Prof. Dr. Larissa Suzuki

Prof. Dr. Larissa Suzuki is a globally recognised computer scientist, engineer, and motivational speaker who captivates audiences with her journey through the world of technology and innovation. Known for her pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence, smart cities, and space exploration, Larissa is frequently invited to speak at prestigious events for her ability to inspire diverse audiences – especially women in STEM. She has held high-profile roles at organisations such as Google and NASA, and her unique blend of technical excellence and personal resilience makes her a compelling and highly sought-after speaker.

Larissa’s career began in Brazil, where she worked as a software engineer at Banco do Brazil before becoming a lecturer and engineering scientist. Her passion for technology and problem-solving led her to found AppStudio in 2009, marking her early entrepreneurial spirit. Over the course of her career, Larissa has held many esteemed positions including Chair of the Tech London Advocates Group on Smart Cities and Head of Data and AI Practice at Google. She has also held various research and teaching roles at institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Oxford and the University of Quebec.

In recent years, Larissa’s accomplishments have continued to garner international recognition. In 2023, she joined NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Visiting Researcher, working on the ambitious project to build an Interplanetary Internet. Honorary Associate Professor in Computer Science at UCL, Larissa is currently a Google AI Principles Ethics Fellow. In 2022, she was honoured as Woman of the Year at the Women in IT Awards and featured in the Financial Times’ Top 50 Women in European Tech. She currently serves as a Technical Director at Google and continues to shape the ethical use of AI as a dedicated fellow and pioneer in the field.

Keynote speaker for Women Techmakers’ International Women’s Day event, Larissa is hired as a motivational speaker not only because of her distinguished professional background, but also because of her unwavering commitment to inclusion, education, and breaking barriers in tech. Her ability to connect complex topics with human stories makes her an engaging and empowering voice, particularly for young professionals and underrepresented groups. Whether discussing smart cities, AI ethics, or her own journey, Larissa delivers inspiring and impactful talks that leave lasting impressions.