Our Virtual Workshop is tonight - Thursday, October 15th at 6pm! Read about our workshop facilitators who will share specific experiences and perspectives that will benefit and/or encourage attendees.
- Manasa Mannava -
facilitator
Manasa Mannava is a technology enthusiast with comprehensive experience in building scalable software. She specializes in full stack software development and works for RealPage Inc as a Full Stack Software Developer. Four years ago, she graduated from Arizona State University with a Master's degree in Computer Software Engineering.
Manasa enjoys singing carnatic classical music and painting during free time. She also wouldn't miss out on nature hikes and beach sports!
- amanda antonelli -
facilitator
Amanda Antonelli is an Environmental Planner/Project Manager with a specialization in water supply infrastructure. She works with municipal water agencies on projects across California, including recycled water, groundwater recharge, wastewater treatment, and pipeline expansion. At Rincon Consultants, Amanda evaluates the potential environmental impacts of proposed infrastructure projects. Amanda received a Master's of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UCSB, where she specialized in Water Resources Management. Before working on water infrastructure in California, Amanda worked for several years in sustainable international development in Washington DC and overseas. Amanda is a lifelong surfer (of small waves), and in her spare time you can find her going on bluffs walks with her wife, Sarah, and their dog, Zazu.
- sarah antonelli -
facilitator
Sarah Antonelli is an environmental professional with experience in geospatial science, strategic communication, and database management. She has been working for several years as a data scientist, specializing in spatial data management and visualization for renewable energy development, groundwater remediation, and human health risk assessment projects in the United States. She is passionate about harnessing data to make informed decisions about environmental, financial, and human health. Sarah is currently working as a GIS Analyst at ENGIE North America in Santa Barbara.
- emma kroloff-
facilitator
Emma Kroloff is a PA-C (Physician Assistant) in Santa Barbara. She works in pediatric orthopedics in an outpatient clinic and does surgery inpatient at Cottage Hospital with two physicians -- Dr. Early and Dr. Maguire. Emma earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Saint Mary’s College of California where she was a D1 student athlete on the soccer and cross country team. She then went on to earn her Physician Assistant degree at the University of Southern California. In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and climbing.
Emma developed a passion for orthopedics early on in her medical education after working with the team physician for the Chicago Bulls. Her interests include sports medicine and pediatrics.
- lauren vucovich -
facilitator
Lauren Vucovich is a Lead Product Manager at Evidation Health. She leads a team that covers Product Management, Product Operations, and User Experience for software products that engage individuals in health research opportunities. Prior to Evidation Health, Lauren completed her PhD in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience at UC Santa Barbara. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys visiting national parks, hiking, and watching the Great British Baking Show.
- alena higgins -
facilitator
Alena Higgins is a Scientist on Apeel's Molecular Sciences Team focused on extracting, purifying, and transforming valuable compounds from biomass for use in Apeel's technologies. By sourcing materials from discarded biomass, her work aims to serve Apeel's mission of reducing food waste by giving new value to fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste in the processing of food products. A member of the Apeel team since 2016 - when she began as an Extractions Intern - Alena became an Extraction Scientist in 2018 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She fills her free time with friends, family, and her dog by enjoying quiet activities like knitting, watching movies, and driving through Santa Barbara's beautiful mountains in search of the perfect ocean view.
- graciela “grace” vega -
facilitator
Graciela “Grace” Vega is a first-generation Salvadorian American who was the first in her family to graduate high school, obtain a bachelor’s degree, and is currently completing the last year of her master’s degree. Grace is currently working in the mental health field focusing primarily with at-risk youth within the Latinx community. Grace strives to become a pillar of support and growth for the Latinx community here in Santa Barbara in hopes of normalizing and prioritizing mental health. Having previously been on track to apply to medical school, with over 10 years of experience in the medical field, she has a lot of insight into the process and isn’t afraid to share advice. Grace is also a local artist and poet who has helped to both host art events and showcase her art to the Santa Barbara community. It is important for Grace to share her knowledge and experiences with others because she believes life is not a competition and often times you are not alone in your fears of the future.
