#ACELing2026 ~ Speaker Bios

SPEAKER BIOS

Harish K. Ankaraju is an Executive Director in Tax at EY, based in Phoenix, Arizona, recognized for delivering exceptional leadership and technical excellence in advising multinational corporations and private equity-backed businesses. Harish  specializes in complex U.S. and international tax matters, with a strong track record of guiding organizations through high-stakes transactions, regulatory change, and global expansion. Beyond professional achievements, Harish  is a committed leader in the Arizona business and life sciences community and an advocate for advancing Pan-Asian professionals through mentorship, visibility, and inclusive leadership. 

Pranjit Biswas is an Enterprise Solutions Architect at AWS, speaker, mentor, and thought leader who believes leadership begins long before receiving a title. With 18 years of experience, he has led complex initiatives, influenced executive decisions, and driven organizational change through technical expertise, collaboration, and relationship-building. Passionate about learning and community engagement, Pranjit shares insights on leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is committed to helping professionals increase their visibility, advocate for their ideas, and develop the confidence to lead at every stage of their careers. His work reflects that leadership is defined by impact and the people you inspire. 

Sam Castro, LAC, is an Associate Experience, Belonging & Wellbeing Partner at Choice Hotels International, where she leads initiatives focused on employee experience, belonging, wellbeing, associate engagement, and leadership development. She partners with leaders and manages Choice Resource Groups (CRGs) to create programs that strengthen culture, foster connection, and support growth across the organization. Sam is also a Licensed Associate Counselor, bringing expertise in mental health and psychological safety that informs her approach to workplace wellbeing, leadership, and belonging. Her impact is to create environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.

Max Chan is Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Avnet, where he leads global information technology, cybersecurity, digital strategy, and business transformation initiatives that support the company's digital-first vision. He oversees Avnet's global IT organization and digital system integration business, delivering technology solutions for internal and external customers. Since joining Avnet in 2013, Max has led major system implementations, established Global Development Centers, and advanced global applications before being named CIO in 2019. Previously, he held IT leadership roles at VF Corporation and Johnson Controls. Max holds degrees from the University of Malaya and the University of Birmingham.

Roger Cheng is a Senior Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager at AT&T, where he leads initiatives to expand opportunities for diverse suppliers and strengthen inclusive procurement practices. Before joining AT&T, he spent more than 14 years working with minority- and women-owned technology businesses, driving business development and strategic growth through supplier diversity. Known nationally as “The Voice,” Roger is a sought-after emcee and Voice of God (VOG) announcer for conferences and corporate events across the country. In recognition of his advocacy and leadership, Roger was honored as the #HeForShe Champion at the 2017 WBENC National Conference. 

Michael Cheung leads the development of quantitative, algorithmic, and deep learning-based systems that shape research and investment strategies at Redwood Investment Management, which oversees approximately $3 billion in assets. With over 15 years of investment experience, he advances Redwood’s technology-driven approach to portfolio construction and dynamic risk management. Michael also drives innovation initiatives that leverage data science, automation, and scalable infrastructure to transform financial services. His work enhances decision-making, operational efficiency, and long-term performance, positioning Redwood as a leader in modern, data-driven asset management. 

Katie Chin is an award-winning celebrity chef, cookbook author, caterer, and Culinary Ambassador for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The daughter of renowned restaurateur Leeann Chin, Katie grew up in the restaurant industry before pursuing a successful career in film and television marketing. She later returned to her culinary roots, becoming a celebrated chef, author, and cultural storyteller. Katie has authored five cookbooks, including Everyday Chinese Cookbook and Katie Chin’s Global Family Cookbook, and has appeared on The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Food Network’s Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay, and Chopped. Through food and storytelling, Katie inspires audiences to embrace heritage, resilience, and connection. 

