(MURFREESBORO) As you know, March is Women's History Month, and this Monday and Tuesday (March 13-14, 2023) MTSU invites the public to join students and faculty for a talk on “Allyship, Advocacy and the Future of STEM: Where Do I Fit In”.  Natalie LaFranzo, a chemist now working in the corporate world, will speak twice during two upcoming Middle Tennessee State University National Women’s History Month activities.

Monday night's talk is on “Beyond the Bench — Bringing Together Business, Chemistry and Creativity” and will be at 6:00PM in the Science Building (Room 1006).  

The Tuesday night talk will also be at 6:00PM in the Science Building, but in room 1003. Her topic that evening is “Allyship, Advocacy and the Future of STEM: Where Do I Fit In”. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

LaFranzo, director of marketing communications with Personalis Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts, and with strong ties to the American Chemical Society 

You can use your GPS system to get you to the Science Building. It's on the MTSU campus at 440 Friendship St.

Both events are free, and MTSU students, faculty and staff and the general public are welcome to attend.

LaFranzo’s appearance is part of a monthlong series of speakers and special events to commemorate MTSU’s National Women’s History Month of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Chemistry Professor Judith Iriarte-Gross said,  “I am delighted to share that Natalie will talk about how she connects business and chemistry.”

It was Gross who invited LaFranzo, describing her as, "One of the rising stars in the chemistry field."

LaFranzo said MTSU “has assembled an incredible program to celebrate National Women's History Month. It is an honor to be a part of this impressive program, and I'm thrilled to represent the chemistry community to share the unique needs and opportunities of women in STEM fields.” 

“I am a chemist by training and at heart, even if I no longer work at the laboratory bench,” she added. “I am passionate about sharing how students who pursue a chemistry degree can go on to solve some of the world's most pressing problems — not only through research but through a myriad of career paths. We need passionate, persistent and curious people from many different backgrounds solving challenges inside the laboratory, in business and beyond.” 

LaFranzo is passionate about helping students and professionals navigate their careers, supporting the evolution of the American Chemical Society to reflect the changing face of chemistry and creating a more inclusive environment in science so all feel welcome.

LaFranzo is a member-at-large for the ACS Board of Directors and ACS career consultant. She earned her bachelor’s in chemistry from Bradley University and doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.