Data Analytics and Business Intelligence expert in software production and manufacturing area with more than 20 years of industry experience. Having a wealth of industry knowledge and years of practice as a Software Architect and Chief Technology Officer, with a few other savvy IT gurus, decided to establish a custom software development company Agiliway.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence expert in software production and manufacturing area with more than 20 years of industry experience. Having a wealth of industry knowledge and years of practice as a Software Architect and Chief Technology Off... Show more

I’m a passionate Developer and Cloud Solution Architect at 4Dotnet, with over a decade of experience building scalable, maintainable, and cloud-native solutions using .NET and Microsoft Azure. My focus lies in designing robust event-driven architectures, implementing microservices, and advocating for clean code and DevOps best practices.

I’m a passionate Developer and Cloud Solution Architect at 4Dotnet, with over a decade of experience building scalable, maintainable, and cloud-native solutions using .NET and Microsoft Azure. My focus lies in designing robust event-driven architectu... Show more

📌Professional Fashion and Prints Designer with Russian and Italian education
📌Member of Botanical Art Society
📌Curator of fashion events and exhibitions
📌Scientific researcher in fashion and Arts, Master of Fashion design
📌Ambassador of Fashion Education

📌Professional Fashion and Prints Designer with Russian and Italian education 📌Member of Botanical Art Society 📌Curator of fashion events and exhibitions 📌Scientific researcher in fashion and Arts, Master of Fashion design 📌Ambassador of Fas... Show more

Joshua Olatunji is a Nigerian engineering leader, software architect, and founder of Dependly — a contract infrastructure and milestone-based transaction platform designed to enforce trust where delivery risk exists. His work focuses on contract disbursement infrastructure, verification-driven payments, and financial infrastructure for real-world execution.

With deep expertise in distributed systems, backend architecture, DevOps, Kubernetes, and fintech infrastructure, Joshua has led engineering initiatives across payment systems, API orchestration, and scalable transaction platforms, including leading cross-border payment initiatives at Expedier—a Canadian fintech platform providing digital financial services and multi-currency transactions. He combines control-oriented systems thinking with AI-assisted engineering to build resilient products capable of operating in high-trust and high-risk environments.

His current research interests explore the intersection of Large Language Models (LLMs), software quality evaluation, and reinforced reasoning systems, particularly within fintech and enterprise software ecosystems.

Joshua is passionate about building systems that move beyond transactions into enforceable accountability — where money moves only when work is verified.

Joshua Olatunji is a Nigerian engineering leader, software architect, and founder of Dependly — a contract infrastructure and milestone-based transaction platform designed to enforce trust where delivery risk exists. His work focuses on contract disb... Show more

Travis Smith is the Director of Engineering at Shift Interactive, a lead engineer on teams that build applications across healthcare, agriculture, insurance, and other industries. Over his 17+ year career, he's worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups.

Travis is a passionate advocate for Test-Driven Development and Extreme Programming practices. He speaks regularly at Des Moines-area meetups and conferences, covering topics including DORA metrics implementation, branching strategies, delivering software extremely quickly, DevOps, Claude Code, and automated testing for AI features.

Based in the Des Moines metro, Travis is dedicated to helping engineers grow throughout the Midwest.

Travis Smith is the Director of Engineering at Shift Interactive, a lead engineer on teams that build applications across healthcare, agriculture, insurance, and other industries. Over his 17+ year career, he's worked with organizations ranging from ... Show more

Godfrey Nolan is founder and president of RIIS LLC a mobile development firm in the Detroit Metro area. He is also author of Agile Swift (Apress), Agile Android (Apress), Bulletproof Android (Pearson), Android Best Practices (Apress), Decompiling Java (Apress) and Decompiling Android (Apress).

Godfrey Nolan is founder and president of RIIS LLC a mobile development firm in the Detroit Metro area. He is also author of Agile Swift (Apress), Agile Android (Apress), Bulletproof Android (Pearson), Android Best Practices (Apress), Decompiling Jav... Show more

Ramakrishna Yekulla "Ramky" is a Principal Architect within the Application Developer Business Unit at Red Hat. In this role, he focuses on creating distinctive platform features that enhance developer efficiency, streamline data and application connections, and empower customers with the knowledge and resources to prioritize software supply chain security, minimize technical obligations, and achieve compliance goals. His interests lies in System Design, Functional Programming and Observability

Ramakrishna Yekulla "Ramky" is a Principal Architect within the Application Developer Business Unit at Red Hat. In this role, he focuses on creating distinctive platform features that enhance developer efficiency, streamline data and application conn... Show more

I am a managing director of the German Association of Technologies and Structures in Agriculture (KTBL) and an agricultural scientist. https://www.ktbl.de/international
Prior to this role, I was a project manager in the field of smart farming and innovation in Germany. Daniel completed his bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim, Wageningen University and Cornell University. Subsequently, Daniel undertook his second state examination.

