Building on the momentum of Women’s History Month, PennWest is bringing together four accomplished faculty members for a dynamic virtual conversation exploring the future of technology — and the women helping to shape it.

Hosted by the PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Women Leading the Future of Technology at PennWest will take place on Monday, April 13, from 10–11 a.m. via Zoom. The event is open to students, faculty, staff and community members, with registration required.

The panel features four distinguished voices from across the university: Dr. Alawya Alawami, Dr. Lisa Kovalchick, Dr. Pratibha Menon and Dr. Camille Dempsey. Together, they will share personal insights, professional journeys and perspectives on innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

With expertise spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science and educational technology, each panelist brings a unique lens to the conversation. Their discussion will highlight not only advancements in their respective fields, but also the importance of inclusive design, ethical innovation and expanding access to technology for underrepresented communities.

Dr. Alawya Alawami, associate professor of computer engineering technology, specializes in cybersecurity, data analytics and natural language processing for low-resource languages. A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, she actively promotes female participation through national initiatives and plays a leadership role in major science and engineering competitions.

Dr. Camille Dempsey, director of CAIET and professor of educational technology, is a nationally recognized leader in AI and education. Her work focuses on ethical and responsible AI integration, and she has contributed to policy discussions at the state level while leading global professional development initiatives.

Dr. Lisa Kovalchick, professor and chair of PennWest’s Computer Science and Information Systems Department, brings extensive academic leadership and research experience, helping to guide the next generation of computing professionals at PennWest.

Dr. Pratibha Menon, associate professor of computer information systems, focuses her work on integrating artificial intelligence into education while advancing equitable access to technology. Her interdisciplinary research explores AI-supported learning, digital sociology and responsible system design, with a strong emphasis on mentoring the next generation of diverse technology leaders.

This event is supported through a Women Techmakers grant, an initiative launched by Google to advance gender diversity in technology through community, visibility and resources. The program reflects PennWest’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation while creating inclusive pathways into high-demand technology fields.

Through storytelling and dialogue, Women Leading the Future of Technology at PennWest will offer attendees an opportunity to engage with inspiring leaders, gain insight into emerging trends, and explore how diverse perspectives are driving meaningful change in technology.

To register and access the Zoom link, please visit the registration form.