Meet Our Alumni

Learn More About Our Alumni

Click on their names to find out more about them.

Holly Hogan

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Crystal Vertz

Major at MSOE: Mechanical Engineering

What is your current job?

I am a Senior Project Engineer at Derco Aerospace.

What are your hobbies?

Painting, Leatherworking, Gaming.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I joined A.O.E. because it provided a place to network with other women in engineering while promoting both professionalism and volunteerism.

Why did you choose your major?

I found it the most versatile major in terms of possible career paths.

Additional Information

Served as IEB Treasurer from 2008 to 2013

Sherri Biendarra-Tiegs, Ph.D.

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Stephanie Pierce

Little: Stephanie Wrate

Major at MSOE: BioMolecular Engineering

What is your current job?

I am a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

What are your hobbies?

When I am not working/studying, I especially enjoy spending my time reading, cooking, going for walks (weather permitting), and playing my violin. 

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I knew I wanted to join a sorority (both my mom and older sister had in college) and A.O.E. was the right fit for my personality. The national/international aspect and I joined because of the people and because of the sorority's unique mixture of professional and social. Through that aspect, I knew I would develop both strong friendships and a variety of skills that would be valuable throughout my career. 

Why did you choose your major?

Although I was interested in medicine (but not being an M.D.), I initially had a hard time choosing between all of the applicable disciplines of engineering and science. When I heard about the BioMolecular Engineering major, I realized that it was possible for me to study and merge multiple disciplines of interest (biological engineering, chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, math, etc.) in a way that would ultimately be relevant to human health. 

Kristen Brastad, Ph.D.

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Amy Johnson

Little: Kristin Tiarks

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your current job

I am a Senior Manufacturing Quality Manager at Lam Research.

What are your hobbies?

I do my nails a lot and blog about it at Darling Nails. I also enjoy weightlifting, swimming, reading, and travel. 

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I joined A. O. E. because I thought it would be a great way to meet people, engage in philanthropic and social activities, and network in my career. Plus the current members and alumni that I'd met were pretty awesome too.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my undergrad major (architectural engineering) because I used to build doll houses and wanted to turn that passion into a career (albeit on a much larger scale). Within architectural engineering I focused on building environmental systems where I realized a passion for water systems.

Veronica (Konieczka) O'Dierno

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Catie Brazzale

Little: Katherine Lucy Myers

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your current job?

I am a Principal Application Engineer at Modine Manufacturing Company.

Stephanie (Awe) Parrish

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Vicki Gitner

Little: Tyra Jenkins

Major at MSOE: General Engineering

What is your current job?

I am a Sales Operations Analyst at Rexnord.

What are your hobbies?

Coaching Bowling, Traveling, Music, beer/wine/bourbon tastings, planning fun things to do with my family and friends

Why did you join A.O.E.?

Wanted the feeling of sisterhood and friendship. 

Why did you choose your major?

Initially I chose BioMed because I wanted to help people and be in the medical field. However, I decided to change to business - finance with a minor in marketing since I was good with numbers. With my second MSOE degree, I chose the general engineering program because it was a perfect fit for a working professional who is employed at a Power Transmission company.

Additional Information

I look forward to sharing my experiences and meeting the new members. I know that they will always be there for me and I hope they feel the same about me. I enjoy social activities and doing fun things. 

Steph Pierce

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Kate Thompson

Little: Sherri Biendarra, 

​                     Amanda Marchetti

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your job?

I am a Transmission Reliability Administrator at the American Transmission Company. I oversee systems that maintain the reliability of the transmission part of the electric grid in most of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

What are your hobbies? 

T.V., art things and hanging out with friends.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

Kate made me do it! I joined to make friends and get connection in and out of school.

Why did you choose your major?

I went to summer camp and Electrical Engineering looked cool!

Toni (Wills) Cherney

Alumni - Garden Eternal (Deceased)

Big: Jennifer Marifke

Little: Marie Rieger

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your current job?

