About the Cutting-Edge Technology Webinar Series

The Cutting-Edge Technology Webinar Series was designed with one goal in mind: to showcase how Artificial Intelligence has spread across industries and transformed the way we work, think, and innovate. I had the privilege of collaborating with incredible professors and industry leaders to create a workshop series that I was not only proud of but one that truly stood out in both its impact and volume.

Most weeks featured 2–3 sessions, which made it challenging to coordinate around everyone’s schedules. However, being able to work with these experts and help them create presentations that showcased their research interests was an amazing experience. The series provided these speakers with a significant international audience, offering them the opportunity to demonstrate just how far AI has come.

Through topics like AI Optimization, Generative AI, Network Science, and Sustainability, the series captured the versatility and transformative power of AI. It wasn’t just about presenting information; it was about creating a platform where knowledge and innovation could inspire others to see what’s possible when technology meets imagination.

What Was My Role and How Did I Ensure Success?

As the designer and coordinator of the Cutting-Edge Technology Webinar Series, I managed this program from start to finish. At the time, AI was just beginning to dominate newsfeeds, and I saw a chance to capitalize on this growing interest by giving university students around the world an opportunity to learn about AI from world-renowned professors—for free. I pitched the idea, secured support, and took the lead in organizing the series to showcase AI’s potential across industries.

I orchestrated every aspect of the program, from running large-scale marketing efforts to coordinating directly with speakers and managing internal operations. This included leading weekly meetings with potential presenters to refine their content and ensure their sessions were both engaging and accessible to a global audience. At the same time, I met regularly with my internal team to delegate tasks, tackle challenges, and stay organized in preparation for what became HerWILL’s longest-running and most ambitious program.

Managing 2–3 sessions each week across different time zones required careful planning and adaptability, but the effort paid off. We drew over 900 registrants from university students worldwide, giving them the chance to explore cutting-edge topics like AI Optimization, Generative AI, and Network Science. This series wasn’t just about hosting lectures—it was about creating a platform that introduced students to the transformative power of AI, opened their minds to new possibilities, and established HerWILL as a leader in delivering impactful, large-scale educational programs.

Session Schedule and Topics

• AI for Optimization with Kevin Dalmeijer (January 24, 2023)
  Optimization involves improving systems, designs, or decisions to make them as efficient and effective as possible. This session showcased how AI-driven optimization is transforming productivity in industries such as logistics and resource management by enabling smarter decision-making and predicting patterns.

• Generative AI with Dr. Christopher Kanan (January 26, 2023)
  Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, or music, by learning from existing data. Dr. Kanan explored how this technology is driving innovation in creativity and addressing major global challenges like climate change and poverty.

• Network Science in Social Media with Tejas Santanam (January 30, 2023)
  This session delved into how social media platforms use network science to personalize user experiences. Attendees learned about the algorithms behind content recommendations, social dynamics, and the power of interconnected networks to predict trends and improve user engagement.

• AI and Sustainability with Michael Muyot (February 1, 2023)
  AI is revolutionizing sustainability by optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and creating environmentally responsible solutions. Michael Muyot showcased how AI can drive innovation for a sustainable future, with practical examples and real-world applications.

• Data Meshing with Arun Giri (February 5, 2023)
  Data meshing decentralizes data ownership, empowering teams to manage and utilize their own data sets without relying on centralized systems. Arun Giri explained this new data architecture and demonstrated how it enables scalable and collaborative approaches to integrating diverse datasets.

• The Risks of Workforce Automation with Odie Martez Gray (February 7, 2023)
  This session explored the ethical and practical implications of automation in the workforce. Odie Martez Gray discussed how AI and cybersecurity intersect with workforce management, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of automation, such as job displacement and ethical concerns.

• Generative AI with Carolina Cuesta (February 9, 2023)
  Carolina Cuesta offered a deeper dive into the mechanics of generative AI and its applications in scientific research. The session highlighted how machine learning models are solving complex problems, such as cosmological inference, to enhance our understanding of the universe.

