Data Bytes

Overview In this episode of the Data Bytes podcast, we will be joined by Gaston Besanson, the Global Head of Data Science at PepsiCo. Gaston has been building new practices, businesses, and high-performing teams in data science for more than 18 years and driving business evolution through data processing, data analytics, and decision support. In this interview, we will explore the topic of digital transformation and its key barriers. We will also discuss the role of the global data science team in PepsiCo, what defines an ideal PepsiCo data scientist, and the types of problems that Gaston's teams work on today. Additionally, we will touch upon the importance of diversity at the time of building analytics solutions. Tune in to learn more about how AI is driving digital transformation at PepsiCo. About Gaston Besanson Gaston Besanson has been building new practices, businesses and high-performing teams in data science for more than 18 years and driving business evolution through data processing, data analytics and decision support. After more than a decade leading teams in various private and academic institutions, since early 2021 Gaston joins PepsiCo as Global Head of Data Science to build a global big data science team working across the company's different functions of interest. Since November 2021, he leads PepsiCo's Global Digital Hub in Barcelona. The focus of Gaston's work is the continuous development of AI-based analytics components as part of PepsiCo's digital products and services, along with innovation in the field of intelligent systems applied to business processes. This is coupled with his strong values of fostering a respectful and dynamic culture based on empowerment, communication and collaboration.   Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/besanson Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview In this episode, Dr. David Moses discusses his research in speech neuroprosthetics. He delves into his research paper on Neuroprosthesis for Decoding Speech in a Paralyzed Person with Anarthria, highlighting the challenges faced during the study and the deep learning models utilized. Dr. Moses also discusses the potential for further improvements with additional data and whether similar studies have been conducted without the use of implants. The conversation then shifts to the ethics of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), with Dr. Moses sharing his thoughts on concerns surrounding BCIs, ways to encourage more individuals to participate in ethics conversations, and a potential timeline for BCIs entering the market. Finally, Dr. Moses discusses industry opportunities outside of academia and offers advice on how to get started in the field. About Dr. David Moses  Dr. David Moses received a BS in Bioengineering from Rice University and then a PhD in Bioengineering from a joint program between UCSF and UC Berkeley. During his PhD in Dr. Edward Chang's lab at UCSF, he studied how perceived and produced speech is encoded in the human cortex using electrocorticography (an invasive brain-recording methodology involving electrical sensors placed directly on the brain surface), and he developed a system to decode both kinds of speech from the cortical activity of volunteer participants. After graduating, he remained in Dr. Chang's lab as a postdoctoral scholar to manage and coordinate projects on a new early-feasibility clinical trial at UCSF to evaluate the potential of electrocorticography and machine learning to restore speech to patients with severe paralysis. After successful proof-of-concept demonstrations, he continues to work towards the development of a clinical implementation to enhance the communicative capabilities of those who are unable to speak. Social Media Twitter: @AtDavidMoses Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview In this episode, we dive into the topic of collective intelligence and its optimization with Anita Woolley, Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. We get to know Anita's story and the valuable lessons she has learned in her career. Our first topic is competition and collective intelligence in groups. We explore the definition of collective intelligence and the signs of a high-functioning team. We also discuss whether gender differences play a role in enabling collective intelligence in teams. Moving on to the second topic, we delve into the effect of gender composition on the use of expertise. Anita shares her research on this topic and whether the results surprised her. We also explore the actions that leaders and teams can take to ensure that women are more likely to participate, even if they are in the minority group. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for optimizing collective intelligence and creating more inclusive teams. About Anita Williams Woolley Anita Williams Woolley is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and the Associate Dean of Research at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. Dr. Woolley received her doctorate in organizational behavior from Harvard University, and her research includes seminal work on collective intelligence, which was first published in Science in 2010 and has been featured in over 5000 publications and media outlets since. Her papers have been published in Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, and Management Science among others and her research has been funded by grants from several federal funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, the Army Research Institute, and DARPA, as well as private corporations. Currently, Professor Woolley is a Senior Editor at Organization Science and a founding Associate Editor of Collective Intelligence. At the Tepper School, she teaches courses on managing teams and leading global and distributed teams. Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview In this podcast episode, Yakaira Núñez (Kai), Vice President of Research & Insights at Salesforce, joins as a guest to share her story and insights on leading teams to deliver actionable insights. Kai is an experienced leader in data and analytics, with a passion for driving innovation and positive change. Kai shares her background and how she got into the field of data and analytics. She then dives into the first topic, actionable insights. Kai defines what actionable insights are and how a multifaceted team plays a crucial role in driving them. She also shares her experiences building and deploying a data fluency agenda across the organization and the valuable lessons she learned from it. Also, she talks about her work with the Trillion Trees Tree Tracking Platform and Generations AI with the World Economic Forum, where responsible AI is a key focus. She discusses her leadership style and what it means to lead with empathy, responsibility, and impact. Kai provides real-life examples of how she implements these principles in her leadership style and the positive outcomes it has produced. Overall, this episode provides insightful and practical advice on leading teams to deliver actionable insights, using responsible AI, and leading with empathy and impact. About YAKAIRA 'Kai' NÚÑEZYakaira is a product & research leader dedicated to crafting technology that enables the human/life/work experience - seamlessly. She is an experienced strategist, systems thinker, and implementer who has employed her passion to deliver high impact products and build responsible tech & data fluency throughout organizations. As a product leader, she is renowned for agile and proactive delivery, operational excellence, digital transformation, and laser focus on value to the customer + the bottom line. As Head of Research & Insights for the Salesforce Platform she has focused her talents on directing & activating data from analytics to insights from C-Suite to Sales Enablement in service of FY23 goals for: AI & Data, Developer & Administrative Experiences, Platform Products & Cloud Strategy. As a leader in Responsible Tech, she has led tech innovation and product development for strategic initiatives such as the Land & Oceans Sustainability Goals, Trillion Trees Tree Tracking Platform, and Generations AI with the World Economic Forum. Across industries and services, from multinational organizations to educational institutions, to start ups, and not for profits - Yakaira has shaped and delivered high value services and products. Yakaira speaks publicly on Diversity and Inclusion in AI and Tech, and Green Tech. Social Handles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakairanunez/ Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview This Data Bytes podcast episode features Beth A Walter, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communication at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, where she discussed two interesting topics. The first topic focused on the common pitfalls individuals make when communicating analytic insights in the field of data analytics.  The second topic discussed on the podcast was executive presence, and how performing arts can improve it. Walter explained that executive presence refers to the ability to project confidence, competence, and credibility in high-stakes situations. She shared tips on how to improve executive presence, such as maintaining eye contact and body posture, and the importance of developing a strong voice. Walter also discussed how learning the performing arts can help improve executive presence, as it involves building self-awareness, practicing presence, and honing communication skills. Overall, Walter's insights were valuable for anyone looking to improve their communication skills, whether in the realm of data analytics or executive presence. About Beth Walter Beth Walter is Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communication at Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses in business communication, presentation skills, professional writing, executive presence, storytelling, improv for leaders, and strategic leadership. Additionally, Beth serves as faculty director for communication programs at Tepper Executive Education and regularly consults with global companies to help them improve their internal and external communications. Formerly, Beth was an assistant professor of communication at the University of Dayton and at CMU-Heinz College for Public Policy and Information Systems. Her most recent research focuses on pedagogical methods for making the contexts and conventions of business writing and their differences more explicit and accessible for business students. Beth also researches effective strategies for corporate communication about social responsibility initiatives. Beth received two top-paper awards from the National Communication Association for her research in rhetorical theory and semiotics. Her work has been published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication, and she is a recipient