Tina Bhakta
Tina is a PhD scientist who has spent over 16 years in the Agricultural Industry working with Bayer Crop Science with the mission of driving ‘Health for all, hunger for none’. Born to immigrant parents who moved with very little from India to England in pursuit of a better life, Tina was instilled with the values of perseverance and dedication from an early age and was fueled by the struggles and sacrifices made by her parents to strive to succeed for the family. Education was key; Tina earned a BSc in Medical Biochemistry and was advised not to pursue further with a Ph.D. but with the mentorship from her father, guiding her that she could achieve if she was focused and put in the effort that it takes; Tina did just that and earned a Ph.D. in Protein Biochemistry; since then Tina has navigated a highly diverse rewarding career in areas across R&D, Regulatory, Digital & commercial organizations leveraging the skills as a scientist, but expanding out to take on new roles beyond her expertise, each presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Throughout her career, Tina has directly contributed to designing the best farming solutions to farmers all over the world to help them solve agriculture’s complex and evolving challenges. Tina attributes her success to the guidance and mentorship of great coaches who have helped shaped her career and leadership skills.
Tina has a passion to inspire to others, showing that regardless of background or circumstances, success is attainable through perseverance, a commitment to continuous learning and giving back to others through coaching and mentoring!
Leilani Carver-Madalon
Professor at Maryville with research focus on women’s leadership.
Leilani Carver-Madalon, PhD, is the program director for communication programs at Maryville University. She also serves as an associate professor of communication specializing in strategic communication, marketing communication, and leadership. Before entering academia, Leilani worked for eight years in technology training and development, project management and consulting. She also lived and worked in Jilin City, China, teaching and creating curriculum for the New Horizon International Institute. This experience prompted her to pursue her master’s degree in communication, with dual emphases in intercultural communication and organizational communication. She strongly advocates for students to explore their interests and values during their studies, encouraging informational interviews, job shadowing and internships to learn more about creating a career — and a life — they love.
Sandra Moore
WU Undergrad and JD
For more than 30 years, Sandra has been committed to the development and empowerment of people and the communities where they live through the design, implementation, evaluation, and financing of revitalization programs in areas facing economic and social distress. As the firm’s primary spokesperson, she guides its public profile through speaking engagements, earned media opportunities, contributed content and government relations. With decades of experience at several notable non-profits, as well as a seat in a governor’s cabinet and time as an administrative judge, she aims to apply her extensive experience to help people and teams do good and do well. Sandra has demonstrated her leadership and mentorship through the establishment of the St. Louis Blues Museum and as a long-term member of the Mound City Bar Association, the first Black bar association west of the Mississippi River. She has participated in Heat Up, Cool Down St. Louis, which supports low-income households in securing proper heating and cooling during the summer and winter months.