Daniela Yela

Head of Artificial Intelligence at Universal American School

Speaker

Daniela holds a dual role at Universal American School in Dubai: Head of Technology Integration and Artificial Intelligence, and Middle School Grade Level Leader. It is a combination that gives her an unusually complete view of what AI is actually doing to students not just in theory, but in the classroom and the pastoral office, every day.
As Head of AI and Technology Integration, she leads the school's full AI and digital transformation agenda, designing and deploying AI-powered tools, building staff capability, and advising senior leadership on responsible adoption. As Grade Level Leader, she sits with the same students that technology is reshaping: tracking their wellbeing, managing safeguarding concerns, and watching first-hand how algorithmic platforms affect anxiety, behaviour, and belonging.
With over 14 years of international experience, a Master's in Educational Technology and Innovation, Daniela brings both strategic depth and frontline credibility to the conversation about AI in education. She has led international partnerships with MIT, built AI curricula aligned to the UAE national framework, and spoken professionally on social-emotional learning.
Her conviction is simple: the people building and deploying AI in schools need to spend more time with the students.