KEYNOTE SPEAKER: FRANCES COLON

ABOUT FRANCES COLON

Dr. Frances Colón is the Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State at the U.S. Department of State where she promotes integration of science and technology into foreign policy dialogues; global scientific engagement for capacity-building; advancement of women in science; and innovation as a tool for economic growth around the world.

During her time as Deputy Adviser, Dr. Colón has overseen the creation of the Networks of Diasporas in Engineering and Science (NODES) initiative to empower diasporas with science expertise to develop and influence effective policies and solve challenges in their countries of origin. Previously, Dr. Colón served the Department of State as the Science and Environment Adviser for Latin American and Caribbean affairs where she focused on environmental and scientific issues affecting foreign policy objectives in this region.

Dr. Colón earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2004 from Brandeis University by studying Peripheral Nervous System development in mammals. She earned her B.S. in Biology in 1997 from the University of Puerto Rico where her passion for science was sparked as an undergraduate researcher.

ABOUT LATINAS THINK BIG INNOVATION SUMMIT

On Friday, October 3, 2014, hundreds of innovative and socially-minded Latinas met at Google’s Silicon Valley Office for the third stop on the LATINAS THINK BIG™  national tour.

Sponsored by Google and broadcast to virtual viewers via Google+ Hangout On Air, LATINAS THINK BIG™ Innovation Summit featured presentations by six talented Latina innovators: Judy Tomlinson, Lisa Morales-Hellebo, Oli Bichell, Mahrinah von Schlegel, Rebeca Yanes, and Zoraida Velasco.