Get to know your host and the amazing speakers we have lined up for the summit.

Our carefully curated lineup of speakers includes industry leaders, innovators, and experts who are at the forefront of data leadership in the AI era. These diverse voices will share practical insights, real-world experiences, and strategies to help you navigate the challenges of modern data leadership.

If you would like to apply to speak, please fill out this form.

Meet Your Host

Hana M. K.

Hana M.K. is a Silicon Valley data leader with experience from UCLA to Fortune 5 tech, and CEO of Trending Analytics (50,000+ followers). As an award-winning data presenter and host of The Art of Communicating Data podcast, she has trained hundreds of data professionals to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business impact.

Her innovative approach helps data teams become strategic partners within their organizations, maximizing their influence in the AI era.

Join Hana at the Disruptive Data Leadership Summit to gain practical strategies for transforming your data team and driving measurable business value.

Connect here with her on LinkedIn.

Meet Your Speakers

Celina Wong

Former CEO

Celina Wong is a data executive based in NYC with 15+ years of experience in data, analytics and finance. She is the former CEO of Data Culture, a data/ AI consultancy. Prior to Data Culture, Celina has served as Head of Data & Analytics at TULA Skincare leading data strategy, implementation, team management and the engine behind data-driven decisions.

She has been Head of Data & Analytics at three startups ranging from B2B SaaS to DTC/ Retail with two successful startup exits including TULA’s acquisition by Procter & Gamble.

Prior to startup life, Celina spent 8 years in corporate finance at Fortune 50 companies – Bank of America Merrill Lynch and American Express.

Picture of Tiankai Feng wearing a black t-shirt and glasses, smiling at the camera.

Tiankai Feng

Data & AI Strategy Director

Tiankai is a Data & Analytics leader and author of “Humanizing Data Strategy”. He is currently the Data Strategy & Governance Lead in Thoughtworks Europe and the Head of Marketing of DAMA Germany.

With 11+ years experiences in Data Analytics, Data Governance and Data Strategy, he found a passion for the human aspect of data: how to collaborate, communicate and be creative around data.

He is passionate about making data more understood, approachable and fun through unconventional methods like music and memes.

Kat Greenbrook

Author of The Data Storyteller’s Handbook

Kat Greenbrook is a Data Storyteller from Aotearoa, New Zealand. She is the author of The Data Storyteller’s Handbook and founder of the data storytelling company, Rogue Penguin. With a unique blend of science, business, and design, she empowers data professionals to communicate data effectively through storytelling.

Amanda Makulec

Founder

Amanda is a leading health data visualization designer who builds, advises, and coaches teams on how to create user-centered data deliverables. With more than 15 years of experience, she has worked with clients across sectors and in more than a dozen countries.

Amanda is a host of the award-winning Chart Chat podcast, co-author of Dashboards that Deliver (coming in 2025), and founding board member and former Executive Director of the global Data Visualization Society.

You can find her writing in the New York Times, Fast Company, Nightingale by the Data Viz Society, and on her substack, Viz Responsibly.

Shorful Islam

CEO & Cofounder

Dr Shorful Islam is CEO and Cofounder of Be Data Solutions and author of Data Culture. Recognised as One to Watch in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme for 2024, in partnership with The Times. With over 20 years experience in the data space and a PhD in Psychology, he has extensive experience of building, nurturing and growing data teams.

Shorful started his career as a lecturer, having also worked in the NHS and government before creating and leading data teams across companies like ITV, Adam&Eve, Wunderman, Tribal as well as companies he founded, both in the UK and offshore in countries such as USA, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and many more.

He has also, consulted for some of the world’s largest organisations including Microsoft, Shell, CocaCola, Volkswagen, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, etc., helping them leverage data for commercial and customer value.

Cher Fox

President, Founder & Chief Data Officer

Cher is a data leader that’s been solving the data puzzle for over 35 years. As the President, Founder and Chief Data Officer of Fox Consulting, she advises organizations to define and optimize data processes, quality and intelligence, to solve their most painful data insight issues.

Her 3+ decades of deep practitioner experience, in data, analytics, and business intelligence, designs and implements secure strategic analytics, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning roadmaps for global companies’ most complex data solutions.

She also shows senior data leaders how to be confident in leveraging the existing software they already own to save time and money solving their technology, data and business intelligence challenges.

