Proud Innovation – Learn from LGBTQ+ innovators

Proud innovation: Learn from LGBTQ+ inventors. June 29, 1-3:30 pm ET

A recording of the June 29, 2021 Proud Innovation is now available. Access the recording to learn about the remarkable work of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) innovators and hear a discussion on creating change, building legacies, securing funding, and networking.

Agenda (subject to change)

See speaker biographies

1-1:05 p.m.
Program welcome and overview

Sean Wilkerson, Innovation Outreach Program Manager, Office of Innovation Outreach, USPTO

1:05-1:10 p.m.
Agency leadership greetings

Fred Steckler, Chief Administrative Officer, USPTO

1:10-2:10 p.m.
Inspiring innovation: A discussion on creating change and building a legacy

Moderator: Peter N. Fowler, Senior Counsel for Enforcement, USPTO

Panel members:

  • Jay D. Keasling, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley
  • Dirk Trauner, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry and Neuroscience, New York University  
  • Sean Whelan, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and the Marvin A. Brennecke Distinguished Professor, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

2:10-3:10 p.m.
Creating opportunities: A conversation about building networks and securing funding

Moderator: Gavriel Legynd, CEO, VisioneerIT

Panel members:

  • Safi Mojidi, Director of Strategic Partnerships, TransTech
  • Sabrina Kent, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
  • Braxton Fleming, CEO, Stealth Bros. & Co.
  • Amita Mehta, Founder, AMP Consulting

3:10-3:20 p.m.
Closing and wrap up

Sean Wilkerson, Innovation Outreach Program Manager, Office of Innovation Outreach, USPTO

This LGBTQ+ Pride Month event is presented by the USPTO’s Office of Innovation Outreach. For questions or assistance, please contact InnovationOutreach@USPTO.GOV.

The USPTO offers many informative presentations, panels, and chats year-round. Find more that interest you on the events page of our website.

The content and opinions shared by our guest speakers during this program are not that of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, nor an endorsement of any persons, products, programs, or policies mentioned therein.

This event is part of a series: Advancing Equity, Proud Innovation