Claira Dresher is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in trauma, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions. Before entering clinical practice, she spent over 20 years in executive leadership at global financial institutions and healthcare organizations, giving her firsthand insight into the pressures of high achievement, burnout, and identity. Claira is passionate about helping individuals and communities build resilience through culturally responsive, evidence-based care. She enjoys fostering meaningful conversations that bridge leadership, mental health, and personal growth.

Steve Erickson is the Chief Learning Officer at Desert Botanical Garden, where he leads initiatives to inspire and educate through nature-based learning. Prior to this role, he spent over 13 years with Teach For America, serving in several leadership capacities including Executive Director and Vice President of External Affairs. With a strong background in public affairs and community engagement, Steve has dedicated his career to advancing educational equity and fostering civic partnerships across Phoenix. His strategic leadership and deep commitment to community impact continue to shape innovative programs that empower individuals and strengthen the fabric of the region.

Elizabeth Greene is a seasoned talent development leader with over two decades of experience driving learning strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth in fast-paced global environments. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Organizational Learning and Development at Lam Research, a Fortune 500 semiconductor equipment company. Elizabeth holds an MBA, a Bachelor’s in East Asian Studies, and the SHRM-SCP certification. She also serves as a Make-A-Wish volunteer, Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders (ACEL) mentor and speaker, and an advisory board member for Northern Arizona University’s workforce development committee focused on the semiconductor industry.

Neha Gupta is a Lecturer in Business Analytics at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management, where she teaches Statistical Inference in Management to large cohorts. With over 20 years of experience spanning business analytics, enterprise operations, and e-learning, she brings a practitioner's lens to data-driven decision-making. Neha holds an MS in Business Analytics from the University of Arizona and has worked across industries including insurance, consulting, and technology. She is passionate about equipping the next generation of leaders with the analytical and AI literacy skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Mike Hayashi has provided his self-empowerment & security seminars at 525 companies and universities across America, Aruba & Jamaica. Holding both a Master’s Degree in Education and several Karate Black Belts, he has made 450 TV appearances and been nominated for an Emmy Award. Mike’s life mission is to end violence against women, his seminars have reached over 500,000 participants in 27 States. Besides A Woman’s Place is in Control; his most popular seminars include: Black Belt Media Mastery (How to Attract Free TV Appearances), The 15 Steps to Be a Triple-P Speaker! (Polished, Powerful… & Paid) & Maximum Impact (Communication Skills for Professionals In & Out of the Office)

Chris Heo is a full-time professor at ASU Law and also serves as bar counsel at the State Bar of Arizona, investigating and litigating lawyer ethics violations. Before transitioning to public service, Chris was a partner at a national law firm. Chris has been heavily involved with the Arizona Asian American Bar Association since law school and has served as its treasurer, vice president, president, and ex-officio. Chris is a graduate of the State Bar of Arizona’s Bar Leadership Institute and is a strong advocate and believer in the importance of mentoring our community’s next leaders.

Amanda Ho joined Pinnacle West in 2015 and is currently the Director of Investor Relations.  She leads and prepares the company’s quarterly earnings calls, along with developing strategic messaging, outreach, and critical relationships with institutional investors. Amanda started her career with Pinnacle West in the Law Department as a Senior Attorney and was previously the Director of State Regulatory Affairs.  Prior to joining Pinnacle West, Amanda held various roles at the Arizona Corporation Commission.  Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Juris Doctor, both from Arizona State University. Born and raised in Phoenix, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and eating delicious food.

Kenny Ho is an Associate Corporate Counsel at Carvana, LLC, where he manages the company’s external litigation portfolio, including consumer disputes, commercial litigation, general liability, insurance matters, and regulatory investigations. He partners with business leaders to mitigate risk and protect company interests. Kenny is a board member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association and a graduate of Valley Leadership Accelerate Class 1 and the State Bar of Arizona’s Bar Leadership Institute Class 12. He is actively involved with ACEL and Lambda Legal. Outside of work, Kenny enjoys martial arts, exploring Phoenix’s food scene, and writing his music blog. 