Cher is an international speaker, sharing her career insights and client success stories at 40+ conferences, events and podcast appearances. She also holds the DAMA International CDMP, Data Management Association Certified Data Management Professional, certification at the Practitioner level.

Veronika Durgin

VP, Data

Veronika is an accomplished data leader with over two decades of experience in data engineering, platform architecture, data modeling, analytics, and leadership.

As Vice President of Data, she leads multiple teams responsible for managing the entire data lifecycle—from platforms, architecture and data modeling to business intelligence and data science initiatives.

She works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality, optimize system integration, and uncover data-driven opportunities that align with business goals and objectives and drive innovation.

Passionate about empowering her teams, Veronika creates an environment where practical solutions meet cutting-edge advancements. She holds a Master’s in Computer Software Engineering from Brandeis University and a Bachelor’s in Biology from UMass Boston. A Certified Data Vault Practitioner and Snowflake Data Superhero,

Veronika is also dedicated to mentoring others in the data community and frequently shares her expertise as a speaker at industry conferences and events.

Ben Jones

Co-Founder and CEO

Ben Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of Data Literacy, a training and education company that’s on a mission to help people learn the language of data and AI.

Ben is the author of nine books on data and AI, including AI Literacy Fundamentals (Data Literacy Press, 2024), Avoiding Data Pitfalls (Wiley, 2019), Data Literacy Fundamentals (2nd ed, DLP 2025) and Leading in the Age of Data (DLP, 2023).

Ben also teaches data visualization at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, and has presented to, trained or worked with companies, nonprofits, and government agencies around the world.

Ciarra Jones, MTS

Consultant, Educator, Theologian

With a BA in American Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University, I have dedicated my career to helping organizations deepen their commitment to equity and inclusion. My professional journey spans work as an LGBTQIA+ Program Lead and Diversity Specialist in higher education, followed by my role as a Finance Journalist and SEO Specialist at NerdWallet. This diverse background allows me to create innovative solutions that bridge equity and inclusion with strategic content and organizational development.

I approach consulting with a humanistic lens, recognizing that workplaces are more than professional settings—they are sites of connection and belonging. Leveraging transformative justice frameworks, I support organizations in addressing bias and exclusion, helping them move from challenge to meaningful change. Even in the face of steep equity obstacles, I remain optimistic: I believe every organization can become more inclusive and welcoming, regardless of where they begin.

My consulting partners have included Cal State LA, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Hinge Health, and Covenant House California, among others. I also engage as a speaker and writer, with my work appearing on platforms such as Fox Soul TV, UC Berkeley, Mills College, and the Harvard Club of New York, and my writing featured in outlets like Huffington Post, BBC, Elite Daily, Thebody.com, and Zora Mag.

Paulina Davila

VP, Analytics Insights & Storytelling

Paulina Davila is a data storytelling leader, specializing in human-centered data visualization and strategic insights. As VP, Head of Data Visualization & Storytelling at JPMorgan Chase, she champions innovative approaches to making complex data accessible and actionable.

With a background in HR analytics, marketing analytics, and data engineering, Paulina challenges traditional data practices by prioritizing clarity, empathy, and impact in decision-making. She has received multiple awards for her expertise in data visualization and storytelling, including internal recognition at JPMorgan Chase and industry-wide honors for her contributions to advancing data communication.

She is a sought-after speaker on data storytelling, leadership, and innovation. Before joining JPMorgan Chase, she spent a decade in marketing and advertising agencies, shaping data strategies through analytics and engineering.

Oren Eden

Fractional Chief People Officer

Oren has been in HR for over 20 years with a focus on architecting systems and culture that align people with company strategy and prioritize growth and development.

As a behavioral economist, he’s data-driven about all aspects of HR and focused on using evidence-based strategies to elevate the employee experience. As as a lawyer, he’s focus on mitigating organizational risk in a way that minimizes or eliminates disruptions to the business.

And as a human, he’s driven by creating community that brings safety and space for self-actualization.

Adam Mico

Principal Data and Analytics Strategist

Adam Mico is a recognized data analytics leader, renowned for his expertise as a Tableau Visionary and Social Ambassador. He currently serves as a Principal Data & Analytics Strategist at Moderna, driving innovative solutions that merge analytics with cutting-edge technologies.