of Duquesne University’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. From 1996-2010, Beth served as President and CEO of Spotlight Performing Arts, Inc. in Pittsburgh where she directed over three dozen theatrical productions. Drawing on her former experience as an actress, stage director, and entrepreneur, Beth helps professionals at all stages of their career apply classic performance principles to communicate with impact and collaborate in teams. Social Handles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-a-walter-37108235/ Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview In this podcast, we will explore the world of data management with Barkha Saxena who is the Chief Data Officer at Poshmark. She shares two distinct topics - data products and datamesh. In the first part of the podcast, we will discuss data products, including how they are defined, the types of data products built at Poshmark, and whether one needs data product owners to build data products. We will also explore how organizations can develop a data product mindset. In the second part of the podcast, we will delve into datamesh, including the differences between data fabric and datamesh, and advice for Chief Data Officers (CDOs) looking to transition to a datamesh. We will also discuss what skills would be valuable for someone starting their career in data management today. Join us as we explore these two important topics in the world of data management and help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of data. About Barkha Saxena Business and Product leader with broad and deep data and AI expertise. Experience in taking an idea to all the way to building a business unit through the stages of innovation, strategy, product development, business development and sales. Experience working with large scale data science and ML implementations for Social Ecommerce, Advertising, Financial Services, Retail, and Telecom industries • Seasoned executive with experience in building teams from ground up and driving business initiatives.  • 20 years of experience in analytics, data science and machine learning. Business function expertise: product, marketing and operations • Data: Deep expertise in consumer digital behavior data and traditional marketing, acquisition, product interaction, risk and customer management data Social Handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barkhasaxena/  Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Barr Moses, Co-Founder and CEO of Monte Carlo, joins on the podcast. Prior to founding Monte Carlo, Barr was the VP of customer success operations at Gainsight and holds a bachelors of science in mathematics and computer science from Stanford. In today’s episode Barr shares her inspiration for founding Monte Carlo, the cost and harms of poor quality data, the five principles of data observability, and her top predictions for data trends in 2023. About Barr Moses Barr Moses is CEO & Co-Founder of Monte Carlo, a data reliability company and creator of the data observability category, backed by Accel, GGV, Redpoint, ICONIQ Growth, Salesforce Ventures, IVP, and other top Silicon Valley investors. Previously, she was VP Customer Operations at customer success company Gainsight, where she helped scale the company 10x in revenue and, among other functions, built the data/analytics team. Prior to that, she was a management consultant at Bain & Company and a research assistant at the Statistics Department at Stanford University. She also served in the Israeli Air Force as a commander of an intelligence data analyst unit. Barr graduated from Stanford with a B.Sc. in Mathematical and Computational Science. Social Handles LinkedIn Barr's Twitter Monte Carlo's Twitter Monte Carlo's Website Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Gabriela de Queiroz joins us this week on the podcast.  Learn what skills are needed in a technical role as an individual contributor and how these skills change as you move to a management or leadership role. Transitioning to a leadership role can be difficult but Gabriela shares how you can best prepare to move into the role and excel! Here's a hint, a community is essential!  About Gabriela de Queiroz With over a decade of experience in the data space, Gabriela has worked in research and in several startups from different industries, including Software, Financial, Advertisement, and Health. Throughout her career, she has built diverse teams, created sophisticated data science solutions, engaged with customers and stakeholders to deliver business insights and drive data-centric decisions. She is passionate about building innovative solutions, understanding business gaps, and customer needs, and delivering a flawless experience. Currently, Gabriela de Queiroz is a Principal Cloud Advocate Manager at Microsoft. She leads and manages the Global AI/ML/Data team in Education Advocacy. Before that, she worked at IBM as a Program Director on Open Source, Data & AI Technologies and then as Chief Data Scientist at IBM, leading AI Strategy and Innovations. She is actively involved with several organizations to foster an inclusive community. In 2012 she founded R-Ladies, a worldwide organization for promoting diversity in the R community, present in more than 200 cities in 55+ countries. In 2019, she founded AI Inclusive, a global organization that is helping increase the representation and participation of minorities in Artificial Intelligence. Social Handles k-roz.com twitter linkedIn mastodon AI Inclusive Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Elona Tuomi and Maithili Dandige  are two senior leaders in technology, certified life coaches, and life coaches for women in data. If you are looking to overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and get unstuck in your career, then this episode is for you. We cover everything from what is life coaching career transitioning, and how  perfectionism lead to imposter syndrome. Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Wendy Turner-Williams joins us to share her inspiring story.  She used her layoff as a pivoting point to start a community to bring people together.  She shares insights with the tech layoffs happening in this current time. Wendy also chats about the similarities of being a CDO and creating a community.  About Wendy Turner-Williams In her role as Chief Data Officer, Wendy manages Enterprise Data Strategy, Data Platforms & Services, Data Governance & Management Maturity, Data Risk, and Data Literacy. Wendy and her team are charged with helping fuel data-driven business innovation, transformation, and operational excellence across all areas of Tableau’s business.   She joined Tableau after several years with parent company Salesforce, leading the Information Management & Enterprise Data Strategy.  She also worked at Microsoft in both Bing/Ads and Azure driving data strategy and data platform as a service. Wendy has over 20 years of data, strategy, business applications, process automation and management experience - spanning multiple business segments. Wendy graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.A. in European History.  Social Handles LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-turner-williams-8b66039/ Join The 10% Community - http://salesforcelayoffs.slack.com/ Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview We are speaking with the powerhouse, Dr Brandeis Marshall. She is the Founder and CEO of DataedX Group, author of the book Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity, and founder of Black Women in Data. In this episode we talk about her journey and tips for writing a book. We also explore the doom of AI and what can be done about it. About Dr. Brandeis Marshall Brandeis Hill Marshall teaches, speaks and writes about the impact of data practices on technology and society. This computer scientist is an accomplished educator-scholar instructing aspiring data professionals to seasoned business leaders and leading federally funded projects. Dr. Marshall is the Founder and CEO of DataedX Group, LLC. DataedX Group provides learning and development training to help educators, scholars and practitioners humanize their data practices by recognizing and mitigating algorithmic harms. Her first book, Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity, was released in September 2022. It unearths the interlocking computational and civic implications of data on digital processes, structures and institutions. She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Rochester. Social Handles Twitter | Personal - https://twitter.com/csdoctorsister Twitter | Black Women in Data - https://twitter.com/BlkWomenInData Twitter | DataedX - https://twitter.com/DataedX_ LinkedIn | Personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandeis-marshall/ LinkedIn | DataedX - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dataedx/ Website | DataedX - https://www.dataedx.com Website | Personal - https://www.brandeismarshall.com Website | Black Woman in Data - https://www.brandeismarshall.com Buy "Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity" | https://www.brandeismarshall.com/book Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Rehgan Avon, Co-Founder & CEO AlignAI where she is changing the way companies retain, update, and consume their institutional knowledge around building and using data & AI.  She shares her founder's journey, the struggles and solutions that exist sharing institutional knowledge for AI and how to overcome barriers as a woman in tech.  About Rehgan Avon Rehgan Avon is the co-founder & CEO of AlignAI, an AI Adoption Platform that is changing the way companies capture, share, and improve institutional knowledge around AI and data across their organization. With a background in integrated systems engineering and a strong focus on building technology to support analytics and ML, Rehgan has worked on architecting solutions and products around operationalizing machine learning models at scale within the large enterprise. Rehgan’s previous experience has been fueled by a passion for early-stage startups and product development. She has also taught courses in python, data science, and web development at MBA programs nationally. Rehgan has built an extensive community of experts through Women in Analytics, a company she founded in 2016 to promote more visibility to diverse individuals making an impact in this space. She hosts a global conference every year that has put over 200 women on the stage. The community has over 5000 members from around the world that participate in tutorials, learning groups, discussion boards, and mentorship programs. She is also the recipient of Columbus CEO’s Future 50 award. Social Handles https://twitter.com/RehganAvon https://twitter.com/wia_community https://twitter.com/getalignai https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehganavon/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-analytics-community