Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi is a globally recognized AI and leadership strategist, educator, and speaker whose work bridges artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and social impact. She specializes in equipping professionals and institutions to harness AI ethically to amplify engagement, accelerate innovation, and drive measurable change.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society for AI (ASFAI), where she is the founding chair of its Ethics & Responsible AI Committee and originated and co-leads the AI for Humanity platform, advancing human-centered and governance-aware AI adoption.
Since joining New York University in 2009, when she first integrated digital storytelling into programs at the Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising, and becoming Adjunct Assistant Professor in 2020, Professor Ngonzi has earned the NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award (2021) and pioneered the integration of generative AI into curricula (beginning in 2023). Her AI for Impact course series—“AI for Impact: Boost Your Marketability and Organizational Growth” and “AI for Impact: Advanced Lab – Building and Applying Custom AI Agents” - incorporates her proprietary 1+1+AI=10™ Methodology and SHINE™ Storytelling Framework, alongside her custom AI for Impact Project Coach. These frameworks have empowered students across nonprofit, corporate, government, and international development sectors to create AI-augmented communications, strategic plans, and campaigns that are values-aligned and impactful.
As Founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute® (The ISII), Professor Ngonzi has, since 2020:
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Trained more than 10,000 professionals across six continents on AI-enhanced storytelling, strategy, and partnership development (since 2023).
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Engaged over 40,000 individuals globally through 130+ webinars, courses, and speaking engagements.
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Advised technology and social impact organizations on optimizing AI offerings for education, compliance, and philanthropy.
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Built 150+ cross-sector partnerships to amplify collective impact.
Her collaborations with organizations such as Candid, Compliance Week, the Mensa Foundation, NASDAQ, the National Institute for Social Sciences, and S&P Global, as well as invitations as a Conversationist and panelist at the Reykjavík Global Forum, highlight her role as a trusted thought leader in ethical AI, education, and digital transformation.
Educated at the United Nations International School, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (BS), and Cornell University (MMH), Professor Ngonzi continues to contribute to her alma mater through the Cornell Tech Product Studio, Cornell University Council, and the President’s Council of Cornell Women.
Through her teaching, speaking, and advisory work, she prepares the next generation of leaders to harness AI and emerging technologies for global good, while emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection and ethical integrity.
