Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

Kenneth has over 24 years of experience in the photonics industry specializing in Project Management and Product Development. As Senior Director of Engineering, he leads a global team of Designers and Project Managers in the US, Germany and China in the development of new product. Kenneth is the founder and Co-chair of Edmund Optics’ US Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He holds a graduate certification in Project Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and received his BS in Optics from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.

Lesky is the Senior Director of Diversity & Foundation Programs for Optica and the Optica Foundation. She strategizes and executes impactful initiatives driving diversity across the organization and fostering inclusivity throughout the optics and photonics community. Previously, she developed and managed the Optica Incubator Program and oversaw federal grants for the organization. She holds an M.S. in Environmental Science & Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Environmental Science from the College of Environmental Science & Forestry at Syracuse University. She is passionate about working with non-profit and advocacy organizations to develop and launch new programs.