Building a Future Where AI Works for Everyone

Praveen Viswanath

Praveen Viswanath is a pioneering technology leader and Chief Architect at ZeroNorth, where he drives the strategic implementation of cutting-edge data architectures that power enterprise transformation. With a deep command of data lakehouses, warehouses, and scalable platforms, Praveen orchestrates collaboration across architects, onboarding teams, customer data groups, and third-party partners to unlock the full potential of organizational data.

At the forefront of innovation, Praveen leads ZeroNorth's GenAI Charter—establishing governance frameworks, shaping development standards, and accelerating the adoption of large language models (LLMs) across diverse business units. His work bridges the gap between technical excellence and business agility, enabling smarter, faster decision-making across the enterprise.

Before joining ZeroNorth, Praveen co-founded Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT), guiding the company from startup to industry disruptor. Under his leadership, AOT merged with ZeroNorth in 2024, a landmark move that expanded the company's global footprint and technological capabilities. At AOT, he built and led high-performing teams across Architecture, Cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and Data Engineering—instilling a culture of innovation, resilience, and excellence.

Praveen's impact extends beyond corporate walls. He engineered and managed the functional design package for a $600 million infrastructure initiative funded by the Australian federal government, and played a pivotal role in the Offshore Patrol Cutter Contract Design for the United States Coast Guard—projects that reflect his ability to deliver at scale and with precision. Whether architecting next-gen platforms or steering AI adoption, Praveen Viswanath is a force behind the future of intelligent enterprise systems.

Madhavee Inamdar

Madhavee is a visionary leader whose career bridges public service, cultural legacy, and cutting-edge policy innovation. With a global perspective and a deep-rooted commitment to equity, she has spent over 20 years shaping inclusive practices and policies across British Columbia and beyond.

From 2009 to 2024, Madhavee has served as a dedicated public servant with the Government of British Columbia, leading transformative Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. Across institutions such as B.C. Lottery Corporation, Fraser Health, and Surrey RCMP, her work has pioneered equity and change underscoring her impact in aligning public values with institutional change.

Between 2011 and 2019, Madhavee played a pivotal role in guiding the B.C. government through landmark efforts to address historical wrongs. As a strategic advisor, she was instrumental in development and delivery of three historic apologies to Chinese Canadian, Japanese Canadian, and Punjabi Canadian communities. She also spearheaded the Chinese Canadian and Japanese Canadian Legacy Initiatives, fostering inclusive public engagement, policy direction, and commemorative programming province-wide.

Now, as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at Apollo Sustainability, Madhavee is at the forefront of Inclusive AI. She is one of the few professionals in North America and specifically in British Columbia certified in ISO 42001 AI Systems Management and Auditing. Her expertise ensures that AI systems are governed with transparency, accountability, and ethical rigor. Her commitment to equity in technology is further reflected in her certification in Indigenous Perspectives in AI, a rare and vital credential that informs her work with cultural sensitivity, decolonial frameworks, and inclusive design.

Madhavee holds advanced education in AI and Ethics from the London School of Economics, Executive Leadership from the University of Oxford, and a Master's in Political Science from the University of Hull, UK.

Vijaya Kattumuri

Vijaya Kattumuri is a seasoned technology strategist and consultant with over five years of experience leading Indica Strategies and Technology Services Inc. as Director and Principal Consultant. Based in Langley, British Columbia, Vijaya brings a dynamic blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational leadership to organizations across diverse industries.

She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she honed her skills in data modeling, statistics, and healthcare analytics. Furthering her expertise, she completed a Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Texas McCombs School of Business, equipping her with cutting-edge capabilities in data analysis and intelligent systems.

Since January 2020, Vijaya has delivered tailored solutions in software development, systems architecture, and technology implementation—helping businesses optimize infrastructure, enhance security, and reduce operational costs. Her approach is rooted in aligning technology with business goals, ensuring seamless transitions and adoption of emerging tools.

Vijaya is known for her hands-on engagement with stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, compliant solutions. She also oversees resource allocation and administrative operations to maintain continuous compliance and operational excellence.

Dipti Bhide

Dipti is a 2X founder and seasoned product leader whose innovations at Microsoft, Dell, and PayByPhone have reached over half a billion users globally. Now leading LittleLit AI, she's on a mission to empower kids to become AI-native and thrive in a tech-first world.

A published author and expert in AI and instructional design, Dipti champions inclusive learning, neurodivergent advocacy, and the rise of women in AI. Above all, she's a proud mom raising the next generation with heart and purpose.

Alysa Huppler-Poliak

Alysa Huppler-Poliak is a passionate connector and advocate for inclusion, having served as a Labour Market Facilitator with Inclusion BC's Ready, Willing & Able program in Metro Vancouver.

With a rich background spanning provincial politics and international development, Alysa brings deep insight into government operations and a robust network across British Columbia's public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Her journey from eight years of community-building in Southern California to supporting BC's communities, reflects a dynamic, purpose-driven career shaped by meaningful relationships and a commitment to equity. She is also leading vital work to improve brain injury support across Canada.

Meera Madhavan

Meera Madhavan is a dynamic Business Analyst and Technical Project Manager with over a decade of experience driving digital transformation across finance, banking, and healthcare. With a Master's in Software Systems from the University of British Columbia, Meera bridges the gap between business goals and technical execution—delivering scalable, automation-driven solutions that boost efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

She has led Agile development teams at Coast Capital Savings, optimizing SDLC processes and increasing team productivity by 30%. Her RPA expertise in BluePrism and Appian has slashed manual processing time by up to 40%, while her cloud-ready solutions on AWS have improved system scalability by 60%. From enhancing CRM platforms to building analytics tools for energy trading, Meera thrives on solving complex challenges with precision and innovation.

Core strengths: Business Analysis • RPA Development • Agile & Waterfall Delivery • Application Support • Cloud Solutions • Cross-functional Leadership

Always learning, always evolving—Meera is passionate about collaborating on projects that push boundaries and deliver measurable impact.

Ashton O'Brien

Ashton O'Brien is a tech-savvy leader with 12+ years at BCLC, specializing in eGaming support, lottery systems, and casino QA. Known for creative problem-solving and team leadership, Ashton blends technical expertise with a strong business foundation—holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Leadership and training in Diversity & Inclusion from UVA Darden.

Driven by innovation and collaboration, Ashton thrives at the intersection of technology and impact.

Zafira Nanji Scott

Zafira Nanji Scott is an author, speaker, HR leader, and end-of-life doula working at the intersection of workplace inclusion, disability, and life transitions. With deep expertise in human resources (CPHR, SHRM-SCP), she builds inclusive teams and coaches leaders across sectors.

A trained doula and systems thinker, Zafira supports families through end-of-life care and advocates for justice and access in civic spaces. She serves on the Immigrant Employment Council of BC and the Presidents Group, and draws from lived experience as a neurodiversity advocate and parent.

Naresh Akkur

Naresh Akkur is a globally recognized sustainability and climate strategy leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative ESG and technology solutions across energy, utilities, and consulting sectors. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and a sharp business acumen, he bridges industrial processes, environmental innovation, and strategic alliances to deliver measurable climate impact.

Naresh has led enterprise-wide decarbonization programs—including a 23% emissions reduction at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and shaped ESG disclosures for Fortune 500 companies in alignment with ISO 14064 and SEC climate rules.

His ability to fuse AI with environmental strategy positions him at the forefront of digital sustainability transformation with deep commitment to advancing net zero futures through innovation and collaboration.