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September 24th, 2026
As AI evolves from a tool into infrastructure, education is entering a new era. Exploring the systems, ideas, and real-world applications shaping the future of learning.
EdHeroes Global Forum:
AI and the Architecture of Future Learning
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Online • Free
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✦ Register now to get your certificate
✦ Register now to get your certificate
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Read about 2025 Forum Experience
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What to Expect
EdHeroes Global Forum 2026
Strategic Connections
A global network of educators and changemakers
Ethics & Governance
Trust, policy, and responsible implementation
Real-World Applications
Practical AI use cases in learning
Cross-Sector Dialogue
Education, policy, and innovation perspectives
Expert Panels
Global voices across AI and education
Barbara Oakley
Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
Barbara Oakley is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her work focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior. She created and teaches Coursera's "Learning How to Learn," one of the world's most popular massive open online course with over three million registered students, along with other popular "Top Online Courses of All Time." Barb is a New York Times best-selling author who has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times—her book A Mind for Numbers has sold over a million copies worldwide. She is the winner of the McGraw Prize—the colloquial "Nobel Prize for Education" and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Barbara Oakley is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her work focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior. She created and teaches Coursera's "Learning How to Learn," one of the world's most popular massive open online course with over three million registered students, along with other popular "Top Online Courses of All Time." Barb is a New York Times best-selling author who has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times—her book A Mind for Numbers has sold over a million copies worldwide. She is the winner of the McGraw Prize—the colloquial "Nobel Prize for Education" and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Steven Duggan
Vice President of Terawe Corporation
Steven Duggan is Vice President, International of Terawe, a global technology solutions & services company serving both blue chip and SME clients across 12 different industries.
Being a member of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, where he represented the global IT Industry, Steven authored the UNESCO policy brief on the use of AI in Education, ‘Change at the Speed of Learning’, which was provided to the governments of the 193 UNESCO member states.
Steven has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years, including several years as Microsoft’s Director of Worldwide Education Strategy. A regular speaker at international events, he has a passionate interest in literacy and the role of technology in disadvantaged communities and has delivered a TEDx talk on the subject as well as writing and presenting the documentary feature ‘The First Mile’ (winner of the Gold Award at the Deauville International Film Festival).
Steven Duggan is Vice President, International of Terawe, a global technology solutions & services company serving both blue chip and SME clients across 12 different industries.
Being a member of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, where he represented the global IT Industry, Steven authored the UNESCO policy brief on the use of AI in Education, ‘Change at the Speed of Learning’, which was provided to the governments of the 193 UNESCO member states.
Steven has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years, including several years as Microsoft’s Director of Worldwide Education Strategy. A regular speaker at international events, he has a passionate interest in literacy and the role of technology in disadvantaged communities and has delivered a TEDx talk on the subject as well as writing and presenting the documentary feature ‘The First Mile’ (winner of the Gold Award at the Deauville International Film Festival).
Harry Patrinos
Senior Adviser World Bank Education, EdHeroes Advisory Board Member
Harry Anthony Patrinos is Adviser, Office of the Chief Economist for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank. He specializes in the economics of education, particularly the returns to schooling, school-based management, demand-side financing and public-private partnerships. He has managed education teams in Europe and Central Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and the Global Unit. He led lending operations and analytical work programs in Latin America. He co-led the development of the Bank's Harmonized Learning Outcomes database, part of the Human Capital Index, published in Nature. He has studied and worked extensively on the socioeconomic status of Indigenous Peoples and has co-authored books and reports on this subject including Indigenous Peoples, Poverty and Development (Cambridge).
Mr. Patrinos has many publications in the academic and policy literature, with more than 60 journal articles published. He is co-author of the books: Making Schools Work; The Role and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships in Education; and Decentralized Decision-Making in Schools. His work appears - among other outlets - in the Nature, Journal of Development Economics, Economic Development and Cultural Change, Journal of Population Economics, Education Economics, Labour, and the Economics of Education Review. He also worked in Africa, Asia and North America. He previously worked as an economist at the Economic Council of Canada. Mr. Patrinos received a doctorate from the University of Sussex.
Harry Anthony Patrinos is Adviser, Office of the Chief Economist for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank. He specializes in the economics of education, particularly the returns to schooling, school-based management, demand-side financing and public-private partnerships. He has managed education teams in Europe and Central Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and the Global Unit. He led lending operations and analytical work programs in Latin America. He co-led the development of the Bank's Harmonized Learning Outcomes database, part of the Human Capital Index, published in Nature. He has studied and worked extensively on the socioeconomic status of Indigenous Peoples and has co-authored books and reports on this subject including Indigenous Peoples, Poverty and Development (Cambridge).
Mr. Patrinos has many publications in the academic and policy literature, with more than 60 journal articles published. He is co-author of the books: Making Schools Work; The Role and Impact of Public-Private Partnerships in Education; and Decentralized Decision-Making in Schools. His work appears - among other outlets - in the Nature, Journal of Development Economics, Economic Development and Cultural Change, Journal of Population Economics, Education Economics, Labour, and the Economics of Education Review. He also worked in Africa, Asia and North America. He previously worked as an economist at the Economic Council of Canada. Mr. Patrinos received a doctorate from the University of Sussex.
Anthony Salcito
President of Enterprise, Coursera & Udemy
Anthony Salcito is a recognized leader dedicated to transforming education and empowering learners and institutions for the modern, global workplace. In his current role as President of Enterprise for Coursera + Udemy, Anthony is focused on helping organizations, governments, and schools build the critical skills they need to thrive. He works to provide learners of all ages with flexible, high-quality access to the world’s best content and technology to fuel personal and professional growth.
Prior to his current role, Anthony had a distinguished career spanning over 25 years at Microsoft, where he served as the Vice President of Worldwide Education. There, he led the global execution of the company’s vision for education and was instrumental in pioneering foundational programs that have impacted millions, including Live@EDU (which evolved into Office 365), the Partners in Learning program, the Microsoft Innovative Educator program, and Showcase Schools. His leadership was crucial in driving the adoption of technology and AI in education and demonstrating its promise for learners and educators worldwide.
Anthony’s influence extends across the education ecosystem. He has served as an active board member for leading organizations such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and Teach.org. As a co-author of a book on Education Transformation, he provided a key reference guide for schools driving innovation. To underscore the amazing work educators are doing globally, Anthony authored the DailyEdventures blog, which featured highlights from educators in over
70 countries.
You can engage with Anthony Salcito on social media at @AnthonySalcito.
Anthony Salcito is a recognized leader dedicated to transforming education and empowering learners and institutions for the modern, global workplace. In his current role as President of Enterprise for Coursera + Udemy, Anthony is focused on helping organizations, governments, and schools build the critical skills they need to thrive. He works to provide learners of all ages with flexible, high-quality access to the world’s best content and technology to fuel personal and professional growth.
Prior to his current role, Anthony had a distinguished career spanning over 25 years at Microsoft, where he served as the Vice President of Worldwide Education. There, he led the global execution of the company’s vision for education and was instrumental in pioneering foundational programs that have impacted millions, including Live@EDU (which evolved into Office 365), the Partners in Learning program, the Microsoft Innovative Educator program, and Showcase Schools. His leadership was crucial in driving the adoption of technology and AI in education and demonstrating its promise for learners and educators worldwide.
Anthony’s influence extends across the education ecosystem. He has served as an active board member for leading organizations such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and Teach.org. As a co-author of a book on Education Transformation, he provided a key reference guide for schools driving innovation. To underscore the amazing work educators are doing globally, Anthony authored the DailyEdventures blog, which featured highlights from educators in over
70 countries.
You can engage with Anthony Salcito on social media at @AnthonySalcito.
Ben Nelson
Founder & CEO, Minerva Project
Ben Nelson is Founder and CEO of Minerva Project and Founder of Minerva University, and a visionary with a mission to reinvent higher education. Ben founded Minerva in 2011 with the goal of nurturing critical wisdom for the sake of the world through a systematic and evidence-based approach to learning. Nelson has since built Minerva University, ranked as the most innovative university in the world, and has developed a business to share Minerva's unique approach with other like-minded institutions, corporations, and governments. Minerva Project has since accelerated the creation of groundbreaking new programs, new colleges, and entirely new universities worldwide. Prior to Minerva, Nelson spent ten years at Snapfish, where he helped build the company from startup to the world’s largest personal publishing service. Serving as CEO from 2005 through 2010, Nelson began his tenure at Snapfish by leading the company’s sale to Hewlett Packard for $300 million. Nelson holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he created a blueprint for curricular reform in his first year, the principles from which he drew to frame Minerva.
Ben Nelson is Founder and CEO of Minerva Project and Founder of Minerva University, and a visionary with a mission to reinvent higher education. Ben founded Minerva in 2011 with the goal of nurturing critical wisdom for the sake of the world through a systematic and evidence-based approach to learning. Nelson has since built Minerva University, ranked as the most innovative university in the world, and has developed a business to share Minerva's unique approach with other like-minded institutions, corporations, and governments. Minerva Project has since accelerated the creation of groundbreaking new programs, new colleges, and entirely new universities worldwide. Prior to Minerva, Nelson spent ten years at Snapfish, where he helped build the company from startup to the world’s largest personal publishing service. Serving as CEO from 2005 through 2010, Nelson began his tenure at Snapfish by leading the company’s sale to Hewlett Packard for $300 million. Nelson holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he created a blueprint for curricular reform in his first year, the principles from which he drew to frame Minerva.
Farhannisa Nasution
EdHeroes Expansion Director
Farhannisa Nasution, Expansion Director of EdHeroes, was born in Medan and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. From an early age, she developed a keen interest in culture, literature, education, and writing, leading her to study at the University of Indonesia, where she graduated with a degree in Netherlands Culture and Literature. She also attended junior high school in Malaysia as an exchange student.
With over a decade of experience in broadcasting and journalism, Farhannisa spent seven years as a CNN Indonesia news anchor and journalist, interviewing numerous world leaders and ambassadors. She also serves on the board of the Amir Hood Nasution Foundation, a 35-year-old educational institution in Medan. Under her leadership, the foundation's Riza Playgroup and Kindergarten achieved an "A" accreditation from Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farhannisa is committed to giving back to society, volunteering with organizations such as the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia for 5 years and Yayasan Puteri Indonesia for 2 years
Farhannisa Nasution, Expansion Director of EdHeroes, was born in Medan and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. From an early age, she developed a keen interest in culture, literature, education, and writing, leading her to study at the University of Indonesia, where she graduated with a degree in Netherlands Culture and Literature. She also attended junior high school in Malaysia as an exchange student.
