Dr. Akbar Herndon, CTO of Grace Church School and a founder of the NEET conference, discusses his unique journey from professional jazz violinist to technology leader. He shares strategies for building highly diverse IT teams through a culture of belonging and explains why a "human first protocol" is essential when integrating AI into the independent school classroom.

1. Akbar’s LinkedIn Profile
2. Grace Church School
3. NYSAIS Education, Information, and Technology (NEIT) Conference
4. Black Swan Quartet, Akbar’s jazz group and recording
5. Weather Report, jazz fusion band
6. Max Roach, jazz drummer and composer

Dr. Geri Gillespy joins the podcast to discuss the transition from AI consumption to purposeful production. She shares her "three-legged stool" framework for change management and explores the emerging role of AI agents in independent schools. Learn how workforce development and human-in-the-loop practices ensure technology amplifies, rather than replaces, human creativity.

1. Microsoft Elevate for Educators, program designed to provide educators and school leaders with access to a global community, professional development, and resources to confidently integrate AI into teaching and learning.
2. Cyber Tabletop Simulation Game
3. Elevate webinars -- available to all? She mentioned “webinar I did yesterday”
4. Copyright gem
5. Mofongo, dish from Puerto Rico with plantains as its main ingredient
6. Fungo, special baseball bats used for training

Leaders from Blackbaud and Veracross join the panel to discuss the complexities of AI governance and student data privacy . The conversation covers essential steps for establishing AI policies, understanding international regulations like GDPR and NIST, and the shift toward agentic AI. Gain practical insights on vetting vendors and securing your digital perimeter.

1. Blackbaud, cloud software provider serving nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and CSR entities in the areas of fundraising, financial management, and education administration.
2. Veracross, cloud-based student information system (SIS) and school management platform designed specifically for private and independent K-12 schools, connecting academics, admissions, accounting, development, and student health.
3. Data Harmony: Integrating Systems, Empowering Schools, previous episode of TTWA featuring Blackbaud and Veracross
4. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
5. NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF)
6. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
7. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
8. Coquito, traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico