Gabelli School Launches the Fordham AI Business Hub to Advance Applied, Responsible Enterprise AI in New York City

The Gabelli School of Business recently launched the Fordham AI Business Hub (AIBH), a center for thought leadership that is dedicated to applied, responsible enterprise AI. Developed as part of Fordham University’s broader “AI for the Greater Good” initiative, the AIBH convenes industry leaders, academics, government and community partners, students, and alumni to explore practical applications of AI in business and workforce development, as well as critical issues related to ethical governance and responsible business.

The Fordham AIBH amplifies the Gabelli School’s mission of fostering responsible business leadership that inspires innovation, community, and impact, and is a critical facet of its five-year Strategic Plan. Its foundation is focused on four pillars: Workforce Development, Upskilling, and Reskilling; Innovation, Applied Research, and Startup Development; Community Engagement and Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits; and Ethical AI Governance and Public-Sector Innovation—all of which will contribute directly to the NYC business ecosystem.

“Fordham’s AI Business Hub reflects the University’s and the School’s commitment to preparing students from the city and the world for the global workplace of the future and for a business environment that is being transformed overnight through the use of AI,” said Lerzan Aksoy, PhD, dean, George N. Jean PhD chair, and professor of marketing, Gabelli School of Business. “As a Jesuit institution of higher education, we have an obligation to not only advance AI-related business innovation, but to ensure it is grounded in human dignity, fairness, transparency, and social impact. I am extremely proud that the Gabelli School will play an instrumental role in leading this critical initiative, which will position Fordham University as a driving force in responsible AI here in New York City and beyond.”

Recently, a group of industry leaders was named as AI Business Hub Fellows. They are: Dan Diasio, principal, Artificial Intelligence, EY; Tal Goldhamer, AI educator and activator, and CEO, Find the Tailwind; Vincent Ponzo, former responsible AI business development lead, Amazon AI, and author, Say Hi to AI!; Dana Rao, former executive vice-president, general counsel, Adobe; Tendü Yoğurtcu, PhD, chief technology officer, Precisely; and Peter Zangari, partner and head of Americas, MDOTM Ltd.

In addition, the AIBH hosted “AI at the Service of Communities,” which brought together industry thought leaders and members of the local community to explore community-centered, ethical AI and meaningful career development in the NYC economy. It also convened an industry roundtable on building an AI-ready workforce, aligned academic and administrative units across the University through a February 2026 launch event, and has forged partnerships with leading AI conferences including the AI Summit New York and EdTech Week’s AI for Educators Summit, work that has built upon University-wide efforts designed to advance responsible AI.

The AIBH is co-led by Fernando Montejo, senior director for external partnerships and engagement at the Gabelli School of Business, and Vincent Ponzo, who serves as the AI Business Hub lead and executive in residence. Operations are supported by Dominique Aubry, AI Business Hub manager. Together, they are shaping the AIBH’s, partnerships, programming, and external engagement—now and as it continues to evolve.