Conference Team

Joseph K. Assan is a senior lecturer and director of the Sustainable International Development Program at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. He is also an Associate Director at the Center for Global Development and Sustainability, at the Heller School. Joseph was an Assistant Professor of Development Practice at Trinity College Dublin where he acted as the Associate Director of the Masters in Development Practice Program. Prior to this, Dr. Joseph Assan served as the Director of the International Development Program at the University of Liverpool. Joseph’s expertise and interests range from livelihood security, political economy employment security, resilience, and the application of new cyber technologies. He has published extensively on sustainable livelihoods, exploitative employment, and development. He has organized and spoken at several academic and policy conferences including Capitol Hill, discussing policy strategies for growth, livelihood security, and reducing poverty and inequality.

Ophelia Akoto is a 3rd year PhD candidate at the Heller School. She holds a Master's in Social Policy, a Master's in Public Service, and an MBA. Her concentration is in Economic and Racial Equity with research interests in Women’s Economics, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Labor Force Development within minority groups and individuals. She is also interested in STEM Policy Research and the inclusion of women and individuals from minority backgrounds in STEM fields. Ophelia is dedicated to advancing policies in cyber security that empower underrepresented communities. She is committed to shaping more inclusive and equitable access as well as the application of science and technology through her research.

Bertha Asare is a cybersecurity professional with over seven years of experience in security operations, risk assessments, security awareness training, and privacy. Currently serving as the Senior Privacy and Information Security Analyst for Brandeis University, Bertha has a strong track record in managing and protecting Enterprise Information Systems, Data Loss Prevention, and Operational processes. She utilizes Information Assurance controls, compliance verifications, and vulnerability assessments to ensure robust security. cBertha's expertise spans IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, SIEMs, EDR, SOAR ticketing, and threat intelligence platforms. In addition to her role at Brandeis, Bertha offers free cybersecurity consultations and hands-on training to small businesses and individuals, providing

Dr. Ezra Tefera is a medical professional and researcher with a commitment to addressing critical issues at the intersection of racial justice, technology, and healthcare. Currently serving as the Program Director for the Racial Justice and Technology Policy (RJxTP) program at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Dr. Tefera leads the strategic direction, research, and curriculum development of the program, ensuring alignment with broader institutional goals and values. His work focuses on advancing understanding and developing policies that address algorithmic biases and the implications of emerging technologies like AI in multidisciplinary fields including healthcare. Dr. Ezra Tefera applies his expertise in health systems, economics, and data analytics to critically influence policy, with a focus on reducing algorithmic bias's harm to marginalized communities. He leads projects within RJxTP that ensure equitable use of technological advancements, developing programs that equip stakeholders to navigate the intersection of technology and social justice.