Powering the Intelligent Future - AI Infrastructure, Innovation, and Workforce Transformation
CIE/USA-DFW invites industry leaders, researchers, professionals, and community partners to explore the opportunities and challenges created by accelerated innovation and workforce transformation.
The Annual Convention is a celebration of the services that CIE/USA-DFW delivers to the DFW community, and affirms the partnership we have with the industries, universities, government and community in which our members live and work. In this year’s theme, “Powering the Intelligent Future – AI Infrastructure, Innovation, and Workforce Transformation”, there are Career Development session, Think Tank Forum, Reception, and Banquet for networking.
An Entrepreneur’s Letter from the Future to You
Skip Howard is a visionary technology entrepreneur and a recognized leader in AI and computer vision. He has spent more than 20 years turning emerging technologies into real-world solutions. As Founder of Computer Visionaries and a Dallas 500 influential business leader, Skip continues to shape the future of AI by connecting cutting-edge innovation with real-world impact.
Aneeliz Alamo
HR Director – Americas · Diodes Incorporated
With more than 20 years of HR leadership experience, Aneeliz Alamo brings deep expertise in talent management, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. As HR Director – Americas at Diodes Incorporated, she is passionate about developing talent, strengthening leadership capabilities, and creating workplaces where people can grow and succeed. She helps professionals build the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s evolving workplace.
Hedison Mui
Account Executive · Synera
Helping organizations transform complex engineering processes through Agentic AI and emerging technologies. His experience spans aerospace, automotive, and energy, with a technical background in simulation, high-performance computing, data analytics, and AI. At Synera, he works at the intersection of advanced technology and real-world engineering, helping organizations improve efficiency, accelerate innovation, and rethink traditional engineering workflows.
Lisa M. Ong, PCC, CPA
President & Founder · Wishing Out Loud LLC
Acclaimed executive coach, speaker, and inclusive leadership strategist with 30+ years of experience, including national leadership at PwC. A five-time D CEO Dallas 500 honoree, Lisa is known as a “talent gardener” and “inclusion connector,” helping C-suite leaders and organizations strengthen talent strategy, employee experience, and leadership development. Her work empowers leaders to build high-performing, inclusive workplaces where both people and organizations can thrive.
Monica L. Knight, SHRM-SCP
Senior Employee Relations Manager · Oncor
Strategic HR leader with 35 years of experience across major organizations including Oncor, Sprint, Motorola, AMD, and Dell. Monica brings deep expertise in employee relations, talent management, leadership development, and cultural transformation. Known for her integrity and people-centered leadership, she helps organizations navigate complexity, strengthen workforce engagement, and build high-performing, inclusive cultures aligned with business goals.
Mickey Yao
AVP of Business and Data Analytics · USAA
Mickey Yao is an accomplished banking and data science leader with 25+ years of experience across USAA, JPMorgan Chase, and KeyBank. Her expertise spans data analytics, information stewardship, business transformation, and organizational leadership. She is known for driving strong execution, building collaborative teams, and developing high-performing talent while helping organizations turn data and technology into meaningful business outcomes.
Dr. Adel Alaeddini
Professor & Executive Director of Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing· SMU
Leading researcher at the intersection of AI, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Dr. Alaeddini integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins, and human expertise to advance Industry 5.0, with applications spanning manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. His research has attracted more than $14 million in funding from major federal agencies.
Mark Carpenter
Senior Vice President, Transmission & Distribution Operations · Oncor
Distinguished power and energy executive with more than five decades of leadership spanning grid operations, engineering, and technology. An IEEE Fellow and registered Professional Engineer, Mark oversees critical transmission and distribution operations at Oncor and is widely recognized for advancing power-system innovation while building high-performing engineering teams.
Skip Howard
Founder · Computer Visionaries
Visionary technology entrepreneur and expert in GenAI, physical AI, and computer vision with 20+ years of industry experience. Founder of Spacee and Computer Visionaries, Skip has pioneered AI-powered solutions for major enterprises and Fortune 500 companies. A seven-time D Magazine Dallas 500 honoree, he is widely recognized for bringing cutting-edge AI innovation from digital intelligence into real-world physical applications.