Melissa Ho is Deputy General Counsel and Director of Compliance at Cavco Industries, Inc., one of the nation’s largest manufactured housing companies. Prior to joining Cavco, Melissa served as head of regulatory matters for a global semiconductor company, advising on complex compliance frameworks and government-facing issues. A life-long Arizonan, Melissa is deeply passionate about mentoring and community service and is invested in seeing the Arizona legal community continue to thrive. 

Tommie Ho is the Director of Business Intelligence at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, leading enterprise BI, AI modernization, and data strategy initiatives that turn complex challenges into measurable outcomes. He is passionate about building high-performing teams and enabling organizations to leverage AI and data for smarter decision-making. Outside his corporate role, Tommie is an entrepreneur, consultant, and content creator, sharing insights on leadership, technology, career growth, and innovation. He believes the best solutions start with clear outcomes and empowering people with the right tools to achieve them.

Lawrence Huey is an Executive Coach with Novus Global who partners with senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners to expand their leadership capacity, sharpen strategic thinking, and increase organizational impact. Drawing on nearly two decades as a nonprofit founder and executive director, he brings deep experience building teams, leading through complexity, and driving meaningful change. Lawrence has coached leaders across aerospace, defense, energy, finance, healthcare, sports, and technology, working with organizations including NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Defense, Northrop Grumman, U.S. Bank, and the NFL. He helps leaders gain clarity, elevate performance, and create lasting transformation.

Tania Will Jeppesen is a leadership expert, speaker, and founder of The Prepared Leader. She regularly speaks at conferences, leads workshops, and facilitates leadership development sessions to help audiences build stronger communication, execution, and accountability skills. With 20+ years of experience across Fortune 50 companies and small to mid-sized businesses, Tania brings a practical, real-world approach shaped by her background in Operations, Human Resources, and Industrial Engineering. Her sessions are known for being clear, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Dinesh Kakwani is a Tax Services Principal who advises multinational companies on complex U.S. federal and international tax matters. He works with clients nationwide, providing strategic guidance on ASC 740, foreign operations of U.S. multinationals, cash management and treasury, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, internal reorganizations, supply chain planning, intangible property alignment, loss utilization, and the character and source of income. Dinesh earned an Executive MBA from New York University with concentrations in Finance and Leadership and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Hofstra University. He is recognized for delivering practical tax strategies that support business growth and global operations. 

Phil Kim is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Signature Wealth Concepts, with over two decades of experience in financial planning and wealth management for individuals and businesses. A graduate of Cornell University, Phil holds multiple industry designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and various FINRA registrations (Series 7, Series 66, and Series 24). His dedication to excellence, combined with a strong commitment to education and the profession, allows him to provide exceptional service to his clients. Active in his community and a frequent speaker on topics such as business strategy, financial planning, and career advice, Phil builds lasting relationships based on trust and accountability. Since 2008, he has resided in Arizona with his wife and two children, enjoying golf, travel, and outdoor activities.

Van Lai-DuMone is a speaker, author, and founder of worksmart Advantage, a leadership and team development consultancy that weaves creativity, curiosity, and play into training and development. She helps organizations transform workplace culture by unlocking the innate creativity within individuals and teams. Her book, "What If Pigs Can Fly?" tells how her mother and 19 Vietnamese refugee women trailblazed the now $8.3 billion U.S. manicure industry, and offers a framework for readers to follow their own curiosities toward new possibilities.

Roger Lee is Founder and Principal of Contact Center Advocates, where he serves as a consultant and executive advisor helping organizations modernize their contact centers and lead confidently through the rise of AI. With more than 15 years of experience in global operations, customer experience, and AI product strategy, Roger specializes in aligning people, process, and technology to create smarter, more connected organizations. A recognized CX thought leader, he has led transformation initiatives delivering millions in cost savings and revenue growth. Roger is a Six Sigma Black Belt, COPC leader, former Stevie Awards judge, and a passionate mentor to emerging leaders. 

