Karen Wosczyna-Birch, a national award winning Professor of Chemistry, is the statewide director for Connecticut's College of Technology, which includes all 12 Connecticut community colleges, six universities and partner high schools including the technical high school system. She is also the executive director of the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, a National Science Funded Advanced Technology Center, where she provides leadership for the advancement of manufacturing and related engineering and technologies. Karen also has expertise in providing professional development that includes strategies for the engagement and persistence of under represented populations in STEM disciplines. She has received awards from several organizations including the American Association for University Women (AAUW) for her work in addressing the need to increase females in engineering and technology fields as well as for her work in educating students with the skills required for the 21st century workforce.