Delaware's 2025 Outstanding Women in STEM 

Founder & CEO, Kai Coders

Deanna Bledsoe

Deanna is dedicated to making STEM education more accessible, especially in underserved communities. She has introduced hundreds of students to coding and technology, and is a
recognized leader and speaker. As the Delaware Treasury’s first IT director, she modernized state systems and enhanced cybersecurity. Guided by the Spirit of Aloha, she continues to inspire and drive meaningful change.

Senior Medical Director, Incyte

Joslyn Kirby, MD

Joslyn is a trailblazer in the field of dermatology, particularly in treating hidradenitis suppurativa with over 100 published articles and multiple co-
invented outcome measures. She directed the Penn State dermatology program and was named their 2024 Inventor of the Year. She is a champion
for patient care, education, and advocacy, and has mentored women in STEM throughout her career.

Assistant Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware

Lauren Genova, PhD

A dedicated educator, Lauren has earned multiple honors, including UD’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award. As a STRIDE Fellow, she transformed UD’s
general chemistry course through strategies to improve retention of STEM majors. She is a published author and researcher, and is active in outreach to high schools to encourage access
and exploration of STEM careers.

Rapid Customer Sampling Group Leader, DuPont

Maxine Taylor

Maxine has dedicated her career to mentoring and empowering women in engineering. At DuPont she established and leads a co-op and internship
program for early-career engineers and has chaired their Women's Network. Beyond DuPont, she mentors aspiring high school and college engineers in both academic and professional settings.

Medical Science Liaison Trainer, Amplify Health

Jamie Holmes, PhD

Jamie is an accomplished trainer with extensive experience in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Biosimilars. She is also a dedicated STEM advocate and mentor as an instructor and research associate at Delaware State University. She is deeply committed to inspiring, supporting and empowering the next generation of scientists, especially young women from underrepresented
backgrounds.

Director of Applied Technology & Evaluation, Terumo Medical Corp.

Jeannie Epps, PhD

Jeannie is a leader in medical device innovation and bioengineering education. AT TMC, she drives key initiatives in sustainability, compliance, and biomaterials testing. Her efforts have fostered a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workforce. As a founding member of the University of Delaware’s
Biomedical Engineering Department, she led the design and implementation of the undergraduate curriculum.

Vice President Technical Services, Pepco Holdings

Amber Young

An accomplished leader, Amber earned her Electrical Engineering degree and MBA from the University of Delaware. From PSEG Nuclear, she transitioned to Pepco, where she has led transmission planning, operations, capital projects,
and capacity expansion. An active member of power industry groups, she also volunteers and serves on boards for several community organizations.

Executive in Resident, University of Delaware

Helen Stimson

An experienced C-Suite leader in the biotech industry, Helen now leverages her extensive experience in strategy and innovation to foster industry-academic collaborations. She is dedicated to connecting STEM talent to growth opportunities and committed to innovation and the advancement of STEM industries.

Curator of Mollusks & Director of Collections, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Elizabeth Shea, PhD

An expert in cephalopod biology and deep-sea mollusk biodiversity, Liz leads the museum's scientific team, who curate, conduct research and manage millions of scientific specimens. She also advances undergraduate research in ecology and evolution to increase student engagement,
retention and long-term success.

Secretary, Delaware Department of Transportation

Shanté Hastings, PE

Shanté is a leader in infrastructure, policy, and community engagement. At DelDOT for 25 years, she now oversees budget, personnel, policy, and
legislation. Among many recognitions, she was named 2024 Government Engineer of the Year by the Delaware Engineering Society, and is engaged
throughout the state as a board member and volunteer.