Dr. Gregory Bernard
Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Plant Sciences, Tuskegee University, AIFARMS Crop Science and Plant Biology
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (11:35 AM–12:15 PM) – TU Trio, Technical Flash Talks
Location: Tuskegee University
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller
Title: Dean and Research Director, CAENS
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (11:35 AM–12:15 PM) – Moderator, Technical Flash Talks
Location: Tuskegee University
Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller assumed the deanship of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS) and the role of 1890 Research Director on January 1, 2022. With a background in Animal Sciences from Fort Valley State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she has held esteemed positions, including Professor, Department Head, and Assistant Dean for Development in CAENS.
Her previous research roles span from the University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center to postdoctoral work in Academic Leadership at the University of Chicago. A distinguished academic, Dr. Bolden-Tiller has received multiple awards, including the TU Outstanding Faculty Performance Awards for Teaching and Outreach. Her grant acquisitions, ranging from $52,000 to $20 million, have fostered educational and research opportunities for numerous students.
An active leader in professional associations, Dr. Bolden-Tiller currently presides over the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences and serves on boards such as Together We Grow and the Farm Journal Foundation. Her commitment to enhancing coordination within land-grant universities is further evidenced by her role on the USDA-organized Blue-Ribbon Panel for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Mamar Gelaye
Title: Vice President, Worldwide IT Operations & Reliability Maintenance Engineering, Amazon
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:20–10:45 AM) – Keynote Speaker
Location: Tuskegee University
Mamar Gelaye is Vice President of Worldwide IT Operations & Reliability Maintenance Engineering at Amazon, leading automation and innovative processes that support operations technology worldwide. With over 20 years of experience across healthcare, energy, aerospace, defense, and e-commerce, she drives robotics, IoT, and advanced technologies to optimize Amazon’s operations.
Born in Ethiopia and trained as a mechanical engineer, Mamar is a strategic executive, lifelong learner, and passionate innovator who balances leadership with her role as a proud mother of two.
Donetta Houser-Sly
Title: Director, PXT-NA Operations, Amazon
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:00–10:10 AM) – Opening by MCs
Location: Tuskegee University
Donetta Houser-Sly is the Human Resources Director for Amazon’s North America Operations People, Experience & Technology (PXT) organization, where she leads HR strategy for approximately 4,500 professionals across more than 1,350 sites in the U.S. and Canada, supporting nearly one million employees. A seasoned HR executive, she brings deep expertise in talent management, labor relations, performance management, recruiting, benefits, and large-scale organizational transformation.
Donetta joined Amazon in 2021 and has been recognized as a 2024 “Renaissance Woman” and a recipient of Amazon’s Leadership Excellence Award for her role in integrating the NA Ops PXT organization. Prior to Amazon, she spent more than 30 years at General Motors, serving in senior HR leadership roles including HR Director for North American Manufacturing Operations, where she oversaw 42 assembly plants and more than 65,000 employees across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Her career also includes leading global HR teams, completing international assignments in China, and earning the GM Excellence in Leadership Award.
She holds a B.S. in Management & Organization Sciences from Central Michigan University, an M.S. in Management with a concentration in International Management & Business Operations, and a Project Management certificate from Walsh College.
Donetta is deeply committed to mentorship and community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Focus: Hope and holding leadership roles within Life Application Ministries.
Jerome Johnson II
Title: Director, National Security Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:00–10:10 AM) – Opening by MCs
Location: Tuskegee University
Additional Session: Lunch n’ Learn (12:15 PM – 1:15 PM)
Jerome Johnson II is a technology executive and AI strategist serving as Director of Solutions Architecture for National Security and Defense at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this role, he leads teams of engineers and architects who partner with government agencies to design and implement AI, cloud, and intelligent automation solutions that enhance mission capabilities across intelligence, defense, and space programs. He helps shape the strategic vision for AWS’s national security initiatives and is a recognized thought leader in AI, quantum computing, and cloud technologies.
