Tapia 2023 Program Leadership Team
This fall, thousands of computing and tech professionals, researchers, and students will gather to acknowledge, promote and celebrate diversity in tech. Taking place September 13 – 15, 2023 in Dallas, Texas, the Tapia Conference will provide opportunities for attendees from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to attend a variety of impactful and engaging panels, workshops, poster competitions, and Doctoral Consortium. Such programming would not be possible without the dedication and contributions of the Tapia 2023 Program Committee.
Helping Bring an Engaging Program to Tapia 2023
The Tapia Program Leadership Team coordinates program activities (proposal submissions, reviews, and selections) across multiple committees to ensure a rich variety and balance of presentations across the three tracks – Professional Development, Broadening Participation, and Technical.The Program Leadership Team also oversees the selection of Poster and Doctoral Consortium submissions and Scholarship recipients.
Meet the Tapia 2023 Program Leadership Team
Tapia 2023 Program Leadership Team
Khalil Griffin, General Chair
Khalil is a Software Engineer at Google, focusing on protecting vulnerable user data. In his time there, he has tackled challenges such as preventing user payment information from being stolen and protecting their Google Accounts against hijacking. He also participates in mentorship programs, training new hires, and student outreach. Prior to joining Google, Khalil was a student at Stanford University. He is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. Outside of work, you can find him volunteering at his church or reading.
Tapia 2023 Program Leadership Team
Valerie Nelson, Program Chair
Dr. Valerie Nelson is the Senior Data Architect at E Cyber7 Technologies, LLC. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Technical Director of the Cryptographic Solutions Office and Applied Research Mathematician in the Cybersecurity Directorate at the National Security Agency where she was the first black female to graduate from its Applied Mathematics Program in 2004. She has served as adjunct faculty at George Washington University, Howard University, Morgan State University, and Prince George’s Community College. She completed a one-year special assignment at the University of Maryland Baltimore County with its Instructional Technology Team, working with faculty and staff on using data analytics to inform instruction and strategy.
Tapia 2023 Program Leadership Team
Emmanuel Johnson, Deputy Program Chair
Emmanuel Johnson is a Computing Innovation Fellow at the USC Information Sciences Institute, where his work focuses on building AI systems to teach interpersonal skills. Emmanuel holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California, a Master in Robotics from the University of Birmingham in England, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from North Carolina A&T. He is a Fulbright Scholar and was the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, and recently inducted into the New Brunswick High School Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
Click here to meet all the dedicated members of the Tapia 2023 Program Committee who are instrumental in creating a balanced and dynamic Tapia 2023 Conference program.
Ways to Get Involved
Become a Tapia 2023 Supporter: The Tapia Conference offers organizations opportunities to connect with hundreds of diverse college students and professionals. Join us in person at #Tapia2023 in Dallas, TX on September 13-15 at The Gaylord Texan Resort. Click here to view the 2023 Prospectus and learn more about Supporter opportunities!
Submit Your Resume: The Tapia Resume Database provides an excellent opportunity to engage with industry, government, and academic Supporters about internships, permanent job opportunities, and graduate programs. We invite all students and professionals seeking career opportunities to submit your resume today! Click here for more information.