Meena Das (she/her) is the founder, consultant, and facilitator of two practices – NamasteData and Data Is For Everyone. NamasteData focuses on advancing data equity for nonprofits and social impact agencies, while Data Is For Everyone provides invaluable tools and resources to help people learn how to navigate the world of data. Meena is a specialist in designing and teaching equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She supports nonprofits in three critical areas: data collection assessments, community surveys, and staff workshops on improving data equity, incorporating data collection, visualization, and human-centric algorithms. You can learn more about her work through the bi-weekly newsletter, ‘Dear Human’, or directly connect with her on LinkedIn.

Brandolon Barnett is an investor, author, and entrepreneur dedicated to merging technology and social impact to better move resources to those in need. His book, “Dreams Deferred: Recession, Struggle, and the Quest for a Better World,” chronicles his personal journey through poverty and adversity to a career in social impact and tech. Currently, he serves as the Founder of The Regular App and Head of Innovation & Philanthropy at Giving Compass. He is also active as a volunteer, having served until recently as an elected ANC Commissioner in Washington, DC and currently as a board member of Spur Local (formerly The Catalogue for Philanthropy) and Trustee with World Learning. Prior to joining Giving Compass Brandolon worked as Chief Product Officer for Humanitas AI as well as Y Combinator-backed Deed and as Director of Product and later Corporate Social Responsibility Industry Solutions Lead for Salesforce.org Philanthropy Cloud. He is also actively involved in mentoring and investing in entrepreneurs of color. Brandolon holds certifications from Pragmatic Institute and the Black Venture Institute at UC Berkeley, along with an MA in International Studies from the University of London SOAS. He has been interviewed on NPR and in other contexts and spoken in the past at events like BBCon, Dreamforce, SXSW, SHRM, the Council on Foundations Annual Conference, AFP, ACCP, Independent Sector, and other settings.

At the tender age of six, Gayle Roberts embarked on her fundraising journey by hosting a carnival for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, featuring classics like “pin the tail on the donkey.” Fast-forward to today, and she draws upon 35 years of nonprofit management, for-profit business ownership, and community volunteerism. Throughout her fundraising career, Gayle has secured over $200M in donations and equipped others who collectively raise over $1B annually. Currently, Gayle serves as the Chief Development Officer at Larkin Street Youth Services, the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier nonprofit committed to ending youth homelessness. Over the past three years, her team has harnessed both applied and generative artificial intelligence to bolster their fundraising endeavors, raising nearly $13M last year alone. Their innovative use of AI has captured attention, gaining mentions in several webinars and esteemed publications like The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Additionally, Gayle stands out as one of the few nonprofit professionals lending her insights to OpenAI on harnessing AI for the greater good.

As Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, Woodrow has been instrumental in shaping the global generosity movement and has led groundbreaking research and analysis of individual giving behaviors. He leads the GivingTuesday Data Commons, bringing together a coalition of more than 100 collaborators coordinated through eight working groups as well as data teams in 50 countries to understand the drivers and impacts of generosity to inspire more giving of all types. Woodrow brings expertise in moving markets and transforming audiences from passive participants to active and vocal ambassadors. Woodrow is also the Founder of With Intent Strategies, an international agency specializing in brand reimagination. Woodrow is a member of the Generosity Commission Research Task Force, serves as a Co-Chair for Global Impact Canada’s Board of Directors, and was recently named a Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School with the Technology and Public Purpose project.

As a thought leader, public speaker, author and inventor, Nathan is one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy. Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, where he leads AI deployments for some of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations. Nathan’s subject matter expertise has been featured in several publications, including Fast Company, University of Notre Dame and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. In 2021, Nathan founded Fundraising.Ai as a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security, sustainability. Nathan presented the first TEDx on the topic of artificial intelligence and the future of generosity in 2018. Nathan is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from University of Notre Dame, an MBA from University of Redlands, a certificate in International Economics from University of Cambridge and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.

Nejeed Kassam is the proud father of two rambunctious boys and husband to an amazing wife. He serves as the CEO of Keela – an impact technology company, dedicated to empowering nonprofits with powerful, data-driven software. Nejeed is also the co-founder of Fundraising KIT, a world leading AI-powered predictive analytics tool, built exclusively for nonprofit fundraisers. Nejeed was educated at McGill University (B.A.) and Osgoode Hall Law School (JD). Called to the Bar in Ontario in 2015 and in British Columbia in 2017, Nejeed focuses his legal work on charitable and nonprofit law. Nejeed is also the founder of the Better Canada Institute, a public policy organization. He has spent multiple decades working in-and-around the nonprofit sector and is the former executive director of both End Poverty Now and Conversations for Change. Nejeed is a global innovator with experience working for the United Nations and the Senate of Canada. He is the author of the book ‘High on Life’ (foreword written by former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien) and the co-producer of the documentary, ‘Conversations for Change’. Today, Nejeed sits on a number of corporate, Crown corporation, education, and non-profit boards, speaks at conferences around the world, and is an alumnus of the Global Shapers Community (World Economic Forum) and a former fellow at the Royal Society of the Arts in the UK. In 2012, Nejeed received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his contribution and service to Canada. In 2022, Nejeed was named 40 under 40 by BIV.

