Conference Speakers

Maria Madison became the Heller School’s interim dean on July 1, 2022. Madison previously served as director of the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity (IERE). She originally joined Brandeis in 2017 to serve as associate dean, during which time she created and embedded anti-discrimination principles across the school’s new and existing programs, committees, and meetings. This new leadership position was created in response to student-led activism during Ford Hall 2015. In August 2020, Madison became director of Heller’s Institute for Economic and Racial Equity. Under her leadership, the institute adopted a new name, expanded its team, and deepened its focus on policy-driven racial disparities. In December 2021, IERE secured a landmark $1 million gift from the Kapor Center to support a new initiative on racial justice and tech policy. As in her other work, this new initiative is designed to be cross-cutting, incorporating participation from research, the academy, and students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Francisca Afua Opoku-Boateng, PhD (she/her) is a New America #ShareTheMicCyber Fellow and Senior Cyber Consultant at Ernst & Young, specializing in cyber-threat management and operational technology. She holds a PhD in Cyber Defense. Before joining EY, she was an Assistant Professor of Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Principles. Opoku-Boateng’s extensive research portfolio encompasses areas such as dark web and open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations, cyber awareness, black girls in STEM, and cyber-threat intelligence. Dr. Opoku-Boateng actively contributes to underrepresented communities, including mentorship, ambassadorship, and participation as a speaker and presenter at numerous events. She also serves as a committee and board member, showcasing her dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity. Opoku-Boateng as a fellow is currently examining the intersection of OSINT and cyber forensics, emphasizing privacy considerations. Her work aims to ethically utilize OSINT, addressing its impact on privacy rights and educating investigators.

Josephine Wolff is an associate professor of cybersecurity policy and has been at The Fletcher School at Tufts University since 2019. Her research interests include liability for cybersecurity incidents, international Internet governance, cyber-insurance, cybersecurity workforce development, and the economics of information security. Her first book, "You'll See This Message When It Is Too Late: The Legal and Economic Aftermath of Cybersecurity Breaches," was published by MIT Press in 2018. Her second book, "Cyber insurance Policy: Rethinking Risk in an Age of Ransomware, Computer Fraud, Data Breaches, and Cyberattacks," was published by MIT Press in 2022. Her writing on cybersecurity has also appeared in Slate, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Wired. Prior to joining Fletcher, she was an assistant professor of public policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a fellow at the New America Cybersecurity Initiative and Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.

David Albrecht is the CISO for Brandeis University – a nationally recognized research university. In this role, Albrecht is responsible for the university's information security, compliance, risk management, and cybersecurity operations. Alongside his security responsibilities, he leads the teams responsible for all of the University's enterprise technology infrastructure. In addition to his role at Brandeis, Albrecht is an adjunct faculty member and the program coordinator for the Cybersecurity and Information Technology undergraduate degree programs at Boston College. Prior to joining Brandeis University in 2016, Albrecht served on the information technology leadership team at the Massachusetts Port Authority, where he oversaw network and telecommunications infrastructure and expanded cybersecurity initiatives. With over 25 years of combined experience in information technology, security, compliance, and privacy, Albrecht is recognized by his peers in the information technology community and industry as a trusted leader who is committed to excellence. Albrecht has a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Suffolk University. He also earned his master's degree in telecommunications with a concentration in security at Boston University.

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.

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. Bertha'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 resources to help them effectively mitigate cyberattacks.

Nnenna is a Professor of Law and Technology at the Leeds Law School. She is a Technology and Human Rights Fellow at the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy, Harvard University (2022-2024), and an Associate Fellow of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, United Kingdom. Her teaching and research interests focus primarily on the governance of digital technologies, cybersecurity, digital rights, and the rule of law in cyberspace. She was a member of the International Law Association Steering Committee on Digital Challenges for International Law. She recently delivered a commissioned stakeholder mapping project on ‘digital financial security’ on the CyberFI Project of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In addition to her regular teaching and research, Nnenna serves as the Chair of the Cybercrime Working Group of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), and the Vice-Chairperson of the African Union Cyber Security Experts Group (AUCSEG). She advises the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Member States on existing international, regional, and national legal frameworks related to cybersecurity. She also serves as a delegate to the United Nations ‘Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of ICTs for Criminal Purposes’, as well as the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs.

