AI for Small Businesses Workshop

Antonio Figueroa is the founder and CEO of Raken AI Labs, a Miami-based firm specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions for business transformation. With over 18 years of experience in the data and technology space, Antonio has become a trusted advisor to companies seeking to generate measurable value from AI — especially across the U.S. and Latin America.

Under his leadership, Raken AI Labs has designed and implemented over 150 AI and analytics solutions in industries such as telecom, retail, CPG, manufacturing, and financial services. His team has helped companies like Coca-Cola, OXXO, Cemex, Starbucks, PepsiCo, and Nestlé in Latam to improve decision-making, automate operations, and discover new growth opportunities through AI. These implementations have delivered more than $200 million USD in ROI for clients to date.

Antonio leads a cross-functional team of 40+ experts in data science, business strategy, and technology implementation. Raken’s AI use cases include demand forecasting, customer segmentation, intelligent pricing, fraud detection, and AI agents that connect directly with cloud data platforms like Snowflake — allowing executives and managers to query their data in natural language and get immediate, actionable insights.

Raken’s mission is to make AI practical, accessible, and impactful — especially for small and mid-sized organizations. Antonio believes that machine learning shouldn’t be confined to labs or tech giants, but deployed to solve real-world problems across supply chains, marketing, customer service, and finance.

Antonio is also an active member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and a frequent speaker on AI innovation. He mentors Hispanic professionals entering the tech space and is committed to building inclusive, value-driven ecosystems that empower the next generation of AI talent.

Akshay Sharma is a seasoned technology executive, thought leader, and strategist with over 25 years of experience in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and IT. Renowned for his expertise in emerging technologies, digital transformation, and value stream management, Akshay has consistently guided organizations toward business optimization and revenue generation through innovative solutions.

Currently serving as a Board Member for a 501(c)(3) organization, in Miami, Akshay blends his technical acumen with a passion for community service and governance. His extensive career has been marked by pivotal roles in shaping industry standards and technological frameworks. Notably, he advised the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on implementing WiFi on planes in 2008 and integrating Q.931 for fly-by-wire systems within the ARINC 629 databus in the early 1990s.

Currently, Akshay serves as an Advisor at Lionfish Tech Advisors and as a Tech Advisory Board Member at Accure.AI, where he focuses on AI and advanced analytics. His recent work emphasizes leveraging AI-driven platforms, cybersecurity innovations, and advanced communication frameworks like 5G/6G SD-WAN to transform IT from a cost center to a value center. By championing Value Stream Management Platforms (VSMP) for AI/ML, he empowers businesses to achieve real-time data-driven insights and enhanced decision-making, ultimately improving customer satisfaction, governance, and operational efficiencies.

A sought-after speaker and author, Akshay regularly shares his insights on technology convergence and the future of digital ecosystems. His recent presentation at the IT Expo on GenAI Readiness and Maturity showcased his expertise in guiding organizations through the next wave of digital transformation. Currently, he is actively involved in writing a book on M&A IT and Value Stream Management, aimed at revolutionizing business optimization through technology convergence.

Luis Luciani is the founder and CEO of THEIA, an AI-driven platform born out of his work in recruitment automation. Originally running his own recruiting firm, Luis began experimenting with “vibe-coding”, using AI tools to build systems without traditional coding, to streamline and enhance hiring workflows. What started as internal innovation quickly evolved into THEIA JOBS, a powerful AI job interview and candidate screening platform now helping tens of companies hire smarter, faster, and save 60% of their recruiting costs.

A passionate believer in the practical side of AI, Luis focuses on the real-world use of large language models, responsible implementation practices, and building AI guardrails for small business applications.

Outside of work, Luis is a father of four, a multi-time Ironman 70.3 finisher, an avid griller, and an outdoors enthusiast.

Burhan Sebin is a technology executive and community builder who directs artificial-intelligence strategy for eMerge Americas, the 20 000-attendee conference and year-round innovation platform headquartered in Miami. As Chief AI Officer he leads enterprise-grade initiatives, shapes responsible-AI policy, and is scaling eMerge AI into a global nexus for builders, investors, and policymakers.

Sebin’s career began at global companies like Procter & Gamble and Red Bull, where he refined his brand-growth expertise. He later founded MicroGlobe, a fast-scaling SaaS company that helped national and international brands reach millions of consumers through AI-driven digital campaigns. Later on, he joined Venture Miami as Head of Research & Entrepreneurship, where he ran Florida’s largest tech incubator—serving more than 450 founders—and spearheaded region-wide programs such as an AI-driven city digital-twin platform, advanced-mobility initiatives, and data-powered governance frameworks.

Sebin also founded Miami AI Hub,which fosters innovation and collaboration in artificial intelligence within Miami’s vibrant tech ecosystem now part of eMerge Americas. Dedicated to positioning South Florida as a global AI powerhouse. Since launch it has convened more than 4 000 participants, supported upwards of hundreds AI-startups, and hosted leaders from companies including NVIDIA, Apple, Google, and AWS. Acting simultaneously as an innovation catalyst, a community platform, and a startup launchpad, Miami AI Hub champions AI solutions that improve lives, unites enthusiasts and experts to expand a shared knowledge base, and equips early-stage ventures with mentorship, funding access, and growth resources.

Sebin also advises the global initiative AI 2030, mentors founders at Techstars, and is a founding member of Global Turks AI. He authors the widely read newsletter “Generative Letters,” translating complex AI developments into practical insights. Across all of these activities, his focus remains on turning breakthrough research into responsible, real-world deployment while cultivating inclusive tech ecosystems that endure.

Charles Irizarry is a recognized leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, known for pushing the boundaries of how technology can reshape business. He is the CEO and co-founder of Strata.ai, a platform built to become the operating system for enterprise
automation, turning complex, high-volume workflows into adaptive, self-optimizing systems.

Over the past decade, Charles has led global organizations through the realities of AI
deployment, from law firms and enterprise software companies to private equity groups. He brings a practical but future-facing view of AI, cutting through hype to show executives how to achieve real ROI at scale. His work is centered on agentic science, knowledge mapping, and meta-automation — disciplines that move automation from task-level fixes to structural transformation.

A serial entrepreneur and venture builder, Charles has launched and grown multiple tech
ventures while remaining a driving force in Miami’s tech community. He is widely regarded for his blunt, insightful style and his belief that the future of business lies in organizations that think and adapt more like living systems.

When he speaks, audiences get more than theory: they get a roadmap to the future of work, delivered with the clarity, edge, and conviction of someone who is already building it.

Ray Guzman is a 26-year veteran of the information technology industry, leading top-producing teams within the Banking/Financial Industry, and also with extensive expertise and knowledge across multiple industries in the IT field. His career is highlighted by an in-depth comprehension of software/hardware technologies, cybersecurity for enterprises, and regulatory compliance requirements, serving as Vice President of IT and CIO at many institutions with both a domestic and international presence. A highly respected strategic thinker, Ray has been instrumental in organizational success and growth.