Charlotte AI Summit to Bring Together Experts and Innovators to Central Piedmont Community College on June 20

• Free, public event exploring the impact of AI across industries, hosted June 20 at Central Piedmont Community College 
• Keynote speakers from Amazon Web Services, Compass Group, Gartner and SEI 
• Hands-on workshops, expert panels and insights into AI careers and innovation in the Carolinas 

Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Mint Hill Marketing and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, will host the first Charlotte AI Summit on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parr Center on Central Campus. This free public event will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future across various industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and workforce development.

The summit invites students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members to attend a full-day event featuring expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain insights from top voices in technology and business on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

"AI isn't here to replace us. It's here to evolve with us. It's a mirror of human imagination, a bridge across barriers, and a catalyst for possibility," said Ann Gonzales, president and CEO of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "This summit invites us to reimagine what's possible when we grow alongside technology, not against it."

"AI isn't just about the future. It's about what's possible today," said Joseph Little, associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont. "We're proud to host this event as part of our commitment to providing real-world education and workforce innovation."

AI Learning at Central Piedmont Community College 

Central Piedmont offers an associate degree in applied science in artificial intelligence technology and certificates in AI and machine learning. These programs blend hands-on learning with technical training to prepare students for careers in data science, automation, and intelligent systems. 

Event Highlights 

• Tiffany Benitez, head of data governance at Compass Group USA, will share insights on AI-driven risk management and analytics. 
• Celestine Pressley, executive partner at Gartner, will speak on the future of enterprise technology and innovation. 
• Antonio Mañueco, managing principal consultant at SEI, will break down the real-world implementation of AI tools. 
• Sreenath Gotur, senior generative AI specialist at Amazon Web Services, will provide a look at cutting-edge developments in generative AI. 
• Linda Yang, executive director of information strategy at Family Health Initiatives, will explore the intersection of AI and public health. 

Other sessions include industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and a closing social hour for networking. An AI-powered event app will help attendees connect and navigate throughout the day. 

Registration is free and open to the public. An optional networking lunch is available for $21. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.