DAMA-Vancouver BC

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  • DAMA-Vanc (Sep 26) 2 AI talks 1)Informatica 2)Covenant House

    • 2025-09-26
    • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • 410 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
    • 9
    Register

     Two AI presentations - 1) Informatica platform 2) Non-Profit developed AI product

    Please join us on Friday September 26th for two (2) timely presentations on AI. First up is Informatica talking about using AI-ready data to fuel AI agents, and then Rebecca Barnes and Ray Puno describe Covenant House Vancouver's pragmatic  journey developing an AI-supported text-based platform that enables youth to connect with Covenant House 24/7. Rebecca and Ray will talk about what it’s taken to get to this point and lessons learned along the way.

    Agenda: 

    • 8:45 In-person networking, coffee, and muffin in the sunny Learning Centre
    • 9:00 DAMA chapter announcements
      • Thanks to our Sponsors  Qlik, Cittabase
    • 9:05 Informatica - Fuel AI Agents with AI-Ready Data
    •          More details when available
    • 10:00 Questions and a quick coffee break
    • 10:20 Covenant House - Using AI to serve Youth Experiencing Homelessness
    • 11:20 Questions and discussions, coffee refill, networking
    •            Draw for a $50 Amazon Gift Card for in-person attendees only.

       

    Informatica - Fuel AI Agents with AI-Ready Data

    Data leaders worldwide are now being directed to pursue GenAI and AI agents to drive innovation, top-line revenue growth, and productivity — but without the right data, AI projects might be stuck in experimentation. Discover how AI-ready data, combined with strong governance, fuels relevant, responsible, and robust AI that scales.

    Covenant House - AI serving Homeless Youth

    Covenant House Vancouver regularly receives service requests that exceed our capacity to meet the needs of youth or respond in a timely fashion. Recognizing the need for accessible, responsive, and inclusive communication, we developed an AI-supported text-based platform that enables youth to connect with us 24/7, either through a chatbot or with a staff member. Rebecca will talk about what it’s taken to get to this point and lessons learned along the way.

        

    Lawrence Smith is a Senior Solutions Architect at Informatica with over 11 years of experience. He specializes in designing and delivering advanced data management solutions tailored to meet complex customer challenges worldwide. His expertise spans AI, data and application integration, governance, security, and master data management. Passionate about the power of data, Lawrence is dedicated to helping organizations unlock the full potential of their data to drive meaningful business outcomes.

    Rebecca Barnes is the Director, Research, Evaluation and Learning at Covenant House Vancouver. She leads a team that manages the entire data pipeline for youth data from design and collection, extraction and storage, data governance, analytics and reporting, and insight and recommendations development. Rebecca has more than 15 years’ experience working with those experiencing homelessness, and she has a passion for using data and technology effectively and ethically towards the goal of ending homelessness.

    Ray Puno is Director of Data at Slalom Vancouver. He is a data​ and analytics professional with a long history of delivering operational and analytical systems while empowering organizations to become more data-driven. With over 20 years in the information technology industry, Ray has a wealth of public sector experience leading system migrations, modernizing integration architectures, and driving the adoption of advanced Analytics and AI.

    About our location:

    • 410 West Georgia, Vancouver - great view!
    • Follow lobby signage to the 23rd floor
    • Capacity - up to 140 people
    • Please join us early for networking and coffee, muffins, and croissants. 

    Premium Membership gives you access to the Recording, Slide deck, and Supporting Materials from each event. These are typically posted a week after the event.

