Evan is an Electrical Engineering Major at Pasadena City College passionate about the applications of AI in hardware and software. As the lead organizer for the AI Horizons Convention, Evan is excited to share his passion for innovation and technology with the community.

Shin is a Computer Science Major at Pasadena City College with a passion for AI and its applications in various fields. As the Vice President of AI Club, Shin is dedicated to fostering a community of innovators and thinkers who are eager to explore the potential of AI.

David Chou is currently a cloud architect and strategy lead at Microsoft, where he is focused on enterprise developer strategy building on AI app platform and toolchain. He is experienced in software engineering and application development delivering distributed systems.

As a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft for over nine years and 34 years in the IT industry, Kirby specializes in designing and implementing scalable cloud data platforms. His role focuses on empowering organizations to adopt innovative SaaS solutions using Azure technologies. Kirby is a certified expert in cloud platforms and data solutions, with a strong foundation in Generative AI, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, analytics and data warehousing.

Nicholas Beaudoin is the Affiliate Director of AI Programs for Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME) and has a decade of experience leading teams in the AI/ML industry. His day job is as an AI expert for Wavicle Data Solutions where he leads teams to design and implement AI/ML projects. He has worked on innovative solutions for companies such as Disney, Mercedez-Benz, Honda, and various agencies in the federal government.

As a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft for over nine years and 34 years in the IT industry, Kirby specializes in designing and implementing scalable cloud data platforms. His role focuses on empowering organizations to adopt innovative SaaS solutions using Azure technologies. Kirby is a certified expert in cloud platforms and data solutions, with a strong foundation in Generative AI, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, analytics and data warehousing.

Jamal Ashraf is a senior faculty member at Pasadena City College, bringing over 30 years of experience in computer science education, with expertise in Python, Java, and data structures. Passionate about integrating artificial intelligence and data science into education, he developed PCC’s Data Science Certificate program, which has enabled over 150 students to gain advanced skills and secure opportunities at leading tech companies and universities. Beyond teaching, Jamal mentors student-led clubs such as AIML and She.Codes. His dedication to equity in STEM and real-world applications has earned him recognition for fostering academic-industry connections and inspiring the next generation of technologists.

Rita serves as Program Director and Founders/Investors Ambassador at AI LA, where she builds community-driven programs at the intersection of AI, education, and entrepreneurship—like the IDEAS Program, which equips college students with the tools, mentorship, and hands-on experience to explore and succeed in the world of AI and emerging tech. She previously supported early-stage founders as a Platform Coordinator at the UCLA Venture Accelerator and has worked across venture capital, product, and strategy roles with a focus on AI for social good. With a background in Applied Math from UCLA, Rita is passionate about making tech and entrepreneurship more inclusive—mentoring the next generation of changemakers from all majors and communities.

Ivy is a third-year graduate student at Caltech studying applied physics. She completed her undergraduate degree at Harvey Mudd College before working at Google as a software engineer prior to graduate school. Ivy's current research interests are in the field of nanofabrication, specifically in atomic layer etching for nanophotonic materials.

Daphne Nea is a Mission Operations intern for NASA's Lunar Trailblazer, which launched on February 26th, and an Honors Computer Science student at Pasadena City College preparing to transfer this upcoming fall. She contributes to mission operations by scripting automation tools in Python, running simulations on virtual machines and testbeds, operating a live in-flight spacecraft, communicating with the Deep Space Network, and analyzing real-time telemetry data. This summer, she will join Caltech’s SURF program under Dr. Bethany Ehlmann to develop software tools for spacecraft data collection.

Like a gas particle, Emily is in constant random motion with her busy eventful life. She has developed organizational, time management, research, and communication skills from previous work-life experiences. She is an undergraduate student currently studying Biological Sciences full time, and working as a Behavior Interventionist, AmeriCorps Literacy Intern, and Teacher Aide. She is part of Caltech LIGO Research Study Group, partaking in weekly Astrophysics discussions with a focus on gravitational wave detection. She adores physics and hopes to minor in it when she transfers. Emily is working on multiple independent research projects. Career development and the educational journey toward a career are two topics Emily is looking forward to discussing on this panel!