Melissa Sassi of IBM

Biography:

As IBM Z’s Chief Penguin, Melissa created her own IBM penguin title and leads Student & Entrepreneur Experience worldwide. 

She’s a Call for Code Judge focused on solving the world’s challenges via tech innovation.  

Prior to IBM, Melissa was an energy and internet access impact investor at Microsoft. 

As Founder & CEO of MentorNations, Melissa created a youth-led digital skills movement teaching tens of thousands of youth to code in twelve countries. She’s Chair of IEEE's Digital Intelligence Working Group & Founding Member of Coalition for Digital Intelligence with WEF, OECD, IEEE & DQ Institute. She holds several Board positions in digital inclusion nonprofits. 

As a PhD candidate, she researches the digital inclusion of underserved communities. She serves on a UN Round Table for the High-Level Panel for Digital Cooperation & is an avid speaker on digital skills, tech entrepreneurship, community building, youth empowerment, imposter syndrome & personal branding.

Email:

Address:Texas, United States

Phila Phungula of IBM

Biography:

Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Databases, IT Strategy, Management, SAP ERP, and Mainframes. Strong program and project management professional graduated from Rhodes University. 

Address:Gauteng, South Africa