Keynote Speakers

Wednesday, October 25

Dr. Dominique Duval-Diop,
Chief Data Scientist of the United States of America

Dr. Dominique Duval-Diop is an accomplished policy analyst, data scientist, and economic geographer, who has used data analytics and geospatial analysis to drive equitable decision-making as well as policy and program design. As the Chief Data Scientist of the United States and co-chair of the Equitable Federal Funding Interagency Working Group of the NSTC Subcommittee on Equitable Data, Dominique is working at the nexus of data, tech, and equity to help build the capacity of federal agencies to use data and technology to drive equity in infrastructure investments and other federal funding programs.

Prior to this role, she served as the Deputy U.S. Chief Data Scientist. Before joining OSTP, Dominique was an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellow and later served as Associate Director of Gender and Social Inclusion at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where she worked to advance the agency's use of data analytics and geospatial analysis to drive the equitable impact of international infrastructure programs in countries including Senegal, Mozambique, Tunisia, and the Solomon Islands.

In addition to her work on equitable data, Dominique enjoys mentoring the next generation of diverse data scientists, visualizing the future in art, and exploring nature.

Thursday, October 26

SEBASTIAN,
Internationally-renowned Sculptor and Visual Artist

Sebastian (Enrique Carbajal González Santiván) is a Mexican sculptor and visual artist known internationally for his large-format sculptures and architectural design. His work has been shown in more than 235 exhibitions since the late 1960s and received numerous accolades. His contemporary designs often feature his interest in mathematics, geometry, and science (for which he holds five honorary doctorate degrees) as well as themes of unity and justice.

Sebastian is currently a part-time resident of San Antonio, TX where many of his works feature prominently throughout the city. Between October 2019 and May 2020, the city of San Antonio celebrated his contributions with "Sebastian in San Antonio", which featured more than 100 pieces of his work on display at over 20 sites throughout the city.

The iconic "Torch of Friendship" reminds visitors of the relationship between Mexico and San Antonio, and the "Door of Equality" represents the city's dedication to the fight for civil and human rights.

Friday, October 27

Dr. Besa Bauta,
AI Expert and Chief Information Officer of the Jewish Board

Dr. Besa Bauta is the Chief Information Officer of the Jewish Board, overseeing enterprise-wide infrastructure modernization projects and technology implementations. Previously, Dr. Bauta served as the Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, where she managed data, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives for a multi-billion-dollar state division. With experience as a Chief Data Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Information Privacy/Security Officer at MercyFirst, she oversaw data integration technology, research, evaluation, and analytics.

In academia, Dr. Bauta is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University, teaching public health and social work. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Services and Implementation Science, an MPH in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, all from NYU.

Dr. Bauta has been recognized as a leader in the data and analytics field, being selected as a Global Data Power Woman, Top 25 Women in AI: US Healthcare & Pharma, and a finalist for the Changemaker in the Field of Data Award. She is an accomplished author and has conducted research on mental health, non-communicable diseases, and improving health and mental health systems. Her current research focuses on optimizing processes, protecting patient health information, and implementing AI technologies ethically in healthcare and human services.