NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - s4story -- NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - HW Foundation today announced the honorees of the inaugural 50 Under 50 in AI, recognizing leaders under age 50 whose work in artificial intelligence (AI) is producing real-world impact across healthcare, education, business, technology, workforce development, research and communities.

A review panel selected the honorees from nominations across the country. They will be recognized at the 50 Under 50 in AI Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the New Jersey Innovation Hub at HELIX NJ in New Brunswick.

"AI leadership is not about who adopted the newest tool first. It is about who is building, governing, teaching and applying AI to make life work better for people," said Dr. Lendra James, founder and president of HW Foundation. "These honorees come down to three words: systems, opportunity and outcomes. They are changing how institutions operate, expanding access to opportunity and delivering results people can measure. This is only the beginning."

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Nominees were evaluated on AI leadership, measurable impact, innovation, responsible AI and human impact, ecosystem contribution and strength of evidence.

The 2026 50 Under 50 in AI honorees include: Gbemisola Adetayo; Chiara Barden; Kara Branch; Amy Coleman-Miller; Dr. Jasmaine "Minista Jazz" Cook-Kendrick; Christina Cooper; Dr. Meagan T. Copelin, MBA, PsyD; Venecia Cuffe; Jennifer Dickey; Rachell Dumas; Bamidele Farinre; Jasmine Fluker; Kedralyn L. Folk, Ed.D.; Dorcas "Beth" Bethsaida Griffith; Nitin Gupta; Brée Nachelle Hill; Alexander Hunter; Lokesh Karanam; Eman Khoubian; Dr. Demetrius Kirk; Alexander Leschik; Lorette Lyttle; Joan Macenat; Danielle Shante' Madlock; Gopichand Mannava; Charles C. Mbata; Preet Mehta; Arzoo Mittal; Rakesh Ramakrishna Pai; Karmendra Pandey; Vineet Parikh; Duane Rohrbacher, J.D., Ph.D.; Dr. Kumba Sennaar, PhD, MS, MA; Carter Sheppard; JQ Sirls; Denise Nicole Smith; Nina Stevenson; Luis Ticas; Audris B. Torres; Shanker Valipireddy; Cassandra Williams; Veronica Woodruff; Stephanie Yates; and Shuai Yuan.

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The recognition highlights individuals who are not simply adopting AI, but using it to strengthen systems, create new solutions, expand access, improve decision-making and produce measurable human and organizational impact.

Additional honorees will be announced at: hwfoundationus.org/50under50inai where the current honoree list and ceremony information are available. Media are invited to attend.

About HW Foundation
HW Foundation is a New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofit that expands access to opportunity by connecting individuals and communities to education, workforce development, emerging technology, leadership and pathways to economic mobility. Learn more at hwfoundationus.org.

Media Contact
Dr. Lendra James, President, HW Foundation
https://hwfoundationus.org/50under50inai