Last updated on March 24th, 2026 at 01:51 pm
The following panelists and speakers will be featured at The Future is HER 2026.
Anikitia Abram
BeautyTech Industrialist, Inventor, and Founder, Pretty Lux Co.
Anikitia Abram is a BeautyTech industrialist and inventor who designs advanced manufacturing systems at the intersection of materials science, artificial intelligence, and distributed production. She is the founder of Pretty Lux Co., Maison Alkemi, and LuxChem Academy, which together form a vertically integrated ecosystem spanning consumer retail and STEM-driven workforce development. Abram is the creator of a patent-pending thermodynamic manufacturing protocol engineered to improve stability, batch consistency, and scalability in viscoelastic materials used in beauty and wellness production. Through LuxChem Academy, she bridges education and industry by training founders to think like industrial operators rather than hobbyists, with collegiate partnerships including Spelman College that connect cosmetic science to entrepreneurial commercialization. In addition to her entrepreneurial leadership, Abram serves as a U.S. Air Force civilian contract specialist supporting mission-critical acquisition strategy within the Department of Defense. She holds an MBA and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration focused on sustainable business model innovation.
Alyssa Andrews
Workforce Management & Engagement Consultant, Truist
Alyssa Andrews is a strategic communications and engagement leader with nearly a decade of experience across financial services and technology. At Truist, she serves as a workforce management and engagement consultant, partnering with senior leaders to drive employee engagement, executive messaging, and culture initiatives for large, distributed teams. Her work focuses on aligning leadership communication with organizational priorities to create clarity, connection, and measurable impact. Andrews holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Brooklyn College and is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications, deepening her expertise in leadership messaging and organizational change. She brings a strong foundation in storytelling and experience design, helping organizations translate strategy into communication that resonates across diverse audiences. Originally from New York and now based in Georgia, Andrews combines a big-picture perspective with a practical, people-centered approach to workplace engagement.
Dr. Val Barnett
President, Emmerse LLC
Dr. Val Barnett is the president and founder of Emmerse LLC, a wellness retail and public health–focused consumer brand. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Health Administration from Tulane University. After a decade-long career as a health care executive, Barnett founded Emmerse in 2021 and later transitioned full time to growing the company. As president, she leads the development of scented, natural, coconut oil–free luxury products designed to make relaxation accessible and efficient. Her work is rooted in improving mental wellness and creating healthier environments, particularly for individuals impacted by mental illness. Barnett’s vision for Emmerse centers on making self-care intuitive and positioning mental wellness as a core measure of overall health.
Veronica Braker
Executive Vice President, Operations, Southwire, Inc.
Veronica Braker is a seasoned global operations executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience driving large-scale operational excellence across manufacturing and chemical industries. As executive vice president of operations at Southwire, she leads enterprise operations spanning 20 facilities and approximately 6,000 employees, delivering significant cost-out results, productivity gains through digital and AI/ML enablement, and major asset turnarounds. Previously, she held senior executive roles at Archer Daniels Midland, BASF, and General Electric, where she delivered substantial cost savings, improved safety and reliability performance, executed complex capital programs and led global modernization and automation initiatives. A Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Braker is widely recognized as a result-driven change agent with deep expertise in operational transformation, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Braker serves on the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation Board and was a past chair. She has been involved in Women in Manufacturing for more than a decade. She also serves on Southwire 12 for Life Board, which is a collaborative partnership between Southwire and local school systems in Carrollton, Ga. and Florence, Ala. The initiative offers classroom instruction, on-the-job training, essential work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Braker is the mother of five and considers this one of her greatest accomplishments. She balances her time between her professional and community commitments and her family.
David Brandt
Digital Marketing & Communications Manager, Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers
David Brandt is the digital marketing and communications manager at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, where he leads digital strategy, content development, and brand communications for the world’s largest professional society dedicated to industrial and systems engineering. A 25-year communications veteran, Brandt brings a background in print and digital journalism to his work. He created Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast in 2019, which has been downloaded in more than 120 countries and received a regional Gold Azbee Award. He also writes an AI-focused column for ISE Magazine and has worked hands-on with generative AI since early 2023, applying it to marketing, content production, and audience engagement. His perspective blends journalistic clarity with practical execution.
