Dr. Claire Brady to Deliver Keynote at Harper College AI Summit
Harper College will convene regional business leaders, decision-makers, and economic development partners for a free summit focused on practical, real-world applications of artificial intelligence. The event, AI Without the Hype: Practical Implementation for Employers, will take place from on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Designed to demystify AI and move beyond buzzwords, the summit will explore how organizations can use AI as a competitive advantage across marketing, talent acquisition, analytics, operations, and logistics. Through expert speakers, interactive panels, and peer networking, attendees will gain actionable insights they can apply immediately—regardless of where they are on their AI journey.
Following opening remarks from Harper President Avis Proctor, the program will feature a keynote introduction by Claire Brady, President of Glass Half Full Consulting and a nationally recognized thought leader on AI’s transformative potential in education and the workplace. Dr. Brady will frame the day by connecting AI’s promise to practical, human-centered implementation strategies for employers and organizational leaders.
The keynote address will be delivered by Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce, titled “Why the Fittest Businesses Embrace AI-First Strategies and Digital Labor.” An author, columnist, and expert on agentic AI, Dr. Afshar will examine how organizations can build sustainable competitive advantage through thoughtful, responsible AI adoption.
The summit will also include panel discussions offering deep dives into foundational AI principles, emerging trends, and workforce skill requirements. Leaders from higher education and industry—including Oracle, Addison Group, Salesforce, Info-Tech, and others—will share real-world case studies highlighting successful AI integration, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing decision-making.
In addition to learning and discussion, the event creates space for meaningful networking with peers and potential partners across the region. Local employers will have the opportunity to connect with others navigating similar challenges and share lessons learned about adopting AI responsibly and effectively.
Harper College remains deeply committed to supporting economic growth and innovation throughout the district and beyond. The college offers a growing portfolio of AI-related education and workforce programs, including Community Education courses, a recently launched Associate in Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, and initiatives such as Harper’s Innovation Accelerator and Business and Industry Leadership Teams.
Learn more:
https://www.harpercollege.edu/business/ai-summit
