Capital AI: Innovating for a Smarter DC
This event serves as an educational and promotional platform for Artificial Intelligence (AI), tailored to engage a lay audience. The tentative topics for discussion encompass various aspects of AI’s impact and potential benefits across different sectors and industries. These topics include the economic, social, educational, workforce, and civil-service implications of AI adoption.
The event aims to explore AI’s role in various sectors such as healthcare, financial services, communications, technology, and education, while also focusing on its significance for the local economy, workforce, government, and major industries. Additionally, discussions will delve into the current and planned usage of AI by companies in different industries and how small- and medium-sized businesses in the DC area can effectively leverage AI technologies.
The format of the event includes a Fireside Chat to set the stage, followed by 2 panel discussions led by moderators, each consisting of 4-5 participants. These panels will cover the aforementioned topics, with provision for audience Q&A at the end of each session. Flexibility in the discussion topics is built into the event, depending on the expertise and preferences of the final speaker line-up.
The primary audience for the event comprises DC Chamber members, other business representatives (including small business owners), and local public officials.
Program Agenda
Registration Opens
8:30 am
Doors Open
8:45 am
Opening Remarks
9:00 am -9:10 am
Fireside Chat introduction - Ashley Greenespan, External Affairs Manager, Crown Castle
9:10 am - 9: 15 am
Fireside Chat
9:15 am - 10:15 am
Dr. Faith Bradley is a Teaching Assistant Professor in Information Systems at the George Washington University School of Business in Washington, D.C. Her research explores the intersection of government and business policies, emphasizing the application of artificial intelligence in these areas. She examines how AI influences policy formulation and decision-making, devises strategies to mitigate algorithmic discrimination, and advocates for transparency in AI usage by both governments and businesses. Dr. Bradley has taught courses such as Machine Learning I: Algorithm Analysis, Analytics I: Principles & Applications, Analytical Methods II, Data Mining, Ethics of Data Science, and Modeling, Simulation & Game Theory. She has extensive teaching experience at institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, and George Washington University. Dr. Bradley has also served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of State, leveraging her comprehensive understanding of government, business, and engineering policies to oversee a broad assessment of strategic and budget planning, management and staffing, monitoring and evaluation, and training and knowledge management.
Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams is a principal at Deloitte & Touche LLP boasting an extensive career of over 25 years in professional services. Her specialty spans the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics across a multitude of domains, including commercial and federal audits, fraud detection and analysis, dispute resolution and investigations, and within the defense and international affairs sector.
Tasha holds a pivotal role in guiding Deloitte’s endeavors within the dynamic domain of AI. Her distinctive contribution resides in pioneering innovative, insight-driven solutions that help her clients catalyze profound transformation for their core missions. T More broadly, Tasha provides strategic guidance to C-Suite executives and management across the federal community, aiding them in navigating their agencies’ most intricate and distinctive data challenges. Additionally, Tasha is instrumental in assisting organizations in evaluating their readiness for and adoption of AI solutions.
Tasha also serves as the Executive Director of Deloitte’s Artificial Intelligence Institute for Government, where she plays a pivotal role in the organization’s mission to bolster its capabilities in pivotal domains, particularly in the realm of trustworthy and ethical AI. Her portfolio encompasses the significant task of amplifying Deloitte’s thought leadership and digital footprint within the sphere of AI for the public sector. Central to Tasha’s focus is the orchestration of a multifaceted ecosystem, drawing together diverse stakeholders comprising of government executives, leaders in non-profit organizations, academia, policy makers, and technology firms.
Tasha recently completed her Ph.D. research in Artificial Intelligence which focuses on using AI to detect human bias to address disparities in higher education and with financial inclusion. Tasha previously earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from North Carolina Central University, her MBA from Howard University, and also holds a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Strategy and Applications from University of California, Berkeley underscoring her commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and their practical applications.