Ron Li leads strategy and analytics for the partnerships, media, and new ventures business across the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns, and Mortgage Matchup Center. Prior to joining the organization, he served as SVP of Client Strategy at Navigate, a leading sports and entertainment consultancy. He has also held roles in sponsorship, research, and business strategy at Electronic Arts and the PGA TOUR. Originally from Hong Kong, Ron has lived and worked in Canada, Germany, Singapore, and the United States.

Justine Pangallo leads EX at SWG where she leads enterprise-wide engagement, listening strategy, and DE&I initiatives. A proud Filipina-American leader, Justine brings a diverse background spanning talent acquisition, sales leadership, and operations. Throughout her career, she has built and scaled programs, led cross-functional teams, and advised executive leaders across industries including tech, hospitality, and energy. She has built her career by leading through influence—driving results, building trust, and creating opportunities for others before ever holding a formal leadership title. She currently serves as a Board Advisor for Ascend Las Vegas, supporting AAPI advancement.

Jack Liu is a healthcare technology entrepreneur and leader dedicated to transforming healthcare operations through innovative solutions. As co-founder and CEO of ProCARE Portal, he has guided the company’s growth since 2019, expanding its platform to support more than 25,000 providers and establishing an international presence. Jack brings deep expertise in healthcare SaaS, provider compensation, performance management, and emerging market trends. He also serves as a board director for ACEL, a national nonprofit advancing AANHPI leadership and mentorship. Passionate about entrepreneurship and community impact, Jack enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, playing golf, and spending time with his two dogs.

Ashley Mina is a 2x award-winning community founder and co-founder of a boutique HR and recruiting agency. Under her personal brand, Your Work Wife Ashley, she builds businesses and brands for women who are done waiting for rooms that were designed with them in mind. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, identity, and human connection — and the belief that diverse and equitable teams, stages, and companies aren't a nice-to-have, it's a standard. She operates from one conviction: that building a thriving business shouldn't come at the cost of self. 

Maria Morales is a community relations leader at Arizona Public Service (APS) with more than 25 years of experience advancing community engagement, customer outreach, and strategic partnerships across Arizona. A lifelong Arizona resident, she is passionate about connecting individuals and organizations with resources that strengthen communities. Maria has championed volunteerism, nonprofit partnerships, and customer assistance initiatives while supporting APS's commitment to safe, reliable energy service. She is a dedicated advocate for inclusion, mentorship, and servant leadership, serving on nonprofit boards and employee resource groups. Through collaboration and service, Maria continues to make a lasting impact on Arizona communities and the people they serve. 

Andrea Moreno is a community engagement leader, nonprofit advocate, and 23-year veteran of the utility industry dedicated to creating meaningful impact across Arizona. Born and raised in Tolleson, she has led initiatives that strengthen partnerships between organizations and the communities they serve. Fluent in English and Spanish, Andrea is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to service. Her experience includes managing multimillion-dollar corporate and nonprofit budgets, developing community investment programs, and raising significant funding to support underserved women’s education. She currently serves on several nonprofit boards, championing opportunities that empower communities and inspire future generations. 

Larissa Riley is a brand and messaging strategist with 20 years of experience shaping messages for billion dollar brands and visionary founders alike. After leading creative strategy in the corporate world, she launched Sun Scribe Creative, where she helps founders, creative teams, and evolving brands clarify their messaging and tell stories that build lasting connections. She also co-founded Gals Against the Grain, a community for API founders, creatives, and business owners challenging expectations and forging their own paths. Drawing from her expertise and lived experience, Larissa is building the community she once wished existed, rooted in belonging, authenticity, and bold creativity.

