General Session Keynote
Monday, March 10
9:00 - 10:00 AM

Judith Cardenas

CEO, Strategies By Design

Kelsey Behringer

CEO, Packback, Inc.

Keynote Address

AI Unveiled: Transforming Learning, Leadership, and the Future of Community Colleges

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, organizational success, and the evolving role of community colleges. Industry leaders and innovators will share insights into how AI is reshaping learning experiences, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and preparing students and organizations for the demands of the future. This session is designed to inspire thought leadership, spark innovation, and provide actionable strategies to harness AI's potential in creating dynamic, future-ready educational ecosystems. Don't miss this opportunity to reimagine what's possible for community colleges in the age of AI.

Biographies

Judith Cardenas

Dr. Judith Cardenas is the visionary leader of Strategies By Design, a global consulting firm renowned for its human-centered approach to innovation and transformation. With over 14 years of experience, she has empowered organizations and leaders worldwide to unlock their potential, drive impactful change, and embrace disruptive technologies to design innovative, client-centered solutions.

Cardenas holds doctoral degrees in education administration and training and in performance improvement, reflecting her commitment to excellence and continuous learning. She has completed prestigious postdoctoral programs, including Leadership Development at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and ROI Methodology certification from Villanova University. Her advanced expertise spans innovation, design thinking, AI leadership, strategy, ethics, and design.

As a former executive overseeing large public institutions, Cardenas managed a $146 million operational budget, $30 million in federal funds, a $10 million foundational endowment, and a workforce of over 3,000 employees. Her leadership extended beyond administration, leveraging innovation to create sustainable impact. Cardenas has collaborated with some of the world's most influential organizations, delivering transformational training and strategy for the World Bank, United Nations, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Naval Acquisition Career Center, QVC, Inc., Philips Semiconductor, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Her unmatched ability to integrate innovation, technology, and leadership has positioned Cardenas as a trailblazer in reshaping the future of work and driving meaningful change. She remains deeply committed to helping organizations navigate complexity, accelerate growth, and achieve excellence through purposeful innovation.

Kelsey Behringer

Kelsey Behringer has trained over 10,000 educators around the intersection of AI and pedagogy, helping individuals to implement best practices that advance student voice, agency, and purpose. She has held numerous roles at Packback, which is an “AI writing tutor for every student and an AI grading assistant for every teacher,” from being an educator trainer, manager, director, vice president, and COO before starting as CEO. Packback’s AI has been used by over 1,500,000 students and 600 colleges and districts to help every student develop their own unique voice through receiving live, instant, real-time feedback as they write.

Behringer approaches her work through the lens of her experiences as a former STEM teacher in Chicago and Indianapolis. She is a Fast Company Executive Board contributor and hosts monthly webinars for teachers and professors, during which she gives recommendations about AI in the classroom.