The power of a cohort: why AI adoption works better together

Emily Brown

Emily Brown is Microsoft’s Journalism Director, working to strengthen the news ecosystem by supporting journalists, local media and journalism organizations navigating rapid technological change. She builds partnerships that drive newsroom innovation, foster trust in emerging technology and promote best practices in AI adoption. Before joining Microsoft, Emily was USA TODAY’s Managing Editor for Audience and Digital Platforms, leading teams focused on social strategy, audience growth and data-driven engagement. She started her career as a features reporter in northern Virginia and remains passionate about helping newsrooms reach audiences and sustain high-impact journalism.

Heba Kandil

Heba Kandil oversees the design and development of key media initiatives at Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) to ensure TRF continues to provide innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience of free and independent media. An ex-Reuters journalist, TRF trainer, and spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme, Heba brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, communications, and media development. She has covered top news stories in the Middle East and North Africa, designed and delivered journalism and communication workshops in English and Arabic, and managed strategic media projects and engaged stakeholders for TRF and the UN. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications, The American University in Cairo, as well as an MSc. in Strategic Communication, University of Liverpool.

Tristan Loper

Tristan Loper leads The Lenfest Institute’s National Programs. His portfolio includes the Institute’s communities of practice, the AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program, Beyond Print, the Knight Communities Network, and the Institute’s initiatives across greater Pennsylvania, among other programs. He is also the co-founder of News Revenue Hub, a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping mission-driven news organizations grow their revenue and reach. At the Hub, he collaborated with hundreds of news organizations and talented individuals to help raise over $120 million in support of mission-driven journalism. Most recently, Tristan served as the Hub’s Chief Product Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Earlier in his career, Tristan was the lead technologist at Voice of San Diego and worked in continuing education program management, design, and marketing. He has also developed and taught accredited courses in photography.

Aldana Vales

Aldana Vales is the Director of Audience Experiences at Gannett - USA TODAY Network. Specializing in understanding how people interact with journalism, she focuses on helping local newsrooms build direct connections with their readers, viewers, and listeners. Her efforts to enhance the overall on-platform experience and create a more intuitive and engaging digital environment reach more than 200 local communities in the U.S. Prior to joining Gannett, Aldana worked on audience and community research for The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic and Documented.

Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo

Il Festival Internazionale del Giornalismo di Perugia è un evento annuale che riunisce professionisti dei media, esperti di comunicazione e appassionati di informazione da tutto il mondo. Si svolge nel centro storico di Perugia e offre conferenze, dibattiti, workshop e opportunità di networking sui temi più rilevanti del giornalismo contemporaneo.

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