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AI Expo 2023 – Unveiling the AI Frontier: Your Passport to Three Hours of FREE Community AI Education!
August 17, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WENATCHEE, WA – The 2023 AI Expo, hosted collaboratively by the NCW Tech Alliance, North Central ESD, and the Apple STEM Network, will be held on Thursday, August 17, from 12:30 – 5:00 pm at the Wenatchee Convention Center. This year marks a significant milestone as the AI EXPO transitions from an online event to an in-person format for the first time. The AI Expo is included in the NCESD STEM Summit, running from August 15-17 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Thanks to the generosity of Microsoft, the AI Expo is open to the business community and general public to attend for free. This eagerly awaited event will provide an inclusive platform for individuals from all walks of life to plug into the fascinating universe of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is rapidly gaining ground in North Central Washington and beyond.
The core objective of this year’s AI Expo sessions is to foster an environment of connection and exploration, focusing on the profound impact of AI on education, workforce development, and everyday life within rural communities. Featuring an engaging lineup of speakers and discussions, participants will be immersed in community conversations aimed at addressing the myriad questions that arise in the context of AI integration. Speakers include:
Ben Bardsley, BX: Ben is a driven and dynamic tech entrepreneur with extensive leadership and management experience. Ben started his career as an Officer in the British Army. He spent 5 years in the Welsh Guards Infantry regiment deploying to Afghanistan in 2012. After leaving the Army in 2013 Ben joined his family fruit farm as the 5th generation. He went on to transform his 130-year family fruit farming business Bardsley England, growing it by 1400% over 8 years to become the UK second largest apple producer and then delivered a successful exit for his family in 2021. Whilst he was a fruit farmer, it was clear to Ben that the food system was broken and needed transforming. This is where BX was born. Ben transitioned from being a farmer to a tech entrepreneur and is now building a climate tech platform that can support farmers in their environmental journey using data, AI, and FX exchanges to enable this transition.
Jolenta Coleman-Bush, Microsoft: Jolenta leads the Education & Workforce Development portfolio for Microsoft Philanthropies in Washington State. Prior to joining Microsoft, Jolenta was a leader in the public and nonprofit sector developing, implementing, and advocating for student-centered policies and practices to eliminate opportunity gaps. Jolenta has held roles at the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning, Rainier Scholars—a pipeline college access program, and the League of Education Voters. Jolenta is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied Child Development and Family Studies and has a master’s degree in Education Policy from the University of Washington.
Dr. Paola Pesantez-Cabrera, AgAID Institute: Paola is a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University. She is also the data manager/scientist for the AgAID Institute – AI for Transforming Workforce and Decision Support in Agriculture and the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI). Her research focuses on the development of data-driven decision support tools through the application of FAIR data principles and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning with a direct impact on agriculture and its environmental and economic sustainability. She is an avid advocate of accessible education, the generation of knowledge, respect for diversity and the visualization and engagement of Latin American women in STEM, which is why she is also a member of SACNAS, Women in Analytics, and the Association of Data Scientists.
Dr. Shannon Thissen, Capital Region ESD 113: As the Regional Administrator for Educational Technology and Computer Science, she works to develop student success in academics by supporting the implementation of district-approved curricula and school improvement plans. This includes documenting teaching and student progress, activities, and outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling successful teaching strategies; and providing feedback to staff and administration regarding improvement plan progress, plan modification, AI communications, and impact of professional development activities with a continued focus on Educational Technology and Computer Science Integration in-person, in-districts, or remotely.
Eduardo Castillo, Director General at Centro de Inteligencia Artificial – IA Center: A renowned technology enthusiast and innovator with an impressive 30-year career in the field of information technology and communications. As the Director at the Center for Artificial Intelligence – IA Center, Eduardo leads transformative initiatives in talent development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, working closely with industry partners and the communities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez. In addition to his work at the IA Center, Eduardo plays a pivotal role in a National AI Alliance in Mexico, leading vital working groups in areas such as education, data, and innovation. The Alliance’s mission is a testament to Eduardo’s vision: to craft a cohesive national strategy for artificial intelligence adoption, regulation, innovation, and education in Mexico.
To inaugurate the event, attendees will be treated to an engaging keynote conversation followed by interactive breakout sessions, offering real-world insights into the practical applications of AI. Beyond the invaluable knowledge sharing, the AI Expo presents a unique networking opportunity. The event welcomes educators, community leaders, and business professionals from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where both AI experts and novices can thrive. Whether one is well-versed in AI or just beginning to grasp its potential, the event promises an enriching experience that fosters learning and exploration.
As part of the NCW Tech Alliance’s commitment to including all communities, this year’s AI Expo includes an all Spanish session. Immerse yourself in an AI odyssey from 2:00-4:00PM, led by the dynamic duo of tech visionaries Dr. Paola Pesantez-Cabrera and Eduardo Castillo. This session is not just about AI. It’s about propelling your understanding of the future.
