Session 1 – Getting Started with AI: Concepts, Tools, and Real-World Uses

Tuesday. June 16
UNM Valencia Campus, Room LRC 101 (inside the Learning Resource Center)
2:30 to 4:30 PM

This introductory session will explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, demystify common AI tools, and highlight how AI is already being used in education, business, and everyday life. Participants will gain a practical understanding of what AI is, how it works, and how to begin using it effectively and responsibly.

The session will be led by Gianna Sanchez, Program Manager and Tech Scout for the Aggie I-Corps program at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center and a member of NMSU’s AI Council, and Monica Poling, a business strategist and AI educator who helps individuals and organizations understand, protect, and leverage their expertise in an AI-driven world. Together, they will provide an accessible introduction to AI and help participants build the confidence to explore and apply these tools in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

Session 2 – AI for School Success: Tools to Learn, Study, and Create

Tuesday. June 23
UNM Valencia Campus, Room LRC 101 (inside the Learning Resource Center)
2:30 to 4:30 PM

Discover how AI can help you learn smarter, stay organized, and achieve your academic goals. In this interactive session, participants will explore practical ways to use AI tools for studying, research, note-taking, project planning, and productivity while learning how to use these technologies responsibly and effectively. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply in the classroom and beyond.

The session will be led by Michael Wright, Business Development Manager for Configuration and Deployment Services at HP Inc. With more than 25 years of experience in technology, automation, and endpoint management, Michael brings a unique perspective on how AI is transforming the way people learn and work. Drawing on his expertise in artificial intelligence and innovation, he will share practical insights, real-world examples, and best practices to help participants confidently leverage AI for academic and future career success.

Session 3 – AI for the Workplace: Tools to Get Job-Ready

Tuesday, July 7
UNM Valencia Campus, Room LRC 101 (inside the Learning Resource Center)
2:30 to 4:30 PM

Discover how AI is transforming the workplace and learn practical tools that can help you prepare for future careers. In this interactive session, participants will explore how AI can enhance productivity, improve communication, support problem-solving, and strengthen job readiness. Attendees will gain practical strategies for using AI responsibly while developing skills that are increasingly valuable across today’s workforce.

The session will be led by Lorenzo Gutierrez, Director of the Energetics, Power, and Program Integration Center at Sandia National Laboratories and member of Sandia’s AI Board of Directors, and Andrew Sedillo, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at New Mexico State University Global Campus. Drawing on their expertise in artificial intelligence, workforce development, and emerging technologies, they will share real-world insights into how AI is reshaping careers and the skills needed to succeed in an evolving workplace.

Session 4 – Responsible & Ethical AI Use: Privacy, Bias, Safety, and Digital Decision-Making

Thursday, July 23
UNM Valencia Campus, Room LRC 101 (inside the Learning Resource Center)
2:30 to 4:30 PM

As AI becomes more integrated into school, work, and everyday life, understanding how to use it responsibly is just as important as knowing how to use it effectively. In this session, participants will explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including privacy, bias, transparency, and responsible decision-making. Attendees will gain practical guidance for evaluating AI-generated content, using AI tools thoughtfully, and building the skills to become informed and responsible users of emerging technologies.

The session will be led by Andy Nelson, PhD, DABT, Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, and Curt Doty, founder of CurtDoty.co and RealmIQ. Combining expertise in research integrity, emerging technologies, branding, and AI innovation, Andy and Curt will share practical insights into the opportunities and responsibilities that come with using AI, helping participants navigate an increasingly AI-driven world with confidence.

Session 5 – Jobs, Skills, and Opportunities in New Mexico

Thuesday, July 28
UNM Valencia Campus, Room LRC 101 (inside the Learning Resource Center)
2:30 to 4:30 PM

Explore how AI is transforming careers across New Mexico and discover the skills that can help you succeed in an AI-driven future. In this interactive session, participants will learn how AI is being used across industries, from engineering and scientific research to healthcare and conservation, and gain practical insights into the knowledge, skills, and career pathways that are shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the many opportunities AI is creating and how they can begin preparing for careers in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The session will be led by Megan Greenwald-Yarnell, Principal R&D Staff Member at Sandia National Laboratories, and Nathan Brown, Senior Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories. Drawing on their expertise in artificial intelligence, engineering, and research, Megan and Nathan will share real-world examples of how AI is transforming industries across New Mexico while highlighting the technical and human-centered skills needed to thrive in the future of work.