Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo is a Fellow at The Brookings Institution and a recent Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science from Cornell University. Her research at Brookings focuses on exploring the potential of human-centered AI in the Global South. Specifically, she examines how African governments can facilitate effective AI governance, investigates the impact of data work …
Charlene Hunter is the Founder & CEO, Coding Black Females. She leads initiatives to provide opportunities and support for black women in technology. With a strong background in software development and technical architecture, she is the driving force behind Coding Black Females, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and highlighting the talents of black …
Betelhem Dessie is an Ethiopian developer specializing in web and mobile technologies. Currently serving as the Founder and CEO of iCog- Anyone Can Code (ACC), She holds ownership of four patented projects individually and an additional three in collaboration. Recognized as “The youngest pioneer in Ethiopia’s rapidly emerging tech scene” by CNN, Betelhem’s achievements underscore …
Anna Makanju currently holds the role of Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI, where she leads the company’s policy and engagement strategy. Prior to joining OpenAI, she focused on technology regulation at Facebook and served as a faculty member at Princeton University. With an extensive background in public service, Anna spent eight years in …
Amen Ra Mashariki currently holds the position of Director of Data Strategies at the Bezos Earth Fund, focusing on leveraging data to address environmental justice issues. Prior to this role, he served as the Global Director of the AI Lab at the World Resources Institute. He also held the position of Head of Machine Learning …
Alex Tsado operates at the nexus of disruptive technology, community economics, and historical regenerative philosophies, with a focus on shaping the future of global African and underrepresented communities. For the past decade, he has championed making AI cheaper and accessible for innovators worldwide. He deployed the first Nvidia AI GPUs on the cloud globally, and …
Afua Kyei serves as the Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England, where she oversees Finance, Strategy, Performance, and Tax. Additionally, she holds co-executive sponsorship for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and the Bank’s Climate Change disclosure efforts. Joining in June 2019, Afua has been integral to the Bank’s leadership and decision-making processes. She …
William Adams, widely known by his stage name will.i.am, is a multifaceted American artist renowned as a rapper, singer, DJ, record producer, entrepreneur, actor, and futurist. His prominence stems from his role as the frontman of the iconic musical ensemble, Black Eyed Peas, which he co-founded in 1995. The group’s trajectory soared notably during the …
Tosin Oshinowo is a Lagos-based Nigerian architect and designer renowned for her expansive residential and commercial spaces and insights into socially-responsive approaches to urbanism. Much of her work -from conceptual projects to civic master plans- prioritizes a vision of architecture and design that is bigger than creating objects and spaces but extends to underscore a …
Tony Okoye is the Principal and Technical Director at Gensler’s Washington, D.C. office, boasts a rich architectural background spanning the United States and Africa. His leadership shines through as he guides design teams through all project phases, notably overseeing some of Gensler’s most significant office and mixed-use developments. A master at harmonizing client objectives with …