https://www.linkedin.com/company/alignai https://www.instagram.com/wia_community/ https://www.facebook.com/womeninanalyticscommunity  Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Our guest, Rob Collie is the Founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive. Prior to his work at P3 Rob was a Sr Program Manager for Microsoft and worked on products such as Excel, PowerPivot and more. In this episode, we discuss the love/hate relationship with excel, how to find the data gene in individuals at your organization and how to be a super PowerBI user. In addition, Rob shares how he is continually learning and updating policies to create a more inclusive working environment at P3. About Rob Collie Rob Collie is Founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a national consultancy that’s redefining what you should expect from data services firms. A former engineering leader at Microsoft, Rob led the business intelligence investments n Microsoft Excel, and later helped shape the early versions of Power BI. That unique set of experiences led him to create a new kind of consulting firm – one that delivers more impact than traditional firms, does so in a fraction of the time, and is accessible to everyone. Social Media Website: https://p3adaptive.com/ Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/

Overview Today’s guest is Dipti Borkar, Vice President and General Manager, SaaS, Azure Databases at Microsoft. Prior to joining Microsoft, Dipti was the Founder and Creator of Ahana, a cloud managed service. Dipit has vast experience working in startups such as Counchbase, and Marklogic, and began her career working as a software engineer for IBM. In today’s episode, Dipti shares how Databases have evolved over the past 15 years, her predictions for the future of technology and provides actionable advice for those looking to start a career in technology. About Dipti Borkar Dipti is a senior technology executive and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in cloud, open source and distributed data / database tech including relational, NoSQL, and federated systems.  Dipti is the Vice President & General Manager at Azure Data, Microsoft where she leads product and engineering teams to make cloud databases simple and smart. She founded Ahana and created a cloud managed service for SQL on data lakes where she played many roles including Chief Product Officer and VP of Cloud / Open source engineering. Prior to Ahana, she held various different executive roles at Alluxio, Couchbase and IBM. At Couchbase she held several leadership positions over the years leading and building out the product, engineering and world-wide solutions engineering teams. At IBM, Dipti managed large world-wide dev teams for DB2 Distributed where she also started her career as a software engineer in the DB2 LUW kernel. She also served as Chairperson of the Linux Foundation / Presto Foundation community for many years. Dipti holds a MS in Computer Science from UC San Diego with a specialization in databases and holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. She is very passionate about empowering and mentoring women in tech and open source. Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview In today’s episode, Adita shares here journey transitioning from Government to Industry, the Operating Model for Internal CDO Role, the need for Data Literacy, and why Female Representation in Government is essential and how she is making a impact in this space.  About Adita Karkera With more than 20 years' of industry experience, Karkera serves as the Chief Data Officer for Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Government and Public Services where she leads the data strategy to foster value creation from the organizations’ data while facilitating trust. Karkera also serves as a thought leader and Fellow in the Deloitte AI Institute for Government where she strategically advises government clients on maximizing business value in the areas of data management, strategy, advanced analytics, and AI. Prior to joining Deloitte, Karkera spent nearly 20 years with the State of Arkansas. She began her career as a database administrator and was appointed the Deputy Chief Data Officer (CDO) in 2017. In her role as Deputy CDO, she led the State through many data firsts. Her emphasis on fostering a data driven culture, advancing data sharing, and spearheading initiatives to improve the effectiveness of government programs and decision-making positioned her as a principal specialist and passionate leader in data management. She was instrumental in researching and implementing statewide data policies across a multitude of policy areas. She was also appointed to the governor's COVID-19 Technical Advisory Board to recommend technology solutions for combatting the pandemic in Arkansas. As an advisor and thought leader, Karkera is dedicated to improving public service. She has served on many industry boards and data management industry forums. She is a pioneer in articulating the importance of data literacy especially in accelerating advanced analytics and trustworthy AI adoption in government. Karkera also devotes herself to empowering women in data and AI through formal and informal mentorship programs. She has been nationally recognized by GovTech Awards, StateScoop 50 Awards, Women in IT Awards, and Women Leaders in Data & AI for her exemplary contributions to the industry. You can find her actively engaged with the CDO/data community as a speaker and on LinkedIn & Twitter. Social Handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditakarkera/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AKark_DataGirl Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview In today’s episode Kate shares her career journey, and talks about how Web3 will unlock value for consumers and brands and provides examples of this through her team’s work at Pepsico.  