AD Edwards is an AI governance and cybersecurity leader, educator, and founder of the Center for AI & Cyber Excellence (CACE). Her work focuses on helping organizations understand how AI is actually being used, who is accountable for decisions, and how governance can move beyond documentation into practice. She is passionate about creating career pathways for women and professionals entering AI governance, privacy, risk, and cybersecurity, and has built a growing community around practical, workforce-focused AI education.

Alicia Scott is an entrepreneur and product builder who founded Range Beauty to create inclusive, skin-centered makeup for reactive skin types. Her mission-driven brand gained national acclaim when she made history in 2022 as the first Black woman beauty founder to secure a deal on Shark Tank and earned a spot on Forbes “Female Founders To Celebrate” list. Range Beauty has since launched nationwide in Sephora and earned features in major publications like Allure, W Magazine, and Essence. Today, she leads her new event-first social platform, seeyouthere., which helps people connect and find their people to attend concerts, festivals, and cultural events together. Whether in beauty or tech, Alicia’s work is driven by the same philosophy: listen deeply, build boldly, and create products that make people feel like they belong.

Angela Wall is a technology leader, product strategist, and longtime Oracle technologist with more than 30 years of experience helping people and organizations turn complex technology into practical solutions. Currently a Director of Product Management at Oracle, Angela has built a career that spans database administration, technical leadership, solution architecture, technical program management, cloud, and AI. She has worked with Oracle Database since version 7 and now helps shape technology experiences that make it easier for customers, developers, and learners to explore, understand, and put Oracle technology to work. Angela is especially passionate about making emerging technology approachable. Whether she is exploring AI, designing hands-on learning experiences, or helping someone move from “I’ve heard about this” to “I actually built this,” she believes technology is most powerful when people can see what is possible for themselves. At BaddieCon, Angela will lead a hands-on workshop featuring Oracle technology designed to take participants beyond the slides and into the technology—because sometimes the best way to discover what you can do is simply to get in there and build something.

Ashley Ragland is the CEO and co-founder of Signal Works, leading their first product 2nd Signal, an AI operations platform for aesthetic medicine practices that unifies fragmented booking, payments, and marketing systems into a single decision layer for owners and operators. She also leads Operations Technology at UPS Digital, where she runs a cross-functional agile team building AI-driven operational intelligence, billing transformation, and customer experience platforms. Her career spans Amazon — across AWS and Amazon Business, where she worked in go-to-market strategy and cloud economics and led the company into a first-of-its-kind partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor — and Georgia Tech, where she led corporate relations. She builds Signal Works from Atlanta while running enterprise AI programs by day, which shapes a practical view of where AI actually creates leverage for a small team.

Ayana Gray is the founder of the Center for Democratic AI (CDAI). Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Master of Philosophy in the Ethics of AI, Data, and Algorithms from the University of Cambridge, Ayana has built a career advocating for responsible technology. Through CDAI Ayana increases public engagement with AI policy, spreading awareness about the effects of AI on society and championing public involvement in shaping the future of AI.

Brittnee spends a lot of her time thinking about ideas. As the founder of MyFriendBrittnee, she helps founders, artists, and businesses make sense of what they’re building and translate it into something people can see, feel, and connect with. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and creative direction, with a focus on building identities that feel distinct and intentional. Whether through branding, writing, or conversation, she’s interested in how ideas move from someone’s mind into the world.

DeJa Hunt is a strategic GTM and operations leader with a background spanning sales, account management, and sales strategy and enablement. She brings 8+ years of experience turning business strategy into scalable programs, stronger operating rhythms, and measurable results, partnering closely with sales leadership and cross-functional teams to drive execution. Beyond her day-to-day role, DeJa serves as Co-Chair of her company’s Women’s Network, where she helps foster connection, community, and professional growth across the organization. Known for leading through influence and bringing people together around a clear path forward, DeJa combines a strategic mindset with a practical, get-it-done approach.

Dhanashri Phadke is a technologist and AI innovation leader with experience across enterprise systems, product engineering, digital transformation, customer success, data, and AI. Her work focuses on building human-centered AI for high-trust environments, guided by the principles of agency, invention, and human impact.

Elaina Moore is the founder of Creed Marketing and COO of NFNTE Capital, where she leads the business development and program strategy behind a suite of AI and entrepreneurship education initiatives reaching students and institutions across the country. A marketing strategist with deep roots in consumer behavior, she brings the same frameworks she uses to build brands and close partnerships into every room she speaks in. She teaches Consumer Behavior at UNC Charlotte, and her work sits at the place where strategy, education, and community meet.

