An encounter within the Encounter to speak about work

No matter what our job is, we have expectations at work; we have the ambition to learn and to grow from a professional point of view; we have the desire to be recognized that what we do is noticed and appreciated. We also have a need for financial stability and welfare, for us and for our families. Hence, working has to do with our desire of fulfillment.

Very often, though, we live work, and therefore our entire life, as a balancing act, trying to dedicate the right time to all the different parts of our life, while ending up running behind on everything and losing our passion for what we do. This shows us that what we need is not balance but unity.

This year, we invited a few professionals from different fields who will briefly share their experience of attempted unity. The meetings are designed to be short – i.e., ~30/40 minutes – and interactive, with the opportunity to ask questions.

The Professional Corner is hosted in the central part of the venue on the ground floor, next to the entrance of the main auditorium. Seats are limited so we recommend you arrive a few minutes earlier to secure your spot. Entrance is free.

Saturday, February 15
1:15–2:00 pm

Work-Life Unity: My Experience in Academia

John Zucchi, Professor of History and Classical Studies at McGill University, Montreal

John Zucchi is a professor and a past chair in the Department of History and Classical Studies at McGill University, Montreal and a former senior editor with McGill-Queen’s University Press. His research and publications are in the areas of migration and ethnicity.

Saturday, February 15
3:15–4:00 pm

Work-Life Unity: My Experience in Corporate America

Laura Kelly, Senior Consultant at EY, Greater Denver Area, CO

Laura Kelly is a senior consultant in EY's Strategy practice. In her 5 years at EY, she has focused on healthcare strategy, strategic development, and IT/business integration. She has contributed to transforming a variety of healthcare organizations, ranging from Fortune 50 companies to Blues plans to providers.

Saturday, February 15
5:15–6:00 pm

Key Steps and Advice for Postdocs and Early Career Faculty Members

Ana Navas-Acien, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY

Ana Navas-Acien is a world leading physician-scientist in the investigation of the effects of environmental exposures on human health, including e-cigarettes, tobacco smoke, arsenic and other metals, and air pollution. Originally from Spain, Ana holds an MD from the University of Granada and a PhD in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University.

Sunday, February 16
1:15-2:00 pm 

Work-Life Unity: My Experience in Education

Amy Hickl, Associate Principal at Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

Amy Hickl has been working in education for over 19 years, first as a Montessori Primary teacher, then as a Middle School English teacher and Director, and now as Associate Principal.  Her areas of focus are curriculum design and meeting the needs of diverse learners. She has two Masters of Education, one for early childhood and one for general education.

Sunday, February 16
3:15-4:00 pm 

Work-Life Unity: My Experience as a Business Executive

Adele Mucci, General Manager of Global Strategic Accounts at JA Solar, San Francisco, CA

Adele Mucci is General Manager of Global Strategic Accounts at JA Solar, a large solar energy development corporation based in Beijing and one of the largest manufacturers of solar cells and solar module products worldwide. Adele spent 17 years in China before moving to the United States. She completed her Executive MBA at Berkeley University in 2019.