Professor Renée Cummings – Champion of Ethical AI and Data Justice

Professor Renée Cummings is a trailblazing voice in the world of artificial intelligence, ethics, and data justice. As an award-winning AI innovator and the first data activist-in-residence at the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science—where she also serves as a Professor of Practice—she brings both expertise and humanity to the intersection of technology and society. A criminologist and criminal psychologist by training, she combines academic rigor with real-world insight, shaping public discourse on responsible AI as a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, co-director of its Equity Lab, and a thought partner at global institutions like the World Economic Forum and the Center for AI and Digital Policy. Professor Cummings is also a co-director of the Public Interest Technology University Network and advises the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Widely recognized as one of the top 100 women in AI ethics, she’s known for her powerful storytelling and ability to translate complex technologies into meaningful dialogue that empowers communities, influences policy, and sparks global change.

Kyra Barker – Business Consultant, Speaker, Advocate 

Kyra Barker is a conscious driver of commerce and creativity with over a decade of experience as a strategic advisor to corporate executives and entrepreneurs. With a career rooted in marketing, she now leads her independent consulting firm, delivering business and marketing strategy to domestic and international clients. Her initial background in tourism has deepened her appreciation for the Caribbean’s rich heritage and the vital role the creative sector plays in amplifying the region’s identity. This perspective drives her commitment to championing authentic representation in multimedia communications across the region. In her advisory capacity at tech startups, Kyra brings a culturally grounded lens to innovation. As someone who considers herself tech-adjacent, she approaches emerging technologies with a strategic awareness of culture, context and community. As a member of Women Defining AI, she’s exposed to various use cases where emerging technologies can be used to elevate rather than erase diverse narratives.

Michaia Allert – Digital Media Professional 

Michaia (pronounced My•Kai•Ya) is a multimedia creative professional with over 12 years of experience in graphic design, photography, video production, and digital marketing. Known for his ability to craft vibrant, meaningful content, he has collaborated with a wide range of clients, from emerging startups to established global brands – delivering work that resonates and drives results. Michaia’s creative process is rooted in turning abstract ideas into striking visual experiences, a talent that earned him a career milestone in 2017 when one of his ad campaigns was prominently featured on a billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square. His dedication, adaptability, and passion for storytelling continue to set him apart in the ever-evolving world of digital media. Whether managing a full-scale campaign or producing stand-alone visuals, Michaia brings a sharp eye, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to excellence to every project he is a part of. 

Verena Boodoosingh – AI Filmmaker, Director & Author

Verena Boodoosingh is an innovative filmmaker and storyteller pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of cinema and artificial intelligence. With over 14 years of experience in media, her work spans television, journalism, and creative production, but it’s her current project—an 85-minute AI-generated feature film adaptation of her sci-fantasy novel The Circle Armor—that truly reflects her bold vision, with 32 minutes of the film already completed. Verena’s expertise also extends into commercial media, where she’s crafted AI-powered ads and music videos for regional talent, seamlessly merging technology with narrative depth. Holding a degree in History and International Relations from UWI and a Master’s in Mass Communications from the University of Leicester, she brings a thoughtful, cross-disciplinary lens to her work. As a speaker, she shares practical insights on storytelling with AI, the creative and legal complexities of this emerging space, and the future of film in a tech-driven world. Verena stands at the forefront of a new era in filmmaking

Kyle Maloney – Tech Entrepreneur, Digital Marketer and Investor

With a career spanning over a decade, Kyle has been at the forefront of advancing technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship across the Caribbean. He is a recognized leader in digital marketing. He co-founded FIRST Digital, a top-tier marketing agency that has helped major players in finance, retail, and e-commerce grow their digital reach and connect meaningfully with customers. He’s also behind Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), a platform that’s become a bridge between the Caribbean and the world’s leading tech communities—earning praise from outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Huffington Post. Kyle’s influence extends into corporate leadership as a Non-Executive Director at Tatil and Tatil Life, and he’s been shaping regional development policy as a member of the Inter-American Development Bank’s NextGen Board since 2018. His work was formally recognized in 2021 when he received the Champion Entrepreneur of the Year award from the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, highlighting his commitment to building a more innovative, inclusive future for the region.