Tasha currently serves on several boards including the Board of Directors for NABA Inc. where she leads the Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Committee. Her notable achievements were acknowledged in 2023 when she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders by Women We Admire, and more recently in March 2024, Tasha was recognized by Deloitte as one of the Top 10 Deloitte AI Trailblazers during Women’s History Month. Tasha resides in Bowie, MD with her family.
Coffee Break / Networking 10:15 am - 10:30 am
Panel - How AI is transforming various business sectors
10:35 am - 11:35 am
Janene Jackson is the executive partner of Holland & Knight’s Washington, D.C., office and a partner in firm’s Public
Policy & Regulation Group. Ms. Jackson utilizes her extensive experience to help clients navigate the legislative and
regulatory aspects of local government. Having worked in all branches of the government of the District of Columbia,
Ms. Jackson brings a 360-degree approach to assisting clients with their government relations and lobbying needs,
business development interests and legal representations in administrative proceedings.
Ms. Jackson’s recent successes include:
Securing more than $1 million in payment for services performed from the government of the District of Columbia Repealing unfavorable local tax laws
Negotiating redevelopment agreements with the government of the District of Columbia
Negotiating public-private partnership (P3) agreements
Ms. Jackson uses her comprehensive background to understand how to influence and help clients navigate the issues and opportunities they face. Her leadership and experience includes:
Serving as deputy chief of staff and director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs where she was responsible for the regional, federal and local relationships for the mayor, as well as lobbying the Council of the District of Columbia and Congress.
Serving as senior vice president for government affairs at the DC Chamber of Commerce, the largest business membership organization in the District of Columbia. As the chief lobbyist for the organization, she was responsible for crafting and executing legislative strategies and negotiating with the executive and legislative branches of government.
Serving as committee counsel to Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary Chairman Phil Mendelson Serving as executive director of the State Complaint Office of the District of Columbia Public Schools where she conducted investigations against local education agencies alleged to have violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. As a result, the District of Columbia Public Schools moved from noncompliance status to compliance status with the U.S. Department of Education.
Serving as assistant corporation counsel in the Office of Corporation Counsel, where she represented the government of the District of Columbia in class action lawsuits. She also clerked for the Honorable Donald L. Ivers
of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and clerked for the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, formerly of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Credentials
Education
American University, Washington College of Law, J.D.
The City College of New York, B.A.
Bar Admissions/Licenses
District of Columbia
Memberships
D.C. Bankers Association (DCBA), President
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., Secretary
D.C. Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
District of Columbia Bar, Steering Committee, D.C. Affairs, 2015-2018; Board of Governors, 2019 Golden Triangle, Board of Directors
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., Board of Directors
Leadership Greater Washington, Class of 2010
Washington College of Law Dean’s Diversity Council
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, Board of Directors, 2010
Honors & Awards
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Fellows Program, 2018
Holland & Knight Rising Star, Class of 2017
Power 100, Washington Business Journal, 2016
Publications
Challenge to D.C. Gas Station Law Motors On, Holland & Knight Regulatory Litigation Blog, April 24, 2018 Paid Family and Medical Leave for D.C. Employees To Become Law, Holland & Knight Alert, February 23, 2017
Speaking Engagements
D.C. Zoning and Development Updates, Holland & Knight Webinar, October 12, 2022
D.C. Zoning and Development Updates, Holland & Knight Webinar, March 16, 2022
What If We Were In Charge?: Imagining a Future Without a Federalized Justice System in D.C., Council for Court Excellence, Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA), June 30, 2021
2L Information Session with Holland & Knight, American University, Washington College of Law, October 27, 2020 Legislation and Regulation Impacting DC Real Estate Development, District of Columbia Building Industry
Association (DCBIA), January 23, 2019
D.C. Land Use Seminar, Holland & Knight Program, October 25, 2018
Hiring & Leveraging State Consultants, Women in Government Relations Annual Evolution of State Relations, June 12, 2018
Washington D.C. Policy Fireside Chat: Local Policy Decisions Affecting the CRE Market, Bisnow D.C. Economic and Political Forecast, January 31, 2018
New Year, New District: How Will Your Business Be Affected?, January 5, 2017
Successful Strategies in the Mayor’s Office, Public Affairs Council State & Local Government Relations Conference, September 26-28, 2016
Women Who Lead: Secrets of Success, Washington Business Journal Program, May 5, 2016 What You Need to Know About DC Water’s Proposed System Availability Fee and Its Impact on Your Development, Holland & Knight Program, March 15, 2016
New Year, New District: How the District of Columbia 2014 Elections May Affect Your Business, January 7, 2015 The Role of Intergovernmental Relations on Economic Development, Government Finance Officers Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area Annual Conference, November 18, 2014
Hanif Kazemi is a Principal in Deloitte’s Government and Public Sector (GPS) practice. Hanif has a B.S. and M.S. in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. For over two decades, Hanif has served Fortune 500 corporations and Government agencies with a track record of bringing the best of the industry to solve his clients’ most complex challenges.