David Lu
Vice President, Network Systems (Retired) · AT&T
Distinguished technology executive with 35 years of leadership at AT&T, where he led global organizations of 5,000+ people and pioneered next-generation network virtualization, 5G/Fiber, and AI-driven platforms. Holder of 60+ patents, awards received include CIE-USA AAEOY Engineer of the Year Award in 2017 and Executive of the Year Award in 2023, IEEE CQR Chairman’s Award, CIO 100 Award, AT&T Innovation and Patent Awards, and AT&T Corporate Leadership Award. David is an award-winning industry leader recognized for transforming breakthrough technologies into large-scale business and network impact.
Dr. Wei-Jen Lee
Professor & Chair, Electrical Engineering · The University of Texas at Arlington
Internationally recognized power and energy expert and IEEE Fellow with extensive leadership across IEEE and the global engineering community. Dr. Lee’s expertise spans smart grid, renewable energy, energy storage, AI-driven forecasting, power systems, and has served as the primary investigator (PI) or Co-PI of over one hundred and twenty funded research projects with the publication of more than two hundred and forty journal papers and three hundred and thirty conference proceedings.
Dan Sinawat
Founder & CEO · AI CONNEX and VC ARENA
Dan Sinawat is a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and a driving force in the Dallas tech ecosystem. As CEO of VC ARENA, he is on a mission to transform Dallas into the next Silicon Valley, bringing together Venture Capitalists, Family Offices and Founders to fuel innovation and investment. Recognized by Dallas Innovates, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI for his leadership as Founder of AI CONNEX, he has been named one of the Most Innovative Leaders in AI in DFW (AI75). Dan continues to play a pivotal role in building a global AI community and connecting cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.
2026 CIE/USA-DFW ANNUAL CONVENTION PROGRAMS
| Time | Program | Program Details |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Check In | |
| 1:00 - 2:45 PM | Career Development - Beyond Algorithm: Communicate, Innovate, and Lead in the AI Age | Open discussion and Hands-on Demonstration: |
| FREE - registration required | ||
| Aneeliz Alamo, HR Director-Americas at Diodes | ||
| Monica Knight, Senior Manager Employee Relations at Oncor | ||
| Hedison Mui, Account Executive at Synera | ||
| Lisa M. Ong, Founder at Wishing Out Loud | ||
| Mickey Yao, Executive of Information Delivery at USAA (Moderator) | ||
| 2:45 - 3:00 PM | Break | |
| 3:00 - 4:45 PM | Think Tank Forum - From models to metal: AI's Infrastructure Gap | A moderated forum with 4 panelists: |
| FREE - registration required | ||
| Dr. Wei-Jen Lee, Professor and Chair of Electrical at SMU (Host) | ||
| Mark Carpenter, Sr. VP of Transmission and Distribution Operations at Oncor | ||
| David Lu, VP of Network Systems (Retired) at AT&T | ||
| Dr. Adel Alaeddini, Executive Director of Center for Digital and Human-Augumented Manufacturing at SMU | ||
| Skip Howard, Founder of AI Visionaries | ||
| Dan Sinawat, CEO and Founder at AI Connex and VC Arena (Moderator) | ||
| 4:45 - 5:00 PM | Break | |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | VIP Reception | INVITATION ONLY |
| Invited Guests / individual Outstanding Community Service Award (iOCSA) | ||
| 6:00 - 9:00 PM | Banquet | TICKET REQUIRED |
| Lion Dance | ||
| Youth Talent Performance | ||
| Keynote speaker: Skip Howard, Founder at AI Visionaries | ||
| Community Service Award (Sponsor Recognition) | ||
| Young Achiever Award |
Choose the right access for each program.
The Career Workshop and Think Tank Forum are free, but advance registration is requested. The VIP Reception is reserved for invited guests. Only the Annual Banquet requires a paid ticket.
