Sessions: WomenTech Global Conference

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Session	Speaker	Share to Vote
Yael Daihes Chief Data Scientist and Cybersecurity Leader \| Public Speaker	Hit the (ML) road(map) Jack With the advancement of AI, it seems there isn’t a task unsolvable by this amazing technology, and no wonder every type of product wants to leverage it. You hire the most brilliant researchers and wait for the magic to happen, but apparently, not every scientist can translate a business problem into a research task, and not every business leader can vividly define achievable goals for the ML organization. Imagine a digital health company that holds electronic medical records of thousands of patients. I believe we would all immediately assume their ML organization is creating… read more
Topaz Gilad VP of AI at Voyage81, ODDITY	MVP Mindset for Data Science Leads As data-science and machine-learning team leaders, we face the conflict between quick delivery and the uncertainty of the ML experimental nature. In this talk, Topaz will cover methodologies for improving focus, reducing uncertainty, and boosting your ability to transform algorithmic research into production. Using case studies from real-world data domains, this session covers data subsets, inner releases, data-driven scrum, and test-driven machine learning: Join the talk to learn about minimal viable product (MVP) and the different application aspects in your data… read more
Alexandra Devine President at VSG Marketing & Spindustry	Flipping the Script on Mentorship: What the Younger Generation Can Teach Others When you hear the word mentor you often think of someone giving advice to someone younger and less experienced. But what if we flipped the script on mentorship? Meet 30-year old Alex Devine, a marketing executive and business coach who specializes in executive coaching for women 40-60 years and older. In Alex’s words, “I meet women who are truly astonishing in what they've accomplished in their careers. They achieve success and earn a seat at the table, then have this tendency to doubt themselves once they get there. I'm here to reinvigorate them." In this session, hear how… read more
Tara Rezvani Engineering Lead at Wing	Women of Impact: MBA Journeys that Led to Transformation and Career Growth Join our panelists of accomplished women in tech, as they share their transformative MBA experience. The panel will deep dive into their motivations for pursuing Business School - ranging from career pivots, professional growth, leadership development and networking. If you’re curious about pursuing an MBA, or are currently in business school, this panel is for you! Get ready to hear about the highs, lows, and unexpected twists these panelists have navigated while balancing full time jobs, personal lives and school. Expect candid insights, tangible advice, and reflections on each… read more
Rika Nakazawa Group VP, New Ventures & Innovation at NTT	Are You Ready to Sustainably Create and/or Consume, and at the Speed of Light? As Gen AI technologies proliferate across governments, societies, and industries (especially Web 3, XR, Metaverse) the demand for computing infrastructure to power digital systems and economies will skyrocket. Data volume globally is expected to 16X in the bookends of 2018 and 2030, with commensurate energy demands to multiply 13X in the same window. This will mean more data centers, equipment, cabling, servers, GPUs, and power - MUCH more power - that is already unevenly distributed globally. This is not sustainable. But there is a way forward by moving from Electronic to Photonic… read more
Hanna Abdel Hamid Head of Sigma Software Canada at Sigma Software Group	Unveiling Unconscious Bias: Exploring the Hidden Forces Shaping Our Perceptions In this engaging keynote speech, we will delve into the intricate world of unconscious bias, shedding light on the hidden forces that shape our perceptions and decisions. We'll start by exploring the origins of unconscious bias, its various forms including racial, gender, and age biases, and the significant consequences it has on individuals, organizations, and society. Through captivating research insights and real-life examples, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how bias influences our thoughts and actions. We will then focus on actionable steps to counter… read more
Sarah Wall Director, Business Analysis at Info-Tech Research Group	Harmonizing Work and Life: Mindfulness, Balance, and Remote Flexibility Many people strive to achieve work-life balance maintaining an equilibrium between the time devoted to one's job and the time allocated to personal life, family, health, and other non-work activities. It often implies a separation between work and personal life and creates a sense of trade-offs, where one's career success is weighed against personal life satisfaction. Consider looking at work-life balance through an alternate lens of striving for work-life harmony. Harmony suggests a more integrated and flexible approach to combining work and personal life. It… read more
Sarah Wall Director, Business Analysis at Info-Tech Research Group	Harmonizing Work and Life: Mindfulness, Balance, and Remote Flexibility Many people strive to achieve work-life balance maintaining an equilibrium between the time devoted to one's job and the time allocated to personal life, family, health, and other non-work activities. It often implies a separation between work and personal life and creates a sense of trade-offs, where one's career success is weighed against personal life satisfaction. Consider looking at work-life balance through an alternate lens of striving for work-life harmony. Harmony suggests a more integrated and flexible approach to combining work and personal life. It… read more
Marissa McNeelands CEO & Co-founder at Toast	Diverse by Design: Crafting AI with Inclusivity In this compelling TED-style talk, Marissa McNeelands, CEO and co-founder of Toast, explores the urgent need for diversity in AI, particularly in recruitment. The session will uncover the ethical challenges and biases deeply embedded in AI systems. Marissa will share groundbreaking insights from Toast’s innovative approach - using AI not just to screen candidates in, but to ensure women and underrepresented groups aren't unfairly screened out. The talk will conclude with an interactive Q & A, diving deeper into individual queries and collective insights on forging a more inclusive AI… read more
Amber Foucault Vice President of Product, Applications at Dayforce	Integrating AI and ML into the Product Development Process In this talk, Amber Foucault, VP of Product Applications at Dayforce, will share tactical strategies and leading methodologies to integrate AI and ML into the product development process – no matter the organization or team size. Amber’s unique experience, including launching 70+ products throughout her career in startups and enterprise, will highlight a scrappy approach to innovation and deliver tangible takeaways. Topics covered will include problem identification, team configuration, and strategic and structural options – all best practices for testing and integrating innovation quickly… read more