Jerome is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Management at Georgetown University (expected December 2026). His academic background also includes the Wharton Chief Technology Officer Program, MIT quantum computing certifications, the McKinsey Black Executive Leadership Program, an MBA in International Business & IT Management from Virginia Tech, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Charleston Southern University.
He was named an AFROTECH 2025 Future 50 Corporate Catalyst for his leadership in advancing enterprise AI adoption. Jerome’s thought leadership has been featured on industry podcasts and in national technology forums, and he has delivered keynote presentations at the AWS National Security Conference in 2023 and 2024.
Beyond his technical leadership, Jerome serves as Executive Sponsor for Amazon’s Machine Learning University Educators Consortium, supporting partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and as Executive Sponsor for Amazon’s Black Employee Network in the DMV region. He also serves on advisory boards and supports early-stage AI and ML innovation.
Dr. Liz Largent
Title: Vice President for Academic Affairs, Oklahoma City Community College
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:45–11:25 AM) – Executive Panel
Location: Tuskegee University
Dr. Liz Largent has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma City Community College, where she has dedicated over 23 years to advancing student success, educational access, and institutional effectiveness. A lifelong learner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she is deeply committed to empowering students to dream bigger and achieve their goals.
Dr. Largent holds a Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri, and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Broadcasting from Oklahoma State University.
Her leadership has driven significant institutional impact including expansion of honors participation, increased graduates, and development of innovative student success programs. She continues to champion access, innovation, and excellence in higher education.
Dewan Noor
Title: [Title coming soon]
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (11:35 AM–12:15 PM) – TU Trio, Technical Flash Talks
Location: Tuskegee University
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Vita Pickrum
Title: Executive Director, Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College; Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, OCCC
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:45–11:25 AM) – Executive Panel Moderator
Location: Tuskegee University
Dr. Vita Pickrum serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College and as Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs for OCCC. With over thirty years of experience in higher education, she has elevated institutional advancement through strategic partnerships, fundraising growth, and organizational transformation.
She previously served as President and CEO of P2 Strategies, LLC and led record-breaking fundraising efforts at a public university foundation. Dr. Pickrum founded a national Philanthropy Symposium that brings together professionals from over 50 institutions to share best practices.
Her honors include The Journal Record’s Woman Making a Difference (2025), Oklahoma’s 55 Over 55 Leaders (2025), the National CASE Commonfund Award, and service on the CASE Board of Trustees. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and degrees from Howard University and has been a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2014.
Mohammad Rahman
Title: CBIS
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (11:35 AM–12:15 PM) – Technical Flash Talks
Location: Tuskegee University
Dr. Mohammad Rahman is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Student Coordinator in the Department of Computer Science at Tuskegee University. He teaches undergraduate computer science courses and graduate-level classes such as cloud computing and information security policy. His research focuses on cloud-based cyber-physical systems, with emphasis on advanced resource management and system resilience using reinforcement learning, deep learning, and quantum machine learning. He also applies AI to food security, medical diagnostics, and agricultural analytics. Dr. Rahman’s work is supported by agencies and industry partners including the National Science Foundation (NSF), Amazon, Intel, Microsoft, IBM, NASA, and TMCF. He serves as a reviewer for ACM and IEEE venues and has co-authored publications in machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and cloud system reliability. He is the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Performance Award for Learning from the Brimmer College of Business and Information Science for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Ayoka Noelle Samuels
Title: Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Sector Strategy, City Colleges of Chicago
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:45–11:25 AM) – Executive Panel
Location: Tuskegee University
Ayoka Noelle Samuels is a civic and community leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing equity and opportunity across metropolitan Chicago. As Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Sector Strategy at City Colleges of Chicago, she leads initiatives that expand access to technology education, workforce development, and quality tech employment.
Previously, she served as Vice President of Bitwise Industries Chicago, Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, and Director of the Gary Comer Youth Center. Her career has centered on empowering communities through education, service, and workforce innovation.
A native Chicagoan, she studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned a Master of Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute.
