Reza Rassool is a serial startup entrepreneur and a recognized figure in technology, boasting an impressive career highlighted by two exits to Google. His strategic foresight and leadership as the former CTO of RealNetworks were pivotal in steering the company through a significant turnaround, successfully transitioning its core business towards artificial intelligence (AI). Rassool's contributions to technology extend beyond leadership roles; he is an innovator with a substantial portfolio of patents, including 75 patents registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WPTO) and 58 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). His creative solutions have been acknowledged through prestigious product awards, including a Technical OSCAR and an EMMY. Deeply committed to fostering the next generation of innovators, Reza serves as an affiliate professor at the University of Washington, and leader of ThinkDay(s) where he mentors students and contributes to the academic community's growth.

In his current role as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Kwaai, Reza Rassool continues to channel his vast experience and passion for technology into the mission of democratizing AI. Through Kwaai, he aims to break down barriers in the artificial intelligence field, making it accessible and equitable for developers and innovators across the globe. This initiative reflects his enduring commitment to leveraging technology as a force for good, fostering an inclusive community where diverse voices can contribute to the advancement of AI, thus shaping a future where technology empowers everyone.

As a seasoned technology, customer experience and business development leader in cloud and AI and a pioneer in the mental health industry, Matt brings unique insight and tenured perspective to his endeavors.

As a fractional technology executive and startup consultant, Matt helps technology companies get to know their users, prospects and customers better.  Matt is also co-founder of Lucid Cradle, offering first-in-the-world legal Psychedelic Mushroom Experiences in Bend, Oregon.

Matt serves as the community leader for Kwaai and as a corporate officer.

Román Pineda is a distinguished PhD Candidate at Anahuac University in Mexico, focusing on advancements and innovations within the realm of computer science. In addition to his academic pursuits, Pineda imparts his extensive knowledge as a Computer Science Professor at Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana, where he specializes in teaching Compilators, Operating Systems, and Intelligent Systems. With a profound professional background encompassing 17 years of experience in banking, specifically in Software Architecture and Lifecycle, Pineda brings a wealth of practical insights to his academic roles. His expertise is further recognized through his active involvement as a member of the board in various esteemed companies located in Honduras and Panama, underscoring his significant impact on both the academic and corporate sectors of technology.

Mr. Balaji Lakshmanan is Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Studiobit. He is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. He plays a critical role in shaping the company's vision and strategy, specializing in cloud-based conferencing and live streaming solutions. Balaji is recognized for his innovative leadership, earning four patents for his work on cloud switch architectures. He is pioneering development of ultra-low latency audio/video architectures to enhance conferencing and live-streaming experiences.

As an AI enthusiast, Balaji has formulated groundbreaking strategies for integrating artificial intelligence in telecom and live-streaming platforms. Known for his ability to lead high-performing teams, he has successfully executed complex projects that automate processes and streamline operations. His comprehensive areas of expertise encompass technology strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, budgeting, vendor management, and global project delivery. Balaji is passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth. He specializes in AI integration strategies, aiming to position companies at the forefront of technological innovation. His focus is on creating future-ready solutions that embrace emerging technologies.

Richard Whitt is a seasoned corporate strategist and technology policy attorney, currently serving as Fellow in Residence at the Mozilla Foundation and Senior Fellow at the Georgetown Institute for Technology Law and Policy. He co-founded GLIAnet PRIMER LLC, where he advises on governance challenges at the nexus of market, technology, and policy, and is president of the GLIA Foundation and founder of the GLIAnet Project.

With an eleven-year tenure at Google (2007-2018), he held various positions including corporate director for strategic initiatives and, at Motorola Mobility (acquired by Google), Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Public Policy. His roles at Google involved leading on privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and Internet governance issues, and he played a key role in initiatives like the first free public WiFi hotspot in Cuba. Prior to Google, Whitt spent twelve years at MCI Communications, ending as vice president for federal law and policy. A noted author and speaker, he has contributed to over two hundred industry conferences and numerous academic institutions. I addition to his extensive professional experience, Whitt holds degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and James Madison University.

