COMMUNITY Exchange

Meet the Leaders Shaping an Unmissable CommEX25

What makes Internet2 Community Exchange a staple event for executive leaders and innovators across the global research and education community? A program uniquely powered by community priorities, experience, and expertise. 

In this Shaping an Unmissable CommEX25 series, we’re spotlighting the leaders behind this year’s program, taking place April 28 – May 1 in Anaheim, CA. 

Check back for more regular highlights from these inspiring leaders!

Dawn Ng Sets Sights on AI in a World of Global Community Exchange

Meet Dawn Ng, a senior community program manager at GÉANT, Europe’s leading collaboration on network and related infrastructure and services for the benefit of R&E. 

She collaborated with fellow program committee members to shape the Advanced Networking Track. Together, they focused on increasing innovative approaches, accessibility of the topics, creative ways to enhance sessions, and a balance of thematic areas.

"... our track selected one that will discuss how the community is coming together at a global level to exchange knowledge and experiences on AI applications in R&E,” Ng said.

Read the complete Q&A with Dawn!

Hellen Zziwa Helps Curate the Cloud Solutions and Services Track

Meet Hellen Zziwa, senior director of technology advisory and planning for Harvard University Information Technology, who helped curate the Cloud Solutions and Services Track.

 She tackles cloud strategy and institutional transitions, research enablement and innovation, and secure storage and workforce development. 

  “Engaging with the Internet2 community helps us stay ahead of industry shifts, and serving on the Cloud Track planning committee has been a great opportunity for me to give back and help peers navigate their own cloud transformations,” Zziwa said. 

Read the complete Q&A with Hellen!

Melanie Douglas Lends Insights to Bring Actionable Strategies

Meet Melanie Douglas, deputy CIO and associate vice chancellor for technology and services at UC Santa Cruz, who helped shape the Challenges & Opportunities with Emerging Technologies Track.

The focus?

“Sessions that bridge cutting-edge technology with practical implementation, ensuring attendees walk away with both inspiration and actionable strategies,” Douglas said.

"The conversations at CommEX25 will provide a critical space to navigate these evolving challenges and opportunities,” she added.

Read the complete Q&A with Melanie!