ModVation Diversity Ventures Forum & Panel Dicussion
ModVation is a panel discussion designed to bring different industry leaders on the same platform, featuring keynote speakers to shed light on understanding their business models. It is about Inspirations Worth Sharing. Participants include VCs, community leaders, high-profile political figures, celebrities, and Influencers, as well as game-changers, innovators, artists, distinguished entrepreneurs, the press, media, and students to discuss the latest trends in fashion tech, art, cultures, and now AI. ModVation Diversity Ventures conference is the convergence of arts, technologies, cultures, and high-tech fashion trends. How the Golden State and the Silicon Valley help the artist community, and whether it is prospering or floundering. A segment of the show is dedicated to Juneteenth, a forum dedicated to Black Excellence empowering minority women and men entrepreneurs in the arts and tech industry.
MODVATION TALK
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Join us at the 2025 ModVation Diversity Ventures Panel Discussion for an insightful look at how ethical AI and personal data ownership bolster cultural integrity in the digital age. Co-founders of Fondu Technologies, Eddie Landesberg and Isabella Farley, will share their vision of how technology can empower diverse communities while preserving cultural heritage.
Explore the empowerment that comes from reclaiming personal data and its role in supporting diverse identities. This session aims to inspire action and reflection on fostering an inclusive digital future. Engage directly with Eddie and Isabella during an interactive Q&A session, joined by other tech industry leaders: Helene Victoria Blossom, Maryam Khosriva, Bisi Obateru, and more. Papa Yaw from Bloomberg will moderate the session. This is a place where you can share your perspectives, ask questions, and connect with others committed to ethical AI practices and cultural diversity.
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We invite you his year for our groundbreaking discussion exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, cultural integrity, and ethical innovation. Our distinguished panelists will examine:
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How AI technologies can respect and preserve cultural diversity
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The importance of data ownership for marginalized communities
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Ensuring cultural integrity in the digital age
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Creating pathways for underrepresented voices in technology
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The intersection of arts, fashion, and technology
Featured Panelists Include:
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Fondu Founders (Confirmed)
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Industry leaders in AI ethics and cultural preservation
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Technology innovators championing health in beauty, diversity and inclusion
Are you passionate about ethical AI and cultural representation? Apply to join our panel by contacting us at info@africanartsacademy.org​
2025 FEATURED SPEAKERS
AYTAKIN ALIYEVA
MODERATOR
Aytakin is a community builder featured in Forbes and Business Insider and the Founder of the Femigrants Foundation. At Femigrants, she creates unique event experiences that unite a community of diverse female immigrants working in investment, startups, and tech companies. Since 2018, she has hosted hundreds of professional networking events in the Bay Area, London, and New York.
Aytakin’s dedication to creating impactful communities has earned her international recognition, including double gold awards at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards 2023 in London by Sarah Fergusson, the Duchess. She was honored as a 2024 Award Winner and recognized as a Community Builder, Top 100 Women in Tech by KSV.
Her work has been widely covered by major outlets, including Forbes, Business Insider, Economic Insider, Yahoo Finance, AP News, the London Daily Post, the Washington Times, the US Times, Intuit, HuffPost, and more.
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For more information, visit https://femigrants.com
PAPA YAW QUAINOO
MODERATOR
Papa Yaw Quainoo is the founder of the Growing Wealth Platform and host of the popular “Grow with Papa” (GWP) Podcast, where he shares his journey and insights into building wealth and achieving financial independence.
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Raised with little understanding of money or wealth-building, Papa Yaw’s life took a transformative turn when he began reading books on personal finance. Empowered by knowledge, he became deeply committed to reshaping his own financial future—and helping others do the same. Today, he is a passionate advocate for financial literacy, using his platform to inspire and equip others to take control of their financial lives.
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In 2025, Papa Yaw joins MODEFA SF as the AI Panel Discussion Moderator, bringing his unique perspective on how emerging technologies intersect with wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Explore his podcast and learn more at www.gwp.today.
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EDDIE LANDESBERG
SPEAKER(CEO,FONDU)
AI leader w/ 12+ yrs at intersection of personalization, economics, and consumer data. Create a unique event that promotes cultural diversity, make the city of SAN FRANCISCO a unique destination Built Stitch Fix’s $150M/yr advertising spend optimization engine from scratch.
IZZY FARLEY
SPEAKER(CTO,FONDU)
AI leader w/ 12+ yrs at the intersection of personalization, Built production consumer Gen AI systems for Virgin and SW Airlines.
Software engineer with 8+ years in multiple engineering fields. Oversaw a $240M residential project (10% ahead, $8M under budget).
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BISI OBATERU
SPEAKER(JUST I GUIDE)
Bisi Obateru is a Nigerian immigrant, founder, and joyful troublemaker working to untangle global immigration systems with technology and heart.
For more information visit www.justiguide.com
MARYAM KHOSRAVI
SPEAKER(STIR BAR LAB)
Maryam Mardkhe, PhD, is a scientist, founder, and innovator specializing in advanced material development. With a doctorate in Chemistry from BYU and over a decade of research and product development experience.
As the founder of Stirbar Lab, Maryam pioneered a zero-waste, minimalist formulation lab model, empowering individuals to extract natural ingredients and create personalized skincare products. Stir bar Lab presents a new vision for sustainable beauty — one rooted in creativity, purity, and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.
HESAM JAFARI
SPEAKER(CEO BUZZABLE)
Buzzable transforms events into thriving communities. Our goal is to solve loneliness and improve the mental and physical health of one billion people by connecting them in meaningful ways.
Discover Buzzable, the innovative app designed to connect people through shared activities and events. Whether you're looking to create, grow, engage, or monetize your events and communities, Buzzable offers a seamless platform to bring your ideas to life. With features like Al-assisted event creation, built-in marketing tools, and community engagement options, Buzzable empowers you to maximize your reach and foster genuine connections. Available for download on the App Store and Google Play, Buzzable is your go-to solution for all things events. Join the Buzzable community today and start building unforgettable experiences!For more information visit www.justiguide.com
HELENE VICTORIA BLOSSOM
SPEAKER
Helen is a pioneering scientist with a PhD in biochemistry, boasting experience across startups and renowned companies, including Roche. Currently, she leads the charge in prenatal diagnostics at Natera, specializing in long-read sequencing technology and target capture. Her groundbreaking research is dedicated to identifying genetic markers for conditions such as hemophilia, retinoblastoma, and Lynch syndrome, pushing the boundaries of early detection and intervention. During her postdoctoral research, Helen achieved a significant milestone by inventing and patenting a groundbreaking solution to halt the human heart during open-heart surgery, transforming surgical procedures. The patented solution has been successfully implemented, benefiting over 4000 patients. Beyond her scientific pursuits, Helen is a distinguished fashion model and the former CEO of Bright Relocation. Her modeling career has seen her grace prestigious runways and feature in renowned publications like Harper's Bazaar. With her exceptional blend of scientific expertise and entrepreneurial leadership, Helen continues to make waves in both the scientific and fashion worlds.
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