Kenya Brooks-Jones
Co-Founder, President & Chief Innovation Officer, Jones Software Corp.
Kenya Brooks-Jones is co-founder, president, and chief innovation officer of Jones Software Corporation, an AI-powered education technology company advancing workforce development globally. She leads the Velocity Learning Management Ecosystem, integrating Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, and intelligent copilots to deliver personalized learning and measurable performance outcomes across education, enterprise, and government sectors. Brooks-Jones has built strategic partnerships across the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, collaborating with technology leaders including Microsoft, Apple, IBM, NVIDIA, and Google. She has supported initiatives such as Apple’s Everyone Can Code and IBM P-TECH to expand equitable access to computer science education. A former Microsoft TEALS co-teacher and Harvard CS50–certified leader, she is committed to preparing diverse communities for AI-driven economies.
Tim Brown
Senior Research Associate and Academic Program Director – AI, College of Lifelong Learning
Tim Brown brings more than 40 years of experience in strategy, optimization, consulting, and education. He previously served for 10 years as managing director of Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain & Logistics Institute and has held executive consulting roles at Accenture, IBM Global Services, Coopers & Lybrand, and Chainalytics. Brown has advised CEOs and chief supply chain officers worldwide, led international strategy projects, and co-authored academic and industry publications. Prior to consulting, he worked in supply chain roles at Georgia-Pacific, Frito-Lay, and Tropicana. He holds an MBA from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech, along with professional certifications in project management, supply chain management, and business transformation.
Tiara Chesmer-Williams
Global Leader of Inclusive Programs and Partnerships, Visa
Tiara Chesmer-Williams leads Global Inclusive Programs & Partnerships at Visa, shaping worldwide strategies and alliances that advance economic inclusion and expand equitable access for underrepresented communities. She is also the Founder of Deuce Consulting and previously held transformative leadership roles at LVMH, Morgan Stanley, and Blackstone, driving cultural evolution, inclusive strategies, and multicultural engagement across global organizations. Beyond her corporate work, Tiara contributes her expertise as a board member and trusted advisor to organizations committed to innovation, inclusion, and the future of work. She holds a degree in Finance and Business Management from New York University & City College as well as a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. Tiara is rooted in and driven by a lifelong commitment to authenticity, equity, and empowering others.
Phil Davidson
Senior Manager, Technology Risk, Ernst & Young
Phil Davidson is a senior manager at Ernst & Young specializing in technology risk at the intersection of financial services, artificial intelligence, and cloud platforms. His work centers on helping large, regulated organizations modernize operating models while aligning innovation with compliance, governance, and audit expectations. Davidson brings deep experience advising banks, insurers, payments firms, and asset managers on enterprise technology risk management, AI-enabled automation, and data platform modernization. He is actively involved in exploring agentic AI architectures and human-in-the-loop control frameworks to support assurance and operational workflows. Davidson collaborates closely with technology, risk, and business leaders to translate emerging AI capabilities into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions that balance innovation with resilience and trust.
Robyn Donaldson
CEO, STEM Xposure Inc. and Renew Construction Services
Robyn Donaldson is a master trainer, contractor, roofer, and architectural designer leading Renew Construction Services at the forefront of next-generation construction. Her work integrates AI, advanced manufacturing, and 3D-printed housing to deliver resilient, sustainable building solutions.
With expertise across design-build, workforce development, and emerging construction technologies, Donaldson is recognized for modernizing how homes and communities are designed and scaled, bridging architecture, engineering, and construction with data-driven innovation.
Sakeya Donaldson
Founder and CEO, The Science of Beauty
Sakeya Donaldson is the founder and CEO of The Science of Beauty, a STEM education platform connecting cosmetic chemistry, beauty, and entrepreneurship. With more than 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industries, she now focuses on culturally relevant science education through partnerships with organizations including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and HBCUs.
She is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 STEAM Awards Educator of the Year. Her work centers on expanding access to STEM education by meeting learners where culture and curiosity intersect.
Caroline Dunn
Vice President of Marketing, Indigo Business Solutions
Caroline Dunn is vice president of marketing at Indigo Business Solutions and a Georgia Tech alumna with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. She combines technical expertise with an MBA to lead AI-driven marketing strategies. Dunn is the author of A Woman’s Guide to Winning in Tech and a YouTube creator with more than 39,000 subscribers producing tutorials on hardware and AI applications.
