The Windsor Google Developers Group (GDG) is proud to host our annual Windsor-Essex DevFest on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Session abstracts available at this link
DevFests are Google-sponsored software developer conferences that allow the local software development community to network and learn about the latest and greatest technology. DevFests are also an opportunity to present topics aligned with the latest industry trends, or with the potential to become such, and to share knowledge and experience with others.
Agenda
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Speakers
Don Ward - Google (Customer Engineer Specialist)
Don Ward is a cloud enthusiast and Customer Engineer at Google Cloud, bringing deep practical experience to the table. In the last 5 years alone, he's earned an impressive 17 cloud certifications across Google and AWS, fueled by a passion for continuous learning and a drive to master the Google Cloud ecosystem. Don's commitment extends to the local tech scene, where he's spent 12 years fosteri…
Keval Patel - Architecttura Inc., Architects (Lead Information Technology Infrastructure Manager)
Keval Patel is an educator, AI enthusiast, and founder of REALIQ, helping businesses and learners harness AI, automation, and cloud solutions through practical, hands-on training. He specializes in multi-agent AI workflows, low-code automation tools, and self-hosted systems, with a focus on turning complex technology into real-world results.
Elvis Akhalu - TD (Data Engineer)
Elvis Akhalu is a data professional working as a Data Engineer at TD Bank and holds a Master's degree in Business Data Analytics. He is proficient in data architecture, engineering, and modern tool stacks including Azure Databricks, Python, and cloud technologies. Beyond his work with financial data systems, Elvis serves as a Chapter Leader at Black Boys Code Windsor, where he mentors the next…
Joe Youssouf - Oden Technologies (Senior Data Scientist)
Joe Youssouf is the Lead Customer Data Scientist at Oden Technologies, where he develops AI-powered solutions that deliver real-time, domain-specific intelligence to manufacturing. His work on ProcessAI delivers real-time control recommendations that reduce waste, increase throughput, and enhance safety across global operations. Prior to Oden, he scaled predictive maintenance systems for over …
Arunesh Choudhary - Dialabot.ai (Conversational AI Engineer)
As a Conversational AI Engineer at Dialabot.ai, I design, develop, and deploy scalable conversational AI agents tailored to business needs. I architect conversation flows, configure agent behaviors, and integrate agents with CRMs, APIs, calendars, and enterprise systems to automate workflows and improve user interactions. I also build and maintain data pipelines to support agent training, perf…
Umair Durrani - Presage Group (Data Scientist)
Umair Durrani is a Data Scientist at Presage Group Inc., where he conducts scientific studies in the field of human factors and decision-making. Umair also develops web applications and data tools for optimizing data collection and reporting. With a PhD in Civil Engineering, he is passionate about modeling and mitigating human error in transportation systems. Umair also teaches data analysis w…
Troy Hector - Mosaic North America (Client Data Analyst II | Supporting Google)
I am a full-stack developer with more than 10 years of experience. After studying at St. Clair College, I now work as a Data Analyst at Mosaic North America, supporting Google.
Steven Rice - DataRealm (Automation Specialist)
Steven Rice is an Automation Specialist at DataRealm and a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Windsor. His work bridges physical AI, simulation, and applied robotics, focusing on cutting-edge humanoid robotics platforms, vision-language-action integration, and digital twins. Beyond robotics, Steven has extensive experience in game development, having taught university cours…
Florid Maclean - Catch The Event | Fanshawe College (CEO & Professor)
Florid Maclean is a visionary builder at the forefront of software development and technology education. As a Professor at Fanshawe College, he doesn't just teach theory; he brings real-world experience from his career as a Software Consultant and as the Founder of PORT24 Technologies Inc. His mission is to empower the next generation of innovators by sharing the practical les…
Sandra Lopez-Zamora - Scotiabank (Senior Manager - Data Strategy and Analytics)
Sandra is a Senior Manager in Global Risk Management (GRM) at Scotiabank and is the City Lead for Women in AI London Chapter launching in the Fall. She is passionate about Data Science, supporting women in tech and newcomers in their transition to Canada. Sandra is one of three selected for the GRM Leadership Rotation Program allowing her to experience various aspects of banking. Her expertise…
Diaa ElKott - ISRA VISION - Part of Atlas Copco (Senior Software Engineer)
Diaa ElKott is a mechanical engineer and software developer with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University. Diaa's career has focused on building software for industrial measurement applications using geometric modeling, and computer vision methods.
Kylie Kiser - Kylie K Consulting (Owner)
Kylie Kiser is a Microsoft Business Applications MVP and Fast Track Recognized Solution Architect with deep experience in Dynamics 365, Dataverse, and the Power Platform. As the owner of Kylie K Consulting, she helps teams design secure, scalable solutions and teaches makers and developers how to get real value out of low code. Kylie is known for making complex topics approachable through prac…
Andrea Irina Yzeiri - Picsume (Chief Data & Analytics Officer and Lead AI Engineer)
Andrea Yzeiri is a dynamic leader at the intersection of technology, strategy, and innovative development, recently recognized as one of North America’s Top 25 Women Chief Data & Analytics Officers by Women We Admire. With over a decade of experience spanning AI, data analytics, and leadership, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and practical business insights. Andrea is a pi…
Mina Girges - TransForm Shared Service Organization (Vice President & Chief Information Officer)
Mina Girges is a technology leader f
Mina Girges is an award-winning Information Systems leader and IT strategist, recognized for his expertise in secure, efficient, and scalable technology solutions. Currently Vice President & Chief Information Officer at TransForm Shared Service Organization, he is focused on Zero Trust, digital transformation, and building secure, scalable …
Amrit Mehta - Deloitte (Senior Advisor)
During a global career spanning 30 years at General Motors, Bridgestone, and Smith & Nephew, Amrit Mehta held P&L and leadership roles in several functions - Digital, E-Commerce, Operations, Customer Experience, Product Planning/Product Development, Sales, Service & Marketing, Strategy, Corporate Development and Finance.
