Speakers

Author and speaker LaVonne Roberts is the CEO of The Scott-Morgan Foundation USA, spearheading a revolutionary approach to AI-powered assistive technology for people with severe disabilities, particularly ALS/MND. Leveraging her diverse background in technology, entrepreneurship, and journalism, LaVonne leads the foundation's efforts to develop scalable solutions that give voice to the voiceless and restore independence to millions worldwide. Her powerful advocacy, including her role on the Zero Project & Equitable AI Alliance, has helped reshape conversations around disability rights and ensuring technology truly serves the needs of disabled communities. Under her leadership, the foundation has forged partnerships with Lenovo, ElevenLabs, D-ID, and other startups, integrating cutting-edge AI technologies, including RAG, LLMs, hyper-realistic avatars, and personalized synthetic voices.

LaVonne's vision extends beyond creating tools; she's pioneering a new era of inclusive innovation that challenges societal perceptions of disability. A frequent speaker and advocate, she addresses the transformative potential of AI in healthcare and accessibility while emphasizing that ethical design principles must be at the core of AI development. Her keynotes and panels focus on democratizing AI-powered assistive technology and ensuring equitable access for underserved communities. Her work emphasizes the foundation's commitment to human-centric design and the global impact of technology in improving lives.

Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, TIME, CNN, Wired, and more. Her latest book, ""Applied VR in Healthcare,"" explores VR's transformative power in healthcare, including its intersection with AI technologies. She holds an MFA from The New School.
LaVonne ensures that innovative solutions are developed and deployed responsibly. She has recruited and reported on Forbes Under 30, highlighting groundbreaking innovators.

LaVonne has managed investments and advised startups, with a growing focus on AI-driven enterprises. She later served as a partner in a hedge fund focused on emerging technologies. An advocate for startups and underrepresented voices, she judges startup pitch competitions.

LaVonne's work exemplifies her commitment to harnessing cutting-edge innovation for societal good, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for all.