Alicia Dupass
Founder, SkinLytix
Alicia Dupass is the founder of SkinLytix, a skincare intelligence platform blending artificial intelligence with expert validation to help consumers understand cosmetic ingredients. With a background in cosmetic chemistry, health care operations, and technology strategy, she built SkinLytix at the intersection of science, data, and consumer education. Her work focuses on transparency, safety, and empowering individuals to make informed product decisions.
Andrea Griffith Girtz
Chief Impact Strategist, Citrus: Strategic Communication + AI Innovation
Andrea Griffith Girtz is a strategic communications advisor working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, narrative strategy, and institutional trust. With more than 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and corporate communications, she helps organizations rethink how they communicate, make decisions, and grow in an AI-driven environment. Girtz holds a master’s degree in strategic communications and public relations from Purdue University and is the creator of the Citrus strategic communications framework. She is also the founder of The AI Story Strategist, where she explores how AI can be used not just to generate content, but to identify patterns, challenge assumptions, and strengthen strategic narratives that guide leadership and organizational change.
Tenisha Griggs
Founder and CEO, 37X Digital Marketing Agency
Tenisha Griggs is a marketing executive specializing in digital advertising, go-to-market execution, and revenue acceleration. As founder and CEO of 37X Digital Marketing Agency, she has led campaigns for brands including Microsoft, Accenture, HP, and Terminus, managing more than $100 million in advertising spend and delivering returns of up to 450%. Earlier in her career, she helped launch AT&T’s Big Data startup and spearheaded the company’s first customer loyalty program. A Georgia Tech graduate and former All-American track and field athlete, Griggs brings a competitive, data-driven mindset to helping organizations scale revenue through audience segmentation, paid media innovation, and analytics-led strategy.
La Nise Hagan
Chief Human Resources Officer, OneTen
La Nise Hagan is chief human resources officer at OneTen and a recognized leader in workforce transformation and skills-based talent strategy. She works with organizations nationwide to rethink how companies hire, develop, and advance talent in an economy shaped by technology and evolving labor market dynamics. Hagan brings experience across complex operating environments and is known for translating labor market data and analytics into practical workforce strategies. She serves as chair of the Phoenix Center for the Arts board and is a member of The Conference Board CHRO Council. A sought-after speaker, Hagan has been featured at national conferences and is recognized as a Top Human Resources Voice on LinkedIn.
Natalie Hall
Director, Office of Digital Transformation, City of Atlanta
Natalie Hall serves as director of the Office of Digital Transformation for the City of Atlanta, where she leads enterprise efforts to modernize government through technology, data, and human-centered design. Her portfolio includes initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, digital experience platforms, data governance, and smart city solutions. Prior to this role, Hall served as a Fulton County commissioner from 2017 to 2024, where she championed technology modernization, open data, and community-centered policy. She brings a unique blend of executive leadership, public policy experience, and civic innovation expertise, with a focus on responsible, inclusive digital transformation that delivers measurable public value.
KeKe Jackson
Owner, Opulence Wellness & MedSpa
My name is Keisha, also known as KeKe Jackson, a licensed medical esthetician, entrepreneur, and founder of Opulence Wellness & MedSpa. With more than 20 years in the beauty industry, I specialize in advanced skincare treatments that help clients build confidence and show up as their best selves.
I founded Opulence to bring inclusive, results-driven skincare and education to communities that are often overlooked. My work centers on mentoring aspiring estheticians, expanding access to wellness services, and building a lasting legacy in beauty and self-care.
Jennifer Kattula
Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft Advertising
Jennifer Kattula leads global marketing for Microsoft Advertising, overseeing growth, portfolio amplification, and brand experiences for its AI-powered products and services. She previously spent more than a decade at Meta, leading business marketing for Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and emerging platforms, and has also held leadership roles at Polygon Labs. Kattula’s expertise sits at the intersection of breakthrough technology, culture, and storytelling, where she crafts narratives that connect innovation with human experience and business outcomes. Her work focuses on translating complex technology into compelling market stories that drive adoption and growth.
