Melinda Geist has spent nearly a decade in semantic layer work, from enterprise taxonomist at Intel to her current focus on semantic graph solutions and ontology at Squirro, a leader in enterprise generative AI and knowledge graph solutions.

A creative problem solver with a pragmatic streak, Geist believes that good thinking starts with ownership. The best advice she ever received? "Don't come to me with a problem unless you have a proposed solution." It's a philosophy that has shaped her career and remains central to how she approaches every challenge.

A world traveler with a love for international culture and cuisine, Geist holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington iSchool, a Master of Science in Applied Information Management from the University of Oregon, and is a Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM).