Loretta Cheeks, Ph.D.

Dr. Loretta H. Cheeks is recognized globally as a senior executive leader, an entrepreneur, a proud GEM Alumni, a recognized expert in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), computing and technology and STEAM educator and advocate. She is founder and CEO of Strong TIES and DS Innovation. During her tenure serving enterprises, governments, and nonprofits, she has shaped organizations strategic direction, vision, and growth in size and impact.

Dr. Cheeks is on a mission to create a better world through her passion for the beloved community using computing, and technology. Before earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Arizona State University, the STEAM advocate was developing and deploying large-scale modernization systems and leading 200+ member teams within the ground and satellite communications, avionics, energy systems instrumentation and control and chemical industries for Fortune 500 corporations. But, this Doctor of Philosophy cares deeply about inspiring future engineers and creative technologists and being a link in the chain of goodwill. This led her to develop high-impact programs to demystify STEAM with an emphasis on emerging technologies—AI, machine learning, data science, and 2D and 3D game design―for underserved and underrepresented communities to follow in her scientific footsteps. To do that, Dr. Cheeks created “Strong TIES,” a non-profit.

She is listed among 10 Incredible Black Women in STEM, founding member of National Science and Technology Medals Foundation Expert Connect, featured guest on SiriusXM Urban View, featured by Verizon on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and NASA Datanauts. She regularly appears among thought leaders in conferences, peer-review publications, workshops, podcast and speaking engagements in the world.

Dr. Cheeks holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Computer Science, Master in Technology Management, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science.