Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Namibian Youth
Alumni Thought Leadership networking event
Opportunities mean a lot for young people embarking on their learning journeys. But what do these opportunities mean for our youth in today’s world of technology and artificial intelligence? Does it empower them exponentially in their development? Or does it put them at a disadvantage in the long-term?
Join Prof Anicia Peters, CEO at the NCRST, Brad Wilson, Customer Success & Innovation Manager at V5 Digital and Vivette Rittmann, Co-Creation Facilitator at Namibia University of Science and Technology, as they discuss the burning questions about Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Namibian Youth. We look forward to hosting you.
This event is facilitated by the Stellenbosch Business School Alumni Association Namibia chapter.
SPEAKERS
Prof Anicia Peters
CEO: National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)
Anicia Peters is a Namibian computer scientist specialising in human–computer interaction (HCI). She currently serves as the CEO of the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). Peters was born in Rehoboth, Namibia, and attended Origo Primary School. Her family relocated to the Khomasdal suburb of Windhoek when she was about 8 years old, where she attended M.H. Greeff Primary School and later Concordia College.
Peters earned two undergraduate degrees cum laude from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (formerly known as Polytechnic of Namibia): a National Diploma in Business Computing and a B.Tech. in Business Computing. She received the Rector's Medal for outstanding achievement and the Prof. Yrjö Neuvo Award for the best graduate in information technology at the institution for her B.Tech. degree. Peters pursued further studies at Iowa State University, earning an MSc and a PhD in human–computer interaction. She received scholarship awards from Boeing in 2013 for her contributions to HCI research conference publications and a Research Excellence Award from Iowa State University during her PhD studies. She completed her PhD under a Fulbright International Science and Technology Award and a Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Women in Science fellowship.
Her current research focuses on social computing, gender in digital technologies, gamification, and e-participation such as e-government and e-health. Peters was recognised as a Google Anita Borg scholar in 2012 and gained industry experience as a user experience (UX) researcher at Intuit in Silicon Valley before accepting a postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon State University, working under Margaret Burnett.
Anicia Peters holds the position of CEO of the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) since December 2022. Prior to this role, she served as the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Namibia from 2020. Peters has been actively involved in promoting computing initiatives in Namibia, including founding the Namibia Women in Computing conference and establishing local chapters of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). She chaired the International Culture and Computer Science Conference in Windhoek in October 2016 and co-chaired the inaugural Africa Human Computer Interaction Conference (AfriCHI) in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2016.
She has also served in various leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Namibia Qualifications Authority and as a member of the Namibia Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Anicia Peters was appointed by President Hage Geingob as the Chairperson of the Namibia Presidential Task Force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in July 2021
Brad Wilson
Customer Success & Innovation Manager: V5 Digital
Brad Wilson, the Customer Success & Innovation Manager at V5 Digital, is a visionary leader in digital innovation. With over a decade of experience, he has made significant contributions, including spearheading digital acceleration at Ohlthaver & List, where he successfully bridged the gap between technology and human-centered problem-solving. Brad holds a marketing degree from UNISA, a PGDip from the Digital Marketing Institute, and various micro-certifications in data, product management, and design strategy.
At V5 Digital, Brad is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technologies with a human-centered approach to solving business challenges. Known for his expansive thinking, willingness to stand out, and strategic vision, Brad's work is driven by a passion for enhancing human experiences and creating a better world through the convergence of technology and a growth mindset.
Vivette Rittmann
Co-Creation Facilitator: Namibia University of Science and Technology
Vivette Rittmann is a human-centred digital transformation and innovation consultant, with a Master’s in Digital Culture, she has significantly contributed to advancing digital practices in Namibia. Currently, she serves as a Programme Designer and Sense Maker, tailoring digital solutions to meet the specific needs and desired outcomes for innovation projects. Her career is marked by key roles in developing strategic digital strategies and leading high-impact workshops that promote multi-stakeholder engagement and drive sustainable digital change. Vivette plays a leading role in the establishment of the Namibia Innovation !Hub, leading the Technology Transfer and Commercialization strategic pillar.
She is an active member of the IT and Innovation Steering Committee at the Khomas Regional Council, where she helps guide ICT and Innovation policy for the region. Additionally, she has contributed to policy development for the Namibian government as an engaged member of the Internet Society (Namibia Chapter). Vivette also serves as a member of the Namibia Internet Governance Forum working group. This forum serves as the secretariat on Internet Governance for the Namibia Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology. Vivette’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy and AI understanding makes her an invaluable asset in bridging innovation, people, and practical implementation in today's digital-driven world.