I am a managing director of the German Association of Technologies and Structures in Agriculture (KTBL) and an agricultural scientist. https://www.ktbl.de/international Prior to this role, I was a project manager in the field of smart farming and in... Show more

Currently an Engineering Manager at Thermondo, where we are making living climate neutral a reality!
I previously led a team of Android Engineers to build Android Apps at Kyosk. I have consulted on various tech projects as a developer and as a systems architect specialising in App optimisation for the developing markets. Ex-Intel, Ex-SnappMobile and ITU. I started one of the first coding bootcamps in Africa.
I love building and empowering developer communities: KotlinKenya, Android254 & AzureKe. A chef, reader, mountain climber, i play with cameras, pro-Lifeguard , pro-diver and swimmer.

Currently an Engineering Manager at Thermondo, where we are making living climate neutral a reality! I previously led a team of Android Engineers to build Android Apps at Kyosk. I have consulted on various tech projects as a developer and as a syste... Show more

Thapelo Vundla is a Computer Engineering student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with a foundational background in Arduino systems. Driven by a passion for creating impactful, accessible solutions, he serves as the hardware development lead for GreenGuard, a project that secured 2nd place at a regional MICT hackathon.

While Thapelo represents the project on stage, GreenGuard is a collaborative triumph built alongside a talented, multidisciplinary team: Vhutali Tsanwani (Master’s in Computer Science candidate at UWC specializing in Machine Learning and Informatics), Ntando Ndawonde (Advanced Diploma in Computer Engineering student at CPUT), Tidimatso Malatji (BSc Mathematics and Statistical Science student at UWC focusing on Data Science), and Kabelo Mkhwebane (B.Tech in Computer Engineering student at CPUT specializing in Cybersecurity and Data Engineering). Together, they focus on transforming raw, edge-computed environment metrics into low-cost, community-first tools that empower small-scale farmers and safeguard local food security.

Thapelo Vundla is a Computer Engineering student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with a foundational background in Arduino systems. Driven by a passion for creating impactful, accessible solutions, he serves as the hardware developm... Show more

Ralph V. Estep Jr. is an LPA, MBA, and the founder of Saggio Management Group in Middletown, Delaware, a cloud-based accounting firm serving hundreds of business and individual clients since 2005. He holds additional designations in tax and accounting (ABA, ATA, ATP) and spent years as CFO at Westminster Presbyterian Church, EVP at American Spirit Federal Credit Union, and controller at Morris, James, Hitchens, and Williams law firm.

What sets Ralph apart: he's built his entire career at the intersection of faith, money, and entrepreneurship. He's the creator and host of The Content Creator's Accountant and co-executive producer of The Podcasting Morning Show, where he helps creators and business owners move from financial anxiety to actual confidence. He's also a Junior Achievement mentor and invests in leadership development through Dale Carnegie training.

Ralph and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons and co-founded Estep Farm LLC, raising black Angus cattle in Delaware.

Ralph V. Estep Jr. is an LPA, MBA, and the founder of Saggio Management Group in Middletown, Delaware, a cloud-based accounting firm serving hundreds of business and individual clients since 2005. He holds additional designations in tax and accountin... Show more

Lizzie Edwards is a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, content creator, and owner of GiveLoveStudio from Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a Class of 2026 graduate of NC State, where she earned a BA in Graphic and Experience Design with a minor in Anthropology.

At NC State, she served as a senior advisor for Student AIGA, editorial designer for DesignLife, communications intern for Global Training Initiative, and staff designer for Agromeck. She was named a Graphic Design USA “Student to Watch” (2026) and received Best of Show for Agromeck Vol. 123 (ACP).

Her work has been featured by Adobe Live, Women of Type, and Goodtype, and she participated in the Adobe Creative Apprenticeship program. She currently works in Engineering Communications at John Deere and previously interned at Mohawk Industries.

