Young AI Leaders Community All Members

Magnus Makgasane is the Regional Lead of the Gaborone Hub for AI for Good – Young AI Leaders, driving youth led projects that apply AI to tackle social challenges in Botswana. He is passionate about ethical, inclusive innovation that creates lasting community impact.

As a Zayed University graduate in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to innovation and development. With professional experience in HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, and emiratization, I’ve built strong foundations in organizational efficiency, communication, and people-focused solutions. I am fluent in English and Arabic, with additional proficiency in Turkish and French. Beyond my career interests, I enjoy attending global sustainability events, exploring smart technologies, and learning new languages. I’m also passionate about creative thinking and cultural exchange.

Hey, I’m Maria – an AI enthusiast with experience in security governance and a background in law & technology (LL.M.). Driven by purpose and by my passion for social impact, I believe in using technologies to uplift humanity, create opportunities for the underrepresented communities, and inspire change. 

My expertise allows me to bring a risk-aware mindset to AI development, contributing to responsible innovation by shaping systems that are secure, compliant and ethically sound. At the same time, as the Chair of Women in Security and Privacy Netherlands, I am focusing on using my expertise to advocate for and drive inclusivity. 

Together we can achieve developing human-centered systems that uplift everyone, not a few. 

María Fernanda Vásquez is an environmental engineer with extensive experience in research for the remediation of contaminated sites using biotechnological methods. Her first research focused on the phytoremediation of mining tailings using Helianthus annuus along with bacterial consortia, successfully stabilizing the metals on-site, preventing the plant from absorbing these contaminants, and preventing their transport in soils, and consequently, into aquifers. This research presents an innovative solution to contamination from mining tailings through a biotechnological approach that minimizes the generation of hazardous waste associated with physicochemical methods and prevents the absorption of contaminants by plants.

Motivated by her fascination with bioremediation, she continued with the incubation of bacteria consortia that degrade textile dyes. These investigations are aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, aiming to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable world. This approach led her to present her project in 2023 at the International Congress of Environmental Sciences (ANCA) in Chetumal, Quintana Roo.

She participated in the NASA Space Apps Challenge Oaxaca in 2024 with the goal of demonstrating sustainability and is currently focused on environmental management, implementing strategies to ensure regulatory and legal compliance in Mexico. Her experience includes developing waste management plans for utilization, as well as the management and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, she has developed environmental impact statements and policies, with a special focus on monitoring scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

Maria João Martins is a data engineer with a strong academic background in biomedical engineering and a growing focus on artificial intelligence and data science. She is currently working as a data engineer at Siemens Smart Infrastructures, supporting innovative, data-driven solutions.

She holds an Integrated Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, with a master’s thesis on the reproducibility of plasmonic optical fiber sensors for heart failure monitoring. Recognized for her academic excellence, she received awards such as a scholarship for the Best Freshman and the Best Poster Communication prize at a national public health conference. Her work has also contributed to scientific publications in areas such as medical biosensors and cardiovascular health.

Her interest in artificial intelligence has led Maria to explore applications in areas such as healthcare and decision-making. Through academic projects and practical experiences, she has developed machine learning models and applied advanced techniques to analyse and interpret data, gaining valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI.

Beyond her technical work, Maria has taken on leadership and organizational roles that reflect her dedication to collaboration and professional development. She served as Vice President of the XVIII National Meeting of Biomedical Engineering Students, leading the organization of one of Portugal’s largest biomedical engineering events. She also contributed to the National Association of Biomedical Engineering Students, focusing on promoting opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Maria is passionate about the role of AI and data-driven technologies in driving global progress. She strives to contribute to a future where innovation supports inclusivity, sustainability, and meaningful societal impact.

I’m Maria Latifa Benkhelifa, a highest honors graduate in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Khalifa University, with a passion for AI, data science, and using technology for good. I’m a Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP) and a proud graduate of the Women in AI program by the Al Ghurair Foundation, where I co-developed BookBuddy AI—an intelligent Arabic reading assistant designed to help children interact with books more meaningfully.

I worked as a research assistant at Khalifa University, where I contributed to a collaborative research project with AlRamz Capital focused on modeling the probability distribution of call options and supporting algorithmic trading strategies. I’m also deeply involved in youth and sustainability initiatives, including the Future Sustainability Leaders program by Masdar and the Young AI Leaders program by AI for Good.

I believe in building solutions that create real impact, especially across education, sustainability, and digital inclusion in the Arab world.

Marisol is a committed and curious student currently pursuing a degree in Electronic Engineering at the National University of San Marcos, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Collaborating Member of the Acercándote al Universo Foundation – Oaxaca Committee. She enjoys learning new skills and working on projects that combine technology, research, and teamwork.

