AfroTech Conference 2026

Brandon Z. Hoff

Chief AI Officer, RUDI (Responsible Use of Digital Intelligence)

Track Artificial Intelligence

Biography

Brandon Z. Hoff is a researcher, educator, and technology strategist helping organizations navigate the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. He is the founder of RUDI – Responsible Use of Digital Intelligence, a public education initiative that brings AI literacy and ethics into schools, communities, and boardrooms. Hoff’s work bridges innovation and practice from designing AI-powered financial tools for healthcare providers to creating professional development programs for educators and policy leaders. He has advised universities, school districts, and legislators on responsible adoption of AI, while also building real-world systems that streamline decision-making and expand access to opportunity. A frequent speaker and workshop leader, Hoff has been featured by several media publications for his human-centered approach to technology. His philosophy is simple: technology should solve human problems, not create new ones. Whether teaching, building, or consulting, he focuses on ensuring AI empowers people, strengthens communities, and drives meaningful progress.

Sessions

  1. Mandatory AI Agent Training for Executive Leaders

    Wed, Nov 4, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM CT

    Track Artificial Intelligence

    Most leaders are still using AI one question at a time. In this hands-on session, Brandon Hoff, Chief AI Officer of RUDI AI, shows you how to move past one-off prompts and build AI systems that handle entire processes, from research to finished work. Follow along as he walks through real-world examples step by step, then put it into practice yourself. You’ll leave with a working approach you can bring back to your team and use right away.

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