On November 16, 2020, Schneider Electric and the Northeastern University DATA Initiative co-presented the second annual DATA Forum. This year, the focus was on “Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future.” Thought leaders from Deloitte, PwC, Schneider Electric, and Suffolk Construction convened to speak in three virtual sessions. With over 300 attendees the virtual forum was a great success.

DATA Forum Sessions

What AI Does for You, What Do You Do for AI?

Moderated by Professor Ruth Aguilera, featured:

  • Robert Bernard, Director of Artificial Intelligence at PwC
  • Tami Frankenfield, Managing Director, Data, Analytics and Cognitive at Deloitte
  • Jim Rowan, Principal, Analytics and Cognitive at Deloitte
  • Cyril Perducat, Executive Vice President IoT & Digital Offers at Schneider Electric

Rob, Tami, Jim, and Cyril shared their experiences working in the artificial intelligence industry.

Women Leaders in Analytics

Moderated by Khoury College Dean and Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Computing Carla Brodley, featured:

  • Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Electric
  • Jit Kee Chin, Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Suffolk Construction

Chris and Jit Kee discussed their experiences as women working in the analytics field and their entrance into the industry.

Chris Leong presenting keynote on building a sustainable and resilient future
Chris Leong presents the keynote at the 2020 Data Forum

DATA Forum Keynote: Building a Sustainable & Resilient Future

Led by Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Electric

Chris provided her perspective on the importance for companies to practice corporate social responsibility. She also explained how Schneider Electric currently implements these practices in their mission to provide energy for all. “We believe digitization in sustainability and efficiency will bring about solutions” explained Chris in response to the biggest challenge facing society right now, climate change. Outside of the DATA Forum, Schneider Electric has collaborated with the DATA Analytics Research Lab to develop advanced analytics methods. Chris hopes that through this partnership, Schneider Electric will be able to continue leveraging student “talent to deliver even more ambitious solutions.”