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Karen Roth is an influential leader in both the defense and engineering sectors. As a previous Deputy Director AFWERX and the FY25 President of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), her speaking portfolio is extensive, covering defense innovation, small business partnerships, and diversity in STEM.
Below is a list of highlights of her speaking engagements, categorized by affiliation and event type. She is available for speaking or panel opportunities upon request.
Small Business Engagements
During her tenure at AFWERX, Karen Roth was a fixture at major "dual-use" and defense technology summits. She also has a history of speaking engagements in prior roles at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Below is a sampling of the more recent engagement.
FedSupernova 2025: Panelist for "Keeping the Frontier Endless: Academia, Government, and Industry Driving Innovation for National Security"
FedSupernova 2024: Panelist for "Forging Frontiers: Government Partnerships Powering Defense Innovation"
FedSupernova 2024: Featured Speaker for the "Defense Innovation Panel & Ask Me Anything (AMA)"
FedSuperNova 2021: Panelist for "AFRL Information Directorate: Leading the Digital Revolution."
SXSW 2024: Panelist for "Defense Innovation Community: Connecting the Ecosystem." This session featured leaders from the DIU, Army Applications Lab (AAL), and NSIN to discuss how startups can engage with the Department of Defense
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024: Presented "AFWERX & Empowering Small Business"
Innovate to Accelerate Expo Day: Conducted a fireside chat on SpaceWERX opportunities and the AFWERX innovation toolkit in El Segundo, CA.
Women at SciTech Panel at AIAA: Theme: "Diverse Voices, Unified Impact: Women Driving the Future of Aerospace." Invited Speaker.
U.S. Air Force | U.S. Space Force Defense Innovation Forum: Hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this forum gathered top leaders from AFWERX and SpaceWERX
Imagine RIT: Futurists Symposium 2024: This event serves as a flagship "Distinguished Speaker" style event where high-achieving alumni and faculty present their visions for the future of technology
Recording: Imagine RIT 2024 Futurists Symposium
Innovare Aspire Series (May 13, 2021): Keynote speaker for an "Ask Me Anything" session focused on AI, cyber, and quantum computing partnerships.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
As the President for the Society's 75th anniversary year (FY25), Ms. Roth has focused on the theme "Together We Rise."
WE24 Presidential Keynote (Oct/Nov 2024): Delivered the primary address at the world’s largest conference for women in engineering in Chicago to over 20,000+ attendees
International Space Station In-Flight Interview with NASA (August 6, 2024): Interviews NASA Astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Suni Williams while they were aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Focused on the impact of mentorship and parental support in pursuing high-risk, high-reward STEM careers.
SWE Founder’s Day Celebration: Moderated the 75th Anniversary Panel at The Cooper Union in NYC, featuring astronaut Kellie Gerardi and SWE past presidents.
WE Local 2025 Series: Served as a featured speaker and presidential representative at the regional WE Local conferences in San Jose, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Prague, Czech Republic.
Numerous additional speaking appearances at annual conferences and regional conferences in her 20+ years of service to the Society of Women Engineers on leadership, strategic planning, and Town Halls
Podcast Appearances
Ms. Roth is a frequent guest on podcasts where she discusses the intersection of leadership, public speaking for engineers, and government innovation. Below is a sampling of the recent podcast appearances.
Diverse: A SWE Podcast: Episode 322: "From 'Together We Rise' to 'Embrace Your Story'" — A presidential transition talk.
Teach the Geek Podcast: Featured guest in "Innovation and Diversity Advocate," discussing her career moves within the DoD and tips for technical communication.
Diverse: A SWE Podcast: Episode 276: "Together We Rise: The Power of Innovation in Engineering."
Diverse: A SWE Podcast: Episode 266: "The SWE Presidential Transition" with Dr. Alexis McKittrick.
Griffiss Grounds Podcast: Discussed leadership, STEM education, and the evolution of AFWERX.
Lab Life Podcast: Episode 75: "When in Rome: Innovate," detailing her role as Chief Engineer at AFRL’s Rome, NY site.
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