Professional Development for Women and Minorities

Todd Frech Associate Director Adaptive Biotechnologies Jessica Johnson E.V.P. Quiet Geniuses, Inc. William Makell Jr. CEO WJM Success Solutions, Inc.

Michael Boyce Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) State of Maryland

This course provides an executive overview of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), emphasizing the vulnerabilities in current cryptographic systems and the urgency of adopting quantum-safe practices. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of PQC and its critical role in national cybersecurity. The course will cover the identification of areas where current cryptographic systems are most vulnerable to quantum attacks, highlighting the potential risks and consequences. Additionally, participants will develop actionable steps for transitioning to quantum-safe environments, ensuring that their organizations are prepared for the quantum era. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Define PQC and its role in national cybersecurity. - Identify where cryptographic systems are most vulnerable. - Develop action steps for transitioning to quantum-safe environments. Speaker(s): Celeste Chamberlain Jordon Miller Renata Spinks-McNeal

This course explores IBM’s quantum roadmap, highlighting key milestones and how both industry and government can prepare for the impending disruption brought about by quantum computing. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of quantum computing, as well as projections for its future development. The course will delve into the implications of quantum computing for national security and global competitiveness, examining how quantum technologies can both pose risks and offer strategic advantages. Additionally, participants will assess workforce readiness and investment strategies, ensuring that their organizations are well-prepared to leverage quantum computing advancements. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Understand the current and projected state of quantum computing. - Explore implications for national security and competitiveness. - Assess workforce readiness and investment strategies. Speaker(s): Celeste Chamberlain Jordon Miller Renata Spinks-McNeal

This course empowers executives to create an organizational roadmap for AI adoption that balances risk, innovation, and mission outcomes. Participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive vision for integrating AI into their operations, ensuring that AI initiatives align with the organization's mission and workforce needs. The course will cover strategies for building resilience into long-term planning, addressing potential challenges and uncertainties associated with AI adoption. Topics will include risk management, innovation strategies, and aligning AI with organizational goals to drive sustainable success. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Create a vision for AI integration in operations. - Align AI strategies with mission and workforce needs. - Build resilience into long-term planning. Speaker(s): Talitha Washington Victor Brown Natalie Walters

As the tides of technology reshape the professional landscape, women of color in STEM are uniquely positioned to ride these waves of change and lead the next era of innovation. This session is your launchpad to master Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, which is a secure, intuitive AI assistant that is accessible through your work or school account. Experience how Copilot streamlines work, automates tasks, and unlocks new insights through real-world scenarios and hands-on demos. You will learn practical prompting, explore creative features, and level up your AI skillset! Join us to unlock your AI potential, build future-ready skills, and embrace the fast-changing future of work to ensure every voice is heard, valued, and amplified. Speaker: Njeri Grevious

This course provides leaders with a comprehensive understanding of AI's broader impact on the workforce, ethics, and global competitiveness. Participants will assess how AI-driven technologies are reshaping societal and workforce dynamics, including changes in job roles, skill requirements, and organizational structures. The course will cover critical policy, regulation, and ethical issues related to AI adoption, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability. Participants will also develop strategic recommendations for integrating AI into their organizations, ensuring that AI initiatives align with ethical standards and contribute to global competitiveness. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Evaluate societal and workforce shifts driven by AI. - Address policy, regulation, and ethical issues. - Develop strategic recommendations for AI adoption. Speaker(s): William Makell Aliyah Gibbs Victor Brown Anaysha Bass

This course evaluates how robotics are reshaping operations, supply chains, and workforce strategies. Participants will explore the strategic value that robotics can provide across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. The course will cover the assessment of return on investment (ROI) for robotics integration, examining both the financial and operational impacts. Additionally, participants will learn how to balance automation with workforce considerations, ensuring that human capital is effectively managed alongside technological advancements. Topics will include change management, employee training, and maintaining workforce morale in an increasingly automated environment. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Identify sectors where robotics provides strategic value. - Assess ROI for robotics integration. - Balance automation with workforce considerations.

This course examines how generative AI supports creativity, innovation, and workforce productivity. Participants will explore various generative AI tools and their applications for organizational advantage, such as content creation, design, and problem-solving. The course will cover the importance of applying safeguards to ensure transparency and fairness in the use of generative AI, addressing ethical considerations and potential biases. Participants will also evaluate use cases for generative AI in communications, analysis, and policy development, understanding how these technologies can enhance decision-making and strategic planning. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: - Explore generative AI tools for organizational advantage. - Apply safeguards to ensure transparency and fairness. - Evaluate use cases for communications, analysis, and policy. Speaker(s): Soroush Nazemi Karen Davis Kendall Holbrook Jonathan Glover

This course focuses on the practical uses of machine learning to optimize operations and enhance decision-making processes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of various machine learning models and their applications, including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and deep learning. The course will cover the evaluation of appropriate use cases for machine learning in both government and industry settings, highlighting real-world examples and case studies. Additionally, participants will assess data and ethical considerations, such as data privacy, bias, and fairness, to ensure responsible and effective implementation of machine learning technologies. At the end of this seminar, the participants will be able to: - Understand machine learning models and applications. - Evaluate appropriate use cases for government and industry. - Assess data and ethical considerations. Speaker(s): William Makell Kia Smith Soroush Nazemi