Meet Erica Banks. With 26 years in technology, Erica made the journey from writing software code to leading talented engineers who build full technology stacks. Today, she is a Vice President of Software Engineering at CNN, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family. Leading over 100 engineers, she oversees the editorial newsroom tools and many core experience frameworks powering what you see on CNN.com and the CNN apps. Erica has also led technology projects for major sports brands, including the NBA, Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, and NCAA March Madness. Erica first learned how to code in the sixth grade using BASIC. She holds two degrees, a B.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a M.S. in Information Technology from Southern Polytechnic State. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, history, interior design, and fast cars. To every baddie with big dreams – bet on yourself, make the moves, and go get what’s yours.

Jackie Shaw is a People & Culture leader, speaker, and founder of The Infinite Wave, where she helps ambitious professionals build careers and lives with more clarity, alignment, and sustainable success. With nearly a decade of experience leading People Operations, employee experience, and culture initiatives across high-growth startups, she brings a practical, human-centered approach to career growth and well-being. Jackie is passionate about helping people redefine success on their own terms by combining strategy, wellness, and intentional living. Her work has been featured through workshops, speaking engagements, and content that empowers professionals to thrive without burning out.

Jasey Tragesser is an enterprise marketing leader with more than a decade of experience driving growth for some of the world’s leading technology and media companies. Despite not taking a traditional path through higher education, she built her career through relentless execution, earning recognition from Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and Black Enterprise. Today, she helps brands and publishers accelerate revenue through strategic marketing, audience growth, and thought leadership. She is passionate about helping ambitious women redefine success on their own terms.

Some leaders talk about disruption. Jennifer Lee-Harrison has spent twenty years leading through it and building stronger teams on the other side.

As Head of Performance -- CRM Strategy, SEO & Channel Performance at Shipt, a Target company, Jennifer leads CRM, SEO, and analytics across one of retail’s largest customer ecosystems. Her career spans Carter’s, Choice Hotels, Digitas, and Mindshare, with more than $300M in marketing investment, multi-brand portfolios, national retail launches, and growth capabilities built from the ground up.

She has built brand platforms, creator programs, lifecycle infrastructure, and high-performing teams sometimes with little more than a mandate, a deadline, and the expectation to figure out what comes next.

Jennifer has led through the reorgs, pivots, transformations, and reinventions that have reshaped modern marketing and she’ll tell you what those moments actually require from the people leading through them.

Come for a candid conversation about staying sturdy when your industry isn’t. Leave with a clearer sense of what’s yours to carry forward and what you can leave behind.

Joy Osahon is a Nigerian-American Empowerment Speaker, Strategy Coach, and Author. She is the founder of Speak With Joy, an online platform dedicated to empowering women and young adults to thrive in faith, purpose, confidence, and healthy relationships. As the author of This Is Not Your Typical “Finding Your Purpose” Book and Heartbreak Hotel: It’s Time To Check Out, Joy is a sought-after speaker known for delivering impactful talks and workshops on purpose discovery, confidence building, identity, healing, professional development self-advocacy, and personal growth. She has inspired audiences across the country through keynotes, panels, and interactive experiences that blend strategy, storytelling, and faith-based insight. Outside of her purpose-driven work, Joy serves as a Director at a nonprofit organization, where she leads initiatives centered on leadership development, workforce readiness, and community impact.

Kay Malcolm is Oracle's Vice President of Product Management for the Oracle AI Database. She leads a team focused on AI and data strategy, customer programs, and helping organizations turn database technology into practical business value. Kay is also an AI instructor for LinkedIn Learning, where she teaches professionals how to understand and apply AI with confidence. Kay is the creator of Oracle LiveLabs (livelabs.oracle.com), a platform with more than 45 million views that combines hands-on learning with solution stacks to help customers see the art of the possible and move from demo to MVP production faster. Known online as Your AI Work Bestie, she shares approachable guidance on AI, technology, and corporate life.

Kristy Singletary is leadership strategist, executive coach, military officer, and award-winning AI transformation leader who stands at the intersection of technology, human potential, and organizational change. With over 15 years of experience across Fortune 100 organizations, government, and military service, she has helped leaders and teams navigate disruption, accelerate innovation, and unlock performance through learning, leadership, and culture. As a leader behind enterprise AI adoption initiatives at Pfizer and founder of KD&Co, Kristy challenges audiences to think bigger, lead with conviction, and create meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world. Her work is driven by a simple belief: when people trust themselves, they become capable of transforming everything around them.

LeeAnah James is a marketing strategist, educator, and AI literacy advocate who helps audiences navigate emotional intelligence, technology, and inclusive design. With years of experience leading strategy at Kulur Group, a challenger brand agency, and teaching as a digital marketing instructor, LeeAnah empowers diverse learners and professionals to see themselves as both creators and critics of the systems shaping our world. As a dynamic speaker, she has presented at national conferences including Black is Tech, CHEACon, and Dope Thinkers Only Conference, and was featured alongside her family in the Fair Play Life documentary. Her work focuses on making complex topics, like algorithmic bias, ethical design, and the role of human input in AI, accessible and actionable for communities often left out of the conversation. LeeAnah believes that progress isn't just about what we build, but who we build it for — and with.

