Programs

Dennis Ong

Technology Executive, Board Advisor, Amazon Web Services | TEDx Speaker
Amazon

Dr. Dennis Ong serves as a Technology Leader at Amazon Web Services, where his primary role is to drive business and technology innovation for Fortune 100 companies, with particular emphasis on AI/GenAI and cloud transformation. He is also an Industry Advisory Board member of the University of Pennsylvania’s PRECISE Research Center. Prior to this, he spearheaded 5G AI applied research at Verizon, leading his team to develop the world's first 5G/AI autonomous vehicle, a collaborative project with the Honda Research Institute.

Dr. Ong has given two TEDx talks: one on "IoT Transformation through Machine Learning" and the other on " Securing the World with Blockchain". A frequent presenter at international conferences, his topics revolve around AI, 5G, IoT, and Blockchain. His research collaborations span various global technology companies like Cisco and Nissan, as well as major research universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on AI and 5G. His innovative 5G and AI designs have earned him three patent awards in 2022. Additionally, he co-founded “Leading AI”, a non-profit that delivers leadership and AI education to students and emerging professionals worldwide.

Dr. Ong earned an MBA, graduating with honors, from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also received a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University as a University Fellow. Furthermore, he served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Terry Hsiao

Adjunct Professor
George Washington University

Terry Hsiao is an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor with extensive experience in mobile messaging, payment, and fintech. He has founded multiple companies in mobile that got acquired by Sybase, Verifone, and Kaleyra where he helped its recent public listing on NYSE:KLR in November 2019.

Mr. Hsiao served on the board of Virginia’s Center of Innovation and Technology, a state-funded economic development and investment agency. Terry is a current adjunct professor at Marymount University. He also serves as the President of Monte Jade DC, representing Asian American business leaders and entrepreneurs for 25 years. He also founded and leads the DC MIT Alum Angel Group.

Terry received a BSEE Honors degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Management of Technology from MIT Sloan.

Rikin Thakker, Ph.D.

Chief Technology Officer & Senior Vice President
NCTA

Rikin Thakker, Ph.D., is Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Senior Vice President of Technology, at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. He leads NCTA’s technology efforts and the industry’s interest in techno-policy, standards, and guidelines in such areas as broadband Internet performance, cybersecurity, wireless spectrum, video services, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI).

He has served on various governmental committees, including the Technological Advisory Council (TAC) at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Dr. Thakker also served on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) and was an active participant in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and 6G working groups. Prior to joining NCTA, Dr. Thakker was serving as the CTO at the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). Additionally, he has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, College Park since 2009.

Dr. Thakker received his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University, his Master of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Gujarat University. He also earned an Executive Certificate in Cybersecurity from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Sloan School of Management.

Lindsey Mastis

Journalist & Media Consultant
Blue Moves Media

Lindsey Mastis is a four-time EMMY Award-winning journalist, speaker, and media consultant specializing in AI and emerging technology. With 20 years of global reporting experience, her work has appeared on Channel News Asia and CCTV English. She has taught digital media to journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan, produced a documentary on child survival in India, and now helps organizations understand and communicate how AI is transforming their industries. Through her firm, Blue Moves Media, Lindsey advises companies on AI storytelling, strategy, and public engagement.

Shahid Azim

CEO & Founder
C10 Labs

Tom Giancola

Policy Associate
MIT Washington

Katie Watson Jordan

Policy Strategy & Governance Manager
Meta

Katie Watson Jordan is a Policy Strategy & Governance Manager at Meta where she serves as the global lead for the Llama Impact Program, including managing it's portfolio of global events, trainings, and funding opportunities. Katie previously served as Meta's Privacy Policy PoC for product strategy related to location, data management, and social impact applications. Prior to joining Meta, Katie was the Director, Public Policy and Technology at the Internet Society where she developed and led engagement on critical internet policy issues, including privacy, interoperability, content moderation, and broadband access. She also previously worked on related initiatives at Public Knowledge and Next Century Cities. Katie received her BA in Media Studies and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.