Meet the Visionary Speakers at BUiLT's Legalweek Events
We're thrilled to present an extraordinary lineup of influential thought leaders and innovators at this year's BUiLT Legalweek events. Each speaker brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and vision, driving meaningful conversations at the intersection of law, technology, equity, and inclusion. Join us to gain unparalleled insights and actionable strategies from these dynamic trailblazers, dedicated to shaping a more inclusive and technologically empowered future.
Justice Tanya R. Kennedy
Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department
Justice Tanya R. Kennedy is a forward-thinking jurist with a deep understanding of technological advancements and their potential to enhance access to justice. She is committed to engaging with the bench, bar, and community to promote diversity and mental wellness in the workplace. Justice Kennedy emphasizes the importance of staying connected to societal developments and collaborating with thought leaders to advance the legal profession and society. She values cultivating intergenerational relationships with diverse constituencies.
Justice Kennedy currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, a position she was appointed to in July 2020. Prior to this role, she was elected Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County in November 2015, officially taking office in January 2016. Her previous judicial experience includes serving as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Court, New York County. Justice Kennedy has also contributed significantly to legal education, having served as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University School of Law, teaching a juvenile justice seminar for ten years.
Justice Kennedy earned her Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1992 and received her Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University in 1989.
Demonstrating strong leadership, Justice Kennedy previously served as President of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ), where she spearheaded initiatives addressing workplace sexual harassment and trademarked the #WETOO IN THE LEGAL WORKPLACE campaign. She is actively involved in multiple bar and judicial organizations, including serving on the board of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and as a Board of Overseers member at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Throughout her distinguished career, Justice Kennedy has received notable awards, including the 2024 Professor William Hamilton Leadership Award from the University of Florida’s 11th Annual E-Discovery Conference and the 2023 Metropolitan Black Bar Association Jurist of the Year Award.
April Dawson
Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation | Professor of Law
April Dawson is the inaugural Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation and a Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law, overseeing the NCCU Technology Law & Policy Center. She is also the author of the recently published book, Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity.
April earned her undergraduate degree in computer science from Bennett College and worked as a computer programmer prior to law school. She received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Howard University School of Law in 1994. Following law school, she joined the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through its Attorney General’s Honors Program, arguing cases before the Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. In 1996, she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
A recognized expert in legal pedagogy and educational technology, April regularly presents at the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) events, covering topics such as Teaching with Technology, Tech Productivity for Faculty, and Paperless Teaching Practices. She received the 2021 AALS Technology, Law, and Legal Education Section Award and was honored as a 2022 ABA Women of Legal Tech recipient.
April has taught diverse courses, including Artificial Intelligence and the Law, Legal Technology Equity & Leadership, Constitutional Law, Supreme Court Seminar, and Torts, earning multiple Professor of the Year recognitions.
She currently serves on the ABA Center for Innovation Governing Council, co-hosts the ABA Innovation Network Podcast, acts as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Future of Law Committee, and recently served as Chair of the AALS Section on Technology, Law, and Legal Education. She also sits on the North Carolina Governor’s Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice and serves as Vice Chair of the Democracy NC Board of Directors.
April co-hosts the Legal Eagle Review radio show with Irving Joyner on WNCU 90.7 FM, addressing law-related issues impacting local, state, and national communities.
Paula Edgar, Esq.
CEO | DEI Strategist | Keynote Speaker
Paula T. Edgar, Esq. is the CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, a strategy firm specializing in professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. A dynamic keynote speaker and facilitator, Paula delivers high-impact programming that equips professionals and organizations with actionable strategies for success.
With expertise in personal branding, relationship building, mentorship, and business development, Paula empowers individuals to "Engage Your Hustle™" and maximize their professional impact. She also hosts the Branding Room Only podcast, where she shares insights from industry leaders on career growth and leadership.
Paula is a dedicated civic leader, serving as an Officer of the New York City Bar Association, a Commissioner of the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession, and a past President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Her leadership extends to The Black BigLaw Pipeline, Inc., and she is a Trustee of the Ellis L. Phillips Foundation.
A former employment attorney with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Paula has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Essence Magazine, Shondaland, and Business Insider. Her accolades include the CUP 2023 Law Catalyst Award and the National Bar Association’s Outstanding Non-Traditional Career Award.
Dr. Siobahn Grady
Assistant Professor | AI Researcher | STEM Advocate
Dr. Siobahn Grady made history in 2018 as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She is currently an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Information Science/Systems at North Carolina Central University’s School of Library and Information Sciences.
As the head of the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research (LAIER) and co-director of the Center for Data Equity (CODE), Dr. Grady’s research focuses on machine learning applications, combating misinformation on social media, and enhancing fault detection in autonomous vehicles. Her passion extends beyond research—she is a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of women and minorities in computer science, working to build confidence and strengthen STEM identities among underrepresented groups.
As an AAAS IF/THEN ambassador, Dr. Grady actively promotes STEM equity through community outreach and academic initiatives. Her achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, with her legacy honored in the world’s largest exhibit of women’s statues and showcased in museums across the country.
Dedicated to making STEM education accessible, Dr. Grady has established four merit-based, STEM-centric endowed scholarships at HBCUs in the University of North Carolina System, easing the financial burden on students. She also holds multiple Quality Matters Certifications and facilitator roles, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in education.
Beyond academia, Dr. Grady serves on the boards of organizations like the Winston-Salem State University Foundation and the National Girls Collaborative Project. She is an active member of the Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., as well as a life member of the Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina Central University National Alumni Associations.
