Aseel Addawood

Leading AI & Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia | Advisor | Speaker

About Me

I am Dr. Aseel Al-Dawood – an innovator, writer, and techie passionate about leveraging AI and data for human impact.

I hold a PhD in Informatics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a background in linguistics and computational methods to analyze human behavior and communication patterns.

My career spans from serving as a Senior Regional Consultant at Oracle, to founding Bayan Group and Bayan Academy, and leading social initiatives such as the Child Happiness Association.

Today, I advise organizations, write, and speak globally on AI, data, and digital transformation – always driven by the belief that technology is a tool for positive human and societal change.

Advisory & Boards

Beyond my executive and academic career, I serve as an advisor and board member for organizations in AI, education, and social innovation. I bring expertise in shaping digital strategies, supporting technology adoption, and building impactful partnerships.

Advisory Roles:

Founder & Advisor – Bayan Group
AI & Data Analytics Advisor – National & Regional projects
Board Member – Child Happiness Association
Open to Advisory Board engagements with startups, universities, and investment funds

If your organization is seeking an Advisory Board Member in AI and digital transformation, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

Projects & Initiatives

I lead a portfolio of projects and initiatives that bridge technology with social impact — spanning AI, digital transformation, education, and community development.

Bayan Academy

An educational platform specialized in digital skills and AI, designed to empower youth with future-ready capabilities and connect them to opportunities.

Role: Founder & Strategic Leader

AI Adoption Projects – Saudi Ministries

Led and advised on AI and advanced analytics adoption in critical sectors such as banking, healthcare, and education, aligned with Vision 2030.

Role: AI Strategy Advisor & Consultant

Bayan Group

A consulting and entrepreneurial entity focused on digital transformation and data-driven innovation for corporations and institutions. Visit bayandata.sa

Role: Founder & Principal Advisor

Women in Data Science KSA

Leading initiatives to empower women in data science and AI fields through conferences, workshops, and mentorship programs in Saudi Arabia. Learn more at widsriyadh.org

Role: Organizer & Strategic Leader

These initiatives reflect not only my professional expertise but also my passion for creating meaningful impact. I am always open to exploring new collaborations that align with AI, digital transformation, and social innovation.

Thought Leadership

Through articles, talks, and public engagements, I share my insights on AI, data, and digital transformation. My goal is to inspire leaders, guide organizations, and ensure that technology adoption is purposeful, responsible, and impactful.

Leadership Positions:

May 2018 - May 2019
President - ArabWIC KSA Chapter
May 2017 - August 2018
Director - Women Who Code Chicago
Managing a team of women enthusiastic about empowering women in tech. Machine Learning Community Meetups, ML Industry Spotlight series, STEM Expo for girls grade 5-8.
September 2017
Data Science in Arabic Initiative
Started this initiative through social media by creating a Snapchat account (@data_sci) that explains data science concepts in a simple way in Arabic. Link to the website and YouTube channel.

Discover my latest writings and talks, or invite me to contribute to your platform.

Speaking & Media

I have been invited to speak at international and regional conferences, and to share my expertise with leading media outlets. My contributions center on AI, data, and digital transformation — always with a focus on impact and alignment with Vision 2030.

Selected Engagements:

Media Features:

Interviewed by Forbes Middle East
Quoted in HBR Arabia
Featured on TV, Podcasts & Radio

Interested in booking me for a talk or media feature? Let's connect.

Contact

Ready to collaborate on AI and digital transformation initiatives? I'd love to hear from you.

aseel.addawood@gmail.com