Lizzie Edwards is a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, content creator, and owner of GiveLoveStudio from Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a Class of 2026 graduate of NC State, where she earned a BA in Graphic and Experience Design with a minor i... Show more

I’m a software developer and systems builder focused on creating scalable web applications, automation workflows, and developer-focused tools. My work spans full-sack web development, AI-assisted workflows, API integrations, and knowledge systems designed to improve developer experience and operational efficiency. I’ve worked on projects involving automation platforms, vector databases, internal support systems, payment integrations, and AI-powered retrieval workflows that help teams turn scattered documentation into accessible, searchable knowledge. I’m particularly interested in the intersection of developer experience, documentation, and practical AI applications for modern engineering teams.

I’m a software developer and systems builder focused on creating scalable web applications, automation workflows, and developer-focused tools. My work spans full-sack web development, AI-assisted workflows, API integrations, and knowledge systems des... Show more

Matt is the founder and President of Cynerge Consulting, Inc. (Cynerge), the co-founder of LocalHop, and the co-founder of Paissa Properties, all based in Pontiac. He is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of management experience, with a focus on information technology and business improvement. Matt is experienced at working with C-level executives and senior management on a variety of activities, including strategy, operations, and budget. His projects have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, supported tens of thousands of users, and reduced process times by over 50%. He is a motivated self-starter, speaker, and entrepreneur that is skilled at bringing groups together to orchestrate solutions. Matt moved his companies to Pontiac in the spring of 2017 and loves the gritty up-and-coming attitude in Pontiac, both from the business community and the residents, and is always looking for ways to help drive the city and Michigan forward! He serves on the board of directors for the Small Business Association of Michigan (aka SBAM). Matt has a B.S. in Environmental Planning and an MBA, both from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Matt is the founder and President of Cynerge Consulting, Inc. (Cynerge), the co-founder of LocalHop, and the co-founder of Paissa Properties, all based in Pontiac. He is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of management experience, with a focu... Show more

Sue Malesa is a dynamic leader known for driving innovation and growth in the school nutrition landscape. With a proven track record of success over 26 years as a School Nutrition Director, Sue has established herself as someone who can lead others to accomplish great things. Sue’s 16 years in the Menasha Joint School District were marked by incredible growth and success in her programs and cross-categorical collaboration.

At the heart of Sue’s leadership is a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. She helps inspire and empower the districts she works with to strive for a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement while making a significant impact on the communities they serve.

Sue Malesa is a dynamic leader known for driving innovation and growth in the school nutrition landscape. With a proven track record of success over 26 years as a School Nutrition Director, Sue has established herself as someone who can lead others ... Show more

Puneeth Ranjan Komaragiri serves as Principal Technical Account Manager for AWS Enterprise Support, specializing in enterprise cloud architecture and AI integration strategies for business services. Based in Virginia, USA, Puneeth works with Fortune 500 companies to design and implement scalable AI solutions that drive operational efficiency and business transformation. With extensive experience in cloud-native architectures, AI/ML workload optimization, and enterprise governance frameworks, Puneeth has guided numerous organizations through successful AI adoption journeys. His work focuses on bridging the gap between technical innovation and business value, helping enterprises navigate the complexities of AI integration while maintaining security, compliance, and cost efficiency. Puneeth is passionate about sharing practical insights that accelerate AI maturity in business services.

Puneeth Ranjan Komaragiri serves as Principal Technical Account Manager for AWS Enterprise Support, specializing in enterprise cloud architecture and AI integration strategies for business services. Based in Virginia, USA, Puneeth works with Fortune ... Show more

Dennis Loh-Mandrella is a real all-rounder when it comes to data solutions in the cloud. He mainly deals with backend topics. Formerly using SSIS and the Azure Cloud (Synapse), today with Microsoft Fabric.
As an expert, he always has the right blueprint ready and keeps an eye on the business benefits. He supports his customers efficiently from the idea to the finished solution.

Dennis Loh-Mandrella is a real all-rounder when it comes to data solutions in the cloud. He mainly deals with backend topics. Formerly using SSIS and the Azure Cloud (Synapse), today with Microsoft Fabric. As an expert, he always has the right bluep... Show more

Meet Stephanie, the dynamo who kick-started her career in cost accounting and manufacturing operations. But it wasn't until she was handed the reins of the company's first ERP implementation that she truly fell head over heels. Using technology to optimize effective business processes was a game changer. Fast forward 20+ years and over 500 projects later, Stephanie has become the go-to solution architect who doesn't mess around and just gets things done.

When she's not wowing audiences as a presenter, speaker, or blogger, you can find her donning her hat as a certified Microsoft Dynamics Business Central professional. And let's not forget her juggling act managing product, presales activities, and building professional services practices. Now, she's the brains behind Elliott Clark Consulting, a Microsoft partner that's turning consulting services on their head.

