Young AI Leaders Community All Members

Seyed Hesam Salehpour serves as the Young AI Leader for the Bern Hub within the AI for Good initiative, contributing to global efforts to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable development and social impact. In this capacity, he plays an active role in fostering collaboration among emerging AI leaders and advancing initiatives that promote the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.
He is currently an AI Specialist Trainee at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), where he supports initiatives at the intersection of artificial intelligence, capacity building, and global governance. His expertise spans AI-driven solutions, digital transformation, and technology policy, with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies to address global challenges. Beyond his work in international organizations, he is also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures and strategic collaborations with leading IT companies, driving innovation in AI applications and business solutions.

Seyed Hesam Salehpour pursued studies in Computer Science with a specialization in AI and Digital Business Systems at Bern University of Applied Sciences. He also holds a Master’s in International Relations with a focus on governance for AI and emerging technologies. Complementing his technical and policy expertise, he earned a Diploma in Entrepreneurship from Innosuisse and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), equipping him with the strategic and business acumen to foster innovation at the intersection of technology and global governance.

As part of the Young AI Leaders program, he actively contributes to AI for Good’s mission of advancing artificial intelligence as a tool for sustainable development, supporting initiatives that drive innovation while upholding ethical and inclusive AI governance. Through his entrepreneurial mindset and collaboration with key industry stakeholders, he works to accelerate the responsible adoption of AI, ensuring its transformative potential is harnessed for global good.

With a strong commitment to responsible AI adoption, technological entrepreneurship, and global digital equity, he is dedicated to shaping policies and frameworks that maximize AI’s potential for social good, fostering a future where technology serves as a force for positive and inclusive change.

I am a Senior Analyst specializing in IT-business partnering, digital transformation, and technology risk management at a leading institution. In this role, I focus on driving IT strategy, fostering strong stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the successful execution of key technology initiatives. By aligning IT capabilities with business goals, I help deliver value-driven solutions and enhance operational efficiency.

I began my career as an Associate Systems Engineer at Cisco, where I built a solid foundation in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and technical consulting. My passion for innovation and process improvement led me to business analysis role at HSBC, where I worked on digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing customer experience and delivering technology-driven solutions.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Security and Network Technologies, reflecting my deep interest in emerging technologies and IT security. I am also certified in IT service management, enterprise networking, and banking operations, demonstrating my commitment to continuous learning.

I am particularly passionate about sustainability and artificial intelligence, exploring their applications in the financial and technology sectors. I enjoy participating in industry events, mentoring young professionals, and driving initiatives that promote innovation, youth development, and technology-driven change in the financial industry.

Shongo On’osala Aaron is an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML) Engineer specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced machine learning applications. He is currently a Researcher at Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) working on Ethics and Research Integrity Policy for responsible research assessment (ERIP) for data and artificial intelligence (Al), focusing developing policies, methods and tools that promote ethical standards essential for modern research methodologies in the context of data and artificial intelligence to bring together a wide range of organisations involved and interested in research assessment. His expertise spans Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI model development, deployment & maintenace, and cloud-based Machine Learning, with a strong focus on responsible AI to solve real-world challenges.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from ISBAT University, Uganda, alongside a Higher Education Certificate in Information Technology and a Diplôme d’État in Mathematics and Physics. Polyglot with exceptional analytical and problem solving abilities, he leverages his multilingual proficiency to collaborate on AI projects across diverse regions.

With experience at Google, Aaron has worked on cutting-edge AI solutions in computer vision, deep learning, Natural Language Processing, predictive analytics and Generative AI. His projects include maize disease classification, traffic speed prediction, PM2.5 estimation, and AI-driven agricultural productivity enhancement. He has also played a key role in integrating Google Cloud technologies to streamline operational efficiency.

Beyond his technical expertise, Aaron is passionate about AI ethics, safety & reliability, digital inclusion, and sustainable innovation. He has presented research at international conferences, including the 2024 International Conference on the Impact of Disruptive Technologies on Business World: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa, where his work on  Harnessing the Power of Advanced Deep Learning Techniques for Early Detection and Classification of Maize Leaf Diseases in Uganda and Automated Feature Engineering and Optimal Feature Selection for Regression Models: A Case Study Using OpenFE was recognized.

Aaron is currently developing an AI-driven personalized virtual professional engine, showcasing his commitment to leveraging AI for education, professional growth, and social impact. Dedicated to mentorship, continuous learning, and AI for good, he strives to harness artificial intelligence to tackle global challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

With a background in data science, HR strategy, and learning technology, Sofia is an expert in AI ethics, data analysis, and digital upskilling. She is responsible for the product vision, strategic partnerships, and business development. As the founder, she is the driving force behind the development of the GenAIQ metric—an AI literacy framework built in collaboration with researchers and pilot clients.

Statisticien de formation, je suis titulaire d’une licence en Mathématiques et Statistiques (UCAO, Togo), d’un Master1 en Big Data Analytics (Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Sénégal) et d’un MBA en Actuariat et Big Data (ISM Dakar). Certifié en Data Analysis, je me spécialise dans l’analyse de données, la modélisation statistique, la gestion des risques et l’aide à la décision.