Roxanne K. Song Ong has served the Arizona criminal justice system for over 45 years, breaking barriers as the first Asian American woman lawyer and first Asian American woman judge in AZ. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, she received her B.A. in Education from ASU and her J.D. from the UA College of Law.  Her career began in immigration law, criminal prosecution, and criminal defense.  First appointed as a judge in 1986, she served in various judicial leadership positions until ultimately being appointed in 2005 as the Chief Presiding Judge for Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the United States, becoming the first woman and first person of color to serve as top judge.

Cecilia Sun is Managing Director and Head of Credit Card Customer Service at JPMorganChase, where she leads approximately 5,700 employees across multiple locations in three countries. With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, healthcare, and technology, she is recognized for transforming customer experience through innovation, digital strategy, and operational excellence. Prior to joining JPMorganChase, Cecilia held executive leadership roles at YouTube, Blue Shield of California, and American Express. She also serves on the Board of Providence Health Plan. Cecilia earned her bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and is passionate about leadership, customer experience, and community impact. 

Jason Pak is Senior Director of Business Development, Land Systems at Hanwha Defense USA, where he leads strategic initiatives supporting the U.S. Army's modernization efforts and defense industrial base. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Government and Defense Affairs at Hanwha and as Virginia's Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. His career also includes leadership roles at Boeing and service as a legislative fellow to Senator Jack Reed. An Army veteran, Jason deployed to Afghanistan, where he was wounded in combat and medically retired as a Captain. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and West Point.

Joy Park is a transformational executive leader with nearly 30 years of experience across high-growth startups and Fortune 30 organizations, leading customer experience, operations, and business transformation. Formerly Senior Vice President at Comcast, she oversaw global operations and strategic initiatives driving customer growth and operational excellence. Today, as Chief Client Officer at Everise, Joy partners with global clients to enhance customer and patient experience strategies, particularly in healthcare. Passionate about mentorship and community impact, she serves as Advisor to the Chair of the Family Counseling Center of Greater Washington, supporting mental wellness, youth mentorship, and multicultural communities.

Anisha Pandya Patel is a Maternal Well-Being Coach, workplace strategist, speaker, and founder of MasalaMommy. She helps organizations and families better support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and their transition back to work. With more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives across multiple industries, Anisha combines corporate expertise with evidence-based maternal health practices to help women thrive both personally and professionally. She is the author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal and serves as Maternal Health Chair for the Phoenix-Gilbert Chapter of Chamber of Mothers, advancing initiatives that improve maternal health and strengthen communities throughout Arizona. 

Harrison Pham is a Managing Director at Highspring, a global professional services organization with three integrated offerings – Consulting, Managed Services, and Talent Solutions. With 14 years of industry experience plus nearly a decade in leadership, he is passionate about partnering with IT and Finance leaders across the Valley to understand the challenges their businesses are facing and driving solutions that make an impact. 

Dr. Kevin Sakamoto is a scholar-practitioner bridging organizational behavior and digital innovation. With 15+ years of e-commerce leadership at Zappos, Target, lululemon, and Dollar Shave Club, he specializes in digital transformation and product management strategy. He is an Adjunct Professor of Business at California State University, Fullerton and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Pepperdine, where his research examines AI’s impact on organizational behavior. A TEDx speaker, published researcher, and co-host of the Product Ops Podcast, Kevin’s mission is ensuring that as organizations scale technical velocity, they preserve the human dignity that sustains lasting growth.

Sandra Yang Scirpo believes leadership is about creating opportunities for others to succeed. As a transformation executive, she has spent her career helping organizations modernize through strategy, technology, and operational excellence while keeping customers and employees at the center. Beyond the workplace, she mentors executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, drawing on her own journey as a first-generation immigrant who understands the power of community, guidance, and access. Sandra is passionate about developing leaders who create meaningful impact in business and beyond.

