Tammy Mackenzie

Tammy Mackenzie, a Tech CEO, policy advocate, and mother, boasts a rich educational background as an alumna of prestigious institutions like MIND, Vanier College, McGill University, Université de Laval (MBA SMEs, Tech and Sustainability), and the MILA Summer School in Responsible AI. 

Beginning her career in a CPA firm, Tammy excelled as an SME account director, controller and CFO, and honed her expertise in leveraging cutting-edge technical, ecological, and social tools for societal and environmental betterment. These roles laid the foundation for her work in strategy and systems, particularly in the realms of small businesses and applied ethics.

In addition to her role at Polyaula as CEO and Tech Lead in the robotics lab, Tammy contributes to public policy through her roles as a consultant and facilitator, offering strategies rooted in her multidisciplinary experience. She is currently a Guest Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

In terms of advancing inclusion and strategic ethics in the AI industry, she is the founder of the Aula Fellowship, a notable initiative of the Polyaula think tank and research service, reflecting her commitment to meaningful and responsible AI development.

In her spare time, Tammy is pursuing a PhD, focusing on the levers of power in society. This endeavor represents her ongoing dedication to understanding and shaping the intricate dynamics of technology, ethics, and societal progress.

Sreyoshi Bhaduri, Ph.D.

Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri is an engaged leader at the intersection of people, products, the future of work, and emerging technology. Sreyoshi leverages AI for mixed-methods research methods, ensuring that organizations intentionally center the human experience.

Sreyoshi currently works at Amazon. She has previously headed Global People Research at McGraw Hill – the learning sciences company. At and outside of work, Sreyoshi is a global speaker passionate about demystifying AI and intentionally improving belonging in STEM. She was elected as a Senator at the Society of Women Engineers, and serves the Advisory Board for the Department of Engineering Education at the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, USA; as well as the Danville Community College Automation & Robotics Program Industry Advisory Board. Sreyoshi has been honored as an Emerging Leader in Tech and Engineering (ELiTE) and Engaged Advocate by the Society of Women Engineers. Sreyoshi has also been inducted to the Yale Bouchet Honor Society.

In a gist, Sreyoshi is a maker of lists and itineraries, who loves responsible technology, and enjoys dabbling in writing. Learn more about her impact at – www.ThatStatsGirl.com

Leslie Salgado

Leslie Salgado, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Communication and Media at the University of Calgary, is a seasoned professional in science communication. In her doctoral studies, she explores the interplays of Responsible AI, AI narratives, and their impact on policymaking and public trust. 

Leslie's academic journey includes completing the AI Ethics of AI Certificate of the London School of Economics, being part of the inaugural cohort at the University of Montreal-MILA course on Responsible AI and Human Rights and participating in the Alberta Machine Learning Institute (Amii) Kickstart Program. Her practical experience includes a role as a research consultant on a project examining gender equality and inclusion in AI initiatives around the globe at MILA – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Her approach to responsible AI blends insights from science communication and science and technology studies. She actively volunteers with Women in AI Canada and contributes to its Calgary chapter.

Victoria Kuketz

Victoria Kuketz serves as the Director of Corporate Engagement at Catalyst and is recognized for her work as a Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow and PPF Democracy Fellow.

Based in the Greater Toronto Area, she focuses on public policy, democracy, and engagement, promoting innovation and inclusivity. With an academic background from the University of Toronto and the Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Victoria applies her education to her professional roles, contributing to discussions and initiatives that aim to shape a more inclusive and democratic society.

Her practical approach and commitment to her field have established her as a respected figure in her professional community.

Jess Malz

Jess Malz is an expert facilitator, learning experience designer, and coach. Jess is deeply passionate about creating highly engaging developmental experiences grounded in cutting edge theories and methodologies.

Jess is known for their engaging and playful facilitation style, with a deep emphasis on fostering collaboration and psychological safety. Jess is the founder of Inbo, a Global Learning Design Agency. Respected for 15+ years designing and delivering end-to-end enterprise learning strategies and has facilitated and designed over 1K+ workshops and hundreds of developmental coaching sessions.

Their academic qualifications include a Master of Arts in Human Systems Intervention, and certifications in personal and professional coaching from Concordia University, Theory U, Immunity to Change, Instructional Design and Technology, Liberating Structures, Kaospilots, and Learning Experience Design and Digital Process Design & Facilitation.Jess has worked directly on 200+ projects with world renowned organizations including McGill University, the UN, the Canadian Government, GSOFT, Cirque du Soleil, Zu, C2 Montreal, MILA, OPEN Network, Global Vision, D3 Innovation Hub, and Goalcast.  

