TEAM
Navroop Sahdev
FOUNDER & CEO
Navroop is a pioneering economist, technology futurist and founder & CEO of The Digital Economist. She is also a Fellow at MIT Connection Science and a well- known economist in the emerging tech space. She in based in New York City.
Jose Luis Carvalho
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Jose oversees The Digital Economist Center of Excellence on Human Centered Global economy, focused on growing it's impact and scale. He has over 23 years of experience in services, consulting, and technology sectors.
Dr. Maha Hosain Aziz
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Maha is a Professor at New York University's Masters in Arts - International Relations Program specializing in Global Risk and Future Trends. She is a speaker and author & a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Complex Risk.
Dr. Melodena Stephens
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Melodena is an Innovation & Technology Governance Professor at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government in Dubai with over three decades of corporate, academic, and consulting experience across Asia, Europe and Middle East.
Bruce Armstrong Taylor
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Bruce is the Co-Founder & Managing Director of SmartNations Foundation with a lifelong career in digital technology - as an analyst and journalist, having served as a writer, editor, publisher, speaker and conference producer.
Shannon Kennedy
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Shannon is the Founder & CEO of Sekhmet Advisors, with 30 years of expertise in healthcare policy, compliance, and AI ethics. Passionate about equitable innovation, she supports startups advancing technology for community health.
Sandy Carter
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Sandy is the Chief Operating Officer of Unstoppable Domains, creating Web3 domains with user-controlled data at its core. A trailblazer in AI and Blockchain, Sandy has held top leadership roles, including at AWS and IBM.
Dr. Nikhil Varma
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Nikhil is an Associate Professor of Management at Ramapo College of New Jersey with over 20 years of experience across operations and supply chain management, blockchain, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
Bhuva Shakti
NON-EXEC CHAIR & SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Bhuva is a Board Director and fractional C-Suite Advisor for several social impact corporations. With an MBA from Columbia University in New York, she has led financial risk governance and product data compliance for investment banks.
Arvinder Singh Kang
PROGRAM DIRECTOR & STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Arvinder is a TEDx speaker, AI/ML researcher and tech entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience. He drives ventures at the nexus of digital infrastructure and social impact merging systems thinking with expertise in tech, management & design.
Jean Criss
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Jean is the Founder and CEO of Jean Criss Media, driving innovation at the intersection of media, fashion & tech with a diverse career spanning global leadership, sustainable and immersive fashion design, & digital media production.
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Mickie Chandra
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Mickie is the Technology Committee Chair at the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (MCCPTA) with a decade of economics experience at the US federal level. She advocates for family empowerment through safe data practices.
Olga Magnusson
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Olga is a leader in digital transformation and change, with a career spanning industries such as technology, telecommunications, and recruitment. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Marlink.
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Alex Kontoleon
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Alex is a CSO at Green Impact Exchange, drives strategies for sustainable impact. With a Master’s from Columbia University and 14+ years at State Street, he excels in innovation, business development, and collaborative growth.
Oabona Kgengwenyane
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Oabona brings over 25 years of expertise in project and asset management, corporate governance, and strategic transformation across Southern Africa as the founder of Innolead Consulting and DigitalGae Technologies.
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Jamil Hasan
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Jamil is founder of Crypto Hipster Publications. Before entering the blockchain industry in 2017, he spent 17 years in the insurance and investments industry, where he created financial intelligence engines, most notably at American International Group (AIG).
Dr. Priyanka Shrivastava
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Priyanka is a Professor of Marketing & Analytics at Hult International Business School with over 18 years of experience, she is a recognized leader in data analytics, digital marketing, and AI’s transformative impact on the future of work.
Marisa Zalabak
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Marisa is an AI ethicist and educational psychologist focused on regenerative solutions and responsible technology for inclusion and sustainability. She is also the founder of Open Channel Culture serving global leadership teams.
William J. Vogt
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
William is an expert in Asian and Latin American affairs, specializing in China, emerging markets, and cybersecurity. With published research and teaching experience, they advise global public and private sector clients.
Dr. Dimitrios Salampasis
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Dimitrios is the FinTech Capability Lead and Senior Lecturer of Emerging Technologies and FinTech at Swinburne University of Technology and a globally-recognized thought leader at the nexus of digital economy, sustainability, and innovation.
