Keynote Speaker
Mike Kentz, Founder/CEO, AI Literacy Partners
Mike Kentz is an educator, writer, and AI literacy expert dedicated to helping schools, educators, and organizations navigate the evolving role of AI in education. As the founder of AI Literacy Partners, he develops innovative assessment frameworks, including Grade the Chats, to foster critical thinking and responsible AI use. With a background in journalism, creative writing, and curriculum design, he advocates for AI literacy as a language skill, not just a tech skill. He is a TEDx Speaker, an EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow, and a Perplexity AI in Business Fellow.
Breakout Speakers, Panelists, Roundtable Leaders
Mehran Basiratmand, Director of Programs and Innovaion at FAU
Dr. Mehran Basiratmand is an accomplished C-level IT executive with extensive experience in higher education, healthcare, government, and enterprise sectors. Renowned for his expertise in organizational transformation, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, cloud migration, AI governance and deployment, and he excels at building high-performing teams to drive innovation. A trusted advisor and thought leader, Dr. Basiratmand has served on multiple technology advisory boards, leveraging his skills in strategic partnerships and mentoring to foster growth and efficiency. His leadership strategies today are focused on harnessing disruptive technologies to enhance service delivery, customer experience, and ROI. Currently, he is the Director of Programs and Innovation as well as instructors at Florida Atlantic University. Currently, he is teaching various courses in the deployment and adoption of generative AI for business.
Glen Benjamin, LAN Infotech, LLC
Glen Benjamin is an award-winning Cybersecurity, Cloud, Compliance, and Business Continuity Business Development Professional with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end solutions. Accomplished in consultative sales and adept at closing critical deals involving leading-edge technologies with key decision-makers. Certified in multiple Sales/Tech Products/Services including Cybersecurity, Data Backup, AI, Microsoft, Acronis, Hatz.AI and MyFlareAlerts. Producer/Director of Virtual Podcasts, helping business leaders communicate their value proposition and messaging to the community. Utilizing AI to assist Nonprofits in automatically creating grant proposals to fund their key initiatives. Collaborating with SMB and Enterprise clients to leverage Microsoft Copilot internally, realizing the value of AI within their organizations.
Russell Betts, PhD, Assoc. Dean Science Online at BC
A pivotal force behind the establishment of the Extended Reality (XR) Institute at Broward College, Dr. Russell Betts equips faculty with the tools and knowledge to create interactive, technology-rich content tailored to diverse learners. By harnessing platforms like Meta Quest and Curio-XR, he is transforming traditional educational practices and fostering collaborative, immersive learning environments that prepare students for the future. His academic credentials include a PhD from Wayne State University in Organic Chemistry.
Wayne Boulier, Dean of Public Safety Institute, BC
Wayne K. Boulier is a seasoned public safety and education professional. He served 24 years in Southeast Florida law enforcement, retiring as a Lieutenant overseeing Training, Accreditation, and Personnel. He then became a Security Manager for Coca-Cola before joining Broward College as an adjunct instructor in 2005. Rising through the ranks, he became the first IPS alumnus to serve as Dean of the Public Safety Pathway in 2021. He holds advanced degrees in criminal justice and has completed leadership programs, including the FBI National Academy. Actively engaged in community service and professional organizations, Dean Boulier is dedicated to education, leadership, and strengthening community-police relationships.
Victoria Brown, EdD, Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, FAU
Dr. Victoria Brown’s research focuses on enhancing knowledge in robotics and incorporating robotics in the classrooms. Dr. Brown’s innovative work in creating robotics-based learning experiences for distance education has earned FAU the prestigious 2025 USDLA Distance Learning/Teaching Award – Gold. Dr. Brown is also pursuing research in computational thinking, AI, and game design for instructional environments. In addition to her roles at Florida Atlantic University, she is the President of the Florida Distance Learning Association. She develops and delivers professional development for Civil Air Patrol where she is also an Aerospace Education Officer. Academic credentials include earning her PhD from University of West Florida and her Bachelor and Masters degrees from Central Missouri State University.
Barbara Cevieux, Business Services Team, CareerSource Broward
Barbara Cevieux is a seasoned professional with over 15 years in the IT industry and 10 years in workforce development. She works at CareerSource Broward, where she has held various positions over the past decade, including Technology Industry Intermediary and Youth Program Manager. Recently, she returned to the Business Services team, specializing in the Technology, Construction, and Marine Industries.