Jess aims to spark deep learning, connection, creativity, and innovation with their clients.

Kai-Hsin Hung

Kai is a a Ph.D. Candidate and Work & Technology researcher at HEC Montréal, known for his impactful contributions to understanding the nexus between work, data value chains, and society. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Work and Equalities Institute at the University of Manchester, working on responsible AI.

With a rich background that includes roles at the International Development Research Centre, the International Training Centre of the ILO, and Global Affairs Canada, his work spans global contexts. Holding advanced degrees in Public and International Affairs and International Development from the University of Ottawa, where his research garnered significant accolades.

He actively contributes to the discourse on science and technology and sustainable development. His involvement in projects and initiatives, such as the AI Impact Alliance and the Leading With AI Lab and MOOCs on innovative financing courses, underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for societal betterment.

Emmanuel Taiwo

Emmanuel Taiwo. Emmanuel is a chartered environmentalist and independent climate, energy and environmental policy advisor. He has advised high-profile organizations like Global Affairs Canada on equitable gender-sensitive climate transitions, and the UK Government on climate and environmental matters in Nigeria, where he also led and managed a £66 million UK-funded program which provided clean energy access for millions of underserved people. Previously, he supported partnership initiatives at the United Nations Environment Program headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and also delivered environmental responsibility projects with the British International Investment in London, UK.

Presently a Doctoral Student at the University of Toronto, and a Research Fellow with the Earth System Governance Project Network, Emmanuel’s research background spans environmental policy, just transitions, climate governance, energy justice, and resilient development, particularly across Africa and in Canada. He holds an MSc in Environmental Management with distinction from the University of Greenwich as a Commonwealth Scholar, and another Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford as an Africa Initiative for Governance Scholar. Emmanuel’s role as an Aula Fellow involves exploring critical linkages between Artificial Intelligence and equitable / just climate, energy and environmental transitions.

Zachary Rosenthal

Zachary Rosenthal holds degrees in history and anthropology from Concordia University. His anthropological degree focused on food access, sustainability, and biotechnological ethics.

Zach is a trained Data Analyst and Data Scientist with experience in statistical modeling and machine learning.

Professionally, he works as Brand Manager for Polyaula and the Aula Fellowship for Responsible AI. He currently operates as a research coordinator and relationship facilitator at the Aula Fellowship for responsible AI.

Jake Okechukwu Effoduh

Jake Okechukwu Effoduh is an Assistant Professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law of Toronto Metropolitan University. He has gained significant expertise in AI regulation and international human rights advocacy at various ranks of legal systems.

As Chief Councillor of the Africa – Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), he provided human rights and compliance expertise on the use of AI and Big Data in Canada and across 20 African countries. He serves on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Frontier Risks.

Peer Herholz

Peer Herholz, a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University and Research Affiliate at McGill University and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, is an expert in AI, neuroscience, and open and responsible science. With a strong background in data and project management, software development, and statistical data analysis, Peer’s research journey began with investigating the neurobiology of auditory processing. His current interests include the generalization in biological and artificial agents and the transformations underlying intelligent adaptive behavior. Peer is actively involved in organizing and conducting workshops, hackathons, and lectures, and is dedicated to promoting open, reproducible, and FAIR science across various academic and research institutions.

Rubaina Khan

Rubaina Khan, a PhD candidate in Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, is a meticulous engineering educator with over ten years of experience in post-secondary teaching. Specializing in engineering education, she focuses on empathy in engineering, sustainable design, and program evaluation. Rubaina has developed educational programs, led workshops on community and cultural engagement, and coordinated training initiatives for teaching assistants. Her academic and professional journey includes significant contributions to intercultural education and innovative instructional design.

Awa Samake

Awa SAMAKE, a PhD candidate in Computer Science (AI), is a dedicated statistician and data scientist with extensive expertise in AI, genomics, statistics, and data science. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including an MSc in Machine Intelligence from AIMS-Rwanda (in partnership with Google and Meta), an MSc in Probabilities and Random Models from Sorbonne University, and an MSc in Statistics from USTHB-Algiers. Awa's research interests span genomics, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, fairness, and ethics. She has significant experience working with international teams, contributing to projects in healthcare, agriculture, and education. Awa is also an active community member, involved in various initiatives supporting international students and promoting responsible AI.