• Learning with Graphs with Gonzalo Mateos (February 15, 2023)
  Graphs are powerful tools in AI for representing relationships between data points. Gonzalo Mateos introduced participants to graph-based machine learning, with applications in areas like social networks, healthcare, and power grid optimization. He showcased how graphs enable better decision-making by uncovering patterns in complex data.

Marketing Efforts

The success of the Cutting-Edge Technology Webinar Series was driven by a well-coordinated marketing effort. I worked closely with the HerWILL marketing team and partnered with AI4OPT at Georgia Tech to maximize outreach and engage university students globally. Through these collaborations, we connected with universities worldwide, and our partners actively promoted the series to their students, significantly expanding our reach.

We used social media strategically, posting regularly to keep the series visible and engaging. To add a personal touch, we worked with our partners to create short promotional videos that highlighted the event’s unique value and encouraged participation. These videos, along with targeted outreach, built excitement and gave the series a polished, professional image. The combined efforts of our team, partners, and social media campaigns ensured a diverse and enthusiastic audience, making the series a standout global event.

This is a page from the original pitch deck I designed to present the concept of the webinar to HerWILL’s founder.

Session Details

AI for Optimization
Speaker: Kevin Dalmeijer
Title: Senior Research Associate for the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, Managing Director of the NSF AI Research Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT)
Date of Presentation: January 24, 2024

The first workshop in the series featured Kevin Dalmeijer, who brought a wealth of knowledge on AI Optimization and its ability to revolutionize industries. Kevin’s session explored how AI Optimization can transform areas like energy, supply chains, and manufacturing, leading to a future built on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency.

During the workshop, Kevin broke down the difference between optimization and machine learning. Attendees from Bangladesh and the USA joined breakout rooms for personalized insights from AI4OPT researchers. The session wrapped up with participants crafting their own research pitches alongside AI4OPT researchers and presenting to the group.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC

Network Science in Social Media
Speaker: Tejas Santanam
Title: Research Engineer at Beep, Lecturer in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech
Date of Presentation: January 30, 2024

The third workshop in the series, led by Tejas Santanam, explored the intersection of Network Science and Social Media. Tejas illustrated how network science principles are applied to predict phenomena like blackouts, optimize public transit routes, and enhance connectivity on social media platforms.

The session began with an introduction to networks and their functioning, providing attendees with a clear understanding of the algorithms and underlying science. Participants navigated through theoretical concepts using basic math and logic, uncovering how platforms use network science to build communities and foster connections.

Key topics included social network analysis tools such as centrality measures, network diffusion models for effective marketing strategies, and understanding user behavior. By the end of the session, participants had gained a solid foundation in how network science shapes social media and its broader implications.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

AI and Sustainability
Speaker: Michael Muyot
Title: Founder of APEX DAO LLC, Innovative Technology-Focused Change Champion, Award-Winning Sustainability Advisor
Date of Presentation: February 1, 2024

The fourth session in the series, "AI + Sustainability: Integrating Personal, Professional, and Societal Perspectives," explored the transformative role of AI in driving social impact and promoting sustainability. Led by Michael Muyot, the session challenged participants to think beyond reducing carbon footprints, focusing instead on how AI can enhance local food supply chains, support mutual aid, and foster informed transportation and consumer choices that benefit communities.

Michael provided practical insights into embedding AI into daily operations, from utilizing command prompts to making informed decisions that align with sustainability goals. Participants also received hands-on guidance on building custom AI chatbots, creating tailored instructions, and enriching AI knowledge bases to seamlessly integrate AI into their personal and professional lives.

The session left attendees with actionable strategies to harness AI for a sustainable and socially responsible future, connecting technology with meaningful societal impact.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

Data Meshing
Speaker: Arun Giri
Title: Head of Platform Engineering & Lead Enterprise Engineer at Union Pacific Railroad
Date of Presentation: February 5, 2024

The fifth workshop in the series featured Arun Giri, a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience and a key figure in Union Pacific Railroad’s digital transformation. Arun introduced participants to the concept of Data Meshing, a modern data architecture that decentralizes data ownership, enabling organizations to integrate diverse datasets efficiently.

Arun shared real-world insights into how industries across the United States are leveraging data meshing to optimize their operations. He also highlighted its connection to emerging technologies, including Microservices architecture, DataGrids, and AI/ML products, demonstrating how these tools drive innovation and scalability.