Originally from New York City, Barbara was the Director of Worldwide Technical Support for Computer Associates (now CA Technologies) for 14 years, creating strategies, policies, and best practices for product testing, launch, and troubleshooting. She pursued a degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, and holds multiple technical certifications. Barbara is renowned for connecting with people and collaborating with key decision-makers in Broward County and the surrounding Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach Communities. She has a wealth of knowledge in business and is open to discussing how her expertise can help your bottom line.
Lilia Chavarria, EdD, RT(R)(CT)(MR), CHSE at BC
Dr. Lilia Chavarria is a tenured faculty member at Broward College, where she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to academic excellence and student success. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Chavarria gained extensive clinical experience across various imaging modalities. This has been instrumental in shaping her ability to mentor & inspire healthcare students. Her professional accomplishments include earning the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential, showcasing her dedication to innovation and excellence in simulation-based learning. Dr. Chavarria’s mission is to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while advancing patient safety and care standards through simulation and experiential learning.
Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, PhD, RN, FTNSS at FAU
Dr. Lenny Chiang-Hanisko is an Associate Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Chiang-Hanisko’s area of research has been focused on pain management among diverse populations of older adults. She has expertise on qualitative research methods and mixed methods research. She has over 20 publications that she’s written or contributed to on topics from pain management to nursing leadership to global and transcultural nursing issues and much more. She earned her PhD at Boston College. Prior to coming to the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing she was an Assistant Professor at the Kent State University College of Nursing.
Helena Daly, Retired Computer Science / Fine Arts Teacher
Helena Daly assists Dr. Victoria S. Brown with educational robotics research and demonstrations. She graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. After graduation, she held various technology-related positions including one with Allied Bendix, Lockheed before becoming a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in the Computer Science/Fine Arts department. Helena has completed several master’s level courses in Instructional Technology at Florida Atlantic University.
Debarshi Datta, PhD, Assistant Professor in Data Science at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, FAU
Dr. Datta completed his PhD in Experimental Psychology at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Datta has experience developing AI-driven decision support systems in healthcare data, including understanding problem statements, handling disputes, exploratory data analysis, building models, data visualization, and data storytelling. Dr. Datta’s current research focuses on data-driven domains like AI/ML to understand a population-based disease prognosis. His primary research contribution has been finding the severity of the disease, decision-making in developing a model that comprehends the most significant features predicting mortality, and severity of disease utilizing traditional AI/ML techniques such as decision trees, random forest classifier, XGB boost, and deep learning. In other research, he is building a model to identify early prediction of Dementia. Dr. Datta received many intramural grants, including Early Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias on Preclinical Assessment Data using Machine Learning tools, Seed Funding from Smart Health for COVID-19 research, NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Funding, ALL of US Institutional Champion Award, among many others.
James Drew, Director of Innovation and Information Technology, NSU
James Drew, Office of Innovation and Information Technology at Nova Southeastern University, has background in AI and customer service design, specializing in bot development using GPT services and predictive analytics modeling. His expertise lies in creating engaging customer experiences that are supported by various types of AI solutions. In predictive analytics; he employs machine learning algorithms to analyze data, to anticipate trends and make informed decisions.
Mitchell Erbs, EMT-P
Mitchell is a highly skilled State of Florida Paramedic and a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician with a passion for advancing healthcare education through simulation. At Broward College, he serves as a Simulation Technology Specialist, where he specializes in paramedic-level skills and manages a wide range of simulation cases, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training for nursing and healthcare students. Mitchell is also an expert in troubleshooting and maintaining simulation equipment, ensuring that manikins and other technologies operate seamlessly to provide a realistic and impactful learning experience.
Willie Freeman, Assoc. Executive Director, Center for Online and Continuing Education, FAU
Willie Freeman III is an experienced leader, speaker, and educator with more than 25 years of experience in Higher Education. He has built a career focused on professional development, education through technology, and on-line learning. His professional journey over the past three decades has allowed Mr. Freeman to work with the University of Central Florida, Full Sail University, Florida Institute of Technology, and the International Academy of Design and Technology. His academic credentials include an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, a BFA is from University of Central Florida, and an AA is from Full Sail University. He is currently working on pursuing an Ed.D from Liberty University.
