Community Intelligence Roundtable: AI Talent Development: Building a Future-Ready Workforce Ecosystem
Part of Twin Cities Startup Week 2026, September 14–18.
Join us at the Origin House office for a curated Community Intelligence Roundtable focused on building a future-ready workforce ecosystem. As AI accelerates scientific discovery and industrial transformation, the Twin Cities has a unique opportunity to lead if we can connect the talent, knowledge, and relationships currently scattered across our institutions.
In partnership with Women in AI and the University of St. Thomas, this session convenes a high-trust group of leaders across education, workforce development, research, and industry. We aren't just discussing AI; we are mapping the gaps in our learning-to-work pathways. We will tackle the questions that matter:
Which AI and human skills will the region need most in the next 3–5 years?
Where do learners and workers lose momentum between education and employment?
How can we better surface the hidden talent and existing programs that currently operate in silos?
This is a participatory, in-person roundtable designed to move beyond theory. Come prepared to share your perspective, identify barriers, and help define the collaborative actions that will strengthen our region's workforce.
Media notice: This event may be recorded and transcribed to capture ecosystem insights. Registration includes acceptance of the event's Media and Participation Consent.
About the Speakers
Jena Zangs
Chief Data & AI Officer, University of St. Thomas
Jena Zangs is the Chief Data & AI Officer at the University of St. Thomas — the first person to hold this role in higher education anywhere in Minnesota. She leads the university's enterprise data and AI strategy, with a focus on responsible implementation that strengthens human capability rather than replacing it.
Jena holds a master's degree in Data Science and brings a track record of recognition in the field: she's a global Lovable buildathon winner, a 2026 Notable Woman in STEM, and an AWS Champion in Education. As the Minnesota State Ambassador for the global Women in AI organization, she's deeply committed to empowering others and building the workforce and talent ecosystem the region needs for the future.
Dr. Sunny Zhang
Co-Founder & Chief Evangelist, TrueLeap Inc.
Sunny is an award winning educator, entrepreneur, venture investor, and community builder focused on helping people and ecosystems grow through learning, trust, and human connection. Sunny is the founder & chief evangelist of TrueLeap Inc., the company behind Orian.ai, the community intelligence platform. Orian helps domain experts, program leaders, and ecosystem builders turn knowledge, events, conversations, and relationships into connected intelligence, better workflows, measurable impact, and compounding growth.
Peiyu Phua
Peiyu is a statewide planner at Minnesota Management and Budget, working at the intersection of planning, policy, and systems change — helping Minnesota navigate complex, long-range challenges by building the frameworks, relationships, and shared understanding that make coordinated action possible. She is currently managing a statewide cross-sector AI planning effort focused on preparing Minnesota for AI-driven change in ways that are human-centered, equitable, and grounded in shared values. She received both her Master of Urban and Regional Planning and Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota.
Marta Haynes
Marta Haynes is a former bond trader turned enterprise technology sales leader who loves data, AI, big ideas and proving that great salespeople can be serious technologists, too. She’s a passionate advocate for women in AI and technology and believes confidence, curiosity, and a little grit can open a lot of doors. She also serves as Guest Experience Director at NorthCross Church, where she gets to put her love of people, leadership, and creating community to work. When she’s not talking tech, you’ll probably find her at the barn with her rescue horse, Grace, or at home in Lakeville, MN with her husband, Scott, and their two English bulldogs: Butch the Tank and Rocky Bam Bam. Her personal philosophy? Stay curious, do hard things, believe in second chances and never underestimate a woman who knows her data.
Direction & Parking:
When you arrive, check in on the 1st floor.
For parking, street parking, or Ramp C, are good options for longer stays (over three hours) and exit on the basement level on the northeast side of the parking ramp (3rd Ave exit).
Getting here on Monday. Parking, Basecamp, lunch, and the rest of the day: tcstartupweek.com/monday