Anders Norås started out in arts and design, but for the last 25 years he has been creating magic with code instead of paint. Blending creativity with technical skill, he brings a perspective on technology that is as much about people as it is about software.

He has given more than 100 talks at conferences around the world. His presentations are not just lectures, they are experiences. With a sharp delivery and high energy, Anders turns even dry technical material into something lively, memorable and often funny.

Whether you are into computer science, design, media or anything else, Anders offers insights that will make you think and probably make you laugh. He does not just talk about technology. He brings it to life.

Anders Norås started out in arts and design, but for the last 25 years he has been creating magic with code instead of paint. Blending creativity with technical skill, he brings a perspective on technology that is as much about people as it is about ... Show more

Artiste plasticien, Architecte, UX Designer et enfin Coach Agile.
Un parcours atypique, plusieurs pivotages dans ma vie m'ont porté à comprendre que c'est la valorisation de l'humain la plus grande des réalisations.

Artiste plasticien, Architecte, UX Designer et enfin Coach Agile. Un parcours atypique, plusieurs pivotages dans ma vie m'ont porté à comprendre que c'est la valorisation de l'humain la plus grande des réalisations. Show more

Paul Chin Jr is a Hampton Roads native and a curious human. He is passionate about exploring technology, art, and business. He advocates for making technology accessible and growing communities to help one another. He has created new markets, guided start-up validations, and architected enterprise platforms. The future is amazing, and he can't wait to help you build it.

Paul Chin Jr is a Hampton Roads native and a curious human. He is passionate about exploring technology, art, and business. He advocates for making technology accessible and growing communities to help one another. He has created new markets, guided ... Show more

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as numerous SQL Saturdays and other events. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University. He currently works as a technical writer and trainer for The Professional Development Program at The Research Foundation for SUNY.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments (piano, clarinet, mallet percussion, saxophone). He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their tuxedo cat, Bernard.

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as nume... Show more

Howard Podeswa is a thought leader in the intersection of agile and business analysis, and a widely requested speaker at international BA and agile events, including BA & Beyond (2025, 2023), BA Istanbul 2021 (Keynote), BA World Boston 2024, PMI Silicon Valley 2023, European BA World (Frankfurt) and Norway Developers Conference (NDC). For over twenty years, he has been helping large organizations optimize their BA and product ownership practices for agile software development. He is a widely-read author whose books have become staple references, most recently: The Agile Guide to Business Analysis and Planning From Strategic Plan to Continuous Value Delivery (Addison-Wesley, 2021). Other works include UML for the IT Business Analyst, and The Business Analyst’s Handbook.

Through his company, Noble Inc., he has served clients worldwide, including ISO, Moody’s, the Mayo Clinic, TELUS, REI, LabCorp and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He has been an adviser to professional-association initiatives, including PMI’s Guide to Business Analysis, the BABOK and IIBA’s Nimble program, and has recently been collaborating with Ivar Jacobson International on The Story Mapping Gameboard - a new resource hosted on a free version of Essence Workbench.

Alongside his work in software development, Podeswa is also a practicing, professional artist whose work has been shown extensively in commercial and public galleries, and featured in leading art journals including Art Forum, MOMUS and International Architecture and Design. Podeswa’s work often begins with personal history as a catalyst for meditations on art historical legacy, physics, theories of perception and the state of the world. His paintings are held in numerous private and public collections including BMO Financial Group (Canada), Luciano Benetton Collection (Italy) and Ciba-Geigy AG (Basel).

Contacts/Links
• To contact Howard for speaking engagements, training and coaching services, please email howardpodeswa@nobleinc.ca or message him on LinkedIn @howardpodeswa
• Courses and Webinars: www.nobleinc.ca
• Art and BA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mvBLDeHnSw

Art links:

• Art home page: https://www.howardpodeswa.com
• Art Forum review: https://www.artforum.com/events/howard-podeswa-251083/
• Public exhibition - A Brief History: https://www.kofflerarts.org/whatson/exhibitions/exhibition/a-brief-history

Howard Podeswa is a thought leader in the intersection of agile and business analysis, and a widely requested speaker at international BA and agile events, including BA & Beyond (2025, 2023), BA Istanbul 2021 (Keynote), BA World Boston 2024, PMI Sili... Show more

Chronically data-enthusiast, engineer and consultant on the Microsoft-stack (Azure, Fabric & Power Platform) and all things SQL or Spark, with some expertise on other data-solutions as well like TimeXtender, and Qlikview. I like sharing my stories on adoption strategies, and ideas for implementation on Fabric-Adoption on the road to data maturity.