Kevin is the Director of the MLS in Cybersecurity, Risk & Governance Program at BC Law and Lecturer in Law. He was previously the founding Director for the MS in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance Program at Boston College and an Assistant Professor of the Practice in Boston College’s Carroll School of Management’s Business Law and Society Department. With more than 25 years of combined cybersecurity, data privacy, business, law enforcement, military, national security, higher education, and teaching experience, he has worked as an analyst and an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense, law firms in Boston and Washington, D.C., and as the General Counsel for an international software company based in Seattle, Washington.  Along with his teaching at Boston College, Kevin is a Cybersecurity Research Affiliate at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Lecturer for MIT Sloan's Executive Education Program - "Cybersecurity Governance for the Board of Directors." He has also taught courses at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was the Deputy General Counsel to the Superintendent.  Kevin is an expert witness and consultant with the Analysis Group and serves as Director for the Board of Reading Cooperative Bank, and a Cybersecurity Advisor for HYCU, Inc. (Backed by Bain Capital Ventures) and CyberSaint Security. Previously, Kevin served as the Panel Lead (2016-2017) for the Collegiate Working Group for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). Kevin, a Navy Veteran, regularly provides expert commentary regarding cybersecurity and national security concerns for local, national, and international media outlets.

Andy is currently a Class of 2023 Presidential Management Fellow with the Patent and Trademark Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, she collaborates with the communications team, as well as with attorneys in the legal policy office, to promote inclusive innovation and provide education on intellectual property rights. Andy completed her MBA and M.A. in Sustainable International Development (SID) at Brandeis University in 2023. At Heller, Andy served the student body in multiple ways  – as a Graduate Course Assistant with the SID program, as a Communications Assistant for the Global Research Studies Seminar, and as a board member for both the Brandeis University Africa Forum and the Heller Student Association. In her final semester, Andy was named one of six Fellows with the Turkish Flagship Language Initiative, a program of the David L. Boren Awards for International Study. As a Boren Fellow, she received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense's Language and National Security Education Office to study Turkish at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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.

Erich Schumann is the founding partner and CEO of Global Atlantic Partners LLC, which provides clients with the people and know-how to identify, monitor, and manage risks. Mr. Schumann is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) as well as Certified in Risk and Information Security Controls (CRISC). He is an adjunct professor at Brandeis University’s International Business School teaching three courses to graduate students (corporate governance, fraud prevention and detection, including Anti Money Laundering and cyber/ operational risk management). Mr. Schumann has more than 30 years of senior management experience in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America. Prior to forming Global Atlantic Partners LLC, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for FleetBoston Financial, formerly Bank Boston, the seventh-largest U.S. bank. Mr. Schumann has worked extensively in Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and the U.S., holding numerous executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Director of International Audit, Leasing Division Head, and Branch Manager. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Banco Popular Dominicano and Grupo Popular. Mr. Schumann is currently a judge and mentor in the “Harvard Business School New Venture Competition” and the “Mass Challenge start-up incubator” competition and an investor in fintech start-up ventures. He holds a master’s degree in finance and a bachelor’s degree from the University in Frankfurt, Germany. He also is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Most recently Mr. Schumann is certified in Cybersecurity, Blockchain technology, Metaverse, Machine Learning incl. Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.

Evelyn Thompson is a small business owner who specializes in ethnic food products. Prior to starting her own business, she served as a lecturer at the National Women Training Center in Ghana. She also trains women in various vocational endeavors as part of her community development and social responsibility initiative. She serves as the president of the Emmanuel Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship, in Ghana, as well as a patron of the Girls Fellowship. Evelyn is an advocate for livelihood security, especially for women, and cyber security education for small female business owners and entrepreneurs in Africa. She is a graduate of the Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. Evelyn is also a member of the National Board for Small-Scale Industries, Ghana.

Daniel Haehn is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) and an Associate at the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Before joining UMB, he conducted research at Apple Inc., MentalCanvas, Brigham and Women's Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania, and Boston Children's Hospital. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Harvard University and a Diploma (BS/MS) in Medical Computer Science from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. Daniel is a strong advocate for open science, open education, and making complex topics accessible to everyone—especially students, whom he enjoys empowering (often through first-author papers).

Joshua P. Meltzer is a senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution. His research focuses on international economic relations and the intersection of technology and trade policy. Along with Cameron Kerry, he co-leads the Forum on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (FCAI)—a multistakeholder dialogue with government officials from the U.S., EU, Canada, the U.K., Singapore, Japan, and Australia, as well as AI experts from industry and academia. He also leads the USMCA initiative, which focuses on how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can strengthen international cooperation in North America.