With over a decade of experience in broadcasting and journalism, Farhannisa spent seven years as a CNN Indonesia news anchor and journalist, interviewing numerous world leaders and ambassadors. She also serves on the board of the Amir Hood Nasution Foundation, a 35-year-old educational institution in Medan. Under her leadership, the foundation's Riza Playgroup and Kindergarten achieved an "A" accreditation from Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farhannisa is committed to giving back to society, volunteering with organizations such as the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia for 5 years and Yayasan Puteri Indonesia for 2 years
Timothy Serewicz
Technology Executive and Advisor; Former Vice President of Education, The Linux Foundation
Timothy Serewicz is a technology executive, strategist, and former Vice President of Education at The Linux Foundation. Throughout his career, he has helped shape the adoption of cloud native technologies, cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing, and open source innovation across global education, developer, and enterprise communities.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience building platforms, leading cross-functional teams, and advancing technology education initiatives, Timothy focuses on the leadership and operational challenges that emerge as innovation accelerates. His work bridges technology strategy, organizational readiness, and the practical realities of implementing emerging technologies at scale.
Timothy Serewicz is a technology executive, strategist, and former Vice President of Education at The Linux Foundation. Throughout his career, he has helped shape the adoption of cloud native technologies, cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing, and open source innovation across global education, developer, and enterprise communities.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience building platforms, leading cross-functional teams, and advancing technology education initiatives, Timothy focuses on the leadership and operational challenges that emerge as innovation accelerates. His work bridges technology strategy, organizational readiness, and the practical realities of implementing emerging technologies at scale.
Dale P. Johnson
Director, Digital Innovation for the University Design Institute, Arizona State University, USA
Dale P. Johnson is the senior director of digital innovation with the University Design Institute at Arizona State University. He works with university leaders all over the world to develop and implement digital solutions to their local challenges. Those efforts have earned him the 2016 Sally M. Johnstone Award from WCET recognizing his thought leadership, excellence in practice, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. In 2018, he was also honored by the IMS Global Learning Consortium with an outstanding service award for his leadership of the adaptive courseware community of practice.
Mr. Johnson has spoken on the topic of digital innovation in higher education at more than 40 conferences in Argentina, Brazil, France, Ghana, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, South Korea, Uruguay, USA, and Vietnam, and led workshops on the subject at numerous universities.
He has a bachelor of science in design degree from ASU and a master in public policy degree from Harvard University, a learning path that combined his interests in design, engineering and education. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and building things. He’s traveled to more than 50 countries, studied in Barcelona for a year as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, and built his own solar home in Phoenix.
Dale P. Johnson is the senior director of digital innovation with the University Design Institute at Arizona State University. He works with university leaders all over the world to develop and implement digital solutions to their local challenges. Those efforts have earned him the 2016 Sally M. Johnstone Award from WCET recognizing his thought leadership, excellence in practice, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. In 2018, he was also honored by the IMS Global Learning Consortium with an outstanding service award for his leadership of the adaptive courseware community of practice.
Mr. Johnson has spoken on the topic of digital innovation in higher education at more than 40 conferences in Argentina, Brazil, France, Ghana, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, South Korea, Uruguay, USA, and Vietnam, and led workshops on the subject at numerous universities.
He has a bachelor of science in design degree from ASU and a master in public policy degree from Harvard University, a learning path that combined his interests in design, engineering and education. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and building things. He’s traveled to more than 50 countries, studied in Barcelona for a year as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, and built his own solar home in Phoenix.
Dr. CJ Meadows
Professor & Head of MBA-Consulting | Head of Innovation-Asia | Executive Education Designer
Awarded as one of Asia's Top-10 Women in IT, Dr. Meadows leads an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at S P Jain School of Global Management -- a Forbes Top-20 International Business School -- creating growth initiatives at the intersection of IT, business strategy, and design. Her research, teaching, consulting, and coaching span AI and other Technology, Innovation, Design Thinking, Leadership, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and the Future of Work (FoW) and Education (FoE). She co-founded and chairs a corporation working for tiger conservation, ecologically- and socially-sensitive economic growth (sustainability), and people programs, working with some of the world’s poorest communities. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration & IT from Harvard Business School, Dr. Meadows has over 30 years’ experience in Asia, Europe, and North America as a consultant, coach, entrepreneur, eBusiness builder, innovation lab co-founder, and Accenture IT & Business Strategy consultant.
Awarded as one of Asia's Top-10 Women in IT, Dr. Meadows leads an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at S P Jain School of Global Management -- a Forbes Top-20 International Business School -- creating growth initiatives at the intersection of IT, business strategy, and design. Her research, teaching, consulting, and coaching span AI and other Technology, Innovation, Design Thinking, Leadership, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and the Future of Work (FoW) and Education (FoE). She co-founded and chairs a corporation working for tiger conservation, ecologically- and socially-sensitive economic growth (sustainability), and people programs, working with some of the world’s poorest communities. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration & IT from Harvard Business School, Dr. Meadows has over 30 years’ experience in Asia, Europe, and North America as a consultant, coach, entrepreneur, eBusiness builder, innovation lab co-founder, and Accenture IT & Business Strategy consultant.
Paige Johnson
CEO EdCatalyst Group
Paige Johnson is a nationally recognized education and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience guiding organizations through complex change. As founder and CEO of EdCatalyst Group, she advises education institutions, mission-driven organizations, and technology companies on strategy, governance, and responsible AI implementation. Paige previously served as Vice President of Education at Microsoft and held senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services and Intel, where she created and scaled the Intel Teach Program to more than 13 million educators in 80 countries. Her work focuses on ensuring technology strengthens educators, learners, and communities around the world with purpose.
Paige Johnson is a nationally recognized education and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience guiding organizations through complex change. As founder and CEO of EdCatalyst Group, she advises education institutions, mission-driven organizations, and technology companies on strategy, governance, and responsible AI implementation. Paige previously served as Vice President of Education at Microsoft and held senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services and Intel, where she created and scaled the Intel Teach Program to more than 13 million educators in 80 countries. Her work focuses on ensuring technology strengthens educators, learners, and communities around the world with purpose.
Thomas Cavanagh
Vice Provost for Digital Learning,University of Central Florida
Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D. is Vice Provost for Digital Learning at the University of Central Florida. In this role, he oversees the distance learning strategy, policies, and practices of one of the nation’s largest universities. A national leader in digital education and academic innovation, he has been recognized with numerous awards from organizations such as the Online Learning Consortium, the United States Distance Learning Association, 1EdTech, and the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technology. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and often consults with other institutions regarding academic innovation. He is active in the higher education community and has served on a number of national boards. He is also an award-winning author of several thriller novels.
Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D. is Vice Provost for Digital Learning at the University of Central Florida. In this role, he oversees the distance learning strategy, policies, and practices of one of the nation’s largest universities. A national leader in digital education and academic innovation, he has been recognized with numerous awards from organizations such as the Online Learning Consortium, the United States Distance Learning Association, 1EdTech, and the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technology. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and often consults with other institutions regarding academic innovation. He is active in the higher education community and has served on a number of national boards. He is also an award-winning author of several thriller novels.
Dr. David Paul Ruttenberg
PhD, FRSA, FIoHE, HSRF, Fulbright Specialist; Neuroscientist, AI Ethics Researcher, Inventor
Dr. David Ruttenberg is a cognitive neuroscientist, AI ethics researcher, and inventor whose work sits at the intersection of neurodivergent inclusion, technology design, and civil liberties. He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London, a Fulbright Specialist, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and the holder of ten patents in neuro-adaptive and sensory sensitivity technologies. His research has been presented at the NIH and UK Parliament. He is the creator of Phoebe-X & Ínairí, an AI-powered sensory navigation platform. His forthcoming peer-reviewed manuscript examines AI bias, neurodivergent populations, and the regulatory surveillance gap in publicly funded behavioral interventions. His work is inspired by his daughter Phoebe, who is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with epilepsy. He is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr. David Ruttenberg is a cognitive neuroscientist, AI ethics researcher, and inventor whose work sits at the intersection of neurodivergent inclusion, technology design, and civil liberties. He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London, a Fulbright Specialist, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and the holder of ten patents in neuro-adaptive and sensory sensitivity technologies. His research has been presented at the NIH and UK Parliament. He is the creator of Phoebe-X & Ínairí, an AI-powered sensory navigation platform. His forthcoming peer-reviewed manuscript examines AI bias, neurodivergent populations, and the regulatory surveillance gap in publicly funded behavioral interventions. His work is inspired by his daughter Phoebe, who is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with epilepsy. He is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Gaia Bernstein
Technology, Privacy and Policy Professor of Law, Seton Hall University; Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institute
Gaia Bernstein is a leading voice on the human cost of addictive technology and Professor of Technology, Privacy, and Policy Law at Seton Hall University School of Law, where she co-directs the Institute for Privacy Protection and the Gibbons Institute of Law Science and Technology. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, public health, and human connection, focusing on how digital products are destabilizing the social and emotional ties of children and adults alike. She is the author of the award-winning book Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies (Cambridge University Press). Recently, while a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education, she published a policy brief proposing a public health framework for regulating AI companion bots. Bernstein is currently writing a book, Technologies of Loneliness, arguing that loneliness is an invisible cost businesses impose across industries and a challenge society can still choose to solve.
Gaia Bernstein is a leading voice on the human cost of addictive technology and Professor of Technology, Privacy, and Policy Law at Seton Hall University School of Law, where she co-directs the Institute for Privacy Protection and the Gibbons Institute of Law Science and Technology. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, public health, and human connection, focusing on how digital products are destabilizing the social and emotional ties of children and adults alike. She is the author of the award-winning book Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies (Cambridge University Press). Recently, while a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education, she published a policy brief proposing a public health framework for regulating AI companion bots. Bernstein is currently writing a book, Technologies of Loneliness, arguing that loneliness is an invisible cost businesses impose across industries and a challenge society can still choose to solve.
Beatris A. Mendez Gandica
Project Manager, Microsoft; Founder, Nuevo Foundation
Beatris A. Mendez Gandica is from San Cristobal, Venezuela. She is an engineer working as a Program Manager at Microsoft. Beatris has a passion for giving back to the community. In 2018 she started a nonprofit organization, Nuevo Foundation, where she works to prepare underrepresented students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Nuevo Foundation’s mission is to inspire kids to be curious, confident, and courageous by discovering the world of STEM. To date, the nonprofit has taught more than 17,200 students about computer science and STEM education across thirty-two countries and six territories including Puerto Rico.
nuevofoundation.org
Beatris A. Mendez Gandica is from San Cristobal, Venezuela. She is an engineer working as a Program Manager at Microsoft. Beatris has a passion for giving back to the community. In 2018 she started a nonprofit organization, Nuevo Foundation, where she works to prepare underrepresented students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Nuevo Foundation’s mission is to inspire kids to be curious, confident, and courageous by discovering the world of STEM. To date, the nonprofit has taught more than 17,200 students about computer science and STEM education across thirty-two countries and six territories including Puerto Rico.
nuevofoundation.org
Sara Mitchell
Partnerships Coordinator, Amantani; EdHeroes Peru Hub Leader
Originally from the UK but growing up in Peru, I have dedicated my academic and professional life to the development sector by first studying a BA in International Development in the University of Liverpool and later completing an MSc in Poverty Reduction Policies at SOAS (University of London). I have over 10 years of experience in fundraising, coordinating and leading social development projects and have spent the last 9 years working with Amantani in fundraising and project management roles.