I am a chiropractor. I own my own practice and I focus on natural fertility, pregnancy, birth, and young families.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, travel, kicking butt at Trivial Pursuit, chasing my kids, falling down Wikipedia and Pinterest rabbit holes. :)

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I knew I wanted to join a sorority (both my mom and older sister had in college) and A.O.E. was the right fit for my personality. The national/international aspect and professional/social aspects were icing on the cake. 

Why did you choose your major?

My major at MSOE was biomedical engineering. I chose it because I really wanted to have a career that specifically helped other people and used technical skills. After working as a field engineer for a major medical instrumentation company for several years, I decided to go back to school to refocus on healthcare and chose chiropractic medicine as my specialty. 

Additional Information

16+ years later, my A.O.E. members are still some of my best friends. They have had roles in my wedding, one is a godmother to my son. We've shared so much of our lives together and continue to do so through the lifelong bond of sisterhood.

Marie (Rieger) Cassavant

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Toni Willis

Little: Jenny George

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your job?

Jobs-

Officer Manager at Fresh Coast Dental

English as a Second Language Teacher to Middle Eastern Refugees

Immigration Counselor

Specialty Cake Baker

What are your hobbies? 

Travel, trying new foods, partying with new cultures, going to festivals, hiking, kayaking, camping, long road trips, reading, board games, cross stitch, naps

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I was hanging out with the members so much already, figured I might as well join.

Why did you choose your major?

It sounded employable. Worked out ok for me. I worked as an EE for a few years, switched to Project Management. However, I found that it didnt make me happy. Now I'm doing what I always dreamed. Volunteering full time and making a huge impact on the world around me.

Amanda Thiel (Barrett)

​Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Anna Kaas

Little: Kayla (Hackiewitz) Bitz

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your job?

I am an Instructor of Air Education and Training Command.

What are your hobbies? 

Cross Stitch, Video Games

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I wanted a close-knit group of lifelong friends

Why did you choose your major?

Electrical properties came naturally to me during high school physics.

Jill (Gannon) Fitzsimons, P.E

​Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Christie Landers

Littles: Holly Cook, Dawn Leyendecker

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your job?

Project engineer overseeing design of electrical building systems including power distribution, lighting and low voltage systems.

What are your hobbies? 

Right now I have an infant that consumes most of my free time. I love to read. Kindle unlimited is like crack to me. I also enjoy weightlifting. 

Why did you join A.O.E.?

Many of the members and my fellow candidates became my closest friends.

Why did you choose your major?

I always loved art and architecture, but I also loved math and science. I found my passion in architectural engineering. Lighting design and associated controls is my specialty.

Extra:

I feel that we can continue to learn and grow as long as we keep our minds open to new ideas.​

Rebecca DeBord

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Lauren Backhaus

Little: Allison Haas

Major at MSOE: B.S. in Business Management with a Concentration in Operations Management.

​What is your current job?

I am a Senior Engineering Coordinator at Leonardo DRS.

What are your hobbies?

Knitting, reading, scrap booking, and watching sports

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I felt a bond with the A.O.E. members since my freshman year (2008) but I wasn't the right major at first. So when I was able to and eligible to join, I wanted to make the commitment to become a member.

Brittney Bembenek, EIT

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Ashley Ksoiszk

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

Currently, I am a Firmware Engineer at Sphero.

What are your hobbies?                               

 In my free time I like to play video games, read, crochet, listen to music, draw, and watch Netflix.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                              

For the sisterhood, as well as to meet new people, volunteer, and have fun.

Why did you choose your major?               

I chose electrical engineering because I have always been interested in electronics and what makes them work.

Why did you choose your major?

I wanted to help businesses grow to see their full potential.

Sydney Chan

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Katie Donahoe

Major at MSOE: Computer Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a MES MOM Senior Analyst.

What are your hobbies?                               

Sleeping, hanging out with friends, shopping, memes.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                              

Friends!

Why did you choose your major?         

To follow in my dad's/uncle's footsteps.

Sabrina Schlicht

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Rachel Fleisner

Little: Cristina Cervantes 

Major at MSOE: Biomolecular Engineering 

What is your job?                                           

Associate Scientist II at Pace Life Sciences.

What are your hobbies?                               

Reading, Drawing, Playing with my Dog

Why did you join A.O.E.?                              

For sisterhood and professional principles.

