Key Note Speakers
Our Keynote Speakers for SASE NERC 2017 are:
Aaron Beverly
Biography:
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In August 2016, Aaron competed against over 30,000 competitors across the globe in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. Performing the speech, that has come to be known simply as the “57-Word Title” Speech, Aaron spoke about the power of using a few words which earned him 2nd place in what some have declared one of the toughest World Championship of Public Speaking contests ever.
Prior to stepping on the world stage, Aaron was a 3 time semi finalist in the International speech contest competing in Cincinnati, Ohio and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Washington, D.C.
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Outside of Toastmasters, Aaron considers himself to be “one of the most introverted people you can meet.” Public speaking was the last thing he ever thought he’d do, much less become proficient in the skill. However, with hard work and great mentors, Aaron has learned to balance his innate introversion with flashes of extroversion.
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This has led Aaron to engage audiences from companies such as Vanguard, J.P. Morgan Chase, Federal Reserve Bank, Associations such as the National Association of Asian American Professionals as well as educational institutions such as Drexel University, Temple University and University of Pennsylvania.
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Aaron promotes the Toastmasters mission and the value that communication can have in the advancement of your professional and personal life.
2nd Place Winner of the World Championship of Public Speaking
Keynote: “Speak and Be You”
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Aaron discusses growing up as an introvert, coming out of his comfort zone and his journey to the World Championship stage. The audience will learn Aaron’s process of speech preparation, how to find the right speaking coach, and how to be their own greatest asset, among many other tips and points of wisdom.
Yi Deng
Dean of the College of Computing & Informatics at Drexel University
Biography:
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Dr. Deng serves as dean and Isaac L. Auerbach professor at the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University. He holds a doctoral degree in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor of science degree in computer science & technology from the University of Science and Technology of China. He joined Drexel's faculty in September 2016, previously serving as dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and as dean and professor at the School of Computing & Information Sciences at Florida International University. He is a respected leader in interdisciplinary computing research with 21 research awards as PI or co-PI totaling over $21 million. He also founded and directed four major research centers.
Keynote: “Harnessing the Potential of the I&T Economy”
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The impact of the information and technology (I&T) economy across today’s industries is widespread. As the demand for technological solutions is growing faster than the talent that’s available, many companies are racing to keep ahead of the competition. Today’s emerging scientists, engineers and technologists will play an enormous role as the innovators and solution-makers for our world. How can we better position ourselves – as scientists, engineers, and/or academics – to respond to these industry demands both now and in the future? In this keynote address, Isaac L. Auerbach Professor and Dean of the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) Yi Deng, PhD will outline the current landscape of the tech economy, discuss the 21st Century talent needs and career opportunities, and describe how Drexel University and CCI are harnessing the potential of the I&T economy on both a regional and global scale.