About Me
As the lead for Durham College’s AI and Cybersecurity labs, Ali Hirji has over 14 years of experience working on a variety of technology implementations in the government, academic and not for profit sectors. With a specific interest in broadband communications, Ali has held senior roles in projects to enable remote connectivity, implement technical trainings, bolster cyber security frameworks and enhance access to mission critical applications. He has also taken a lead role in securing funding for over 15 related projects and established numerous public private partnerships. Ali is completing his PhD in communications and holds multiple research and teaching positions.
TESTIMONIALS
John Pinard
Chief Information Officer / Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority
I have worked along side Ali since April 2020 on the SiberXChange project and I continue to be totally amazed on a daily basis by Ali’s knowledge, friendliness, pleasant demeaner. He is not only a fountain of knowledge but also a vast database of interesting, inspiring and motivational sayings.
I am grateful everyday for having been introduced to Ali and I learn something from him every time we speak. I look forward to a long working relationship with him and would recommend anyone and everyone to get to know this man as he will make every life and every business better after even your first interaction.
Medha Saraiya
Founder & CEO / ConnexHealth
Ali is wonderful to work with and has exceptional expertise in leadership, mentoring and organization. He is an amazing professional, who brings all of the skills and expertise in programming and systems security. Ali has been influential in guiding his team to deliver extraordinary product.
Pat Doyle
President / patdoyle.ca
I have gotten to know Ali over the past year. When you see him interact with his peers, students & administration you immediately see respect! That strength of character and passion is motivating! I get energized every-time I speak with him. You simply know that Ali is going to make a difference because he understands the value of relationships. Keep believing Ali, keep building, and keep celebrating the people around you! I know I will continue to keep celebrating you!!
Timeline
PUBLIC SPEAKING
July 2020 – Present
Host of Power Hour
siberXchange
Weekly cybersecurity show with professionals from across North America.
August 2020
Keynote
Invited by the Phelps Group
To deliver their sponsored Opening Keynote on cybersecurity and smart communities at the siberXchange.
July 2020
Lecture
Invited by the Town of Ajax
To deliver a lecture on AI development technologies.
July 2020
Keynote
Invited by Stem Mindz
To deliver the afternoon keynote of the technology conference for kids.
June 2020
Lecture
Invited by the Town of Ajax
To deliver a lecture on COVID-19 and digital security frameworks.
May 2020
Lecture
Invited by IILM University India
To deliver a lecture on the role of AI in HR practices.
June 2019
Keynote
Invited by the Town of Cobourg
To deliver an evening keynote on gaming technologies and industry development.
May 2019
Lecture
Invited by the Ontario Power Generation
To deliver 8 lectures on AI deployments.
April 2019
Lecture
Invited by the City of Oshawa
To deliver a lecture to local seniors on online safety.
March 2019
Keynote
Invited by Whitby Chamber of Commerce
To give a talk on AI for small businesses.
July 2017
Keynote
Invited by Lambton College
To deliver keynote workshop alongside Contact North at the Mobile Summit.
April 2016
Keynote
Invited by the Arctic Economic Council
To Barrow, Alaska to speak at the Arctic Broadband Summit.
2014, 2015, 2016
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Michael Nijhawan
To lecture a third-year course at York University on religious rituals in the diaspora.
August 2015
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Suzanne Cook
To lecture a third-year course at York University on careers in sociology.
September 2013
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Natalie Coulter
To lecture second year course at York University on research in communications studies.
June 2013
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Natalie Coulter
To lecture third year course at York University on developments in collaboration technologies.
June 2012
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Nishanth Uphdayay
To lecture a second-year course at York University on Indo-Pak nationalisms.
February 2010
Lecture
Invited by Dr. Ananya Mukherjee
To lecture a second-year course at York University on Canada’s immigration system.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
October 2020
Workshop
UpNext Ajax Conference
Presented 5 workshops on AI and Cybersecurity.
June 2020
Workshop
Toronto Machine Learning Summit
Presented a workshop on AI and investment opportunities.
March 2020
Workshop
Canadian Women in Cybersecurity
Presented a workshop on cybercrime and bullying along-side the province of Ontario.
September 2019
Workshop
Venture 13 Cobourg Learning Series
Presented a workshop on AI and data validation.
August 2019
Workshop
City of Pickering Learning Series
Presented a workshop on AI deployments.
June 2019
Panel
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Presented a panel session on AI and diversity.
May 2019
Panel
OCAS Led Conference
Presented a panel session on the role of blockchain and AI technologies in academe.
April 2019
Panel
CISO Forum Canada
Presented a panel discussion on smart communities.
March 2019
Keynote / Workshop
York Angels Meeting
Presented a keynote workshop.
February 2019
Keynote / Workshop
The Town of Ajax
Presented a keynote workshop to the Council.
January 2019
Workshop
ORION THINK Conference
Presented a workshop on AI and industry partnerships.
2015, 2016
Workshop
Mobile Summit, Lambton College
Presented a workshop along with Contact North.
November 2014
Presentation
ORION THINK Conference
Presentation on the role of mobile development.
September 2014
Presentation
Online Communities and Shaw Research
Paper presentation at the NeMLA Conference.
June 2013
Workshop
University of Toronto
Workshop presentation on Broadband and Social Media to the Research Impact Community
October 2011
Presentation
York University Graduate Conference in Sociology
Paper presentation on “The Many Islams.”
October 2009
Presentation
York University Undergraduate Conference
Paper presentation on “The role of Public Finance in Research.”