Future-Ready
Sustainable Careers in the Age of AI

Dr. Jens Frederiksen is a highly accomplished higher education leader driving the University of New Haven's rapid growth and national visibility. Under his leadership, the University has expanded its global reach, strengthened industry partnerships, and launched major innovation initiatives, including a new Center for Innovation and Applied Technology.

His work focuses on preparing students for real-world success by directly connecting education to the evolving demands of the workforce, making his perspective highly relevant to conversations on career readiness, innovation, and the future of work.

Paul Lavoie is a nationally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation, leading the University of New Haven's new R&D Park focused on cutting-edge fields like robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing.

Formerly Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer, he has driven major industry and economic development initiatives at the state level. His experience across industry, government, and academia gives him a highly practical perspective on how innovation translates into real career opportunities—making his insights directly relevant to the future of work.

Dr. Nancy Ortins Savage is a highly accomplished academic leader overseeing the University of New Haven’s academic strategy, innovation, and student success initiatives. Appointed Provost in 2024 after a national search, she is recognized for her collaborative, data-driven leadership and strong impact across academic affairs.

She has led major initiatives including the development of interdisciplinary, market-responsive academic programs, new curriculum innovation efforts, and enhanced policies supporting student outcomes. Her leadership plays a central role in aligning academic programs with evolving industry needs—making her perspective highly relevant to conversations around career readiness and the future of education.

With a background as a professor, researcher, and academic administrator, Dr. Savage brings both academic depth and strategic insight into how institutions can prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.

Zachariah Picotte is a strategic architect and entrepreneur operating at the high-stakes intersection of global culture and commerce. As the Founder of Enclave Artists Agency, Zachariah serves as the principal lead for the operational and financial lifecycles of world-renowned recording artists. His firm oversees the complex business ecosystems and global touring logistics for top-tier talent, orchestrating large-scale performances and brand activations across more than 30 countries annually.

Under his leadership, Enclave has evolved beyond traditional talent management into a sophisticated business engine. Zachariah focuses on scaling artist brands into diversified lifestyle entities by forging high-level partnerships with wealth advisors, business managers, global creative firms, and premier talent agencies such as William Morris Endeavor (WME).

Prior to founding Enclave, Zachariah established a proven track record of driving high-growth initiatives for global market leaders. At Salesforce, he served as a Marketing Lead within the Agentforce 360 Platform, spearheading go-to-market strategies and global campaigns for a premier business line. His work focused on the strategic AWS partnership and high-growth security products, where he specialized in translating complex technical capabilities into compelling narratives that accelerated the enterprise buyer's journey.

A firm believer that growth lies just beyond the edge of comfort, Zachariah's career is defined by the transition from navigating corporate playbooks to architecting his own. Whether optimizing the digital footprint for L'Oréal's flagship Consumer Products Division or directing international brand expansions, his approach remains consistent: leveraging an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-seated curiosity to transform creative convictions into scalable, market-leading ventures.

Samantha (Sammi) is a distinguished, multi-award-winning entrepreneur and content engineer with over 20 years of experience in executive-level, corporate, and professional writing, as well as digital content design. She is also a recognized business coach committed to advancing the Black community.

A serial entrepreneur, Sammi has launched multiple ventures, including 628 Digital Design, a certified B Corp and full-service digital content design, marketing, and consulting agency. She provides business coaching, grant sourcing and writing support, and business certification assistance. 628 Digital Design operates under Sam’s Word, a certified minority, woman-owned small business (WOSB), as well as a certified Small, Minority, and Women Business Enterprise (S/M/WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DOT DBE), and Black Business Enterprise (BBE) through the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

She is also the Founder and President of CMWP Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization, and leads its membership program, the Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals, which includes over 200 Black and minority women members. The organization provides targeted support for Black and minority entrepreneurs across genders and age groups.

Sammi’s recognitions include the 2023 Wharton Knowledge for Impact Award, participation in Wharton’s Neuroscience of Business program, and being part of the inaugural 2022 Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy cohort. She has earned certifications in Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership through eCornell/Bank of America.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and B Local CT, and on the Advisory Council for Harvard Business Review. She holds a Master’s from the University of New Haven, a Bachelor’s from York College–CUNY, is a Six Sigma Green Belt, Notary Public, and is pursuing her Black Belt.

Angela Karachristos is a strategic HR leader with a strong focus on career advancement and coaching whose experience spans many industries, including banking, higher education, consulting, and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Over the course of her career she has contributed to building learning-focused organizations grounded in continuous improvement and brings expertise in learning & development, organizational development, talent acquisition and leading enterprise-wide initiatives that improve employee engagement and retention.

Angela is also currently adjunct faculty in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology program in the College of Arts and Sciences where she remains closely connected to evolving workforce trends and committed to the advancement of students' careers. Her experiences in strategic human resources and career coaching have given her a unique perspective on the high-impact skills and behaviors that translate to career success.

Professional bio, industry background, and career highlights will appear here once confirmed.

Professional bio, industry background, and career highlights will appear here once confirmed.

Professional bio, industry background, and career highlights will appear here once confirmed.