NYC Executive Evening - Beyond the Hype: Everyday Advice for AI

As the Data & AI Practice Leader at CohnReznick Advisory LLC, Mel Walker develops and implements strategic roadmaps to fuel innovation, advance business goals, and drive sustainable growth for clients. She has more than 20 years of leadership experience in operational strategy, technology consulting, and full P&L management across the public, private, and startup sectors.

Her career highlights include leading the creation of the first enterprise-native cloud revenue management platform for the life sciences industry and developing innovative strategies to help organizations adapt to shifting market dynamics. She has also served as Executive Vice President for a globally recognized organization dedicated to securing IT systems and data, where she guided business strategy, risk management, and enterprise growth initiatives.

Mel’s areas of expertise include digital strategy, data and analytics, AI and automation, and enterprise transformation, with a focus on technology, media, and life sciences industries. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a Leadership and Management Certificate from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

​Archita Bhatt 

Content & AI Strategy Leader | Founder | Tech Entrepreneur 

Archita Bhatt is a pioneering AI and technology strategist, serial entrepreneur, and engineer with over 22 years of experience delivering digital transformation across state and local government, research universities, and high-growth startups. As founder of astreaWorks, she specializes in helping organizations harness AI, automation, and data-driven strategies for measurable business impact. Archita’s expertise spans full-stack engineering, enterprise architecture, and complex program delivery. She is known for bridging technical depth with visionary leadership, assembling strong teams and the right partners to solve real-world challenges. Outside of work, Archita enjoys walking her dogs and cultivating her pollinator garden.

Elav Horwitz

Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and AI Solutions, WPP

Elav Horwitz is a visionary leader reimagining the intersection of technology, creativity, and business transformation. As EVP and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Solutions at WPP, she translates complex technological landscapes into breakthrough opportunities, guiding organizations to harness emerging technologies like Generative AI and crafting innovative marketing solutions for global brands.

With over 20 years of experience driving growth for industry giants like McCann Worldgroup, L'Oréal, GM, and Nestlé, Elav specializes in turning innovation into impactful business results. Her expertise spans AI, XR, and Web3, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by creating new pathways for organizational transformation.

A dedicated champion of responsible technology and diversity in leadership, Elav is a founding member of Chief and an active mentor to AI startups, where she fosters human-centered innovation and empowers female founders. She serves as an advisor to influential groups like the Meta Creative Council and has built global C-Suite Innovation Councils, establishing herself as a leading voice in innovation and strategic partnerships.

Barbara Shurtleff, MBA, CISSP

Leadership Commitee Chair, Washington DC, 50/50 Women on Boards

Barbara Shurtleff is a seasoned digital technology executive and transformational leader recognized for driving corporate success and mission delivery. Highly focused and motivated, she is known for building exceptional customer and vendor relationships, mentoring diverse teams, and advising C-level leaders, including CEOs, CIOs, and CISOs.

Barbara brings proven expertise in developing technical strategies and executing business objectives across the enterprise, with specialized focus on cybersecurity, identity management, systemic risk, and networks. She has a strong track record in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, enterprise transformation, P&L management, and strategic planning, delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions that comply with corporate, regulatory, and government standards.

Respected as a high-energy, resourceful, and innovative technology leader, Barbara continues to advance technology solutions while fostering growth, resilience, and long-term business success.

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