Why did you choose your major? 

It was related to engineering and other fields I was quite interested in. 

Jenna Sgarlata

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Adele Becker

Little: Nicole Jackson

Major at MSOE: Software Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Applications Developer II at National Futures Association.

What are your hobbies?                               

Travel, Running, Scrapbooking

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I needed more female friends, and the girls in the sorority seemed so genuine and true to themselves. 

Why did you choose your major? 

I loved my coding classes in high school and could see myself coding for a long time.

Kathleen Di Leo

Alum Advisor | Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Ashley Ksioszk

Little: Adrien Prange

Major at MSOE: Biomolecular Engineering

What is your job?                                           

Regulatory Specialist at Cardinal Health

What are your hobbies?                               

Walking, Theatre, Cooking & Baking

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I was looking for a group of female friends at MSOE.

Why did you choose your major? 

I liked chemistry, biology, and math and couldn't decide which to study.

Lyzzi Brooks

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Emily Savela

Little: Erin Heinz

Major at MSOE: Software Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Software Engineer at Dr. Treat.

What are your hobbies?                               

Video games, Mushing, Tabletop, RPGs, Homebrewing

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I was a commuter and met a member at my internship. She could tell I was lonely, so I put myself out there and gave it a shot. After meeting everyone, I knew I fit in here. Now years later, those members are some of my best friends. 

Why did you choose your major? 

I always had an interest in "tech", and I loved the idea of being creative, and making my own applications. The pay and work environment isn't too bad either.

Abby Heiller

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Kayla Bitz (Hackiewicz)

Little: Heather Dotson

Major at MSOE: Biomedical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Biomedical Engineering PhD Student at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities specifically focusing in Neural Engineering. 

What are your hobbies?                               

Reading, listening to music, going to concerts, doing jigsaw puzzles, and hanging out with my two cats, Orion and Reggie.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I joined A.O.E. because of all the amazing people I met during recruitment, specifically my big, Kayla. I joined for the awesome friendships I knew I would make and to have a home away from home. I also really like the professional aspect of the sorority, so I could build skills that would help me in my career post-graduation from MSOE.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Biomedical Engineering because I really liked the medical field, but did not want to be a healthcare professional. I wanted to create technology that would help improve people's quality of life and Biomedical Engineering seemed like the perfect fit.

Hope Walker

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Amanda Ksioszk

Little: Jewel Claw, Anika Nollendorfs

Major at MSOE: Biomedical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a RA/QA Engineer at BioRESEARCH Associates.

What are your hobbies?                               

Doing my nails, crochet, hiking, and hanging out with my two cats.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I wanted a group of friends I knew would last for a long time.

Why did you choose your major? 

I’ve always been interested in electronics and wanted to find a way to combine that with healthcare.

Kathleen Easton

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Anna Kaas

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am an Electrical Engineering Project Manager at KDM Engineering and a GIS Technical Architect at Pipe View America.

What are your hobbies?                               

Riding ATV, off-roading in my truck, and camping

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

Sisterhood.

Why did you choose your major? 

Loved it as a hobby in high school! Love everything construction!

Kristin (Tiarks) Yee

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Kristin Brastad

Little: Anna Kaas

Major at MSOE: Mechanical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Mechanical Team Lead at Rockwell Automation.

What are your hobbies?                               

Rock Climbing, knitting, reading, travel.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I wanted to have network of like-minded female engineers!

Why did you choose your major? 

I always loved math and science, and I really enjoyed designing in 3D CAD in high school.  I was on the fence between Biomedical and Mechanical and ultimately chose mechanical for its broad industry.

Heather Dotson

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Abby Heiller

Little: Kaitlyn Wolf, Guinevere Sieradzki

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

Online sales.

What are your hobbies?                               

Cross-Stitching, volunteering with children, and fixing up American Girl Dolls to give away.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

I joined A.O.E. because I liked the professional aspect of the organization and I wanted to get to know people from other majors and who are different from me.  Great way to connect with other engineering students and form strong bonds. A.O.E. challenged me to grow professionally, personally, and relationally and I am so thankful for my time as a member.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Electrical Engineering because it seemed like something I could do (math/science), I thought the MSOE lab benches looked super cool, my parents both did Electrical Engineering at MSOE, and I was offered scholarships that made it the best financial choice.

