Xanthe Sulzberger

Xanthe Sulzberger is an award-winning leader in Data, AI, and Digital Transformation with leadership experience spanning Xero, NZ Post, and Fonterra. She has led enterprise data practices, governance programmes, AI initiatives, and software product portfolios, helping organisations build trusted, scalable capabilities that accelerate innovation and business value. Known for connecting strategy, technology, and governance, Xanthe is passionate about enabling organisations to become truly data-driven and AI-powered.

Sandra Gómez-Gálvez

Sandra Gómez-Gálvez is a PhD Candidate in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Auckland. She holds a Conjoint Honours degree in Software Engineering and Mathematics, alongside a Master’s degree in AI. Her research focuses on Reliable Deep Learning, specifically centered on confidence calibration, selective classification, hyperparameter-free approaches, and computer vision. Beyond foundational AI research, Sandra is passionate about applying machine learning to real-world challenges, including biosecurity, environmental monitoring, smart mobility, and biomedical signal processing.

Title: Yes, we are still needed: protecting the future in the age of AI.

Abstract: As a PhD candidate working in deep learning, I am often asked whether AI will eventually replace the very people who build and understand it. My answer is...

The real challenge is no longer just to make AI systems more intelligent, but to decide how they should be developed and used. Today's AI systems consume vast amounts of computation, energy, and data. As these technologies become part of everyday life, questions of sustainability, responsibility, and long-term impact become just as important as model performance. In this talk, I will share my perspective on why human expertise remains critical in the age of AI, and why protecting the future means building systems that are not only powerful, but also reliable, efficient, and mindful of the world they operate in.

Katie Zhou

I am a Graduate Data Developer at Contact Energy, working across data engineering, analytics, and AI initiatives. I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2025 with a conjoint degree in Engineering and Commerce, and my honours project involved exploring mmWave human activity recognition using machine learning techniques.

Interestingly, I didn't start university planning to pursue a career in data and AI. My interest in the data and AI field began throughout various work and academic experiences, where I was inspired by the people around me and the opportunities to solve complex problems using data. As an early-career professional, I'm passionate about continuous learning and sharing my experiences to help others navigate the transition from study to industry.

Maria Mingallon

Maria Mingallon is Chair of AI Forum New Zealand and AI Leader for Asia Pacific at Mott MacDonald. She leads responsible AI adoption, capability building, governance and practical AI solutions across the business, and works with industry, government and academia to help organisations move from experimentation to measurable value. Maria brings more than 20 years of experience across engineering, digital transformation and technology, and also chairs the AI Forum’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction Working Group and is a member of Engineering New Zealand’s AI Advisory Committee.

Athira Nair

I’m a passionate Data, and Business Intelligence leader, currently working as Business Intelligence Manager at Sky New Zealand. My career has been driven by a curiosity for data, a love for solving complex business problems, and a passion for turning insights into meaningful business impact.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across data analytics, automation, business intelligence, and data visualisation, progressing from hands-on technical roles into leadership. I believe that building a successful career in data goes beyond technical expertise. It’s equally about curiosity, resilience, continuous learning, and having the courage to embrace new challenges.

I’m particularly passionate about empowering women in data and technology, encouraging them to find their voice, believe in their potential, and grow into confident, authentic leaders.