    DAMA-Vancouver 2025 Events - Mark Your Calendars:

    • Please send in topics/vendors/paradigms you would like to see!
    • Sep 26 Informatica on Prep & Delivery of Data for AI PLUS Covenant House on their implementation of AI to support homeless youth
    • Oct 22 DAMA Day Conference "AI for Non-profits"  (Premium Member Event)
    • Nov 21 Qlik amazing presentation - to be announced
    • Dec 12 Holiday season get together (Premium Member Event)
    • 2026 TBA
    Show details

  • DAMA Day Conference - AI for Non-Profits

    • 2025-10-22
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Deloitte Summit Building - 410 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
    • 92
    Register

    4th Annual DAMA Day Vancouver - AI for Non-Profits

    The DAMA Day conference on “AI for Non-Profits” is a one day conference focused on covering strategic, tactical, and liability topics relevant to the small to medium Non-Profits in BC trying to figure out how to navigate the AI tsunami. The speakers will share their experience, tips, and traps while answering the burning questions you have been wanting to ask. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking so that you can talk with your peers in other Non-Profits and find out what worked, and didn’t work, for them.

    We are doing this conference in partnership with Vancouver.dataforgood.ca and if your organization already has a relationship with the DataForGood team in BC then it would probably work out best for you to contact your DataForGood Partnership Lead to ensure you get the Non-Profit discount.

    Logistic Notes:

    • There are limits on different member groups in order to maximize availability to non-profits.
    • The fully catered event is in-person only with no virtual option
    • The presentation recordings and slide decks will only be available to conference registrants.
    • Prices: Note savings for $50 Premium Membership (HINT: sign up for Premium or discounted Non-Profit Membership here, before you register for the Oct 22nd event.).
    • Early Bird Registration Deadline - Oct 1st.
    • Sessions will target 40 minute presentations with 20 minutes left for questions, coffee, and networking.

    Agenda:

    • 08:00 Check In and Breakfast: 
      • Your choice of breakfast sandwiches, eggy things, juices, croissants, muffins, melon and berry salad, etc.
    • 09:00 Keynote - Kris Krug & Sev Geraskin
      • Why Join the AI Community -Strength and Magic in Networking: 
        • Kris will describe the organic growth of the BC+AI community over the past 2 years and the huge value it is returning to members such as the amazing results from their hackathon partnership with Rival Technologies.
        • Sev will demonstrate the technical implementations that power these success stories. See first hand how complex AI solutions are transformed into intuitive, executive-ready dashboards that non-profit leaders can immediately envision applying to their own organizational data challenges.
    • 10:00 Stephen Currie 
      • 10 Ways Non-profits Can Protect Themselves When Incorporating AI
    1. Develop a Comprehensive AI Governance Framework;
    2. Establish an AI Ethics Committee;
    3. Prioritize Data Privacy and Security;
    4. Mitigate Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination;
    5. Implement Robust Human Oversight;
    6. Secure Comprehensive Insurance Coverage;
    7. Develop Clear AI Use Policies and Training;
    8. Require Indemnification from AI Vendors and Contributors;
    9. Foster a Culture of Transparency; and
    10. Engage with the Broader Non-profit AI Community.
      • 11:00 Minghui Yu  
        • Getting Started with AI Today:
        • This session will show non-profits how to start using AI today to save time on routine tasks, free up your team for the work that really matters, and make your budget go further. We'll look at real examples of how simple AI + automation can quietly change the way you operate day-to-day, while setting you up for bigger wins later. You'll leave knowing where to start, what to focus on first, and how to plan your next steps as you build toward a more AI-ready organization.
      • Noon Lunch and Networking - boxed lunch (sandwich, salad, cookie)