Elizabeth Kealoha
Executive Producer, Myelin Pictures
Elizabeth Kealoha is a media executive, producer, and technologist with more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of entertainment and technology. She is a generative media executive producer with Myelin Pictures and editor of Machine Cinema’s weekly newsletter for AI filmmakers. Kealoha helped launch Bounce, the first 24/7 digital multicast network created for African American audiences, followed by additional national networks. Her production credits span multiple television series, and she is a founding board member of the Creative Economy Collective. Kealoha holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and is deeply invested in building Georgia’s creative and AI-powered media ecosystem.
Devin C. Lewis
Director, Global Sparkling Flavors, The Coca-Cola Company
Devin Lewis brings more than 16 years of experience in food innovation and flavor development. After beginning his career as a chef, he joined The Coca-Cola Company as a product developer and has contributed to global beverage launches including Coca-Cola with Coffee and Cherry Vanilla Coke.
Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University and a PhD in food science from the University of Florida.
Alex D. Lugo
Actor, Filmmaker, and CEO, FilmPro
Alex D. Lugo is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and AI engineer driven by a passion for blending storytelling with technology. He began his technology career as a software engineer at Goldman Sachs and Square before founding Vitruvian Films and co-founding FilmPro, an AI-powered production management platform for independent filmmakers. Lugo is also co-creator and star of the acclaimed short film Project Penelope, which explores human connection through the lens of artificial intelligence. His work reflects a multidisciplinary approach that merges narrative filmmaking, emerging technology, and creative entrepreneurship.
Symphony Lyricist
Founder and Creative Director, Lotus Flower Om
Symphony Lyricist is the founder and creative director of Lotus Flower Om, a skincare and wellness brand built around her proprietary Aromasomatic methodology—dual-action formulas designed to regulate the nervous system while supporting skin health. With nearly a decade of brand-building experience, she works at the intersection of emotional wellness, sensory science, and personalized skincare. A certified somatic therapy practitioner and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumna, Lyricist brings both practitioner insight and founder leadership to her work. She believes the future of beauty is adaptive, rooted in science and responsive to the body’s real-time signals.
Lisa Marks
Associate Professor of Industrial Design; Interim Chair, Georgia Tech
Lisa Marks is an associate professor of industrial design at Georgia Tech and interim chair of arts, entertainment, and creative technologies. Her work combines craft and algorithmic design, exploring how parametrics and coding can enable deeper engagement with mathematics while preserving endangered skill-based crafts. Marks has exhibited her work in eight countries, including during design weeks in New York, Milan, India, and Thailand. Her work has received international recognition, including the 2019 International Grand Prix Lexus Design Award. Through teaching and practice, she focuses on integrating traditional making with emerging computational tools.
Melissa A. Mitchell
Chief Artistic Director and Founder, Abeille Creations
Melissa A. Mitchell is a visionary artist, designer, author, and entrepreneur transforming the worlds of art, fashion, and technology. She founded Abeille Creations, later reintroduced as A Better Life, a design house specializing in wearable art, murals, and high-end collaborations. Her work has led to partnerships with Microsoft, Cadillac, Foot Locker, SHEIN, and other global brands, with features in Forbes, Vogue, ESSENCE, CNN, and The New York Times. Mitchell is a TEDx speaker and the author of four books. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she uses art as a tool for empowerment, healing, and cultural storytelling.
Shari Mitchell
Vice President, HCM Transformation & Thought Leadership, Oracle
Shari Mitchell is a vice president of HCM Transformation and Thought Leadership at Oracle, where she advises global organizations on AI strategy, workforce transformation, and modern HR technology. With more than 25 years of experience, she is known for leading large-scale human capital management transformations that align talent strategy, service delivery, and business outcomes. Mitchell brings deep expertise in HR operations, analytics, and technology enablement, helping organizations navigate complex change while improving workforce effectiveness and employee experience at scale.
Kenya Moses
Chief Operating Officer, OmniMax International
Kenya Moses is chief operating officer of OmniMax International, bringing more than 24 years of global leadership experience across manufacturing, operations, supply chain optimization, and mergers and acquisitions integration. Prior to OmniMax, he served as COO of NSI Industries, where he helped scale the company through strategic acquisitions and operational integration. Moses holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Wake Forest University. His leadership is focused on disciplined execution, scalable growth, and long-term enterprise value creation.