Kaz McGrath, a seasoned innovator in organizational transformation, brings a unique blend of systems design, organisational psychology, and now, AI-focused methodologies to drive deep cultural change within organizations. As the CoFounder of PLAI (Purpose Led AI), Kaz stands at the forefront of revolutionizing the nonprofit sector’s approach to Artificial Intelligence. Alongside the team at PLAI, she’s determined to transform AI from an intimidating buzzword into a trusted ally for non-profits, amplifying their mission-driven impact. Kaz’s journey began with a passion for systems thinking and a fascination with psychology and how this could bring about transformative change for nonprofits. A testament to her innovative spirit, Kaz co-founded the Ration Challenge, a pioneering global fundraising and advocacy campaign. Originating from a humble idea in a remote Thai village, this campaign has since raised over $50 million across four international markets. This foundation has empowered her to work across diverse sectors, from global non-profits to giants like Tesla, and projects ranging from experiential training to digital transformations. Her career has seen her work with organizations including UNICEF, Google, Tesla, ActionAid International, Oxfam, and Concern Worldwide, Lifeline, EcoPeace and one of Australia’s fastest growing startups – 5B Solar. This has instilled in her a deep appreciation for community-driven impact across both the nonprofit and corporate sector. Whether she’s innovating in fundraising, leadership, or communications, her purpose remains consistent: ignite growth at both organizational and individual levels for amplified impact. Now, with her recent endeavors in AI for fundraising, Kaz is poised to empower a new generation of nonprofits. She champions a world where Artificial Intelligence is not a challenge but an opportunity—a tool that, when wielded with understanding and intent, can redefine what’s possible for mission-driven organizations worldwide.

Conor Grennan serves as Dean of MBA and Graduate Students at NYU Stern School of Business, where he is also the creator and head of GenerativeAI@Stern, an initiative that trains students, faculty and administration on generative AI. Conor is LinkedIn Learning’s official instructor for “AI for Business: Challenges and Opportunities” (coming out in fall 2023), Lead GenerativeAI Trainer for the Chief Executive Media Group, and a founding member of OpenAI’s Community Forum, created by OpenAI, where he is a featured trainer on optimizing ChatGPT. Conor is also the founder and CEO of AI Mindset, a consulting firm that trains leadership across industry on maximizing the use of generative AI to accelerate productivity, creating AI culture and designing AI strategy. In addition, Conor is a NY Times and #1 international bestselling author, published in 15 languages. He is a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker and executive coach. He is also the founder of Next Generation Nepal, an organization that rescues trafficked children and reunites them with their families. Outside of his work at NYU and AI Mindset, Conor has been named a Huffington Post Game Changer of the year for his humanitarian work in Nepal, and in 2014 was given the Unsung Hero of Compassion Award by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has a degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from NYU Stern, and lives in Connecticut with his wife Liz (an AI specialist) and two children.

Stefan Byrd-Krueger’s journey to professional nirvana began with his passion for the arts as a sculptural welder, developed through his university training in policy analysis and years of experience in grassroots education and advocacy among think tanks, then blossomed as he took his love of elegant design and organizational excellence into the private sector as a digital marketing consultant. This blend of creative process, recognition of the human element of organizational success, and love of the technical discipline defines his working style.Stefan is a data evangelist, specialized in analytics and the uniquely complex needs of the non-profit sector. His career has centered around the use of technology in communications portfolios, including experience in programming, design, and digital strategy. He has played the role of client as well as the role of consultant, and works to close the gap between the two.

Cass joined Microsoft’s Office of Responsible AI as Assistant General Counsel in 2022. She supports the multi-disciplinary team building and coordinating Microsoft’s Responsible AI Program and leads on AI regulation. Cass previously spent 10 years at Google exploring socio-technical challenges as the legal lead for Jigsaw and helping build breakthrough technology as a product counsel at X. She teaches media law and business law at universities in Australia and New York.

Tim is an expert in fundraising data. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and consulted across industries as a data scientist. Following roles in academia and startups, he co-founded the ”GiveTech” startup, Dataro to help nonprofits raise more money with AI.