As a Principal at Deloitte, he leads large teams with a focus on the transformation and digitization of Government services powered by analytics, automation, and innovations like LLMs (GenAI) and Machine Learning. He also leads Deloitte Civil Sector’s market strategy, working with alliances and partners to bring compelling, innovative ideas to Government clients.
Hanif is passionate about developing the next generation of talent at Deloitte with an intentional focus on increasing inclusion, diversity, and equity across Deloitte’s talent pools.
Hanif is an expert in IT strategy and governance, AI technology and architecture, and analytics-enabled mission delivery. For fun, Hanif leads several Deloitte investments to build the next generation of cloud and analytics products.
Dr. Sha Brennan serves as the Associate Chief Medical Information / Artificial Intelligence Officer for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. In this role, she helps shape technology strategy and drives digital innovation on both local and national scales. She is on the leadership team of the Permanente Medicine AI Center of Excellence and hosts their Insight Speaker Series. She provides educational, operational, and leadership support for the medical group’s Technology Integration and Telehealth team.
Dr. Brennan’s previous leadership experience includes Regional Medical Director for the Specialty Call Center at MAPMG. There she spearheaded operational and technical enhancements, including the implementation of their appointment waitlist technology, forged collaborative relationships among the Call Center and medical department chiefs, and overhauled the Call Center’s use of the EMR to enhance member appointing and problem resolution.
In addition to her leadership and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Brennan shares her knowledge and passion for medicine as a Clinical Professor for Acute Care Services at Penn State College of Medicine teaching medical students about Acute Care Medicine. She also helps her fellow doctors enhance their communication skills with patients as a Communication Coach for MAPMG’s Professional Development and Wellness group.
Dr. Brennan is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician serving Kaiser Permanente members throughout the Northern Virginia area. Born and raised in the DMV, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at The College of William and Mary and her Doctor of Medicine degree at Stanford University Medical School. She then completed her Emergency Medicine training at Loma Linda University Hospital in California. She has been practicing at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group since 2015. Dr. Brennan’s unique blend of medical expertise and technological insight positions her as a visionary in advancing the frontiers of artificial intelligence in medicine.
Brian Bayerle is Chief Life Actuary for the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). Brian staffs the ACLI Actuarial Committee which addresses actuarial matters related to regulation of reserves, nonforfeiture values, and risk-based capital. Brian also staffs the ACLI Algorithmic Accountability Working Group addressing potential unintentional discrimination in insurance through the use of Artificial Intelligence and similar technologies. Prior to joining ACLI in 2017, Brian previously worked at Ernst and Young and Transamerica.
Paul Reddick is responsible for strategy, business, and product development for Crown Castle – including the pursuit of new business opportunities that leverage emerging technologies such as 5G, CBRS neutral host radios, IoT, drones, and developments in edge computing.
Paul joined Crown Castle in 2018. Prior to this, Paul lead business development teams at Google, was Chairman/CEO of Handmark, lead strategy, business development, and product for Sprint
PCS, consulted for McKinsey, and led plant operations for Dow Chemical.
Paul holds a BSChE from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Stanford.
