Elizabeth Ngonzi

Professor Liz Ngonzi, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University since 2009, is a pioneering force in integrating AI, emerging technologies, and digital storytelling into social impact education. Her innovative approach and dedication to excellence earned her the prestigious NYU SPS 2021 Teaching Excellence Award. In 2023, she broke new ground by introducing generative AI into her curriculum, empowering professional students to leverage this cutting-edge technology for enhanced stakeholder engagement and social impact.

As the Founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute® (The ISII), Professor Ngonzi's influence extends far beyond the classroom. Her global initiatives have made significant strides in AI education and social impact, training over 6,700 professionals in generative AI since 2023 and engaging nearly 40,000 individuals through 130 educational events. Her collaborations with renowned organizations such as Candid, GivingTuesday, the Obama Foundation, and USAID/Power Africa underscore her role as a thought leader at the intersection of AI and social impact.

Recognized globally for her expertise, Professor Ngonzi holds the distinction of being a Distinguished Member of the American Society for Artificial Intelligence (ASFAI). She was invited as a Conversationist at the 7th Reykjavik Global Forum 2024, co-hosted by the Government and Parliament of Iceland, further cementing her status as a global AI strategist. Her innovative work has earned her a place among the Top 101 Women in AI Marketing, and she was named the Most Empowering Transformation Coach in the Northeast USA for 2023.

A proud alumna of Cornell University (MMH) and Syracuse University (BS), Professor Ngonzi continues to give back to her alma mater through her service on the Cornell University Council and the President's Council of Cornell Women. Her commitment to innovation extends to her role at The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, where she spearheads AI initiatives to make educational content more accessible across languages and cultures.

Through her teaching, speaking engagements, and consultancy work, Professor Ngonzi continues to shape the future of AI in social impact, preparing the next generation of leaders to harness the power of technology for global change.