Speaker Lineup

12:30PM CT Speakers

Dr. Chase Cicchetti | Erica Driskell | Marat Oyvetsky | Madhan Venkatesh

7:30PM CT Speakers

Dr. Habib Baluwala |  Mariness Didulo | Gaurav Shekhar | Mai Torralba |

12:30PM CT Speakers

Dr. Chase C. Cicchetti

Panelist

Dr. Chase Cicchetti has over a decade of experience in financial markets from bases in Singapore, London and Boston. Dr. Cicchetti managed State Street Global Markets' North American fiduciary currency sales process before transitioning to private markets and independent research. He has worked intimately with global central banks and institutional investment teams; he continues to advise on geopolitical and currency risk. Dr. Cicchetti joined Bentley University's Finance faculty in January 2020. He currently teaches History of Money, Undergraduate & Graduate Corporate Finance and Applied Artificial Intelligence as part of the Falcon Discovery Seminar.

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Erica Driskell

Panelist

Erica Driskell's journey through the evolving landscape of human capital, technology, and the future of work is as multifaceted as it is inspiring. With over fifteen years at the helm of human resources innovation, she has skillfully navigated diverse industries — from healthcare and banking to tech and non-profit — unearthing the potential within organizations and their people. What truly sets Erica apart is her holistic approach to HR, embracing not just the operational aspects but the heart and soul of human capital.

Living in the sun-drenched landscapes of Arizona, Erica balances her professional endeavors with the joys and challenges of raising three daughters. This personal journey of nurturing and leading a family imbues her work with a deep sense of empathy, understanding, and a distinctly feminine wisdom that is often missing in the corporate world. Her home is not just a haven of love and laughter but a testament to her belief in the power of reading and lifelong learning, shaping a worldview that is both broad and deep.

Erica's philosophy on work and leadership is profoundly influenced by her conviction in the StrengthsFinder approach—focusing on leveraging individuals' inherent strengths to build dynamic, cohesive teams. She advocates for the magic that each person brings to the table, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to share their unique contributions. This belief in the inherent value of each individual underpins her strategic vision for HR, ensuring that her initiatives not only drive operational excellence but also nurture the human spirit.

In her role, Erica has been a catalyst for transformation, employing technology not as an end but as a means to streamline processes, enhance engagement, and facilitate meaningful connections within the workplace. Her expertise in integrating HR systems is matched by her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating a culture where innovation and creativity are celebrated. Whether leading internal communications, orchestrating cultural events, or advocating for work-life harmony, Erica embodies the principles of leadership that resonate deeply in today's complex, ever-changing work environment.

As the dialogue around the future of work increasingly turns towards the impact of AI, Erica Driskell stands as a guiding light. Her insights into the nexus of technology and human capital, enriched by her personal journey and professional acumen, offer a compelling vision of what it means to lead and thrive in the digital age. Erica's story is a reminder that at the heart of all innovation and growth lies a fundamental truth: the unique magic that each individual brings to their work, their teams, and the world at large.

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Marat Oyvetsky

Moderator

Program and Project Leader with over 20 years of global experience in managing complex portfolios, programs and projects across diverse industries. Published writer and columnist for PMI's PM Network Magazine and Non-Fiction Author for Life In Parts series on Substack (@travelogues). 

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Madhan Venkatesh

Panelist

Madhan Venkatesh was born in India and grew up in Malaysia. He studied Economics and Finance at the University of Nottingham, followed by Business Analytics & Risk Management at Johns Hopkins. He works as a Research Analyst for Cushman and Wakefield, focusing on Industrial Real Estate. During his studies at JHU, he helped establish the National Student Data Corp - JHU Chapter and was its first Vice President. Recently, he was awarded the Employee of the Quarter award by Cushman & Wakefield.

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7:30PM CT Panelists

Dr. Habib Baluwala

Panelist

Dr. Habib Baluwala, a dedicated data leader with a PhD from Oxford, serves as the Domain Chapter Lead at Spark New Zealand. With over 15 years of experience in data engineering and data science, he has developed a deep understanding of how data can drive business success. Habib's exceptional leadership and communication skills enable him to effectively engage with stakeholders, lead high-performing teams, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organization. He actively explores AI governance for responsible and ethical AI implementation. Committed to continuous learning and teamwork, his expertise is exemplified by his Chief Data Officer certification. As a seasoned leader, Habib's unique combination of technical expertise and leadership skills empowers him to deliver innovative data solutions that support business growth.

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Mariness Didulo

Moderator

Creativity meets technology sums up Mariness Didulo. With a marketing career rooted in this fusion, her passion drives her to craft meaningful connections between audience and service through words and design. She has spent more than a decade of her career in the technology marketing space spearheading product launches for various SaaS companies. Presently, she embarks on an exciting new venture, leveraging her expertise in product marketing alongside her passion for dogs, where she aims to empower pet brands in effectively promoting their businesses by enhancing their marketing strategies. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of her latest endeavor.

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Gaurav Shekhar

Panelist

Gaurav Shekhar is the Senior Assistant Dean of the Graduate Programs in the Naveen Jindal School of Management. He is also the Program Director of the Graduate Business Analytics Program at the University of Texas Dallas. He is an assistant professor of instruction in the information systems area and teaches courses like business intelligence, digital consulting, and robotic process automation to graduate and undergraduate students. He was inducted into ‘Dallas 500’ by the DCEO Magazine for 2024. He is a two-time TEDx speaker and was named as the 40 Under 40 by the Dallas Business Journal in 2023. He was also named as a 40 under 40 Data Leaders for the year 2022 by the CDO Magazine.

His main research areas are IT Project Management, AI/Machine Learning, Natural Language, and Organizational Leadership. He enjoys working with students and works with them across academic and non-academic areas. He has been instrumental in setting up student and corporate engagement programs at The University of Texas at Dallas. He is a big believer in servant leadership, which is the basis of most of his initiatives. He leads the Young Entrepreneurs Program and serves on the US-India Chamber of Commerce board. He is also a member of the Academic Panel for PeopleCert. He works with Fortune 500 CXOs and advises them on their strategic initiatives, especially from the point of view of Technology.

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Mai Torralba

Panelist

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If you have questions about the Alumni Network Virtual Event, please email programs@betagammasigma.org.