Recognized as a Top 75 AI Innovator in Dallas 2026, Lola is the Amazon bestselling co-author of "AI Thriving in the World of Smart Machines and Robots." She is the founder of VibeCode Africa, an AI-focused nonprofit that has convened government-partnered AI summits in Dallas, Lagos, and Abuja, reaching nearly 2000 trainees between 2025 & 2026. Lola is a non-technical leader (Lockheed, GM) who now teaches AI to other non-tech leaders and builds automations and agents for business growth and transformation as CEO of Nard AI.

Michaela Samoudi is a transformational business leader, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, speaker, and founder of Multidimensional Might™, a leadership philosophy that empowers individuals to leverage the full range of their experiences and expertise to create impact. As Director of Business Process Optimization within Medtronic's Global Commercial Office, she leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on commercial transformation, operational excellence, and business performance. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Michaela made history as the first woman to earn both a BBA and MBA in Supply Chain Management from the university and previously represented The Bahamas as a member and captain of the Bahamas National Volleyball Team. Her multidisciplinary career spanning supply chain, business development, quality, regulatory affairs, inclusion, health equity, and commercial excellence has established her as a trusted expert in leadership, workforce transformation, and organizational effectiveness. Michaela has been recognized as one of the Top Black Women in Tech to Watch in 2026, featured at the HACR Symposium, and selected for a feature on the iconic Nasdaq Tower in Times Square. She is also a member of Chief, where she continues to champion bold leadership and the power of being unapologetically multidimensional.

Naomi Garvin is expanding her Diversity and Inclusion expertise into the emerging field of Responsible AI. Drawing on a foundation in human-centered policy, she is actively building her fluency in machine learning so she can spot where technology systems fall short and push for more thoughtful design choices. Her focus is on ensuring that as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, fairness isn't an afterthought, it's part of the foundation.As Principal, Diversity and Inclusion at Intuit, Ms. Garvin serves as a strategic partner to People & Places and the broader business, developing services designed to be clear, consistent, and scalable. She provides consultation, resources, and tools that cultivate a culture of belonging and fairness for all. Ms. Garvin joined Intuit following its acquisition of Mailchimp, where she previously led diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy for the all-in-one marketing platform, driving strong outcomes and building inclusive talent pipelines for its people leaders.A graduate of Spelman College, Ms. Garvin speaks on diversity issues and is beginning to bring that lens to conversations about Responsible AI. Outside of work, she is a mother of two, an active volunteer at her children's school, and a supporter of social justice and study abroad initiatives in higher education.

Neisha Tweed Bell is an award-winning creative director, educator, and community builder who has spent the past 20 years coming up with ideas that are impossible to ignore. From Ogilvy to Meta to her consultancy, Undeniable Ideas, she's led 300+ workshops, shaped 100+ brands, and earned recognition from the Addys, One Show, Effies, and Essence. She also leads the Entrepreneurs at ADCOLOR community, sits on the board of Atlanta's Museum of Design, and develops creative and AI curriculum for top ad schools.

Precious Azurée is the Founder and CEO of The Clarity Coach Enterprises, a certified woman-owned consulting and coaching firm helping leaders and organizations build the clarity, systems, and strategy they need to grow with intention. Through ThrivePoint Strategies, the firm’s AI implementation division, she works with small businesses and mission-driven organizations to move from AI curiosity to AI readiness, designing intelligent systems that give time and capital back to the people who can least afford to lose either. A certified Applied Generative AI specialist, Business Made Simple coach, and John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Precious brings both the technical fluency and the human-centered approach that makes AI adoption actually stick. She is a Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honoree, an AfroTech Insiders founding member, and the author of The Faith Focus Formula.

Rachell Dumas, MSN, RN, DNP(c), is a nurse, entrepreneur, patient advocate, and founder of HEARD, an AI-powered patient advocacy platform helping patients navigate healthcare and ensure their voices are heard. After experiencing nine pregnancy losses and surviving a life-threatening neurological misdiagnosis that led to two brain surgeries, she transformed her personal journey into a mission-driven technology company. Rachell has been featured in publications including Ebony Magazine, Essence, Women's Health, and Business Journals, and has shared her story through national media, conferences, and healthcare forums. She is a member of Baddies in Tech, a Vital Voices Fellow, a Black Tech Saturdays Future 100 Honoree, and a sought-after speaker on healthcare innovation, AI, patient advocacy, and health equity. Through her work, she is helping shape a future where technology empowers patients to become active participants in their care.

