive leader with a growth mindset and a strong focus on prioritization, integration, and outcome-based execution of enterprise initiatives. He was the VP, head of global Leadership and Management Development for IBM during the greatest transformation of the company and most recently he was the VP, Head of Capabilities for Future of Work at Prudential where he developed HR capabilities for the future. He is a frequent contributor to publications and speaker at conferences and podcasts. He is currently finishing his first book on leadership, and serves on advisory boards of several HR start ups. Wagner is a licensed psychotherapist which allows him to integrate his clinical expertise and business as an executive coach and consultant. Wagner was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and immigrated to the US right after college.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
Its purpose is energizing and critical for our collective growth.
Lisa Gable
![Lisa Gable](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Lisa%20Gable-1.jpg)
Lisa Gable is the WSJ and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the book, Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things are Going South and is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind. As CEO of several organizations, and as a former Presidential appointee, US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Lisa has orchestrated and executed the successful turnarounds of well-known private and public organizations in all industries and sectors. She is highly regarded in business, political, and philanthropic circles for her ability to tackle difficult issues directly and with discipline and diplomacy.
Lisa is the Chairperson of the World in 2050, the futuristic think tank of the Diplomatic Courier Global Affairs Media Network and a Distinguished Fellow at the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, at SMU Lyle School of Engineering in Dallas, Texas.
Most recently Lisa served as the CEO of FARE, the world’s largest funder of food allergy research where she secured $100M in commitments over 3 years. Prior to leading FARE, she was a senior advisor at PepsiCo and President of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a CEO-driven national initiative aimed at helping to reduce obesity.
In 2004, she was appointed by President George W. Bush as US Ambassador and Commissioner General to the 2005 Aichi World EXPO. Gable is the first woman in World’s Fair’s 170-year history to direct the U.S. Pavilion, a 100 percent non-federally funded $33.7 million operation.
Lisa was named one of the 10 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2022 by CXO Magazine. An entrepreneur and mentor, Lisa acts deliberately to move organizations and individuals toward their full potential. In the past, she served as the founding chair of the board of directors for the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World; has been a national trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of America and on the board of directors of Girls Scouts of the USA; a board of trustee of Thunderbird School of Management; a member of the National Academy of Medicine IOM Roundtable on Obesity Solutions; and board member of the Independent Women’s Forum. She is also a mentor in organizations such as Rare as One project, a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and serves on the advisory boards of startups in the health and wellness space.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
I am focused on supporting the next generation of leaders who are solving the world's most complex problems and ensuring those leaders have a seat at tables of influence.
Jennifer Faherty, CFP®
![Jennifer Faherty](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Jennifer%20Faherty.jpg)
Jennifer brings over 15 years of professional experience in the financial services industry - as a CFP® professional, mentor for women advisors, and currently as the Chief CX Officer and Principal at Modera Wealth Management. In addition to her recognized thought leadership on client experience innovation in the independent advisory space, she combines her finance background with unique expertise in the science of well-being, holding a Certification in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Coaching Certification through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is an active member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the Women of Dartmouth NYC, and Chief, a professional network for women leaders, as well as the founder of Psych Candy, a platform for providing tools, resources, and services on the science of positive psychology and well-being toward helping people flourish in their professional and personal lives. Jennifer earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. from Columbia University/Teachers College.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
Unveiled's mission to provide a more equitable workplace through sponsorship deeply resonated with me and my work helping women and other historically marginalized groups succeed in the wealth management industry. Importantly, its commitment to not only provide education and awareness through research and data, but also to take practical actionable steps through cohort members and programming is a gap that needs to be filled in order to make meaningful progress. I am honored to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of professionals, especially Unveiled's founder, Sahana Mukherjee.
Pamela Shand
![Pamela Shand](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/IMG_2509%20-%20Pamela%20Shand.jpeg)
Seen in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Essence, SHRM, and Inc. Magazine, Pamela Shand is a trusted voice in talent acquisition and career growth. With a background in corporate recruitment, Pam's career expands across several industries including finance, hospitality, insurance, technology, and retail/CPG.
