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Kenya
Africa

I am Trevor Otieno, a dedicated professional with a strong background in data science, mental health advocacy, and education. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, I am passionate about leveraging AI, data analytics, and technology to drive positive change in mental health awareness, education, and sustainable development.

I am a student at KSTVET and will soon become a TVET tutor. I aim to implement innovative learning strategies powered by AI and data-driven decision-making. My academic background in applied statistics has equipped me with strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, which I have further refined through hands-on experience in data science, AI, and qualitative research.

Beyond my technical expertise, I am a passionate mental health activist. I am committed to breaking the stigma and providing support through TrevorWrites, my mental health blog, and a WhatsApp support community. I actively volunteer with organizations working to implement SDGs, particularly in AI for Good Education, which uses technology to address different learning strategies.

As a Global Youth Ambassador with TheirWorld I collaborate with like-minded professionals to explore how AI and technology can drive social impact. My goal is to integrate AI-driven solutions in education and mental health, ensuring technology is used ethically and effectively.

I am eager to explore opportunities in data science, AI ethics, educational technology, and mental health advocacy, applying AI to foster meaningful impact in education and well-being.

 

Trevor Otieno
Member, Nairobi Hub
Netherlands
Europe

Umaima Baboojee is a dedicated crisis management professional currently pursuing her MSc (Hons) in Crisis and Security Management: Governance of Crisis at Leiden University. With a foundation in International Relations and International Law from the University of Groningen, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding complex global challenges.

As Masters Committee Chair at L.S.A. Custodia, Umaima demonstrates exceptional leadership by coordinating events, managing budgets, and fostering collaboration among team members. Her current role at Broken Chalk as a Research and Journalism Intern showcases her commitment to educational advocacy, where she researches and writes about global educational challenges and human rights issues.

Umaima’s professional journey includes valuable experience in marketing and community engagement through her work at Tubber, where she implemented customer loyalty programs and managed social media strategies. She further honed her organizational skills through leadership positions at the Groningen Indian Students Association and event committee work with ISA Delft.

Her diverse internship experiences span legal work at A.Y. Bookwala, finance at NITON VALVE IND PVT LTD, and human resources at National Aviation Services, reflecting her adaptability and eagerness to gain cross-functional expertise. This varied background has equipped her with skills in research, advocacy, and strategic communication.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Umaima is enhancing her leadership capabilities through Leiden University’s Honours Academy Leadership Programme. Her OSINT certification complements her academic focus on crisis management and security.

Based in The Hague, Netherlands, Umaima combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, positioning herself as an emerging professional in governance and crisis management with a particular focus on educational advocacy and human rights.

Umaima Baboojee
Member, The Hague Hub
Qatar
Arab States

Data is like a pizza: even when it’s a little cheesy, with AI toppings, it can still serve up a slice of sustainability!

I am an enthusiastic Data Analyst with a flair for navigating the intricate labyrinth of data! 📊 With a solid academic foundation and practical experience, I thrive in the dynamic world of data analysis, business intelligence, and technical innovation. 💡 Whether it’s deciphering complex datasets or weaving engaging stories from numbers, I have a talent for transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive results. 🚀

I am dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle global challenges. This platform empowers me to explore innovative AI applications that can create meaningful impact in areas such as health, environmental efficiency, and disaster resilience. Driven by a mission to boost sustainability and ensure that communities thrive. Focusing on food sustainability, I work on innovative strategies to enhance local food production and reduce reliance on imports. 

Creativity along with sustainable development plays a vital role in my position, as I explore new technologies and methods to optimize resource use and engage communities in sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more self-sufficient and sustainable future for Qatar.

#AI#DataAnalytics # MachineLearning #BusinessInsights #TechEnthusiast #SmartAgriculture

Usama Nisarahmed Mokashi
Global Leadership, Doha Hub
Netherlands
Europe

Valentina is a dedicated student in International Law and Artificial Intelligence, passionate about contributing to the development of AI in a sustainable and ethical way. Her education delved into the biases and risks of AI, dilemmas of Governance, privacy, user rights and data protection, as well as the environmental impact of AI supply chains. Armed with optimism and enthusiasm, she aims in her academic and professional future to pursue these interests with research, and to contribute bringing awareness by helping educating others.