Dr. Eldar Shafir
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Eldar is the Class of 1987 Professor of Behavioral Science & Public Policy, & Professor of Psychology & Public Affairs at Princeton University. He's also the Inaugural Director of Kahneman-Treisman Center for Behavioral Science & Public Policy.
Rob Ginsburg
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Rob is a Professor of Global Strategy and Business Law at Hult International Business School. A Forbes columnist, his work has also appeared in the Financial Times and leading academic journals.
Mallika Ramamurthy
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Mallika is a business adviser and technology consultant specializing in digital transformation and process optimization. She is certified in fintech and focused on ethical tech for social impact.
Cathy Latiwa Amato
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Cathy is a lawyer, gender inclusion expert, founder of Latiwa Development Foundation, and co-founder of BuildHerAFture Africa. She is also a global ambassador for the Makutano Network and 2024 member of 100 Women Davos.
Nancy Kgengwenyane
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Nancy is an environmental lawyer specializing mineral development, climate governance, IP rights, and Indigenous knowledge. She holds an LLB from the University of Botswana and master's in environmental law from the University of Sydney.
Manas Talukdar
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Manas is a senior industry leader in enterprise AI & data infrastructure. He holds patents, is a senior member of IEEE, Fellow of BCS, AI 2030 Fellow and has received multiple industry awards.
Athena Visel
SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Athena is the founder of Cliq, advising life sciences firms on FDA compliance, quality systems, and digital transformation to accelerate safe innovation.
Nikolaos Ntigrintakis
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Nikolaos is a Greek-Swedish entrepreneur with over 30 years in blockchain, fintech, digital assets, and internet innovation, driving growth through human-centered technology.
Dr. Georgios Samakovitis
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
George is a professor of fintech at the University of Greenwich with 20+ years of research in AML, blockchain, and digital assets. He has advised the Bank of England, UK Cabinet Office, and other national forums on financial crime and data strategy.
Satish Padmanabhan
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Dr. Satish is a senior leader in banking data governance with 24+ years in financial services. He holds honorary doctorates and has been twice featured in Forbes India for tech-driven socioeconomic impact.
Shyam Nagarajan
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Shyam is COO of Hedera and former IBM executive. He is a global leader in responsible AI, blockchain, and digital trust, advising enterprises and governments through platforms like the World Economic Forum and Concensus.
Dr. Manjula Devi Shroff
SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Manjula is an MD and CEO of Kalorex Group and an education entrepreneur who has founded institutions impacting over 100,000 students. She is the author of Baby Steps to Big Dreams and a speaker at the UN, COP28, and WEF Davos.
Laurel Hudson Cipriani
SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Laurel is a health-care executive with 20+ years in nursing, population health, and digital systems. With a master's in technology leadership at Brown University, she focuses on the intersection of AI and mental health.
Neeraj Madan
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Neeraj is an IBM certfied AI expert and adjunct professor at Collin College with 20+ years in data science. He contributes IBM's AI blog and chairs the nonprofit Keep Little Elm Beautiful.
Dr. Sindhu Bhaskar
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Dr. Sindhu is chairman and CEO of EST Global Inc., part of MIT ecosystem. A Forbes Council Member, he is advancing digital transformation across fintech, health tech, agritech, and edtech.
Imen Ameur
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Imen is a professor of practice at Hult International Business School and AI governance specialist. Her work bridges technology policy, ethics, and economic development, supporting global public and private sector innovation.
Sindile Monica Mazibuko
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Sindile is a business strategist, author, and sustainability consultant. As founder and CEO of Skyverse888 Foundation, she advocates for digital literacy, workforce development, mentorship, and sustainability-driven solutions for Inclusive Women Creation.
Yuri Cataldo
SENIOR FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Yuri is a research scientist at Autodesk Research and co-founder of Athenian Capital. With an MBA from MIT and MFA from Yale, he brings deep expertise in AI trends, market analysis, and venture strategy.
Dr. Monica Lopez
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Monica is a global AI ethics leader, recognized among the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. She pioneers interdisciplinary education at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown, mentors future leaders, and advocates for ethical, sustainable AI.
Rafal Libera
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Rafal is an energy executive with 15 years of experience across US and EU markets. He is also the founder and CEO of Transatlantic Future Leaders Forum and advises on energy policy at the Sobieski Institute.
Sowgandhika Dusa
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Sowgandhika is chief data officer at Cadent with 20+ years of experience in AI, data strategy, governance, and digital transformation. She’s led major data initiatives at TD Bank and Comcast, and actively mentors women in tech.