She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, entrepreneur, and the author of "How to Hire.”
Her passion for training has led her to work with YWCA, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Unveiled, National Urban League, and the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce among others.
As Founder of The Offer Stage, Pam educates career professionals on the competitive and unpredictable job market showing them how to conquer imposter syndrome, articulate their unique value, and achieve success without sacrificing their authenticity or personal values.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
The values and passion shared by Unveiled and Founder (Sahana) align strongly with my own. I love and admire the work being done here.
Meet Our Volunteers!
Idrisha Moulik
![Idrisha Moulik](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/97637257-d318-4ed8-8338-d6d6c24d62af%20-%20Idrisha%20Moulik.jpg)
Idrisha Moulik has had a dynamic journey in the world of technology; armed with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, she brings over 11 years of experience, currently in a leading role in Recruitment.
Her professional voyage began in Testing and Configuration Engineering, where she honed her technical skills. Her career trajectory took an exciting turn as she transitioned into the realm of Technology Recruiting. This shift allowed her to combine her technical background with a keen eye for talent, fostering a deep understanding of both sides of the hiring process.
She leads recruiting efforts with an enthusiastic approach, striving to connect the right talent with exciting opportunities. As a firm believer in the power of optimism, she aims to bring smiles to people's faces every day, both personally and professionally.
Beyond the corporate realm, she proudly wears the hat of a devoted mother to a delightful 10-year-old daughter. Balancing the demands of a high-profile career with the joys of motherhood has been a rewarding journey.
Travel is her escape, and exploring new destinations fuels her creativity. A self-proclaimed foodie, she relishes the adventure of trying diverse cuisines wherever her travels take her. The joy of making connections and building meaningful relationships is at the core of her personal and professional life.
Her philosophy: Let's connect and share our stories—because in every connection lies the potential for something extraordinary.
Why join Unveiled in its mission?
Joining a non-profit like Unveiled is a compelling opportunity because it embodies the mission of empowering underrepresented groups. Sahana's insight about career decisions being made in rooms where we're not present resonates deeply. Unveiled serves as a crucial platform for individuals to build relationships with sponsors who can advocate for them in those very rooms. By becoming part of Unveiled, one can play a pivotal role in facilitating access to opportunities and support networks for those who may otherwise be overlooked. It's about being that advocate who amplifies voices and opens doors, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape.
Julianna Karafilov
![Julianna Karafilov](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Julianna%20Karafilov.jpeg)
Julianna is a dedicated student of the University of Western Ontario with a passion for helping others and a thirst of knowledge. Dedicated to both assisting others and pursuing lifelong learning, she thrives on challenges and opportunities to broaden her understanding. Having a positive impact is always her end goal!
Why join Unveiled?
To contribute to such an important cause that often gets overlooked.
Cynthia Anaba Akalpokbila
![Cynthia Anaba Akalpokbila](https://unveiledbridgingthegap.org/hubfs/Cynthia_%20Headshot%20-%20ANABA%20CYNTHIA.jpeg)
Cynthia Anaba Akalpokbila is a dynamic and driven Ghanaian student at Ashesi University, pursuing a BSc. in Business Administration. She is a passionate learner and leader, having earned prestigious scholarships, including the Erasmus+ Scholarship and the H.E Kufuor Scholars Program. Cynthia's zest for learning led her to a transformative year as an exchange student in the USA sponsored by the US Department of States.
Her impressive achievements extend to her entrepreneurial endeavors, with wins in business pitch competitions and participation in programs like Cantu Beauty's GLOW Global Fellowship. Cynthia's goal is to explore the world of consulting and corporate communication.
Cynthia is keen on improving the economic status of women shea nut farmers and processors in Northern Ghana.
Why Join Unveiled in its mission?
First, I see the opportunity to grow especially in the midst of accomplished and forward thinking leaders who have decided to support the mission of Unveiled. The learning opportunity with Unveiled is invaluable to my career and personal growth as a young woman.
Also, as an individual with unique experiences, I see the possibility of sharing my perspectives to amplify Unveiled's work across the world.