Valentina Curatella
Member, The Hague
Kenya
Africa

Valeria Bosibori is the Regional Lead for Kajiado Hub within the Young AI Leaders Community, a global initiative under AI for Good by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In this role, she fosters cross-hub collaboration, drives regional AI initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensures effective leadership within the community. She supports Hub Leaders in executing impactful AI-driven projects and strengthens partnerships across the region to maximize social impact.

With a natural ability to connect with people, Valeria thrives in leadership roles that require collaboration, mentorship, and strategic thinking. She is known for her warmth, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the communities she serves.

Beyond this, Valeria is a dynamic full-stack software engineer with expertise in JavaScript and Ruby, actively contributing to developer communities. She co-founded Tech Sisters Kenya, a thriving network empowering over 1,300 women in tech through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. Her background in accounting, software engineering, and product management fuels her passion for building inclusive, impactful technology solutions.

As a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador and an advocate for diversity in tech, Valeria brings an energetic and visionary approach to her work. She is an innovative problem solver, always seeking ways to make technology more accessible and meaningful. Her ability to inspire, organize, and drive change has made her a respected leader in both technical and community-building spaces.

 

Valeria Bosibori Momanyi
Regional Lead, Kajiado Hub
Colombia
The Americas

Valeria Soler currently works for the ministry of ICTs of Colombia, specialising in the intersection of technology, society, and international cooperation. She is also the ambassador of Women in AI Colombia, a flourishing community full of career advancing opportunities and collaboration among its members.

Her background is diverse stemming from Political Science and Design where she found her calling in the technology sector. She has worked on startups, game design, is a trained dialogue facilitator, speaks more than 4 languages, and has traveled to more than 30 countries. She practices mindfulness and breathwork regularly and she is a fellow burner.

Her interests are AI, education, innovation, peace, personal development and entrepreneurship.

She is recognized for her ability to tackle complex, high-stakes challenges with creativity, resilience, and dedication and for daring to exceed expectations and forgetting that there is even a box to begin with.

Valeria is committed to highlighting the leadership and advancements of LATAM and creating the context of possibilities where radical and daring innovation can take place, leveraging technology for societal benefit. That is why she will now be leading the Bogota Hub of AI for Good.

 

 

Valeria Soler
Hub Leader, Bogota Hub
Mexico
The Americas

Vanessa Arellano is a Software Engineer and Researcher with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Software Development. Graduate with honors as a Intelligent Computing Engineer and with over two years of experience in the field, she has contributed to the development of cutting-edge solutions, particularly in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), facial recognition, and AI-driven applications. Her expertise includes working with various programming languages, frameworks, and cloud-based infrastructures to build scalable and efficient software systems.

Her research in Brain-Computer Interface systems for mobile devices has been instrumental in advancing the field, leading to the publication of two research papers, one in presented in COMIA 2024 and another presented in MICAI 2014. In addition to her contributions to academic research, she has worked on AI-driven chatbots for WhatsApp Business, leveraging generative AI models to enhance customer interactions and automate business processes.

Vanessa is an active member of the Approaching the Universe Foundation – Oaxaca Committee, where she has played a key role in organizing local and national congresses aimed at promoting scientific education and technological innovation. Through her leadership in the foundation, she has facilitated events that bring together researchers, professionals, and students to exchange knowledge and inspire new generations. Her dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and engagement has made a significant impact on the local community, strengthening educational opportunities in STEM fields across Mexico.

In recognition of her technical skills and leadership potential, she was selected to participate in the International Air and Space Program (IASP 2022). Through this program, she collaborated with professionals from diverse backgrounds on innovative aerospace projects, strengthening her ability to work in interdisciplinary and international teams. She also believes strongly in continuous training, and so she has been capaciting herself in responsible generative AI, data analytics and as an AWS software architect. Following her interest in the aerospace field, she also owns a diploma in Aerospace Mission Design and is one of the main .

Beyond her technical achievements, Vanessa is deeply committed to STEM advocacy and mentorship. As the first woman engineer in her family, she actively works to inspire and support young students—especially women—interested in pursuing careers in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. She has delivered numerous public talks at schools and universities, encouraging future generations to explore opportunities in technology and innovation.

She is currently preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Advanced Computer Science at the University of Liverpool, where she aims to deepen her expertise in AI, optimization techniques, and machine learning operations (MLOps). Her long-term goal is to drive AI-powered solutions that address real-world challenges, fostering international collaboration between Mexico and the UK and bringing quality jobs for recent graduates in her country.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, she is exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in BCI technology and software consulting. Her vision is to lead innovative projects that push the boundaries of AI applications while continuing to mentor and empower the next generation of engineers.

