Innovators at EY: Pioneers Shaping the Future of Tech
06/05/25
In the dynamic world of digital technology, certain individuals stand out not only for their expertise but also for their visionary contributions to the field. This blog series introduces four such innovators from EY who are shaping the future of technology through their pioneering work in AI, cybersecurity, and data science. From establishing networks of coding clubs to integrating AI with cybersecurity, their stories are not just about technological advancement but about making a meaningful impact in the world. Meet Yang Liu, Jaqueline Arrieta, Dr. Eva-Marie Müller, and Kirk Hachigian, each a beacon of inspiration in their respective domains, demonstrating the power of technology to transform industries and enhance lives. Join us as we delve into their journeys, explore their insights, and celebrate their achievements in driving the digital revolution.
Meet Yang: A Beacon of Inspiration and Leadership in Technology
Yang Liu’s story is not just about her successful career at EY, where she manages the Microsoft Business Applications team, but about her passion for fostering an inclusive environment in technology. Originally from Zhengzhou, China, Yang’s journey into tech began uniquely through journalism and an internship at a tech news outlet. Her move to London opened up new opportunities, one of which was volunteering at a CoderDojo club in a museum. This experience ignited a passion that led her to establish a network of CoderDojo clubs right within the offices of EY, making technology and coding accessible to the masses.
Yang’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces for young people, especially girls, shines through her initiatives. She has been instrumental in organizing events for International Women’s Day and Ada Lovelace Day, focusing on engaging more girls in technology. Her efforts have profoundly impacted around 350 young individuals, introducing them to the possibilities within STEM fields.
Her leadership at EY and beyond has not only inspired the youth but also motivated her colleagues to contribute to this cause. Events under her guidance have seen significant participation, transforming her initiatives into a collective movement of volunteers eager to make a difference. Yang’s commitment to diversity in tech, especially encouraging female participation, has led to achieving a female mentor participation rate of 70 to 80% at her events.
Yang’s impact is best described by her colleagues and the young participants who see her as a role model. Her ability to step out of her comfort zone, engage with young minds, and lead by example has made her a true inspiration. Yang Liu continues to break barriers, champion diversity, and empower the next generation to envision a future where they not only belong but excel.
Discover more about Yang’s remarkable contributions and her story here.
Jaqueline Arrieta: Shaping the Future with Artificial Intelligence
Jaqueline Arrieta, a key figure in the Gen AI Strategy Execution and PMO at EY LATAM, is a visionary who sees immense potential in artificial intelligence to revolutionize industries by enhancing efficiency and driving innovation. Based in Mexico City, Jaqueline’s journey in AI began during her bachelor’s programme, where she worked on an ambitious project to simulate a smart house, setting the foundation for her future endeavors.
In her video for the “Future of Work Initiative”, Jaqueline explores the profound impact AI is expected to have on the global landscape and emphasizes the critical role it will play in shaping our future. She passionately argues for the importance of involving students in AI, not just as passive learners but as active participants who can contribute to its evolution and application across various sectors.
Jaqueline shares insights from her educational and professional journey in AI, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her understanding and enthusiasm for the field. Her work at EY LATAM involves not only overseeing AI projects but also ensuring that these innovations align with broader business goals and societal needs.
Through her leadership and innovative thinking, Jaqueline Arrieta is not only a role model but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring technologists around the world. She firmly believes in the transformative power of AI and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of AI enthusiasts, ensuring they are equipped to use technology to make meaningful changes.
Dr. Eva-Marie Müller: Pioneering Data and AI Innovations in MENA
Dr. Eva-Marie Müller, a partner at EY for Data and AI in the Middle East and North Africa, is a trailblazer whose work with data long predates the modern terminology of ‘data science’ and ‘artificial intelligence’. Her pioneering journey in the field is driven by a profound belief that data and AI are instrumental in making business decisions faster, cheaper, and more effective.
In her insightful video discussion, Dr. Müller shares how she developed smart codes and algorithms that significantly enhance operational efficiencies across businesses, industries, governments, and societies. She passionately talks about the universal applicability of data science and AI, stating, “Whatever drives your passion, there is a job and a way to use data science and AI.”
What excites Dr. Müller most about AI and data science is the capability to build powerful decision engines that have a broad impact. She reveals an intriguing fact: nearly everyone who has traveled through Europe has likely been impacted by one of the AI solutions she has developed. This statement not only underscores the pervasive influence of her work but also highlights the transformative potential of AI technologies in our everyday lives.
Dr. Müller is a visionary who sees beyond the technical aspects of AI and data science, recognizing their potential to empower and improve the way we live and work. Her enthusiasm for the field is contagious, and her work continues to inspire those looking to make a difference with technology.
Iulia Popescu: Bridging Cybersecurity and AI for a Safer Future
Iulia Popescu, a senior consultant in Cybersecurity at EY Technology Consulting, based in Denmark, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence with security measures. Originally from Romania, Iulia’s curiosity about AI was piqued during her master’s program, where she explored existential risks to humanity, including AI itself.
Her video presentation delves into her decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity, which further sparked her interest in AI as she recognized the critical importance of combining AI with robust security frameworks to harness its benefits responsibly. Iulia is particularly fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of AI, which demands a blend of diverse skills and the collaboration of experts across multiple disciplines.
For Iulia, the most exciting aspects of AI are not confined to its technological capabilities but its potential to reshape the future. She stresses that for students and upcoming professionals, engaging with AI is about more than just mastering the technology—it’s about actively shaping our collective future through innovative and ethical applications of AI.
Iulia’s journey to AI was not a direct path; it was shaped by her evolving interests and the dynamic landscape of technology and security. Her story is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and the importance of cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Kirk Hachigian: Driving Innovation with the Generative AI Taskforce at EY
Kirk Hachigian, the project manager of the Generative AI Taskforce at EY, embodies the spirit of innovation in the tech industry. Based in Texas and an alumnus of Cornell University where he studied computer science, Kirk’s passion for technology was sparked by a freshman class on Python. His enthusiasm for the latest tech trends and products has propelled him into a pivotal role at EY, where he works closely with the engineering team and other employees to develop AI-driven solutions that simplify and enhance their work lives.
In his role, Kirk collaborates with teams across EY to harness the potential of generative AI, aiming to make jobs not only faster but also more intuitive. He is passionate about solving problems and enhancing the efficiency of operations, whether at work, at home, or in other sectors, continually pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
Kirk sees AI as a critical component of future generations, believing that every aspect of our lives will be impacted by this transformative technology. His work with the Generative AI Taskforce at EY focuses on driving innovation that is not only cutting-edge but also deeply integrated into everyday tasks and workflows.
For Kirk, working at the cutting edge of technology isn’t just about being at the forefront; it’s about making real, tangible improvements in people’s lives. He loves the challenge and the opportunity to make a significant impact through his work.
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The journeys and achievements of Yang, Jaqueline, Dr. Müller, and Kirk illustrate the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have in the tech industry. Their stories are a testament to the power of innovation, the importance of inclusivity, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in our modern world. As we reflect on their contributions, it is clear that the future of technology is not just shaped by code and algorithms, but by the visionary minds who harness these tools to forge new paths and solve real-world challenges. Let these role models inspire you to explore the endless possibilities in technology and consider how you, too, can contribute to shaping a better future.