Stephanie's mantra? ERP implementations don't have to be a drag! She's on a mission to prove that they can be effective, affordable, and downright awesome. By sprinkling in her magic dust of change management and business process transformations, she makes sure her clients have a rockstar experience.

Meet Stephanie, the dynamo who kick-started her career in cost accounting and manufacturing operations. But it wasn't until she was handed the reins of the company's first ERP implementation that she truly fell head over heels. Using technology to op... Show more

With more than 13 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Iulia has seen it all. If 15 years ago she was mocked in interviews for wanting to work in AI, now she is leading teams, having successfully delivered multiple projects in production.
Iulia has a background in software engineering with specialisations in Artificial Intelligence. She has started her career in academia but moved to industry where she worked as both software engineer and data scientist. She has transitioned to an engineering manager role and is currently leading teams focusing on improving operations with AI at SIXT.

With more than 13 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Iulia has seen it all. If 15 years ago she was mocked in interviews for wanting to work in AI, now she is leading teams, having successfully delivered multiple projects in production. ... Show more

Owner of AllergenFreeCooking.com (food allergen information, advocacy, and recipes) and 9allergens.com (Major Food Allergens information), Consumer Representative on the Executive Board for the Conference for Food Protection (CFP, http://foodprotect.org), Past Co-chair of the CFP's Allergen Committee.

Owner of AllergenFreeCooking.com (food allergen information, advocacy, and recipes) and 9allergens.com (Major Food Allergens information), Consumer Representative on the Executive Board for the Conference for Food Protection (CFP, http://foodprotect.... Show more

Alicia is a software developer, musician, and natural resources engineer from Chile. Through consultancies and open-source contributions, she has built digital products committed to social and environmental impact, and her background also includes agroecology and environmental education. Her current work focuses on product engineering and harness engineering: designing the systems, scaffolding, and workflows that make AI agent output trustworthy at scale, so teams can move from reviewing code line by line to gardening the systems that produce it.

Alicia is a software developer, musician, and natural resources engineer from Chile. Through consultancies and open-source contributions, she has built digital products committed to social and environmental impact, and her background also includes ag... Show more

I am a Software Engineer, AI Consultant, and community builder with 4 years of experience architecting latency-sensitive production systems and real-time data pipelines. I specialize in production-grade Python, C++, and full-stack architectures, consistently driving system optimizations such as reducing latency by up to 40% via Docker and Kubernetes. I am a Jagriti Yatra 2024 alumnus, the creator of the agricultural tech initiative BioVerify AI, and I run a dedicated online educational community for developers. Driven by a commitment to ecosystem building, I frequently deliver specialized AI training lectures at various colleges to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application. I actively mentor junior engineers and am currently focused on advancing Conversational AI platforms, AI-driven automation tools, and Web3 innovation.

I am a Software Engineer, AI Consultant, and community builder with 4 years of experience architecting latency-sensitive production systems and real-time data pipelines. I specialize in production-grade Python, C++, and full-stack architectures, cons... Show more

DR. GURURAJ H L (Senior Member, IEEE) received the Ph.D. degree in computer science and engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University India in 2019. He has published more than 200 research articles in peer-reviewed and reputed international journals. He has authored 15 Edited books in Springer, IET, IGI Global and Taylor & Francis. He has presented more than 100 papers at various international conferences. He is a Senior Member of ACM. He received a Young Scientist International Travel Support ITS-SERB, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in December 2016. He was a recipient of best paper awards at various national and international conferences. He was appointed as an ACM Distinguish Speaker (2018–2021) by the ACM U.S. Council. He has honoured as Keynote Speaker, Session chair, TPC member, Advisory committee member at International Seminars, Workshops and Conferences across Globe. Prof. Gururaj’s research interests are Applications in Machine and federated Learning, data mining, Blockchain and cyber security.

DR. GURURAJ H L (Senior Member, IEEE) received the Ph.D. degree in computer science and engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University India in 2019. He has published more than 200 research articles in peer-reviewed and reputed international ... Show more

Ari Waller is a Developer Relations and Community leader at Neo4j, where
he builds global ecosystems that help developers connect, learn, and grow.
From forums to live events, he creates spaces that turn complex technology
into real-world impact through content, conversation, and community.

Ari is the creator and advocate of the TLC4 career framework, Technology,
Leadership, Career Path, Commute, Compensation, and Culture, a practical
approach to helping developers build careers that are not just successful, but
sustainable and aligned with their values. Through talks, workshops, and
community engagement, he helps developers think beyond code and take
ownership of their full career journey.

