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Headline reading 2023 Alumni Leader and Volunteer Conference with photo of Purdue fountain.

Conference Speakers

Lesley Wiete Headshot

Keynote Speaker

Lesley Wiete (HHS’98)

Chief of Police // Purdue University Police Department

Leading in a Life of Service

Wiete is a 23-year veteran of the Purdue University Police Department, who started her career as a patrol officer in 1999 and was appointed chief in 2022. She has been responsible for leadership of the patrol division—the largest division in the department—and managing home football games. Wiete holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She recently graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, an intensive leadership program for experienced law enforcement officers. 

Lesley Wiete Headshot

Keynote Speaker

Lesley Wiete (HHS’98)

Chief of Police // Purdue University Police Department

Leading in a Life of Service

Wiete is a 23-year veteran of the Purdue University Police Department, who started her career as a patrol officer in 1999 and was appointed chief in 2022. She has been responsible for leadership of the patrol division—the largest division in the department—and managing home football games. Wiete holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She recently graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, an intensive leadership program for experienced law enforcement officers. 

Session Speakers

Session Speakers

Session Speakers
Jeannie Rapstad

(MA PNW’18)

President // Jeannie Rapstad Enterprises

Rapstad is an award-winning international speaker, entrepreneur, speaker coach, pitch coach, working actress, and comedian. She teaches online English and educational classes, which are broadcast worldwide. At Purdue University Northwest, she was previously an adjunct lecturer and a contract instructor for the Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center’s PitchMasters Workshop. Rapstad’s presentation is called “Take Your Power Back.”
Christina Piper

(LA’05)

Vice President for Workplace Design // JLL

Piper has 17 years of experience in commercial interior design and project management, working with clients across the U.S., the Middle East, and India. She serves on the executive council for the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope. Piper and Annalise Dum will present “Leading With Purpose: Influencing Positive, Impactful Change Through Design and Sustainability.”
Karen Mellen

(HHS’87)

Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Entrepreneur // Rising Phoenix Leadership

Mellen is a coach, speaker, DiSC consultant, and member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. She helps companies and individuals grow more efficiently and effectively. Mellen has presented twice at the Learning Summit for the Central Indiana Chapter of the Association for Talent Development and has led online webinars. She previously worked in human resources for 25 years. She supports her community by serving on the board of directors for Teachers’ Treasures. Mellen’s presentation is called “Exploring Personal Interactive Styles.”
Vickie Maris

(A’86, MS EDU’08)

CEO and Founder // Teach Inspire Connect

Maris is a speaker, author, recording artist, podcaster, and consultant. She is an authorized partner for Everything DiSC and the Five Behaviors and holds certifications as a trainer and facilitator for Everything DiSC. She is also a Lean Six Sigma black belt. Maris’s presentation is called “Moving From Employee to Full-Time Entrepreneur.”
Giovanna “Spice” Krozel

(ChE’99)

Strategic Initiatives Lead // U.S. Region Global Real Estate, Facilities, and Procurement // Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Krozel is a certified Lean Six Sigma master black belt and supplier diversity champion. She was previously in the General Electric Leadership Program. As an active member of the Chicago community, Krozel serves on the development committee of the Adler Planetarium, supports UNICEF Next Generation and Little Wish Foundation, and is the president of the Purdue Alumni Club of North/Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She is also a founding member of the Purdue Women’s Network. Krozel’s presentation is called “Grit, Grateful, and Golden.”
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