Fort Myers: The AI Effect: How It’s Rewiring Our World!

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Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a powerful force reshaping our workplaces, classrooms, and communities in real-time. Attendees will gain insider perspectives on how AI is transforming decision-making, streamlining operations, and opening up entirely new possibilities across industries. From ethical implementation and business strategy to marketing innovation and higher education, our expert panelists will break down what’s happening now, what’s on the horizon, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already incorporating AI into your workflow, this discussion will offer valuable insights, practical takeaways, and a clearer path forward in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Sponsored by Merry Coffman and Fort Myers Tip-Off

Emcee:

Heidi Cramer, Business Consultant at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FGCU, is a distinguished leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) integration and strategic business transformation, bringing over 35 years of expertise in technology-driven innovation across diverse industries. As an advocate for leveraging AI to foster operational excellence and global competitiveness, Heidi specializes in aligning cutting-edge technologies with organizational strategies to achieve scalable growth and measurable outcomes. LinkedIn

Panelists:

Dr. Chrissann Ruehle, AI ethics researcher and educator at Florida Gulf Coast University, is the Chair, Stakeholder Engagement, for Dendritic AI and Data Science Institute. Formerly, she served as the Provost Faculty Fellow for AI, during which she led the AI Task Force, focusing on AI strategy, digital badges, and education programs. As a Management Faculty in the Lutgert College of Business, she teaches courses in Organizational Theory and Change, Global Organizational Behavior and Ethics, and Business Strategy. She has also contributed to AI ethics education at Tampa General Hospital and taught in the DBA program at the University of South Florida (USF). Holding a DBA from USF and an IBM AI Practitioner-Instructor Certification, she pioneers trustworthy AI certification courses. Her research on AI ethics/governance, chatbots/virtual agents, and AI in higher education has been presented at premier conferences like the Academy of Management, Decision Sciences Institute, and University of Central Florida Teaching & Learning with AI. LinkedIn

Dr. Leandro de Castro, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Researcher and Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, I am a researcher, professor, entrepreneur, and executive with experience in structuring and managing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. I am currently a Professor in AI and Data Science at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I also serve as the Program Director for Dendritic, a Human-Centered AI and Data Science Institute, and a Volunteer Collaborator Professor at the Graduate Program in Technology of Unicamp. YouTube LinkedIn

Kailee Mateika serves as Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Digital Strategies at Florida SouthWestern State College. With degrees in Hospitality Management and Digital Journalism from USF, she champions ethical, creative uses of AI in higher ed. Collaborating with FSW’s Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies, Kailee integrates AI into marketing, communications, and student engagement. Known for her “Technomancy” approach, she empowers both her team and her children to explore AI as a transformative, accessible tool for lifelong learning. LinkedIn