Kate has been a leader in digital innovation for many years. About Kate Brady Kate is a seasoned marketing veteran with over 20-years media and marketing experience, 12+ of those years within PepsiCo. Kate now leads Next Gen D2C Consumer Experience and Direct Digital Marketing Capabilities, a newly formed team within PepsiCo’s global Strategy and Transformation organization driving growth for PepsiCo through the lens of consumer data and experiences. Kate’s team is responsible for creating value and enabling consumer centricity through current and next generation platforms by delivering meaningful consumer experiences through direct consumer engagement and activation across a connected direct-to-consumer network. A key part of this work is driven through the establishment of PepsiCo’s Web3 & Metaverse Center of Enablement, leading the coordination and global strategy development across all PepsiCo sectors. Prior to this role Kate has worked across PepsiCo’s global portfolio of brands driving media strategy, investment, innovation and partnership development. Kate lives in Mahopac, NY with her husband Ryan and 2 daughters Ava (15) and Liv (13). Social Handles LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katebrady1007 Twitter: @katebrady1007 Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview Today we are chatting with Lauren Hinds. Lauren is the President of What.If.Why, a coaching and analytics company focused on tackling persistent problems. With over 15 years’ experience leading teams and applying big data toward business operations, financial growth, and product development, she is an expert at inquiry, connecting dots, and seeing trends. Today we chat about common mistakes analysts make in the analysis and how to avoid them through understanding the nuts and bolts of how the business operates, building relationships and getting curious to ask the right questions.  Lauren has an amazing ability to make complex problems simple and listening to the episode will help you take your analysis to the next level.  About Lauren Hinds Lauren Hinds is the President of What.If.Why, a coaching and analytics company focused on tackling persistent problems. With over 15 years’ experience leading teams and applying big data toward business operations, financial growth, and product development, she is an expert at inquiry, connecting dots, and seeing trends. Lauren has an MBA, is a certified coach (ACC) and inspires learning through the WEH Foundation. As a mother, wife, boss, employee, friend, business owner, and daughter, she knows that big and small goals alike can seem daunting but that they are always within reach – you may just have to get creative. Social Handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaurenhinds Website: http://www.whatifwhy.com/ Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Christelle Mombo Zigah, Responsibility AI Committee Member and Sr Global Customer Success Manager for Cisco. With 15 years, she worked in multiple industries and wore multiple hats before discovering her superpower in helping global technology companies in their growth, transformation, and innovation strategies. Christelle believes it is “an imperative to make AI accessible to everyone and to implement policies and regulations in the public and private spaces to prevent the effects of discriminating historical data and harmful algorithms at scale”. In today’s episode Christelle shares her story of how she found her voice as an immigrant woman of color in the tech industry and how we all have a role to play in creating responsible AI. Christelle is a power house and is paving the way for more voices to be heard in AI and is truly an inspiration to all of us.  About Christelle Mombo-Zigah Christelle Mombo-Zigah was born and raised in France, to Congolese parents. She currently lives in Silicon Valley. She is a wife and a mother of two intelligent, funny, and opinionated magical little black girls aged 5.5 and 3. She has a master’s degree in International Economics from La Sorbonne University and recently graduated from Stanford GSB with an executive MBA, where she enjoyed the opportunity to grow her learnings and network with accomplished professionals from all over the world. Christelle Mombo-Zigah is a futurist, an ambidextrous leader, and a problem-solver, who believes in the power of technology to make the world a better place for everyone. As a professional for 15 years, she worked in multiple industries and wore multiple hats before discovering her superpower in helping global technology companies in their growth, transformation, and innovation strategies. Her people- first mindset, commitment to human-centered experiences, and sustainability redirected her focus toward responsible AI and women in technology advocacy. She believes it is “an imperative to make AI accessible to everyone and to implement policies and regulations in the public and private spaces to prevent the pernicious effects of