Steven Geller, Commissioner for Broward County Commission District 5
Commissioner Steven Geller is an attorney and politician who serves on the Broward County Commission for District 5. Commissioner Geller was the mayor of Broward County from November 2020 through November 2021. He was the former vice mayor from November 2019 through November 2020. Commissioner Geller currently chairs the South Florida Regional Planning Council, the Water Advisory Board, and serves on the Cultural Council in Broward County. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1979 and a Juris Doctor (JD) in 1982, both from Florida State University. He has been practicing law since 1982 and has been listed in “Florida Super Lawyers,” “South Florida Legal Guide Top Rated Lawyers,” the “Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers,” and has received other recognitions for his legal abilities and ethics. He is “of-counsel” to the Boca Raton law firm of Sachs Sax Caplan.
Commissioner Geller was a member of the Florida Legislature for 20 years, where he served as the Minority Leader of the Florida Senate. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1998 and was a member of the Florida Senate from 1998 to 2008.
Mandeep Maini, NACD Directorship Certified® Health tech and AI implementer, advisor, investor, and thought leader
With extensive experience in AI adoption, healthcare IT, and M&A, Mandeep has led numerous digital transformation initiatives for global organizations. She is a Distinguished Fellow at Avasant Consulting, bringing thought leadership and innovation to Healthcare AI forums; a Fellow at Miami AI Club, providing AI expertise and insights to enhance the responsible use of AI in Healthcare; Principal Consultant at Ingenuity Advisory Partners, increasing AI Adoption in Healthcare; and Mentor-at-large at Northeastern University’s Innovation Corps Program, bringing AI ventures to a right market fit. Mandeep’s leadership spans healthcare and private equity, where she has shaped strategies to drive growth and innovation. A graduate of Harvard University with an Ed.M. in AI, she also has an MBA from Northeastern University.
Frank Martinez, Assistant Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer, NSU
For over 20 years, Frank Martinez has worked across the spectrum of IT organizations in South Florida, providing technical expertise and leadership on a variety of technologies, but always focusing on ensuring security in all aspects. As the Chief Information Security Officer at Nova Southeastern University, he continues to work at the forefront to bring the best blend of technology and security.
Rick McCawley, Broward College Senior Professor of Graphic Design & Photography
Rick McCawley is a Senior Professor of Graphic Design at Broward College, where he has dedicated 23 years to empowering educators and students through creativity and innovation. With a background as a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff photographer for the Miami Herald, Rick’s work has been featured in Time, Newsweek, and The New York Times. As an AI Education Spokesperson and Adobe Express Ambassador, Rick leads the Learn, Adapt, and Innovate initiative, equipping over 5,000 educators with the tools to integrate AI into classrooms. He believes in a human-centered approach to technology, emphasizing empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. Rick has authored over 30 books, including 18 textbooks on photography and design. His academic credentials include an MA in Photography from Barry University and an MFA in Graphic Design from Florida Atlantic University. He also designs curricula for leading institutions, merging traditional art education with cutting-edge technology. A frequent speaker at national conferences, Rick is passionate about demystifying AI and showcasing its potential to amplify human ingenuity. His mission is to inspire educators and individuals to embrace AI as a tool for building a future where technology enhances human potential.
Vic Narang, Founder/CEO TechREV; President, GDKN Corporation
Vic Narang, based in Hollywood, Florida, United States, is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Techrev. Vic Narang as well as President of GDKN. He has an MBA from University of Detroit Mercy. His companies have earned many awards including Top 10 Technology Solutions Provider by Digitech Insight and Florida Companies to Watch by GrowFL.
Antonio Navarro, Interim Dean of the School of Nursing at Broward College
Antonio Navarro is a nursing leader, educator, and scholar with over 15 years of experience in nursing education and practice. As Interim Dean of the School of Nursing at Broward College, he excels in curriculum development, accreditation, and faculty development. Previously, he led the Benjamin Leon School of Nursing at Miami Dade College and directed simulation and skill labs, securing grants for innovative learning. Antonio’s research includes alcohol screening tools for Hispanic adolescents and debriefing in simulation-based learning. An adjunct faculty member at FIU and Miami Dade College, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing at FAU, demonstrating his dedication to advancing nursing education and practice.
