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Innovate & Elevate: Innovation Trends and Career Acceleration for 2025

Kick off 2025 with two inspiring speakers. Innovation is what sets companies and employees apart.  We’ll hear from Portia Lane Child, Director, Strategy and Planning, Electronic Systems, BAE Systems who will talk about innovation trends, why it matters and what it means for growth. Michelle De La Isla, CEO at Hack.Diversity will talk about how the kindness and intentions of others can change lives and how powerful this can be in the workplace.

Don't miss this opportunity to start the year inspired and equipped with actionable insights. Join us for an energizing session filled with ideas, strategies, and inspiration to fuel your growth and success in 2025.

Thank you to our sponsor, McLane Middleton.

Portia Lane Child, Director, Strategy and Planning, Electronic Systems, BAE Systems:

Portia Child is a Director of Innovation and Strategy Services for the $7b Electronic Systems Sector of BAE Systems, Inc. Her primary responsibilities include leading the internal seed funding organization focused on igniting meaningful innovation and business improvements, developing strategic plans, driving synergies, supporting other strategic business needs including M&A. Over her 16 years with the company, she has a track record of success in various leadership positions in capture, program execution, innovative product development, and cross-business collaboration. Portia holds degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and systems engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is currently enrolled in an executive MBA program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she represents her class as their elected Senator and serves on the Woman’s Committee. She lives in Hollis, New Hampshire with her husband and son.

Portia is a graduate of BAE Systems’ Emerging Leaders, Sponsorship, Growth Leader Development and Engineering Leadership Development programs. In addition, Portia is a co-founder of Gen AI based startup, PolicyMind, which was a 2024 finalist in the MIT $100k Launch competition.

Portia grew up as a Lobsterman’s daughter in Portland, ME. In her free time, Portia enjoys being with her family, taking on new challenges, fresh air, and participating in regional volunteer opportunities. 

Michelle De La Isla, CEO, Hack.Diversity (she/her):

Michelle’s dream is to create opportunities for individuals who are finding their voice to thrive;

especially women, children, and minorities. From homelessness and single motherhood to

becoming mayor and a Harvard graduate, gratitude and joy bring her to her role of CEO at

Hack.Diversity. All of her experiences converge to allow her to lead, alongside the dream team

of Hack.Diversity, a movement to create opportunities for Black and Latinx individuals in the tech

sector; forever changing their earning ability and that of generations.

Michelle’s passion for service comes from the immense gratitude she has for all the people who

supported her in her childhood and as she overcame barriers. There is a great responsibility to

pay forward kindness when you have been a recipient. Michelle’s role models are Mama and

Mima her grandparents (deceased), Dr. Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Mandela, and Dolores

Huerta.

Outside of work, you can find Michelle at the gym, cycling, hiking, dancing, or at home playing in

the garden or making food (it’s one of her love languages). She loves the art scene in Boston

and NY and you can find her at the symphony or in the theater. Her greatest pride and accolade

is being called Erick, Cristina, and Lorraine’s mom.

Learn more about Michelle on LinkedIn.