The session provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how data meshing is shaping industries and transforming organizational approaches to data management.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

The Risks of Workforce Automation
Speaker: Odie Martez Gray
Title: President of Diversity Cyber Council, Founder, Cybersecurity Professional
Date of Presentation: February 7, 2024

The sixth workshop in the series featured Odie Martez Gray, who led a thought-provoking Socratic-style discussion on the modern job market and the evolving demands of technology. As a leader with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Odie shared valuable insights on the intersection of Cybersecurity and AI, exploring how these dynamic fields are shaping the workforce.

The session highlighted the need for education systems to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, preparing individuals for careers in emerging fields. Through open dialogue, attendees reflected on the challenges and opportunities of workforce automation and gained a deeper understanding of the critical role AI and cybersecurity play in the modern economy.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

Generative AI
Speaker: Carolina Cuesta
Title: IAIFI Fellow at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions, Astrophysics and AI Researcher at MIT
Date of Presentation: February 9, 2024

The seventh workshop in the series featured Carolina Cuesta, an IAIFI Fellow at MIT and the Center for Astrophysics, who delved into the fascinating field of Generative AI. Carolina explored cutting-edge techniques powering creative AI at the intersection of cosmology and artificial intelligence.

The session introduced participants to Diffusion Models and Large Language Models, explaining their roles in shaping the capabilities of generative AI. Carolina’s workshop provided a unique perspective on how these models are not only transforming AI but also contributing to advancements in scientific research, particularly in cosmology.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

Entrepreneurship in Tech

Speaker: Nakia Melecio
Title: Entrepreneur, Business Advisor, and Mentor at Institutions such as Georgia Tech and MIT
Date of Presentation: February 13, 2024

The fourth workshop in the series featured Nakia Melecio, an experienced entrepreneur and business advisor, who provided valuable insights on Entrepreneurship in Tech. Drawing from his extensive experience, including mentorship roles at prestigious institutions like Georgia Tech and MIT, Nakia guided participants through the process of starting a technology business, the basics of business education, and strategies for ensuring start-up sustainability.

Nakia also explored how technology is shaping the business world, offering practical advice on turning visionary ideas into actionable tasks. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate the tech industry, build sustainable businesses, and position themselves as future leaders in this evolving landscape.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

Learning with Graphs
Speaker: Gonzalo Mateos
Title: Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Associate Director for Research at the University of Rochester’s Goergen Institute for Data Science
Date of Presentation: February 15, 2024

The final workshop in the series featured Dr. Gonzalo Mateos, who guided participants through the intricate connectivity of machine learning with graphs. As an expert in electrical engineering and data science, Dr. Mateos shared his extensive knowledge on the transformative potential of graphs in machine learning.

The session explored how graphs are used to represent relationships and patterns within data, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of their applications in areas such as social networks, healthcare, and infrastructure. Dr. Mateos highlighted the critical role graphs play in advancing machine learning and how they enable more effective and adaptive decision-making across various fields.

Time: 10:30 PM Bangladesh Time | 11:30 AM ET | 4:30 PM UTC | 6:30 PM Syrian Time

Conclusion

Building the Cutting-Edge Technology Webinar Series was one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever undertaken. From pitching the initial idea to orchestrating every detail of its execution, this series represented the culmination of months of effort, collaboration, and creativity. Working alongside world-renowned professors and industry leaders was not only inspiring but also a privilege, as their expertise brought incredible depth and value to the program.

Seeing over 900 participants from around the globe engage with these sessions and walk away with new knowledge and excitement about AI reaffirmed the importance of creating accessible, high-quality educational opportunities. This series wasn’t just about showcasing technology—it was about opening doors, sparking curiosity, and empowering students to see the transformative potential of AI in their lives and careers.

What made this journey truly special was knowing that this program was more than an event—it was a bridge to new ideas and possibilities for hundreds of students worldwide. The experience challenged me, strengthened my skills, and left me incredibly proud of what my team and I accomplished together.

This webinar series led to global recognition, we were featured in multiple publications across South Asia, but this article stuck out the most to us as our first major feature!