Ambassadors
HFAI ambassadors are the localized faces and voices of Humans For AI, all over the globe. They are volunteers on the ground committed to increasing awareness and engagement for HFAI’s mission through planning and hosting local area events, such as meetups, workshops, and virtual events.
If you would like to become an HFAI ambassador, email us at info@humansforai.com
Zia Virmani
Mia Champion
Saloni Patil
Aastha Gupta
Lynda Ng
Josh Miller
Leo Chow
Manju Shenoy
Abhishek Mishra
Gourav Kondadadi
Matthew Emerick
Kyle McConnell
Marketing & Project Management
Zia Virmani
I am a seasoned Business Professional with 15 years of experience in Operations Management, Sales and Marketing, Client Relationship and People Management. I have successfully driven large teams, managed performance, and consistently achieved business goals. In addition, I’ve also garnered several awards in the course of my career and have spearheaded several employee retention programs.
By joining the Humans for AI team, I aim to leverage my skills in simplifying AI for the workforce of the future.
Interests: Family, Meeting and interacting with people, Listening to Music
Ambassador - Seattle
Mia Champion
For 20+ years Mia has been a global trailblazer passionate about transformative technologies and strategic markets in the areas of Life Sciences, Healthcare, Machine Learning & Cloud Computing. She has developed both a technical and entrepreneurial skillset that includes experience as a principal research scientist, cloud computing architect and developer, new business developer and business strategist.
She has driven business transformations, strategic partnerships, innovation, and investments in new ventures (current portfolio of 25+ startups) and is committed to helping shape a future where technology contributes to the betterment of humanity.
Interests: Transformative Technology, Art & Science, Mentoring future innovators, Being a Mom
Ambassador, Mumbai
Saloni Patil
I am an experienced and passionate AI professional since 2014.
I have worked across financial, IT services, telecommunication domains with varied techniques. Deep learning and Python are my expertise. I have some experience of applying machine learning techniques including statistical modeling, deep learning, and NLP to solve real-life problems.
I believe in AI explosion working out in the best interests of people all over businesses, the only limit is imagination and ability to apply such solutions.
Interests: Solving ML new problems from online challenge, Reading books, Watching Movies – fiction, sci-fi
Ambassador – CA
Lynda Ng
Lynda Ng is an accomplished technology leader working at Verizon. She is the Director of Network System Performance where she oversees the 4G and 5G network design and optimization.
Lynda believes that the future is all about automation and automation will help improve our quality of life. Lynda is actively involved in promoting diversity and passionate about mentoring women in tech.
At home, Lynda has 3 boys that keep her busy and allows her to share her knowledge and provide them exposure to STEM projects.
Lynda earned her Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from California State University Fresno and holds an MBA and a Masters in Engineering from San Jose State University.
Interests: Technology and Automation, Traveling, Family
Ambassador (IL & OH)
Josh Miller
A veteran of the learning & talent management SaaS industry and armed with a passion for learning, I made the move to workforce development, joining i.c.stars as a Tech Trainer; the ability to impact and empower through technology truly makes everyday more rewarding than the previous.
Interests: Tinkering and problem solving; Learning, from accordion to COBOL and everything in between; Removing barriers and empowering the underserved to bring about greater diversity and equality in the IT workplace
Ambassador –Sydney, Australia
Leo Chow
Leo’s passion about the positive use of AI for social good has led to his interest and aim in shaping the use of AI in the charity, humanitarian and non-for-profit space. He believes there is a strong role for AI in social enterprise and this would in turn put a human face on the front of AI. His mission is to connect AI with people on a human level and to bring positive impact to those who are disadvantaged and less fortunate.
He holds a post-graduate degree in Statistics and is currently conducting research in AI. With his technical knowledge and background as a researcher in AI, he aims to bridge the gap between AI know how and non-tech communities such as charities and non-for-profits, which would diversify and democratize AI to be more inclusive and accessible to all facets of social community.
Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Fencing, Foodie
Ambassador - Simi Valley CA
Manju Shenoy
Manju Shenoy is a Product Management leader with 15+ years of experience launching innovative SaaS , Analytical & Ecommerce consumer solutions using data and technology. Manju is passionate about contributing to the bigger picture, working towards a higher purpose and helping humanity. Her beliefs in gender equality and diversity in multiple areas of life and passion for AI has led her to Humans for AI to contribute to the mission. She is a wife, singer , mom of 2 kids, loves sushi, curries and bollywood dance.
Interests: Contemporary Dance, Music, Cooking in different cuisines
Ambassador – Mumbai- East, India
Abhishek Mishra
Abhishek is an experienced Data science professional with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology services and product industry.I am dedicated to apply my data science knowledge and engineering skills to access, understand and communicate insights from enormous data sets to help critical business decision-making, growth strategies and product development. With an eye for insights from data, strong logical ability and cross-functional exposure across technology, retail and BFSI domains, I love the interplay of data, Statistics and decisions leading to how businesses can change course with vital information crunched in the right way.
Interests: Emerging Technology, Applied Artificial Intelligence and ML, Writing – Articles and Blogs
Ambassador – Hyderabad, India
Gourav Kondadadi
Gourav is young Data Scientist and uses his skills to harness the power of Data to solve real world problems. With experience in working with startup, he thrives on donning multiple hats at one time and bring vibrant energy to reach the organizations visions. He is passionate about use of cutting-edge technology to bring social good to all people. He duly believes that the world could be much better place with technology assisting us at different levels to make work easier and by identifying clusters where help is required. Implementation of AI in healthcare is of prime importance for him as he believes that with a good healthcare infrastructure, human life can prosper to reach higher goals. He duly believes a socially responsible AI is the need of the hour and it should promote diversity and inclusiveness of all.
Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Implementation of Data Analytics and Science in Healthcare, Use of technology for social good and create a sustainable ecosystem.
Ambassador – MI, US
Matthew Emerick
Always thinking, always learning, I am a lifelong learner who is passionate about every aspect of artificial intelligence, from cognitive science to machine learning. My interest in artificial intelligence started with reading science fiction as a child and only grew as I earned multiple degrees at university, from my minors in philosophy and psychology, to majors in computer science and cognitive science, finishing (so far) with a graduate degree in computer science. I firmly believe that AI is the future of humanity and that we all need to better understand it, what it is capable of, and how it affects us. I support AI literacy and education at all levels and always look to fight the overly negative and positive hype. In my professional life, I consult with Fortune 500 companies through my firm. I have been a part of several major projects, mostly focused on data quality, security, and migration, including training and mentoring others. When I’m not focused on AI, I enjoy spending time with my very young son and seeing him grow, travelling with my wife to explore the world, and completing escape rooms with family and friends.
Interests: Cognitive Science, Lifelong Learning, Escape Rooms
Ambassador – San Antonio, Texas
Kyle McConnell
Kyles passion for problem solving led him on the path to becoming a digital problem solver. Most of my experience has revolved around improving customer facing digital experiences for insurance products. I’m passionate about falling in love with the problem before falling in love with the solution making sure my customers get the best experiences. I feel that that in the coming years AI is going to take a more prominent role in the way customers work with insurance. Making an experience that was once daunting as easy ordering your next takeout meal.
Interests: Traveling, Finding the best breakfast tacos, Hiking