Ignite & Inspire Speaker Series

The Ignite & Inspire Speaker Series at the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business is a recurring event, held in partnership with the student organization LILAC (LCoB Interorganizational Leadership Advancement Committee).

This series aims to:

  • Bring in experienced professionals and leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond to share their insights and knowledge with students and faculty.
  • Address relevant topics related to business, leadership, career development, and navigating the professional world.
  • Inspire and motivate students by providing them with practical advice and real-world perspectives.
  • Offer opportunities for networking between students, professionals, and faculty.    

View previous speakers

Join us for our next event!

Topic: From Awkward to Awesome 
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 to 6:00pm
Where: Boccardo Business Center (BBC) 032

RSVP for the fireside chat

Speaker

Janice LeJanice Le
General Manager, Microsoft Security

Janice is GM at Microsoft Security where she oversees business strategy, operations, and portfolio marketing for Microsoft’s cybersecurity business. She has served the tech industry in Silicon Valley over the last 25+ years at enterprises and startups in product, marketing, and GM roles for B2B tech companies with depth in networking and cybersecurity. Prior to joining Microsoft, Janice was SVP, Product Management at Avalara, SVP, Global Marketing at Palo Alto Networks and was Chief Marketing Officer at HP Enterprise/Aruba. She also served as General Manager for Cisco’s Emerging Technologies business unit, and was Chief Product officer and VP of Products & Engineering for a Silicon Valley startups.

Janice holds a M.S. in Telecommunications Management from Golden Gate University and a B.S. in Business Admin/Marketing from SJSU and has geeked out on lots of technical certifications including AI, data & analytics, networking, security, and wireless. Janice also serves on the board of CALICO, a child abuse listening, interviewing, and coordination center for Alameda county that helps ~1,000 kids per year find justice and healing. CALICO also enables dozens of child advocacy centers throughout California to serve victims of abuse in similar ways.

Moderator

Priya KannanRangapriya Kannan
Dean, Lucas College and Graduate School of Business

Rangapriya (Priya) Kannan is the dean of the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business and a professor in the School of Global Innovation & Leadership. Her research primarily focuses on how individuals achieve innovation within limited resources using creative resourcing and reframing. Kannan’s background includes expertise in leadership to affect strategic change, designing interdisciplinary programs, employee development, alumni and community outreach, and creating inclusive work environments. Her educational background includes a PhD from UCLA Anderson School of Management and degrees from SJSU, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and the University of Bombay.