Vanessa Isabel Arellano Serna
Member, Oaxaca Hub
Germany
Europe

Venkat Harshith Yadav Govindappa is an AI enthusiast and technologist dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and scientific research. Currently pursuing Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at Brandenburg University of Technology, his work bridges deep technical knowledge with a mission-driven approach to innovation.

As a Research Assistant at the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), he contributes to data automation and analytics in the Biophotonics department, optimizing scientific workflows through Python-based solutions. In his current startup he is actively working on an AI-based application for early detection of eye diseases using image processing, aiming to make preventive eye care more accessible through technology.

Venkat brings hands-on experience in machine learning, generative AI, large language models, and cloud-based AI system design. During his tenure at Tech Mahindra, he led critical data migration project, streamlining operations and boosting system performance. His entrepreneurial journey as co-founder of Tyilo Farm Concepts reflects his commitment to socially impactful tech successfully enhancing farmer incomes through data-driven agritech solutions.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to build for social good, fluent in multiple languages and equipped with strong leadership and problem solving skills, he is passionate about fostering cross-cultural collaboration and driving inclusive innovation. Venkat continues to explore innovative applications of AI in fields that matter from health diagnostics to sustainable development.

Venkat Harshith Yadav Govindappa
Regional Lead, Berlin Hub
Mexico
The Americas

Víctor Ezequiel Martínez Cruz is an applied Physics Engineer graduated from the Technological University of the Mixteca (UTM). His experience includes organizing and managing UTM’s Astronomy Club, where he led multiple astronomy and astrophysics outreach events, delivered public lectures, and created workshops to bring science closer to the student community. He also worked as an observational astronomer at the National Astronomical Observatory of San Pedro Mártir, where he was responsible for telescope operation, MATLAB data processing, and photometric analysis.
Additionally, he completed a professional internship in 2022 at Hospital Juárez in Mexico City’s nuclear medicine department, where he learned about radiological safety protocols and nuclear physics applied to medicine.
In 2024, he joined the Mixtecnautas team to collaborate on Andivi Nundoó, a project that explores exoplanet skies by combining cutting-edge science with cultural outreach, using real data from NASA and the GAIA satellite. This initiative reflects his passion for sharing and contributing to astronomical knowledge, and has allowed him to bring astronomy to underserved regions across Oaxaca where such opportunities are uncommon.
His passion for science, particularly astrophysics, has enabled him to share his knowledge at various physics conferences and events.

Víctor Ezequiel Martínez Cruz
Member, Oaxaca Hub
India
Asia and the Pacific

Vinayak Pai is a third-year Computer Science Engineering student at VIT Chennai with a strong passion for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and embedded systems. His expertise spans software development, IoT solutions, and web technologies, with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
With a keen interest in research and emerging technologies, Vinayak explores the intersection of AI, ML, and cloud computing to develop impactful solutions. He is committed to leveraging technology to address real-world challenges, constantly expanding his technical skills and knowledge.
Beyond academics, Vinayak actively engages in hands-on projects that push the boundaries of innovation. He is particularly passionate about AI for Good, focusing on harnessing artificial intelligence to drive positive societal impact, ethical advancements, and sustainable development. His work aims to create responsible AI-driven solutions that enhance digital inclusion, safety, and efficiency.
Driven by curiosity and a vision for the future, Vinayak seeks to contribute to technological advancements that enhance connectivity and sustainability. Through continuous learning and practical experimentation, he aspires to bridge the gap between theory and application, making meaningful contributions to the evolving field of computer science while ensuring technology serves a greater purpose for humanity.

 

Vinayak Pai
Regional Lead, Chennai Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

Wellington Gombarume is passionate about leveraging Artificial Intelligence to develop impactful innovations that addresses sustainable development. He is an aspiring entrepreneur who constantly seeks ways to take ideas to the market or a broader audience instead for greater impact. Wellington is a IoT specialist, experienced in solutions using long range wide area networks and software development. He advocates for the sustainable development goals and partnerships for the goals. He is an active member of the Zimbabwean Institute of Engineers in Electronics Engineering. He is always eager to learn, adapt, collaborate and contribute to impactful sustainable projects. He also a very inquisitive person, and very enthusiastic in learning new skills in line with modern technology. He is mostly fascinated by electronic automation be it home, car or industrial oriented, you name it. Wellington finds chess enjoyable and electronics tinkering a very interesting hobby provided nothing is smoked in the process😅.

