KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 2024

Jorge Silva-Puras

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success at Lehman College

Jorge Silva-Puras, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success at Lehman College, previously served as Interim Dean at CUNY’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) and as Provost of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has taught at CUNY’s Hostos Community College, NYU, Sagrado, and SPS and is a strong advocate for increasing access to a high-quality and affordable education for a diverse student population.

His passionate student-centric focus and innovative teaching strategies has garnered the respect of colleagues and students alike. Before joining Academia, Jorge was appointed by President Obama to serve as the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator for Region II, covering NY, NJ, PR & USVI. Before the SBA, he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Puerto Rico, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company and as Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Economic Development & Commerce. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Puerto Rico Commerce and Trade Company, Puerto Rico Science and Technology Trust, among several other boards. He also served as member of the Board of Directors of the Government Development Bank and the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico.

Ron Quaranta

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Wall Street Blockchain Alliance

Ron possesses over three decades of experience in the global financial services and technology industries. He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance, the world’s leading non-profit trade association promoting the comprehensive adoption of blockchain technology and cryptoassets across global markets. Prior to this, Ron served as Chief Executive Officer of DerivaTrust Technologies, a pioneering software and technology firm for financial market participants.

Ron is the editor and contributing author of the book “Blockchain in Financial Markets and Beyond: Challenges and Applications”, published Risk Books, as well as an ongoing contributing author to the “Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation” reference guide, published annually by Global Legal Insights. He was named to the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Industry by Accounting Today in 2018 and is the Lead Author for the ISACA Blockchain Framework as well as a member of the ISACA Emerging Technology Advisory Group. He has been a frequent guest of major media outlets, including Bloomberg Radio, and is a sought-after speaker and writer regarding financial technology and innovation. Ron also serves as an advisor to multiple startups and corporations focused on fintech innovation and blockchain technology.

Jamiel Sheikh

CEO of Scifn | Founder @ MODELEX.AI

Jamiel Sheikh is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience across technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, known for his expertise in AI, blockchain, and innovation. As the CEO of Scifn, he has driven significant advancements at the intersection of AI and blockchain, serving prestigious clients such as the World Bank, Vodafone, Accenture, and the U.S. State Department. He is also the founder of Modelex.AI, an AI platform designed to bridge cutting-edge research with practical applications. Jamiel Sheikh has held key roles at prominent companies such as Lehman Brothers, Bank of America, and Oracle, where he led strategic initiatives in finance and technology, further solidifying his expertise in these industries.

Jamiel has built and nurtured some of New York City's largest fintech and AI communities, including Blockchain NYC and AI NYC. As an adjunct professor at Zicklin Business School where he imparts his extensive knowledge to graduate students, focusing on the business implications of AI and blockchain technologies. His commitment to education and community extends to his non-profit work, where he has played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Society of Women Coders, helping to provide free technology courses to underprivileged girls globally. Jamiel’s academic credentials include an MBA from Columbia University and ongoing studies in Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech and is Innovation Fellow at Columbia Business School. He is also a published author and contributor to major industry publications.