Calendar of Events

Senior Counsel - Employment Law Office of John H. Haskins & Associates

Alessandra Rosa serves as Senior Counsel at the Employment Law Office of John H. Haskins & Associates. She returned to private practice to advocate for employees' rights, with a focus on combating workplace discrimination. Previously, Ms. Rosa held several key roles at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the Indianapolis District Office, including Lead Outreach Education Manager, Trial Attorney, and Administrative Judge in the Federal Hearings Unit. Her career also includes leadership positions such as ADR & Compliance Director at the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Undersecretary of Legal Affairs for the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, and Deputy Advisor to the Governor of Puerto Rico. Ms. Rosa regularly delivers training sessions in both Spanish and English on various employment laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. She also provides guidance on best practices in hiring, fostering a respectful workplace, leading with integrity, and conducting effective investigations into discrimination and harassment claims.

Managing Director of Operations - Enlace Academy

Denise Hernandez is the Managing Director of Operations at Enlace Academy, a K-8 public charter school located in the heart of the International Marketplace in Indianapolis, IN. With a passion for serving and positively impacting communities, Denise served as the Founding Business Manager, who helped open the school's doors in 2013. She has been part of the leadership team that grew Enlace from 65 students to more than 675 students today. 85% of whom are English Language learners. Denise deeply believes that schools are most effective when leaders work alongside families, build relationships, and create an environment in which families feel connected and welcomed. One of the core values of Enlace Academy is Leading with Love, which Denise models every day. A first-generation Mexican American leader, Denise was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and moved to Indianapolis, IN in 2010. Denise learned English in elementary school and attributes her success to passionate educators who invested in her and her family during those early years. Her school became a hub that helped her family acquire resources and the English Language. An experience that deeply shaped her leadership today. A graduate of Richard J. Daley College, Denise has served over 25 years in business operations. She balances executive leadership, community impact, a 28-year marriage, and raising five children with love and rooted in purpose.

COO - netlogx

With nearly 13 years of experience at netlogx, Stephanie Sponsel serves as Chief Operating Officer, leading and coordinating business development, IT, proposal, and consulting functions for a $10M+ professional services organization. She provides direction to 35+ team members, oversees 10+ active client engagements, and manages fiscal planning, accounting operations, and cash-flow forecasting. Under her leadership, netlogx has expanded into new markets, including Illinois and municipal contracts, while strengthening partner relationships and leveraging AI to drive profitability. Stephanie's well-rounded expertise has positioned her as an invaluable asset to the netlogx team. As a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, she has assisted with Lean/Six Sigma training and certification for the Gannett Company, Inc. and regularly provides Lean/Six Sigma training to netlogx staff. She also completed the Bloombase Experience for Advanced Woman Leaders. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business/Supply Chain with a Minor in International Studies from Indiana University at Indianapolis. Stephanie is deeply committed to giving back to the Indianapolis community. In 2018, she was both a finalist for Indy's Best and Brightest and a TechPoint Tech 25 award recipient. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Centers of Wellness for Urban Women, served as Treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Indianapolis Chapter from 2019 to 2025, and continues as Finance Chair for Our Lady of Lourdes School. She is also an active foster and adoptive parent and a dedicated advocate for autism awareness and ABA services expansion.

CEO & Founder - aFit

Julie Phillips is the Owner and CEO of aFit Staffing, an Indianapolis-based, women-owned boutique business providing information technology services and talent solutions with a customized approach to each engagement based on priorities and budgets. Prior to this, Julie spent 25 years at Accenture, where she began her career as a programmer and rose through the ranks to become a Managing Director within the firm’s Health and Public Service practice. She held multiple national leadership roles, including leading Human Services strategy and delivery across North America and overseeing significant public sector portfolios serving state and provincial governments across the United States and Canada. She worked closely with C-suite government officials, led large cross-functional teams, drove sales and delivery growth, resolved complex escalated issues, and provided executive oversight for high-visibility transformation initiatives. With more than 30 years of overall experience in technology and public sector transformation, Julie is a trusted advisor and collaborative leader, particularly skilled at navigating complex organizational and human dynamics. She has mentored and coached leaders throughout her career and completed formal executive coaching training through Erickson College International. She was recognized by Consulting Magazine as one of its Top 25 Consultants and remains active in community leadership, having served for ten years on the Board of Trustees for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and currently serving as Treasurer for the Indiana Leadership Forum. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.

City of Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, Director of International and Latino Affairs

Panel Moderator