Meltzer has testified before the U.S. Congress, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and the European Parliament. He was an expert witness in the Schrems II litigation in Europe on data flows and privacy and a consultant to the World Bank on trade and privacy matters. He is a member of the Australian government’s National Data Advisory Council and the OECD’s “Data Free Flow with Trust” expert community. Meltzer teaches digital trade law at Melbourne University Law School and has taught digital trade law as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Law School and ecommerce and digital trade at the diplomatic academy of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Before joining Brookings, he was a diplomat at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. and prior to that an international trade negotiator in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Meltzer has appeared in numerous media outlets, including the Economist, the New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, the Asahi Shimbun, and China Daily. He holds an S.J.D. and LL.M. from the University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor and law and commerce degrees from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Awo Osei-Anto has several years of experience in the health policy sector within the Washington DC policy circles. She served as Director at FasterCures, a Center of the Milken Institute, and was a Senior Program Officer, Health and Medicine Division at The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. She was a Research Fellow at Ithaca College, Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education. Henrietta Awo Osei-Antoh holds a PhD in Health Policy from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. Dr. Osei-Anto also holds an MA in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.  

Dr. Mercy Luguterah is an Early Childhood Education Consultant, Licensed Social Worker, Author, and Behavioral Science Expert. She has a unique passion for exploring the concept of cultural competence, biopsychosocial analysis, youth engagement, as well as technology use and its impact on overall behavioral and mental health outcomes. Dr. Luguterah is an adjunct Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and has held this role since September, 2013. She is also a visiting Professor at Chamberlain University where she instructs graduate Social Work courses and facilitates their practicum. Dr. Luguterah also serves as an adjunct advisor on final year capstone research projects (Masters Papers) in the Masters in Sustainable International Development Program, The Heller School, Brandeis University. As one of the team members for a Diversion and Reentry Program, Dr. Luguterah applies a Cognitive Behavioral Theory, a Strengths-Based Approach, and a Person in the Environment Framework to empower and guide incarcerated inmates and returning citizens to experience a paradigm shift, adjust maladaptive behaviors, improve their overall outcomes.  Mercy is passionate about equitable and quality early childhood education programs and has been instrumental in supporting community members to establish 4 thriving daycare centers in Maryland."

Rick Trilling is a Professor of Cybersecurity Management at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.  Professor Trilling has earned a JD, an MBA, a recent Masters in Cybersecurity from Brown University, and an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University.  After decades of practicing computer law and teaching at Boston University School of Law, he created some of the earliest cybersecurity management curricula nearly a decade ago.  Rick has published numerous journal articles and presented at many conferences, earning designation as an RSA Cybersecurity Scholar.  His research focuses primarily on democratizing affordable cybersecurity planning, but he also has developed inexpensive Secure Operations Centers & Cyber Ranges as well as virtual incident response hardware for faster reaction time.  Rick lives in Sharon, MA with his wife, a cat, and another emergency backup cat.   

Dr. Diya Guha Roy is an Associate Professor at the Goa Institute of Management (GIM). She holds a Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur, India, and an MBA from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, USA. With prior experience in the Indian software industry, she is committed to bridging academic research with real-world applications to create meaningful impact.

Her teaching and research are positioned at the intersection of technology, marketing, and tourism, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. Her academic interests have led her to focus on data breaches and consumer privacy, particularly within the service industry.

Dr. Guha Roy’s past research has explored digital privacy concerns in India, especially in the context of medical tourism. Her current work addresses cybersecurity challenges in India, combining academic inquiry with policy-relevant analysis. She aims to assess cyber risks from a managerial perspective, with a particular focus on mid-sized companies in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Kiran Gundrai completed a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics in 2002 from Nagarjuna University, India, and a post-graduate program in AI and ML from the University of Texas, Austin in 2021, and a Master of Science in Data Science from Eastern University, Philadelphia, USA, in 2024. Kiran has extensive experience of over 20 + years working in Digital & Analytics Product Implementations at multiple Fortune 500 companies, HSBC, Corning Inc., CSX Railroad, WCG Inc., Disney, and Oportun Inc. Currently, he works full time at HCL America for Walt Disney Parks and Resort technology, key areas of work include Data Analytics, Business Intelligence Product implementation, Machine Learning, Cyber Security and AI embedded applications.

