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Eyra AbrahamVisionary Entrepreneur

Hello!

As a founder of an AI tech company, consultant, and speaker, I devote my time to democratizing access to information and increasing inclusion from marginalized communities. I’m driven to help change-makers whose mission is positively impacting the world and those who want to leverage AI to advanced technologies for equitable access.

I launched a startup changing the landscape of adaptive technologies for people with hearing loss to gain equal access at home, at work and in our community. My startup co-created a sound awareness app helping people “hear” critical sounds (like door knocks, fire alarms etc.) calling for their attention.

I’m currently a technical committee member for plain language with Accessibility Standards Canada and a steering committee member for Start Access, an initiative on AI equity with the American Association of People with Disabilities. I also participate as a board member with the Creative Users Projects, a digital network for disabled and deaf artists.

You can see me in the media, particularly Global News, TVOntario, Globe and Mail, and CBC. I’m among Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch (2019).

Believe in oneself and knowing who you are, that’s the foundation of everything great.

- Jay Z -

Experience
Dec 2021

Founder & CEO of Lisnen Inc.

Toronto startup

Assistive tech for the deaf and hard of hearing (lisnen.com)

Independent Consultant

Toronto-based

Helping leaders, founders and change-makers with solving society's biggest social challenges leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). (Learn more)

Dec 2021
Aug 2021

Board Member

Creative Users Projects (creativeusers.net)

Creative Users Projects (creativeusers.net)

Start Access’ Steering Committee Member

November 2020 - Current

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)

Nov 2020
Nov 2020

Entrepreneur in Residence

Toronto, ON, 2020-Current

Centre for Social Innovation

Speaking
Mar 2023

AI – Helping Make Technology Accessible for All

Coventry, UK, March 7-8, 2023

British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (BAPCO)

Innovator in Residence Product Inclusion Design Labs: Disabilities

Online, November 9, 2022

Toronto Public Library

Nov 2022
Jun 2022

Women in Business Summit, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Online, June 2022

Restarting, Reimagining, Accelerating and Recuperating: Women in the Post-pandemic Era

Reimagining the Future of Work

Online - Worldwide, June 2022

Policy Horizons' Futures Week

Jun 2022
Nov 2021

AI: Artificial Intelligence or Augmenting Inequality?

Toronto, November 2-5, 2021

FWD50

End

Portfolio

/Sample of Past Work

A complete list of past speaking engagements and media coverage can be found on Informed Opinion.

#a11yTO

Eyra Abraham brings her whole self to every conversation. She is committed to her work and devoted to helping others understand how they can improve experiences for people with disabilities. At #a11yTO, we encourage learning, sharing experiences and ideas, providing solutions, and collaboration towards building more inclusive digital products. Eyra’s attitude and presentation style match our values.

Oskar Westin

Co Organizer, #a11yTO

FWD50

Eyra is not only a fantastic communicator, but also a pleasure to work with. Her presentation on how technology can empower people of all abilities brought a much-needed discussion to FWD50, and gave thousands of public servants from around the world a unique insight into the importance of digital innovation.

Alistair Croll

Conference Chair, FWD50 and bestselling author

Toronto Womxn in Data Science

Toronto Womxn in Data Science was honoured to have Eyra as a speaker at our annual conference twice! Eyra is knowledgeable and engaging and a joy to work with. Her unique combination of AI and tech knowledge and being an accessibility advocate is priceless. Each time she’s presented, we’ve received positive feedback from attendees highlighting her teaching moments. We look forward to booking Eyra as she always brings fresh new perspectives and ideas to a field that overlooks the unique needs of those with disabilities.

Kishawna Peck

Founder, Toronto Women in Data Science