Nikki Gonzales

Nikki Gonzales brings 20 years of experience across industrial automation, AI, and technology commercialization. Her career spans sales engineering, startups, commercial leadership, advisory work, and industry media, with roles at Keyence, Festo, CST/Dassault, and early AI supply chain startup Algo, giving her a practical, real-world perspective on emerging technologies.

She is currently Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, working with OEM machine builders in packaging, robotics, and process equipment, and is completing an AI strategy certificate at MIT Sloan and CSAIL.

Nikki co-founded Automation Ladies in 2022 with Alicia Gilpin, growing it from a podcast into a 100+ episode platform with a newsletter, live events, and a global automation community. In 2024, she co-founded OT SCADA CON, a practitioner-focused conference in Houston centered on OT, SCADA, and controls.

A frequent speaker since 2017, she covers AI, IIoT, OT/IT convergence, and career growth, and also serves on the Board of Directors at Process & Controls Energy.

People who know her well call her "Nikkipedia." Friends call her the Director of Silver Linings. Both are accurate.