I firmly believe in developing projects with a sustainable and participatory approach, with a particular focus on gender and education-focused projects working alongside women as agents of change.
Originally from the UK but growing up in Peru, I have dedicated my academic and professional life to the development sector by first studying a BA in International Development in the University of Liverpool and later completing an MSc in Poverty Reduction Policies at SOAS (University of London). I have over 10 years of experience in fundraising, coordinating and leading social development projects and have spent the last 9 years working with Amantani in fundraising and project management roles.
I firmly believe in developing projects with a sustainable and participatory approach, with a particular focus on gender and education-focused projects working alongside women as agents of change.
Patricio O´Gorman
Professor, School of Business, Universidad de Palermo (Argentina); Professor of AI and Digital Business; 3-Time Author on Digital Media and Technology
Patricio O’Gorman is a professor of Executive Education and MBA programs at Universidad de Palermo and Universidad de San Andrés and a researcher at UADE, teaching on digital disruption, advanced digital marketing, and generative AI. He also serves as Director of Digital Strategy at Aon Latin America, and holds a bilingual MBA from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella as well as Executive Program from HBS on Participant-Centered Learning. Patricio is the author of three books, including Platforms Invade Us, Silicon Valley vs. Hollywood, and Diginomics, and his Coursera course on Generative AI, “Interactions & prompts,” has been taken by more than 35,000 students. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte and Accenture, and in The Coca-Cola Company. Patricio is a frequent speaker on TV on generative AI, its impact on the future of work, and its integration into business education across Latin America.
Patricio O’Gorman is a professor of Executive Education and MBA programs at Universidad de Palermo and Universidad de San Andrés and a researcher at UADE, teaching on digital disruption, advanced digital marketing, and generative AI. He also serves as Director of Digital Strategy at Aon Latin America, and holds a bilingual MBA from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella as well as Executive Program from HBS on Participant-Centered Learning. Patricio is the author of three books, including Platforms Invade Us, Silicon Valley vs. Hollywood, and Diginomics, and his Coursera course on Generative AI, “Interactions & prompts,” has been taken by more than 35,000 students. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte and Accenture, and in The Coca-Cola Company. Patricio is a frequent speaker on TV on generative AI, its impact on the future of work, and its integration into business education across Latin America.
Gabriel Foglia
Dean, School of Business, Universidad de Palermo (Argentina); Professor of Marketing and Digital Transformation; International Speaker on Higher Education Innovation, AI and Digital Learning
Gabriel Foglia is Dean of the Faculty of Business at Universidad de Palermo, one of Latin America's leading business schools. He has led major initiatives in digital transformation, online education, internationalization, and the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned his MBA from Loyola University Chicago and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School. Throughout his career, Gabriel has developed strategic partnerships with leading global organizations and universities, while promoting innovative approaches to business education across Latin America. He is a frequent international speaker on AI, digital learning, educational innovation, and the future of universities, focusing on how higher education institutions can adapt to rapidly changing technological and workforce demands.
Gabriel Foglia is Dean of the Faculty of Business at Universidad de Palermo, one of Latin America's leading business schools. He has led major initiatives in digital transformation, online education, internationalization, and the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned his MBA from Loyola University Chicago and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School. Throughout his career, Gabriel has developed strategic partnerships with leading global organizations and universities, while promoting innovative approaches to business education across Latin America. He is a frequent international speaker on AI, digital learning, educational innovation, and the future of universities, focusing on how higher education institutions can adapt to rapidly changing technological and workforce demands.
Muyuan Liu
CEO and Co-Founder, International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies; EdHeroes China Hub Leader
Muyuan Liu is CEO and Co-Founder of International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies in Qufu and Vancouver and Relationship Manager at Grok Global Services.
Muyuan, born in Qufu, Shandong province, M.A. in International and Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University, Canada. She is currently studying in the UCL MBA program at National School of Development, Peking University (PKU).
Muyuan has a rich background in marketing, student recruitment, and international education project management. She went to Canada as an exchange student in 2005. After graduating with a B.A. degree and an M.A degree in Canada in 2010, she stayed at Royal Roads University to serve as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Global Advancement, Marketing & Business Development and as a graduate teaching assistant in the M.A. in Educational Leadership and Management for another three years. She returned to Beijing in 2013 and worked as the Social Media Manager at Grok (Beijing Office) by launching and maintaining the official localized online presence for overseas universities and educational institutions in China. Her past work experiences include working as Director of Communication at PKU-Dalton Academy, Cooperation Specialist for the International Department at the China Association of Trade in Services, and Recruitment Officer for New College, Faculty of Arts and Science and Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto.
Muyuan currently works full time as the Relationship Manager for Grok Schools Community based in the Beijing Office, with the aim to connect local high school counsellors with overseas university representatives and to support best practices in helping students fulfill their studies abroad. She is passionate about educational public welfare and founded the Confucius International Exchange Center for Chinese Studies in Vancouver and Qufu respectively in 2013 and 2014.
Muyuan Liu is CEO and Co-Founder of International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies in Qufu and Vancouver and Relationship Manager at Grok Global Services.
Muyuan, born in Qufu, Shandong province, M.A. in International and Intercultural Communication from Royal Roads University, Canada. She is currently studying in the UCL MBA program at National School of Development, Peking University (PKU).
Muyuan has a rich background in marketing, student recruitment, and international education project management. She went to Canada as an exchange student in 2005. After graduating with a B.A. degree and an M.A degree in Canada in 2010, she stayed at Royal Roads University to serve as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Global Advancement, Marketing & Business Development and as a graduate teaching assistant in the M.A. in Educational Leadership and Management for another three years. She returned to Beijing in 2013 and worked as the Social Media Manager at Grok (Beijing Office) by launching and maintaining the official localized online presence for overseas universities and educational institutions in China. Her past work experiences include working as Director of Communication at PKU-Dalton Academy, Cooperation Specialist for the International Department at the China Association of Trade in Services, and Recruitment Officer for New College, Faculty of Arts and Science and Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto.
Muyuan currently works full time as the Relationship Manager for Grok Schools Community based in the Beijing Office, with the aim to connect local high school counsellors with overseas university representatives and to support best practices in helping students fulfill their studies abroad. She is passionate about educational public welfare and founded the Confucius International Exchange Center for Chinese Studies in Vancouver and Qufu respectively in 2013 and 2014.
Ewan Simpson
Strategy and International Director, Narxoz Business School, Kazakhstan; Founder, ARC Advisory
Ewan Simpson is an experienced higher education leader, strategist and researcher with over twenty years of experience building institutions, systems and academic quality in complex, fast-changing environments. Trained in Scotland at the University of Glasgow and based in Central Asia for over 20 years, he has led accreditation, institutional development and international positioning across several universities, combining strategic ambition with practical delivery under conditions of uncertainty.
Current work focuses on AI in education, organizational transformation and the futures of work and society. He has developed original frameworks on AI empowerment and dependency, human–AI co-creation, orchestrated intelligence and assessment integrity, and works with institutions to translate rapid technological change into credible strategy, governance and educational practice. His work connects quality, change leadership and long-term institutional resilience. More details can be found at ewansimpson.org.
Ewan Simpson is an experienced higher education leader, strategist and researcher with over twenty years of experience building institutions, systems and academic quality in complex, fast-changing environments. Trained in Scotland at the University of Glasgow and based in Central Asia for over 20 years, he has led accreditation, institutional development and international positioning across several universities, combining strategic ambition with practical delivery under conditions of uncertainty.
Current work focuses on AI in education, organizational transformation and the futures of work and society. He has developed original frameworks on AI empowerment and dependency, human–AI co-creation, orchestrated intelligence and assessment integrity, and works with institutions to translate rapid technological change into credible strategy, governance and educational practice. His work connects quality, change leadership and long-term institutional resilience. More details can be found at ewansimpson.org.
Noah Sobe
Chief of Section for Higher Education, UNESCO
Noah W. Sobe, PhD, is Chief of Section for Higher Education at UNESCO headquarters
in Paris. Prior to this appointment he had a two-decade career as a professor at Loyola
University Chicago. He was previously at UNESCO (2019–2022) helping to lead a
flagship futures of education initiative. Additionally, he is a past president of the
Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) and former co-editor of the
journal European Education.
Noah W. Sobe, PhD, is Chief of Section for Higher Education at UNESCO headquarters
in Paris. Prior to this appointment he had a two-decade career as a professor at Loyola
University Chicago. He was previously at UNESCO (2019–2022) helping to lead a
flagship futures of education initiative. Additionally, he is a past president of the
Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) and former co-editor of the
journal European Education.
Paul LeBlanc
Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc is a Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. From 2003 to 2024, he served as President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Under the 21 years of Paul’s direction, SNHU grew from 2800 students to over 250,000 and is now the largest non-profit provider of online higher education in the country.
Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of its 15 “Classroom Revolutionaries” and Washington Monthly named him one of America’s ten most innovative university presidents. He is the author of Students First: Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Higher Education (2021), winner of the 2022 Phillip E. Frandson Award for Literature, and Broken: How Our Social Systems Are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them (2022). His newest book is entitled Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World and focuses on AI and education.
Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc is a Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. From 2003 to 2024, he served as President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Under the 21 years of Paul’s direction, SNHU grew from 2800 students to over 250,000 and is now the largest non-profit provider of online higher education in the country.
Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of its 15 “Classroom Revolutionaries” and Washington Monthly named him one of America’s ten most innovative university presidents. He is the author of Students First: Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Higher Education (2021), winner of the 2022 Phillip E. Frandson Award for Literature, and Broken: How Our Social Systems Are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them (2022). His newest book is entitled Reclaiming Purpose: The University in an AI World and focuses on AI and education.
Devi Sahny
CEO, Ascend Now and The Edge, Entrepreneur, Advisory Board member building education
businesses. Board Member of Georgetown University, Baratta Center for Global Business—Georgetown McDonough and Dukes Education
Devi Sahny is a globally recognized education entrepreneur and thought leader. At just 31, she leads two ventures Ascend Now and The Edge that reach 500,000+ students across 5 continents, reshaping how children learn life, leadership, and career skills.
Global Recognition:
businesses. Board Member of Georgetown University, Baratta Center for Global Business—Georgetown McDonough and Dukes Education
Devi Sahny is a globally recognized education entrepreneur and thought leader. At just 31, she leads two ventures Ascend Now and The Edge that reach 500,000+ students across 5 continents, reshaping how children learn life, leadership, and career skills.
