Speaker Biographies

Michael Annichine, Chief Executive Officer, Magee-Womens Health Research Institute and Foundation

Michael Annichine is the chief executive officer of Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (MWRIF), where he leads the development to sustain programs and research at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and Magee-Womens Research Institute, the largest research institute in the U.S. focused solely on women’s health and reproductive biology. The research institute, based in Pittsburgh and building collaborations around the world, is home to hundreds of world-class researchers who have devoted their careers to advancing the health of women. Under Annichine’s leadership since 2016, MWRIF has expanded its partnerships with industry, academia, and foundations and significantly grown its revenue base while capitalizing on the translational impact of its scientific investment. Annichine is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years’ experience starting, developing, and leading local and national businesses across a variety of growth industries. Prior to his current position, Michael held the Chief Executive roles at C-leveled, FlyerCity Media, and CFS Home Loans Inc., where his companies were twice named to the Inc. 1000 Fastest Growing Companies in America list. A Carnegie Mellon University alumnus and former director of Investment Programs at the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, Annichine has measurably impacted the Pittsburgh startup community and built strong connections with business, private equity and venture capital partners.

Gerry Burns

With over 15 years as a coach, chief executive officer (CEO) and operating partner, Gerry Burns brings together the practical applications and experience of applying conscious leadership concepts to one’s personal and professional journey.

His experience leading and acquiring companies in various markets influences his coaching approach. In addition, his study and practice in conscious leadership has proven that all stakeholders play a significant role in a company’s success. Early on in his career, Burns utilized his technical and operations background to perform due diligence on hundreds of potential acquisition companies in private equity. Many of these were acquired and he spent time in these acquisitions helping them establish themselves as stand-alone businesses and develop a strategy for profitable growth. His CEO roles allowed him to learn and develop his own leadership style, tackling all flavors of challenges and opportunities through open communications, endless questions, fact and data analysis, continuous improvement, and clear agreements. 

Today, these experiences offer him to see and frame challenges and opportunities in ways often overlooked by those that are in their business every day. His insight and collaborative style attract companies and leaders that are eager to challenge themselves and teams with the interest in accelerating learning and growth. 

Mona Dine, Chief Diversity Officer & General Manager of Human Resources

Mona Dine joined United States Steel Corporation in July 2021 as the general manager of human resources, responsible for leading employee engagement; performance management; learning and development; succession planning and human resources business partner efforts at the corporate level. Her role has been expanded to include strategic and operational oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. As a leader of talent management functions across a variety of industries, her expertise is utilized to develop impactful leaders, create engaging and inclusive environments, and promote talent practices that drive high performance, strengthening business results. Dine has worked in senior-level roles at Kennametal, HarbisonWalker International, PNC, and Robert Morris University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree specializing in career development from The Ohio State University. She holds certifications as a Professional Certified Coach; Senior Professional in Human Resources; Senior Certified Professional (SHRM); Organizational Development Certified Professional; and Fostering Inclusion & Diversity (Yale University). Dine sits on the Vibrant Pittsburgh Board as well as serving as their chair for the Diversity and Inclusion Forum in the Pittsburgh region. She is also a board member of P3R and functions as a Corporate Advisory Committee member and mentor for PA Women Work. Additionally, she volunteers for the National Diversity Council and the March of Dimes. She is a frequent speaker on DE&I and talent management topics at external events.

Rahul Dogra, Vision to Market Ltd.

Rahul Dogra has over 25 years of senior management and leadership experience running an international math software company and consulting for organizations in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Dogra currently works as an international management and leadership instructor and as a curricula instructional designer, working with clients across Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, North and South America. He has developed and delivered programs on a wide array of management topics by working with customers to design and tailor solutions that enable attendees to access practical tools and approaches to common issues and problems faced. In addition, he has coached individuals in delivering strategy, transitioning to management and leadership challenges. Dogra has worked with individuals and organizations at a senior level in an advisory company to establish new strategic initiatives. Dogra completed his M.B.A. in 2006 with a first-class distinction, and holds a master’s degree in quality management and a BEng in mechanical engineering. Dogra also writes on a blog at www.rahuldogra.com and is a co-author of two books on executive leadership.

