Melissa Cefkin is an anthropologist at the crossroads of technology, business and mobility. She developed autonomous vehicle behavior and features at Waymo, initiated and led the Human Systems Lab at Nissan, and has held research and innovation roles at IBM and Sapient. Melissa co-chaired EPIC in 2007 ("Being Heard") and 2008 ("Being Seen").

Taking place during the early days of the social media revolution, when companies like Facebook and LinkedIn were just taking hold, Melissa reflects on the impact of these platforms on the theme of being heard - a time when people were being introduced to the ability to amplify their voices and find community online. As a forming community,  EPIC members discussed what being heard and getting a seat "at the table" of organizational decision making should mean.

This year’s EPIC conference will be held in Los Angeles from August 18-21. Learn more at 2024.epicpeople.org.