Radha Ratnaparkhi currently leads the Gen Ai feedback and data governance effort at IBM Research. Her prior responsibilities include being the Vice President and CTO for RCP (Research Consulting Partnership) VP, Research Technical Community, VP Research Operations, VP Software Defined Environments, VP IT and Wireless Convergence, Director of Commercial Systems, and WebFountain. Radha’s experience at IBM also includes her development leadership for DB2 z/OS. Prior to IBM, Radha was leading the Java products development team at Informix Software and her earlier responsibilities included leadership of the Connectivity libraries, IDS 7.x, Informix NewEra & 4GL. She started her career in Mumbai, India with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, Radha is an Executive-In-Residence at the Grove School of Engineering at CCNY.

James Barrood is a prominent figure in the tri-state region’s entrepreneurial, innovation, and tech ecosystem, with 25+ years of experience in nurturing and supporting startups, growth companies and higher education institutions. He leads Innovation+, a global community of 10,000+ entrepreneurs and innovators, the INNOVATE100, and oversees an executive education program focusing on AI at Rutgers. 

James has held various leadership positions, including five years as CEO of TechUnited, strengthening it to become one of the largest and most respected membership tech organizations worldwide. He has also led Fairleigh Dickinson University’s top-ranked entrepreneurship center for over a decade.  

James serves on several boards including tech and AI startups and growth companies. In addition, he is on the board of Princeton’s McCarter Theatre where he is an executive committee member and chair of the diversity committee. 

Apart from his leadership roles, James is also a global keynoter, two-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author. He has authored Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Global Insights from 24 Leaders and Lessons from the Great Recession. 

Dixiana M. Berrios is an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Metropolitan Commercial Bank where she oversees various operational, support and risk departments including Information Technology.  Before joining the Company, Dixiana served as Executive Vice President and Director of Bank Operations at Amalgamated Bank, as well as Senior Vice President, Director of Bank Operations at Sterling National Bank.  

Dixiana holds a B.A. from The University of Alabama and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.  She holds additional executive certifications in Banking, Finance, Project Management and Payments. In her roles,   

Dixiana has a proven track record of implementing new technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, reduce risk and support growth.  She is currently in the midst of a major digital transformation project.  When not driving change, Dixi as she is better known, is the proud mother of two very opinionated teenagers,  enjoys reading science fiction with leading heroines, and travel with her family.   

Anusha Kakani is a corporate and social impact attorney and founder of First Light Legal P.C. She represents change makers including entrepreneurs, companies, investors, and nonprofits in the impact and sustainability space. Her passion is to bring their vision to reality. Her experience covers emerging and diverse industries, including AI and deep tech, and she has advised on transactions valued at over $50 billion in the aggregate. Anusha’s practice focuses on social entrepreneurship and covers a broad range of general corporate and transactional matters, including venture capital financing, strategic transactions, public offerings, corporate governance matters, and regulatory compliance. She has particular expertise advising public benefit corporations, as well as counseling around B Corp certification and environmental, social and governance (ESG) and impact reporting. She also has extensive experience assisting organizations with registering as non-profit corporations and obtaining federal 501(c)(3) tax-exemption. 

Anusha is also a Member of the Board of Trustees, for Support Organization for Kids in Need (SOFKIN), a nonprofit in New Jersey and Hyderabad, India that cares for destitute children and women, and has assisted in operations and fundraising for over a decade. She also serves on the Advisory Board for SheTek, Inc., a nonprofit that provides mentoring and assistance with career placement and retention for young girls and women in the technology industry. Prior to founding First Light Legal, Anusha was a corporate associate at Cooley LLP and Shearman & Sterling LLP and co-founded a boutique corporate law firm. She is a Harvard Law School graduate and a magna cum laude undergraduate honoree from the Elliot School of International Affairs of the George Washington University. 

Mr. Nawrath is a cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance.  A former member of prestigious councils such as the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council and the Directors and Chief Risk Officers’ Group on the Cyber Risk Governance Council, advising leaders and boards on cyber risk.  