With a background spanning Developer Relations, recruiting, and community
strategy, Ari has a proven track record of growing engagement through
speaker programs, champion networks, and data-driven initiatives across
platforms like Discourse and Discord. His work focuses on driving adoption,
accelerating learning, and creating meaningful developer experiences at
scale.

Along the way, Ari has noticed an interesting pattern. He has worked at only
two software companies, both starting with the letter “J” (JFrog and Neo4j).
That coincidence sparked a deeper connection to the Java ecosystem, where
many of the developers he collaborates with are building modern applications
and AI-driven systems.

He is also a former Atlanta Java User Group (AJUG) board member and a
former board member of the Garden State Java User Group, further
strengthening his connection to the Java community.

Today, Ari is passionate about helping developers navigate career growth in a
rapidly evolving landscape shaped by AI, graph technology, and community
driven learning.
If it inspires developers, drives adoption, or sparks meaningful exchange, Ari
is all in.

Ari Waller is a Developer Relations and Community leader at Neo4j, where he builds global ecosystems that help developers connect, learn, and grow. From forums to live events, he creates spaces that turn complex technology into real-world impac... Show more

Dan Reus believes innovators and ecosystem builders can get much more impact by focusing on how to best engage stakeholders with content, calls to action, and activities that iteratively build capacity. As Founder and Chief Instigator of Openly Disruptive, he and his team help visionary leaders build transformational systems for innovation. Dan has over 20 years experience helping Fortune 100 firms, startups, and ecosystem builders use these approaches to connect with new and existing customers, partners, opportunities, technology and ways to operate in sectors from deep tech to consumer products and services. Dan is based in St Louis and says, “The future will be what we make it!”

Dan Reus believes innovators and ecosystem builders can get much more impact by focusing on how to best engage stakeholders with content, calls to action, and activities that iteratively build capacity. As Founder and Chief Instigator of Openly Disru... Show more

Eric Monchecourt is known among friends, neighbors, and local food enthusiasts as a dedicated grilling enthusiast based in Penfield, New York. He has spent many years developing practical outdoor cooking skills through consistent hands-on experience. His approach to grilling emphasizes preparation, patience, and reliable techniques that yield consistent results. By paying close attention to heat control and ingredient quality, he has earned a reputation within his community for preparing flavorful Angus beef steaks alongside fresh vegetables using a Blackstone griddle.

Eric lives and works in Penfield, NY, where backyard grilling has become an important part of everyday life. Over time, he has turned outdoor cooking into a personal craft shaped by steady practice and curiosity. Whether preparing meals for family dinners, neighborhood gatherings, or weekend cookouts, he carefully manages temperature, seasoning, and timing. The Blackstone griddle remains his preferred cooking surface because it allows him to cook several ingredients at once while maintaining control over heat and cooking pace.

Eric Monchecourt developed his interest in grilling through a long appreciation for outdoor cooking and the sense of community it creates. Early experiences around backyard meals sparked curiosity about how simple ingredients could be transformed through heat and preparation. Instead of treating grilling as a casual activity, he gradually began studying cooking methods, learning how different temperatures affect meat, and understanding the importance of preparation before placing food on the cooking surface. These early lessons helped build the practical foundation that guides his cooking style today.

Eric prefers the Blackstone griddle because it offers a flat cooking surface that supports a range of cooking techniques. The design allows him to create distinct heat zones across the griddle, helping him manage multiple ingredients at once. While one section of the surface reaches high heat for searing steaks, other areas remain at moderate temperatures for vegetables. This arrangement allows meals to cook evenly while keeping flavors balanced and ingredients properly prepared throughout the entire cooking process.

Monchecourt places strong emphasis on ingredient quality when preparing grilled meals. He often chooses Angus beef because it is known for its consistent marbling and dependable flavor. Before cooking, he carefully inspects each cut of meat to ensure it has balanced fat distribution and a healthy color. The preparation process usually includes allowing steaks to reach room temperature and applying simple seasoning such as salt and pepper. This approach keeps the beef's natural taste at the center of the meal.

Eric Monchecourt also prepares fresh vegetables alongside the steaks to create balanced meals that include both protein and produce. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms are commonly placed on the griddle next to the meat. These vegetables are usually lightly coated with olive oil and seasoned with salt or herbs before cooking. The moderate heat of the griddle allows them to soften and caramelize gradually while maintaining texture. Cooking them beside the steak also allows subtle flavors to blend across the meal.

