National Society of Black Engineers U of I Chapter Dynamic Engineers Lecture Series
The NSBE-U of I Dynamic Engineers 12th annual spring Lecture Series seeks to transform and motivate our students on current technology, economic and socio-political milestones championed by our chosen speakers. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Speaker: Alex Merritt
Agriculture Operations Business Manager
General Mills Natural & Organic operating unit
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Clearwater-Whitewater Room, Commons, Moscow Campus
Free dinner will be served and requires a reservation. Please email Marie Wagner to RSVP. Please contact Mohammed at (347)837-5168 for more information on this event.
About the Speaker
Prior to her current role where she is responsible for Supply Chain execution for Cascadian Farms, Muir Glen & Annie’s Baking Mixes, she was the External Supply Chain Manager for the Big G cereal platform. During her 15 years with General Mills she has held roles of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, quality and regulatory operations, continuous improvement, and sourcing.
Alex is also an entrepreneur who is affectionately known as ‘The Love Engineer’, her company Dessert & Discussion® specializes in relationship development, strengthening gender relations and equipping people with tools and skills to build amazing relationships. She also developed a provocative communication tool ‘The War on Love’ game. She’s a highly sought after speaker, trainer and facilitator. She has been engaged by a myriad of companies, colleges, universities and associations as a keynote speaker and workshop leader. Her messages infuse academic, professional and personal thought leadership with inspiration, humor and cross-cultural insights. Her delivery style inspires immediate action and empowers teams and organizations to take their results to the next level.
Alex graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where she received a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Alex is also a graduate of Anthony Robbins Mastery University and a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA).
Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an inventor, author, community servant, philanthropist and mentor. She is a lifetime member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and advisor for the NSBE Twin Cities Professional Chapter. She formerly served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Annex Teen Clinic in Minnesota. She currently serves on the Missouri S&T Chancellor’s Advisory Board for African American Retention and Recruitment.
Alex has received numerous awards and honors, some of the most notable are: Outstanding Member of the Year, Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2018), Fearless Commerce Inaugural Honor for Women Entrepreneurs (2017), Member, Alexis De Tocqueville Society United Way (2010-2015), General Mills CI Champion of the Year (2014), BCN Nourishing Lives Award (2012), 30 under 30 Sacramento Observer (2010), 30 under 30 Missouri S&T Magazine(2010), Outstanding Alumni -Matthew Dickey’s Boys & Girls Club (2006), US Patent-Mandrel & Accessory, 2006.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, blowing bubbles, world travel and hanging out with her friends.
Sponsors: College of Engineering, Office of Multicultural Affairs, ESAC and the Dean of Students.
Co-Hosts: NOBCCHE-UI
