Redefine Possible – Women Pioneering the Future of AI
This event is part of our two-month-long celebration of International Women’s Day (spanning March and April). Women Techmakers have been highlighting women’s achievements across various fields and industries, and we’re celebrating with “Redefine Possible – Women Pioneering the Future of AI.” During this event, we’ll spotlight the women driving innovation in Artificial Intelligence—exploring their successes, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they’re charting new paths for future generations in AI.
Moderator
Minda Smiley
Senior Analyst, EMARKETER
Minda Smiley is a senior analyst covering social media at EMARKETER. Her work spans several categories, including how AI is impacting the social landscape, Gen Z’s social media behaviors, legislation related to social media, and more. She’s been quoted in several publications, including CNN and USA Today, and regularly shares perspective on the industry with trade outlets such as Ad Age and Digiday.
Prior to joining EMARKETER, Minda spent several years as a journalist reporting on the marketing industry at Adweek, The Drum, and Morning Brew. Minda was the first editor of Marketing Brew, where she led a team of five reporters covering areas including ad tech, the creator economy, sports marketing, and more.
She graduated from Penn State with degrees in political science and English. Minda also has her master’s degree in journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Panelist Summaries
Diana Bald
Chief Executive Officer, InRhythm
Diana Bald is the CEO of InRhythm, a digital consultancy accelerating innovation through AI-driven transformation and modern platforms. Prior to this, she was President & COO of Blue Orange, a consultancy specializing in data and AI, and CEO of thoughtbot, a consulting agency focused on product design and development and dedicated to creating products people love to use.
With expertise in technology, data, and business development, she has a strong track record in scaling companies, forming strategic partnerships, and optimizing operations for growth. Her leadership emphasizes continuous learning, operational excellence, and innovation.
Aparna Prabhakar
Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Energy Management Business, Schneider Electric
Aparna Prabhakar is a trailblazer at the intersection of sustainability, AI, and business strategy. At Schneider Electric, she leads initiatives toward 2030 sustainability goals, while drawing on her deep expertise in emerging technologies—including AI and quantum computing—to drive innovation with impact.
Formerly at IBM, she launched and led the quantum computing business unit—now one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions—and built a 200+ partner ecosystem from the ground up. A results-driven leader with a global perspective, Aparna is part of the new wave of women pioneering the future of AI and redefining what’s possible.
Laura Cunningham
CEO & Co-Founder, Ava
Laura Cunningham is pioneering the future of AI-powered living as CEO & Co-Founder of Ava, the household concierge built to transform modern motherhood. With a deep background in product leadership across edtech, web3, and AI, Laura is on a mission to replace daily overwhelm with automation that gives women back their time, energy, and peace of mind.
A former Head of Product at NEAR Foundation and VP of Product at Noodle, Laura blends visionary strategy with human-centered design. She's part of a growing force of women founders using AI not just to optimize life—but to reimagine it.
Christa Babcock
Director, Sales & Revenue Growth, Accenture Song
Christa is known for inspiring and enabling business leaders to transform their organizations, to lead with purpose, and improve the world.
Christa Babcock serves as a GTM and Sales Strategy Leader for Accenture Song Northeast. At Accenture Song, Christa is responsible for complex business development, marketing and strategic partnerships, catalyzing long term growth. She focuses on helping clients meet targets in growth, efficiency and sustainability, leveraging GenAI and other cutting-edge technology. Christa is also responsible for negotiating large, strategic deals with senior leadership at Fortune 500 organizations, specifically in the Chemicals and Natural Resources industries.
Prior to Accenture Song, Christa held leadership roles in business development, partnerships and marketing for the world’s largest advertising policy and thought leadership organization, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Christa also served as the lead of Strategic and Corporate Development for The Switch (acquired by TATA Communications).
Christa was named a 2024 Rising Star in the Consulting Industry by Women We Admire. Christa holds an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sloan School of Management and a BS in Business Administration, magna cum laude from Bryant University.
Why Attend?
Engaging Panel Discussion: Hear from women AI experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, potential mentors, and future collaborators before the panel kicks off.
Actionable Insights: Gain practical perspectives on AI’s current challenges, ethical considerations, and growth opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
Tech Enthusiasts & Professionals looking to expand their knowledge of AI.
Entrepreneurs & Innovators seeking fresh perspectives on leveraging AI.
Students & Educators curious about career paths and developments in emerging tech.
Event Agenda
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Networking
Arrive early to enjoy light refreshments and connect with peers, event organizers, speakers, and sponsors.
6:45 PM – 8:15 PM: Speaker Presentation & Panel Discussion (with Q&A)
Opening remarks and starter presentation.
Panel discussion featuring women AI leaders.
Interactive Q&A session with the audience.
8:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Wrap-Up
Closing remarks and next steps.
Information on upcoming initiatives and how to stay involved.
Register Today
Secure your spot for an evening of inspiration, learning, and community building. Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow AI enthusiasts.
Sponsor: InRhythm
InRhythm is a boutique technology consulting firm focused on production innovation and platform modernization. We strive to create impactful experiences by providing innovative solutions.
The Redefiners
The Redefiners are the powerhouse team turning bold ideas into reality and making this event possible.
Elaine Wong
Communications Expert & Consultant
Grace Chen Gonzalez
Engineering Manager at Clover Network