Keynote Speaker Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Dr. Sabba Quidwai is a speaker, author, and AI advisor who helps visionary leaders design human-centered systems that thrive in an AI-powered world. As the CEO of Designing Schools and a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, Sabba blends research-backed strategy with real-world application.
A former Education Executive at Apple, Sabba has been researching the future of learning and AI since 2014. Her book and documentary Designing Schools explore how design thinking helps people lead through change with confidence and creativity. She believes cultures of innovation begin with cultures of empathy, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Sabba’s signature message? AI shouldn’t replace people, it should elevate them.
Through keynotes, coaching, and courses, she helps organizations build AI teams that work with humans, not around them, streamlining workflows, unlocking innovation, and building a future where leadership is both bold and deeply human.
Sessions
Thursday, 8:45am-9:30am
KEYNOTE “Your Human Advantage: Turning AI Tools into Trusted Teammates”
What happens when machines can think, act, and create alongside us?
In a world where AI is increasingly capable, the real advantage isn’t the technology, it’s how we lead alongside it. This keynote challenges leaders, educators, and students to make a critical shift: moving from using AI as a tool to partnering with it as a trusted teammate.
Through practical examples and human-centered insights, Dr. Sabba Quidwai shows how design thinking fuels the mindset and methods needed to build cultures of innovation rooted in empathy and trust. She introduces the SPARK framework, a powerful guide for prompting, collaborating, and creating with AI intentionally and ethically.
This isn’t about doing more with machines.
It’s about building a future where human creativity, leadership, and connection drive lasting advantage. Now is the moment to lead what comes next.
Thursday, Session 6, 11:05am-11:55am
WORKSHOP “Build your AI Dream Team with Gemini and Canva”
Gemini and Canva just got promoted, from classroom tools to AI-powered teammates and they’re reporting for duty. You already know them, but what you might not realize is how much more they can do now. In this session, you’ll learn how to design your AI teammates with purpose:
- Assign them clear roles that support both you and your learners
- Use prompting strategies that turn AI into a creative collaborator
- Tap into Canva’s and Gemini’s latest features to design more ambitious, learner-centered experiences.
- Reframe AI as part of your teaching team, working behind the scenes to free you up for what really matters.
Great teaching was never meant to be a solo act. Join us to build your AI Dream Team.