Dr. Golnaz Badr is a GIS & Data Systems Specialist withover 15 years of experience spanning geospatial analytics, smart mobility, environmental modeling, and enterprise data solutions. She currently supports statewide geospatial systems and data modernization efforts at the WashingtonState Department of Transportation (WSDOT), where she applies her expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics to improve asset management, and right-of-way workflows. Previously, Dr. Badr served as an Analytics Product Ownerb and Senior Geospatial Data Scientist at Ford Motor Company, leading smart mobility analytics products and delivering data-driven insights for AutonomousVehicles analytics and fleet intelligence. Her work has bridged research, industry, and public-sector applications, with prior roles including Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell University, Research Intern at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center, and Visiting Assistant Professor in environmentalscience. She holds a PhD in Systems Engineering from Washington State University and master’s degrees in both Agricultural Engineering and Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation. Dr. Badr has published  in geospatial and environmental domains, led multiple cross-functionalcollaborations, and serves as a volunteer on Mentorship Committee for Women in GIS (WiGIS).

Her work is driven by a passion for using spatial data,advanced analytics, and thoughtful system design to solve complex real-world challenges across transportation, mobility, and environmental systems.

Olivia (Hughes) Morris, GISP, is a GIS Developer and GISS at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. She specializes in environmental GIS and volunteers as a responder to wildland fire emergencies with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Olivia has a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Washington College, and a Certificate of Data Science and Visualization from UC Berkeley.

Aisha Jenkins, PMP, CTT is a tech equity consultant, specializing in GIS & Digital Strategy, Academic and Workforce development, podcasting, and more. Aisha is guided by a need to be part of the solution, rather than stay comfortable or silent. GIS has been her tool for truth-telling, innovation, and equity. Aisha believes when we center Black and marginalized voices, we open the door for true diversity.Aisha has a Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mamata is Head of Cartography at Felt. With over 15 yearsin the geosciences, Mamata has experience in cartographic systems, design, developing cartographic tools and products, and started her career in basemaps, and transitioned into thematic cartography and building cartographic thinking into tools. You may have seen her work if you’ve used ESRI’s dark basemaps or are familiar with the web maps produced for the National Park Service. Mamatahas a BA in Geography from UC Santa Barbara and an MS in Geography from Penn State. Mamata was also named as one of the 40 under 40 of remarkable geospatial professionals in 2017.

Catherine DuBreck, GISP, is an experienced change designer, facilitator, manager, and guru. She has a passion for GIS and it’s more people-y as a board member, teacher, volunteer, author, and consultant. Catherine is especially devoted to connecting with young people through teaching, presenting at conferences, and sharing her story. As a GIS change manager for TRC Companies, Catherine helps clients navigate their business needs as they modernize and update their systems and processes. Catherine also volunteers her skills and capabilities as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York State GIS Association. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from SUNY Geneseo, a Master’s Degree in Geography from Western University, and an array of GIS certificates and microcredentials. Catherine is also one of Geospatial World’s 50 Rising Stars for 2025.

Raquel’s unique blend of strategic marketing, community engagement, and commitment to servant leadership makes her a standout in the GIS and geospatial field with a passion for elevating the next generation in GIS.
Raquel Pérez is a marketing leader with over 13 years at Esri, where she currently serves as Senior Industry Marketing Manager for the National Government - developing high-impact marketing strategies.
A staunch advocate for servant leadership and community engagement, Raquel founded and continues to lead the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN), a global initiative aimed at empowering early-career GIS professionals through networking, mentoring, and career development. She’s also the driving force behind Esri’s annual GIS Day celebrations;  serves on the Women in GIS Mentor Committee; is a proud member of Latinas in Tech, and LatinaGeeks.
Raquel holds an M.A. in Management from the University of Redlands and a certificate in Crime & Intelligence Analysis from UC Riverside—credentials that reflect her early work as a crime analyst and her enduring interest in data-driven solutions.
Her impact is recognized both internally and across the geospatial community. Colleagues applaud her dedication and recently Jack Dangermond, owner and CEO of Esri personally acknowledged her on the 10th anniversary of YPN and making it a success!
Outside of work, Raquel channels her creativity into gardening, event planning, home décor, and spending time with her kiddos. She’s an avid traveler—particularly drawn to Iceland, Peru, and Switzerland—and finds balance in exploring cultures and landscapes.

Join us to talk with Women in GIS outgoing President Sam Dinning about what WiGIS accomplished in 2024 and what's in store for 2025!

Jami Dennis has over thirty years of experience in GIS, socio-economic research, data analytics, and data visualization. She has been a GISP for 20 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the GIS Certification Institute. She has worked in both state and regional government. She now owns her own small consulting firm where she works on GIS, data analysis, and data visualization projects. Her currentpassion is using data visualization techniques to communicate complicated subjects. Outside of work, Jami is an avid camper, hiker, and occasionally good mountain biker.

Erica Poisson has 10+ years of experience in GIS, data management, project ideation and management. She currently serves as secretary on the Northeast Arc User Group board of directors, and has been heavily involved in that community since her election to the board in 2020. In her current position as the GIS Coordinator for Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Division of Water Supply Protection, she leads a small team of GIS analysts and helps further GIS within both the agency and the broader Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs secretariat. Her current focus is accessibility in GIS and helping to lay the groundwork for ensuring the secretariat is able to meet new ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 AA requirements by April 2026. Outside of work,Erica loves to garden, read, hike and spend time on her Peloton bike.

Dr. Sapana Lohani is a geospatial data scientist at the Institute for Integrative Conservation at the College of William and Mary. Sapana started her work in Nepal, helping to publish The Earth Preservation, and supported the Asia Pacific Mountain Network through engaging content generation. Sapana’s current endeavors have led her to connect with local elementary schools to help young students and women reconnect with nature and explore interdisciplinary careers centered around the environment. Her program is exclusively taught by women, and while she manages and facilitates, she is also responsible for the geospatial portion. Sapana is passionate about conservation and using geospatial technologies to illustrate the need for support as well as to illustrate successful changes made. Sapana has Bachelor and Master Degrees in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University, a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management from Asian Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Arizona.

Claire is an OG photogrammetrist, passionate about geospatial technology and digital mapping. She founded KAPPA Mapping in 2003, and currently leads CornerstoneEnergy Services to new markets with her expertise and breadth of knowledge and skills. Claire is an American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing certified photogrammetrist, which is taking photographs and very precise measurements to create 3D models of objects and environments. Claire started in surveying and engineering and will talk about her journey as the technology advances came faster and faster since her beginning. Claire has a Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering from the University of Maine and currently resides in Bangor, ME.