Diana Vicezar is a 2025 Kim Cameron Awardee.
DIAF supported her journey to the Identiverse in June 2025. Here, she reflects on her experience.
New Connections & Collaborators
Attending Identiverse 2025 in Las Vegas marked a significant milestone in my professional journey. As a first-time attendee, I arrived with a lot of curiosity – excited to finally experience the conference I had followed online for years. The experience exceeded all my expectations! The energy, the people, the conversations, everything came together to create a space where I felt both inspired and welcomed.
Being surrounded by the people who are driving the future of identity was very motivating. I had the opportunity to meet so many identity professionals whose work I’ve admired for a long time. Whether through blogs, podcasts, conference talks, or social media, these people have helped shape how I think about the identity space. Getting the chance to meet them in person, often in line for lunch or between sessions, was a real highlight. Those spontaneous hallway conversations were just as valuable as the sessions I attended, and they often led to surprising connections and fresh ideas.
Pioneering Ideas
The conference agenda was packed with incredible content, and I found myself especially drawn to the sessions exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and identity. Given that my current work is focused on AI-driven innovations that enhance identity and access management, it was energizing to see how much attention this area is getting across the industry. From the numerous sessions on how to leverage generative AI for identity management, it’s clear that AI is a key part of where the identity space is headed.
I was particularly impressed by the nuance and thoughtfulness presenters brought to the challenges AI introduces. There was a strong focus on ensuring AI systems are fair and transparent. It was refreshing to hear that the community is thinking not just about what AI can do, but what it should do, and how we can align technological progress with principles of ethics and human empowerment.
Finding Mentors
One of the most meaningful moments of the week was participating in the “Identity at the Center” podcast with hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman. I had the honor of joining Arynn Crow, Director of Governance and Transparency at DIAF, to discuss my experience as a Kim Cameron Award winner and the importance of supporting new voices and emerging talent in the field. Sharing my experience reminded me how powerful mentorship and visibility can be, especially for those of us entering the space from non-traditional or underrepresented backgrounds.
Looking back, some of my favorite memories from Identiverse happened in the moments in between. Whether it was chatting with someone in line for a session, meeting a fellow first-timer over lunch, or running into someone whose work I admire, the sense of community was real. Everyone I spoke with was generous with their time and eager to share, learn, and connect. It reminded me that identity is, at its core, about people, not just products. I left Identiverse 2025 feeling more connected, more inspired, and more committed than ever to building a future where digital identity works for everyone.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Kim Cameron Award and DIAF.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Programs like this are essential, not just for opening doors, but for ensuring that the future of identity is shaped by a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.
I look forward to Identiverse 2026!
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