Traci Forrester, Executive Vice President, Environmental and Sustainability, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Traci Forrester is executive vice president, environmental and sustainability of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. She is responsible for the environmental affairs and sustainability functions. Previously, Forrester was executive vice president, business development, whereby she was responsible for developing emerging business opportunities supporting Cleveland-Cliffs’ U.S. domestic market. She began her career at Cleveland-Cliffs in 2004 within the company’s legal department. She was vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary from 2018 to 2019. She was responsible for the company’s compliance with securities laws and financial reporting, execution of strategic transactions and corporate governance matters, including working with the board of directors and its committees. She also coordinated legal services and counsel for the company. Since joining Cliffs as corporate attorney, Forrester has served in various senior management positions within the company’s legal department. She was promoted to group counsel – Asia Pacific Operations in 2011 and oversaw and directed legal services for that business unit in Australia. She also held the role of assistant general counsel – Corporate Affairs and International Operations. Before her tenure with Cliffs, she held an in-house legal counsel position at ABB Inc., a multi-national industrial process automation company, as a senior attorney. Forrester earned her J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, and her B.A. degree in philosophy from Miami University. She is a board member of the Cleveland Play House and Friends of Breakthrough Schools.

Alison Grizzle, Founder/President, Clearview Strategy Partner

Alison Grizzle is the founder of Clearview Strategy Partners. She works with clients in various industries, facilitating conversations among members of leadership teams around company vision, strategy and talent optimization. Using her degrees in mathematics and leadership, she helps leaders to leverage behavioral and cognitive analytics to create a people strategy that turns a business strategy into results. In a 20+ year career, she has accomplishments in teaching, leadership development, team dynamics and strategic planning. 

Carol Jackson, Independent Board Member, Sensient Technologies Corp. and AZZ Inc.; Former President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HarbisonWalker International

Carol Jackson is the former president, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of HarbisonWalker International (HWI), now a member of Calderys. Over her nearly six years as CEO, she led the company to become a thriving, sustainable enterprise that received world-class employee engagement ratings. Jackson departed HWI upon the successful sale of the company in early 2023. Before joining HWI in 2014, first as its chief commercial leader, Jackson served as vice president of the bar, wire, and strip business units of Carpenter Technology Corp. Prior to her time at Carpenter, she spent over 12 years at PPG Industries, progressing through numerous strategy and business unit leadership roles. Jackson currently sits on the board of directors for AZZ Inc. and Sensient Technologies Corp. She was elected president of the World Refractories Association in 2020, serving a two-year term as its first North American leader. Jackson has received numerous professional awards, including 2021 Director of the Year in Private Company Governance by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and Outstanding CEO and Top Executive by the Pittsburgh Business Times/American City Business Journals in 2019. A licensed attorney in Pennsylvania, she holds a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duquesne University. She is an alumnus and former board member of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania and served as chair of its BizTown Capital Campaign. 

Kate Kuuskman, General Manager -Direct Strip Production Complex and Cold Mill

Kate Kuuskman, a third-generation steelworker, is the general manager of the Direct Strip Production Complex (DSPC) and cold mill at Algoma Steel. She began her career as a process analyst, steadily advancing to roles like frontline supervisor and superintendent, and she now oversees the DSPC and cold mill operations and maintenance. Her extensive industry expertise and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in her successful leadership at Algoma Steel.

Karin Lund, CEO and Founder, G-Power Global Enterprises LLC

Karin Lund was one of the first women in North America to be hired by a major integrated steel mill for an outside sales position. Her journey began at Jones & Laughlin Steel in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA. She was later recruited by Co-Steel, a Canadian steel company, who was expanding into the U.S. market. This expansion led to the company building a cutting-edge wire rod mill and electric furnace meltshop in New Jersey. She was promoted to regional manager, overseeing an international sales territory with annual sales of US$240 million in today’s currency. At the request of legal counsel, Lund testified twice before the International Trade Commission in trade cases. She received three Certificates of Outstanding Service from the American Iron and Steel Institute recognizing her recruiting efforts to encourage college seniors, particularly women, to join the steel industry. Lund is an international speaker and Amazon best-selling author of Women in Steel, Women of Steel — Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow; Compassion Is the Competitive Edge — Leading With Compassion While Delivering Results; The Language of Loss: Breaking the Silence — Starting Conversations at Work and Home, and her online program, Your Journey Through the Islands of Life and Loss. Coming later this year, watch for Lund's upcoming book titled, Yes — You Matter, You Are Enough. This empowering book is specifically crafted for young individuals grappling with self-confidence issues and seeking a deeper understanding of their own identities. Women in Steel, Women of Steel, Vol. II will be launched at AISTech 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, USA, in 2024.

