FIMA US 2025

April 07 - 08, 2025

Westin Copley Place, Boston MA

FIMA Unplugged Podcast

Episode 1: Cindy Tu, Discover Financial Services

Join us for our debut episode as we engage in a captivating conversation with Cindy Tu, the Director of IT & Data Audit at Discover Financial Services. In this episode, Cindy generously shares her extensive expertise on a variety of topics, spanning from fostering collaboration between audit and data teams to navigating challenges in data risk management. We’ll also address key challenges faced by women and minorities in the data field.


Episode 2: John Bottega, The EDM Council

Unlock the world of data management with the latest episode featuring esteemed guest speaker John Bottega, President of the EDM Council. John delves into the critical role of data management in financial transactions, regulatory compliance, and AI governance. He also highlights the significance of the Data Excellence Program and introduces the Cloud Data Management Capability (CDMC) framework, designed to address the unique challenges of managing data in the cloud. Listen in to explore the intersection of data management and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for a solid data foundation in AI programs.


Episode 3: Asha Saxena, The AI Factor

Join us for an enriching episode that explores the multifaceted dimensions of AI with Asha Saxena, the author of the best seller book, 'The AI Factor.’ Asha unveils the essence of her book, exploring the inspiration behind it and shedding light on the crucial concepts it delves into. Additionally, she provides a sneak peek into her upcoming venture – an AI certification program, unraveling the importance of certification in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. The conversation takes a turn towards the responsible use of AI, with Asha passionately discussing the need for organizations to focus on ethical and responsible AI practices. ‘The AI Factor’ is available for purchase on Amazon as well as https://theaifactor.ai/.


Episode 4: Alina Rivilis, Home Trust Company

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on navigating the ethical frontiers of data science and AI within the realm of finance with Alina Rivilis, the Director of Data Science at Home Trust. She shares her illustrious 20-year journey in data science and explores the labyrinth of AI regulations, shedding light on the necessity for institutions to adapt swiftly and ensure customer and employee safety. The conversation extends to AI governance strategies and the intricate balance between innovation and risk mitigation, ultimately advocating for a judicious approach towards AI implementation. With a focus on open versus closed AI models and the critical need for human oversight, Alina dives into the complexities of AI model accuracy and the importance of ongoing education and awareness within the field.


Episode 5: Asha Saxena, WLDA part 2

Don't miss this episode for a deep dive into the world of data leadership, diversity, and the dynamic initiatives as we welcome back Asha Saxena, the CEO and Co-Founder of WLDA (Women Leaders in Data & AI). Asha shares her motivation behind creating WLDA, addressing the gaps she observed in the industry and the importance of fostering diversity and leadership in data and AI. She offers insights into how organizations can kickstart initiatives promoted by WLDA and inspire positive change. She discusses the unparalleled career-building and networking opportunities that FIMA USA provides, emphasizing the unique experiences attendees gain, setting it apart from other events in the industry. You can check out more about WLDA https://wlda.tech/