Southern Leaders Honored as 2025 Women of Innovation
Tanya Henneghan, director, IT administration; senior Mariaceleste Florian, ’26; and Colleen Bielitz, interim vice president for institutional advancement.
Forty-six accomplished Connecticut women will be honored for their achievements in STEM at the 20th annual Women of Innovation® awards. Among the 46 finalists are three women from Southern: Tanya Henneghan, director, IT administration; Colleen Bielitz, interim vice president for institutional advancement; and senior Mariaceleste Florian, a physics major with minors in computer science and mathematics.
The Innovation Hub is thrilled to announce our first Emerging Technologies Forum, taking place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 101 College Street in New Haven. This powerful event is designed to foster engagement around educational and career pathways in emerging technology among students, educators, community leaders, and industry professionals. Come prepared for a panel featuring industry leaders, break-out sessions, and time to network over tapas.
Registration is limited as we approach our capacity, don’t wait to sign-up!
Melanie, SCSU Biology 2023, serves as the Program Coordinator for the Environmental Leadership and Training Initiative (ELTI) at Yale University. Her work is focused on leading efforts to train and support individuals from diverse sectors and backgrounds in the restoration and conservation of tropical forest landscapes. During her time at SCSU she founded the LatinX in STEM Club and became a research assistant at the John B. Pierce Laboratory in New Haven. Melanie encourages students to say “yes” to opportunities, seeking guidance, and taking the first step even when it feels uncertain.
Innovation Hub News
Tips to Land an Employment Opportunity
Did you check out our article last month? We have once again updated our internship list to help students secure a position for Summer 2026!
NSF Grant Spotlights Southern as Emerging Technologies Leader
SCSU awarded key National Science Foundation grant that builds on a long history of leading the way in emerging technology research, innovation, and workforce development.