Lisa Marcuzzi, Vice President, Head of Corporate Affairs, Legal, and Diversity and Inclusion, ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P.

Lisa Marcuzzi is vice president, head of Corporate Affairs, Legal, and Diversity & Inclusion at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P., responsible for all legal, compliance, company secretary, governance, corporate communications, sustainable development, government relations and trade, and diversity and inclusion matters. She is also Regional General Counsel, Canada, ArcelorMittal, responsible for all legal, compliance, company secretary and governance matters for ArcelorMittal’s other Canadian business units. She is ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s first chief Diversity & Inclusion officer and responsible for establishing a stand-alone Diversity & Inclusion department at the company. In 2023, the company was named one of Forbes Canada’s Best Employer for Diversity, the company’s manager, Diversity & Inclusion was recognized by WXN for the Canadian Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award, and the company was awarded the ArcelorMittal Performance Excellence Award for Responsible Leadership for its D&I roadshow. Prior to joining the ArcelorMittal Group, Marcuzzi was a partner with the Toronto office of an international law firm, engaged in a broad corporate/commercial law practice with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, infrastructure financing, governance and regulatory compliance. She is an active member of her community. Most recently she is a member of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ National Board of Directors, a board member of Royal Botanical Gardens, a member of the Legal Leaders for Diversity and a member of Women General Counsel of Canada Network.

Sabrina Saunders Mosby, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vibrant Pittsburgh

Sabrina Saunders Mosby is the president and chief executive officer of Vibrant Pittsburgh, a leading economic development organization that supports over 50,000 constituents through initiatives dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce across the greater Pittsburgh area. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and government sectors, she is renowned as a thought leader and speaker in workplace inclusion. She holds key positions on various boards and civic organizations such as Allegheny Health Network, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Advisory Council, to name a few. Saunders Mosby is an alumna of Carlow University and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the C-Suite Award and as a Power 100 leader, she is shaping and elevating communities in Pittsburgh, where she resides with her husband and son.

Brenda Petrilena, Director, Global Decarbonization and Program Management, United States Steel Corporation

Brenda Petrilena joined United States Steel Corporation in 2017 and currently serves as the director of Global Decarbonization and Program Management, responsible for identifying growth opportunities and developing partnerships aligned with U. S. Steel’s long-term sustainability and decarbonization strategy. Prior to her current role, Petrilena led the development and implementation of project management standards, processes, tools, and the utilization of continuous improvement methodologies to enable stabilization of assets and successful project portfolio execution. She is also president of U. S. Steel’s SteelPRIDE Employee Resource Group, accountable to bring together and ensure dignity, respect and inclusivity for members of the LGBTQ+ community along with their allies. Prior to joining U. S. Steel, Petrilena served in various leadership roles in engineering, supply chain management and project execution for 11 years at Westinghouse Electric Co. Petrilena began her professional career at Ford Motor Co., advancing through 11 years of increasingly responsible positions in engineering and plant operations. Petrilena holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. degree in engineering management from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of Duquesne University’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program.

April Pitts-Baggett, Senior Quality Engineer, Nucor Business Technology

April Pitts-Baggett is a wife and mom of a 3-year-old boy and fluffball named Allora. Pitts-Baggett graduated from the University of Alabama in 2004 (B.S.) and 2006 (M.S.) with degrees in metallurgical engineering. She began her career at Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Inc. in 2006, holding multiple metallurgist and supervisor positions while concurrently completing her Ph.D., also in metallurgical engineering. In 2019, she moved to Italy to serve as the chief metallurgist of Duferdofin-Nucor. She returned to the states in 2020 to serve as a process metallurgist at Nucor Steel–Decatur LLC until 2022. Pitts-Baggett is currently the senior quality engineer with Nucor Business Technology, designing Nucor’s flat mill system upgrade. Additionally, she serves as the chairman of the board for the University of Alabama’s Metallurgical Engineering department, past chair of AIST’s Ladle & Secondary Refining Technology Committee, committee member for the Annual Nucor Children’s Charity Classic and the awards chair for the AIST Women in Steel Membership Committee.

