Meet
Dr. Yemaya
Bordain
ABOUT ME
Yemaya Bordain is renowned for her innovative problem-solving skills, strategic sales leadership, and her role as a trusted technical consultant, serving clients on a global scale. With a rich history of professional training and mentorship from industry leaders, Yemaya has diligently pursued her passion for enabling technologies that contribute to a safer and more secure world.
Yemaya finds immense satisfaction in tackling complex challenges within her field and consistently generates positive impact in roles at prominent brands.
She is a patented technologist with a broad technical background in advanced materials for spaceflight, characterization of viscoelastic materials, micromagnetics in biological applications, microelectronics and photonics, nanotechnology and embedded electronics in healthcare and defense and aerospace.
Currently, her dedication and focus are channeled toward the realization of paradigm-shifting technologies for pilots today and autonomous air travel tomorrow.
Yemaya finds immense satisfaction in tackling complex challenges within her field and consistently generates positive impact in roles at prominent brands.
She is a patented technologist with a broad technical background in advanced materials for spaceflight, characterization of viscoelastic materials, micromagnetics in biological applications, microelectronics and photonics, nanotechnology and embedded electronics in healthcare and defense and aerospace.
Currently, her dedication and focus are channeled toward the realization of paradigm-shifting technologies for pilots today and autonomous air travel tomorrow.
PROFICIENCIES
A proficient problem solver.
Yemaya’s industry expertise lies in embedded military/defense, aerospace, and government electronics, encompassing high-performance rugged computing, safety-critical avionics and urban air mobility.
She has earned a reputation as a disciplined problem-solver, displaying excellence in comprehending challenges, collaborating with teams to formulate solutions, and executing with precision to achieve outcomes. Her expertise includes the capacity to not only develop a global sales strategy while inspiring an international sales force, but also to provide clients with indispensable technical consultation due to a well-rounded technical background.
Yemaya’s industry expertise lies in embedded military/defense, aerospace, and government electronics, encompassing high-performance rugged computing, safety-critical avionics and urban air mobility.
She has earned a reputation as a disciplined problem-solver, displaying excellence in comprehending challenges, collaborating with teams to formulate solutions, and executing with precision to achieve outcomes. Her expertise includes the capacity to not only develop a global sales strategy while inspiring an international sales force, but also to provide clients with indispensable technical consultation due to a well-rounded technical background.
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Consultative sales and business development -
Emerging and advanced technologies -
International business
EXPERIENCE
2022 – Present
President of Americas
Daedalean
Successfully established the US presence of Daedalean, a Switzerland-based company on the forefront of pioneering AI-powered flight control software for autonomous aircraft operations, akin to a vision straight out of "The Jetsons." She oversees a dynamic portfolio, encompassing global initiatives in innovation, business development, product management, marketing, communications, flight testing, and strategic partnerships.
Moreover, the work at Daedalean is underpinned by a profound commitment to the technology’s transformative potential. It aims to foster greater equity by making advanced air mobility affordable and accessible, breaking down barriers of geography, income, and other demographic or physical constraints, allowing personal connections to thrive unencumbered.
Moreover, the work at Daedalean is underpinned by a profound commitment to the technology’s transformative potential. It aims to foster greater equity by making advanced air mobility affordable and accessible, breaking down barriers of geography, income, and other demographic or physical constraints, allowing personal connections to thrive unencumbered.
2018 – 2022
Global Lead, Internet of things group public sector sales
Intel Corporation
Exercised strategic leadership over sales operations to military, aerospace, and government clientele, accomplishing unparalleled growth and spearheading groundbreaking market expansion initiatives. Achieved a remarkable milestone by driving record-breaking sales, in the multimillion-dollars, across an extensive portfolio of over 50 global accounts, securing an outstanding 2.5X increase in design wins and a 3.5X boost in architectural conversions during the tenure.
Additionally, assumed a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of safe and secure autonomy within the burgeoning Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market. Not only led the charge in UAM, but also operated as a safety-critical avionics technical consultant to both defense and commercial aerospace equipment manufacturers, extending valuable expertise to UAM manufacturers.
Additionally, assumed a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of safe and secure autonomy within the burgeoning Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market. Not only led the charge in UAM, but also operated as a safety-critical avionics technical consultant to both defense and commercial aerospace equipment manufacturers, extending valuable expertise to UAM manufacturers.
2015 – 2017
Senior solutions engineer
Intel Corporation
Demonstrated unparalleled expertise in product development across a multitude of projects within the dynamic realm of the embedded Internet of Things, with notable accomplishments in healthcare, defense, and aerospace sectors.