Je travaille actuellement en tant que statisticien à la Direction des Statistiques et du Suivi-Évaluation de l’École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) du Togo, après avoir été affecté au ministère de la fonction publique ,du travail et de dialogue social. Parallèlement, j’enseigne les mathématiques (probabilités, statistiques, analyse) à ESIG Global Success et à ESIBA.

Je m’intéresse à l’application de l’intelligence artificielle et des outils de data science pour optimiser la prise de décision dans le secteur public et privé.

I’m a PhD student working on world models in the Machine Learning Group lead by Prof. François Fleuret.

Arielle Kana is a Master’s student at the National Advanced School of Engineering of Yaoundé. Passionate about data science and data engineering, she has acquired skills in data processing and visualization, particularly with Talend and Power BI. She has also explored the world of ERPs, notably Odoo, through invoicing management.
Ambitious, determined and rigorous, she approaches every challenge with a strong desire to learn and a constant drive for self-improvement. With an analytical mindset, she enjoys solving complex problems and transforming data into actionable insights. Her dedication and dynamism make her a highly motivated individual, always ready to take on new challenges.

Thuso is a multi-award-winning technologist and Educator. Currently he is the Vice Chairman of STEAMLes Robotics which is a non-profit organization whose aim is to ignite the passion for robotics and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) among youth in Lesotho. Thuso is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Botho University under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

He has multiple awards that include winning the Huawei ICT Competitions 1st prizes twice, winning the SADC Innovation Challenge, the Vodacom Farmer’s App hackathon and many more. Due to his passion for cutting-edge technologies, he is a Certified AI Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Cyber Security certified, API Architect and certified Information Communications Technology Professional with certifications and recognition from vendors such as Huawei, Cisco, Microsoft, Fortinet, Oracle and many more. He has an Honours in Computing from Botho University and he is currently an Information Systems Management candidate.

With over six years combined experience in Network Engineering, Software Engineering, Leading Robotics programmes and Academia, Thuso has worked on impactful projects in the private, public and non-profit sector. With roles ranging from being an ICT Talent Ecosystem Ambassador, Software Development consultant, Project Manager, Robotics Coach and an Award-winning technology startup Founder. As a Young AI Hub Leader, his aim is to contribute to impactful SDG-based solutions using Artificial Intelligence. He is dedicated to empowering young AI innovators through the establishment of impactful projects harnessing the power of AI to create a better world for all, ensuring inclusiveness, transparency, safety, accountability, robustness of AI innovation in society for a sustainable tomorrow.

Christiane, 20ans étudiante en 3ème année de licence en économie. 

Introverti, une passion pour l’apprentissage et la perfection,.. 

Tlotliso Makae is a highly skilled Software Developer and Machine Learning Specialist with a strong passion for artificial intelligence, frontend development, and embedded systems. With a Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering, a CCNA certification, and a postgraduate course in AI, he possesses a solid technical foundation that enables him to develop innovative and intelligent solutions across multiple domains.

Tlotliso has extensive experience in building and deploying web and mobile applications, utilizing technologies such as React.js, Next.js, and TypeScript. His work as a Junior Software Developer at Nucleus PTY LTD has allowed him to contribute significantly to system design, project management, and mobile application development. His ability to integrate AI-powered solutions into software products has made him an invaluable asset in projects related to predictive analytics, financial technology, and embedded systems.

Among his notable projects, Tlotliso developed a comprehensive Tour app for Lesotho, enhancing the travel experience by providing users with an intuitive platform to explore the country’s attractions. His expertise extends beyond software development, encompassing UI/UX design and microcontroller applications, where he seamlessly blends functionality with user-centered design.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, Tlotliso continues to craft intelligent, embedded, and user-focused solutions that drive technological advancement. His work reflects a dedication to solving complex problems through a combination of AI, software engineering, and cutting-edge design principles.

Tomás de los Ángeles graduated from the Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca (UTM) as a Mechatronics Engineer. During his career, has participated in many technological development projects like programming, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI,) convolutional neural network (CNN), machine learning and automation.

In the last semester of his career, he has been part of the construction of two mobile robots with autonomous navigation using potential fields for different terrains. On the other hand, he has developed a climate cabin to orchid care using fuzzy control and Yolo v3 motor for artificial vision.

After college, he decided to follow his passion for the universe and astronomical science creating the Mixtecnautas team with friends and participating in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 Oaxaca where they reached the semifinals. From this event, he has been participating in many events with his team, bringing astronomical knowledge to Oaxaca’s indigenous and rural communities to promote the curiosity in the scientific fields in children and the general public from those communities.

Tomás is interested in joining Young Leaders in AI stems because he believes in Oaxaca’s talent to develop solutions based in the STEM focus to resolve critical problems in vulnerable communities furthermore of aerospace and technological industry.

Tomás hopes that his point of view from his culture and engineering experience helps to get a better life quality in his community in addition to promoting the technological interest in his state and country.