AFUA BRUCE is a leading public interest technologist who works at the intersection of technology, policy, and society. Afua is the Principal of the ANB Advisory Group LLC, a consulting firm that supports organizations developing, implementing, or funding responsible data and technology. With her background in software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, combined with experience developing and deploying technology in and with communities, Afua incorporates an equity-based framework into her engagements. Afua is an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University and an affiliate at Harvard Kennedy School’s Berkman Klein Center. Afua’s newest book, The Tech That Comes Next: How Changemakers, Technologists, and Philanthropists can Build an Equitable World, describes how technology can advance equity.

AMY SAMPLE WARD (they/them) believes that technology should be accessible and accountable to everyone, especially communities historically and systemically excluded from the digital world. They are the CEO of NTEN, a nonprofit creating a world where missions and movements are more successful through the skillful and equitable use of technology. Amy’s second book, “Social Change Anytime Everywhere,” was a Terry McAdam Book Award finalist. Their latest book, “The Tech That Comes Next,” co-authored with Afua Bruce, addresses the opportunities for change makers, technologists, philanthropists, and policymakers to build an equitable world with technology.

Sarah Di Troia is an expert in crafting strategy and operations to drive high growth in nonprofit and for profit organizations. Her experience as an investor, advisor and leader fuels an approach that integrates market insights with the internal change management necessary to realize new opportunities. Sarah is known for teasing order out of the creative chaos of growth and innovation. At Project Evident, Sarah has focused on the intersection of AI and the social sector to enhance equitable outcomes. Prior to joining Project Evident as a Senior Advisor, Sarah was Chief Operating Officer at Health Leads and a Managing Partner at New Profit, Inc. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School.

David Norris is a visionary entrepreneur at the forefront of innovation, blending the realms of generative AI, user experience, marketing, and technology. As the Co-Founder of Bold Crow AI, he is helping creatively redefine how businesses and organizations leverage AI. He and his team built a proprietary AI solutions platform for hosting AI-powered automations and generative applications. David’s expertise extends into the realm of artificial intelligence, where he embarked on his AI journey in 2017. He is dedicated to demystifying AI and championing its responsible implementation. He pioneers custom AI solutions that provide businesses with increased service revenue, enhanced user experiences, and streamlined business operations. With a proven track record as the former owner of a successful digital marketing agency, David brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of digital marketing and strategic growth. His journey has been fueled by a relentless passion for making technology accessible. In addition to his leadership at Bold Crow AI, David is CEO of a nonprofit social proof tool called Proofpact and the Co-Founder of The Nonprofit Hive, a platform dedicated to fostering collaboration among nonprofit professionals.

Tania is the Founder of We and AI (weandai.org), a UK non-profit focusing on better AI literacy for social inclusion, in order to facilitate critical thinking and more inclusive decision-making around AI. Programmes include betterimagesofai.org – a collaboration with BBC R&D and a global community of academics, activists, institutes and artists. We and AI design non-skills-based education on AI technologies and advise on inclusive and meaningful communication around AI. Tania is on the Founding Editorial Board for the Springer AI and Ethics Journal and on the Public Engagement and Ecosystem Strategy Advisory Board of The Alan Turing Institute. Tania is also an advisor to AI testing software company Etiq.ai, and a Lead for TLA Tech for Disability. She is a member of the IEEE P7015 Data and AI Literacy, Skills, and Readiness working group, and was named one of WIAIE’s 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics 2021. Prior to this, Tania spent 30 years in business and marketing management and consultancy roles across a wide range of industries. In the last decade she worked in tech and startups, and was a CMO at TPX Impact and head of marketing and communications at FutureLearn. Tania is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and has an MBA and a Diploma in Digital Business Leadership.

Liji Thomas is a seasoned technologist with over 15 years of deep expertise in both technology and leadership roles. As Manager for Data + AI at Valorem Reply, she leads the design and development of innovative AI solutions, showcasing the transformative potential of AI for businesses. She has received the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award in AI for her exceptional contributions to the technical community. Liji is a frequent contributor to blogs and tech conferences, where she shares her learnings in AI. Committed to fostering diversity in technology, she mentors emerging talent, underscoring the significance of inclusivity and equity.

Howard Lake is a digital fundraising entrepreneur, and has a Masters in Information Science. He founded UK Fundraising (fundraising.co.uk), the news and community site for fundraisers, in 1994 and sold it successfully in 2022. Before that he was a fundraiser at Oxfam, Afghanaid and Amnesty International UK. Chair of judges for the National Fundraising Awards, co-founder of social enterprise jobs board GoodJobs, creator of Fundraising Camp, and author of the first book on digital fundraising (1996) he is director of Giving X Ltd, which is exploring how we can grow giving on a massive scale to support all organisations. Not surprisingly, AI is part of that process.

