Kai B.
President
Ms. Kai Busch is the Director IIoT Connected Factory at Stanley Black and Decker. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from the Stuttgart Academy of Economics. Kai started her career as a software engineer, working for multiple companies in Germany before she moved to the United States in 2008. In early 2016 Kai graduated from the University of Connecticut’s MBA program and later that year she was recognized as Woman of Excellence in the Metal Forming Industry 2016 for her leadership skills and for being a great role model for other young women in the industry.
Anuja Bartakke
Vice-President
Ms. Anuja Bartakke is the Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Charlotte-Metrolina Section. With over a decade of experience as a Firmware Engineer at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Anuja brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for women in STEM.
Originally from India, where her engineering journey began at an all-girls college, Anuja blends cross-cultural perspectives with a passion for community building. Her leadership experience includes serving as Professional Development Chair for SWE Charlotte-Metrolina and as a Steering Committee member and Ambassador for SEL’s Women in STEM Employee Resource Group.
As Vice President, Anuja champions professional development, mentorship, and industry outreach to support the growth of a diverse and empowered engineering community in the Charlotte region.
Christine Cathcart
Treasurer
Ms. Christine Cathcart is a registered professional mechanical engineer with over 30 years of experience in design and test, systems engineering, and program management. She currently works as an Technology Senior Project Leader for Corning, Inc. Her SWE interests focus on outreach and professional development. She has been a SWE member for over 25 years.
Julia Gizzo
Secretary
Ms. Julia Gizzo is a manufacturing engineer with Siemens Energy and recently graduated with my master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She has been involved with SWE for the past five years. She served as the president of the RPI section, leading an 18 member executive board and organizing an average of 2-3 events each week. She also served on this board as a membership director, engineering event director, and summer semester representative. She is a graduate of SWE’s Advanced Leadership Development Program and have attended annual and regional conferences for the past four years. She is excited to connect with her new community in Charlotte and contribute to the growth of the section.
Angela Berry
Outreach Chair
Ms. Angela Berry is a North Carolina registered professional civil engineer with over 33 years of experience in the design and construction of transportation, traffic, and utility systems. Her expertise spans traffic safety devices, intelligent transportation systems, traffic signal systems, temporary traffic control, light rail systems, wastewater treatment plant expansion, stormwater and solid waste management, potable water conveyance, and power plant construction.
Angela is recognized for her leadership in both public and private sectors, having managed multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure projects across the Carolinas and beyond. She has held senior roles at WSP USA, Michael Baker International, and the City of Charlotte, where she led Vision Zero and Traffic Safety initiatives, managed multimillion-dollar capital programs, and secured significant federal grants for safe streets and infrastructure resilience.
Angela is known for her collaborative approach, technical excellence, and commitment to public safety and sustainable infrastructure. She is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and serves as the Charlotte-Metrolina Section Outreach Chair. Angela holds an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Southern California and a B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science.
Karina D’Abruzzo
Membership Chair
Ms. Karina D’Abruzzo is a senior mechanical engineer at Carrier in commercial HVAC, leading early developments of cooling data center technologies. Her experience includes new product development of water cooled chillers in the Charlotte manufacturing and lab facility. She has a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from UNC Charlotte and a Masters degree in Engineering Management from Drexel University.
She enjoys making new connections with people and wants to help drive an actively engaged SWE community. As Membership Chair, Karina strives to create an environment where members feel welcome and can build supportive relationships.
Ayana Edwards
Awards Chair
Ms. Ayana Edwards is a graduate from Wake Forest University with a Bachelors in General Engineering. She currently works as a Test Engineer at Newell Brands with prior experience in Supply chain, Product Development, and Design. She is eager to support the SWE Charlotte Metrolina chapter and connect with other professionals in the area.
Sheila Chickene
Nominating Chair
Dr. Sheila Chickene is the Vice President of Manufacturing at Southwire Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering, a Master of Science in Industrial Management, and her Doctorate in Business Management. Sheila has held various roles in multiple multinational companies, including industrial engineering, quality, product management, sales, plant management, and multi-site manufacturing leadership. Sheila is also a past honoree of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) STEP Ahead Award.
Interested in a leadership role?
Read detailed descriptions for each position here.
To learn more, email us at charlotte-metrolina@swe.org.