Sarah J. Buszka is an internationally recognized leader at the intersection of higher education, technology, and AI strategy. As Executive Director of the Applied AI Lab at Waukesha County Technical College, she leads transformative efforts to apply artificial intelligence to real-world challenges. In this role, Sarah develops cutting-edge AI solutions, delivers workforce training, and serves as the region’s primary resource for AI strategy and innovation.
Her 15-year career spans both U.S. coasts, with previous leadership roles at Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she shaped enterprise IT strategy and infrastructure. Passionate about building the next generation of leaders, Sarah has chaired the EDUCAUSE Young Professionals Advisory Committee, co-hosted the EDUCAUSE Rising Voices podcast, and advised national organizations and government on the future of education technology and artificial intelligence.
Sarah’s academic foundation includes a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University, where she specialized in AI policy and published on democracy and innovation in the Cornell Policy Review. She also holds a B.S. in Neurobiology, Psychology, and Russian from UW–Madison and has founded Forward AI Consulting to expand AI access across sectors.
She is driven by a bold vision: to establish Wisconsin as the “Silicon Prairie” of AI.
Recipient of the 2024 EDUCAUSE Rising Star Award.
Credibility and visibility are not always distributed equitably across technology organizations. These imbalances can influence workplace culture and shape the organization itself. This conversation explores what it means for women to find their voices, claim space, and lead in higher education technology.
When is it time to change careers—and when should you stay? This episode explores how to recognize key signals, balance personal priorities, and navigate what comes next with purpose and impact.
Purdue developed a structured onboarding program for student help desk employees. Their structured, collaborative onboarding programs are transforming student help desk roles. Through course-based training, mentorship, and real-world practice, student employees gain confidence and cross-campus awareness—leading to stronger IT support and better preparation for future careers.
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