With the aim of improving organisations, processes and people I am data-experienced in the Benelux-geography since 2004 with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol/Royal Schiphol Group, Royal Heijmans (building contractor), Nabuurs Supply Chain Solutions, Micromedia Benelux (wholesale), Provelu (data-consulting), Danone Nutrition-products and Heart for Arts (agency and ICT-consultancy for NGO's). I am the proud holder of degrees in Logistics, and Business Economics, and Microsoft-certificates.

My motto's are: Be yourself, try the best you can, take some time to become aware of the situation, make contact with others, help others, imagine, create, learn, and last, but not least, adapt. I live for tech, the tech- and performing arts- community and helping people. I am an event organizer, speaker, and volunteer as well in data-usergroups, and performing arts.

Demolished my first IBM AT-model with 80286 Intel in 1988. Created my first database with gameplays of Civilization in 1991. Build my first hardware components and drivers for model railways in 1993. Hooked on Excel and VBA since 1995 in secundary education. From Access, Excel and Filemaker dba’s via Qlikview to Power BI/Azure in 2017.I love music and theatre production, hence I find NGO’s are great at helping others so I help them as well!

Chronically data-enthusiast, engineer and consultant on the Microsoft-stack (Azure, Fabric & Power Platform) and all things SQL or Spark, with some expertise on other data-solutions as well like TimeXtender, and Qlikview. I like sharing my stories on... Show more

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for both their communication and project management skills. Their data science expertise and passion lie primarily in data literacy, visualization, and storytelling. Joy has a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Master’s degree from American University.

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for bot... Show more

I'm a comic artist from Toronto who draws a lot of gay positive comics, and self publish my work! I'm also the suiter of MarshmallowMaw!

I'm a comic artist from Toronto who draws a lot of gay positive comics, and self publish my work! I'm also the suiter of MarshmallowMaw! Show more

Démarrant ma carrière en tant que développeur web, je me suis rapidement spécialisé dans l’univers Ruby on Rails. Entrepreneur dans l’âme, il y a dizaine d’années, j’ai créé Human Coders (https://www.humancoders.com/), un centre de formation pour développeuses et développeurs.
Enfin, récemment, j’ai exploré ma facette artistique en m’immergeant dans l’art génératif, mêlant technologie et esthétique. J’adore partager et échanger autour de mes expériences et découvertes.

Démarrant ma carrière en tant que développeur web, je me suis rapidement spécialisé dans l’univers Ruby on Rails. Entrepreneur dans l’âme, il y a dizaine d’années, j’ai créé Human Coders (https://www.humancoders.com/), un centre de formation pour dév... Show more

Thao Tran is a visionary entrepreneur, digital wellness leader and marketing strategist with over 15 years of global experience shaping campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized brands. She is the Founder & CEO of Ditox, a pioneering digital wellness company that helps businesses, families and individuals reclaim control over their digital lives.

Thao holds a Bachelor of Business & Commerce from Monash University and has further studied Podiatry, Arts, Branding and Psychology at La Trobe University, Monash University and The University of Virginia. Her career spans senior roles in digital content and marketing strategy for global organizations including Qatar Airways, Pearson, L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline New York. Her campaigns have consistently delivered industry-leading results, including record-breaking engagement rates and market share growth.

As a keynote speaker and mental health advocate, Thao has presented on international stages including Google, Women Who Code, Insight Academy and the International Families & Fathers Conference in Los Angeles, where she champions digital wellbeing, mental resilience and inclusive leadership. She also coaches the next generation of leaders as an industry mentor at La Trobe University and is a guest judge for the international Daddying Film Festival & Forum.

Born in Melbourne to Vietnamese refugee parents, Thao brings a unique lens of resilience, inclusion, and creativity to everything she does. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a Finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards and her work has been endorsed by global thought leaders.

Beyond business, Thao is a multidisciplinary creative who has trained in script analysis and presenting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), The Acting Career Center, The Actor's Station, The Hub Studio, performed internationally and has appeared in campaigns and productions including Every Bit Different, the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Sports Entertainment Network, White Fever, Gnomes, and All Her Fault. Her creative and marketing work has been featured in prominent media outlets including The Herald Sun, The Sydney Morning Herald, WHO Magazine, NBCUniversal, BBC, ABC, 3AW, National Library of Australia, United States Tennis Association, Digital Entrepreneur, Voyage LA, Fact Magazine and Business Times Journal, reflecting her influence across media, wellness and creative industries. Her experience in the creative industry inspired her to found Ditox, where she now focuses on digital wellbeing, mental health and fostering human connection across communities, including programs that address mental strength and artist wellbeing.

A visionary entrepreneur and creative leader, Thao inspires audiences to reimagine human connection in the digital age. She has lead Ditox and shaping global brands across Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, and the Middle East and continues to bridge innovation, wellness and digital culture worldwide.

Currently based in Australia, her company Ditox will be expanding in the United States in 2026/2027.

