Our Team

Mariela Machado is a skilled professional with nearly two decades of experience building, deploying, and scaling international humanitarian programs at the intersection of technology, social/environmental impact and public policy in the private sector, public sector and academia. As the Senior Director of Humanitarian Technology at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Mariela leads multiple programs at the intersection of social/environmental impact and technology for this engineering society worldwide. Prior to IEEE, she was the Director of Programs at Newlab, a social innovation hub focused on scaling transformative technologies through public-private partnerships; she was also the Senior Program Manager at the American Society of Mechanical Engineer (ASME) & Engineering for Change working to support technology for sustainable development across all continents. Mariela advises capstone projects at the intersection of digital technology and policy at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and teaches a class on emerging digital technology for social and environmental impact. She is a Telecommunication Engineer with MSc in Information and Communication Technologies and a MPA in Sustainable Development from Columbia University. Mariela is fluent in 5 languages: Spanish, English, French, Swedish and Italian.

Julianna joined the Humanitarian Technology & Sustainable Development Activities team at IEEE in 2018 after returning to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic. While in the DR, she worked with Esperanza International, a microfinance nonprofit dedicated to poverty alleviation. A fluent Spanish speaker, she has studied in Valparaiso, Chile, and volunteers as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher through a local library program. As the Humanitarian Technology & Sustainable Development Program Manager, Julianna supports the work of all the committees of the Humanitarian Technologies Board to ensure smooth and consistent processes that lead to meaningful impact. She especially enjoys meeting the IEEE volunteers from around the world that conduct projects that use technology to address a local sustainable development challenge for their community.

Alana is a humanitarian professional with a background in diplomacy, strategic communications, and disaster response policy. As the MOVE Program Specialist, she supports the coordination and expansion of the MOVE Global program, working at the intersection of technology and humanitarian response to strengthen disaster preparedness, relief efforts, and STEM education. She is passionate about leveraging technology to support disaster-affected communities and improve response outcomes. Prior to joining IEEE, Alana was with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Delegation to the United Nations, where she focused on humanitarian diplomacy, disaster risk reduction, and emergency response coordination. She also has a background in communications and public relations, having developed messaging and media strategies across sectors including technology and social impact. Alana received a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she concentrated in Humanitarian Policy.

Before joining IEEE in February 2024 as a Project Specialist, Brittany Chubbuck devoted over 9 years to The Salvation Army New Jersey Division. Her expertise spans Community Engagement, Business Administration, and Finance establishing a solid foundation for her current role. Brittany is a dedicated professional, known for her exceptional organizational efficiency, fundraising acumen, and unwavering commitment to the nonprofit sector. Holding a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership from La Salle University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Public Policy from The Pennsylvania State University, she combines academic excellence with extensive practical experience, positioning herself as a valuable asset in the intersection of nonprofit leadership and project management at IEEE.

Betsy Toland joined the Humanitarian Technology & Sustainable Development Activities team at IEEE in 2016, returning to employment at IEEE after previously working with the IEEE Signal Processing Society where she managed the conference business of the Society. While on a break from IEEE to raise her family, Betsy focused much of her time volunteering with the Home & School Associations in her town, serving in various fundraising roles and as one group’s President. She also volunteered with her son’s Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop, as well as a local dog rescue group. She continues her volunteerism with both the rescue group and the town’s Project Graduation. Returning to IEEE brought Betsy the opportunity to be an important part of IEEE volunteerism in the HTB, where her time is spent helping to develop operational processes, supporting the work of HTB committees, and managing the financial operations of the department.