Tech Leaders Explore AI’s Role in Conservation at Menlo College

On September 19, The Luminary Societies transformed Menlo College into a hub of innovative conservation thinking with “Reprogramming Survival: Growth, Ethics, AI and the Future of Conservation,” a salon-style panel that explored how Silicon Valley’s risk-tolerant innovation culture could unlock breakthroughs in biodiversity protection. Luminary Societies founder Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff moderated a compelling conversation featuring Superset’s VP of Marketing Deirdre Mahon and Luminarian Fellowship Director Paul Marca alongside Joe Calder, founder of Silicon Valley Technology Foundation and regional host for TUSK and Menlo College’s Dr. Tahereh Saheb from the Institute for AI & Sustainability.

The thoughtfully curated evening benefited TUSK, the global conservation charity that has spent over 30 years protecting Africa’s wildlife through community-led initiatives, education programs and innovative anti-poaching efforts. The intimate gathering challenged attendees to rethink conservation funding and scaling through a venture capital mindset that could make environmental protection both impactful and economically viable. In-kind sponsors De Soi, Keller Estate and Teac Mor supported an evening that perfectly embodied The Luminary Societies’ mission of demystifying complex challenges through curated conversations. The evening demonstrated how academic institutions like Menlo College can incubate solutions while preparing future leaders to harness AI and emerging technologies for climate resilience.