Shirley C. McCarty
A pioneer in computer and software development as well as technology management for the aerospace industry, Ms. McCarty designed one of the first precursors of internet technology. Over three decades, she designed and implemented innovative applications that are still critical to national security today. She has significantly contributed to advancing the professionalism of women by inspiring them to pursue their full potential.

Early in her career, Shirley McCarty was a project leader on the development of one of the world’s first multi-processor operating systems.  After 10 years of software development and computer systems engineering at Douglas Aircraft and at The Aerospace Corporation, she accepted her first management position.

From 1973 to 1980, she directed Aerospace’s Systems Software Department, which provided software systems engineering support to space programs.  As the Principal Director of Software Engineering from 1980 to 1990, Ms. McCarty was responsible for seven engineering departments that provided oversight on the development of a broad range of satellite and ground systems for national security.  The organization also conducted research in computer security, computer networks, expert systems, and advanced workstation concepts for satellite command and control.

A promotion to General Manager of Human Resources in 1990 gave Ms. McCarty an opportunity to put technology to work on the business of hiring and developing Aerospace employees.  Prior to retiring in 1996, Ms. McCarty directed the newly formed Office of Business Product Development.

 

She served as the Vice President of Economic Development for the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce in 1997.  In 1998 she joined NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel; in 2001 she was the first woman to be elected Chairman of that Panel.  She is currently a consultant to Aerospace and NASA.

 

A SWE Fellow and a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops across the nation, Ms. McCarty has appeared on the television shows Woman to Woman and Good Morning America.  She has been interviewed and featured in articles by IEEE’s Spectrum and the New York Times.  In 1994, she testified before the federal Glass Ceiling Commission at the request of Labor Secretary, Robert Reich.

 

She has received The Aerospace Corporation President’s Award, The County of Los Angeles Award of Merit, The Women in Business Achievement Award, and her Alma Mater’s Sioux Alumni Award.  In 2001, she was inducted into the Women In Technology International (WITI) Hall of Fame.  She has served on the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge, and for the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS).  She has been a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for Purdue SWE since 1979.

 

Ms. McCarty received her bachelor’s degree in economics and management from the University of North Dakota.  She has taken courses in computer science at UCLA and last year enrolled in UCLA’s Architecture and Design Program.   She believes the most rewarding aspect of her career has been the ability as a technical manager to influence change in the opportunities for women in engineering.

 

Marcela Speert
Marcela Speert is an MNC operations specialist with extensive leadership experience in diverse global consumer retail and direct selling organizations. She has a track record to consistently lead large, complex businesses across diverse cultures to achieve unprecedented sales volume, market share and profit growth.

Ms. Speert’s expertise includes establishing an impressive global account base far exceeding sales growth projections. She has devised and implemented strategies to establish new international divisions, expand market share, restructure and optimize effectiveness, efficiency and performance. Her business background includes high-level positions and projects with leading global marketers such as Pepsi-Cola International, Colgate-Palmolive, Deutsche Telecom and Mary Kay Cosmetics.

In 2002, Marcela founded Global Management Associates, a general consulting and services company providing strategic planning, business and interim general management support to start-up, growth stage and mature businesses seeking rapid global expansion. Key clients have included Herbalife, The Longaberger Company and jewelry and giftware marketer Montana Silversmiths. Marcela also serves as an advisor to Oak Hill Capital, CCMP Capital and Thompson Street Capital Partners. In addition, she has served as an advisor of a major European private equity firm.