Haniyeh is the Global AI Ethicist at DataRobot. She provides technical and educational guidance in the area of responsible AI as a member of the Office of CTO. In addition to strategizing the implementation of components of ethics in the product, in her role, she provides thought leadership in responsible AI with a focus on AI Bias, Trusted and Ethical AI. Haniyeh is a member of the National AI Advisory committee (NAIAC) that is tasked with advising the President and the National AI Initiative Office on topics related to the National AI Initiative. She has won the VentureBeat’s Women in AI Award for Responsibility and Ethics in AI and was named as an AI Ethics leader by Forbes. Haniyeh holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Bonn University.

Andy Canada is Senior Consultant and Director of Data Analytics at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, a strategic consulting firm for nonprofits located in Indiana. Andy brings to JGA’s clients significant development experience focused on campaign development and implementation, major and planned gift development, data analytics, and annual giving. Andy has been with JGA for more than 10 years, after previously working in development at the Indiana University Foundation and Purdue University.

Brittany Shaff is the Founder and CEO of the Shaff Fundraising Group, a strategic fundraising consulting firm that partners with nonprofits to raise funds today and strengthen organizations for the future. ​ Brittany has nearly two decades of professional fundraising and management experience with expertise in annual giving, alumni engagement, segmentation strategy, data analysis, and more. She is recognized as an industry leader with a proven track record of developing philanthropic pipelines through innovative behavioral economics, data science, stewardship, and engagement strategies. ​ Before establishing Shaff Fundraising Group, Brittany served as Global Vice President of Fundraising and Marketing at Gravyty (formerly Graduway), the market-leading fundraising software company. Before her technology experience, Brittany spent fifteen years in various fundraising, marketing, and analytics positions within independent schools, health care, academic medicine, and higher education. ​ Brittany has held executive positions at organizations such as The Hamlin School, Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, and the University of Miami and Health System. She is a frequent speaker and author on topics related to global nonprofit strategy, digital engagement, and the effects of technology on organizations and their communities. She has received over a dozen awards from CASE and other organizations, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), holds a certification from Blackbaud in Raiser’s Edge (bCRE), and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from San Francisco State University. Brittany resides in Maryland with her family.

Paul K. Erbes serves as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Morningside University, a private comprehensive university in Sioux City, IA. He earned his CFRE in 2016 and a CFRM from Indiana University Lilly School for Philanthropy in 2019. Paul holds a BA from St. Olaf College, Northfield MN and an MDiv from Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN. His passions include leading international building projects for Habitat for Humanity and Fuller Center for Housing, plus he’s a fan of the Baltimore Orioles. His previous roles include Vice President for Advancement at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA; Major Gift Officer at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Baltimore MD; and Congregational Relationship Manager for Thrivent Financial. He spent 20 years serving as a Lutheran Pastor.

Ken Haigh is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Security and Privacy Officer at Omatic Software, a purpose-built integration platform that drives mission impact for Nonprofit organizations. In this role, Ken guides the strategic technical vision and ensuring the utmost protection of customer data. With 30 years in the software and SaaS industries, Ken has a rich history of leadership roles, including founding Radioactive.io and serving as COO/CTO at PeopleMatter. He also contributed to the development of CRM products as the Director of Software Development at Blackbaud, Inc. Ken is a member of the Fundraising.ai advisory council and holds an MS in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a BS in Computer Science from Clemson University.

Rebekah Tweed is the Executive Director of All Tech Is Human and a leader in Responsible Technology. Rebekah was named one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2023 and frequently speaks on responsible AI, generative AI, AI policy, and responsible technology careers, talent, and hiring trends. She is the guest editor of Springer AI and Ethics Journal topical collection on the social impacts of AI on youth and children and is the Co-Chair of the IEEE Global AI Ethics Initiative Editing Committee and a member of the Arts Committee. Previously, Rebekah worked as the Assistant Producer of A BETTER TECH, 2021 Public Interest Technology (PIT) Convention & Career Fair, hosted by New York University and funded by New America’s PIT-University Network. Prior to that, Rebekah worked as the Project Manager for NYC law firm Eisenberg & Baum, LLP’s AI Fairness and Data Privacy Practice Group, where she examined technology’s impact on society, organizing and promoting virtual events to build public awareness around algorithmic discrimination and data privacy issues in New York City and beyond.

Charles Buchanan is the Founder and CEO of Technology Helps. As an innovator and visionary, he has a distinguished history in corporate technology leadership management consulting, and entrepreneurship. Charles has a has founded and worked with numerous technology companies in diverse areas such as online gaming, fintech, and environmental protection. Charles is a passionate contributor to the community, serving on various non-profit boards and committees, including Calgary Black Chambers (co-founder); The Common Approach to Impact Measurement; Momentum; Black Business and Professional Association; Grant Committee at Calgary Foundation; entrepreneur mentor at Venture Mentors Service of Alberta (VMSA); founder and advisory board member of UpRising Academy helping talented at-risk youth in Jamaica in STEM and sports. He holds an MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and a B.Sc. (Hons) in electrical and computer engineering.