MEET OUR SPEAKERS
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Future of Project Management: Adapting to Technological Breakthroughs
10:00am - 10:45am
Tara Prakriya
VP @ Microsoft
Tara is the Vice President at Microsoft within the Surface division and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University. With a diverse background, including previous roles at Merck and an AI startup, she brings extensive experience in global business growth. As a keynote speaker, Tara is set to share invaluable insights on AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation during Professional Development Day, reshaping the future of project management and professional development.
OUR PANELIST
Panel Discussion - The Agile Professional: Evolving with Technological Advancements
11:00am - 11:45am
Panel Discussion 1
Todd Radgowski
Todd Radgowski is a dynamic leader with a robust 29-year career in the medical device industry, known for successfully guiding innovative electro-mechanical products from concept to market. As Vice President of Product Development at PROCEPT Bio-Robotics, Todd led the Project Management Office (PMO) and the Consumables Engineering group, recently advancing the Hydros Robotic System. Known for his strategic vision, he has orchestrated comprehensive product roadmaps and implemented efficient development processes to accelerate innovation. Previously, Todd spent nearly 15 years at Intuitive Surgical, where he held key leadership roles in advancing surgical robotic systems. He oversaw a broad portfolio of robotic, software, vision, and instruments programs from initial concept R&D through product launch and sustaining support. His leadership has consistently optimized resource allocation and portfolio management, driving efficiency across large-scale product lines. Before his tenure at Intuitive, Todd held leadership roles at MAQUET, Stryker, and B/E Aerospace, where he developed and launched critical devices and managed engineering teams across cardiac surgery, endoscopy, and aviation applications. Todd holds an MBA from Santa Clara University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine. His broad technical and managerial expertise make him an asset to innovative product teams and a key driver of market-leading medical technology.
OUR PANELIST
Panel Discussion - The Agile Professional: Evolving with Technological Advancements
11:00am - 11:45am
Panel Discussion 1
Nitul Shah
Staff Product Manager @ Walmart eCommerce | AI/ML | Carnegie Mellon University
Nitul is a seasoned Product Manager with 5 years of experience at Sam's Club, specializing in leveraging cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and computer vision to tackle inventory management challenges. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he combines a strong technical background with sharp business acumen. As a thought leader in product management practices and retail innovation, Nitul is passionate about driving transformative solutions in the industry. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing chess, as well as engaging in strategy board games.
OUR PANELIST
Panel Discussion - The Agile Professional: Evolving with Technological Advancements
11:00am - 11:45am
Panel Discussion 1
Denise Carney
Director @ Okta
Denise Carney, PMP is an accomplished Technical Program Manager, people leader, and strategic partner, with a proven background in driving technology projects and leading teams. Her super skill is focusing on rapid delivery and fostering collaboration. Passionate about career growth & development, Denise brings valuable insights on navigating challenges and charting your own path.
OUR PANELIST
Panel Discussion - The Agile Professional: Evolving with Technological Advancements
11:00am - 11:45am
Panel Discussion 1
Rijun Chokshi
Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ GrowthArc
Rijun Chokshi is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GrowthArc, a company focused on simplifying business growth by integrating intelligent platforms, interconnected data, and advanced AI. With over 18 years of experience in sales leadership and digital transformation, Rijun has consistently delivered multi-million-dollar client engagements.
Prior to GrowthArc, he played pivotal roles at companies like Genpact, HCl, TCS, and Enquero, leading sales teams and spearheading growth strategies. His journey includes scaling business units, driving global go-to-market strategies, and leveraging AI to unlock new growth opportunities. Rijun’s career began at Tata Consultancy Services before progressing through leadership roles at HCL Technologies, where he managed sales operations and complex client portfolios across regions. His first startup journey culminated in Enquero’s acquisition by Genpact, showcasing his ability to create sustainable value through innovative solutions, which led him to start his own entrepreneurship journey with GrowthArc.
Today, Rijun combines his entrepreneurial passion with deep expertise in AI and business processes, empowering companies to thrive in the digital age.
FACILITATOR
Panel Discussion - The Agile Professional: Evolving with Technological Advancements
11:00am - 11:45am
Panel Discussion 1
Mahesh Deshpande
Digital Program Management Leader at Genpact & VP of the PMI-SFBAC Mentorship Program
Mahesh Deshpande is a data-driven business transformation leader with over 12 years of experience in leading cross-functional digital transformation initiatives across geographies to drive innovation and change. He specializes in Data & Analytics Product Program Management and is known for his passion for data storytelling and design thinking.
