Here are some speakers in WiDS NZ 2024:
Kat Greenbrook spent the first ten years of her career in different analytics roles–Reporting Analyst, Insight Analyst, Data Scientist. In 2016, She established the data storytelling company Rogue Penguin (before you ask, yes, there are real penguins in New Zealand). Rogue Penguin exists to help business professionals communicate data insights.
Her book, The Data Storyteller's Handbook, is the result of hundreds of data storytelling workshops and years of refining content and techniques. It represents the very best of what she has learned and witnessed.
Liz MacPherson is the Deputy Privacy Commissioner at Office of the Privacy Commissioner, New Zealand.
Claudia Mark is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science with a triple major in Data Science, Environmental Science and Physical Geography at Victoria University of Wellington. Her interests lie at the intersection of data and climate, looking at how data analysis and manipulation as well as artificial intelligence can help us build a better picture of the climate emergency we are facing, and offer insights and solutions towards addressing and mitigating its impacts.
Emily Mason believes in supporting individuals and organisations to make the world better, faster. We can do good, better. She does this as Managing Director at FrankAdvice | FrankCapability, a business that supports organisations to create great policy advice, and build their own capability to deliver great advice, and as co-founder and Director at Impact Lab.
Marianna Pekar is a former Chief Data Scientist and an experienced Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) researcher in New Zealand. Her career has been defined by a passion for data science, public service and technological innovation. She has a proven track record in building and leading high-performance data science teams in sectors such as finance, government, health, energy, and infrastructure. With a strong foundation in scientific modeling, statistical analysis, and a multilingual background in science and business, she has consistently leveraged data to address complex challenges and drive organisational transformation. Now, she is a PhD Candidate, applying these skills to advance the field of ethical AI applications, blending professional expertise with academic inquiry.
Kylie Reiri is passionate about creating an Aotearoa where all of us have opportunities to succeed – however we define that for ourselves. To do that she spend her days bringing together excellent teams to help solve societies most complex problems, with energy, enthusiasm, and passion. She values strength-based coaching to find what each member of a team is great at, to take the collective power of teams from good to great.
Linda Zhang is a BSc Honours student majoring in AI at VUW. Along with her academic pursuits, she has gained valuable experiences working as a tutor, administrator, and engineer/developer intern at various tech companies. Her skills and passions align when she is problem-solving, teaching, and collaborating with driven, motivated people.