      • 13:00  Miles Garvey  
        • Data Chaos to AI Readiness: A Roadmap for Non-Profits before AI
          • Resourcing AI: Organizations are resource-strapped with staff wearing many hats, and data is often siloed in donor systems, spreadsheets, and CRMs.
          • Hype vs. reality: AI tools look magical in demos but break when connected to messy or incomplete data.
          • The real bottlenecks - Your Data Infrastructure. Donor data in one system, program data in another, financials in spreadsheets creates chaos on where to go for information.
          • Infrastructure Before AI. The 4 Pillars of Readiness and ensuring Trust, Speed, Scalability.
          • A Practical Non-Profit Roadmap. Start Small. Align Definitions. Build one source-of-truth. Invest in Governance.
      • 14:00  Sarah Downey 
      • Getting started with Ethical AI 
        • This session is designed for non-profit leaders, program directors, and operational teams who want to adopt AI responsibly but aren’t sure where to start. Many organizations are already using AI for various purposes including grant writing and planning. However, without clear policies, shared language, or trust-building, ethical risks can grow.
        • Core Content & Learning Outcomes
          • A values-based framework for developing internal AI policies
          • Guidance on introducing tools in ways that support staff understanding and psychological safety
          • A live demonstration of an ethical GPT tool used to surface bias or ethical blind spots
          • Practical strategies for engaging teams in early AI conversations without overwhelming them
        • Why It Matters
          • Ethical AI adoption requires strong change leadership and a supportive organizational culture. Non-profits carry unique responsibilities around trust, equity, and mission. This session offers tools and perspective to begin this work in alignment with those responsibilities.
          • Format / Delivery: The session will be conversational and example-driven, with a slide deck, live tool demo and space for questions. No prior AI experience is required.
      15:00  Steven Harris  
      • Generative AI for Social Good: Practical Wins for Non-Profits
        • This session explores how Generative AI (GenAI) can help non-profits “do more with less,” unlocking efficiency and impact in resource-constrained environments. Participants will gain a plain-language understanding of GenAI, how these tools can act as thought partners and overcome the “blank screen” problem, and review real-world case studies. Examples include reducing survey analysis time by up to 70%, cutting service provider research by more than 95%, and significantly accelerating grant preparation - while at the same time addressing issues of privacy and the realities of data preparation.
      • Inclusive AI Adoption: Lessons from Women in AI

        • For small and medium-sized non-profits, adopting AI is often daunting—balancing limited resources with the need for ethical, responsible innovation. One of the most effective strategies for success is not going it alone, but instead leveraging community and collaboration. In this talk, I will share insights from my work as the Vancouver City Lead for Women in AI (WAI), a global non-profit fostering inclusive, ethical AI adoption across 140 countries.

          We will explore how non-profits can:

          • Build strategic roadmaps for AI adoption by tapping into trusted communities and mentors

          • Use collaborative networks to pilot and scale AI solutions within limited budgets

          • Empower diverse teams—staff, volunteers, and partners—to understand and leverage AI responsibly

          • Ensure inclusivity and representation are embedded in every stage of adoption

          Through the lens of Women in AI’s initiatives in Vancouver—career fairs, workshops, and mentorship—I will share practical ways non-profits can access resources, avoid common pitfalls, and create sustainable, people-centred AI strategies.

          By anchoring AI adoption in community and inclusivity, non-profits can amplify their impact while protecting the people they serve.

      Speaker Biographies:

