2026 Speakers

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady is an Associate Professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences at North Carolina Central University and the Founding Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research—the first dedicated artificial intelligence institute of its kind established at a Historically Black College or University.

A nationally recognized leader in AI, digital education, and workforce innovation, Dr. Grady leads institution-wide initiatives that connect emerging technologies to teaching, research, and public engagement. The first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University, her research focuses on artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and algorithmic bias, with applications in healthcare, misinformation, and autonomous systems. 

She is a 2025 inductee into the NC A&T Graduate College Hall of Fame and an alumna of the AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador program.

Professor Po-Shen Loh is a social entrepreneur and inventor. He combines math, science, and technology with firsthand exploration of the human condition across the global landscape of work, AI, and education. Major newspapers have covered his diverse innovations. His latest initiative unites math stars and actors to transform education.

He won silver for Team USA at the 1999 International Math Olympiad and served a decade as National Coach. He is a Hertz Fellow in a community of broadly innovative scientists with roots in the Manhattan Project and Space Race.

He personally speaks in more than 100 cities each year on education and the future of AI, substitutes in K–12 classrooms, visits companies and labs, and delivers public lectures—learning as he shares ideas with students, parents, researchers, and policymakers. All of this while teaching at one of the world’s foremost universities in AI (Carnegie Mellon) and running his own edtech social enterprise.

Gina Loften is a seasoned board director and former C-level executive who has successfully led and advised enterprises on innovation, strategy, and growth. Gina has excelled as a P&L (Profit and Loss) leader, scaling enterprise organizations through global expansion, building competitive products, solutions, and services, introducing new revenue streams, and executing M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) strategies to fuel organic and inorganic growth. Throughout her career, Gina has held senior executive positions in research, development, sales, and consulting at both IBM and Microsoft. Her roles have been marked by a progression of increasing responsibility and scope, driving significant growth and competitiveness.

As a trusted advisor and thought leader, Gina has skillfully applied her unique insights to scale businesses at various stages of growth and size. She extends her influence to public and private boards.  Serving on the boards of Foursquare, Modernizing Medicine, TTEC, Thoughtworks, and Interwell Health.  Additionally, she holds a pivotal role as a member of the Board of Trustees for TIAA, a Fortune 150 Financial Services company. 

A sought-after speaker and published author, Gina has addressed a range of topics, including leadership, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mental health, and innovation. Her contributions have earned her recognition from esteemed platforms such as US Black Engineer, National Diversity Council's Top 100 CTOs, NC Business Magazine's "Changing Face of Executive Power in NC," Business NC Power List, and Diversity Woman Media, where she is celebrated as one of "The Elite 100" in Corporate America.

Gina's governance expertise has been prominently featured in a Business Insider article titled "9 Powerful Leaders of Color to Consider for Board Seats in 2022." Gina was recently highlighted in WomenInc magazine on the "Most Influential Corporate Board Directors of 2023" list and 2024 NACD 100, further affirming her impact and influence in corporate governance. Gina Loften continues to be a beacon of leadership, innovation, and influence, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate landscape.

Dr. Jamie Lathan is a distinguished educator, scholar, and advocate for equitable access to education. As Vice Chancellor for Extended Learning at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), he leads statewide initiatives that bring high-quality, honors-level learning opportunities to thousands of students, especially those in rural and underrepresented communities. Under his leadership, NCSSM’s extended learning programs, including NCSSM Connect, virtual summer enrichment, and educator outreach, have expanded in reach and impact, offering students rigorous instruction in courses such as AP U.S. History, African American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Honors Science of Race.

Dr. Lathan began his career at NCSSM in 2001 as a social studies teacher and quickly became one of the most respected and well-loved members of the faculty. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from UNC Chapel Hill, as well as a B.A. in History and M.A.T. in Social Studies Education from the University of Virginia. A National Board Certified teacher, he has spent more than 20 years teaching and mentoring students in both residential and online settings. Throughout his career, Dr. Lathan has prioritized inclusive curriculum design, student engagement, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

His work has earned statewide recognition. In 2020, he received the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of the highest honors in the UNC System. He was named a 2019 Kenan Fellow, during which he co-developed a racial equity assessment tool for educators and school districts. As a leader during the COVID-19 transition to remote learning, he helped guide teachers and administrators across North Carolina in best practices for virtual instruction, emphasizing connection, clarity, and compassion.

Beyond awards and credentials, Dr. Lathan is known for his warmth, humility, and ability to inspire. Colleagues describe him as a “rock-star teacher” who builds powerful learning communities, even across digital platforms. Students have called him a life-changing mentor whose classes sparked their passion for social justice, history, and civic leadership. A frequent speaker and facilitator, Dr. Lathan brings a unique perspective that bridges traditional teaching values with forward-thinking approaches to equity and innovation in education.

He lives in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife Lucinda and their three children. Deeply rooted in both family and service, Dr. Lathan continues to shape the future of public education in North Carolina through his leadership, scholarship, and unwavering dedication to student success.