Mr. Nawrath holds a Master of Science in Jurisprudence in Privacy & Cybersecurity Law and Financial Services Compliance (4.0 GPA) from Seton Hall University School of Law, along with an executive certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard University. In 2024, he was also honored as one of the top Global CISO’s by Cyber Defense Magazine. 

Throughout his career, Michael has held senior leadership roles as CISO at Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Swiss Re’s business to consumer insurance carrier lines, and Direct Edge Stock Exchanges which at the time was the 3rd largest in the U.S. He has a proven track record in building security programs, ensuring regulatory compliance (GLBA, NYDFS, PCI-DSS, Data Privacy, and more), and leading organizations through complex digital transformations. Recognized for mitigating cyber risks, driving operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of security across an organization. 

From custom GPTs to AI assistants, my solutions integrate seamlessly with Microsoft tools, making systems smarter and more efficient. 

Based out of St Petersburg Florida 

A seasoned digital leader and strategist helping clients digitally transform their organizations and re-imagine ways of working to accelerate their growth and gain operational efficiencies. Doug believes the ability to introduce and scale emerging technologies is the keystone building block of innovation. Doug is significantly invested in emerging technologies and leads an Emerging Technologies Practice in the U.S. He and his team support clients as they embrace new strategies and technologies to digitally transform how their organization does business.

In her role as Associate Dean, Lan spearheaded the creation and successful execution of several in-demand academic programs. These include the development of a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics, the establishment of an undergraduate major and minor in Business Analytics, as well as the introduction of a Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance. Lan assumed a pivotal leadership role in supporting the Norm Brodsky College of Business in upholding its prestigious AACSB International accreditation through the last two reaccreditations.

Furthermore, she has played a pivotal role as a core member of the University Assessment Committee, where she oversees the critical process of student learning assessment. This effort is integral to preserving Rider’s regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lan’s academic research is in the areas of quantitative finance, statistical methodology, empirical analysis and quantitative methods applied in broader business practices. Her research has been published in leading scholarly journals such as the Journal of Business (The University of Chicago Press), Mathematical Finance, Journal of the American Statistical Association, and Communications in Statistics. She has presented her research at numerous national and international professional conferences. A resident of Newtown, Pennsylvania, Lan lives with her husband, Kjell, Head of Insights Excellence and New Product Forecasting at Sanofi Genzyme, and two kids.

Dr. Dorai was at IBM as an IBM Fellow (first woman of Indian origin to receive this recognition in the globe) and her last role was Global CTO for cognitive services in IBM’s Global Business Services unit. During her tenure at IBM (in TJ Watson Research Center, GTS, and GBS), Dr. Dorai was a recipient of IBM’s highest honor in 2011 – the Gerstner Award for Client Excellence; she was recognized as an IBM Distinguished Engineer in 2012 and was appointed by the IBM CEO as an IBM Fellow, the company’s preeminent technical honor in 2015. Her ground-breaking work from 2009 until 2015 on customer focused analytics and AI solutions in mortgage servicing saved thousands of struggling home owners facing foreclosure with the right home ownership retention programs and alternative workout options during one of the most challenging times in the history of the U.S. housing market. In 2014, Dr. Dorai received the Tamil American Pioneer Award for Excellence in Finance and Business from the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America. In 2016, she was profiled as a “Societal Innovator” in the IBM HQ. In 2018, she received “The Visionary” award from the National Association of Women in Real Estate Business.

Dr. Dorai graduated from IIT Madras with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and received her Ph.D. in Computer Science at Michigan State University with the Distinguished Academic Achievement award. She is the co-inventor of 48 patents and has received multiple high-value patent awards, having been recognized as a Master Inventor thrice at IBM. She has co-authored 100+ technical papers in IEEE and ACM conferences and journals, edited a book and received 5 best paper awards at international conferences. She has presented keynote addresses and technical talks at academic research conferences, industry symposia and panels, and has served in many organizational roles on committees at the International Conferences over the past three decades. She is frequently interviewed or cited in press, news and blogs, and YouTube video on a wide variety of topics from AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Big Data and Analytics to human technology balance. With her passion for nurturing global talent in STEM, in addition to her mentoring and advocacy work at IBM, she mentored over 15 university students, served as a Co-Advisor for 5 Ph.D. students and was active on University Advisory Boards (Industrial Advisory Board of Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Mysore).

