LEAD 2024 is in the bag! We hope everyone made great connections. Thank you to our speakers and sponsors! Watch for highlights coming soon.
Blast Off to the Future as we explore AI and STEM, connecting schools and corporate partners at LEAD 2024! Join us at the legendary U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for a conference unlike any other. Explore the intersection of business and education around Artificial Intelligence, ignite your passion for STEM fields, and network with future leaders. This is your chance to take your future to new heights!
Agenda
| 9:30 – 10am Registration |
| 10 – 10:15 Welcome |
| 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. AI Leadership Panel: Hear from universities and businesses that lead the pack when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. Learn how these organizations are using AI to better accomplish their missions while dealing with the changing environment and ethical implications. Moderated by Dr. Ivan Caceres at the National Alliance against Disparities in Patient Health (NADPH). Panelists include Dr. Tom Osborne, M.D. of Microsoft; Michael “MJ” Jackson from Docusign; and Morgan Crafts of Peraton. |
| 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Empowering Success Through Collaboration: A Forum for HBCUs, Businesses, and Government Leaders: Explore how strategic partnerships between HBCUs and the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors not only elevate graduate opportunities but also enhance the schools’ resources, reputation, and community impact. Join us for a session that promises to inspire actionable collaboration and provide introductions to organizations like Self-Help, RTI International, the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce, and others. |
| 11:45 – 1:15p.m. Lunch, Keynote Speaker, & LEAD Awards Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Sajid Hussain from Meharry Medical College and M-TRAIN, discussing Regional Growth Through Research Partnerships. Innovation requires strong, diverse, and equitable partnerships. The Middle Tennessee Research Administration and Innovation Network (M-TRAIN) brings together partners like Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and many others to build research administration capacity, support emerging research institutes, and expand partnerships across the region to drive economic growth. Learn what comes next, and how you might model this approach in your region. |
| 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Presidential Panel: STEM at the Forefront: Join our university presidential panelists as they answer audience questions about their successes and challenges around preparing students for careers in STEM, while our corporate presidents share what today’s opportunities look like for STEM graduates. Panelists include Dr. Carolyn Henderson, Dean of Instruction Drake State Technical College; Dr. Mark Brown, President of Tuskegee University; Ms. Kimberly Gaines from Leidos; Dr. Ryan Carpenter of SCSP; and Vice President Robert Edwards from Oakwood University. Moderated by Ms. Tamara Terry of RTI International. |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Getting Your Share of the $16T AI Economy: The World Economic Forum estimates the global AI economy will grow by $15.7 trillion by 2030. Industry, Academic and Research leaders will share their thoughts on how your institution can be part of this growth. Panelists include CAPT Anthony (AJ) Johnson, Ph.D., NIMHD Scientific Advisor and Training Director; Dr. Mervyn Chapman of NADPH; Dr. Felesia Stukes from Johnson C. Smith University; and Mr. Greg Fasking from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Moderated by Mr. Caswell Huff of Spectrum Reach. |
| 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Blast Off with the USSRC: Join the US Space & Rocket Center team for an experiential activity guaranteed to wow. You don’t want to miss this one! |
| 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Networking: Meet the speakers and talk with colleagues as you find new ways to help each other succeed. Conference ends Please note: This event will be recorded. By attending, you agree to have your likeness included in promotional materials. If you prefer not to be recorded, please advise someone at the registration desk upon your arrival. |
LEAD Conference Host Location:
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Thank you to our other sponsors, including Docusign and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.