Rachel Schmidt, Technical Sales Manager — EAF Mill Services, Berry Metal Co.

Rachel Schmidt is a technical sales manager for Berry Metal Co.’s EAF Mill Services group. She joined the Berry Metal team in 2023. Her professional journey within the steel industry started with a manufacturer of water hydraulics valves, where she initially served in inside sales. Progressing through roles such as applications engineering, sales and quality manager, she expanded her expertise to address industrial hydraulics challenges across diverse sectors, including steel. Her current responsibilities have broadened to encompass additional areas and systems, notably in the realm of meltshop solutions, aimed at encouraging more sustainable and efficient systems. Schmidt has been an active participant in various AIST groups, such as Women in Steel, Young Professionals, and the Midwest and Southeast Member Chapters, as well as the Electric Steelmaking Committee. Currently, she is the chair of the Maintenance & Reliability Technology Committee. In recognition of her contributions to the Maintenance & Reliability Technology Committee, she was honored with an AIST Presidential Citation in 2023. Schmidt has been a speaker at women in fluid power events, technical conferences and young professional gatherings. She also has been featured in both the Women in Steel and Young Professional perspective columns in Iron & Steel Technology magazine. Beyond her professional endeavors, she passionately advocates for women’s personal protective equipment and mentors the next generation of female leaders in the industry.

Jamie Lewis Smith, Chief Executive Officer, and Leadership and Organization Development Psychologist, Pixel Leadership Group

Jamie Lewis Smith is passionate about making people managers suck less by providing simple, science-backed actions to transform them into empowering leaders! She is the founder and chief executive officer of Pixel Leadership Group, a team of “nerdy, but fun” executive coaches, psychologists, and data analysts who are on a mission to combat toxic cultures and supercharge employee engagement by bridging the gap between the science and practice of leadership. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist who applies her behavioral science expertise to guide leaders and organizations through change. Identified as one of 10 Leadership Coaches to Watch in The American Reporter, she is a sought-after organization development consultant and executive coach for many Fortune 100 and 500 organizations and has worked extensively in the technology, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. She is a contributing member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a published author, and international speaker on the topics of leadership, assessment and change. Smith sits on the board of directors for Milestones Autism Resources and Open Arms Adoption, both non-profit organizations located in Northeast Ohio.

Sushma Walker, President, Nucor Business Technology

Sushma Walker is president of Nucor Business Technology at Nucor Corp. Her role as president of Nucor Business Technology (NBT) is part of an intentional strategy to bring the Nucor team together to deploy world-class technology solutions. Walker began her career with Nucor in 2004 as a developer at Nucor Steel–Texas. She has served as an I.T. supervisor, manager of Talent and Development, as well as progressively more responsible roles in I.T. leadership across Nucor up until assuming her current position in December 2022. 

Maureen Zappala, Keynote Speaker and Author

Maureen Zappala, an award -winning speaker, author and founder of High Altitude Strategies, shows successful high-performers how to overcome the hidden self-doubt of the impostor syndrome. A native of New York City, she has a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and she spent more than 13 years at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now Glenn Research Center) conducting aircraft engine research. She became the youngest and first female manager of NASA’s Propulsion Systems Laboratory, a jet engine test facility. Despite stellar credentials and impressive accomplishments at NASA, the annoying Impostor Syndrome was her constant companion, causing her to think, “I’m not as smart as everyone thinks I am, and they’re going to figure it out!” This led to a passion for showing others how to silence those destructive voices that hinder success and create secret shame. Zappala teaches others to match their confidence to their competence, so they have more influence. Audience members have called her strategies “gamechangers.” Her clients include AT&T, Merck, Freddie Mac, Boston Scientific, Rea & Associates, University of South Florida, and Parker Hannifin. In 2009 and 2020, she was in the top 10 of 30,000 contestants in the Toastmaster International World Championship of Public Speaking contest. She is the author of four books, including Pushing Your Envelope: How Smart People Defeat Self-Doubt and Live With Bold Enthusiasm. She also co-authored Buckeye Reflections: Legendary Moments From Ohio State Football.