Eric follows a grilling philosophy built on three simple principles: precision, patience, and continuous practice. Precision comes from carefully managing heat levels and cooking times. Patience ensures that steaks form a proper crust and that vegetables cook without burning. Practice helps him refine techniques with each cooking session. By maintaining this steady and thoughtful approach, he continues to improve his results while keeping the cooking process enjoyable and approachable.

Monchecourt often prepares meals for family gatherings and neighborhood cookouts where grilling becomes a shared experience. The griddle frequently serves as the center of conversation while food cooks and guests gather nearby. During these moments, he enjoys sharing simple cooking tips and discussing grilling methods with others. These gatherings highlight an important belief he holds about outdoor cooking: meals prepared with care can bring people together and create lasting memories around the table.

Eric Monchecourt continues to view grilling as a skill that can always improve through learning and experimentation. Even after years of cooking outdoors, he remains open to testing new ingredients, trying different seasoning combinations, and adjusting techniques when necessary. This willingness to keep learning reflects a mindset focused on steady progress rather than perfection. Through consistent practice and dedication to quality preparation, he maintains a humble approach to grilling while continuing to develop his craft.

Eric Monchecourt is known among friends, neighbors, and local food enthusiasts as a dedicated grilling enthusiast based in Penfield, New York. He has spent many years developing practical outdoor cooking skills through consistent hands-on experience.... Show more

PA Agriculture Emergency Preparedness Director and retired Army officer focused on food security and infrastructure resilience.

PA Agriculture Emergency Preparedness Director and retired Army officer focused on food security and infrastructure resilience. Show more

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmother’s wings. Nursing, then social work provided a foundation for understanding social health, community development and resource connection, and Cortina ultimately found her home in business as a way to build solutions for local communities from the ground up. Cortina earned her BS in Business, Social Science and Education, and a MA in Business Management & Leadership (MAML)from Liberty University. As a graduate student, Cortina conducted research on “Branding Authenticity”, and armed with new knowledge of the future of business, Cortina founded Visit & Ventureto address gaps between tourism economies and local economies, earning Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and a place in 40 Under Forty by the age of 26. Cortina re-branded the original model several times, evolving with community need and responding to first-party data - Cortina Jenelle Branding Agency(2014-2024), and Brand Evangelist™emerged with the age of AI in 2024. Cortina is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, the Lloyd International Honors College at UNC-Greensboro, and is a Full Stack Web Developer, an ICAgile Certified Pro (Savvy Coders), a Certified Creative Facilitator (PYE Global), and a member of Vantage Ventures & AscendWV, class of 2025. Cortina’s journey reflects a relentless commitment to transform vision into scalable impact through design, technology, and creative strategy, work carried out through the tech-forward approach of Brand Evangelist and its ecosystem. Cortina’s collective body of award-winning work spans decades and ripples throughout Southern Appalachia and abroad, with impact hubs in North Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Austrailia and more soon from West Virginia where she calls home.

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmot... Show more

Bennie Haelen is a Data and AI architect at Insight where he builds enterprise AI solutions for healthcare, finance, and other sectors. He develops MCP servers, agentic enterprise workflows, and multi-agent AI architectures using Google Cloud Platform, Databricks, Microsoft Azure, and Neo4j. His current focus is query resolution systems that combine knowledge graphs with vector search to translate natural language into governed, auditable SQL. Bennie is the author of two O'Reilly books: "Delta Lake: Up and Running: Modern Data Lakehouse Architectures" and "AI, ML and Generative AI in the Data Lakehouse," covering modern approaches to data engineering and machine learning. He holds three patents and is based in the Denver, Colorado area.

Bennie Haelen is a Data and AI architect at Insight where he builds enterprise AI solutions for healthcare, finance, and other sectors. He develops MCP servers, agentic enterprise workflows, and multi-agent AI architectures using Google Cloud Platfor... Show more

Yaswanth Reddy is a Lead DevOps Engineer at Arealis, where he works on making cloud infrastructure smarter and more reliable with AWS, Kubernetes, and modern CI/CD practices. He loves experimenting with how cloud and AI come together from building scalable pipelines to using embeddings and vector search in real-world systems. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring engineers and sharing what he learns with the developer community.

Yaswanth Reddy is a Lead DevOps Engineer at Arealis, where he works on making cloud infrastructure smarter and more reliable with AWS, Kubernetes, and modern CI/CD practices. He loves experimenting with how cloud and AI come together from building sc... Show more