National AI Literacy Day Summit Speakers 2025

Zarek Drozda is the Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone (DS4E) at the University of Chicago, a national initiative advancing data science education in K-12. He co-founded DS4E, building a coalition of 3000+ education leaders. Previously, he was a Data Science Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, where he led research on data science, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technology education. Additionally, he advised the national COVID response coordinating data analytics. He also helped build a social impact incubator with economist and Freakonomics co-author Steven Levitt. Zarek holds a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Chicago.

Christian serves as the Director of External Affairs & Advocacy at aiEDU, leading strategic initiatives to convene stakeholders, inform systemic change, and amplify the organization’s voice in the national AI education landscape. He works closely with school districts, nonprofit partners, policymakers, and funders to drive meaningful change, ensuring AI literacy and readiness are prioritized at local, state, and federal levels.

Previously, Christian worked on developing education programs at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, collaborating with multidisciplinary communities to pursue AI research and address its societal implications. He started his career as a STEM educator and developing equitable education programs— he is deeply committed to driving social change through equitable AI education, believing in the power of AI literacy to excite and empower learners everywhere.

Dr. Pati Ruiz is the senior director of edtech and emerging technologies at Digital Promise, where she leads efforts to shape the future of education through technology innovation. Most recently, Ruiz has focused on initiatives that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to enhance learning opportunities, working closely with school communities, researchers, and policymakers to close digital divides and ensure equitable access to educational technologies.

Dr. Shelly Viramontez is the Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Union School District, where she oversees instructional, operational, and fiscal programs. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Viramontez has held various leadership roles within the district, including Superintendent since 2017. She is a recognized leader in creating innovative community partnerships and has earned numerous awards for her contributions to education. Dr. Viramontez holds a doctorate in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco and serves on several professional boards in the education field.

Aarna, a junior at Prospect High School, has been running her podcast, Aarna’s News, since sixth grade, interviewing inspiring women in STEM to encourage young girls to pursue these fields. With over 100 episodes and listeners in 50+ countries, she’s passionate about STEM and meaningful conversations. She’s also writing Lessons From Her Career Trail with Priceless Publishing, sharing insights from professionals and her own experiences to highlight essential soft skills often missing in traditional education.

As Vice President and Head of Grantmaking at Siegel Family Endowment, Josh explores technology's societal impacts across learning, infrastructure, and workforce dynamics. In his role, he strategically directs investments and cultivates partnerships within SFE's focus areas. Previously, Joshua held the position of Director of Strategic Initiatives at CSforALL, a partner organization of SFE. Here, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of school districts and educational agencies to deliver comprehensive computer science education to all students. With over a decade of experience in domestic and international education, Joshua has dedicated his career to advancing science education, instructional leadership, and pedagogical practices. Notably, he co-founded a network of low-cost private schools in South Africa and Kenya. Currently pursuing his EdD in Leadership and Innovation at New York University, Joshua holds a Master's in Public Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, an M.Ed. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a BS from Longwood University.

Brian Johnsrud, PhD is the Global Head of Education Learning and Advocacy at Adobe. As a former K-12 teacher and university lecturer at Stanford University and a researcher and thought leader in education technology, he’s passionate about helping the next generation cultivate essential digital and creative skills needed for success in school, careers, and beyond.

Dr. Allison Scott is the CEO of the Kapor Foundation, leading efforts at the intersection of racial justice and technology to remove barriers in access and opportunity, ensuring technology serves as a tool for equity. Under her leadership, the Foundation conducts research on disparities in the tech pipeline, funds nonprofit initiatives, advocates for policy change, and invests in entrepreneurs and venture funds focused on closing equity gaps. Previously serving as Chief Research Officer at the Kapor Center, Dr. Scott authored influential research on inequities in computer science education and effective interventions for marginalized groups, and has led national grants to expand access to CS education. She serves on advisory boards including the FCC, National Academies of Sciences, CSforAll, and SMASH, among others. Dr. Scott holds a Ph.D. in Education from UC Berkeley and a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University.

Julia Wilkowski, former classroom educator, manages a pedagogy team within Learning & Education at Google. Her team advises Google products on applying learning science principles and measuring learning impact. She also works on LearnLM, helping infuse pedagogy into Google AI model infrastructure to power learning journeys across Google products, including Search, YouTube, and Classroom. In previous roles, she designed and delivered learning experiences for audiences including Google engineers, fiber optic installers, members of the general public, and Google sales people globally. Prior to Google, she designed learning solutions for astronauts, K12 educators, and sixth graders. Every day she strives to blend the effectiveness of hands-on science lessons with the impact of scaled learning experiences.

Alejandra is an education technology professional with a decade of experience in higher education, ranging from working directly with students to working at an edtech and AI startup. She has conducted research on digital learning, the ethical use of predictive analytics in higher ed, and how colleges use technology in admissions. Most recently she has been passionate about connecting schools and colleges to edtech and AI solutions that help them improve student outcomes. Born and raised in San Jose, she is passionate about educational and digital equity.