Women Driving Tech’s Next Era: AI, Cybersecurity, Data

Anchal Gupta is a seasoned global engineering and product executive with over 25 years of experience driving technology strategies in B2B and B2C payments, tokenization, mobile solutions, big data analytics, Salesforce, and cloud design. She has expertise in infrastructure, application, data architectures, security, auditing, and financial management. Gupta is passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and being a change agent, solving complex problems with a digital-first mindset while empowering others to succeed. Her recent achievements include managing platforms processing $2.2 quadrillion in securities annually, driving revenue growth, launching industry-influencing solutions, and optimizing customer communications, resulting in cost savings and improved market share.

Antonia Tartamella is the Chief Data Officer at Deckers Brands. She is an experienced executive and transformative leader specializing in building and delivering business and technology solutions focusing on data analytics, engineering, and infrastructure. Tartamella has a strong skill set in providing business and financial insight to accelerate ROI for mid-size to Fortune 50 companies across industries such as media, technology service providers, health providers, management service organizations (MSOs), government contractors, and non-profits. She designs and drives enterprise data strategy, aligns teams with industry-leading policy, security, and governance practices, and ensures successful program delivery that impacts strategic planning, engineering solutions, virtualization, data integration, and program delivery.

Belinda R. is the Chief Information Security Officer at GovGRC. With over 22 years of experience in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), cybersecurity compliance, and the NIST framework, she specializes in developing and implementing information security strategies that align with an organization’s business objectives. She emphasizes the essential link between security and overall organizational success, translating cyber risk into business terms to foster collaboration and break down silos. Her extensive work with local and state government entities in developing Information Security Programs enables her to offer a well-rounded approach to improving information security and managing cybersecurity risks.

Crystal Taggart is the Chief Innovation Officer (Fractional) at Chief Innovation Officer.ai, with over 25 years of experience in software development, IT strategy, and digital transformation. Passionate about health-tech innovation, she leverages AI to revolutionize patient care and streamline healthcare processes. Equipped with an MBA from the Eller School of Management, Taggart is committed to driving transformative change. She also mentors future innovators through her course, Chief Innovation Officer: Using AI for 10x Product Management Results, teaching how to automate work for greater efficiency. Taggart welcomes connections with like-minded professionals to advance healthcare through technology and innovation.

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Debra Chrapaty is the Chief Technology Officer at Toast, bringing decades of leadership experience across business and technology. She has led small and large companies in driving customer growth, operational efficiency, and scalable product development. Her expertise spans data and AI, agile methodologies, CI/CD, service delivery, infrastructure development, cloud management, AI/ML, security, and compliance. Beyond her executive roles, Chrapaty is an entrepreneur, active investor, advisor, and board member, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to shape the future of technology-driven businesses.

Elizabeth B. Ruszczyk is the Acting Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Privacy and Data Security Officer at UCLA Health. She has extensive experience in healthcare compliance, privacy, and data security and has led compliance programs for major health organizations. Before UCLA Health, Ruszczyk was an independent consultant at ERUS Compliance and Privacy Advisors, LLC, advising organizations on regulatory compliance and risk management. She was Vice President, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer at UF Health, where she spearheaded compliance and privacy initiatives to ensure regulatory adherence and data protection. She is committed to strengthening compliance frameworks and safeguarding patient data in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Erin (Ritchie) Fusaro is the Chief Technology Officer at PadSplit. She is a seasoned engineering leader and strategic advisor with over 15 years of experience driving technology-driven business transformations. Her expertise spans fintech, healthcare, and threat analytics, where she has developed cutting-edge solutions to enhance product capabilities and operational efficiency. Fusaro excels in leading diverse teams, aligning technology strategies with business objectives, and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver substantial business value. With a strong focus on innovation and navigating complex regulatory environments, she is passionate about guiding organizations through digital transformation and competitive markets.

Irene Vidyanti is the State Chief Data Officer at Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), bringing extensive experience in data, analytics, and business intelligence across the public and academic sectors. She specializes in leading large-scale KPI framework development and deployment while effectively communicating with stakeholders at all levels. Before joining WaTech, Vidyanti was the Data and Analytics Lead at the LA County Office of the CIO, where she spearheaded countywide data and metrics initiatives. She collaborated with leadership across justice, child welfare, health, workforce development, and housing sectors to drive performance improvements through data-driven insights. Vidyanti is passionate about leveraging data to enhance decision-making and optimize public sector outcomes.

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Jia Li is the Co-Founder, Chief AI Officer, and President of LiveX AI Inc., driving real-world applications of Generative AI. An IEEE Fellow, she is a leading AI expert passionate about AI’s impact on everyday life. Previously, she was the Founding Global Head of R&D at Google Cloud AI and Head of Research at Snap. She has also held multiple roles at Stanford University, including Chief AI Fellow and Adjunct Professor. Beyond her corporate and academic work, Li mentors startups at StartX, advises UNICEF, and serves on the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose board. She co-founded HealthUnity, a nonprofit organization. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, she has received the Longuet-Higgins Prize and led award-winning AI teams. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University.

