Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished women in the Illinois Geographic Information Systems (GIS) industry as they share their unique career journeys, professional insights, and perspectives on the evolving geospatial landscape. From entering the field and overcoming challenges to leading innovative projects and embracing emerging technologies, our panelists will discuss the experiences that have shaped their careers and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
@BritneyWest has been in the GIS scene for 9/10 years and started off working local government as an intern. She was hired on full-time and spent time working on asset management, community engagement, economic development, NG911, supporting local planning projects, etc. Currently, Britney’s in the private sector working on ad-hoc projects for Oil/Gas and renewable energy companies. She frequently maps out legal descriptions for leases, creates risk assessment/mineral ownership maps, creates and maintains applications for clients, and more.
Samikshya Pantha
@spantha Samikshya Pantha is a GIS Analyst at the Illinois State Water Survey in Champaign, Illinois. At the Illinois State Water Survey, Samikshya supports FEMA’s Risk MAP program by developing and managing GIS data for floodplain mapping. Her work involves integrating engineering modeling results into GIS datasets and map products used to develop FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps across Illinois.
Lucy Stanfield
@LStanfield Lucy Stanfield is a GIS and Graphics Specialist with the US Environmental Protection Agency. She is a former ILGISA board member and former chair of the AAG Applied Geography specialty group. She loves all things mappy and doing outreach with students ages 5-90.
Lauren Lee
@llee Lauren Lee, GIS Director for Whiteside County and ILGISA President Elect
@MeaganB is the GIS Director for Kendall County, known for turning curiosity and strategic chaos into better outcomes for her community. Passionate about empowering women and challenging the status quo, she isn’t afraid to question the system and believes real change comes from pushing boundaries.
Please send us your questions and we’ll add them to the panel.