AI, Research and Strategy LeadLocal Development Research Institute
Leonida is an entrepreneur and researcher working at the intersection of AI and development. She is an experienced data scientist, published in several peer-reviewed journals and a sought-after global keynote speaker on the opportunities of data, AI and emerging technologies to improve inclusive access to financial services, promote climate-smart agriculture, good governance practices and the achievement of sustainable development goals. She leads the Accountable and Inclusive AI practice at the Local Development Research Institute, a non-profit think-tank whose work contributes to the efforts of African countries to end extreme poverty, hunger and reduce inequalities. Her current research includes designing models and frameworks that support accountable and inclusive AI. She is also building an AI Early Warning System to support climate-smart agriculture practices in smallholder farming in Africa.
She holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science and a Masters in Business Analytics and Big Data.