Wellington Gombarume
Member, Bulawayo Hub
Kenya
Africa

William Amanya is a leading and energetic development person interested in young persons and refugee camp opportunists. Kakuma Creative Project Foundator-Income Opportunity Project Empowers young person into various levels within the refugee setting called Kakuma Refugee Camp and combines the skillsets required for value addedness through creativity by artists who combine knowledge of Art/ Design/ Recycling Techniques. Having himself studied graphic design, photography, and social media management, William leads workshops and training to provide the youth with a platform to create an income stream for themselves through their work.

William’s academic and professional development shows his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. He attended Eldoret National Polytechnic for a Diploma Certificate and Kakuma Refugee Secondary School for a KCSE Certificate. Being an individual interested in technology and leadership, he has pursued professional development opportunities in data annotation with Humans in the Loop and in entrepreneurship programs.

William has a range of professional experiences: a translator with RSC Africa for IOM, a refugee consultant. His skill set includes communication, digital marketing, and leadership through which he has been able to create and lead several impactful initiatives. Other than Kakuma Made Creative, he is pursuing opportunities in the ICT field, including social impact and youth training.

Such is the case with William, who had to be the caretaker of his siblings after his mum’s demise in 2023. Personally, William has used determination to help drive his dream of effecting change at home and generally into society. With this job and his actions, William looks forward to being able to inspire others in taking hold of their abilities to make a change in their lives and around them.

William Amanya
Member, Kakuma Hub
Kenya
Africa

Winfred Kiarie is a data-driven software engineer with a solid foundation in applied statistics and computing, complemented by specialized training in software engineering from ALX Africa. Her expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate technology, and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on designing sustainable and secure technological infrastructures tailored to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Committed to leveraging the transformative power of AI for social good, Winfred has led several impactful projects, including Hack4Climate, where she guided her team in developing an innovative platform to educate communities on carbon credits and track their utilization. This initiative underscores her ability to use technology to address pressing environmental and social issues. Her recent research delves into optimizing renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa through AI, demonstrating its potential to mitigate energy scarcity, enhance resource equity, and accelerate sustainable development.

Beyond her research and projects, Winfred is an active contributor to AI innovation, regularly participating in global hackathons on platforms such as Lablab.ai, where she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world problems with cutting-edge AI solutions. This engagement reflects her commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and the application of emerging technologies to benefit society.

As an advocate for inclusive, people-centered AI, Winfred is dedicated to ensuring that technological advancements address societal challenges, particularly in underserved communities. She envisions a future where Africa not only adopts AI but leads in its development and implementation, fostering resilience, energy accessibility, and social equity. Through her work, she strives to bridge the gap between technology and humanity, creating a sustainable and innovative future for all.

Winfred Kiarie
Hub Leader, Kajiado Hub
Peru
The Americas

Ximena is a Systems Engineer with a Master’s in Cybersecurity, currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Ethics. Her work bridges digital security, academic research, and ethical analysis of technology, with a focus on the impact of artificial intelligence.

She currently works as a Cybersecurity professor at the University of Lima and as a researcher at Situada Online. Former Fellow at Derechos Digitales (LAREDD program), where she contributed to research initiatives and regional advocacy efforts in digital security. Throughout her career, she has been involved in projects aimed at strengthening digital security capacities across the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia, through awareness programs, the implementation of open-source security tools, ethical hacking, and incident management.

Her work focuses on understanding how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can reinforce social inequalities, while proposing technical and ethical alternatives to foster safer, more inclusive, and just digital environments.

Ximena Cuzcano Chavez
Hub Leader, Lima Hub
Jamaica
The Americas

Yanique Mendez is an aspiring Academic and Political Scientist who holds a BSc in Political Science and is pursuing a MSc in Government, specializing in Comparative Politics & Political Theory. She has a rich background in youth leadership and development, having served as a National Youth Parliamentarian, an advisor on the National Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica, and one of two youth leaders who represented Jamaica at the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Parliament. Currently, she serves as President of the St. Ann Parish Youth Council. In addition to her service-leadership, Yanique is a 2024 30 Under 30 Caribbean American Emerging Leader, awarded by the Institute of Caribbean Studies, Washington, D.C.; a 2024 Black Diplomats Academy Fellow at one of the leading Canadian organizations in Black Diplomacy, Developing Youth Leaders of Tomorrow, Today (DYLOTT); a 2024 Governor General Achievement Awardee for the parish of St. Ann; and she was recently inducted as a Governor General ‘I Believe’ Initiative Ambassador.

