Rana El Kaliouby Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Rana el Kaliouby is a pioneer in Emotion AI, a field that sits at the intersection of computer science and human emotion. Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Rana developed a love for technology early on. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the American University in Cairo, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science. Drawn to the potential for technology to understand and respond to human emotions, she moved to the United Kingdom to further her education. There, she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, focusing on facial expression recognition. In 2009, Rana co-founded Affectiva, an MIT spin-off that specialized in humanizing technology. As the former CEO, she was the driving force behind its innovative Emotion AI technology. Under her leadership, Affectiva has amassed a massive database of face videos, which it uses to capture a range of human emotions with impressive accuracy. The company’s applications span various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and advertising, providing insights into how emotions influence human behavior and decision-making. Her work at Affectiva has been instrumental in shaping the way companies think about emotion in the context of human-computer interaction. Rana's groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. She is a trusted thought leader in the tech community, frequently sharing her insights at international conferences and in various media outlets. Her contributions earned her a spot on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list and the BBC’s 100 Women of 2019, among numerous accolades. Additionally, she is a member of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders and a former Executive Fellow. Rana also authored the book "Girl Decoded," which chronicles her journey from being a computer scientist to becoming a successful entrepreneur. It is a testament to her passion for building technology that bridges the emotional gap between humans and machines. Beyond her professional achievements, Rana is deeply committed to advocating for diversity in technology and leadership. She is an outspoken advocate for women and underrepresented groups in STEM, dedicating time and resources to mentor the next generation of leaders. Her mentoring and advocacy efforts serve as an inspiration to many who are looking to make an impact in the tech industry. Today, Rana continues to explore the boundaries of how technology can integrate empathy and emotional intelligence. Through her speaking engagements and ongoing work, she remains at the forefront of discussions on ethics in AI and the importance of designing technology that respects and understands human emotions. Her vision is one where technology is not just smart but also emotionally aware, enhancing the way we connect with the world and each other.