Parth Thaker is Executive Director, AI Strategy and Emerging Technology, within Strategic Development, Comcast Cable. Strategic Development is a group of future-focused entrepreneurs answering “what’s next” for Comcast and our customers, via partnerships, investments, and new ventures. Parth’s team helps lead growth and product strategy initiatives and he is currently leading the company’s focus on AI strategy and business development. Prior to Comcast, Parth worked at Deloitte in a strategy and new ventures team and Deutsche Bank in mergers and acquisitions focused on the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. Parth started his career as a full-stack software engineer. Parth has an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, and Computer Science and Electrical Engineering degrees from the University of Virginia.
Panel - How is AI advancing our work and our lives here in DC and Beyond
11:40 am- 12:40 pm
Dr. Waseem holds two bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Bioinformatics from Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his MD and received his Ph.D. in Immunology from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He has done fellowships in public policy and venture capital. During his medical training Dr. Waseem chaired the White House Office of Science and Technology Policies flagship project using technology to combat the COVID-19 pandemic with the creation of an AI powered live literature review. His work on this project led him to co-found and serve as Chief Scientific Officer of Stability AI, the world’s largest Open Source Generative AI company.
His groundbreaking work has been published in prestigious medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Science, and Nature, and he has shared his insights on the global stage at the WHO, Paris Peace Conference, and UN World Data Forum. Dr. Waseem’s impact through his participation on numerous biomedical and health technology boards, is underscored by an impressive portfolio of over 100 peer-reviewed publications, articles, presentations, and lectures.
He serves as a technical expert on AI for health for the WHO, a lead reviewer for the National Science Foundation, and an advisor to many boards. His unique blend of expertise in biomedical research, medicine, big data, venture capital, and policy has made him a highly sought-after consultant and keynote speaker for many groups including the WHO, the United Nations, and the White House OSTP
He spends his days now as an Emergency Medicine resident at George Washington University Hospital where the focus of his clinical work is on the frontlines of healthcare, treating patients with a wide range of medical conditions. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Waseem continues to be actively involved in research and innovation. He leads interdisciplinary teams that explore the potential of artificial intelligence, genomics, and data-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.
Beyond the hospital walls, Dr. Waseem continues to shape public policy at the intersection of healthcare and technology, advising governments, international organizations, and startups on strategies that harness innovation to address global health challenges. He is a devoted mentor, inspiring the next generation of scientists, doctors, and entrepreneurs to pursue bold ideas and effect meaningful change in the world. His passion for lifelong learning and ability to communicate complex ideas have earned him a place at the forefront of discussions on the future of healthcare.
is Interim Chief Technology Officer at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). Director Miller has more than two decades of technology organization experience, including 17 years in District Government supporting and leading application development and operations within OCTO. Director Miller recently served as Deputy CTO for OCTO’s Digital Services Department, where he led the team responsible for how the District Government plans, designs, develops and continuously improves upon technical solutions for the residents, businesses, visitors, and staff of the District Government. Director Miller’s teams oversee the implementation, operation and enhancement of enterprise platforms supporting District-wide collaboration, data management, process improvement, solution design, quality assurance, technical implementation, and organizational change management. 
For more than 18 years, Dawn Hendricks has been a business strategist, trusted advisor, mentor, and coach to business leaders within the public, private, community, and non-profit sectors. As an entrepreneur, Dawn intuitively sees the threads of opportunity and is able to inspire others in ways that help them expand their thinking. She translates financial strategies to business goals and creates an environment that allows innovation to thrive by taking complex concepts and breaking them into clear actionable and measurable steps for her team.
As founder, President & CEO of FM Talent, Dawn is known for her dedication to excellence and driving material business impact. The result is an award-winning recruiting and management consulting firm with a nationwide government consulting practice of over 150 staff across 12 states and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
Dawn is a 3rd Generation entrepreneur and a leader who inspires action. She graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from American University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Fort Washington, MD, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and an active member and ministry leader of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, MD.
