Ashley T. Brundage is the President and CEO of Empowering Differences. While seeking employment at PNC Bank in the United States, she identified openly during the interview process as a woman of transgender experiance and subsequently was hired after facing years of harassment, discrimination, and homelessness. These factors led her to start her second career as a means of survival while doing research on empowerment & differences. She took a role in the bank as a part time teller and then rose to national Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion in less than 5 years. She captured her research as a 4-Step process of empowerment to cultivate change in her new book and online leadership course. Ashley credits her success to those closest to her for providing actionable allyship including her 2 teenage sons, Bryce and Blake. She also volunteers her time serving numerous nonprofit organizations including serving as the vice chair for the national board of directors for GLAAD who works to accelerate acceptance across all forms of media for the LGBTQ+ community.

Karl B. Scheidweiler earned his Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Rochester in 2002 after completing his research dissertation on “Pharmacokinetics and actions of methylecgonidine, a component of crack cocaine smoke.” He worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow for Marilyn A. Huestis, Ph.D. at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIDA-NIH) from 2002-2006 and served as a Staff Scientist at NIDA-NIH until 2016. During his tenure at NIDA-NIH, Dr. Scheidweiler developed and validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for numerous drug classes in various matrices, including oral fluid, to support Intramural Research Board (IRB)-approved controlled drug administration clinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic research studies. These clinical research studies provided data to assist interpretation of workplace, drug treatment and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases. Dr. Scheidweiler served as an R&D Scientist from 2016-2020 developing LC-MS/MS methods for Prescription Drug Monitoring Toxicology laboratories at Quest Diagnostics. Since 2020, Dr. Scheidweiler has worked for Abbott (Immunalysis) in a Chief Toxicologist/Scientific Affairs role supporting development of various Toxicology products including urine and oral fluid screening immunoassays.

As the Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Jen improves the work experience for all employees through inclusive programs, policies, and behaviors. During her 9+ years at Lenovo, Jen has held several roles within HR. With over 20 years of experience in leadership and development, she has a deep understanding of how to create and deliver effective training programs that promote a more inclusive culture. Working women and mothers are especially important to Jen. She founded and co-chaired Lenovo’s new mother’s group for 3.5 years and is an active board member of Women in Lenovo Leadership (WILL). Jen has a MBA from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Outside of work Jen enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She loves yoga and hiking.