Dr. Maria Azua Himmel
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Dr. Maria is a tech executive with 25+ years in digital transformation. She led data and cloud strategy at Bank of America and now serves on the board of Pan-American Life Insurance Group.
Melissa Tony Stires
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Melissa is a global speaker, Amazon best-selling author, and CEO of the Fundamental Wellbeing Foundation. As founding partner and chief global growth officer at Mia AI, she leverages AI to build human connection and global empathy.
Neil Sahota
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Neil is the CEO of ACSI Labs, UN AI Advisor, and IBM Master Inventor. With 20+ years of experience, he advises industries and governments on emerging tech, workforce development, and AI policy. He is the author of Own the AI Revolution.
René Bostic
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
René is a pioneer in AI and sustainability. She led IBM’s $1.5B sustainability software portfolio and now advances AI agent research through the Dynamous AI Mastery community, with expertise in strategic foresight and AI-powered workflows.
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Dr. Alexandra Cook
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Dr. Alexandra, CPA, is a family office & private trust executive with 30+ years in finance and strategy. She is a licensed CPA, PRINCE2® project manager, and faculty member at an AACSB–accredited business school.
Dani Bedoni
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Dani is a master coach with 30+ years of leadership development experience and creator of the Mindset of Possibilities framework. Fluent in five languages, she has been honored with awards from El Sistema USA and the NY Youth Symphony.
Manoj K. Gursahani
SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Manoj is the co-founder of Vera Healthcare Technologies, building AI-driven retinal scans for early diabetes detection. He also serves as Mumbai Chair of TIGER 21, bridging healthcare innovation with strategic investment leadership.
Amii Barnard-Bahn
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Amii is a governance strategist and executive coach to Fortune 500 leaders. A former Fortune 5 executive and Georgetown lawyer, she shaped US board diversity laws and contributes to HBR and Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches.
Dr. Steph Sharma
SENIOR FELLOW, HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Steph is a sustainability strategist and systems-change researcher. She leads Symbio Strategies, teaches at Hult International Business School, and focuses on strategic resilience and responsible AI while teaching sustainable management.
Erika Twani
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Erika is CEO of the Learning One to One Foundation and creator of a relational learning system integrating neuroscience and technology. A bestselling author and TEDx speaker, she advises leaders on developing human potential in the age of AI.
Vijay Karia
SENIOR FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Manoj is the co-founder of Vera Healthcare Technologies, building AI-driven retinal scans for early diabetes detection. He also serves as Mumbai Chair of TIGER 21, bridging healthcare innovation with strategic investment leadership.
Sanjeev Sharma
SENIOR FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Sanjeev is a global technology leader and former IBM distinguished engineer specializing in AI, DevOps, and cloud strategy. As Founder of Data Capital Labs, he helps enterprises and startups operationalize AI for real impact.
Akash Verma
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Akash is a cybersecurity engineering leader with 15+ years of experience in cyber risk management. He designs frameworks that translate technical risk into financial exposure and serves as Global Chair & Research Fellow at the Cloud Security Alliance.
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Olatokunbo Ige
SENIOR FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Olatokunbo is a human rights and sustainable development expert with 40+ years across Africa. A Maxwell Leadership coach, she drives women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and ecological innovation.
Victory Eme
FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Victory is a strategy and business development leader in energy and technology. He has led at Ardrend and Jocaro Nigeria and holds dual Master’s degrees in Minerals & Energy Economics and Business Administration from Curtin University.
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Ambriel Pouncy
FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Ambriel is the Global Head of Web3 Luxury Partnerships and Innovation at Intertrust, and the Founder & Creative Director at Art Haus. Her core expertise in the fashion industry, having worked in the United States, Dubai, London, and Canada.
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Najada Taci
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Najada brings over a decade of expertise in financial planning, investment management, and risk mitigation. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Banking & Insurance Management. She holds a Global MBA from Bologna Business School.
Ahlam Alduhaish
FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Ahlam is an AI leader with 10+ years of experience driving innovation in the public sector. An entrepreneur and doctoral researcher, she specializes in governance, applied AI, and policy, bridging research with real-world impact.
Océane Desvigne
FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Océane is a recent graduate from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance). She is dedicated to integrating sustainability, collaboration, and technology for a brighter future.