Through thoughtful community engagement, Adam has earned the Michael Cristiani Community Leadership Award, reflecting his passion for knowledge sharing. His dedication to GenAI and Tableau fosters streamlined solutions and new possibilities for business intelligence.

Adam’s unique path into data analytics highlights his focus on continuous learning, collaboration, and the future of data and AI-enabled decision-making.

Jon Schwabish

Senior Fellow

Dr. Jonathan Schwabish is an economist, writer, teacher, and data communications expert. He is considered a leading voice for clarity and accessibility in how analysts, researchers, and scholars communicate their findings.

Across four books, he has provided a comprehensive guide to creating, communicating, and distributing data-rich content. Better Presentations coaches people through preparing, designing, and delivering data communication products; Elevate the Debate helps people develop a strategic plan to communicating their work across multiple platforms and channels; and Better Data Visualizations details essential strategies to create more effective data visualizations.

His most recent book, Data Visualization in Excel, helps readers create better graphs and charts in the Excel software tool.

Kiara Imani Williams, Esq.

Founder

Kiara Imani Williams, Esq. is an attorney, author, and communication strategist who believes in the power of storytelling to transform systems.

With a decade of experience in legal affairs across major media companies, Kiara brings a unique perspective to the intersection of data, equity, and human connection.

She is the author of Therapy Isn’t Just for White People and the creator of spaces—like her support group for moms and workshops using LikeU Cards—that foster deep, honest conversations.

Sune Selsbæk-Reitz

Data & AI Strategist

Sune Selsbæk-Reitz is an experienced data professional with a passion for empowering organizations through strategic data insights and ethical AI solutions. With a background spanning product management, data and AI strategy, governance, and innovative work methods, he specializes in guiding teams toward success through thoughtful planning and execution.

Rooted in his academic foundation in philosophy, Sune approaches data strategy as more than just managing information—it’s about finding clarity within complexity. He believes in distilling problems to their essence, ensuring solutions are both purposeful and accessible. Guided by the principle “do less, more thoroughly,” he strives to balance depth with simplicity, focusing on what truly matters.

As the Data & AI Strategist at Demant, Sune is dedicated to fostering a future of data-driven decision-making with a people-first approach. He also curates Deontological Design, a LinkedIn newsletter exploring AI ethics through a philosophical lens, offering insights into building responsible and human-centered AI systems.

Emily Kund

Reporting & Analytics Strategist | Consultant

Emily Kund is a reporting & analytics consultant with experience in the public sector and high tech. She received her Masters of Business Administration from Quantic School of Business and Technology and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Science Data Analytics program at Eastern University.

She is the founder of the Tableau Fringe Festival and The Everyday Analyst. She is a mentor with Women in Technology- DC Area and volunteers with the Junior League of Annapolis.

At home, Emily is a mom of two teenagers, two pups, and has been wife to Matthew for 20 years.

Jordan Morrow

Senior Vice President of Data and AI Transformation

Jordan Morrow is award winning and is known as the “”Godfather of Data Literacy””, having helped pioneer and invent the entire field. He is also the founder and CEO of Bodhi Data and currently is the Senior Vice President of Data & AI Transformation for AgileOne, helping to utilize data and AI in the total talent management space. Jordan is a global trailblazer in the world of data literacy and enjoys his time traveling the world speaking and/or helping companies. He served as the Chair of the Advisory Board for The Data Literacy Project, has spoken at numerous conferences around the world, and is an active voice in the data and analytics community. He has also helped companies and organizations around the world, including the United Nations, build and/or understand data literacy.

When not found within his work of Data, Jordan is married with 5 kids. Jordan loves fitness and has run multiple ultra marathons. He loves to travel with his wife and family. Jordan loves to read, often reading (or using Audible) to go through multiple books at a time.

Jordan is the author of four books: Be Data Literate, Be Data Driven, Be Data Analytical, and Business 101 for the Data Professional. Plus, Jordan was a part of a children’s book, The Data Detective at the Carnival.

Phoenix Jay

Analytics Leader

Phoenix Jay is a data professional and IC leader with over 8 years of experience at the intersection of technology, data, and strategic operations. She completed both her B.A. and M.S. in Data Analytics at Columbia University.

Throughout her career, Phoenix has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to drive innovation and optimize processes across various sectors, while also cultivating community and connections.