Following two decades of a highly decorated career at IBM, Dr. Dorai is currently focused on her entrepreneurial ventures and her continued passion to make AI accessible to everyone with her conference presentations, webinars and podcasts.

Niraj has held many execuitive posiions like CIO and CAIO for Greystone, President of AI, Analytics and Platforms at DMI. Other roles include CIO of lending platforms at IBM, Strategy Officer at Selex, co-founder and President of ISGN and CIO at GMAC Commercial Holding.

Graduated from Temple University, Niraj has a Finance and MIS degree. At FOX School of business, Niraj taught the Digital Business Strategy course that was designed to inspire and mentor MBA students. Niraj is deeply committed to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of business leaders. He actively contributes to the startup ecosystem, offering guidance and mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs.

With an extensive background as a senior leader in Corporate America, I’ve worked at Fortune 200 companies such as Novo Nordisk and Johnson & Johnson. I led transformative changes in how sustainability and social impact were embraced and embedded across the company. What sets me apart is my distinctive ability to guide leaders to understand the strategic significance of leveraging their core business to drive societal change resulting in an enhanced competitive edge.

The teams I led refined the corporate giving strategy and process, expanded corporate matching programs, spearheaded impactful sustainability initiatives, and boosted the company culture by building a purpose-driven workforce through transformative employee engagement offerings. In 2022, I launched my consulting practice to expand this work to other companies looking for similar impact.

I have a genuine desire to support and uplift others to become true forces of good. Beyond consulting, I am also an adjunct professor at Rider University and a Distinguished Executive in Residence at the Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation, where I am actively shaping the minds of future professionals in the field.

Driven by a passion for the stories that propel companies and individuals to be forces of good, I recognize the changemaker behind each narrative. Having been one myself, I enjoy supporting others on their journeys towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Grant Storry is a cyber-philosopher, evolutionary leader, regenerative systems catalyst, co-founder of the Good Ancestors of the Future Project, seasoned tech executive & entrepreneur, and visionary speaker dedicated to exploring the intersection of consciousness, augmented intelligence, and unlocking humanity’s co-creative regenerative potential. He is a core team member across multiple portfolios in the ongoing global work aligned with the UN originated call for Deep and Rapid Transformation Convergence (DRTC) in service to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With decades of experience driving innovation in the technology sector, Grant combines his professional expertise with a deep passion for understanding the nature of reality and humanity’s role in shaping the future. Grant’s work is informed by his commitment to integrating cutting-edge science, contemplative inquiry, and unitive principles. He has contributed to the advancement of regenerative AI, advocating for a paradigm shift where augmented intelligence becomes a partner in co-creating a thriving, interconnected regenerative future in which all beings on Earth can thrive.

Among other ventures, Grant is the co-founder of Kiiren AI, a pioneering initiative that seeks to align AI technology with universal natural principles and unitive science. With a background that bridges executive leadership, systems thinking, and philosophical inquiry, Grant brings a uniquely integrative perspective to his work.

Virginia is a dynamic marketing executive with over a decade of experience driving global growth across diverse industries. Her career highlights include leading growth marketing initiatives at Spotify, where she spearheaded audience growth strategies, subscription campaigns, and machine learning-driven customer experiences. Currently serving as Senior Director of Marketing at MoneyLion, Virginia has a proven track record of developing innovative marketing strategies that engage users, enhance retention, and deliver measurable business results.

Throughout his career, Satish has demonstrated a strong ability to understand client needs, develop and implement effective marketing strategies, negotiate profitable contracts, and optimize business processes. He possesses excellent leadership and communication skills, having successfully managed and mentored high-performing teams.

