Futurists Symposium

Khalid Al-Kofahi is a technology executive, scientist, and engineer with a proven track record in developing AI-powered solutions that streamline and scale work across industries, including legal and regulatory, tax and accounting, financial services, and news.

In his current role at Fidelity, Khalid leads an AI team focusing on the design and development of AI-enabled applications primarily in three areas: (1) help and empower Fidelity’s customers and associates, (2) scale business operations and (3) using AI to inform business decisioning.

Prior to Fidelity, Khalid spent 25 years at Thomson Reuters and led corporate R&D as well as the Center for AI and Cognitive Computing. In that role, Khalid was responsible for defining Thomson Reuters AI strategy and contributed to the design and development of innovative and industry-leading solutions.

Khalid holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, an M.Sc. in computer engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research interests span search and information retrieval, recommender systems, question answering, natural language processing, computer vision, and large language models.

Tonia Bledsoe: AI Business Strategist & Advocate for Tech Equity

Tonia Bledsoe is a visionary AI consultant, keynote speaker, and business strategist dedicated to making AI accessible and equitable for businesses, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented communities. As the founder of Bledsoe Legacy Management Consulting and Co-Founder of EmpowerAI Collective, she leverages her MBA, PMP certification, and expertise in digital transformation to help organizations harness AI for growth and innovation.​

With a career spanning government contracting, SaaS implementation, and AI-driven business solutions, Tonia has led high-impact projects, scaling teams, and generating significant revenue. Her collaborative approach bridges the gap between technology, human connection, and business success.​

Tonia is also the author of Tech Equity: Leveraging AI to Bridge the Wealth Gap and a thought leader featured at industry events, including the AI Summit and the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Economic Evolution Accelerator. She is a Certified AI Consultant and a member of the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Consultants (IAAIC).​

What Tonia Offers:

• Keynote Speaking: Inspiring discussions on AI, business growth, and the future of work.​
• Workshops & Training: Hands-on, practical AI education for businesses and organizations.​
• Consulting: Strategic AI integration for entrepreneurs, corporations, and community initiatives.​

Tonia's mission is to demystify AI and empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. Whether you're looking to scale, streamline operations, or create impact through AI, she provides the expertise, innovation, and actionable strategies to drive success.​

Connect with Tonia today and unlock the power of AI for your business!

Sean Petterson is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and RIT alumnus with a proven track record of commercializing advanced manufacturing technologies. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Supersede, he is leading the charge in developing sustainable, high-performance alternatives to traditional construction materials, namely, plywood.

Previously, Sean founded StrongArm Technologies, a company dedicated to industrial safety wearables, exoskeletons and AI-enabled injury prevention solutions. His passion for innovation was driven by personal experience in the construction industry, working alongside his father, whose tragic passing on a job site inspired Sean to create safer working environments. StrongArm was acquired in 2023 after raising venture capital and securing multiple patents.

Sean’s expertise in design and scalable manufacturing has positioned him as a leader in design innovation. He holds several patents in manufacturing and technology and serves as an advisor to several companies including an industrial crane manufacturing company based in Rochester. As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at RIT, Sean remains actively engaged in shaping the future of design and entrepreneurship.

At Supersede, Sean is focused on scaling sustainable materials for commercial applications, leveraging his experience in navigating the intersection of technology, business, and design.

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Sean Petterson, CEO, Supersede.

Josh Cavalier is a pioneering leader and trusted voice in Learning & Development, with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of JoshCavalier.ai, he helps organizations leverage Generative AI to transform learning experiences through consulting, workshops, and courses.

Josh simplifies complex AI concepts through his popular YouTube channel and weekly live show, Brainpower, providing actionable insights for L&D professionals. As a speaker at top learning conferences like DevLearn and ATD ICE, he inspires audiences with his vision for the future of AI in education.
In November 2025, Josh will release his highly anticipated book, "Applying AI in Learning & Development: From Platforms to Performance," offering L&D professionals practical strategies to integrate AI and drive exceptional learning outcomes. His commitment to empowering the global L&D community has made him a respected educator, mentor, and innovator.