Karie Burt is the Chief Data and Privacy Officer at Anteriad, overseeing data strategy, privacy, and compliance across the company’s global data product portfolio. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in leveraging compliance as a business driver to help B2B marketers grow effectively. An expert in B2B demand generation, international marketing, and data-driven solutions, Burt has deep experience in M&A, product development, and aligning sales and marketing strategies. Before Anteriad, she held senior leadership roles at mardevdm2 (part of Reed Elsevier), driving global B2B growth. A recognized privacy and GDPR specialist, Burt is an IAPP member and advocate for responsible data use in marketing.

Lan Guan is the Chief AI Officer at Accenture, guiding cross-industry C-suite clients in developing and implementing AI strategies to drive growth in the era of Generative AI. She also leads Accenture’s Center for Advanced AI, helping enterprises maximize AI investments through deep expertise, scalable solutions, and industry-driven insights. Guan is an Accenture’s Global Management Committee member, shaping the company’s AI vision and innovation.

Laura McElhinney is the Chief Data Officer at MadTech, bringing extensive leadership experience in marketing and advertising. She specializes in analytics, business insights, digital strategy, and integrated marketing. With a strong background in data-driven decision-making, McElhinney has held executive roles, including Chief Data Officer at Horizon Media, where she led analytics and business intelligence initiatives. She is passionate about leveraging data to drive innovation and measurable business impact.

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Lori Anello is the Chief Information Security Officer at Fifth Third Bank, bringing over 35 years of experience in Information Technology. She has a proven infrastructure, architecture, and cybersecurity track record, leading high-performing technology teams in corporate and government environments. Anello is passionate about fostering collaborative, self-driven teams that challenge the status quo to drive innovation and enhance security.

Mandy Andress is Elastic’s Chief Information Security Officer, where she leads the company’s cybersecurity efforts to protect its information, technology, and people. With over 20 years of experience, she is a recognized leader in the field, serving on several advisory boards, including Glilot Capital Partners and Team8, and as an investor at SVCI. Andress is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the author of Surviving Security, a worldwide textbook. She previously held senior roles at MassMutual, leading a $50M security initiative and managing the global Cyber Intelligence Unit.

Maria Macuare is the Global Chief Data Officer and VP of MDS Global Data and Analytics at Mondelēz International. With extensive experience in business intelligence and analytics, Maria has empowered organizations to make faster, data-driven decisions. She has worked across both developed and emerging markets, earning the trust of company executives as a strategic advisor. Macuare has a proven track record of building effective analytics organizations and services, enabling actionable insights that drive business growth and success.

Melody Hildebrandt is the Chief Technology Officer at Fox Corporation, leading technology strategy and execution. Previously, she served as EVP of Engineering, CISO, and President of Blockchain Creative Labs, overseeing technology M&A and security programs. Hildebrandt also led the re-architecture and launch of the Fox Sports App, enhancing live sports streaming for events like Super Bowl LIV. Earlier in her career, she was CISO at 21st Century Fox, managing global information security across Fox’s business units, including Fox Sports and National Geographic. Hildebrandt’s software engineering, security, and M&A expertise drives Fox’s digital transformation.

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Sara Zargaran is the Chief Speed Officer at Hummingbirds AI, an award-winning computer vision innovator behind the Guacamole platforms. Focused on ethical AI, Hummingbirds AI is built on the pillars of privacy, cloud-independence, and trustworthiness. With over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing, branding, and digital media, Zargaran has led successful organic campaigns in health and wellness. Since 2021, she has been spearheading operations at Hummingbirds AI. Additionally, Zargaran founded and ran an independent digital media company. A passionate animal lover and vegan, she promotes animal rights and education. Zargaran enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals who share her passion for animals.

Shirli Zelcer is the Chief Data and Technology Officer at dentsu, with over 20 years of experience in analytics, AI, data science, and marketing technologies. She leads innovations in ethical AI, cloud engineering, and building data-literate organizations focused on zero-party data. At Merkle, she oversees the Analytics & Marketing Technology practice, managing a global team of over 5,600 professionals. Zelcer’s expertise spans consumer insights, AI, data infrastructure, and personalized strategies, working with brands like Disney, Dell, Universal, and Nike. Prior to Merkle, she worked at Capital One, developing credit risk models. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Statistics from Cornell University.

Valerie Cofield is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, national security policy, and organizational transformation. She is an expert in developing and executing strategic plans, driving digital innovation, and optimizing resource management. Cofield led CISA’s first strategic plan, managed a $1 billion budget, and transformed workforce and procurement strategies. She is skilled in multi-stakeholder collaboration, shaping national cybersecurity policies and legislation. Cofield has also successfully led divisions of up to 230 personnel, building high-performing teams.

Yvonne Li is the Chief Data and AI Officer at Starr Insurance, an award-winning data science and AI executive with over 20 years of experience. With a social and behavioral science background, she has a proven track record of building high-performing teams to accelerate growth, solve critical challenges, and deliver business results across Fortune 500 companies. Li is known for her ability to drive impact at scale, leading enterprise-wide transformations and combining strategic vision with rigorous data and AI to achieve strategic goals. Her expertise spans AI/ML, personalization, digital transformation, omnichannel customer engagement, product management, and data-driven strategy. She excels at driving business impact through cutting-edge solutions and cross-functional leadership.