MAGAZINE

April 2025

This issue of Digital First Magazine dives straight into that question. Because data isn’t just lines on a spreadsheet anymore—it’s power, it’s currency, and yes, it’s responsibility. As businesses race ahead with AI tools, smart platforms, and cloud everything, the question is no longer if we can do something with data—but should we? And more importantly, how safely can we do it?

COVER STORY

Making a Meaningful Impact through Data-Driven Innovation

Dr. Adita Karkera, Chief Data Officer - Government & Public Services, Deloitte

Dr. Adita Karkera has over 25 years’ experience and a proven record of successes in implementing data & AI strategies, policies & technology to solve business problems.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

DV8 Infosystems

Bill Faruki, Founder & CEO, DV8 Infosystems

The idea for DV8 Infosystems stemmed from a fundamental realization: businesses required AI capable of keeping pace with the complexities of the real world. For DV8 Infosystems, AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about transformation. The company’s name, “DV8,” reflects its core philosophy: deviating from convention to create truly revolutionary solutions. Instead of simply accelerating existing processes, DV8 redefines them.

IN MY VIEW

Designing the Future of Retail, Today

Doug Stephens, Founder & President, Retail Prophet & 3X International Bestselling Author

Doug Stephens is one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists. His intellectual work and creativity have influenced many of the most widely known international retailers, agencies and brands including Walmart, Google, L’Oréal, BMW, and Louis Vuitton.

IN MY VIEW

Driving Sustainable Solutions through AI

Attila Algan, Chief Executive Officer, Cognitiwe

Attila Algan is the co-founder and CEO of Cognitiwe, an innovative AI-driven company focused on transforming the retail industry by reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.

LEADERS’ INSIGHTS

New Jersey’s Legacy of Innovation Will Continue

Justin Murray, Ventures Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center

Justin Murray has been building the technology and startup ecosystem in New Jersey for the past 6 years. His experience has been on the operator side of early stage tech startups like Black Crow AI and on the community side through his previous involvement with TechUnited:NJ.

LEADERS’ INSIGHTS

How Ready is Your Company to Handle the Growing Wave of Cyberattacks?

Btissam Laaouina, Cybersecurity Manager

Btissam Laaouina is a highly motivated Cyber security manager. She graduated from Turin’s polytechnic( Italy), where she studied telecommunications engineering and digital transformation.

LEADERS’ INSIGHTS

Pioneering a Brighter Future for Women in Tech

Priya Reddy, VP of Enterprise Data Management & Chief Data Officer, Reprise Financial

Priya Reddy is the VP of Enterprise Data Management and Chief Data Officer at Reprise Financial, with over two decades of experience in Fintech and Financial Services.

LEADERS’ INSIGHTS

Harnessing Data to Fuel Transformative Change

Peggy tsAI, Chief Data Officer, BigID

Peggy Tsai is the Field Chief Data Officer at BigID where she works with customers in maturing their AI, data, security and privacy programs. She has over 18 years of practitioner experience in data management, stewardship and governance in the financial services industry.