Randi N. Gray is the Founder and CEO of Stronger Systems Group, where she helps leaders and organizations adopt AI with clarity and confidence. With nearly 25 years in technology, she rose from technical support to senior IT leadership and today directs technology for a beauty brand of roughly 200 employees, leading enterprise AI adoption from the operator's seat rather than the sidelines. Her career spans some of the most demanding institutions on Wall Street, and she holds an M.A. in Educational Technology from Teachers College, Columbia University. A 30-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and chair of her town's library board, she builds technology and community by the same standard: think better, work smarter, lead stronger.

Rasheda Mills is the Founder and CEO of AI Credit Ally, an innovative fintech platform designed to make credit education and financial empowerment more accessible through technology. After helping thousands of consumers improve their financial standing, she recognized the need for scalable solutions and developed AI Credit Ally to bridge the gap between financial literacy and action. Her work focuses on leveraging AI to simplify complex credit concepts, increase financial confidence, and help users make informed financial decisions. Through technology, education, and innovation, Rasheda is committed to creating tools that expand access to financial opportunity for underserved communities.

Samiyah Malik is a creative strategist, entrepreneur, and marketing and communications leader passionate about using storytelling, design, and community to create meaningful impact. She leads marketing and communications at Black Ambition, where she amplifies underrepresented founders and their stories. A Georgia Tech and Parsons alumna, Samiyah brings a multidisciplinary lens spanning media, design, entrepreneurship, and wellness. She is also the founder of The Remedy, a wellness platform creating experiences that bring people together to reconnect, reset, and thrive.

Shijuade Kadree is an independent strategist, writer, and founder of Compass Strategies Consulting, where she helps organizations align equity, technology, leadership, and systems change. Trained as both a lawyer and public health practitioner, she brings deep experience across tech, policy, advocacy, philanthropy, and organizational strategy, including leadership roles at Micron Technology, the Aspen Institute, Snap Inc., the New York City Council, and the NYC LGBT Community Center.

Rooted in a Black, queer, feminist lens, Shijuade’s work explores how power, culture, technology, and care shape the future we are building. She is the author of Movements in Motion, a newsletter examining equity, leadership, democracy, and justice work in real time.

A recipient of multiple awards, Shijuade is a sought-after speaker, consultant, panelist, and moderator whose work has appeared on national and international stages, including the NAACP National Convention. She is also an Out in Tech Champion and lives in Atlanta with her wife and children.

Stacie Selise® Shannon is a Corporate VP, Executive Leadership Strategist, speaker, author, and founder of The Stacie Selise Group®. She currently serves as a National Vice President at a multi-billion-dollar corporation and brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience, leading teams of more than 2,800 employees and managing portfolios exceeding $1 billion. Through her trademarked Luxury Leadership™ methodology and The 4S Framework by Stacie Selise®, she helps ambitious professionals strengthen their executive presence, elevate their influence, and lead with confidence. Stacie is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and creating lasting impact through leadership, strategy, and personal growth.

Stella Ihenacho leads enterprise AI-enabled delivery at Red Hat, where she became the first Team Lead of the RTE organization inside the Data & AI division. With more than a decade leading enterprise Agile transformations, she brings a rare perspective on how AI is reshaping the way organizations operate, deliver, and make decisions at scale.

Stella is a TEDx speaker, Scrum Alliance Featured Voice, and PMI Global Steering Committee contributor. She also co-founded NSTAR Technologies, a career acceleration institution that has helped immigrant and first-generation professionals transition into six-figure tech careers, alongside the African Immigrant Collective.

An African immigrant woman and mother of three daughters, she is committed to expanding access, visibility, and leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech.

Tytiana Horton is a first-generation college graduate from Florida State University, a commissioned Human Resources Officer in the Army National Guard, and a talent acquisition professional passionate about helping people build meaningful careers. Her experience spans industries ranging from fintech to artificial intelligence, where she has focused on identifying and attracting top talent for rapidly growing organizations.

In her current work, Tytiana helps connect exceptional candidates with opportunities at the forefront of AI innovation, supporting teams that are transforming the way people work, create, and interact with technology. She is driven by a commitment to service, leadership, and creating pathways for others to succeed.

xZaria Smith is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wasabi Partners, where she works at the intersection of venture, go-to-market strategy, and founder infrastructure. She previously built her career in technology and growth at Salesforce and Amazon Web Services (AWS), helping startups and emerging businesses scale through strategic sales, cloud adoption, and customer growth. Zaria later transitioned into venture at Nex Cubed at Sway Capital, where she led national accelerator programs, supported founders, and contributed to investment and portfolio development alongside the fund’s General Partners. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and has been recognized by Forbes and AWS for her contributions to the startup ecosystem.