Dawn began her career at Fannie Mae, a Fortune 500 leader in the financial services industry. She has harnessed over 20 years of subject matter expertise and strategic insights in project management, business management, and leadership to transform FM Talent from an $18M P&L into a competitive leader on track to quadruple in size within the next 3 years. Dawn founded FM Talent with a single recruiting contract that required immediate staff augmentation and consulting services in response to one of the largest restatement efforts in US history.
Respected as a credible voice in decision making, assigning accountability, fiscal responsibility, and establishing governance boundaries, Dawn earns a seat at the table wherever she serves. Under her leadership FM Talent has received a number of Gov Con and corporate accolades:
- Two-time Contractor of the Year Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Safety Inspection Services (FSIS)
- 2022 – Dream Big Awards Finalist – US Chamber of Commerce
- 2021 – Top HR Consulting Company – by HR Tech
• 2019 – Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award for the Capital region Her passion for service extends into all aspects of her life and includes specific emphasis on those underserved and marginalized. She serves as the Board of Directors Chairwoman for the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), whose mission is to increase economic and political empowerment within underserved communities in the DC Metropolitan Area. She has been a transformational leader as GWUL Board chair and is creating space to elevate the voice and expertise of Black populations in the region. During her tenure as Chair; Dawn has engaged and prepared GWUL for organizational transformation and resiliency by implementing board best practices, creating a new structure, developing goals, and
enforcing accountability. She holds a lifelong love for dance and the arts which has fueled her strength, discipline and focus. Dawn also serves on the CityDance School and Conservatory Board of Directors. CityDance is a nonprofit dance institution serving the national capital region that is committed to training young dancers for professional careers.
Dawn has been a guest speaker for a number of local and national organizations focused on workforce development and entrepreneurship. Her esteemed business acumen, community leadership and commitment service, have been featured on television and radio programs such as WUSA’s Great Day Washington and WHUR. She has also been featured in Rolling Out Magazine, Urban Magazine, and Afro Newspaper. Dawn will be featured in 2023 on an upcoming episode of The American Dream which will be broadcast on Bloomberg TV.
A fun fact about Dawn is that in 2019, she was the winner of the DC Dancing Stars glitterball trophy for her award-winning fox trot.
Kristin Galemore currently serves as the Director of IT Program Management at Events DC. Kristin brings her expertise in streamlining operations across a range of areas, including IT Services, Human Resources, and Budget and Contract Management. With 17 years of experience in the federal government, Kristin is adept at coordinating diverse teams and resources, providing guidance to senior-level leadership, and leading key enterprise strategic efforts. She holds a PMP certification and a Master of Management in Human Resources Management.
Shema Mbyirukira (em BEER ru keera) (he/him) is a Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Verizon Global Service, where he advises Verizon’s Data & Analytics and Artificial Intelligence organizations. Shema also advises Verizon product, contracting, and information technology teams on government cybersecurity and privacy regulations and standards. Prior to joining Verizon, Shema held various positions in Deloitte’s Federal Cybersecurity and Practice and Ernst & Young’s Technology Risk Services Group. Shema also practiced as a corporate attorney, specializing in insurance litigation and international trade compliance. Throughout his career, Shema has been active in criminal justice reform. While in law school, he worked with the Center for Death Penalty Litigation and, most recently helped to launch Verizon’s Criminal Justice Reform Pro Bono Program, where he is currently working on re-sentencing cases for children sentenced to life in prison without parole. Shema is also a lecturer at the Archer Center, a D.C.-based fellowship program for honors students from across the University of Texas System, where he teaches a class on the Politics of National Memory. Shema holds B.S. degrees in computer science and accounting from Birmingham Southern College, and a J.D. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Ryan Watkins is the Interim Associate Dean of Research and External Relations, and Professor of Educational Technology at the GWU Graduate School of Education and Human Development. He will be sharing his expertise related to artificial intelligence and its current and future impact on education.
Closing remarks
Networking
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are now available. If you have any questions please email [email protected]
Sponsors
The DC Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our sponsors and partners.
Speaker Sponsor
Sponsors