Thao Tran is a visionary entrepreneur, digital wellness leader and marketing strategist with over 15 years of global experience shaping campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized brands. She is the Founder & CEO of Ditox, a pioneering digital ... Show more

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Notably, he shared insights on artificial intelligence at forums in Washington, D.C., and Brazil, underscoring his expertise in this evolving field and made appearances discussing mixed reality technology on the BBC.

Growing up in Montana, Gerber's early years were marked by a deep intrigue with communication technologies. His childhood experimentation with radio equipment subtly hinted at an innate curiosity and knack for innovative exploration.

His artistic ventures include appearances on esteemed platforms like the Vans Warped Tour, along with tours throughout the US and EU, where his presence among a vibrant community of artists and fans left an enduring impact. Gerber's career signifies a seamless blend of artistry with inventive exploration, leaving an indelible mark in both creative and technological realms.

Throughout his career, Gerber has curated a diverse portfolio, ranging from music compositions featured in film and television to collaborations with major labels that have yielded gold and platinum records, solidifying his stature within the music industry. His accomplishments have been recognized with an induction into the Marquis Who's Who Publications.

Known for his enigmatic approach, Gerber operates his electronic music persona under the alias Woodrowgerber, leaving an imprint atop underground cyberwave and synthwave charts while effortlessly transitioning into the mainstream spotlight.

His invention of virtual reality music technology, highlighted by appearances discussing technology on the BBC and forums in Washington, D.C., exemplifies his dedication to redefining collaboration. Gerber's captivating presence on global tours underscores his ability to traverse diverse musical terrains, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

Chad Gerber's narrative epitomizes a relentless quest to expand the horizons of creativity, artistry, and technological innovation, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of interdisciplinary exploration.

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boun... Show more

Celina is a software developer, educator, and artist based in Argentina. She teaches private programming classes and hands-on workshops where she helps beginners build confidence with technology from the very first step. Her work blends technical depth with a strong understanding of how people learn, especially those with little or no digital background.

She has experience in backend development, educational tools, and introductory programming training. Across all her projects, she focuses on clarity, accessibility, and meaningful learning experiences. Celina is passionate about bridging the gap between technical knowledge and human understanding — whether through teaching, building tools, or creating content for new learners.

Outside of engineering, she explores dance and visual arts, which influence her creative approach to problem-solving and communication. She believes that technical work benefits from intuition, empathy, and the courage to experiment.

Celina is a software developer, educator, and artist based in Argentina. She teaches private programming classes and hands-on workshops where she helps beginners build confidence with technology from the very first step. Her work blends technical dep... Show more

I am a low-code/no-code developer with strong expertise in designing and implementing intelligent agents built with Copilot Studio.
At Cloudia Research Spa, I work within the Innovation team, where I design AI solutions aimed at improving processes, automations, and decision‑making models.
I focus on:

-designing agents in Copilot Studio
-multi‑agent architectures and A2A patterns
-AI‑driven process orchestration
-integration between Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and Microsoft Fabric
-governance, security, and enterprise applications of generative AI

I have presented my projects at the Microsoft AI Conference at Microsoft House (Milan), where I showcased real‑world use cases and practical approaches for responsible and effective AI adoption in organizations.
As a speaker, I deliver highly practical content, including demos, architectures, and ready‑to‑use solutions, with the goal of helping companies embrace a conscious and productive use of Artificial Intelligence.

Besides my passion for technology, I am also a rock musician. Music is a fundamental part of my life and offers me a space to express my creativity.
I love being alone and believe that time spent in solitude is essential for recharging and cultivating new ideas. This allows me to approach each project with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.

I am a low-code/no-code developer with strong expertise in designing and implementing intelligent agents built with Copilot Studio. At Cloudia Research Spa, I work within the Innovation team, where I design AI solutions aimed at improving processes,... Show more

Luka Pejić (1996), BA in English language and literature. So far, he has translated, from English to Croatian, several books for different publishing houses in Zagreb, among others "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon for Hangar 7. He is currently working on another fantasy project with the mentioned publishing house, as well as his own dark fantasy novel, where Monster comes out of his Empire in the boy's closet, and the boy takes his hand.

Luka Pejić (1996), BA in English language and literature. So far, he has translated, from English to Croatian, several books for different publishing houses in Zagreb, among others "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon for Hangar 7. He ... Show more

Digital Artist and Game Dev currently working on Dino Mayhem, a destructive retro pixel platformer where you play as legendary dinosaurs to devour enemies, demolish buildings, and wield high-tech weapons.