Furthermore, played a pivotal role as co-architect in the groundbreaking achievement of delivering the inaugural commercially-available offering in the realm of safety-critical avionics, based on Intel technology. This visionary endeavor has set a formidable standard in the industry.
Furthermore, played a pivotal role as co-architect in the groundbreaking achievement of delivering the inaugural commercially-available offering in the realm of safety-critical avionics, based on Intel technology. This visionary endeavor has set a formidable standard in the industry.
2009 – 2015
Predoctoral research fellow
University of Illinois al Urbana-champaign
Distinguished by the receipt of two highly esteemed accolades, namely the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Ford Foundation Fellowship from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, reflecting an exceptional level of achievement.
In addition to these notable recognitions, Yemaya holds two patented inventions, and still offers invaluable mentorship to numerous undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore, she has orchestrated and overseen summer engineering programs catering to high school students, embodying an unwavering commitment to advancing societal well-being and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
In addition to these notable recognitions, Yemaya holds two patented inventions, and still offers invaluable mentorship to numerous undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore, she has orchestrated and overseen summer engineering programs catering to high school students, embodying an unwavering commitment to advancing societal well-being and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
2013 – 2014
President/CEO
Effimax Solar
Stepped boldly into the dynamic realm of tech startups, steering an early-stage venture through the rigorous National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Phase I. Furthermore, successfully helmed the company through the highly competitive 2012−2013 cohort of the prestigious Village Capital VentureWell startup accelerator program, showcasing exceptional leadership and business acumen.
Subsequently, guided another early-stage enterprise, participating in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program, an experience that further underscores Yemaya’s profound entrepreneurial capabilities.
Subsequently, guided another early-stage enterprise, participating in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program, an experience that further underscores Yemaya’s profound entrepreneurial capabilities.
2008 – 2009
Research engineer, Defense contractor
M&P Technologies
Provided unwavering support to a roster of esteemed space and defense industry clients, including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force, leaving an indelible mark on the most critical frontiers of technology and innovation.
In addition to client support, orchestrated the creation and rigorous testing of cutting-edge high-performance composite matrices, meticulously engineered to exhibit enhanced electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, a feat that placed Yemaya at the forefront of materials science innovation. Furthermore, groundbreaking research completed was not only published but also presented at esteemed peer-reviewed conferences, underscoring their significant contributions to the scientific community.
In addition to client support, orchestrated the creation and rigorous testing of cutting-edge high-performance composite matrices, meticulously engineered to exhibit enhanced electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, a feat that placed Yemaya at the forefront of materials science innovation. Furthermore, groundbreaking research completed was not only published but also presented at esteemed peer-reviewed conferences, underscoring their significant contributions to the scientific community.
2010 – 2015
Doctor of Philosophy in electrical and computer engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
I became the first female African-American to earn a doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University.
I patented two inventions in microelectronics and nanotechnology. Link to dissertation.
I patented two inventions in microelectronics and nanotechnology. Link to dissertation.
2008 – 2010
Master of science in computer science
Clark Atlanta University
I graduated with honors. I worked on projects in computational thermodynamics, rheological testing of thermoplastics, and optoelectronic impedance tomography.
2004 – 2008
Bachelor of science in engineering, electrical
Clark Atlanta University
I graduated magna cum laude and was awarded Undergraduate Student of the Year for outstanding leadership and academic achievement.
Recognition
- 2024, NBAATop 40 Under 40
Celebrating emerging leaders spearheading innovation within the business aviation industry
- 2024, eVTOL InsightsPowerbook 2024
Recognising excellence and achievement in the Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft Industry
- 2020, IntelTop achiever award
Awarded to top 5% individuals in global Sales and Marketing Organization
- 2019, IntelDivision recognition award
Awarded for safety-critical avionics market entry
- 2018, IntelDivision recognition award
Awarded for demonstrating excellent cross-organizational effectiveness in US Sales.
- 2015, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignTrailblazer award
Awarded for paving the way for female African-Americans in the Graduate College, College of Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
- 2013, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyRising star in electrical engineering and computer science
Awarded to high-potential women demonstrating advances in electrical engineering and computer science.
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2010, National Science Foundation
NSF graduate research fellowshipA prestigious award granted to outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines
IN THE PRESS
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS
BOOK YEMAYA
Interested in having Yemaya speak or present at your next conference or event? Get in touch: info@yemayabordain.com.