Gokul Chandar Dakshina is a global business and finance executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience driving growth, transformation, and innovation across technology, retail, consumer goods, and financial services. He currently serves as Senior Vice President and CFO of Commercial Business and Operations at SanDisk Corp.

Most recently, Gokul was Vice President and CFO for International Stores at Amazon, leading a $100B+ global retail and marketplace business. Prior to Amazon, he spent more than two decades at Procter & Gamble, serving in senior finance leadership roles across Asia Pacific, Greater China, India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Throughout his career, Gokul has partnered with CEOs and executive teams to scale complex global businesses, accelerate digital transformation, and build high-performing organizations. His expertise spans AI-enabled decision making, data-driven operating models, e-commerce, fintech, supply chain, and enterprise strategy.

Gokul brings a unique perspective on one of today's most critical leadership challenges: preparing organizations and workforces for the age of artificial intelligence. He is passionate about how AI is reshaping productivity, talent, leadership, and the overall workplace.

Bob Donegan helps manage Ivar’s. February will be his 30th anniversary with the company. 

In addition to Ivar’s, he has volunteered with the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association, the Design, Seawall and operating committees for the new Waterfront park, with the Seattle Aquarium, years on the boards of the Sports Commission, the Foster school at UW, the Chief Seattle Council of Scouting America the UNCF Seattle, and the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, among others. 

He and his wife live in Richmond Beach and have two daughters (one of whom is a western alum) and three grandkids. 

WWU CBE alum Annie Gianunzio has built a career spanning iconic brands from Disney to Taco Bell. Today, as a Strategic Finance Manager at Taco Bell, her work goes well beyond the numbers—partnering across teams to shape menu strategy, new products, and restaurant concepts like Live Más Café. Her career is a story of finding what excites you, pursuing it, and staying open to where that path can lead.

David McFadden worked for 35+ years to build communities and advance economic development across Washington State. He's a WWU alumnus with an undergrad degree from Huxley and a grad degree in Political Science. During his time at WWU he fell in love with regional economics and WWU's CBE.  

David started his career in Yakima with the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA). He then spent a few years at the State Department of Commerce before returning to Yakima to lead YCDA as their President/CEO for 18+ years. McFadden finished his career at the Port of Seattle where he was managing director of their Economic Development Division.

McFadden served on numerous boards including the East Valley School Board (Yakima), the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, La Casa Hogar, Rotary International, the Washington Economic Development Association, and the YMCA.

Throughout David's career he has demonstrated a passion for sustainability and equity. "These are the ends of successful economic development – they’ve driven my passion and energy for my entire career.”

McFadden is married (Moni) and has two grown children, Jonah and Meghan. He is enjoying retirement – spending time volunteering at the Food Bank, tripping around in his Sprinter van, mentoring younger professionals, and enjoying outdoor adventures.  

Sinead Slattery is the founder of Wilton Coaching & Consulting and a former Google leader with nearly 20 years of experience at the company, scaling from regional to global roles. Prior to Google, Sinead held roles at Baan CRM and Saxo Bank A/S. Over the course of her career, she built deep expertise in GTM strategy, leadership, team building, and organizational growth. Since starting her business, Sinead has focused on helping professionals navigate pivotal transitions. She coaches executives and start-up founders through leadership challenges, in addition to consulting on GTM and leadership strategy.

Sinead will lead a session centered on transitioning from corporate to start-up employment. She'll share practical insights for mid-career professionals considering a move — covering what to weigh, what to expect, and how to prepare for the shift.

Anita Zanchettin has 30+ years experience leading Talent Development, Global Leadership, and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. She is currently Director, Talent Development at DoorDash. Globally, she leads the strategy and execution for Talent Development transformation: AI-enabled development at scale, paired with the human moments that matter most. 

Before DoorDash, she spent 10 years at Amazon, including time in Madrid helping launch its global tech hub. She also created LeAP, an immersive, simulation-based leadership program that won a Brandon Hall Award, recognizing innovation and impact. It still runs today.

Anita set out to become an engineer. A family move to Iran sent her on a different path instead, one that has since taken her to France, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Singapore. That path fueled her passion for developing leaders and shaped her North Star: be a force multiplier for talent development.