Global Recognition:
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Consumer Technology)
- Sequoia Capital Spark Fellow
- TED & TEDx Speaker
- St. Gallen Symposium Honouree
- Tatler Gen.T Changemaker
- Prestige 40 Under 40
- Baratta Global Impact award by Joe Baratta
- Featured in eFinancialCareers, EdTech Review, The Peak, Her World, Bett Asia, EdTech World Forum
Marni Baker Stein
Senior Vice-President and Chief Content Officer, Coursera
Marni Baker Stein is Coursera’s Senior Vice President, Chief Content Officer, where she oversees the company’s content and credential strategy and partner relationships. Marni has more than 25 years of experience in producing and scaling online and hybrid education programs. Prior to joining Coursera, she was Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, where she led its four colleges serving more than 135,000 students with programs that improved access and affordability without compromising academic quality. Before that, Marni held several leadership positions focused on access, student success, and program design at institutions such as the University of Texas, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Marni Baker Stein is Coursera’s Senior Vice President, Chief Content Officer, where she oversees the company’s content and credential strategy and partner relationships. Marni has more than 25 years of experience in producing and scaling online and hybrid education programs. Prior to joining Coursera, she was Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, where she led its four colleges serving more than 135,000 students with programs that improved access and affordability without compromising academic quality. Before that, Marni held several leadership positions focused on access, student success, and program design at institutions such as the University of Texas, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Andrew Wachtel
President, inVision U (Almaty); Director, Compass College (Bishkek)
Andrew Wachtel is President of inVision U (Almaty, Kazakhstan), and a co-founder of Compass College of Art and Design (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). Previously, he served as Rector of Narxoz University in Almaty, and President of the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. Before coming to Central Asia, he was dean of The Graduate School and director of the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies at Northwestern University. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, his academic interests range from Russian literature and culture to East European and Balkan culture, history, and politics, to contemporary Central Asia. He works as a translator from multiple Slavic languages and consults on educational projects throughout Eurasia.
Andrew Wachtel is President of inVision U (Almaty, Kazakhstan), and a co-founder of Compass College of Art and Design (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). Previously, he served as Rector of Narxoz University in Almaty, and President of the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. Before coming to Central Asia, he was dean of The Graduate School and director of the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies at Northwestern University. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, his academic interests range from Russian literature and culture to East European and Balkan culture, history, and politics, to contemporary Central Asia. He works as a translator from multiple Slavic languages and consults on educational projects throughout Eurasia.
Jennifer Frederick, Ph.D.
Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives, Executive Director, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Yale University
Jennifer Frederick is Yale University’s associate provost for academic initiatives, recognized for her expertise in pedagogy and innovative leadership on campus-wide initiatives. As founding executive director of the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, she shaped student learning, faculty pedagogy, and built programs such as Faculty Teaching Initiatives and Academic Strategies. Frederick oversees offices including an innovation center, the registrar’s office, and university financial aid. Nationally, she designs and leads mentorship training for Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists and other organizations. Frederick served on Yale’s Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence and is the Provost’s Office lead for AI strategy and infrastructure. She holds a BA in chemistry from Cornell and a PhD in chemistry from Yale. Previously, Frederick held faculty roles at the University of Bridgeport and Western Connecticut State University before returning to Yale for roles in academic administration.
Jennifer Frederick is Yale University’s associate provost for academic initiatives, recognized for her expertise in pedagogy and innovative leadership on campus-wide initiatives. As founding executive director of the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, she shaped student learning, faculty pedagogy, and built programs such as Faculty Teaching Initiatives and Academic Strategies. Frederick oversees offices including an innovation center, the registrar’s office, and university financial aid. Nationally, she designs and leads mentorship training for Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists and other organizations. Frederick served on Yale’s Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence and is the Provost’s Office lead for AI strategy and infrastructure. She holds a BA in chemistry from Cornell and a PhD in chemistry from Yale. Previously, Frederick held faculty roles at the University of Bridgeport and Western Connecticut State University before returning to Yale for roles in academic administration.
Mark Sparvell
Education Director, Microsoft Worldwide; EdHeroes Advisory Board Member
Mark (B.Ed, M.Ed) is a global award winning educator and leader with over 30 years experience supporting innovation and transformation with technology. Mark is an author, podcaster, speaker and recognized expert in social and emotional learning.
Mark (B.Ed, M.Ed) is a global award winning educator and leader with over 30 years experience supporting innovation and transformation with technology. Mark is an author, podcaster, speaker and recognized expert in social and emotional learning.
Flower Darby
Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Estrella Mountain Community College
Flower Darby is an author and keynote speaker whose work celebrates and promotes effective teaching in all modalities to help all students learn and succeed. She currently serves as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Estrella Mountain Community College. Throughout her career, she has held several leadership positions in higher education, including Associate Director of a Teaching and Learning Center, Assistant Dean of Online and Innovative Pedagogies, and Director of Teaching for Student Success. These roles have allowed her to build on her experience teaching in person and online for over 30 years in a range of subjects including Psychology, English, Technology, Education, Leadership, Dance, and Pilates. Her new book is The Joyful Online Teacher: Finding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes (2026), and other books include The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching (2023) and Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes (2019).
Flower Darby is an author and keynote speaker whose work celebrates and promotes effective teaching in all modalities to help all students learn and succeed. She currently serves as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Estrella Mountain Community College. Throughout her career, she has held several leadership positions in higher education, including Associate Director of a Teaching and Learning Center, Assistant Dean of Online and Innovative Pedagogies, and Director of Teaching for Student Success. These roles have allowed her to build on her experience teaching in person and online for over 30 years in a range of subjects including Psychology, English, Technology, Education, Leadership, Dance, and Pilates. Her new book is The Joyful Online Teacher: Finding Our Fizz in Asynchronous Classes (2026), and other books include The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching (2023) and Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes (2019).
Cazadira F. Tamzil
Executive Director Pijar Foundation; EdHeroes Indonesia Hub Leader
Cazadira is a public policy and international relations strategist, with over a decade of experience in consulting, non-profits, and academia.
She is the Executive Director Pijar Foundation, with responsibilities encompassing programs, strategic communications, and operations. Previously, she served as the foundation's Director of Public Policy, driving collaborative governance through impactful forums and advocacy campaigns.
A Next Gen Fellow from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Cazadira has published extensively and lectured on future studies, climate politics, and public policy.
Cazadira is a public policy and international relations strategist, with over a decade of experience in consulting, non-profits, and academia.
She is the Executive Director Pijar Foundation, with responsibilities encompassing programs, strategic communications, and operations. Previously, she served as the foundation's Director of Public Policy, driving collaborative governance through impactful forums and advocacy campaigns.
A Next Gen Fellow from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Cazadira has published extensively and lectured on future studies, climate politics, and public policy.
Spyridon Kogkas
Founder and Director, Imagine Heritage; EdHeroes Greece Hub Leader
European heritage advisor & EU culture funding analyst. Cultural entrepreneur, pioneer of digital humanities projects in Greece. Co-founder and CEO of Imagine Heritage nonprofit organization as well of Heritage Future consortium.
Operated one decade ago as a Leading consultant of regional synergy between Mediterranean & Latin America. Worked in London as an advisor for the economic development & cooperation between Europe, South Africa and Latin America, gained important international experience on the global issues before moving completely to the Cultural Citizenship & entrepreneurship field.
Today, totally devoted on the European heritage protection and reuse for the future, thinking and writing on the importance of a "European Culture Contract" for an open heritage republic.
Moreover, co-founder, editor and member in International Cultural and Scientific Journals & Publications for the reworking of Anthropocene, Noosphere and Social networks in our age. Visionaire & active citizen for a new educational paradigm in defence of an universalist and ecumenical reloading of life's meaning.
Member of Europa Nostra.
European heritage advisor & EU culture funding analyst. Cultural entrepreneur, pioneer of digital humanities projects in Greece. Co-founder and CEO of Imagine Heritage nonprofit organization as well of Heritage Future consortium.
Operated one decade ago as a Leading consultant of regional synergy between Mediterranean & Latin America. Worked in London as an advisor for the economic development & cooperation between Europe, South Africa and Latin America, gained important international experience on the global issues before moving completely to the Cultural Citizenship & entrepreneurship field.
Today, totally devoted on the European heritage protection and reuse for the future, thinking and writing on the importance of a "European Culture Contract" for an open heritage republic.
Moreover, co-founder, editor and member in International Cultural and Scientific Journals & Publications for the reworking of Anthropocene, Noosphere and Social networks in our age. Visionaire & active citizen for a new educational paradigm in defence of an universalist and ecumenical reloading of life's meaning.
Member of Europa Nostra.
Amr Ellaithy
Creative Director and Experience Design Strategist at TAKWEEN Creative Studio; EdHeroes Egypt Hub Leader
Amr Ellaithy is a distinguished Creative Director and Experience Design Strategist specializing in crafting immersive, interactive, and psychology-driven experiences across the education, edutainment, cultural, and art sectors.
With expertise spanning experience design, active learning, marketing, advertising, and graphic design, Ellaithy has led the development of Classdome, Edutak, Fantasy Dome, and Fantasy Performance—projects that redefine how schools, educational institutions, and museums facilitate learning and engagement. As the driving force behind TAKWEEN Creative Studio, Ellaithy integrates immersive technology, storytelling, and behavioral insights into innovative services and solutions that elevate audience interaction and retention.
With a multidimensional approach that considers the needs of educators, children, and parents, Ellaithy designs impactful experiences that merge pedagogical principles, cognitive psychology, and interactivity to create meaningful engagement.
An advocate for psychology-driven design, Ellaithy believes that educational and cultural experiences should not only inform but also inspire, evoke curiosity, and create lasting impact. Actively engaged in thought leadership, public speaking, and industry discussions, Ellaithy aspires to shape the future of experience design in education and cultural spaces.
Amr Ellaithy is a distinguished Creative Director and Experience Design Strategist specializing in crafting immersive, interactive, and psychology-driven experiences across the education, edutainment, cultural, and art sectors.
With expertise spanning experience design, active learning, marketing, advertising, and graphic design, Ellaithy has led the development of Classdome, Edutak, Fantasy Dome, and Fantasy Performance—projects that redefine how schools, educational institutions, and museums facilitate learning and engagement. As the driving force behind TAKWEEN Creative Studio, Ellaithy integrates immersive technology, storytelling, and behavioral insights into innovative services and solutions that elevate audience interaction and retention.
With a multidimensional approach that considers the needs of educators, children, and parents, Ellaithy designs impactful experiences that merge pedagogical principles, cognitive psychology, and interactivity to create meaningful engagement.
An advocate for psychology-driven design, Ellaithy believes that educational and cultural experiences should not only inform but also inspire, evoke curiosity, and create lasting impact. Actively engaged in thought leadership, public speaking, and industry discussions, Ellaithy aspires to shape the future of experience design in education and cultural spaces.
Htet Thiri Shwe
Founder and CEO, MYEO; EdHeroes Myanmar Hub Leader
Htet founded MYEO as a university project whilst finishing her second degree at the University of Hong Kong in 2014.
Htet has 10+ years of experiences in Edtech sector focusing on Myanmar market with background in Business, Economics, Design Thinking and Finance. MYEO is Myanmar's human capital accelerator, upskilling youths with 21st-century skills through our online ecosystem, and connecting them to motivated peers and exciting job opportunities.
MYEO has +170,000 youths engaging with MYEO's Facebook community, +34,000 youths trained exclusively online, +33,000 youths trained in-person and online and +61,000 youths using MYEO's learning chatbots. Htet is a strong advocate of "Community Entrepreneurship" and "Education Equity" with dedication to build technology tools and solutions for the cause.