With a robust background in data analytics, Phoenix has focused on empowering human-centered outcomes while leveraging modern technologies. Her expertise in data warehousing and analytics has enabled her to optimize data models, ensure robust governance, and deliver actionable reporting metrics that drive decision-making.

Beyond technical acumen, in her commitment to uplifting underserved communities, Phoenix also has experience in board leadership. She advises leadership as a Board Council member in the DevColor organization and also as an Associate Board member for the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative.

Dustin Schimek

Enterprise Analytics Manager – Data Fluency & Lead of Community of Practice

Dustin is Enterprise Analytics Manager – Data Fluency & Lead of Community of Practice at MedStar Health. Over his 12+ years as a data practitioner, he developed a passion for building engagement with and community activities around data analytics.

It was these passions that inspired him to take on his current role, as well as to be a Co-Founder of the Data Careers Summit, launch the Data Ideas podcast and to begin speaking at various industry events.

Dustin is a proud resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he enjoys cheering on local sports teams and spending time with his wife and two children.

Nisar Ahmed

Senior BI Leader & Instructor | The Data Nerd Podcast | Tableau Social Ambassador

Nisar Ahmed is the host of The Data Nerd Podcast and creator of BizNis Intelligence on YouTube, where he simplifies data visualization and analytics for a global audience.

As a Lead Decision Scientist and selected as a Tableau Social Ambassador (2024), Nisar has led business intelligence initiatives, developed executive dashboards, and trained professionals in BI, data storytelling, and dashboard design, helping organizations transform raw data into actionable insights.

His work has been featured in industry events, and he has helped organizations enhance decision-making through impactful data visualizations. Passionate about bridging the gap between analytics and communication, Nisar leverages his expertise to empower others to share insights confidently.

His journey from introvert to speaker highlights how data can be a tool not just for analysis, but for storytelling and personal growth.

Colleen Tartow, Ph.D.

Senior Director, Data Engineering

Colleen Tartow, Ph.D. is Senior Director of Enterprise Data Engineering at Capital One and has 20+ years of experience in data, analytics, engineering, and consulting.

Adept at assisting organizations in deriving value from a data-driven culture, she has successfully led diverse data, engineering, and analytics teams through the development of complex global data management solutions and architecting enterprise data systems.

Her demonstrated excellence in data, engineering, analytics, and diversity leadership makes her a trusted senior advisor among executives.

An experienced speaker, prolific author, valued mentor, and startup advisor, Colleen holds degrees in astrophysics and lives in Massachusetts.

Lindsay Hummel

Data Analyst

Lindsay Hummel is a data analyst who believes in the power of using data for good. She currently works as a data analyst in product development for a large fintech corporation. She previously worked in higher education where she maintained the institution’s database of record and financial reporting during a $250 million fundraising campaign.

Lindsay has held roles at the intersection of operations, technology, and business working with numerous organizations throughout her career from tech startups and nonprofit agencies to Fortune 100 and small businesses.

She has also chaired data governance and change management committees, collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders and end users. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2012) and is completing her MBA in Entrepreneurship at Butler University (2025).

In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys drinking coffee, building community, and catching up on great TV.

Nabilah Said

Editorial Lead

Nabilah Said is the editorial lead of award-winning data storytelling studio Kontinentalist, which advocates for a more equitable world through fostering connections between Asia’s sources of knowledge. She has 13 years of experience in editorial and communications, during which time she served as an arts correspondent for Singapore’s main broadsheet, The Straits Times, and editor of Southeast Asian regional publication ArtsEquator. 

Key projects include: Singapore’s divisive ethnicity-based housing policy (Longlisted, Information Is Beautiful Awards 2024); Terraforming Singapore: Is the future made of sand? (Award of Excellence, Best of Digital Design, Society for News Design Awards 2023; Shortlisted, Excellence in Infographics, SOPA Awards 2024); Jakarta’s roadside food sellers: Finding a path in a future of convenience (Bronze, Single Story Design, Society for News Design 2023); and Alternate World of Copy Songs (Winner, WAN-IFRA Asia Digital Media Awards 2023).

Ollie Hughes

CEO & Co-founder

Ollie is the CEO & Co-founder of Count.co a collaborative canvas-based BI tool that turns data teams from dashboard factories into their organization’s problem solvers.

Ollie lives near London, UK and has two small boys who encourage him to play as much minecraft and taekwondo as possible.

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