Pooja Kelgaonkar Senior Data Architect at Rackspace Technology	Data Strategy for AI Adoption Discuss how organizations can develop and implement effective AI strategies, including considerations for selecting the right data and AI strategies. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Jess Johnson Technical Lead at Fullscript	AI Advocacy in Engineering: Translating Tech into Business This talk will explore the pivotal role engineers play as AI advocates within their organizations, acting as a bridge between technical AI development and business strategy. We delve into "The Engineers Playbook", providing practical strategies, tools, and illuminating case studies to empower engineers to effectively communicate the benefits and investments of AI to non-technical stakeholders. We will also discuss how to inspire engineers to own their expert title, motivating continuous learning about AI advancements and their business impact to foster a culture of relentless… read more
Michelle Brooks Chief People & Culture Officer at Security Compass	Empowering Women in Tech: Navigating the Remote & Hybrid Landscape Join us for an insightful discussion on making remote and hybrid work environments truly work for you as a woman in technology. We'll explore the potential dangers of remote and hybrid work, specifically addressing the impacts of cognitive load on women. Learn effective strategies for creating boundaries that seamlessly integrate work with life, and gain practical tips on self-advocacy both at home and in the professional sphere. Let's empower ourselves to thrive in the evolving world of work! Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Neelima Mangal Author \| Member of Forbes Council, MIT CIO\| TechExec	Journey from a Small Town to Engineer to Leadership: Career Insightsm & Lessons Learned Journey from a Small Town to Engineer to Leadership:Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Career With over two decades immersed in the IT sector, navigating teams, managing projects, and addressing the dynamic challenges of the evolving technical landscape, my journey has been marked by a tapestry of failures and successes. Through these experiences, I've gleaned valuable insights. To provide you with a valuable foundation for your leadership journey, I'm imparting lessons learned and sharing key aspects I wish I had known at the outset of my career. … read more
Lin Byrne Engineering Manager at Okta	Applying the learnings from updating the hiring process to day-to-day processes of engineering teams Over the last few years tech companies have aimed to address a lack of diversity in their engineering staff by looking into the recruiting and hiring process. These changes such as structured interviewing and standardized rubrics allowed for a more objective view of candidates moving through the process. This has led to an improvement not just in diversity statistics but also an improvement in the quality of hires. This talk discusses ways of taking these learnings and applying them to day-to-day processes for engineering teams with the aim of improving the day to day processes to achieve… read more
Tara Myshrall RVP Qlik Canada	Showing up and unleashing the power of authenticity to expand and rise In a world that often demands conformity, the true catalyst for personal and professional growth lies in the unapologetic embrace of authenticity. In this compelling talk, we will delve into the transformative power of "Showing Up" as our genuine selves, dismantling barriers and unlocking the doors to untapped potential. From the boardroom to everyday interactions, discover how authenticity becomes the cornerstone for expansion and elevation in every facet of life. Join us on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as we explore the profound impact of genuine expression,… read more
Alexia Proulx Manager of Technological Expertise Development at Petal	Onboarding or How to Train Your Champions of Tomorrow Effective onboarding is not just about welcoming new hires; it's a strategic investment that yields significant benefits for everyone involved. Not only does it play a pivotal role in reinforcing company culture, it’s also a key factor in increasing job satisfaction, engagement and retention. Discover with us how you can upgrade your onboarding to support the growth of your company and unlock the full potential of your tech teams. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Michelle Joliat Senior Vice President, Product and Delivery at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan	Empowering Technology Teams: Creating Great Culture and Psychological Safety In the dynamic landscape of technology, effective leadership is often seen as complex and challenging. However, this fireside chat will challenge that notion, as speaker Michelle Joliat will emphasize the power of simplicity in leadership. By keeping it simple, she has fostered a culture of clarity within her 130+ person organization (and the 500+ person technology organization as a whole), enhancing productivity and morale. Central to empowering technology teams is the art of asking questions. Michelle Joliat is a former Management Consultant who is not afraid of asking… read more
Edwina Mckennon Founder & CEO, International AI Strategist and Business Growth Expert at FuturIQ Inc.	Leading with AI: Transforming Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the C-suite In this TED-style talk, Edwina McKennon will uncover how AI is reshaping the role of C-suite executives in driving business innovation. She will share insights into how AI can optimize strategic decision-making, foster growth, and help companies remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. With practical examples, she’ll discuss the leadership and entrepreneurial mindset required to effectively integrate AI into business strategies, while highlighting the importance of mentorship and collaboration in successfully leveraging AI for scalable success. Did you like this session? Share… read more
Mai Elfarnawany VP Engineering at Flosonics Medical	From Engineer to Leader: Navigating the Path to the Top in Tech Mai Elfarnawany, Head of Engineering at Flosonics Medical, shares her journey from developing cutting-edge algorithms to leading a team of 20 engineers and data scientists at a medtech startup. In this session, Mai will discuss the strategies that helped her achieve 4 promotions in 5 years, overcome biases in the male-dominated tech industry, and build systems that foster collaboration and innovation. She’ll provide actionable insights on navigating challenges unique to women in STEM, from balancing technical expertise with leadership growth to developing the resilience needed… read more