discriminating historical data and harmful algorithms at scale”. Passionate about history and linguistics she speaks French, English, and Spanish fluently and is learning Portuguese. She sees languages as a unifier and a connector to the world. She also appreciates her Kongo heritage and history through its lineage in the Americas and the Caribbean. Christelle recently published her first children’s book and is working on three more before tackling her memoir. She wants to build a legacy for her daughters and share her story to inspire the next generations of leaders and give a voice to the voiceless. Social Handles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christellemombozigah/  Website: https://christellemmbo.wixsite.com/my-site  Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview We are joined by two guests. First, Nesli Bisgin Data scientist and researcher with a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and MS in Mathematics. Nesli is also the instructor for Women in Data’s Data Science Portfolio class. Our second guest is Taye Johnson. Taye is a technologist and educator who has worked in a variety of industries including nonprofit, start-ups and global enterprises In Addition, Taye is the instructor for Women in Data’s Data Analytics Portfolio class.  In this episode,  we chat about the keys to a great portfolio, the importance of defining your business question and how to get inspiration from everyday life for your portfolio projects.  About Taye Johnson Taye Johnson is a technologist with years of experience working within the global data industry. Throughout the years she has worked for startups, nonprofits, and global enterprises. She has worked in Data Governance and as an After-School Coding Instructor. Taye is also an advocate for diversifying tech and facilitates technical workshops outside of her professional role at emerging nonprofits. About Neslihan Bisgin Neslihan Bisgin is a Data scientist and researcher with a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and MS in Mathematics. Strong knowledge in ML and NLP with applications ranging from Twitter data analysis to cancer detection and disease prediction. Proficient in Python and Matlab. Experienced Lecturer with a history of working in the higher education. Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20

Overview We are talking to Shany Mahalu and Sam Borghese. We discuss how we can design projects that enable success on both the students and the industry standpoint. Finally, we wrap up the episode talking about the future of education, and how technology can enable change. About Shany Mahalu  Shany Mahalu Atiya is a higher education professional with an extensive experience designing, implementing, and leading graduate strategic initiatives and educational programs. She serves as the Senior Director, Corporate Engagement and External Relations for the Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) at UCLA Department of Economics. She is responsible for generating and cultivating a corporate employer pipeline and nurturing meaningful relationships with corporations and industry leaders that position MQE students for success in the job market. Shany began her professional career at the Israeli Defense Forces, where she served as a Non-Commissioned Educational Officer and later as Director of Security Operations for the Israeli Airlines, El Al. After graduating from Pepperdine with a Master of Science in Organization Development in 2008, she further developed her passion for people and leadership, and started her journey as a higher education professional. In her tenure at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, she led the admissions, recruitment, career development, alumni, and employer relations efforts for the part-time and executive MBA/Master programs. Her passion for diversity and inclusion led her to design and facilitate military-connected career readiness programs and initiatives in collaboration with the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) and the Amazon Military Event team.  About Sam Borghese Sam Borghese has designed and taught eight courses inside the Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) at UCLA. This curriculum includes, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning in Finance and Blockchain. All course work is project-focussed to allow students to gain pragmatic experience in these fields. Another responsibility at UCLA that Sam has undertaken is advising applied projects. Companies that partner with the MQE layout a data-driven problem in which Sam assembles a team and walks students through potential solutions over an academic quarter. Prior to this, Sam was doing research with a former Economist at George Soros Fund creating models for forecasting asset prices. Both of them teamed up to create a Mock Fund that disseminates the signals for investment banks and other financial institutions to view. This project grew to be the UCLA Quant Lab, which Sam is the appointed Director of. Simultaneously Sam runs a Quant Hedge Fund that is up +30% net of fees in 2022. Social Handles Sam Borghese Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/samborghese Shany Mahalu  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shany-mahalu-atiya-msod-a47831a/  Learn more about our mission and become a member here: https://www.womenindata.org/ All Data Bytes listeners get 20% off of WiD membership by using the code: DATABYTES20