​Kick off #SeattleAIWeek 2025 at AI House on Monday!

​Join us for an important conversation about AI Policy & Economic Development with Joe Nguyễn, Director for the Washington Department of Commerce (and former state senator), and Rep. Cindy Ryu, followed by a conversation between industry and policymakers focused on the future of Washington State.

​Wrap up the night with a happy hour and get a little taste of what's in store for the rest of the week!

​Run of Show

• ​3:00PM Doors open

• ​3:30 - 5:30PM Panels

• ​5:30 - 7:00PM Networking

​Speakers

​Joe Nguyễn

​Director for the Washington Department of Commerce

​Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn was born and raised in Seattle. His experiences as a life-long Washington resident and second-generation Vietnamese American make him an ardent champion for investing in Washington families and residents, expanding economic opportunities, and taking bold steps in our fight against the climate crisis.

​Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Joe as Commerce director on Dec. 27, 2024. He took the helm at Commerce on Jan. 15, 2025. Before that, he was a state senator from 2019-2024. In the senate, he chaired the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and supported legislation for housing affordability, health care, public transit, climate, and education. He is a longtime advocate for working families and community members who are historically left out of the political process.

​Joe grew up in White Center, attended high school in Burien and college at Seattle University. He now lives in West Seattle. He’s worked for Expedia and Microsoft, and has volunteered with organizations for homelessness services and law enforcement oversight.

​Representative Cindy Ryu

​Rep. Cindy Ryu is a 56-year resident of Washington state and lived previously in South Korea, Brunei and the Philippines. She received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with honors and an MBA in Operations Management from the University of Washington - Seattle. She served as President of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region 2024-2025.

​Rep. Ryu chairs the Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee, with jurisdiction over economic development; rural economic development; small business assistance; underserved communities; minority and women’s business enterprises; community development; international trade; tourism; and emergency preparedness, response, and resiliency. The committee also considers issues relating to broadband and digital equity; telecommunications; emerging technologies; artificial intelligence; data privacy; cybersecurity; and state information technology; and veterans’ and military affairs.