David C. Perdian, PhD, Chair Artificial Intelligence Action Team, BC
Dr. David C. Perdian, Professor of Chemistry and Donald L. Goldsmith Faculty Development & Technology Endowed Teaching Chair, received his B.S. in Chemistry from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Iowa State University. After completing a post-doctoral research position at the United States Department of Energy, Dr. Perdian joined the faculty at Broward College in 2010. In 2015, Dr. Perdian was named the Dr. Barbara J. Bryan Endowed Teaching Chair and earned the Professor of the Year award at Broward College’s North Campus. Since 2016, Dr. Perdian has served as a Faculty Development Coordinator for the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL) at Broward College. In 2021, he was named Professor of the Year award at Broward College’s North Campus for the second time. In addition to teaching, Dr. Perdian conducts research on using technology to promote learning; for this work, he has won three Classroom Research Awards from Broward College and the Aspen Institute’s Faculty Innovation Grant. Currently, Dr. Perdian is the chair of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Team at Broward College. He also helped develop and facilitate the AI Institute for CTEL at Broward College, which has helped more than 150 faculty members incorporate AI into their teaching and learning.
Rob Petrosino, Chief Innovation Officer, Peak Activity
Rob is a distinguished figure in digital innovation, keynote speaker, and authority on emerging technologies. With over 10 years of leadership in digital transformation, Rob has steered Fortune 100 companies through the tech revolution, focusing on areas like spatial computing, digital twins, generative AI, and machine learning. He is also a familiar face on the Today Show and a featured expert in Forbes. A true strategist and innovator, Rob’s contributions extend beyond the private sector as a Strategic Engagement Advisor with the FBI where he focuses on Artificial Intelligence. This has allowed him to brief public and private teams including the FBI and DHS CISA on national and international landscape.
Colin Polsky, PhD, Associate Vice President, FAU Broward Campuses; Professor of Geosciences, FAU Davie
Dr. Colin Polsky is the Associate Vice President for the three Broward Campuses of Florida Atlantic University, where he has also served as Professor of Geosciences since 2014. As AVP, Polsky oversees research, education, and community engagement initiatives, manages daily campus operations, and builds partnerships with both campus and external stakeholders. For almost 25 years, he has been active in collaborative, multi-institutional, and interdisciplinary fund-raising to support growth in university mission-critical activities. Polsky is leading the launch of the FAU Center for Workforce Innovations.
Greg Suarez, Executive Director of IT Artificial Intelligence & Business Operations, NSU
Greg Suarez oversees the strategic planning and execution of business operations at Nova Southeastern University. With over 24 years of experience in higher education with IT, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Currently, Greg is responsible for managing all NSU’s enterprise applications, databases, integrations and development teams.
Gregg K Weiss, Palm Beach Cty Commissioner
Commissioner Gregg Weiss, a retired business executive from California, was elected to the District 2 seat of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in November 2018, and reelected in 2022. He serves on a variety of boards locally, statewide, and nationally. Believes in technology that works for the people and leads a national committee that is looking into how local governments can use AI in a responsible and ethical manner. Promotes water supply and water quality, and protecting sensitive ecosystems such as the Lake Worth lagoon. Leads the fight against bigotry and hatred by spearheading a local ordinance addressing property and hate crimes. Bolsters mental health, and works on improving access to services for those in need, which includes expanding mental health court in Palm Beach County.
Jason Wilson, President – Pillar Consultants, Inc.
With over 25 years of experience in site development and civil engineering, Jason has established himself as a trusted leader and expert in the South Florida development community. Since joining President – Pillar Consultants, Inc. in 2004, Jason has been instrumental in growing the firm’s reputation and portfolio. As President, he oversees all aspects of planning, engineering, surveying, and project management across a diverse range of projects including residential, commercial, educational, medical, and municipal infrastructure developments. Under Jason’s leadership, Pillar Consultants has played a pivotal role in shaping not only Broward County but the entire South Florida Area for over 20 years.
Jason earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. His combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and deep understanding of local development processes has established him as a valuable resource for developers and municipal partners throughout South Florida.
Candy Wilson, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN at FAU
Dr. Candy Wilson is a women’s health nurse, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship (interim) at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. A retired Colonel from the US Air Force, serving active duty for 30 years. She provided patient care as a clinical nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner throughout her nursing and military career. Focusing on overseas deployments, she provided women’s health care in Afghanistan villages for over 3,000 women and children in seven villages living in austere conditions. She has been awarded over $18 million in research funded from Federal and Department of Defense sources. She was the portfolio director for the Military Women’s Health Research Program for $3M. Dr. Wilson’s research goals at FAU are to collaborate with others dedicated to military and veteran research focusing on sex and gender differences in health and well-being, including alternative therapies. Her academic credentials include PhD from University of Colorado, MSN from University of Tennessee Knoxville, MS of Health Science in Clinical Research from Duke University, and others.