Adele Becker

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Allie Delonay

Little: Jenna Sgarlata

Major at MSOE: Mechanical Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Mechanical Designer.

What are your hobbies?                               

Taekwondo, DnD, and listening to music.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

It offered a tight-knit circle of girl-friends.

Why did you choose your major? 

I like tinkering with how objects move.

Catie Williams (Brazzale)

Alumni

Big: Catie Jaworski

Little: Veronica O'Dierno

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your job?                                           

I am a Senior Mechanical Engineer (HVAC).

What are your hobbies?                               

Sewing, hockey, golf & home improvements.

Why did you join A.O.E.?                             

It offered a tight-knit circle of girl-friends.

Why did you choose your major? 

I like tinkering with how objects move.

Anna Kaas

Alumni

Big: Kristin Tiarks

Little: Kathleen Easton,

                         Amanda Thiel

What is your job?

Currently, I am an Associate Control Engineer at American Transmission Company in Waukesha, WI.  I help automate the electric transmission grid in southeastern Wisconsin, and work with local utilities to keep the lights on.

What are your hobbies? 

I love needlecraft.  I do a lot of knitting, crocheting, and sewing - especially on costumes.  I enjoy making all sorts of things, though, not just limited to yarn and thread.  I also suffer a lifetime love of reading thanks to my mom and frequent trips to the not-so-local library in Madison (my hometown didn't have a library).

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I became good friends with the members, and they eventually became my family away from home.  They helped me to grow into a young professional and achieve success on campus and off.

Why did you choose your major?

I always liked math and science in high school, and really enjoyed the electronics classes I took as a sophomore and junior.  Engineering just sort of fell into place for me.  And since I still think electrical power systems is Really Cool Science, I must have done ok!

Elaine "Lainey" Zamudio

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Jennifer Rivas

Little: Kat V.

Major at MSOE: User Experience

What is your job?

I am a User Research Extern at Activison.

What are your hobbies? 

L4D2, TF2, Hiking, Computers

Why did you join A.O.E.?

They lured me in with “virtual game night” during the Covid-19 lockdowns. I loved the members and wanted to join this friendship group.

Why did you choose your major?

I transitioned from Web & Software Development. I loved the internet and was excited to learn about the psychology of the users and design principles.

Carly Bazan

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Anika Nollendorfs

Little: Annika West

Major at MSOE: Architecutral Engineering Student With A Mechanical Specialty

What is your job?

I am a Mechanical Engineer at kW Mission Critical Engineering

What are your hobbies? 

Playing videogames, baking, cooking, and gardening

Why did you join A.O.E.?

To find a group of people that I know I can lean on.

Why did you choose your major?

I enjoyed art and creating things, and I also loved engineering and math.

Jenny Rivas

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Ciara Jarmain

Little: Lainey Zamudio

Major at MSOE: Industrial Engineering

What are your hobbies? 

I love going for walks and experimenting with makeup.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I joined A.O.E for the lifelong friendships and sisterhood! It’s also been fun having events with each other.

Why did you choose your major?

I knew I wanted to be in engineering, just not sure of which discipline. I found out about IE while on a college tour at MSOE, and it sounded like it was going to match my interests better. Since declaring it, I’ve never been more happy to have chosen IE as my major.

Emily Savela

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Stephanie Wrate

Little: Lyzzi Brooks, Stoecker

Major at MSOE: BioMolecular Engineering

What is your job?

I am a Senior Research Bioengineer at 3M.

What are your hobbies? 

Knitting, painting, reading, exploring state parks, board games.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I met some truly amazing people during my first two weeks at MSOE and it just so happened that they were all a part of the same organization, which was A.O.E. I was unprepared for the reality of what it was like to be a woman in such a male-dominated environment as MSOE (at the time I was a freshman it was 85% male) and the support system of the sorority was the core of my support system throughout college and remains so to this day!

Why did you choose your major?

