Machine Learning TO Meetup

• Adam Thorsteinson, Data Scientist @ Bitstrapped: Adam works at the intersection of data science and design. With a background in machine learning, mathematics and innovation, he has a passion for exploring the stories hidden inside massive troves of multimodal data. He’s built scalable AI pipelines for large enterprises, educational ML programs for new grads, and escape rooms for corporate execs. Adam is a data scientist at Bitstrapped.
• Neil Hepburn, Analytics and Information Management Advisor @ Hepburn Data Systems, Inc.: Neil is an Analyst and Data Architect at heart with over thirty years experience in working in software and data management. Neil has worked for Canadian, American, and Danish companies including PwC Canada, CGI, PointClickCare, Walmart, Jubii, and Roblox and has done everything from building data warehouses and business intelligence platforms to designing and teaching courses on Agile Analytics to improving performance of data pipelines and BI reports to designing and analyzing surveys and advising executives on how to make their data workers more business-centric. Neil continually experiments with AI to find ways of improving Business Analytics outcomes.
• Helen Oakley, Director of Secure Software Supply Chains and Secure Development @ SAP & Founding Partner @ AISUF: Helen Oakley, CISSP, GPCS, GSTRT, is a leader in cybersecurity and AI transparency, co-leading the AIBOM Tiger Team within CISA.gov SBOM working groups, driving AI innovation for transparency and security. As the Director of Secure Software Supply Chain and Secure Development at SAP's Global Security and Cloud Compliance, she leads security-by-design efforts across SAP’s engineering teams. A Founding Partner of the AI Integrity and Safe Use Foundation (AISUF) and co-founder of Leading Cyber Ladies, she’s recognized as one of the Top 20 Canadian Women in Cybersecurity. Helen is a sought-after speaker at major industry events and advises startups, shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity.
• Ruchika Israni, Director, Analytics and AI Risk @ BMO & Education Lead, Women in AI: Ruchika leads the AI Risk Team at BMO Financial Group. Prior to working at BMO, she led the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AI CoE) at Deloitte Canada, where delivered innovative and impactful AI solutions for clients. She hold a M.S. degree in Information Management from Syracuse University and has over 15 years of experience in both U.S. and Canada working with leading software and consulting firms. She is the co-founder of a volunteer-driven AI Product Management Study Group, a free community designed to foster the exchange of ideas, encourage knowledge sharing, and support professional growth in AI product management. Ruchika is also a strong proponent of supporting and nurturing diversity in tech as the Education Lead in Women in AI (WAI) community.

In the panel, we’ll get to know our speakers, discuss the biggest developments and milestones in machine learning and AI over the last year, what to look forward to in the year ahead, practical advice on how to navigate the current job market, issues in AI safety & governance, and more.

As usual, we’ll have our regular networking before and after the main event, giving you an opportunity to connect with others in the data and AI space in Toronto. Come on out and join us on January 28th, and kick-off the new year in AI right. Hope to see you there!

Schedule:
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments
6:30 PM - 6:45 PM: Kickoff & Announcements
6:45 PM - 7:45 PM: Panel Discussion and Q&A
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM: Networking & Wrap-Up

Many thanks to our sponsors!
A huge thanks to the team at Deskree for sponsoring this month's panel and allowing us to enjoy refreshments with our networking. Check them out at Deskree.com