She has gained practical experience through internships and volunteer roles at organisations like IBM, Siemens, and the Analog Astronaut Training Center. At IBM, she focused on programming with JavaScript, Python, and TypeScript, as well as learning about tools like Azure DevOps, cybersecurity, and Generative AI. In her role as a Project Management Trainee at Siemens, she helped with project planning, risk management, and quality control, contributing to projects in electrification and automation.

Marisol is also involved in student activities, serving as the Chair and Head of Projects and Research for the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society Student Branch Chapter at her university. She helps organise projects, workshops, and events, working alongside her peers to promote interest in aerospace and electronic systems. As part of her role as a Mars Analog Astronaut, she has supported projects related to habitat maintenance, space robotics, and research on plant growth under radiation exposure.

In addition, she has worked on tropical medicine research projects, helping develop prototypes for mosquito traps targeting Zika virus vectors and studying the effects of UV radiation on Aedes mosquitoes. She enjoys hands-on technical work, such as 3D printing, PCB design, and mechanical design with tools like Onshape and Proteus.

Marisol is always open to new experiences, enjoys collaborating with others, and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that have a positive impact. She values teamwork, continuous learning, and the chance to solve real-world problems through engineering and project management.

Hi, I’m Marla. I work where AI meets people, communication and organisational reality – helping DAX-40 companies and scale-ups turn AI from a vision into real transformation.

I co-founded the CommsLab, a space where different generations and disciplines come together to explore how AI is reshaping communication, human agency and leadership.

Background:
I studied History and Cultural Studies in Munich and Oslo, and am interested in technology and discussions about it from a broad societal perspective. Let´s discuss 🙂

Martin currently serves as HR Business Partner at NielsenIQ, where he plays a key role in implementing global HR policies, advising senior leaders on workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations for a workforce of 300 employees in Portugal. With over three years of international HR experience spanning corporate recruitment, talent management, and business partnering, Martin has developed a strong ability to connect with people, navigate business transformations, and drive strategic initiatives. His expertise includes project management, negotiation, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Martin holds a Master’s in Management from Nova School of Business and Economics, specializing in Strategy and International Business, and a Bachelor’s in Labour Relations and Human Resources from the University of Santiago de Compostela. He is particularly interested in understanding how businesses grow and sustain long-term success, with a strong focus on company strategy, finance, and the startup ecosystem. He enjoys analyzing how organizations make strategic decisions, adapt to market changes, and leverage innovation to stay competitive. His passion lies in exploring how businesses can optimize operations,
allocate resources. 

Passionate about the intersection of AI, health, and fitness, Martin is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can revolutionize personal well-being, enhance athletic performance, and drive more personalized healthcare solutions. He believes in leveraging AI for better health outcomes and is committed to exploring solutions that make fitness and wellness more accessible through technology.

Being part of the Lisbon AI for Good Hub is an exciting opportunity for Martin to collaborate with a dynamic community passionate about using AI for social impact. He looks forward to exchanging ideas, driving innovation, and contributing to projects that explore how AI can create meaningful change in health, well-being and beyond.

My nam is Max Dugoua, I’m 22 years old and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence Law at Catholic University of Paris. Passionate about the legal challeges posed by new technologies, I have a particular interst in AI regulation, digital ethics, and the transformation of lax in the face of innovation. 

Maya Cléré is an AI Consultant for UNESCO. She is the primary author of the UNESCO report “AI and education: Protecting the rights of learners”, and contributing author to the UNESCO report “The right to education: past, present and future directions” (primary author of the subsection on “Digitalization and AI”, p.41).

Parallel to her professional role, after earning a LL.M. in Artificial Intelligence Law from the Catholic University of Paris, she is pursuing an MSc in Sustainability & Social Innovation at HEC Paris. She also teaches as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Catholic University of Paris, delivering second- and third-year courses within the Bachelor of Law programme.

Maya has worked at the intersection of the public sector and digital technologies, specifically AI, in roles at UNESCO, URBAN AI, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and CNRS. Thanks to her work on AI, she was selected as one of the 40 Forbes Women 2025 by Forbes France, and was appointed as a Young AI Leader within the ITU’s AI for Good programme.

In her free time, she volunteers on projects such as the Dinoume Aima app, a digital platform for blood donation in Greece, and holds certifications including “Power and Influence for Positive Impact” from Harvard Business School, “AI and Digital Transformation in Government” from the University of Oxford, and “Elements of AI” from the University of Helsinki.

Working at the intersection of AI and the public sector, her ambition is to ensure that AI supports equitable, sustainable, and rights-centred innovation.

Medina specializes in cybersecurity policy, AI governance, and digital risk management. She is currently with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where she manages cybersecurity initiatives and AI-related work streams. Medina is an active member of We and AI, a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing public understanding and engagement with artificial intelligence. She also serves as an editor for Springer’s AI and Ethics journal, contributing to the Topical Collection on AI Hype. Medina holds a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Ethics from University College London (UCL), where her research focused on cyber policy and generative AI.