June Insights Series | Taking Flight with Technology

Description

Denver Museum of Nature and Science | 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205

The aviation and aerospace industries are being redefined by rapid advances in data and emerging technologies. From AI-powered navigation systems to real-time analytics and autonomous flight, innovation is transforming how we fly, build, and explore.

This event will bring together thought leaders and industry experts for an insightful keynote presentation and dynamic panel discussion exploring how data and emerging technologies are reshaping the skies and space. If you're fascinated by the future of flight, this event will offer insights, discussions, and networking opportunities you won't want to miss. 

Keynote Speaker:

Morgan Alu, Director, International Business Development & Special Projects, Metro Denver EDC

Morgan B. Alu is the Director of International Development and Special Projects at the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC). With a strategic vision and a deep understanding of global markets, Morgan spearheads initiatives that expand Denver's economic footprint on the international and domestic stage and is known for fostering strong partnerships with key stakeholders, driving investment opportunities, and implementing innovative strategies that bolster the region's economic growth.

In addition to this role, Morgan also serves as the Director of the Colorado Space Coalition (CSC), where under the leadership of Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and former Astronaut Dr. Ron Sega, he positions Colorado as the nation's premier hub for aerospace innovation and investment. Through this leadership, Morgan collaborates with private-sector aerospace companies, military and federal partners, State of Colorado leadership, and research institutions to promote the state’s cutting-edge space ecosystem. The CSC has strengthened Colorado’s role in national defense, commercial spaceflight, and international space partnerships, while advocating for policies that support long-term industry growth and workforce development.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Morgan brings a deep commitment to advancing Colorado’s global competitiveness through economic development, leadership, and strategic international engagement. His work has directly contributed to securing high-impact foreign direct investment, cultivating long-term partnerships with international companies, and promoting Colorado as a premier destination for global business expansion. By aligning state and regional assets with international market opportunities, Morgan has helped position Colorado as a gateway for innovation, talent, and capital from around the world.

Panel Speakers:

Kristen Berndt, Director, Below-the-Wing Strategy and Innovation, United Airlines

Kristen is the Director of Below-the-Wing Strategy and Innovation at United Airlines. She oversees robotics and automation, resource optimization tools, and baggage scanning and recovery tools. She has been with United for 11 years and is currently leading several robotics initiatives at the Denver International Airport, which has been selected as United’s innovation hub. Prior to United, Kristen also worked in the automotive, advertising, and data analytics industries. Kristen has been passionate about the airline industry ever since she studied industrial engineering at the University of Michigan, and she is thrilled to be living the dream of driving efficiency and innovation in this fascinating industry.

Alex Epelbaum, VP, Data & Analytics Practice, EPAM Systems

Alex is a seasoned technology leader and a recognized subject matter expert in Digital and Data Transformations, Data Strategy, and Data Governance. With over 28 years of experience spanning multiple sectors and industries, Alex has been at the forefront of driving innovation and empowering organizations to unlock the true potential of their data.

As the Vice President EPAM Systems, Inc., Alex leads large-scale initiatives that help organizations design and implement cutting-edge solutions in data management and advanced analytics. With a strong emphasis on leveraging data as an asset, he partners with global clients to craft strategies that ensure scalability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Throughout his career, Alex has guided transformational projects, helping organizations modernize their data ecosystems and harness true power of their data. By combining his deep technical expertise with business acumen, he has delivered measurable value to clients by enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering innovation.

While specializing in solving complex data problems, Alex is known for his ability to simplify, structure and implement large scale initiatives, very often finding solutions to previously failed initiatives.

Alex lives in New York but frequent in Denver, enjoying beautiful nature, clear skies, mountain air, but most of all – Great People of Colorado.

Emil Ramirez, Digital Aviation Solutions, Boeing

With over 20 years of technology experience at Boeing, Emil has held many technical leadership roles in software development including Maintenance & MRO Solutions, Flight Deck Solutions, as Principal Product Owner for Boeing's Digital Solutions, and as Deputy to the CTO of a three-thousand person organization. Some notable highlights include launching Boeing’s first mobile airline maintenance applications, leading the $600M revenue generating Flight Deck Solutions portfolio, establishing Boeing’s first cloud platform, and facilitated real-time data acquisition from aircraft for analytics.

Most recently, Emil has been leading the data strategy for Boeing Digital Solutions, focusing on providing new insights to customers by leveraging data, modern data platforms and AI.

Pat Remias, Vice President of Space Systems Development, Blue Origin

Pat Remias is the Vice President of Space Systems Development at Blue Origin, a private space company working to radically reduce the cost of access to space and harness its vast resources for the benefit of Earth. With over 38 years of executive, engineering, and program management experience in DoD, NASA, commercial, and international aerospace programs, Pat is a seasoned aerospace executive dedicated to innovation.

Pat joined Blue Origin in 2022 as the Vice President of Space Destinations. In 2023, Pat was appointed Vice President of Space Systems Development, where she leads the research and development group, ideating and formulating new projects and programs in Commercial LEO Development, Lunar Mobility and Habitats, In-Situ Space Resources (ISRU) and Space Nuclear areas, among others.

Prior to Blue Origin, Pat was at Sierra Space, where she was responsible for complete engineering infrastructure supporting SNC’s Sierra Space subsidiary, developing innovative solutions to the nation’s most challenging space missions in civil and national security space. She also held positions at ComTech Aeroastro Inc., Emergent Information Technologies, Inc., and Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Pat has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and ocean engineering (AOE), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and a graduate certificate in engineering management at The Catholic University of America.

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