Kika Barr - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, WiscNet

Kika Barr's innovative journey began with the creation of a unique technical support team that emphasized member fulfillment and education. Her approach was influenced by her experiences at UW Madison and WiscNet, where mentors and peers played a crucial role. Kika's creative process involves treating each member interaction as unique, focusing on listening and education to solve problems collaboratively. Despite challenges as a non-native speaker and a woman in tech, her perseverance and support from key individuals helped her succeed. She is inspired by quantum technologies and maintains productivity through meditation, exercise, and reading influential books like "The Infinite Game."

Aneta Kosturova - Chief Financial Officer, WiscNet

Aneta Kosturova's journey as an innovator began with her natural curiosity and ability to think outside the box. She views challenges as opportunities for new solutions, a mindset that was shaped by her upbringing in Bulgaria during communism. Witnessing communities unite for change taught her that innovation is possible when people collaborate for a common purpose. Her creative process involves breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, emphasizing the importance of teaching, learning, and collaboration. Aneta is particularly excited about the potential of artificial intelligence and quantum technology, seeing them as transformative trends for the future.