Karen De Sousa Pesse, a Senior Executive at Salesforce, is a globally sought-after speaker and a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Through her compelling talks, rich with real-world examples and case studies, she highlights the potential of gender-inclusive approaches to drive innovation and create more ethical and equitable technological solutions for all.

Pagona is Assistant General Counsel for Privacy, Artificial Intelligence & Data Protection. She is globally responsible for AI legal matters, leading Mastercard’s AI Compliance program and legal lead for Mastercard’s Chief AI Office.

With a rich academic background and over eight years of professional experience, Mukan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of compliance, sustainability, and ethics.

Holding a Master in Law and a Master in Gender and Diversity Studies, Mukan has consistently pursued advanced knowledge to drive impactful change. Currently, she is furthering her expertise through an MBA in Sustainable Finance at SUMAS (Swiss Sustainability Business School).

Professionally, Mukan has accumulated a wealth of experience across various compliance domains, including fraud prevention, anti-money laundering (AML), data protection, and sustainable finance, serving both the private and public sectors.

In her current role as Senior Compliance Advisor at KBC Group, she specializes in Sustainable Finance and ESG compliance while contributing to business ethics advisory topics. Her work focuses on fostering responsible corporate practices that align with evolving regulatory landscapes and sustainability goals.

Hanne Hautekiet is the head of Mastercard’s newly established Advisors Creative Desk (EU & EMEA), where she leads 50 professionals. Hanne leverages GenAI solutions to elevate creative delivery, and continuously pushes her team to innovate by integrating AI-driven processes to improve the overall way of working.

As a technology optimist with more than 20 years of experience in the ICT sector, Laurence is enthusiastic, dynamic, and eager to learn. In her leadership role as a Manager of the Business Relationship Officers and Community Managers she is dedicated to contributing to the success and growth of Agoria portfolio companies.

In 2021, she co-authored the book "Nooit Nog Normaal," which discusses the impact of digitalization on education, the labor market, entrepreneurship, and civil society.

She is committed to creating a technology sector where all talents feel valued and have equal opportunities to succeed, which is why she also serves as a Women in Tech ambassador. In this role, she strives to ensure that her industry reflects and represents the diversity of our society. In April 2023, her second book "Women in Tech: a perfect fit for a sustainable and inclusive future" was published about how to attract, advance and retain women in tech.

In addition to her professional pursuits, she also contributes to the tech community as a coach, jury member for WeAreFounders and DO! Gent pitching, chair for #SheDIDIT and general assembly member for Technopolis. She is passionate about making a positive impact in the world of technology and digital innovation.