Htet founded MYEO as a university project whilst finishing her second degree at the University of Hong Kong in 2014.
Htet has 10+ years of experiences in Edtech sector focusing on Myanmar market with background in Business, Economics, Design Thinking and Finance. MYEO is Myanmar's human capital accelerator, upskilling youths with 21st-century skills through our online ecosystem, and connecting them to motivated peers and exciting job opportunities.
MYEO has +170,000 youths engaging with MYEO's Facebook community, +34,000 youths trained exclusively online, +33,000 youths trained in-person and online and +61,000 youths using MYEO's learning chatbots. Htet is a strong advocate of "Community Entrepreneurship" and "Education Equity" with dedication to build technology tools and solutions for the cause.
Conrad Wolfram
Strategic Director and European CEO/ Co-Founder, Wolfram Research; EdHeroes Advisory Board Member
Wolfram Research pioneers new approaches to AI, data science and computation-based development, with technology and consulting solutions that drive innovation in analytics, software development and modelling. Working with start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, governments, most universities and school systems worldwide, Wolfram's expertise spans all fields where computation is applied including medicine, finance and telecoms for R&D, deployment and education.
Over the last 30 years Conrad has been a key part of the technology transformation that has brought maths, computation and data science to the forefront of today's world and moved us towards the AI age. He regularly appears in the media, speaking about subjects ranging from the computational future and artificial intelligence to 21st-century education.
Wolfram Research pioneers new approaches to AI, data science and computation-based development, with technology and consulting solutions that drive innovation in analytics, software development and modelling. Working with start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, governments, most universities and school systems worldwide, Wolfram's expertise spans all fields where computation is applied including medicine, finance and telecoms for R&D, deployment and education.
Over the last 30 years Conrad has been a key part of the technology transformation that has brought maths, computation and data science to the forefront of today's world and moved us towards the AI age. He regularly appears in the media, speaking about subjects ranging from the computational future and artificial intelligence to 21st-century education.
Swarna Surya
Director of Technology & Innovation, Global School Leaders
Swarna Surya is the Director of Technology & Innovation at Global School Leaders, where she focuses on leveraging technologies, including AI, to strengthen school leadership programs and partner support across LATAM, Asia & Africa.
Swarna Surya is the Director of Technology & Innovation at Global School Leaders, where she focuses on leveraging technologies, including AI, to strengthen school leadership programs and partner support across LATAM, Asia & Africa.
Alan Greenberg
Professor of Practise, UNI Kosovo; Digital & Ai Director, Newson Global; Founding Partner, Indexlaw.com
Serial Entrepreneur, Consultant & Board Advisor. Impact Investment, Value Creation and Digital Transformation. Build, nurture, scale and drive impact in digital engagement; Education tech, Health Tech, Legal Tech ‘built for purpose’ AI and digital. Previously Director Apple Education EMEA, then China/AsiaPAC. Built Education Podcasting, iTunes U, APP Store, SEED CSR. Currently; Director/Trust Architect ASI.Tech + Founding Partner Indexlaw.com. Director Ai & Digital Newson Global, Director ConnectPlayWise. Education & Innovation Director Insight Gruppo. Board Director OneHundredTrail. UNI Kosovo - Professor of Practise & Director Innovation Lab UNI+. Fellow, Deeptech Labs, Cambridge. Keynote speaker & technology evangelist.
Serial Entrepreneur, Consultant & Board Advisor. Impact Investment, Value Creation and Digital Transformation. Build, nurture, scale and drive impact in digital engagement; Education tech, Health Tech, Legal Tech ‘built for purpose’ AI and digital. Previously Director Apple Education EMEA, then China/AsiaPAC. Built Education Podcasting, iTunes U, APP Store, SEED CSR. Currently; Director/Trust Architect ASI.Tech + Founding Partner Indexlaw.com. Director Ai & Digital Newson Global, Director ConnectPlayWise. Education & Innovation Director Insight Gruppo. Board Director OneHundredTrail. UNI Kosovo - Professor of Practise & Director Innovation Lab UNI+. Fellow, Deeptech Labs, Cambridge. Keynote speaker & technology evangelist.
Phuti Ragophala
Presidential National Order of Baobab Recipient; Former Principal, Pula Madibogo Primary School, South Africa
Phuti Ragophala is a retired South African educator, former school principal, technology-in-education pioneer, community development advocate, and lifelong learning champion. With more than three decades of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to improving teaching and learning through innovation, technology, creativity, and community engagement.
Phuti became a pioneer in integrating technology into teaching and learning in South Africa.
Her innovative approach to education earned her national and international recognition. Among her achievements, she was named a Top 50 Finalist in the Global Teacher Prize in 2017 and became a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, as well as receiving other recognitions for her contribution to technology-enabled education.
After retiring from school leadership, Phuti continued her passion for education and community development. She transformed part of her home into a community learning and skills hub where children can access educational support, digital resources, reading opportunities, and technology-based learning.
Phuti Ragophala is a retired South African educator, former school principal, technology-in-education pioneer, community development advocate, and lifelong learning champion. With more than three decades of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to improving teaching and learning through innovation, technology, creativity, and community engagement.
Phuti became a pioneer in integrating technology into teaching and learning in South Africa.
Her innovative approach to education earned her national and international recognition. Among her achievements, she was named a Top 50 Finalist in the Global Teacher Prize in 2017 and became a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, as well as receiving other recognitions for her contribution to technology-enabled education.
After retiring from school leadership, Phuti continued her passion for education and community development. She transformed part of her home into a community learning and skills hub where children can access educational support, digital resources, reading opportunities, and technology-based learning.
Tatiana Popa
Head of Secondary at Heritage International School, Moldova
Tatiana is an award-winning teacher, Deputy Academic Director and Head of Secondary at Heritage International School, where she coordinates student councils, teaching and learning, staff CPD, and online/ hybrid learning, and she also serves as a national teacher trainer and eTwinning ambassador.
She has worked in education for two decades in a variety of roles, from classroom teacher to teacher trainer and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Heritage International School.
Tatiana was recognised globally among Top 20 Edruptors (International Education Influencers) by ISC Research in 2023, for her ability to bring and inspire change in education, but also for sharing her own experiences, examples and advice with her peers. She got in this top the second time, after getting there for the first time in 2021.
Tatiana is an award-winning teacher, Deputy Academic Director and Head of Secondary at Heritage International School, where she coordinates student councils, teaching and learning, staff CPD, and online/ hybrid learning, and she also serves as a national teacher trainer and eTwinning ambassador.
She has worked in education for two decades in a variety of roles, from classroom teacher to teacher trainer and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Heritage International School.
Tatiana was recognised globally among Top 20 Edruptors (International Education Influencers) by ISC Research in 2023, for her ability to bring and inspire change in education, but also for sharing her own experiences, examples and advice with her peers. She got in this top the second time, after getting there for the first time in 2021.
Dario Greni
Principal, Rural School No. 88, Uruguay
For 29 years, Dario Greni has worked as a teacher in various rural schools in the Canelones department, Uruguay. He currently serves as a 6th-grade teacher and Principal at Rural School No. 88, located in Las Violetas. In recent years, he has taken part in science events both in Uruguay and abroad.
He has been recognized as an outstanding teacher both at home and abroad, receiving, in 2019, the honor of being selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Prize. In 2021, his approach to teaching science was awarded the NOVA Prize, granted by the Uruguayan State. He is currently part of the GLOBE program's working group in the education area and is finishing a Master's degree in Environmental Education.
For 29 years, Dario Greni has worked as a teacher in various rural schools in the Canelones department, Uruguay. He currently serves as a 6th-grade teacher and Principal at Rural School No. 88, located in Las Violetas. In recent years, he has taken part in science events both in Uruguay and abroad.
He has been recognized as an outstanding teacher both at home and abroad, receiving, in 2019, the honor of being selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Prize. In 2021, his approach to teaching science was awarded the NOVA Prize, granted by the Uruguayan State. He is currently part of the GLOBE program's working group in the education area and is finishing a Master's degree in Environmental Education.
K. Naga Seetha
Principal of Tiny Scholars High School, India
With 30 years of experience in education, she is the Founder of Tiny Scholars High School, a K–10 institution, and have served as its Principal for the past 24 years, leading a community of nearly 1,000 students.
Her work focuses on three key areas: teacher development, student counseling, and school leadership—empowering teachers to grow, supporting students in their academic and personal development, and strengthening leadership practices within schools.
She is also a Facilitator in the Principal Leadership Program conducted by Creatnet Organization, where she is a mentor and collaborates with fellow school leaders.
With 30 years of experience in education, she is the Founder of Tiny Scholars High School, a K–10 institution, and have served as its Principal for the past 24 years, leading a community of nearly 1,000 students.
Her work focuses on three key areas: teacher development, student counseling, and school leadership—empowering teachers to grow, supporting students in their academic and personal development, and strengthening leadership practices within schools.
She is also a Facilitator in the Principal Leadership Program conducted by Creatnet Organization, where she is a mentor and collaborates with fellow school leaders.
H.E. Dr May Laith Al Taee
Vice Chancellor, Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), Abu Dhabi
Dr. May Al Taee has served as the Vice Chancellor of ECAE since 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, learning and development, research, and digital transformation. She has led ECAE's strategic repositioning, introducing its new vision and strategy as a 'Future-Ready College of Education' focused on equipping educators to meet the dynamic demands of the education sector.
Dr. May has been instrumental in developing ECAE's holistic competency-based framework, designed to support educator growth and professional development. Her forward-thinking leadership integrates emerging technologies, research-driven methodologies, and global perspectives to design innovative educational programs and shape impactful policies. Dedicated to aligning ECAE's vision with the UAE's national goals, Dr. May is committed to empowering a new generation of educators who are prepared to thrive amid the dynamic demands of the future while remaining deeply rooted in Emirati culture.
Before joining ECAE, Dr. May held several prominent leadership roles, including Acting Dean at the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), where she spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the 'AD Government Leadership Program', 'Lifelong Learning', and 'Digital Learning for All'. At Zayed University, she served as Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, where she led accreditation efforts and contributed as a professor specializing in entrepreneurship, knowledge management, and project management, designing and delivering innovative curricula.
Dr. May Al Taee has served as the Vice Chancellor of ECAE since 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, learning and development, research, and digital transformation. She has led ECAE's strategic repositioning, introducing its new vision and strategy as a 'Future-Ready College of Education' focused on equipping educators to meet the dynamic demands of the education sector.
Dr. May has been instrumental in developing ECAE's holistic competency-based framework, designed to support educator growth and professional development. Her forward-thinking leadership integrates emerging technologies, research-driven methodologies, and global perspectives to design innovative educational programs and shape impactful policies. Dedicated to aligning ECAE's vision with the UAE's national goals, Dr. May is committed to empowering a new generation of educators who are prepared to thrive amid the dynamic demands of the future while remaining deeply rooted in Emirati culture.
