On October 15, 2025, over 200 leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered at the University of Portland for the inaugural Women in Big Data Northwest AI Summit — an unforgettable milestone event celebrating a decade of Women in Big Data and exploring the future of AI innovation. The energy in the room was electric, fueled by big questions, bold conversations, and a shared commitment to building a responsible AI future.

Setting the Stage: From Agents to AGI

The day opened with a keynote by Courtney Whelan-Stillmun, who traced the rapid evolution of GenAI from agents to AGI — setting a powerful tone for the conversations ahead.

Andrea Ballinger, MBA followed with a compelling call to action: “If everyone at your table agrees, you didn’t go deep enough.” Her message underscored the critical role of diverse teams in shaping responsible AI.

Arun Sirimalla reminded us that “speed of learning now matters more than what you learned.” And 📊 Cecile Kellam ☁ made it clear that the question is no longer if we use AI, but how we use it responsibly.

The founder panel brought powerful insights: with only 5% of AI projects reaching production, Michelle Salvado urged the audience to “run toward the AI storm like bison—with your community.” And Melissa Evers, MBA left us with a bold challenge: “Are you the disruptor or the disrupted?”

Innovation Through Connection

Beyond the stage, conversations came alive during networking breaks, deep dives on explainable AI, and governance roundtables. The poster session, led by Dr. Ameeta Agrawal and her students, showcased cutting-edge research and the voices of the next generation of AI leaders.

New collaborations emerged around AI’s role in careers, security, and the 78 million net-new jobs projected by 2030. The panels on cybersecurity, vertical AI applications, and startup journeys weren’t just informative — they were catalysts for real action.

Key Takeaways from Speaker Highlights

The Future of Work with AI – Arun Sirimalla

• AI won’t take your job — but someone using AI might.
• Curiosity, creativity, and adaptability will define tomorrow’s workforce.
• By 2030, AI is expected to displace 92M jobs but create 170M new ones.

Resilience in the AI Storm – Michelle Salvado

• Facing disruption with courage and community matters.
• Resilience, curiosity, and intentional learning are key to thriving.
• “Run toward the storm” became a rallying cry of the day.

Responsible AI Governance – Cecile Kellam

• The focus has shifted from “if” to “how” AI is used responsibly.
• Only 5% of AI projects reach production — often due to weak governance.
• Clear policies, metrics, and explainability are essential for trust.

Human-Centered Skills in an AI World – Andrea Ballinger

• AI success demands more than engineers: artists, liberal arts experts, lawyers, and communicators all have a role.
• “If everyone agrees, you didn’t go deep enough” — diversity drives innovation.
• Ethical reasoning, communication, and cultural understanding are critical skills.

Industry Deep Dives: Cybersecurity, Vertical AI & Startups

• Cybersecurity for Everyone: Security must be built in from the start, not bolted on. Trust depends on explainable AI, transparency, and accountability.
• Vertical Applications of GenAI: From healthcare to education and government, adoption is accelerating. The challenge isn’t tech — it’s culture, policy, and governance.
• Founder Spotlight: Startup leaders shared hard-earned lessons on product-market fit, funding, differentiation, and resilience in a fast-moving GenAI world.

A Community Movement

The event’s impact was amplified by a vibrant community of participants. Attendees, sponsors, partners shared what inspired them most:

“Great event today. It really exceeded my expectations. The speakers and the content were terrific.”

“Google Cloud is thrilled to sponsor this inspiring event. As AI adoption accelerates, it’s critical to ensure women’s voices are heard and represented — from technical experts to city leaders to large enterprises shaping the future.”

“It was inspiring to see so many people who want to make a difference. Women in Big Data creates a powerful space for connection, mentorship, and collaboration—and we’re excited to explore how AI can help expand opportunities for young people through partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.”

“The event was incredibly insightful. From hearing industry leaders on security, governance, and responsible AI, to exploring how AI can support critical thinking and education, the conversations were thoughtful, practical, and inspiring.”

“Huge applause to Women in Big Data Northwest for an inspiring event packed with relevant topics and incredible speakers. It was a powerful space for learning, growth, and meaningful connections.”

“The NW AI Summit showed the power of community in shaping the AI future. When people come together with curiosity, courage, and heart, innovation becomes a shared journey — not just a destination.”

“It was amazing to connect with so many like-minded people and industry leaders. My biggest takeaway: AI isn’t here to replace people — it will replace those who don’t adapt. Embracing change is the real power.”

“When diverse perspectives shape AI’s future, we don’t just build better technology — we build technology that works for everyone. WiBD NW AI Summit was a great example of how inclusion drives meaningful innovation.”

“The Summit was a powerful reminder that innovation thrives when diverse voices come together — and in this new era, human skills like empathy, creativity, and resilience are the true superpowers.”

“The future isn’t about replacing humans — it’s about empowering them. The NW AI Summit was a powerful reminder to stay curious, adaptable, and ready to shape tomorrow. Grateful to Women in Big Data Northwest for creating a space that inspires learning, connection, and leadership.”

“They saved the best for last at the NW AI Summit! Melissa Evers, MBA rocked the closing keynote, The Path Forward: Where Do We Go From Here?!”

Thank You to Our Partners

A special thank you to our emcee Sacha Basho for keeping the day energized, and to our incredible sponsors:.ProFocus Technology, Core Defender AI, Google Cloud, NetApp, CHINMAYA MISSION PORTLAND, Astound Business Solutions  and University of Portland.

And to our supporters:  SIM Portland Chapter, Technology Association of Oregon, SWE Columbia River, Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, and Portland AI Engineers. Your partnership made this milestone celebration possible.

Looking Ahead

The Women in Big Data NW AI Summit was more than an event — it was a launchpad for action. As AI transforms industries and communities, human agency, collaboration, and responsible innovation will define the path forward.

WiBD’s 10-year celebration is just the beginning. Together, we’re shaping a future where AI is built with purpose, inclusion, and impact.