Keynote Speakers

Attorney Paula Davis Lampley believes Justice and STEM will move our country forward.

Paula, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was raised by parents who were both educators. She received a degree in Mathematics from Wilberforce University and a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton. Paula considers herself blessed to have completed her degrees with her sister, who is also an electrical engineer.

After working as an engineer for a major automobile manufacturer, Paula attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Paula practiced as a trial attorney, concentrating on products liability and labor law, and later as corporate counsel for a major health care company. After she and her husband started a family, Paula worked as an entrepreneur while raising their young sons. During such time, Paula volunteered with a local STEM organization.

After re-igniting her interest in engineering, Paula accepted the role of Women in Engineering Director at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, where she launched the college’s first Mentorship Program, in which students are paired with women engineers. Paula developed women’s programming to foster social and professional support for students, faculty, and staff while also hosting innovative programs to recruit the next generation of engineers. In 2024, Paula accepted the role of Professional Development Director, where she creates programming to enhance and broaden faculty, staff, and students’ skills and knowledge.

Paula is passionate about research focused on increasing the number of historically excluded and marginalized engineers, as well as the critical intersection of law and technology. Paula has co-authored several publications centered in broadening participation in engineering and served as a speaker at the July 2021 American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Conference on the topic: “Leveling the Playing Field – An Engineering Camp for Women of Color”. Paula has spoken at the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Society of Women Engineers Conferences on the topics: “From Beaker to Gavel – Engineers Make Great Lawyers” and a “Five Star Mentoring Program that Delivers Great Results”. Paula is President-Elect of Women in Engineering Proactive Network (WEPAN) and serves as Co-Pi on a 2024 National Science Foundation Advance Partnership Track Grant focused on studying the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, especially women of color, in the engineering profession.

Paula and her husband, Attorney Nathaniel Lampley, Jr., reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Paula and Nate have two adult sons, Dr. Nathaniel Lampley, a Dermatology Resident at George Washington University and Hunter Lampley, a Senior Data Analytics Associate in the commercial banking industry.

Cindy Hoover is a Vistage Chair with over 30 years of industry experience. As a Vice President at Spirit AeroSystems, Cindy excelled in managing complex programs and leading engineering teams across diverse industries, consistently driving strategic success. Cindy began her professional career at Koch Industries, where she gained experience in engineering and project management, before moving to LSI Corporation. During her ten years at LSI, Cindy held leadership positions with increasing levels of responsibility in Program Management, Six Sigma, and Operations prior to her role as Site Leader of the Wichita Facility.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Cindy has extensive board leadership experience with non-profits, including serving as President of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). An active member of the Wichita community, Cindy has previously served on the boards for WSU Tech, United Way of the Plains, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, Wichita Chamber of Commerce, Wichita State University's (WSU) Alumni Association and as a member of the University’s National Advisory Council. Cindy is currently serving on the Kansas Board of Regent's Technical Education Authority board.

After fifteen years, Cindy retired from Spirit and set out on a new path as a Vistage Chair. She now coaches CEOs and Business Owners and leads peer advisory groups to enhance leadership effectiveness and business outcomes. Her deep leadership insights, combined with a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion, make Cindy a trusted guide for executives navigating today's dynamic business landscape. Cindy’s post-retirement journey continues to create lasting impact, empowering leaders to achieve new heights.