Before joining ECAE, Dr. May held several prominent leadership roles, including Acting Dean at the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), where she spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the 'AD Government Leadership Program', 'Lifelong Learning', and 'Digital Learning for All'. At Zayed University, she served as Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, where she led accreditation efforts and contributed as a professor specializing in entrepreneurship, knowledge management, and project management, designing and delivering innovative curricula.
Suzanna Shamakhyan
Executive Director, Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST)
Suzanna Shamakhyan is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) and an education strategist working at the intersection of education, policy, and innovation. With over 13 years of experience, she has led transformative programs in education and research, developed policy frameworks in collaboration with government institutions, and built international partnerships spanning more than 40 countries. During her nearly 9 years at FAST, she has played a key role in shaping the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, including Generation AI, and advancing systemic approaches to education and innovation. Her work focuses on building sustainable learning ecosystems and developing the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Suzanna Shamakhyan is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) and an education strategist working at the intersection of education, policy, and innovation. With over 13 years of experience, she has led transformative programs in education and research, developed policy frameworks in collaboration with government institutions, and built international partnerships spanning more than 40 countries. During her nearly 9 years at FAST, she has played a key role in shaping the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, including Generation AI, and advancing systemic approaches to education and innovation. Her work focuses on building sustainable learning ecosystems and developing the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Mary Papzian
Executive Vice President, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
Mary Papazian is a seasoned higher education leader with nearly 35 years of experience as a professor, academic administrator, and university president. She most recently served as the 30th President of San José State University, Silicon Valley’s public university, and previously as President of Southern Connecticut State University. Her decade-long tenure in leadership at both institutions centered on institutional transformation, organizational development, community partnerships, inclusive excellence, global education, digital transformation, strengthening research and graduation education, and addressing barriers to educational equity and student and faculty success. A scholar of Early Modern British Literature, she holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA.
Mary Papazian is a seasoned higher education leader with nearly 35 years of experience as a professor, academic administrator, and university president. She most recently served as the 30th President of San José State University, Silicon Valley’s public university, and previously as President of Southern Connecticut State University. Her decade-long tenure in leadership at both institutions centered on institutional transformation, organizational development, community partnerships, inclusive excellence, global education, digital transformation, strengthening research and graduation education, and addressing barriers to educational equity and student and faculty success. A scholar of Early Modern British Literature, she holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA.
Perouz Taslakian
Research Lead & Scientist, ServiceNow Research
Perouz Taslakian is a Research Scientist and Research Lead at ServiceNow AI Research, where she leads research focused on reliable AI systems that are secure, privacy-preserving, and grounded in enterprise data. Dr. Taslakian is also an Adjunct Professor at McGill University and an Associate Industry Member at Mila – Quebec AI Institute. Previously, she held research and leadership positions at Element AI, Samsung AI Lab, and Morgan Stanley, and served as Professor and Chair of the BSc in Computational Sciences program at the American University of Armenia. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from McGill University, with research spanning machine learning, causality, multimodal models, and AI systems.
Perouz Taslakian is a Research Scientist and Research Lead at ServiceNow AI Research, where she leads research focused on reliable AI systems that are secure, privacy-preserving, and grounded in enterprise data. Dr. Taslakian is also an Adjunct Professor at McGill University and an Associate Industry Member at Mila – Quebec AI Institute. Previously, she held research and leadership positions at Element AI, Samsung AI Lab, and Morgan Stanley, and served as Professor and Chair of the BSc in Computational Sciences program at the American University of Armenia. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from McGill University, with research spanning machine learning, causality, multimodal models, and AI systems.
Armen Mkrtchyan
Origination Partner, Flagship Pioneering
Armen Mkrtchyan leads a team to invent and launch new breakthrough platform companies grounded in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Flagship Pioneering. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (summa cum laude) from the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Mkrtchyan joined Flagship Pioneering from McKinsey & Company where he was most recently an Associate Partner and Co-leader of the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility. He led large corporate transformations, client development efforts, and engagements on strategy and operations with a focus on the impact of AI in the automotive, aerospace, and hi-tech/electronics sectors.
Armen Mkrtchyan leads a team to invent and launch new breakthrough platform companies grounded in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Flagship Pioneering. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (summa cum laude) from the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Mkrtchyan joined Flagship Pioneering from McKinsey & Company where he was most recently an Associate Partner and Co-leader of the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility. He led large corporate transformations, client development efforts, and engagements on strategy and operations with a focus on the impact of AI in the automotive, aerospace, and hi-tech/electronics sectors.
Ryan Donaghy
Deputy Minister, New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Ryan was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. A graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Ryan began his career with the civil service in 2002. He has held various positions in different departments including deputy minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform and deputy minister of Environment. He was appointed deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector) in February 2023.
Ryan was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. A graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Ryan began his career with the civil service in 2002. He has held various positions in different departments including deputy minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform and deputy minister of Environment. He was appointed deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development (anglophone sector) in February 2023.
Justin Edwards
Co-Lead and Executive Producer, Minecraft Education
Justin is Co-Lead and Executive Producer of Minecraft Education at Mojang Studios (Microsoft), where he leads the Learning Experiences & Growth team spanning content development, educator training, and strategic partnerships. Before joining Mojang in 2021, Justin was Chief Executive of CCEA, Northern Ireland's curriculum, examinations and assessment authority, and previously Director of Curriculum at Belfast Metropolitan College, the largest further and higher education college in Northern Ireland. He represented the UK on the European Commission's Digital Skills Working Group and served on the Expert Panel for the Review of GCSEs and A-Levels in Northern Ireland. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Justin holds an MSc in Computing. He is based in Belfast.
Justin is Co-Lead and Executive Producer of Minecraft Education at Mojang Studios (Microsoft), where he leads the Learning Experiences & Growth team spanning content development, educator training, and strategic partnerships. Before joining Mojang in 2021, Justin was Chief Executive of CCEA, Northern Ireland's curriculum, examinations and assessment authority, and previously Director of Curriculum at Belfast Metropolitan College, the largest further and higher education college in Northern Ireland. He represented the UK on the European Commission's Digital Skills Working Group and served on the Expert Panel for the Review of GCSEs and A-Levels in Northern Ireland. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Justin holds an MSc in Computing. He is based in Belfast.
Whitney McKinley
Student Achievement Consultant of Learning Innovation, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Ontario
Whitney McKinley is a Student Achievement Consultant of Learning Innovation at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada, where she co-leads the Innovation Department and one of Canada's most forward-thinking approaches to AI in K-12 education. Working at the intersection of AI and assessment, she partners with postsecondary researchers, consults with boards across the country, and has keynoted in Canada, Colombia, China, and South Korea. She co-hosts Deep Learning Dialogues, an 80-episode podcast on AI and the future of education. Her focus: not whether AI belongs in our schools, but how we meet it with wisdom.
Whitney McKinley is a Student Achievement Consultant of Learning Innovation at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada, where she co-leads the Innovation Department and one of Canada's most forward-thinking approaches to AI in K-12 education. Working at the intersection of AI and assessment, she partners with postsecondary researchers, consults with boards across the country, and has keynoted in Canada, Colombia, China, and South Korea. She co-hosts Deep Learning Dialogues, an 80-episode podcast on AI and the future of education. Her focus: not whether AI belongs in our schools, but how we meet it with wisdom.
Allison Matthews
Founder and Principal, Mistrise Advisory
Allison Matthews led the transformation of Minecraft Education into one of the world's most widely used game-based learning platforms, growing it to millions of learners across 120+ countries. Her team created learning experiences with UNESCO, NASA, BBC Earth, the Nobel Peace Center, and C40 Cities, and developed the popular and accessible AI Foundations curriculum. She most recently served as Chief of Staff and Senior Director of AI Innovation at Microsoft Elevate. Allison now leads Mistrise Advisory, working with leaders in AI and education on product direction, partnership strategy, and the trade-offs that deliver real-world impact. She is based in Seattle and British Columbia, Canada.
Allison Matthews led the transformation of Minecraft Education into one of the world's most widely used game-based learning platforms, growing it to millions of learners across 120+ countries. Her team created learning experiences with UNESCO, NASA, BBC Earth, the Nobel Peace Center, and C40 Cities, and developed the popular and accessible AI Foundations curriculum. She most recently served as Chief of Staff and Senior Director of AI Innovation at Microsoft Elevate. Allison now leads Mistrise Advisory, working with leaders in AI and education on product direction, partnership strategy, and the trade-offs that deliver real-world impact. She is based in Seattle and British Columbia, Canada.
Nafisa Waziri, PhD
Senior Education Researcher; Senior Portfolio Manager, Open Development & Education
Nafisa Waziri is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Open Development & Education (OpenDevEd), where she leads and supports research and programme delivery across Africa. She has over 15 years of experience in education, research, and international development, with expertise in teacher professional development, inclusive education, and education in conflict-affected contexts. Her work focuses on designing and implementing education interventions, translating evidence into policy and practice, and supporting governments and partners to strengthen education systems. Nafisa has worked with governments, multilateral organisations, and research institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, and is particularly interested in how emerging technologies, including AI, can support more equitable and inclusive learning.
Nafisa Waziri is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Open Development & Education (OpenDevEd), where she leads and supports research and programme delivery across Africa. She has over 15 years of experience in education, research, and international development, with expertise in teacher professional development, inclusive education, and education in conflict-affected contexts. Her work focuses on designing and implementing education interventions, translating evidence into policy and practice, and supporting governments and partners to strengthen education systems. Nafisa has worked with governments, multilateral organisations, and research institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, and is particularly interested in how emerging technologies, including AI, can support more equitable and inclusive learning.
Stella Evelyn Chinoko
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, ekitabu, Malawi
Stella Evelyn Chinoko is a Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Manager with experience in education, inclusive development, and evidence generation in Malawi. Her work focuses on using research and data to strengthen education systems and improve outcomes for learners who are often underserved, particularly Deaf children and learners with disabilities. She has experience in programme monitoring and evaluation, research design, data analysis, and translating evidence into practical recommendations for policy and programming. Stella is currently involved in the Scaling Inclusive Early Learning with Deaf Children initiative, supporting research and evidence generation to strengthen sign language-rich learning environments, teacher capacity, accessible learning materials, and inclusive early childhood education in Malawi. Her work brings together research, implementation learning, and stakeholder engagement to support contextually relevant and sustainable approaches to inclusive education.
Stella Evelyn Chinoko is a Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Manager with experience in education, inclusive development, and evidence generation in Malawi. Her work focuses on using research and data to strengthen education systems and improve outcomes for learners who are often underserved, particularly Deaf children and learners with disabilities. She has experience in programme monitoring and evaluation, research design, data analysis, and translating evidence into practical recommendations for policy and programming. Stella is currently involved in the Scaling Inclusive Early Learning with Deaf Children initiative, supporting research and evidence generation to strengthen sign language-rich learning environments, teacher capacity, accessible learning materials, and inclusive early childhood education in Malawi. Her work brings together research, implementation learning, and stakeholder engagement to support contextually relevant and sustainable approaches to inclusive education.
