The Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology at Cedar Crest College has taken a bold step forward in preparing students to meet evolving workforce demands and closing the gender gap in technology with the launch of the Harmon Center Advisory Council. Composed of ten diverse trailblazers across the tech and business sectors, the council will provide a direct link to industry, allowing the Center to ensure the student experience and curriculum align with workforce needs while also offering key insights into current trends and the technical skills students need to thrive in today’s professional landscape.
Meet the Harmon Center Advisory Council
This impressive group of professionals brings a wealth of experience and shared commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in technology.
- Robin Allen, Senior Director at Vertex Inc., draws on her expertise in digital transformation and talent acquisition to promote inclusive hiring strategies that drive organizational growth.
- Gloria Bell, Board President at Philly Startup Leaders, is a champion for equity in tech. With over 40 years of experience in business operations and advocacy, she founded The Women in Tech Summit (WITS) to empower women and create opportunities for them in the tech space.
- Rhoan Boucher, Chief Customer Officer at Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, blends strategic vision with a customer-centric approach while championing diversity and inclusion efforts within the aerospace industry.
- Lia Castner, a dedicated sophomore at Cedar Crest College majoring in Data Science, is leading efforts to establish a Girls Who Code College Loop on campus. Her passion for technology and leadership is reflected in her role as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Secretary for the upcoming academic year.
- Cheryl Fisher, SHRM, Chief Human Resources Officer at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, leads talent development and performance management, ensuring organizational excellence across multiple healthcare entities.
- Jennifer Grell, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network, applies her expertise in data analytics and workflow redesign to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Floria Lamarre, Lead Associate Principal of Security Assurance at The Options Clearing Corportation (OCC), combines her cybersecurity expertise with a deep commitment to mentoring future leaders in tech.
- Terence (Terry) O’Neil, Chief Information Officer at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, brings over 30 years of healthcare IT experience, guiding organizations through complex digital transformations.
- Bill Pittenger, MBA, Managing Director of Technology Operations at FGS Global, leverages his extensive background in IT operations, cybersecurity, and business strategy to drive operational excellence.
- Yvonne Santiago, IT Senior Director of Business and Operations at St. Luke’s University Health Network, blends her clinical and technical expertise to enhance care delivery and improve patient safety.
The Harmon Advisory Council reflects Cedar Crest’s commitment to empowering women and allies in technology. With expertise spanning diverse areas of the tech field, these influential leaders will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to flourish.
This initiative builds on the Harmon Center’s recent expansion of academic programs, including new undergraduate majors in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data science, as well as coursework in applied AI integration. By combining industry expertise from the Council with cutting-edge curriculum, the Harmon Center is ensuring that Cedar Crest students excel and lead in an increasingly digital world.