Satish is passionate about building long-term relationships with clients and delivering exceptional service.

Known as the “Queen of the Metaverse,” Beverly boasts six years of pioneering experience hosting events in virtual reality spaces. Her ability to create immersive, impactful events has positioned her as a trailblazer in this rapidly evolving field. Working side by side with a team of experts, she has earned the reputation of being a “One-Stop Shop” for all digital business needs. From startups to seasoned professionals, Beverly helps businesses scale effortlessly, offering tailored solutions that strike the perfect balance between innovation and functionality.

Beverly’s passion for transformation and her commitment to excellence make her a sought-after leader in her field, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to thrive in both the physical and virtual worlds.

With her mic in hand and a fire in her soul, she continues to make a difference in the world, one heart at a time

Chaya is President and CEO of PamTen. She is a technologist, philanthropist, visionary, mentor, entrepreneur and, above all, a passionate human being. She holds a MBA and an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University.

PamTen Inc., founded in 2007 provides technology information services to a diverse set of clients, from small businesses to large corporations and has been ranked as an Inc. 5000 company, placing them among the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. PamTen is a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE).

SheTek is a PamTen program spearheaded by Chaya to create opportunities for women and girls to have careers in IT. From education in the classroom, to decisions made within the boardroom, the mission of SheTek is to have women equally represented in the technology industry.

Chaya combined her business acumen and passion for charity to found SOFKIN (Support Organization For Kids In Need – sofkin.org) , a non-profit organization that creates loving and caring homes for destitute and under privileged children. SOFKIN operates in The United States and in India and supports over 100 beautiful children. SOFKIN children are given medical attention, cared for, fed, educated, and sheltered within a nurturing environment. Chaya remotely manages the operations of the NGO on a daily basis and the children are treated no different than her own. SOFKIN has youth groups established In New Jersey, Philadelphia, and India, where the students from local high schools and colleges volunteer for the organization.

In addition to her work at SOFKIN, Chaya serves as a trustee on the board of MAHER (maherashram.org), a non-profit organization aimed at supporting destitute women and children, and Satyana Institute (satyana.org)supporting communities through gender reconciliation and inter spiritual training and workshops.

Her support of other women inspired Chaya to found the Global Women’s League, a networking organization that creates a platform to inspire, influence, and empower women with leadership skills through affiliations with successful leaders and like-minded organizations. She mentors young high school and college graduates in pursuing their professional career. Chaya’s primary focus is to encourage women and girls to enter into the technology field where only 22% of IT jobs are filled by women.

Chaya is currently serving as a board member on many professional and women empowerment associations including the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce, Technology Committee of Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Women In Technology of NJTech Council; and Mentor at the Leading Women Entrepreneurs. She is also a member of the NJBIA and AICC. Chaya mentors young women aspiring to move into leadership positions in the corporate world through other partner organizations & universities such as ‘Wings For Growth’, ‘Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and Ration Valley Community College.

Her expertise has led her to be an honored speaker at programs across the world. Some of her engagements include: Commission on Status of Women – CSW, United Nations, USA; Inspiring Young Girls-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, NJ; Bootstrapping for Success – StratAp, India; Access to Justice-India’s Unique Challenges – Harvard Business School, USA; Start Up Leadership – She-Tech, India; Cultivating Leadership Skill in For-Profit & Not-For-Profit Sectors – Harvard Law School, USA; Risk Management in the Global Era of Uncertainty -Humber Chapter, Canada; Money Vs Mysticism-Inter-spiritual Global Conference-Italy; Pursuing your passion & career-Gayathri Women’s Engineering College, India; and others.

Chaya’s personal and business awards include: Executive of the Year from NJBIA, Best 50 Business Women in Business from NJBIZ, Woman of Achievement Award – from Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, New Jersey Smart CEO Future 50, 20 Most Promising Web Development & Design Service Providers by CIO Review Magazine, NJBIZ 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2015, Unstoppable Woman Entrepreneur Award from LWE (Leading Women Entrepreneurs), and E&Y Women Entrepreneurship Finalist.