Anne-Sophie Seret
Executive Director everyone.AI and iRAISE
Anne-Sophie Seret is the Executive Director of everyone.AI, and Chief Program Officer of iRAISE. With a background in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and collaborative project management, she brings experts together to translate complex AI challenges into actionable policy and educational frameworks. A strong supporter for third-party AI evaluation, she advocates for measurable accountability tools that empower policymakers and push companies to build stronger safeguards to protect future generations at international scale.
Anne-Sophie Seret is the Executive Director of everyone.AI, and Chief Program Officer of iRAISE. With a background in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and collaborative project management, she brings experts together to translate complex AI challenges into actionable policy and educational frameworks. A strong supporter for third-party AI evaluation, she advocates for measurable accountability tools that empower policymakers and push companies to build stronger safeguards to protect future generations at international scale.
Mathilde Cerioli, PhD
Chief Scientist everyone.AI and iRAISE
Mathilde Cerioli holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and a Master's Degree in Psychology, with a strong focus on child development. As Chief Scientist at everyone.AI and iRAISE, Mathilde is committed to integrating responsible, safe, and ethical technology to support children's development. She is the lead author of several landmark publications on the impact of AI on children and adolescents, including the latest: "Mapping of GenAI Impacts on Child Development".
Mathilde Cerioli holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and a Master's Degree in Psychology, with a strong focus on child development. As Chief Scientist at everyone.AI and iRAISE, Mathilde is committed to integrating responsible, safe, and ethical technology to support children's development. She is the lead author of several landmark publications on the impact of AI on children and adolescents, including the latest: "Mapping of GenAI Impacts on Child Development".
Svenia Busson
Co-founder, Education Futures
Svenia Busson is an internationally active education strategist and co-founder of Education Futures, a think tank exploring how learning and judgment can be preserved in the age of AI. Over the past ten years, she has built EdTech ecosystems across Europe, co-founding the European EdTech Alliance and EdTech France. As the author of Exploring the Future of Education, she has researched the future of learning across 19 countries.
Svenia Busson is an internationally active education strategist and co-founder of Education Futures, a think tank exploring how learning and judgment can be preserved in the age of AI. Over the past ten years, she has built EdTech ecosystems across Europe, co-founding the European EdTech Alliance and EdTech France. As the author of Exploring the Future of Education, she has researched the future of learning across 19 countries.
Erin Mote
CEO, InnovateEDU
Erin Mote is a transformative leader operating at the intersection of education, technology, and global policy. As the CEO and Founder of InnovateEDU, she architects the uncommon alliances necessary to modernize data systems, scale special education innovation, and lead the national conversation on Safe by Design AI.
An enterprise architect by trade, Erin’s career spans from launching the USAID Global Broadband and Innovations Alliance to advising the White House on global development policy. She is the co-founder of the Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School and the visionary behind Project Unicorn, the national standard for data interoperability. Erin serves on the boards of Digital Promise and XPRIZE, dedicated to ensuring technology serves as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to accessible education.
Erin Mote is a transformative leader operating at the intersection of education, technology, and global policy. As the CEO and Founder of InnovateEDU, she architects the uncommon alliances necessary to modernize data systems, scale special education innovation, and lead the national conversation on Safe by Design AI.
An enterprise architect by trade, Erin’s career spans from launching the USAID Global Broadband and Innovations Alliance to advising the White House on global development policy. She is the co-founder of the Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School and the visionary behind Project Unicorn, the national standard for data interoperability. Erin serves on the boards of Digital Promise and XPRIZE, dedicated to ensuring technology serves as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to accessible education.
Ignatius Kweyu
Senior Manager, Project Management, eKitabu
Ignatius is a Senior Manager, Project Management at eKitabu, where he manages projects focused on the digitization and Quality Assurance (QA) of curriculum materials into accessible formats for learners with disabilities. He has experience in Project Management and Quality Management Systems, with expertise in accessible education, inclusive pedagogy, and capacity building for teachers and educators. His work focuses on adapting and delivering learning materials in accessible formats, training teachers and learners to use accessible digital materials, and driving the sustainability and scaling of accessible education initiatives. He is particularly interested in how accessible technology can expand equitable learning opportunities for learners with disabilities across Africa.
Ignatius is a Senior Manager, Project Management at eKitabu, where he manages projects focused on the digitization and Quality Assurance (QA) of curriculum materials into accessible formats for learners with disabilities. He has experience in Project Management and Quality Management Systems, with expertise in accessible education, inclusive pedagogy, and capacity building for teachers and educators. His work focuses on adapting and delivering learning materials in accessible formats, training teachers and learners to use accessible digital materials, and driving the sustainability and scaling of accessible education initiatives. He is particularly interested in how accessible technology can expand equitable learning opportunities for learners with disabilities across Africa.
Yves Dushimimana
Inclusive Teachers Coordinator, eKitabu, Rwanda; Sign Language Lecturer, University of Kigali
Dushimimana Yves is an Inclusive Teachers Coordinator at eKitabu Rwanda and a Sign Language Lecturer at the University of Kigali. He is an education professional with experience advancing inclusive education and equitable learning opportunities for Deaf children in Rwanda. His work focuses on strengthening sign-language-rich learning environments, teacher professional development, accessible learning materials, and assessment for Deaf learners. Yves works with teachers, schools, families, Deaf organizations, and education stakeholders to promote effective and sustainable approaches to Deaf education. He is particularly interested in Rwanda Sign Language development and recognition, inclusive pedagogy, teacher capacity building, and the use of evidence and technology to improve educational outcomes for Deaf learners.
Dushimimana Yves is an Inclusive Teachers Coordinator at eKitabu Rwanda and a Sign Language Lecturer at the University of Kigali. He is an education professional with experience advancing inclusive education and equitable learning opportunities for Deaf children in Rwanda. His work focuses on strengthening sign-language-rich learning environments, teacher professional development, accessible learning materials, and assessment for Deaf learners. Yves works with teachers, schools, families, Deaf organizations, and education stakeholders to promote effective and sustainable approaches to Deaf education. He is particularly interested in Rwanda Sign Language development and recognition, inclusive pedagogy, teacher capacity building, and the use of evidence and technology to improve educational outcomes for Deaf learners.
Senthil Kumaran
Staff Software Engineer, Uber
Senthil Kumaran is a Staff Software Engineer at Uber Technologies and a CPython Core Developer, one of active contributors globally who shape the Python language. A Georgia Tech OMSCS alumnus (M.S. Computer Science, 2019), Senthil has spoken at AWS Re:Invent, PyCon USA, PyCon Australia, and served as Co-Chair of the Python Language Summit 2022. He has interest in Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence, and Distributed Systems.
Senthil Kumaran is a Staff Software Engineer at Uber Technologies and a CPython Core Developer, one of active contributors globally who shape the Python language. A Georgia Tech OMSCS alumnus (M.S. Computer Science, 2019), Senthil has spoken at AWS Re:Invent, PyCon USA, PyCon Australia, and served as Co-Chair of the Python Language Summit 2022. He has interest in Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence, and Distributed Systems.
Dr. Ye Kyaw Thu
CEO/Founder, AI Mario Company Ltd., Myanmar; Visiting Professor, Core AI Research Team, NECTEC, Thailand
Ye Kyaw Thu is the CEO and Founder of AI Mario Company Ltd., Myanmar, and a Visiting Professor at NECTEC, Thailand (since January 2019). He holds a B.Sc. in Physics from Dagon University, Myanmar, and an M.Sc. and D.Sc. in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies from Waseda University, Japan. He previously held research positions at NICT, OPU, and Waseda University (2009–2021), led the NLP Research Lab at UTYCC, Myanmar (2020–2021), and was an Affiliate Professor at CADT, Cambodia (2022–2023). He actively supervises undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students at institutions including KMITL and SIIT. His research interests span AI, NLP, and HCI, with extensive R&D experience in corpus building, SMT, ASR, and TTS for the Myanmar language. Currently, he focuses on NLP R&D for Myanmar sign language and braille, and serves as the country representative for the "Enhancing Computational Skills in Mekong Schools" project.
Ye Kyaw Thu is the CEO and Founder of AI Mario Company Ltd., Myanmar, and a Visiting Professor at NECTEC, Thailand (since January 2019). He holds a B.Sc. in Physics from Dagon University, Myanmar, and an M.Sc. and D.Sc. in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies from Waseda University, Japan. He previously held research positions at NICT, OPU, and Waseda University (2009–2021), led the NLP Research Lab at UTYCC, Myanmar (2020–2021), and was an Affiliate Professor at CADT, Cambodia (2022–2023). He actively supervises undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students at institutions including KMITL and SIIT. His research interests span AI, NLP, and HCI, with extensive R&D experience in corpus building, SMT, ASR, and TTS for the Myanmar language. Currently, he focuses on NLP R&D for Myanmar sign language and braille, and serves as the country representative for the "Enhancing Computational Skills in Mekong Schools" project.
Khin Khant Khant Hlaing
Senior Full-Stack Developer, MYEO
Khin Khant Khant Hlaing is a dedicated full-stack developer with a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. She currently serves as a Senior Full-Stack Developer at MYEO, where she builds practical, scalable solutions that create meaningful impact, from learner-focused chatbots and AI-powered tools to comprehensive Learning Management Systems that empower educators and improve learning experiences. Khin's AI expertise stems from her senior engineering roles at CloudSource Inc., where she led complex projects ranging from healthcare computer vision pipelines to LLM-driven generative text systems. She launched her career as an NLP Research Fellow of the Myanmar NLP Lab at the University of Technology Yatanarpon Cyber City, conducting research on low-resource language processing for the Myanmar language.
Khin Khant Khant Hlaing is a dedicated full-stack developer with a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. She currently serves as a Senior Full-Stack Developer at MYEO, where she builds practical, scalable solutions that create meaningful impact, from learner-focused chatbots and AI-powered tools to comprehensive Learning Management Systems that empower educators and improve learning experiences. Khin's AI expertise stems from her senior engineering roles at CloudSource Inc., where she led complex projects ranging from healthcare computer vision pipelines to LLM-driven generative text systems. She launched her career as an NLP Research Fellow of the Myanmar NLP Lab at the University of Technology Yatanarpon Cyber City, conducting research on low-resource language processing for the Myanmar language.
Ne Nan Nandar Nwe
AI Ready ASEAN Master Trainer; Marine Researcher
Ne Nan Nandar Nwe is a trainer, researcher, and experienced community development practitioner with an interdisciplinary background in education and technology. She served as a Master Trainer for the AI Ready ASEAN Program, delivering community-based AI literacy training and Training of Trainers (TOT) across Myanmar. Through her work, she contributes to bridging the digital divide by supporting educators and communities in developing AI literacy, responsible use, and ethical awareness. She was also nominated and selected as a Female Community Mentor to provide strategic insights on community challenges and risk management for the ASEAN Foundation Impact Report.