I was always interested in Biology and Chemistry and have always been involved in healthcare innovation that happens behind the scenes. This program seemed to be the best fit for my large variety of interests so I could try to narrow down what I did and did not want out of a career.

Amber Kent

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Allison Haas

Little: Ashley Ksioszk, Katie Donahoe

Major at MSOE: BioMolecular Engineering

What is your job?

I am an Electrical Engineer at Krones Inc.

What are your hobbies? 

Playing video games and hanging with my kids.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

The connections it gave me and having that sisterhood of people I could always count on.

Why did you choose your major?

I enjoyed the electronics classes I took in high school and took a liking to this field after some summer camps at MSOE that I produced me to this field.

Adrien Prange

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Kat Di Leo

Little: Delila Payton

Major at MSOE: Architectural Engineering

What is your job?

I am in a Geotech Engineering Intern with Jacobs.

What are your hobbies? 

Playing video games (TOTK, Assassins Creed, Minecraft), playing ttrpgs, hiking, being involved in the theatre

Why did you join A.O.E.?

I met amazing people who supported me, respected who I am, and made me better and those amazing people became amazing friends.

Why did you choose your major?

I've always been fascinated by the construction process and after learning about everything it took to design such projects I knew that was what I wanted to go into.

Erin Heinz

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Lyzzi Brooks

Little: Elizabeth Shea

Major at MSOE: Software Engineering

What is your job?

I am a Senior Frontend Software Engineer at Feedonomics.

What are your hobbies? 

Reading, hiking, camping, photography, gardening, cozy video games, & board games.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

In all honestly, I started showing up to recruitment events for the free food (the cookie decorating event in particular). After showing up to a couple of events, I found myself making friends with the other candidates and sisters. As a woman in STEM, I often felt like I had to wear oversized hoodies and avoid overly girly things to be able to connect with my classmates. But in the sorority, I found that I felt comfortable enough to be myself. I joined A.O.E. because of the wonderful support network of sisters and friends. It was one of the best decisions I made in college. 

Why did you choose your major?

When I was 15, I was inspired by a sci-fi book to sign up for my first programming course. While I quickly learned that software development is nothing like an action-packed thriller, I also found that writing software clicked with me. I found it satisfying to break down complex problems into small approachable chunks I could solve in a logical manner. By the time I got to college I already had a couple of programming courses under my belt, and I knew that I wanted to pursue Software Engineering as my college major.

Teresa Toohill

Alumni

LinkedIn

Big: Reanna Barringer

Littles: Roni Skinner, Kyarra Furman, Faye Woods

Major at MSOE: Software Engineering

What are your hobbies? 

Biking, drawing, baking, listening to podcasts, Discord server management, graphic design, Minecraft, reading, and more.

Why did you join A.O.E.?

Initially, when I was going to college, I had never really thought I'd ever join a sorority. The decision to join AΩE I can say with confidence has changed my life for the better, and I am so grateful I gave that new experience a chance. What drew me was their adamant support of women and gender non-conforming individuals in STEM, which is something I support strongly. The friendships and bonds I have formed will last a lifetime and it's the reason I am so dedicated to this organization. Additionally, I know it doesn't mean a lot to just say this, but we are welcoming to everyone, through and through. Trust me, I wouldn't have joined had I not seen it with my own two eyes. The bond we have formed is more than just friendship, it's family. I am so grateful for my best friends here at A.O.E. Delta Chapter and beyond.

Why did you choose your major?

Software is something that plays a major part in our modern-day life and can be used in a myriad of different applications. From developing my own website, to writing SQL scripts to analyze data, to working with a Rasberry Pi, or implementing Artificial Intelligence ethically-- there is no end to outlets and applications in the field of Computer Science. Technology is constantly changing and innovating, and I am someone who loves a change of pace as its what keeps me engaged.  While it was a tough decision to decide whether or not to go with a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering at MSOE, I feel like I made the right decision. Software Engineering is more flexible and lets you explore beyond just an artificial intelligence/data analytics focus, while also still preparing you for those possible roles as well. Right now CS is the wild wild west when it comes to development and engineering disciplines help us tie down/organize our work to produce the best possible result. After all, a large portion of Computer Science majors go on to be engineers!