Additionally, Yanique is one of the proud Founders of iBloom Jamaica, a nonprofit organization that addresses issues affecting marginalised and underserved youth communities in Jamaica.

Yanique has collaborated with various committees in developing strategies and advising on a myriad of local, regional and international issues, such as youth and national development policies, the strengthening of democracy, and strategic frameworks for marginalized groups.
As an ardent advocate, she unreservedly believes in Jamaica’s future and dreams of making an indelible impact in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Yanique Mendez
Regional Lead, Kingston Hub
Togo
Africa

A results-driven Cybersecurity Engineer with a strong background in network and systems administration, digital transformation, and IT training. Skilled in conducting penetration tests on networks, systems, and web applications, with a deep understanding of vulnerability analysis and exploitation techniques. Demonstrates expertise in implementing advanced security solutions and raising cybersecurity awareness through targeted training programs. Holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity (in progress) and multiple industry-recognized certifications, including eCPPTv2, CEH, CCNA, CCNP, and CompTIA Pentest+. Proven experience managing complex cybersecurity projects, administering Microsoft Office 365, Windows Server, Zimbra, and Linux systems, and leading digitalization initiatives in both public and private sector organizations. Known for effective collaboration with stakeholders, risk mitigation strategies, and a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure. Passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. Fluent in French and English.

Yawo anani Allado-Allaga
Global Leadership, Lomé Hub
United Arab Emirates
Arab States
Kenya
Africa

Yik Malehek is a dedicated and passionate advocate for conflict-affected communities, working tirelessly to empower these communities through career development and ongoing support. As a Beneficiary Advisor at Humans in the Loop, Yik ensures that the organization’s initiatives are closely aligned with the needs and voices of the beneficiaries it serves. Through this role, Yik listens attentively to the challenges faced by these communities and plays a pivotal part in shaping solutions that have a sustainable impact.

In addition to their work at Humans in the Loop, Yik is highly skilled in front-end web development, with a focus on creating interactive and responsive websites. Combining technical expertise with a deep commitment to social change, Yik strives to develop digital platforms that not only function seamlessly but also support causes aimed at improving lives. Their work as a web developer is driven by a passion for using technology to empower individuals and communities, bridging the gap between technical solutions and social impact.

Moreover, Yik has extensive experience in data annotation, contributing to the development of reliable AI systems by ensuring that data is accurately labeled and organized. This expertise enhances the quality of AI models, driving meaningful advancements in fields such as healthcare, education, and social justice. Through their technical skills in both web development and data annotation, Yik plays an essential role in the creation of impactful, AI-driven solutions that benefit those who need them most.

In addition to their work in web development and data annotation, Yik also posesses expertise in personal virtual assistance, offering administrative support tailored to meet individual needs. This versatile skill set allows Yik to provide comprehensive services that enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and ensure that both individuals and organizations can focus on their core missions.

Through their diverse range of expertise and unwavering commitment to social good, Yik Malehek continues to make a lasting impact, creating opportunities and solutions that empower communities and individuals in need.

Yik Malehek
Member, Kakuma Hub
South Africa
Africa

Yolanda Nkala is a dynamic Data Scientist and passionate advocate for using technology to drive innovation and social impact. With three years of experience in AI and machine learning, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town, focusing on leveraging machine learning to enhance fraud detection in digital payment systems.

Yolanda’s journey in technology began at the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha, where her interest in problem-solving and innovation was nurtured. While in high school, she joined the Code4CapeTown program, which deepened her passion for technology and innovation by equipping her with foundational programming and digital skills. Her commitment to excellence was further highlighted when she and her team won Best Innovation Project at the Innovate South Africa competition, a testament to her creativity and ability to lead impactful projects.

Her achievements during high school include winning a silver medal at the Beijing Science Expo, showcasing her ability to solve problems with global relevance. Yolanda’s passion for innovation also led her to deliver a lecture at Rhodes University alongside distinguished speakers such as Jim Adams, former Chief Technologist at NASA. In her lecture, she inspired high school students to explore technology and innovation as tools for creating positive change and emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling real-world challenges.