Ne Nan Nandar Nwe holds a Master’s degree in Marine Science from Myeik University. Her professional experience includes marine biodiversity research, community-led marine conservation, climate action, and laboratory research. She contributed to the development of six newly identified Community-Led Locally Managed Marine Areas (CL-LMMAs) through qualitative research, community- centered strategies, and conservation planning.
She has been recognized as a Climate Champion Award recipient, an OMLAS Champion, and is a YSEALI alumna for her contributions to community engagement, leadership, and sustainability. She is passionate about empowering communities and underrepresented groups through AI literacy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Ne Nan Nandar Nwe is a trainer, researcher, and experienced community development practitioner with an interdisciplinary background in education and technology. She served as a Master Trainer for the AI Ready ASEAN Program, delivering community-based AI literacy training and Training of Trainers (TOT) across Myanmar. Through her work, she contributes to bridging the digital divide by supporting educators and communities in developing AI literacy, responsible use, and ethical awareness. She was also nominated and selected as a Female Community Mentor to provide strategic insights on community challenges and risk management for the ASEAN Foundation Impact Report.
Ne Nan Nandar Nwe holds a Master’s degree in Marine Science from Myeik University. Her professional experience includes marine biodiversity research, community-led marine conservation, climate action, and laboratory research. She contributed to the development of six newly identified Community-Led Locally Managed Marine Areas (CL-LMMAs) through qualitative research, community- centered strategies, and conservation planning.
She has been recognized as a Climate Champion Award recipient, an OMLAS Champion, and is a YSEALI alumna for her contributions to community engagement, leadership, and sustainability. She is passionate about empowering communities and underrepresented groups through AI literacy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Moe Pyae Pyae Aung
AI Ready ASEAN Master Trainer
Moe Pyae Pyae Aung is an educator and Master Trainer for AI Ready ASEAN, dedicated to advancing digital literacy, basic computer education, and generative AI integration across Southeast Asia. With extensive hands-on experience in curriculum development and instructional training, she focuses on empowering learners and educators through human-centered technology applications. Her work emphasizes bridging digital equity gaps, enhancing classroom engagement through adaptive learning tools, and equipping future leaders with practical digital skills. As a featured panel speaker at the EdHeroes Global Forum, she shares actionable insights on deploying generative AI responsibly to build inclusive, future-ready learning environments.
Moe Pyae Pyae Aung is an educator and Master Trainer for AI Ready ASEAN, dedicated to advancing digital literacy, basic computer education, and generative AI integration across Southeast Asia. With extensive hands-on experience in curriculum development and instructional training, she focuses on empowering learners and educators through human-centered technology applications. Her work emphasizes bridging digital equity gaps, enhancing classroom engagement through adaptive learning tools, and equipping future leaders with practical digital skills. As a featured panel speaker at the EdHeroes Global Forum, she shares actionable insights on deploying generative AI responsibly to build inclusive, future-ready learning environments.
Speakers
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Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Oakland University; Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
(USA)
Founder & CEO, Minerva Project
(USA)
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Vice Chancellor, Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), Abu Dhabi
(UAE)
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Vice President, Terawe Corporation Former Microsoft’s Director of Worldwide Education Strategy; EdHeroes Advisory Board member
(Ireland)
Technology Executive and Advisor; Former Vice President of Education, The Linux Foundation
(USA)
President of Enterprise, Coursera & Udemy
(USA)
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Head, Department of Education Reform, and Endowed Chair, at the University of Arkansas; Former Senior Adviser, World Bank Education; EdHeroes Advisory Board member
(USA)
EdHeroes Expansion Director
(Indonesia)
Senior Vice-President and Chief Content Officer, Coursera
(USA)
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Education Director, Microsoft Worldwide; EdHeroes Advisory Board Member
(USA)
CEO EdCatalyst Group
(USA)
Vice Provost for Digital Learning, University of Central Florida
(USA)
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PhD, FRSA, FIoHE, HSRF, Fulbright Specialist; Neuroscientist, AI Ethics Researcher, Inventor
(USA)
Technology, Privacy and Policy Professor of Law, Seton Hall University; Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institute
(USA)
Project Manager, Microsoft; Founder, Nuevo Foundation
(Venezuela / USA)
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Partnerships Coordinator, Amantani; EdHeroes Peru Hub Leader
(Peru)
Chief of Section for Higher Education, UNESCO
(USA)
Dean, School of Business, Universidad de Palermo (Argentina); Professor of Marketing and Digital Transformation; International Speaker on Higher Education Innovation, AI and Digital Learning
(Argentina)
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Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives, Executive Director, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Yale University
(USA)
Strategy and International Director, Narxoz Business School, Kazakhstan; Founder, ARC Advisory
(Scotland, UK; Kazakhstan)
Professor, School of Business, Universidad de Palermo (Argentina); Professor of AI and Digital Business; 3-Time Author on Digital Media and Technology
(Argentina)
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Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor,
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education
(USA)
CEO, Ascend Now and The Edge, Entrepreneur, Advisory Board member building education businesses. Board Member of Georgetown University, Baratta Center for Global Business—Georgetown McDonough and Dukes Education
(Belgium)
Director, Digital Innovation for the University Design Institute, Arizona State University, USA
(USA)
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President, inVision U (Almaty); Director, Compass College (Bishkek)
(Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan)
CEO and Co-Founder, International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies; EdHeroes China Hub Leader
(China)
Professor & Head of MBA-Consulting, Innovation Director, Executive Education Designer, S P Jain School of Global Management
(Singapore)
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Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Estrella Mountain Community College
(USA)
Executive Director Pijar Foundation; EdHeroes Indonesia Hub Leader
(Indonesia)
Founder and Director, Imagine Heritage; EdHeroes Greece Hub Leader
(Greece)
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Creative Director and Experience Design Strategist at TAKWEEN Creative Studio; EdHeroes Egypt Hub Leader
(Egypt)
Founder and CEO, MYEO; EdHeroes Myanmar Hub Leader
(Myanmar)
Director of Technology & Innovation, Global School Leaders
(India)
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Strategic Director and European CEO/ Co-Founder, Wolfram Research; EdHeroes Advisory Board Member
(United Kingdom)
Professor of Practise, UNI Kosovo; Digital & Ai Director, Newson Global; Founding Partner, Indexlaw.com
(UK)
Presidential National Order of Baobab Recipient; Former Principal, Pula Madibogo Primary School, South Africa
(South Africa)
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Head of Secondary at Heritage International School, Moldova
(Moldova)
Principal, Rural School No. 88, Uruguay
(Uruguay)
Principal of Tiny Scholars High School, India
(India)
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Executive Director, Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST)
(Armenia)
Executive Vice President, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
(USA)
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AI Ready ASEAN Master Trainer
(Myanmar)
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Research Lead & Scientist, ServiceNow Research
(Canada)
Origination Partner, Flagship Pioneering
(USA)
Deputy Minister, New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(Canada)
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Co-Lead and Executive Producer, Minecraft Education
(UK)
Student Achievement Consultant of Learning Innovation, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Ontario
(Canada)
Founder and Principal, Mistrise Advisory
(USA)
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Senior Education Researcher; Senior Portfolio Manager, Open Development & Education
(Nigeria)
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, ekitabu, Malawi
(Malawi)
Executive Director everyone.AI and iRAISE
(USA)
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Chief Scientist everyone.AI and iRAISE
(USA)
Co-founder, Education Futures
(France)
CEO, InnovateEDU
(USA)
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Senior Manager, Project Management, eKitabu
(Kenya)
Inclusive Teachers Coordinator, eKitabu, Rwanda; Sign Language Lecturer, University of Kigali
(Rwanda)
Staff Software Engineer,
Uber
Uber
(USA)
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CEO/Founder, AI Mario Company Ltd., Myanmar; Visiting Professor, Core AI Research Team, NECTEC, Thailand
(Myanmar)
Senior Full-Stack Developer, MYEO
(Myanmar)
AI Ready ASEAN Master Trainer; Marine Researcher
(Myanmar)
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More speakers to be announced soon
Forum Tracks
Practical Applications and Implementation
Track 3
- Assessment, Credentials, and Trust After Generative AI
- Practical Applications: AI in Real Learning Environments
- AI for Everyday Learning: Simple Tools for Teachers and Students
Humanity, Ethics, and Human Development
Track 2
- Human Agency, Cognition, and the Future of Intelligence
- Teachers, Learners, and Human—AI Partnership
- Ethics, Trust, and Responsible AI Use in Education
- Preparing Humans for Flourishing in an AI Age
- Equity and Public Interest in AI-Driven Education
AI and the Future of Education
Track 1
- Beyond AI Tools: Designing Future Learning Systems
- From Education Systems to Intelligent Societies
- AI Governance and Policy for Education
✦
Educators and academic leaders
Policymakers and public sector representatives
✦
EdTech founders and innovators
✦
Researchers and learning designers
✦
School and university decision-makers
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Students and future-focused changemakers
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Previous Editions
2025
10th July
Exploring how emerging technologies, ethical AI, and cross-sector collaboration are transforming learning systems worldwide.
Exploring how cultural heritage shapes modern education systems and strengthens global learning communities.
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2024
11–12th July
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What Our Speakers Say
What I love about the EdHeroes Global Forum is that it draws people from every corner of the world who are serious about whether students actually learn. That kind of focus—across so many countries and contexts—is rarer than you'd think, and I'm always glad to be part of it.
Barbara Oakley, Ph.D.
P.E., FAAAS, FIEEE, FAIMBE; Distinguished Professor of Engineering; Oakland University
Speaking at the EdHeroes Forum reminded me that meaningful progress in learning does not happen in isolation. EdHeroes is a true catalyst for growth, inspiring both educators and learners to think beyond boundaries and work collectively toward a more informed and empowered future.
Francisco J. Marmolejo
Higher Education President & Education Advisor; Qatar Foundation Higher Education—President Office
As Generative AI and other emerging technologies transform the world at unprecedented rates, it has never been more important to create effective, scalable educational systems: one that can equip the world's learners with the right skills they need to grow their careers. The EdHeroes mission is a critical one, and it is only by connecting passionate, motivated change-makers that we can foster the institutional collaboration that will be necessary to prepare hundreds of millions of learners to succeed in an AI economy.
Marni Baker Stein
Chief Content Officer at Coursera
In my experience, meaningful transformation in education begins when we truly listen to communities and empower them to lead. What I value about EdHeroes is its ability to bring these voices together through the Global Forum, creating a space where dialogue becomes action. It is not simply a platform, but a bridge between local wisdom and global collaboration. Within this connection, sustainable impact is born.
Osama Obeidat
Advisor, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Former CEO, Queen Rania Teacher Academy
Honoured to join the EdHeroes Global Forum as a speaker and engage in crucial conversations with global voices in education. The dialogue around technology, ethics, equity, and policy reminds us that the future of education must be shaped not only by innovation, but also by responsibility and inclusion.
Nanthaporn Prae Seributra, PhD
CEO. Starfish Education
EdHeroes Global Forum Partners
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Singapore 068804
Get inspired—discover EdHeroes Global Forum 2025!