      • Kris Krug: is the founder of Vancouver AI meetups, which has organically grown into a thriving network of 10+ specialized AI groups across British Columbia including Surrey AI, Squamish AI, Mind and Consciousness AI, and AI Film Club. As a data governance specialist, KK has pioneered innovative hackathon formats that successfully bridge technical depth with newcomer accessibility. Through the ground breaking Rival Technologies Data Storytelling Hackathon partnership, KK has created a model that delivers real career outcomes - with participants earning job placements, Hall of Fame recognition, and progressive industry contracts that protect intellectual property rights. Based at the Space Center and expanding into NASA Space Apps partnerships, KK continues to demonstrate how thoughtful community building can create multiple on-ramps while ensuring technical experts find their peers across the region.
      • Sev Geraskin: is a technical leader focused on transforming advanced AI capabilities into accessible, decision-ready solutions for organizations. With expertise in creating intuitive interfaces for complex data analysis, Sev builds multimodal dashboards that allow non-technical users to interact directly with sophisticated AI systems. Sev's approach emphasizes practical implementation - showing how cutting-edge technical work translates into executive-friendly tools that organizations can immediately understand and want to implement. Through hands-on demonstrations, Sev bridges the gap between technical possibility and organizational adoption, making AI accessible for leaders who need to see clear pathways from data to actionable insights. 
      • Stephen Currie is a lawyer and AI enthusiast who specializes in evaluating and integrating AI systems into regulated industries. He is co-founder of Jaya AI (www.jaya-ai.ai), a local startup that provides on-premises AI-driven solutions. With expertise in bridging traditional practice with emerging technologies, Stephen focuses on developing secure, compliant AI implementations that meet the unique requirements of regulated environments while maintaining data privacy and operational integrity.
      • Minghui Yu: is the Director of South Arch Technology Services, which provides cybersecurity, IT management, business automation, and digital transformation services to SMEs in the Lower Mainland. Minghui received his MBA from SFU, Bachelor of computer science from UBC, and Bachelor of Engineering from Jiangsu University, China.
      • Miles Garvey is a modern data strategist with cross-sector experience spanning public institutions, consulting, and high-growth private companies. With a background rooted in analytics engineering and data infrastructure, he has helped organizations evolve from fragmented reporting cultures into insight-driven, self-service ecosystems. Miles brings a holistic understanding of how data works in the real world. He speaks frequently about the evolving role of analytics teams, the future of data ownership, and how organizations can adopt AI-native infrastructure. Most recently in the private sector, he led analytics and data platform initiatives at G2, where he built scalable data pipelines, implemented semantic layers, and AI-integrated analytics. 
      • Sarah Downey: text text 
      • Steven Harris is the Founder of AI4Enterprise.ca, a consulting practice dedicated to helping organizations unlock the potential of Generative AI through strategy, governance, and hands-on implementation. Based in Victoria, BC, he brings over three decades of experience in technology - spanning technical, project, and executive leadership roles. Steve combines expertise in technology with AI training and certifications from Microsoft, AWS, Google, and IBM. His current work focuses on GenAI adoption and rollouts, readiness assessments, and adoption frameworks. An active community builder, Steve co-founded the VIATEC AI Meetup, is working with VIATEC on the upcoming VIATEC AI Conference - Prompt and frequently speaks on AI’s role in business transformation from business and technical perspectives. His goal is to enable both commercial and social-profit organizations to harness AI responsibly for efficiency, innovation, and impact (although, if you want to chat about mountain bikes or bouldering Steve can be easily distracted.) 
      • Parisa Asgharzadeh is a Senior Machine Learning Scientist and the Vancouver City Lead for Women in AI, a global nonprofit working toward inclusive and ethical AI. With over nine years of experience in machine learning, computer vision, and AI strategy, Parisa has led technical teams to deliver innovative AI solutions in healthcare, sustainability, and hyperspectral analytics. At Women in AI, she has restarted the Vancouver chapter, organized BC’s first Women in AI Career Fair, and built partnerships with universities and tech companies to expand community impact. Parisa is passionate about making AI accessible, ethical, and sustainable, particularly for organizations with limited resources, and advocates for diverse teams to shape the future of AI responsibly.


      About our location:

      • Deloitte Summit Building 
      • Follow lobby signage to the 23rd floor
      • Capacity - up to 140 people
      • Location - Deloitte Summit Building at 410 West Georgia, Vancouver - great view!
      • Please join us early for networking while enjoying the coffee, muffins, and croissants. 

      You will have access to the Recording, Slide deck, and Supporting Materials from each event. These are typically posted a week after the conference.

      DAMA-Vancouver 2025 Events - Mark Your Calendars:

      • Please send in topics/vendors/paradigms you would like to see!
      • Tue Oct 21st (CDMP preparation class and Pay If You Pass exam)
      • Wed Oct 22nd (8AM-5PM) DAMA Days Canada Conference - Vancouver
      • Tue Oct 22nd (5:30PM-8PM) Low Key Data Happy Hour (GoodCo-965 Granville)
      • Nov 21st: Qlik - Amazing data stories
      • Dec 12th: Holiday season get together (Premium Member Event)

      More Data Community Events - Mark Your Calendars:
      Show details

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