Mahesh is also the Vice President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter's Mentorship Program, where he has led the transformation of the program into a self-sustaining platform that supports any project professional seeking mentorship. He has introduced innovative ideas and fostered a strong mentor community, helping the program grow to support 200 participants annually.
Mahesh is the host of the Mentorship Masterminds podcast, where he interviews industry leaders about leadership, networking, and professional development. He is passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders to achieve their full potential.
During his free time, Mahesh likes to travel, hike and bike. He has traveled to 12 countries, hiked in 25 National Parks, and biked 100 miles in a day.
OUR SPEAKER
Navigating Change with Empathy: Stress Management in Modern Project Management
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Breakout 1A
Pragati Kale
PRAGATI KALE Executive Coach | Product-Program Management | Business Strategy
Pragati Kale is an Executive Coach with a global career in the Telecom/Cloud domain across leading technology firms like AT&T, Microsoft, and Akamai. Her role has evolved with immense cross-functional program and product management, corporate communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management. She conducts mentorship programs for leadership forums in corporate setups focusing on culture transformation, career development and team building. She has been a part of the steering committee that conducts coaching workshops for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) designed for women, minority genders, and beginner-level employees. She represented Microsoft in the Diversity and Inclusion space at the Grace Hopper conference, educating larger teams on key learnings across wellness, tech, education, community building, networking, and career development.
She completed her Master’s in Computer Science from SUNY Binghamton. She is a two-time Toastmasters District Finalist for the International Speech Contest. Pragati is a certified Executive Coach and Faculty at Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. She believes every human is a journey in themselves and that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. She brings a unique coaching style with her high emotional quotient that helps develop strong relations with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a stronger community. Pragati lives with her husband and two sons in Bay Area, California. She carries her share of the world with every travel tale gathered with her family.
OUR SPEAKER
Whose Presentation is it, Anyway?
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Breakout 1B
Clay Robeson
Clay Robeson has been performing and teaching improvisation for over 20 years. Whether it’s for the stage, the corporate world, or for voice actors, he believes learning to trust yourself and the people around you are surefire ways to increase productivity through heightened collaboration, strengthened communication, and an understanding of how to truly listen to others. Clay has performed and taught with Boston’s Improv Asylum, San Francisco’s Un-Scripted Theater Company, Moment Improv Theatre, and 42nd Street Moon's Moon School youth theater program along with various other improv casts around the country. He spent 8 years with Philips Healthcare in a communications and training role, worked as a communications consultant for several Bay Area for profit and nonprofit organizations, and he has taught improvisational teambuilding courses for companies such as eBay, Niantic, Proctor & Gamble, MongoDB, The Gap, Meta, and NASA. Clay also tours improv festivals with a two-person improvised musical inspired by Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years.
OUR PANELIST
Navigating Career Transitions and Early Careers: Expert Advice for a Changing Workforce
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Panel Discussion 2
Shelby Austin
Senior Program Manager - Technology @ Sephora
I'm all about integrity, honesty, and building trust with everyone we work with – peers, partners, and leaders alike. These values are my compass, helping me make decisions and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
At Sephora, I'm currently working as a Senior Program Manager Tech PMO, and with over a decade of experience in Project Management, Agile Coaching, Digital Marketing, Channel Management, and Process Improvement, I've learned a lot. I've developed skills in Thought Leadership, Team Building, Process Efficiency, and Creativity. These experiences have underscored the importance of being open and kind. By sticking to these values, we can create stronger, more collaborative teams and achieve amazing results.
OUR PANELIST
Navigating Career Transitions and Early Careers: Expert Advice for a Changing Workforce
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Panel Discussion 2
Cynthia Maria Estalilla
Founder and Owner of CME Beyond Career Success, LLC
Cynthia Maria Estalilla is the founder and owner of CME Beyond Career Success, LLC, with more than 30 years experience working in small, mid to global, brand-name organizations including financial services, apparel, hospitality, and technology and talent consulting with roles in human resources, client service management and career services
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach, Digital Branding Strategist, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, and a Certified DISCstyles™ Communications Consultant. Cynthia has earned the distinction of being recognized as a global Career Industry Authority by Career Thought Leaders/Resume Writing Academy.
A career service provider and entrepreneur, Cynthia has a relentless focus on delivering life-changing client experiences to mid-career professionals, providing coaching for clarity and career transition, consulting on creating personally-branded career marketing materials, and designing career search strategies.
Cynthia is a member of the Project Management Institute San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, a Career Coach partner to the community, conducting résumé writing, LinkedIn, and interview clinics through the chapter’s Mentorship Program, career building track.
On a personal note, she loves cooking, watching sports, reading, boating, and traveling with her significant other and is a proud mother of her only son.
OUR PANELIST
Navigating Career Transitions and Early Careers: Expert Advice for a Changing Workforce
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Panel Discussion 2
Preet Shah
Project Manager @ Genpact
Preet Pankil Shah is a dedicated Project Manager at Genpact, currently placed at Driscoll’s, the world’s largest berry producing and distributing company. With over eight years of experience in project and brand management across diverse industries—including hospitality, tech startups, and food and beverages—Preet brings a wealth of knowledge to her professional and personal life.
Recently graduating from Golden Gate University with a Master’s in Project Management, specializing in IT Management, Preet was honored with the Most Outstanding Student Award for her exceptional performance. As a natural leader, she served as President of the Project Management Club, successfully reviving in-person events following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she acted as a student ambassador for PMI, fostering engagement between Golden Gate University and the PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. An active volunteer with PMI SFBAC since February 2023, Preet is passionate about guiding and supporting her peers, particularly international students, as they navigate cultural and educational transitions.
Her approachable nature and willingness to help have made her a trusted resource within the community. On a personal front, Preet is a foodie at heart, enjoying the culinary delights of the Bay Area and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. An avid traveler and lover of mythology novels, she embraces new experiences and cultures, enriching her life and perspective.
OUR PANELIST
Navigating Career Transitions and Early Careers: Expert Advice for a Changing Workforce
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Panel Discussion 2
Lauren O'Neil
Senior Account Manager @ Insight Global
Lauren is a Senior Account Manager at Insight Global. She specializes in building and developing highly productive team within a variety of industries. With a keen eye for talent and a passion for fostering collaborative environments, Lauren prides herself on her ability to understand stakeholders needs and identify top talent to help execute on these deliverables. Her expertise in team growth and development ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering outstanding results for clients and stakeholders alike. Lauren is also deeply passionate about helping individuals find the best job opportunities to fulfill their career growth. By understanding each person’s unique strengths and aspirations, she helps guide them towards roles where they can thrive and achieve their professional goals.
FACILITATOR
Navigating Career Transitions and Early Careers: Expert Advice for a Changing Workforce
1:30pm - 2:15pm
Panel Discussion 2
Dhruti Joshi
Digital & Data Project/Program Manager @ Sephora and Chief Program Officer @PMI-SFBAC
Dhruti is a Senior Project and Program Manager renowned for her expertise in agile delivery at scale within the Digital and Data domains. She excels in managing end-to-end project lifecycles, from initiation through release, while coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver personalized shopping experiences for customers.
In addition, as the Chief Program Officer at the PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (PMISFBAC), Dhruti leads strategic initiatives and oversees key programs such as Mentorship, Professional Development, Sustainability, and Next Generation Leaders. Her work empowers professionals to become change agents, driving positive community impact.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Addressing Change and Shaping the Future of Project Management
2:15pm - 3:00pm
Closing Keynote
Sneha Narahalli
Head of Product & UX @SEPHORA / LVMH
Sneha Narahalli is a technology leader driving the transformation of the industry through innovative and simple product development. Her upbringing in India was in a family of writers, with both her parents being notable literary figures, and she has always utilized her creativity to achieve targeted outcomes.
After moving to the United States to pursue her master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University a decade ago, Sneha has been leading the development of next-generation strategies for companies such as Sears, Walmart, and Sephora. She is currently responsible for overseeing all aspects of product development and user experience, including digital, physical stores, data, partnerships, ML, GenAI, and marketing technology at Sephora. She also leads the technology investment and prioritization for the company.
Despite being an introvert and having to adapt to a new culture, Sneha has managed to stay true to her authentic self while also increasing her efficiency and output by learning and unlearning. She strongly believes that the first step in effecting change is to raise awareness of the basic biases that women face in any environment, and she is committed to working together to overcome these biases and ultimately eradicate them. Sneha recognizes the power of the written word and intends to utilize it to create a positive impact.
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at the PPD 2024!