Eunice Adjei is an educator, researcher, and advocate for global learning and sustainable development. She is an alumna of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development. Currently, she is pursuing a graduate program in Higher Education at Taylor University, where she also serves as a Graduate Assistant at the Spencer Center for Global Engagement. With over a decade of teaching experience at universities in Ghana, Eunice has contributed extensively to economics, finance, and student development. She is the founder of the Christ Impact Lives Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Africa through education and entrepreneurship. Her research and publications focus on economic development, women’s entrepreneurship, and global education. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Most Influential Young Educator of the Year 2024. Passionate about leveraging digital education for social impact, Eunice is committed to advancing sustainable economic opportunities for women in informal employment, particularly by addressing cybersecurity risks in digital learning.

Ekow Tawiah Damoah-Ampiah is an alumnus of the Heller School and currently serves as the Sustainability and Community Development Manager at Betterland Ghana Limited, a sustainable gold mining company in Ghana. In this role, he oversees the company’s ESG strategy and implementation while actively fostering partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.

His passion lies in leveraging innovative technology for sustainable development and socio-economic growth. Prior to joining Betterland Ghana Limited, Ekow led the establishment and operations of the Moving Health Foundation in Ghana. He is also the co-founder of Asknicole.ai and Kabakaba App, further demonstrating his commitment to building businesses and empowering others to achieve success.

Ololade Mafimidiwo is a Technical Product Manager with 5+ years of experience. She focuses on crafting authentication solutions that seamlessly merge exceptional user experiences with rigorous security standards. Olalade specializes in strategically defining product roadmaps, leading cross-functional initiatives, and translating complex technical requirements into scalable, business-centric solutions. Her approach prioritizes enhancing user engagement, optimizing operational efficiency, and proactively defending organizations against evolving security threats. Passionate about innovating at the intersection of security and usability, she continuously seeks opportunities to integrate emerging technologies or refine existing systems. Ololade's collaborative style and forward-thinking mindset ensure the delivery of impactful, sustainable products, empowering organizations to scale securely while meeting user and strategic business objectives.

Sabbir Pervez is a doctoral candidate at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. His research interests span cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, livelihood development, and the intersections of maternal, child, and reproductive health rights. He brings a wealth of experience from his work with non-governmental and international organizations, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bangladesh, where he contributed to initiatives aimed at strengthening health systems and advancing development outcomes​. Sabbir also holds master's qualifications in Data Science, Anthropology, and Public Health.

Samuel Ogbonnaya Ajah is a data analyst and Global Health Policy & Management graduate student at Brandeis University. With a solid background in finance and healthcare, he applies tools like SQL, SAS, STATA, R, and Power BI to inform strategic decisions. As a former Team Lead at Zenith Bank, he managed credit portfolios of over 1 billion naira/ three million dollars and improved workflow efficiency by 40%. At Brandeis, he supports over 100 students as a Chemistry Lab Assistant, contributing to teaching and research. Samuel has collaborated with NGOs that are passionate about community service, including the Red Cross and Livewell Initiative, delivering health and nutrition support to thousands across underserved Nigerian communities. He is also an active member of the Lagos Food Bank, which provides aid to vulnerable populations in underserved communities. A Biochemistry graduate from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he is a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate focused on leveraging data to advance public health equity.

Alton is a mission-driven professional with a strong background in education, coaching, and workforce development—dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through technology, mentorship, and impact-driven leadership. Currently serving as a Performance Coach with Xpanxion’s Step IT Up program (UST), Alton plays a key role in preparing tech apprentices for high-performance careers in the technology sector. He manages class dynamics, sets program expectations, and collaborates with clients to ensure alignment between organizational goals and apprentice development. With a focus on goal-setting, personalized coaching, and continuous performance tracking, Alton helps individuals unlock their potential and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments. An award-winning innovator, Alton earned his MBA from Brandeis University’s Heller School in 2022, where he was a recipient of the Edward Dreyer Endowed Scholarship and took first place in the 7th Annual Heller Social Impact Start-Up Challenge. He also holds a Master’s in Social Studies Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s in History from the University of South Florida. Rooted in service and community, Alton is a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Inc., and is passionate about using tech and education as tools for equity, empowerment, and transformative change.