Dr. Thierno Thiam
Title: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs- Office of the Provost, Tuskegee University
Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (3:00 PM) – Welcome (2 min)
Location: Union Station, Montgomery, AL (Thu) / Tuskegee University (Fri)
Additional Session: Friday, February 27, 2026 (2:00–2:10 PM) – Closing Remarks
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Margie Vela
Title: Machine Learning University (AWS)
Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (3:00 PM) – Welcome (2 min)
Location: Union Station, Montgomery, AL
Dr. Margie Vela leads Academic Partnerships for Machine Learning University at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she's transforming how universities approach AI and machine learning education and research on a national scale. With extensive experience working with institutions of higher education that serve historically underrepresented populations in STEM, she builds strategic partnerships that bridge educational divides—particularly strengthening pathways between community colleges and four-year institutions, and fostering collaborative research and teaching relationships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and R1 research institutions. Beyond academia, Dr. Vela creates global technology programs that unlock opportunities and break down barriers for individuals striving to enter and excel in the tech industry.
Dr. Vela earned her PhD in Water Science and Management from New Mexico State University as a NIFA Fellow and holds an MBA and BS in Marketing. Her expertise in strategic design and program activation complements her technical background, enabling her to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic discovery across the full spectrum of higher education institutions and into the global tech workforce.
Thaddeus Walker
Title: Senior Enterprise Support Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (12:15–1:15 PM) – Lunch n’ Learn
Location: Tuskegee University
Thaddeus Walker orchestrates mission-critical cloud transformations for National Security and Defense agencies at Amazon Web Services, where his strategic leadership has strengthened the security posture of critical government systems. As Senior Enterprise Support Manager, he combines deep expertise in Software Development and Cloud Computing with a nuanced understanding of federal compliance requirements to architect solutions that accelerate agencies' cloud adoption journeys.
A proud Tuskegee University computer science graduate, Thaddeus embodies the pioneering spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose "Lead from the front" philosophy guides his approach to both team leadership and customer advocacy.
Dr. Talitha Washington
Title: Executive Director, Center for Applied Data Science & Analytics (CADSA), Howard University
Time: Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:45–11:25 AM) – Executive Panel
Location: Tuskegee University
Dr. Talitha Washington is Executive Director of the Center for Applied Data Science & Analytics (CADSA) at Howard University, where she leads efforts to leverage data for research innovation, education pathways, and societal impact. She holds the Sean McCleese Endowed Chair, is a Professor of Mathematics, and co-chairs Howard’s AI Advisory Council.
She previously served as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation and as President of the Association for Women in Mathematics. Her research spans applied mathematics, dynamical systems, data science, artificial intelligence, and STEM education.
Dr. Washington earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut. She is a Fellow of AWM, AMS, and AAAS.
Diya Wynn
Title: Principal, Responsible AI, Public Policy, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (3:00 PM) – Opening Remarks (10 min)
Location: Union Station, Montgomery, AL
Diya is a technology executive and thought leader at the forefront of digital transformation. With over 25 years of experience across the internet, e-commerce, social media, mobile, cloud, and now artificial intelligence, she brings technical insight and strategic vision to her work. As Principal Responsible AI Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Diya champions the ethical, safe, and inclusive development of AI - empowering organizations and governments to innovate responsibly and build trust in emerging technologies.
Earlier in her career, she worked with startups to scale products toward acquisition and held key consulting roles advising on enterprise transformation. Today, Diya is a sought-after international speaker, published author, and guest lecturer on responsible and inclusive innovation. She serves on several non-profit boards including the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and the advisory board for University of St. Thomas Institute for AI for the Common Good, and Jobs for the Future Center for AI, and volunteers with organizations focused on equity, education, and emerging tech talent.
Diya has been widely recognized for her leadership and impact. In 2023, she was named one of Business Insider’s Top 15 People in Enterprise AI, one of the Top 100 People in AI, and one of 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™, among other industry accolades.
A proud Spelman College alumna, she also studied the Management of Technology at New York University and completed executive programs in AI and Ethics at MIT Sloan and Harvard University. When she's not shaping the future of AI, she’s shaping future leaders —starting with her two sons and extending to the many mentees she inspires to color outside the lines, defy the odds, and reimagine what’s possible.