During the last 10 years, as a C-suite senior leader, A…
Frank Abbruzzese
Graduate from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree • Married to the Lovely Carmela and two beautiful daughters Haley and Syd • Frank Abbruzzese is the President of AlphaKOR and has over 37 years of experience in the technology sector • He develops strategic, long-term relationships with companies and organizations of all sizes, and provides strategic planning …
Veronica Reingold - University of Windsor (Computer Science Student)
I'm super passionate about accessibility, especially in games and game development! My passions have led me to pursue my MSc in Computer Science, where I'm researching the topic of applying AI to video game accessibility. This novel idea has earned me the prestigious Vector Scholarship in AI. I love the creativity that goes into game-making, and I believe that more creative uses of AI in games…
Wen Teoh
Wen is the President and Principal Consultant at Good Point Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, business startups, project management, and operations across various sectors, Wen began her career in the tech industry as a project lead and programmer analyst in the financial sector. Wen then moved into entrepreneurship, co-founding two businesses before transiti…
Sean Bridgeman - HALIGHT Inc (Director of Product Management)
Product Leader with a compulsion to build collaborative environments that radiate value-focused product cultures.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-bridgeman-b2a30a178/;
Camila Gaitan - Softgic (Systems Engineer | Business Data Analyst)
I am a Systems Engineer with over 8 years of experience in leading and managing digital and software projects. I am Scrum certified and have applied agile methodologies to successfully deliver high-quality technology solutions. My professional journey includes roles such as Project Lead, Scrum Master, and Project Manager, which have given me a 360° view of the product lifecycle and the ability…
Kevin Serrano Mojica - Mercado Libre (Software Enginner | Android Developer)
I am a Software Developer with more than 7 years of experience, with a strong focus on mobile application development and experience designing and developing complete software solutions.
My experience is mainly focused on Mobile Application Development, working with native Android applications and technologies such as Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, Java, Firebase, and Google Mobile Service…
Vimal K. - GDG Cloud Toronto (Co-Founder)
Hosted By
Ali El-Sharif, Professor
Ali El-Sharif works as a professor at St. Clair College in Windsor, where he teaches Data Analytics and Cybersecurity. Ali is currently co-authoring a book with Serg Masís and Nick Schmidt. The book title is “Building Responsible AI with Python - Identify, explain, and mitigate bias with hands-on code examples.” Ali enjoys volunteering for GDG Windsor and encourages everyone to stay connected with this amazing community of developers.
Vivian Tang, Data Consultant
MBA with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Windsor, with international experience studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Experienced with proven success in technical leadership, project management, community building, and delivering large-scale initiatives (WinHacks, Google DevFest). Passionate about inclusive innovation, mentorship, and leading cross-functional teams from concept to execution in business and technology.
Daria Deriagina, Developer
I design and build websites that are easy to use, look great, and actually work the way people need them to. My background in UX/UI design and web development lets me blend creativity with clean, functional code.
I love turning ideas into digital experiences that feel effortless to navigate, and I enjoy working with others to make something we can be proud of.
Esraa Abdelhalim, Assistant Professor
Esraa is an Assistant Professor at the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, specializing in Human-AI Interaction, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Responsible Algorithms, and Data Analytics. Her research is published in top-tier journals and conferences, and she has received multiple awards, including Professor of the Year (2024, 2025), Ontario Trillium Award, and TechWomen award. Esraa has worked with 100+ women in leading Silicon Valley tech companies and co-founded initiatives like “Women Techmakers-Alexandria”, “GDG-Alexandria”, and “Heya is Back.” She also organizes the annual International Women’s Day event and AI workshops at Odette.
Joe Youssouf, Data Scientist
Ashlynn Ward, Computer Science Student
Ashlynn Ward recently started a Computer Science degree at the University of Windsor. She is a Women Techmaker Member and a big fan of Google Developer Groups.
Keval Patel, Data Scientist
ranem ghalion, AI Engineer
Arunesh Choudhary, Conversational AI Engineer
As a Conversational AI Engineer at Dialabot.ai, I design, develop, and deploy scalable conversational AI agents tailored to business needs. I architect conversation flows, configure agent behaviors, and integrate agents with CRMs, APIs, calendars, and enterprise systems to automate workflows and improve user interactions. I also build and maintain data pipelines to support agent training, performance monitoring, and continuous optimization, ensuring reliable and production-ready AI solutions.
Sam Ghasan, Enterprise Architect
Kiran Puthan, Solution Consultant
Kiran blends a background in engineering with sales leadership, helping organizations evaluate and implement solutions that align with both technical needs and strategic objectives. He is also a leadership expert who delivers high-energy talks and presentations on Technology, Design, and Sales.
Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-windsor-presents-gdg-windsor-essex-devfest-2026/.
