Leading with Impact: Women CEOs Driving Change and Innovation
With Subject Matter Experts
Megan Jaffer, Co-Founder, Iron Butterfly
Ji Fang, Founder and CEO, Divinia
Laura Maasdam, Co-Founder, Sixth Wing
Matt Sitter, CEO, AFN
Driving Change: Advocacy, Activism, and Leadership Amid Global Challenges
The third panel in AFN's series, Leading with Impact: Women CEOs Driving Change and Innovation, this dynamic panel discussion will explore the intersection of advocacy, activism, and leadership during times of crisis. Delving into workplace activism, panelists will share insights on fostering inclusive cultures, advocating for social justice, and driving meaningful change within organizations.
Additionally, they will reflect on lessons from recent global challenges, offering invaluable perspectives on effective leadership strategies amidst adversity. Join us as these inspiring leaders navigate the complexities of today's world, empowering audiences to lead with resilience and compassion.
Meet the Panelists
Megan Jaffer, Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Creative Director, Iron Butterfly Media
Ji Fang, Founder and CEO, Divinia
Laura Maasdam, Co-Founder, Executive Performance Coach & Negotiation Speaker, Sixth Wing
Moderator
Matt Sitter, CEO, AFN
Panel Series: Leading with Impact: Women CEOs Driving Change and Innovation
Leading with Impact: Women CEOs Driving Change and Innovation brings together a diverse group of accomplished female CEOs who share their insights, experiences, and strategies for success across various critical topics. Through a series of three panels of thought-provoking discussions, these dynamic CEOs explore the evolving landscape of leadership, championing authenticity, advocating for mental health and wellbeing, shaping the future of work, fostering mentorship and networking, driving workplace advocacy and activism, and navigating through times of crisis. Join us as we delve into these trailblazing women's powerful stories and perspectives, inspiring change and innovation in boardrooms and beyond.
Megan Jaffer
Megan Jaffer is the Co-Founder of Iron Butterfly Media and is the host of Iron Butterfly Podcast, the first podcast that shares real stories of women in intelligence. She is the co-founder of the Amazing Women of the IC (AWIC), which focuses on the development of professional women serving the US national security mission. Megan's background spans corporate, nonprofit, and government environments, and she has launched and led several nonprofits and organizations that support the national security community. Her passion is promoting the collaboration, leadership and mentorship of women and developing diverse communities of leaders.
Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Creative Director
Ji Fang
Founder and CEO
With a Ph.D. in Natural Language Processing from Stanford University, Ji Fang is the former Head of Research Science and Lead Scientist in Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning at Medallia. Before her role at Medallia, she was a researcher at Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Ji Fang is deeply passionate about organizing and analyzing data to enhance online search experiences, prioritizing accuracy, speed, and efficiency. This passion has become her life's work, as she created the technology that powers Divinia's suite of products to improve search functionality for consumers, marketers, and e-commerce sites. Ji completed her BA and MA in Linguistics from Peking University.
Laura Maasdam
Laura Maasdam is an executive coach and noted facilitator on negotiation, communication and persuasion. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, she is a founding partner of Sixth Wing LLC.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Laura served for 12 years as a Navy helicopter pilot and instructor pilot, flying the CH-46 Sea Knight and the SH-60F Sea Hawk, also known as the Black Hawk. She was deployed throughout the Middle East multiple times in support of OEF & OIF.
Upon leaving the military, she received her MPA from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government where she focused on Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Performance Leadership.
Before co-founding Sixth Wing, Laura was the lead presenter and educator for McChrystal Group in Old Town Alexandria, VA. While at McChrystal Group, she taught organizations to adapt and win in today’s rapidly changing operating environment.
Prior to joining the McChrystal Group she was the lead Negotiator & Trainer for The SAB Group in Cambridge, MA, where she specialized in the areas of conflict resolution, senior leadership development and effective communication within negotiations.
Co-Founder
Matt Sitter
Matt Sitter is a passionate believer in the power of networks to innovate and realize new opportunities. His career has focused on helping leaders grow, succeed, and to mobilize their teams, organizations, and networks.
Matt’s work has spanned a broad array of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Real Estate Investment, Consumer Products, and Finance (amongst others). He has worked with multiple Fortune 500 executive teams, Private Equity firms, startups, and everything in between.
In addition to his role at AFN, Matt is currently a partner at the Advisory Services firm, Advantary. His experience includes leadership roles at The McChrystal Group, CrossLead, Inc., and MedLever. He has led multiple functions including Product Management, Marketing, Reimbursement, and Product Development.
CEO
