Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Annual Conference

Bala is a recognized Thought Leader on Data and AI from IBM. He leads the Worldwide Data & AI Solutions Team from IBM Technology Expert Labs to design and deliver solutions around Data Governance, Data Management, Data & AI Security, Data Integration, Data Observability, GenAI and AI Governance. Bala has a proven track record of designing and implementing Data and AI solutions for many State agencies, federal and private organizations in North America and around the world. He has extensive expertise in working with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and CXOs to develop information governance strategy, Data Strategy, and agile implementation roadmap to successfully adopt the governance journey to meet their regulatory compliance needs as well as to generate business value from the data management landscape. Bala received many awards in IBM and a US patent holder patent holder (Governed Database Connectivity). Active contributor to AI ethics and governance, including contributions to the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA) and part of IBM AI Ethics Board. Bala lives in Frisco, Texas, and holds a master of business administration (MBA) degree from Purdue University, has been awarded "All India gold medal" and three University gold medals for his outstanding achievements in bachelor degree (B.Tech) from Anna University, India.

Dd Budiharto is a founder of Cyber Point Advisory, LLC, a leader in fractional CISO firm that provides cyber security advisory services to startup, emerging, and global organizations. She partners with executive teams, business stakeholders, and IT leaders to develop strategy and road map to enhance the organization’s cyber security posture. Her expertise in IT and OT security has been instrumental in delivering significantly enhanced information and cyber security for companies including Phillips 66, Baker Hughes, Marathon Oil Corporation, and Halliburton. Dd has been a digital security visionary for over 30 years. As an industry leader, she worked closely with the White House on Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity initiatives. She served as chairman of the American Petroleum Institute (API) IT Security Subcommittee, where she collaborated with the White House, and is currently a Governing Member of Gartner and SecureWorld CISO Executive. Dd is passionate about building ⭕Cybersecurity Circle⭕, an inclusive community for cybersecurity enthusiasts at all levels. She serves as a Board of Director of LINK Houston and has remained active as a speaker, moderator, mentor, and advisor for Hou.Sec.Con., Exec.Sec.Con., Women Executive Forum, T200, 50/50 Women On Boards, ISSA, Minorities in Cybersecurity, Cyversity and at multiple universities over time, including the University of Houston, Baylor University, Houston Christian University, University of St Thomas, and Rice University Baker Institute. Dd was the recipient of the 2024 ORBIE Houston CISO Leadership Award, and a nominee for Team8’s 2025 Cyber25-Women of Impact.

Erika Vela is a technology transactions attorney who helps clients with strategic business growth. She advises and represents national and global businesses on commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, licensing, data privacy and cybersecurity. Erika is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and has worked with and represented businesses across the U.S. and abroad, including Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. She has managed contracts for a global leader in consumer electronics and worked in both large and boutique law firms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. Her vast experience includes serving as outside counsel for software companies, negotiating technology agreements for major international businesses, and handling mergers and acquisitions across key industries, including multibillion-dollar deals. Erika also serves on the Board of Directors for the Data Management Association (DAMA) of Houston, the local chapter of DAMA International. In addition, she is a member of Women in Big Data, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Houston Asia Society Texas Center and the American Bar Association’s International Law Section. Her community involvement has further established her as a trusted advisor and advocate in the legal profession.