Moi Reilly
Research Technologist, Georgia Tech Research Institute
Hello! I’m Moi, a technologist and researcher pursuing a PhD in computer science at Georgia Tech’s School of Interactive Computing. Professionally, I’ve worked across national security, cybersecurity, IT and operational technology, STEM education, agriculture, and community advocacy. My research is guided by relationality—an Indigenous way of knowing that shapes how I approach interconnected systems and people. I bridge deep technical expertise with human-centered design to generate insights for critical infrastructure, workforce development, and community-oriented change. My current interests include agricultural technology design and circular economy models for underserved and rural communities.
Denise Smith
Chief Innovation Officer, AI InnoVision
Denise Smith is chief innovation officer at AI InnoVision, bringing more than two decades of experience guiding organizations through complex technology and business transformation. A visionary entrepreneur and master strategist, she has led AI-driven initiatives across 152 countries and designed systems supporting more than 400,000 employees worldwide. Smith has served as a fractional CEO, COO, and CTO, helping organizations translate emerging technologies into clear, executable roadmaps that deliver measurable impact. At AI InnoVision, she works closely with founders Alicia and Lorette Lyttle to architect responsible, scalable AI strategies that balance innovation with operational readiness. Smith is known for her ability to align strategy, technology, and people—ensuring that transformation efforts are both technically sound and human-centered. She has been recognized as a 2026 Woman to KNOW in Georgia and named one of JPMorgan Chase’s 2024 100 Women to KNOW Across America. A 2025 Google Data Center AI Community Fellow, Smith thrives where bold ideas meet real-world execution, bringing clarity, momentum, and purpose to every organization she serves.
Anthony E. Tuggle
Founder and CEO, TAG US Worldwide LLC
Anthony E. Tuggle is the founder and chief executive officer of TAG US Worldwide, a leadership and business transformation firm partnering with organizations to strengthen leadership, elevate culture, and drive sustainable performance. He brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, including senior roles at AT&T, where he led global organizations and managed multibillion-dollar portfolios. He later served as president of customer operations at Afiniti, an AI-driven technology company. A kidney transplant survivor, Tuggle is a national patient advocate and former board chair of the National Kidney Foundation.
Celest Turner Hall
Global Vice President of Product Marketing, Aptean
Celest Turner Hall is the global vice president of product marketing at Aptean, where she leads AI-driven go-to-market strategy for industry-specific software solutions and an emerging agentic AI ecosystem. Her work translates complex innovation into market positioning that drives growth across manufacturing and supply chain industries. Turner Hall previously held senior leadership roles at EnterpriseDB, Sage, Intel, and Verizon. She is also the founder of Shining Opus, a strategic advisory firm supporting companies navigating major technology shifts in an AI-driven economy.
Nadine Vaughan
Director and Senior Relationship Manager, BMO Bank N.A.
Nadine Vaughan is a director and senior relationship manager with BMO Commercial Bank, supporting international middle-market clients across the Southeastern United States. She brings more than 25 years of commercial and corporate banking experience, with deep expertise in manufacturing and global operations. Vaughan began her career in Germany before continuing in the United States with roles at Wells Fargo, GMAC Commercial Finance, and Bridgeview Capital Solutions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business law and serves on the board of the Georgia chapter of Women in Manufacturing.
Sooraya Williams
Program Director, Digital Learning, YWCA Greater Atlanta
Sooraya Williams is a digital equity strategist and program director of digital learning at YWCA Greater Atlanta. She leads workforce initiatives including the Digital Skills Academy and Teen Girls in Technology, expanding access to digital literacy, cybersecurity education, and technology career pathways for women and girls of color. Williams brings a background in policy, data analytics, and technical certifications spanning cybersecurity and user experience design. She has been recognized as a Bank of America Future Emerging Leader, a YWCA USA 35 Under 35 honoree, and a 2026 Capstone Woman of Excellence.
Dr. Tina Woodard
Founder and CEO, Capstone Performance Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Tina Woodard is the founder and CEO of Capstone Performance Solutions, an integrated systems engineering firm focused on leadership effectiveness, organizational performance, and culture transformation. An industrial engineer and HR executive, she brings more than 25 years of experience across manufacturing, health care, government, and higher education. Previously, she served as assistant vice chancellor for organizational development for the University System of Georgia, leading leadership development for more than 40,000 employees. Dr. Woodard holds a doctorate from the University of Georgia and is a frequent keynote speaker and leadership educator.