From First Chats to Lasting Impact: A Shared Path Through WIC Mentorship
Session Summary: Join us for a meaningful in-person gathering where we connect, empower, and exchange as a community! This special event celebrates the incredible Women in Chemicals Mentorship—and invites mentors and mentees from our Pilot Program, Cohort 1 (2024), and ongoing Cohort 2025 to meet face-to-face to strengthen relationships, and learn from each other in an open and relaxed setting.
Together, we’ll reflect on how WIC mentorship has shaped personal and professional growth - and how the connections we build here can carry us well beyond the program.
What To Expect: This 90-minute session is designed to create space for honest conversation, shared stories, and new connections, through two main parts:
1) Cross-Cohort Panel: Looking Back & Ahead – Stories from Both Sides
Hear directly from mentors and mentees across all cohorts as they share real stories about their mentorship experiences - the good, the hard, and the lasting.
Led by our dual moderators, this down-to-earth discussion will explore how mentorship has supported their growth and confidence, and why staying connected matters.
2) Table Talks: Strengthening Old, Sparking New
In small, in-person group conversations with others from different cohorts at your table (our real-life version of Zoom breakouts!), you’ll have space to talk about what mentorship has meant to you, how to stay connected, and how to keep shaping your mentorship, your way. Whether you’re reconnecting or meeting someone new, these circles are all about making it real.
Three cohorts, one community — all here to celebrate the power of mentorship in our own unique journeys.
We can’t wait to welcome you - into the room, and into more of what makes our shared experience within the WIC Mentorship so meaningful: a place to connect, empower, and exchange with each other. You're not just part of a cohort - you're part of WIC Mentorship Community, a part of the larger She. She the Women In Chemicals.
Come as you are. Share what matters. Keep building your mentorship - your way.
This Session is Sponsored By:
Cargo Check
Speakers
Kasia Jankowska
Moderator
Kasia Jankowska is the Talent & Diversity Manager at Air Liquide, where she drives strategic HR initiatives across Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India region. With over 20 years of experience, more than seven of those in the chemical industry, she brings deep expertise in talent management, organizational change, and cultural alignment, particularly within the industrial gases sector.
In addition to her work, Kasia serves on the Talent & Leadership Committee of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA), contributing to the industry's future.
She joined the Women in Chemicals leadership team as Mentorship Program Chair in July 2024, following earlier involvement as a member of the Mentorship Steering Committee since January 2024 and as a mentee in the pilot cohort launched in October 2023.
Kasia is based in Krakow, Poland, and is a proud cat mom to Gladiator, her beloved shelter rescue.
Christine Grybos
Moderator
Christine Grybos is Director of Product Management for General Chemicals at Brenntag responsible for North American product strategy and supplier partnerships. She has 30 years’ experience in the chemical industry, having held various roles including sales, sales management, key accounts, commercial leadership, and product management.
Christine joined the Women in Chemicals leadership team as Mentorship Program Chair in December 2022 and became Programs Director in July of 2024.
Christine lives near Cleveland, Ohio with her husband Rick and has a BS in Psychology and Spanish.
Kathy Green
Kathy Green, Founder & CEO of CargoCheck, began her career at Solvay, spanning seventeen years in roles as chemist, international logistics, product management, and key account sales.
Her husband’s role in the chemical industry took their family to Shanghai. There, she fostered partnerships for a pediatric therapy clinic that pioneered services previously unavailable in China. Upon returning to the US, she rejoined full-time work with Olin in 2017. In 2020, she launched CargoCheck to address human errors that lead to potentially dangerous chemical transportation accidents.
Kathy's journey has been significantly shaped by the guidance of mentors, both professionally and personally – which is why she is excited to be an early supporter of the Women in Chemicals Mentorship Program.
Kobi Gulersen
Kobi Gulersen is responsible for business development and operations at Kobitex Inc. which is a family owned-business operating for close to 40 years in the Americas. Kobitex focuses on supplying commodity chemicals for various industries and applications across multiple markets. Currently, Kobi is a 2025 Cohort Women in Chemicals Ally Mentor and is a member of the Membership Committee.
Prior to entering the chemicals industry, Kobi spent 20 years in various large corporate business development, account management & marketing roles, as well as entrepreneurial ventures with focus in technology, marketing services and financial services. He has experience working in Canada, the US and Latin America & Caribbean. Kobi is based in Toronto, Canada.
Amanda Lavoe
Amanda began her career with more than a decade in the non-profit world of Americorps and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. She transitioned to Brenntag in 2013 starting in the Customer Service department. Amanda is currently a Commercial Support Manager for the Key Accounts team at Brenntag North America. She is on the Steering Committee of Brenntag’s BWISE (Brenntag Women in Search of Excellence) Employee Resource Group and an active leader in the Women of Key Accounts Chapter. Amanda has a BA in Sociology and Africology from UW-Milwaukee. She participated as a mentee in the mentorship pilot cohort and has continued her mentorship with Kathy Green of CargoCheck. Amanda is thrilled to join the panelists to encourage others to both step up as a mentor to others and to look for those around them willing to share their guidance. She believes strongly that we all have something to both share and gain within our networks when we are open to the concept.
Dr. Swati Vitonde
Dr. Swati Vitonde, Ph.D. is the Founder Director & CEO of Food & Pharma at Ross Lifescience Ltd., and the Proprietor of Nectar Technologies. A technocrat with 37 years of diverse experience spanning technical, marketing, quality systems, and research, she holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. Dr. Vitonde has been recognized with numerous accolades, including "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year" by Pune Management Association and "Woman Director of the Year 2022." She previously served as Finance Director for 17 years and successfully developed the pharmaceutical vertical as CEO at Ross Lifescience. Dr. Vitonde is also a dedicated Mentor for the Women in Chemicals.
Shea Worman
Shea Worman is the Senior Manager of Sustainable Products and Solutions at Brenntag, where she leads efforts to bring low-carbon, circular, and environmentally responsible chemical solutions to the North American market. With a background spanning both the chemical and ingredients industries, she combines technical expertise with a strategic, market-driven approach to sustainability.
Shea is a passionate advocate for mentorship, allyship, and advancing women in the chemical industry. As an active member of the Women in Chemicals community and participant in its Mentorship Program, she credits much of her career growth to the guidance and support of mentors and allies, both women and men. Shea is committed to paying that forward by helping build more inclusive, supportive spaces where women can thrive and lead with authenticity.
Leidiana Yllescas
Leidiana D Yllescas is a seasoned supply chain and logistics customer-oriented rep with over 10 years spanning NVOCC, supply chain and chemical distribution. She joined Univar Solutions in October 2023 as a Product Specialist.
Prior to her current role, Leidiana held positions at Cellmark, Greenchem, and ECU Worldwide, planning domestic and international transportation activities, customer service, inventory control and warehousing.
Leidiana lives in The Woodlands, TX where in her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, connecting with others, cycling, and spending time with family and two dogs Guinness and Stella.
Erica Kuhlman
Erica Kuhlman is a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for Sherwin-Williams Packaging. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Sam Houston State University which provided the foundation to build a diverse career in roles ranging from product development to regulatory affairs, spanning many different industries including oil and gas, agriculture, and packaging coatings. Outside of work, Erica enjoys cooking, photography, and traveling to new cities going on culinary adventures. Erica is passionate about sharing her career journey, and she hopes to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.