Paul Murphy
FELLOW, BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Paul works at the intersection of Digital Technologies, Political Economy & Transparent Systems, expanding the applications of blockchain technologies to new use cases. He was previously a Research Affiliate at University of California, Berkeley.
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Mohammad Mudassir
FELLOW,BLOCKCHAIN & DIGITAL ASSETS
Mohammad, a Support Engineer at Algorand Foundation, ensures smooth operations and technical support. A former AlgoBharat Ambassador, he specializes in smart contracts and has researched consensus protocols at IIT Bombay.
Dr. Chetana Naskar
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Chetana is the Lead Coordinator at SHE Changes Climate and has she has worked extensively in child protection, human trafficking, & gender-based violence. She holds an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Shivedita Singh
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Shivedita is a climate and energy expert with 6+ years in engineering, policy advocacy, and ESG strategy. At Climate Group India, she leads RE100 and state-level renewable energy initiatives.
Comfort Onyaga
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Comfort is a strategic leader in market systems development, policy, and sustainability. She is secretary of the UNAA-WA Environment Committee, serves on boards including IFAMA and Policy Shapers, and speaker at global forums.
Justin Bérubé
FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Justin Bérubé is a Government Relations Consultant at Earnscliffe Strategies. He has previously served as an advisor to a federal cabinet minister in Canada. He holds a Masters in Public Policy in Digital Society from McMaster University.
Sangeetha Rajkumar
FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Sangeetha is a technologist and product manager with 9+ years of experience in product development, fintech, and cloud infrastructure. A Cornell graduate, she is passionate about mentoring, innovation, and inclusivity.
Shree Varuna Ramesh
FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Shree is an AI and data science graduate working at Omnicom's Innovation & Capability Centre on gen AI and analytics. She brings experience across finance, sustainability, and applied AI research focused on ethics.
Maneesh Kumar
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Maneesh is a deputy manager for a chief economist at a reputed Mumbai firm, with nearly 8 years of experience in data analytics and research. Holding a master’s in applied economics, he aims to drive impact in sustainability and policy.
Nikhil Kassetty
FELLOW, APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Nikhil is a software engineer and AI/fintech thought leader with 15 years of experience in cloud computing, blockchain, and secure payments. He is also a speaker, judge, mentor, and author in AI–driven finance.
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Victo Nalule
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Victo is the founder of Tunaweza Foundation, advocates for disability inclusion in Uganda. She’s an ESG expert with an HR background, a certified civic leader, and a master’s student in sustainable development at Murdoch University.
Nathaniel Burola
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Nathaniel is an AI–environment researcher focused on the ecological impacts of AI. He founded the AI & Environment Resource Hub, a 1,000+ resource open-access database advancing sustainability & accountability in AI and climate policy.
Max Buechner
FELLOW, TECH POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Max is an investor and fund manager mobilizing private capital for European security and resilience. Educated at EBS, Harvard, Oxford, and the German Bundeswehr Command and Staff College, he bridges finance, defense, and diplomacy.
Asher Jay
FELLOW, SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Asher is a former National Geographic Explorer turned tech entrepreneur and systems strategist. She merges storytelling, design, and governance to drive ecological integrity, social equity, and systemic change.
Resham Kataria
PROGRAM SUPPORT LEAD
Resham specializes in process optimization, project coordination & cross-functional collaboration. With expertise in data management & event planning, she enhances operational efficiency & team productivity.
Riddhima Gangwal
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Riddhima specializes in data-driven strategy, project management & digital optimization. Rooted in branding & advertising, she is driven by the intersection of technology and sustainability. She is a student at University College London.
Zia Esmalin
EDITOR
Zia is an editor and quality assurance specialist with a decade of experience. She ensures clarity, consistency & adherence to editorial standards while also excelling in technical writing and content development.
Merry Carlina
CREATIVE DESIGNER
Merry is a brand strategist and multimedia designer based in Jakarta. With a degree from Swinburne University, she blends design, culture, and innovation to lead impactful branding across industries.
Mickaël Lafont
ENTERPRISE TRANSFORMATION MANAGER
Mickaël is a renewable energy expert driving climate solutions through ANER-G at The Digital Economist. With a background in manufacturing, marine sustainability, and service in the French Army, he blends technical skill with global impact.
Salman Pangestu
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Salman is a Jakarta-based specialist in graphic design, web design & no-code development. He manages the entire creative process, from concept to execution, ensuring seamless design and technical implementation.