Ruth Rassool is beginning her 16th year in the English department at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. She was formerly a COC student then transferred to UCLA. Her main focus is literature, particularly "British" literature - whatever that means -. She moved to LA from the UK in 1994 and was due to arrive on 1/17. Recently, Ruth has been looking for ways to incorporate generative AI into her teaching in an ethical, equitable manner. This inevitable inclusion of AI requires that we look at Academic Freedom, Curriculum, and Policy.

Brittany Deventer is a creative technologist with successful careers in the software and entertainment industries.   She taught herself to code while freelancing in the NYC theater scene and now works as the sole software developer at Southern California Safe Company, where she manages the software for their IoT based cash management products.  In 2021, she co-founded Green Deeds, a mobile application that rewards users with Celo cryptocurrency for recycling or composting.  She’s worked with LaForge Optical to build a proof-of-concept application for their AR glasses to display names of recognized contacts.  She is the founder of the Creative Technologists Meetup Group in Los Angeles, creator of The Don’t Just Exist Movement, and a passionate filmmaker and storyteller. 

Brittany values fundamental understanding of the tools one keeps in their arsenal and is excited to see Kwaai advocating for education, policy, and ownership in the onslaught of Web 3.0.  

Sushil Kumar is a Technology Program Leader and has led multiple digital transformation initiatives involving automation, cloud platforms, and application modernization in the defense and banking industries. He has integrated the latest and emerging technologies like GIS, Secure Communications, Resilient Information Networks, Advanced Cloud Computing, Data Processing, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence into various aspects of businesses to fundamentally change the nature of operations.

His digital transformation programs at the Indian Army and IBM have led to a very high social impact improving the experience and lives of employees, customers, and consumers ranging from soldiers deployed in forward areas in harsh conditions to common users across banking, insurance, and airlines.

He completed his MBA focused on AI and emerging technologies at USC Marshall School of Business and is currently engaged in a technology modernization project for citizens-centric applications for a county government in CA, USA. He is an advisor at KWAAI where he contributes to the AI Policy and Cloud Infrastructure aspects. He is extremely passionate about the cause of democratizing AI and has been contributing to the development and proliferation of responsible and ethical AI for everyone drawing upon his strong people focus, experience, and education. Sushil Kumar was recently awarded the Global Indian 2023 Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of Technology Program Management and Digital Transformation.

Sam Johnston (CMgr FCMI/FIML GAICD MACS Snr CP) is an Australian technology executive and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience founding and advising startups, and in leadership roles at top global technology companies including Google, Equinix, Citrix, and DXC Technology.

Sam is currently CEO at Acumino, a Singapore venture studio focusing on emerging technologies and disruptive innovation. He is working with other founders to create the businesses of tomorrow by applying his research into emerging technologies including drones, robotics & humanoids, 3D printing, computer vision & voice, augmented & virtual reality, artificial intelligence & machine learning, blockchain, chatbots, and quantum computing.

Sam has a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, an executive MBA specialising in finance from S P Jain School of Global Management in Singapore, and is completing a Master of Science in computer science specialising in machine learning at Georgia Tech. He has lived and worked in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America.

With over 30 years of legal and strategic experience, Mark Vega helps clients understand and navigate the complex and evolving landscape of global privacy laws and the implications of doing business in an era embracing AI.

He serves as a Technology / Privacy / Corporate Counsel at Incite Law, a boutique firm known for providing outside general counsel engagements with a focus on privacy, technology, and strategic business operations across various industries. Vega offers legal and strategic guidance to C-suite executives and medium to large-scale enterprises in both the private and public sectors. He is responsible for setting the strategy and overseeing the development, management, and implementation of a company's privacy posture, data ethics, and general compliance programs across jurisdictions. As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), he stays abreast of the proliferating privacy law landscape.

Additionally, Vega is a Privacy / Cyber-Security Consultant at PRITECH, where he reviews and modifies clients' data practices to meet stringent legal standards and achieve broader organizational aims. He adheres to the principles of "Privacy by Default" and "Privacy by Design", ensuring that no aspect of the work or link in the chain is overlooked, thereby enhancing operations with AI to be better, quicker, faster, and stronger.