Join us on Saturday, June 8th, at the GSU Buckhead Campus for an engaging and informative panel discussion on leading strategic business transformations. We’ll delve into the latest trends—from AI and digitalization to operations and remote work to sustainability and supply chain resilience. Industry executives from diverse industries will share practical insights and proven approaches for leading successful change. Come network with fellow alumni and leave empowered with actionable takeaways to drive meaningful transformation in your organization.
Event price includes continental breakfast and parking.
About Our Featured Speakers:
Alicia Butler Pierre is the founder and CEO of Equilibria, Inc., a 19- year-old operations management training and consulting firm. She designs business infrastructure to scale and increase enterprise value for fast-growing small businesses.
As an international speaker, Alicia hosts the weekly Business Infrastructure: Curing Back Office Blues podcast which ranks in the top 2% in the world with listeners in over 70 countries. In 2023, the Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Global Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. She serves on the boards of three education-focused organizations as well as the USA Chair for the G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. She’s also an adjunct instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University and the author of the two-time Amazon bestseller, Behind the Façade: How to Structure Company Operations for Sustainable Success. Combined, her online content has over a million views and downloads across various platforms. Committed to doing the right things the right way, Alicia's mantra is "to leave it better than you found it."
Ash Dhokte is the Vice President of OBS Operations at Delta Air Lines. Born in Pune, India Ash graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from the University of Pune and was awarded a scholarship to study Industrial Engineering at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. After obtaining a Master’s degree there, he moved to Atlanta to work for a commercial fabricator. Having worked as a CNC machine operator, designer he worked his way up to an engineering manager. At this point, he was given the opportunity to get an MBA from GA tech. During his MBA, Ash was awarded the GA Tech “Most Likely to succeed” and in the same year won the “Distinction in Global Operations Award” at the Annual Strategic Manufacturing Awards.
Having done various roles in engineering, marketing, business development, merger’s & acquisition, he currently manages Delta Air Lines Global Onboard Service Operations in over 150 cities across the world.
Prior to Delta, Ash worked with Porsche Cars North America in their Strategy consulting arm, where he helped multinational companies run effective and reliable operations while maximizing customer experience.
As an immigrant to this country, Ash is passionate about helping rehabilitate underprivileged refugees and minorities. He is on the advisory board for the International Rescue Committee and provides mentorship to budding businesswomen and men of color in his spare time.
Asadullah Sameer Ismailzada (Sameer) was born on May 2, 1987, in Parwan, Afghanistan. With an entrepreneurial spirit, curious nature, and an ambition to serve justice, democracy, and the rule of law in a war-torn country, Sameer pursued a law degree and became a lawyer in Kabul.
Sameer is currently the CEO of AmeriFreight, Inc., a nationally recognized multi-million dollar business in the auto transport industry. In the past, Sameer served as a Senior Vice President for Allied Fidelity Group from 2015-2022, and as a Senior Legal Advisor with the Justice Sector Support Program of the International Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the U.S. Department of State (2010-2013).
Sameer has a Master’s Degree in Law from Mississippi College School of Law (2014), and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from GSU’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business where he graduated to be one of the 4 students of the year. Sameer was recognized as an honoree for the GSU’s 40 Under 40 in April 2024.
Sameer is a husband and a father of two boys, a proud U.S. citizen living in Peachtree City, Georgia where he calls it “the Bubble, and the official golf cart land.” Sameer speaks 7 languages and enjoys reading, traveling and exploring the world, and spending time in nature with his family. Sameer is passionate about learning and spreading knowledge around the globe one person at a time.
Diana Caplinger is a futuristic, experienced and respected technology executive whose depth and experience has delivered shifts in the digital landscape for numerous global companies. She is currently a Managing Director at KPMG US. As a member of the Digital Office Executive team, she leads Systems of Action product and technology teams. Her team transforms back and middle office operations to enable the modern, digital workplace for over 40,000 employees. This includes directing the strategy, vision, operations, architecture, and delivery for Microsoft, ServiceNow, MuleSoft, and a multitude of Niche applications.
Mrs. Caplinger received her executive MBA from Georgia State University (GSU), where she is often asked to be a guest lecturer. Her professional certifications include Certified Scrum Master, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt, Project Management Professional, and a FinTech certification. She earned her BS in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University, which included internships at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the Ford Motor Company.
Mrs. Caplinger is passionate about giving back her time, especially for financial literacy and STEM education programs. She partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a member of the Technology Advisory Council to provide her expertise on IT-specific initiatives. She was a Board Observer for Greenwood Bank, providing insight on product launch, marketing, and other technology initiatives. She is also an active member of the IT Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and a new National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) member.
Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Mrs. Caplinger is an active investor and business advisor. She and her husband live in Decatur, Georgia, with their teenage daughter.
About Our Featured Moderator:
Satish Nargundkar
Professor Nargundkar’s research interests are multidisciplinary, with emphasis on analytics and supply chain management, and the improvement of teaching methods. He is a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and an instructor in RCB’s Executive Training Program in LSS. He has published papers in journals such as the European Journal of Operations Research, Journal of Global Strategies and the Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education. He has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching effectiveness and innovation, as well as for his research. Professor Nargundkar has a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University (India).
