Rashida Hodge is a technologist and executive leader at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies changing how businesses operate. Rashida honed her leadership over 18 years at IBM, where she influenced the creation, development and scale of IBM’s most significant technologies.
Dubbed the “Superhero of IBM Watson AI,” Rashida led the commercialization and global launch of IBM Watson. She designed an entirely new world-class AI professional services organization from the ground up and ushered in custom AI applications for IBM clients. Most notably, she led the implementation of IBM’s first major Watson AI engagements and delivered first-of-a-kind projects with prominent clients such as Banco de Bradesco (Brazil), Woodside Oil and Gas (Australia), Lotte (South Korea), Hyundai (South Korea) and GEICO (US). Her collaborative approach cemented IBM’s global thought leadership in AI.
Originally from the US Virgin Islands, her Caribbean upbringing gave her respect for strong communities, mentorship and the power of diversity. Knowing “we all stand on the shoulders of giants,” she is firmly committed to developing next-generation leaders and creating opportunities for women and minorities in
engineering.
Rashida earned a BS and MS in Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University and an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business. She was named to Fortune 40 Under 40 in Technology in 2020.
Rashida sits on the Boards of Misty Robotics; Girls Inc.; Duke University Fuqua School of Business Minority Advisory Board; and North Carolina University College of Engineering Foundation.