Sherry Scott is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses. She founded Cute Smiles 4 Kids and Fabulous Smiles Orthodontics, pediatric dental and orthodontic practices in Arizona and Texas, and brought Arizona its first Goldfish Swim School franchise. Now semi-retired, she retains one location. Earlier, Sherry held roles with GlaxoSmithKline and Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, and earned an MBA from the University of Southern California. Born in Taiwan, she is a devoted foodie and natural connector who serves as membership chair of the Scottsdale Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest food and wine society, and champions women’s leadership and the next generation of Asian entrepreneurs. 

Sumit Sharma serves as a Senior Director at Banner Health, where he leads cross-functional collaboration to facilitate strategic service line growth and operational execution across the health system. He partners with executive leaders, physicians, and multidisciplinary teams to align business priorities, strengthen organizational performance, and support sustainable growth. Sumit also serves as Banner Health's AAPI Executive Sponsor, advancing leadership engagement and culture initiatives. Outside of his Banner Health responsibilities, he volunteers with nonprofit organizations through pro bono leadership development initiatives that help youth and young adults build leadership skills and prepare for future opportunities.

Mark Strickling is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of leadership and service in higher education, focused on helping others achieve their full potential. He currently serves with the University of Arizona Foundation in Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, following a successful career as a Regional Director of Alumni. Mark is passionate about mentorship, professional development, and empowering individuals through shared knowledge and experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. A proud U of A alumnus, Mark was an Arizona Ambassador and two-year letter winner on the legendary Desert Swarm football team, including the 1994 Fiesta Bowl championship. He is also a proud husband and father of two U of A Wildcats. 

Kay Tam is the creator behind AZFoodGuy, a leading Arizona food and lifestyle influencer known for sharing his passion for culinary experiences, restaurant discoveries, and cultural storytelling across social media platforms. Through Instagram, TikTok, and digital content creation, Kay has built a strong community of food enthusiasts and grown a following of hundreds of thousands by combining creativity, authenticity, and innovation. His journey reflects the power of storytelling and digital engagement, using food as a way to connect people, celebrate local businesses, and highlight the diverse culinary landscape of Arizona and beyond. 

Dani Thao is a marriage and family therapist, leadership coach, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and podcast host dedicated to helping people grow into trusted, authentic leaders. As President of ACEL-MSP, she creates spaces where emerging leaders feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their potential. Her work bridges leadership, emotional intelligence, relationships, and community through coaching, workshops, and leadership programs. Dani believes leadership is not about having all the answers, but about staying curious, leading with integrity, and embracing growth. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new ideas, reading, and spending time with her dog, Guinness.

Dr. Steve Valero is a tech executive with over 25 years of experience in SaaS, including leadership roles in EdTech and the startup Keap. Driven by his PhD research on job satisfaction and tech turnover, Steve has spent over a quarter-century mentoring and unlocking the potential of introverted engineers. As the founder of The Move Forward, he leverages systems thinking to help introverts thrive in high-stakes environments. Steve helps introverted technologists manage cognitive load and transition into impactful leaders without compromising their natural strengths.

Dr. Hui Wu-Curtis is a strategic executive with 20+ years transforming global contact center operations across hospitality, utilities, financial services, telecom, and healthcare. She serves as COO of SupportU and Suture, a joint venture healthcare-focused BPO specializing in customer service, back-office processing, technical support, and sales. A data-driven change agent, she leverages AI thoughtfully to drive operational excellence and process improvement, consistently boosting revenue, customer satisfaction, and profitability. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Dr. Hui mentors emerging talent and speaks at CX conferences on transformational leadership, inclusive culture, and operational innovation.

Heather Yan is a marketing and hospitality leader at Choice Hotels with more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, local marketing, and customer engagement strategies that drive business growth. She holds an MBA from the University of Washington and outside of her role at Choice Hotels, she is also the founder of Urban Lion Rock, a digital marketing and AI consulting agency, and Auri Pointe Language Academy, an education venture dedicated to language learning and cultural connection. Passionate about the intersection of AI, marketing, and leadership, Heather helps organizations use AI to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.