I had the incredible opportunity to present at the Empowered Educator Online Conference (EEOC)—a game-changing event powered by Cengage Group that brought together top innovators in higher education. This virtual conference was all about how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and engagement in the classroom and beyond.

I was honored to be one of just 18 speakers (out of over 250 submissions!) selected to share insights on “Introduction to GenAI Tools in Teaching & Learning.” My session focused on practical strategies and real-world applications of AI in education, helping instructors integrate AI tools effectively while keeping student success at the center. The energy, discussions, and ideas exchanged were nothing short of inspiring!

Big thanks to Cengage Group and all the educators who joined in! Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of AI in education together.

I had the privilege of presenting “Empowering Change and Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI: A Blueprint for Faculty Development in Higher Education" sharing insights on how higher education can navigate and thrive in this transformative era. This conference was not only a platform to exchange ideas but also a moment of personal growth for me as I’m honored to have received my certificate for completing the 2024 outstanding DET/CHE Leadership Program. This journey has equipped me with invaluable strategies and a deeper understanding of the evolving role of leadership in educational technology field.

As we are so close to end of 2024, I’m energized by the innovations, collaborations, and conversations sparked at this year's conference. A huge thank you to Hussam Kashou, PhD, Laura Lee Rantala, Kenji Ikemoto and the entire DET/CHE leadership team for their dedication to building a more connected and forward-thinking higher education community in California.

I also truly appreciate to learn about the incredible work being done at San Diego State University to advance equitable access to generative AI leading by Dr. James Frazee and Sean Hauze, Ph.D. Their session highlighted their efforts to bridge the digital divide through the Equitable AI Alliance, using insights from multi-year survey data to develop resources for students, faculty, and staff. The team’s focus on addressing AI stigma, enhancing career readiness, and fostering workforce preparedness is an inspiring model for supporting both education and economic growth at the higher education institutions.

The Digital Universities US 2024 conference was an incredible gathering of educators, technologists, and higher education leaders committed to shaping the future of digital learning. The event brought together experts to discuss the evolving role of AI, instructional technology, and online education, offering fresh insights into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. From panel discussions to interactive sessions, the conference highlighted the importance of innovation, accessibility, and digital leadership in education.

I was honored to be part of a distinguished panel alongside Dan Maranan, Barbara Means, Alyssa Hacker and our moderator Doug Lederman, Inside Higher Ed Editor & Founder of Inside Higher Ed. Our session, "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Faculty and Student Expectations for Digital Learning" explored how institutions can close the gap between student needs and faculty adoption of digital tools. During our group-led discussion, we engaged directly with higher education leaders to gather insights on digital leadership, faculty training, and student-centered learning strategies. The collaborative energy and forward-thinking ideas shared in this session reinforced the power of collective innovation. A huge thank you to Inside Higher Ed & Times Higher Education for organizing such a transformative event and to Washington University in St. Louis for hosting us on their beautiful campus!