Speakers
Dr. Danika Rux, Deputy Chancellor
As Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership, Dr. Danika Rux oversees the work of Community District Superintendents and High School Superintendents, which in turn provide schools with coordinated strategic support, resources, and guidance. She also oversees the Department’s student wellness and school climate work. Danika Rux is an instructional leader with over 27 years of experience in the areas of speech pathology, literacy instruction, special education, school leadership, district leadership, and systems level educational administration. Most recently, Danika served as Chief of School Support. Prior, Danika served as Executive Superintendent, Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Field Support Liaison and Principal. Danika holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage College, Albany, NY. She earned her M.S. Ed. and B.S. from Long Island University and Advanced Certificates from Baruch College, Mercer University, Georgia State University.
Sophia, the AI Robot
Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, Sophia, personifies our dreams for the future of AI. As a unique combination of science, engineering, and artistry, Sophia is simultaneously a human-crafted science fiction character depicting the future of AI and robotics, and a platform for advanced robotics and AI research. The character of Sophia captures the imagination of global audiences. She is the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. Sophia is now a household name, with appearances on the Tonight Show in addition to speaking at hundreds of conferences around the world.
Abran Maldonado
Abran Maldonado is a leading AI expert, OpenAI ambassador, and co-founder of Create Labs, a Black and Brown-founded startup disrupting the AI and metaverse design space. A keynote speaker with the Prophets of AI speaking agency, Abran has over a decade of experience in both entertainment and education technology, including a background in Hip-Hop, digital media, and youth culture. Abran brings a unique perspective to the AI community and is dedicated to advancing diversity in tech and has worked to expand 5G VR/AR edtech solutions to schools nationwide.
Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz
Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Ph.D. is a Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the 2024 New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development's Dorothy Height Distinguished Alumni Award winner. Her research has appeared in several top-tier academic journals. She is co-editor of five books and is co-author of the multiple award-winning book "Advancing Racial Literacies in Teacher Education: Activism for Equity in Digital Spaces (2021)" where she examines her concept of Archeology of Self ™ in education.
Dr. Bill Daggett
Dr. Bill Daggett is the founder of both the Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education. Dr. Daggett is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move preK-12 education systems towards more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. For 30 years, he has crisscrossed our nation, as well as the industrialized world, to lead school reform efforts to effectively prepare students for their future.