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Stephen Pullum
In the dynamic and rapidly changing fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Stephen Pullum stands out as a dedicated leader, serving as the founder and chief AI ethicist of AfricurityAI. Since its establishment in 2021, AfricurityAI has quickly become a prominent entity in cyber defense and AI ethics, driven by a unique mission that emphasizes prioritizing “people over profit.”
AfricurityAI offers a vast array of services in cybersecurity and AI, with a focus on executive leadership for defense infrastructure, workforce development, policy and strategy implementation, and advanced cyber threat intelligence. Stephen founded the company’s purpose at the University of Texas San Antonio before expanding its reach to Africa. Africurity is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
With over 40 years of experience in cybersecurity and AI that began in the mid-1980s, Stephen brings an extensive background in information assurance, governance, and law. His focus is on the responsible integration of AI within cybersecurity frameworks. Stephen's approach combines strategic foresight with ethical considerations, particularly in deploying generative AI technologies. Through his credentials, including membership with the Blockchain Council and certifications in Artificial Intelligence, Stephen drives initiatives that uphold data integrity and privacy in AI governance.
"AfricurityAI is not just a company; it's a mission," says Stephen. "We operate entirely pro bono, allowing us to focus on ethics, cybersecurity, and AI literacy, especially within underserved and marginalized populations globally." This altruistic approach is evident in the company's projects, which range from international conflict resolution training to counterintelligence methods and mal-information management presentations. AfricurityAI's commitment to ethical AI practices empowers teams to adopt responsible innovation while safeguarding against digital vulnerabilities.
Stephen's career journey reflects his dedication to technology and ethics. After over four decades in the field, he has witnessed the progression of technology from his Commodore 64 to today's Generative AI. He describes his journey as more than a profession, but viewing himself as a craftsman continuously refining his art. "I don't see it as work," he states. "It's my life. Like an artist with a blank canvas, I keep building and perfecting technology as it changes."
Stephen's pioneering contributions include in 1994, for the USAF, developing the first system that combined photography and graphics in electronic presentations, a design that was used globally by the Air Mobility Command (AMC) audio-visual centers in the mid-1990s—now commonplace today with AI and PowerPoint. In 2021, he was appointed North America Ambassador by the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF), further solidifying his influence in the field. He also is a member for several nations with the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in cybersecurity.
Stephen's educational pursuits include Harvard Business School Online courses such as Implicit Bias and AI Essentials for Business, and he is an honor graduate of Lund University in Sweden in AI and law coursework. His certifications include being an IEEE senior member, Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP), Certified Artificial Intelligence Expert (CAIE), Certified Generative AI Expert (CGAIE), and Certified ChatGPT Expert (CCGPTE), amongst others dating back to the pre-Millenium era.
Stephen's dedication to advancing ethical practices in cybersecurity and AI has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with awards such as the Blacks in Cybersecurity (BIC) Pioneer and Image Award and recognition in Top Cyber Magazine's Who's Who in Cybersecurity.
Stephen Pullum
Founder/Global AI Engagement Guru
AfricurityAI
Website: https://www.africurity.com