During university, Yolanda was actively involved in Codespace, where she tutored programming and IT, empowering fellow students with the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry. She also became a Women Techmakers Ambassador by Google, where she championed diversity in technology by organizing workshops and mentorship programs for young women. Through this role, Yolanda has contributed to creating inclusive spaces in tech and inspiring the next generation of women innovators.

In 2025, Yolanda was selected as the Pretoria Hub Leader for the Young AI Leaders Programme, an initiative by AI for Good, aligned with the values of the United Nations. In this role, she will lead efforts to promote AI literacy, mobilize young innovators, and drive projects addressing societal challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yolanda’s work is rooted in her values of inclusivity, equity, and ethical innovation. She believes in using technology as a tool to empower communities and create lasting impact. Her journey demonstrates a balance of technical excellence and a deep commitment to human-centered progress, positioning her as an emerging leader in the global AI and innovation community.

 

Yolanda Nkala
Hub Leader, Pretoria Hub
Afghanistan
Asia and the Pacific

Zaianb Azizi, from Afghanistan, is an alumna of the Chevening and Fulbright scholarships currently working in the international development sector. She holds an LLM in International Law from the University of Sussex and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgia State University. With expertise in public policy, legal research, and advocacy, she is dedicated to leveraging technology for social good and addressing systemic inequalities.
Zainab has been deeply engaged in youth empowerment and governance initiatives, with a focus on equal rights and creating opportunities for all. As the Curator of the Kabul Hub Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, she successfully led a team of over 20 Afghans in implementing impactful social projects designed to benefit underserved communities.

In her professional and volunteer roles, Zainab has collaborated with youth globally to address critical issues such as AI governance, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. She is passionate about ensuring that technological advancements uphold human rights, promote equity, and foster inclusive opportunities for marginalized populations.

 

Zainab Azizi
Hub Leader, Kabul Hub
United States
The Americas

Zara Gounden is the Cambridge Hub Leader for the Young AI Leaders program. With a strong commitment to bringing humanitarians to the forefront of AI innovation, she focuses on addressing systemic biases in technology, ensuring AI becomes a tool for equity and societal progress. Her passion for this work stems from her time on the French-Italian border, where she witnessed the harmful effects of biased algorithms and facial recognition technologies on asylum-seekers. These experiences deepened her resolve to advocate for inclusive and ethical AI practices.

Zara also co-founded Twenty Miles More, a youth-led initiative addressing the intersection of Europe’s migrant reception crisis, climate change, and border tensions. The project received a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant, which was used to conduct water quality assessments of the Roya River, provide essential support to migrants in Ventimiglia, Italy, and produce a feature-length documentary attesting to the conditions at these borders.

A fourth-year Davis Scholar at New York University (NYU), Zara is pursuing a BA in Politics, Rights, and Development with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her studies have spanned six NYU campuses—Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Florence, New York, and London—providing her with a uniquely global perspective on the complex issues she addresses through her work. Recently, Zara was honored with the prestigious Dr. Patricia M. Carey Changemaker Award in recognition of her contributions to decolonial and equity-focused initiatives at NYU.

Zara Gounden
Hub Leader, Cambridge Hub
United States
The Americas

Zino Haro is the co-founder and cybersecurity lead of Youth for Privacy, an organization that works to raise awareness of security and privacy through education, outreach, research, and advocacy work on an international scale. Through Youth for Privacy, she has contributed to the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on Information and Communications Technologies and others. Prior to work at Youth for Privacy, Zino worked on technical cybersecurity research topics including AI weaponization (presented at DEFCON China), private blockchain vulnerabilities (presented at Code Blue Japan and Code Gate South Korea), malware targeting industrial control systems, router security policy, and more. She was named a Society of American Military Engineers Scholar, a BlackHat Academic Scholar, a 30 Under 30 Hispanic Executive for work on tech startup Uni-ke, and a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 lister for work on Youth for Privacy.

Outside of work on security, Zino has experience in the worlds of fashion and art. In fashion, she presented her first physical collection in 2017, digital collection in 2022, and participated in a number of runways. In art, she has had pieces presented at galleries in New York and Paris and has auctioned artwork for nonprofit fundraisers.

Zino Haro
Hub Leader, New York Hub