Digital Artist and Game Dev currently working on Dino Mayhem, a destructive retro pixel platformer where you play as legendary dinosaurs to devour enemies, demolish buildings, and wield high-tech weapons. Show more

Deborah Anderson has extensive experience in the animation industry as an Assistant Editor, Production Coordinator, and 3D modeler. She started her career at one of the premier animation studios in Seoul, South Korea at Digital eMation. While at Digital eMation, she modeled props, vehicles, and backgrounds on television shows such as Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Batman: The Brave and The Bold, Scooby-Doo, and The LeBrons. She's recently finished an Assistant Editor trainee program at Skybound Entertainment on Amazon Prime's Invincible. She also has a YouTube channel, BlkWmnAnimator, where she interviews animation professionals.

Deborah Anderson has extensive experience in the animation industry as an Assistant Editor, Production Coordinator, and 3D modeler. She started her career at one of the premier animation studios in Seoul, South Korea at Digital eMation. While at Digi... Show more

Jonny Selimović, a.k.a. his artist name, Jonny Music, is an Organ Cover Artist who has produced over 880 organ covers of popular tunes and soundtrack music and counting for over 10 years. For a long time, he's had a profound and long-lasting passion for music and its powerful effects on positively changing lives, including music/rhythm games like the Rock Band and Guitar Hero series. Bonus fact: He has two mascots representing his music artist brand: his ponysona, Silver Whistle, and his mouse fursona, Jonny Musemiš.

Jonny Selimović, a.k.a. his artist name, Jonny Music, is an Organ Cover Artist who has produced over 880 organ covers of popular tunes and soundtrack music and counting for over 10 years. For a long time, he's had a profound and long-lasting passion ... Show more

I'm Luca, 27, designer and director of my own design studio.

I trained as a programmer and worked for years as a developer in various agencies. After suffering burnout, I worked as a project manager, where I saw the problems that arise when designers and developers hand over projects and collaborate.

Now I work on various projects in branding, editorial, digital, and print. It is important to me that design is always questioned, strategic, and done with technology and developers in mind.

I'm Luca, 27, designer and director of my own design studio. I trained as a programmer and worked for years as a developer in various agencies. After suffering burnout, I worked as a project manager, where I saw the problems that arise when design... Show more

EN;
I am a student in the Information Systems Engineering program at Kocaeli University. I am developing myself in Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Digital & Contemporary Art. I have my own art studio called Bridge to Bridge Studio, where I create artworks and conduct research on art and engineering.

TR;
Kocaeli Üniversitesinde Bilişim Sistemleri Mühendisliği bölümü öğrencisiyim. Data Science,Cloud Computing, Dijital ve Çağdaş Sanat üzerine kendimi geliştirmekteyim. Bridge to Bridge Studio adında kendi kurduğum bir sanat stüdyom var burada sanat eserleri üretip mühendislik ve sanat üzerine araştırmalar yapmaktayım.

EN; I am a student in the Information Systems Engineering program at Kocaeli University. I am developing myself in Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Digital & Contemporary Art. I have my own art studio called Bridge to Bridge Studio, where I create... Show more

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwear on One Tree Hill or co-starring in commercials with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon or the Roaming Gnome. Improv comedy is my passion and I can be seen making audiences, my scene partners, and myself laugh regularly at some of the best and worst improv shows in New York City.

As an educator, I have taught Acting, Improvisation, Public Speaking, Communication Studies at too many colleges to mention. I also teach and coach acting, improv, and applied improv for theatres, private groups, and individuals, and in the corporate space.

I’m known at Collegiate Empowerment for connecting with participants from the toughest mandatory audiences to passionate student leaders to coaching participants through my comedy, passion, high energy, and enthusiasm. Within CE, I’m known for focusing on what students want and need, being a kickass teammate and making weird faces during team meetings.

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwe... Show more

Considered a WEB3 Rolling Stone. This Non-Fungible Nomad sets a new bar in NFT Community Recognition and Reward. Creator and owner of "MaRbLeMoNuMeNtDeSiGn," home of:

"The Wooden Nickel Collective": A unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted 3D Commemorative Nickel Collective for the pioneers, both new and old, who all share a common canvas. Created out of respect, love, loyalty, and commitment to the NFT Community. Talented individuals, who's love for the culture, their passion for what they do, and the people within the community, shines through with every stroke. Whether it key, pen, or brush. This one's for you.
"The Wooden Nickel Awards": The only independent NFT Community Awards and Recognition Program of its kind. Supporting and celebrating the Creators, Curators, and Connoisseurs of the NFT Community. Utilizing NFT technology to create a one of a kind experience you'll never forget.

"The art is the catalyst. The individuals behind it and the Communities they build are what sparked my involvement."

Considered a WEB3 Rolling Stone. This Non-Fungible Nomad sets a new bar in NFT Community Recognition and Reward. Creator and owner of "MaRbLeMoNuMeNtDeSiGn," home of: "The Wooden Nickel Collective": A unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted 3D Commem... Show more

Tiffany Duppong is a Dynamics 365 CE and Power Platform consultant who brings a rare combination of technical depth and creative instinct to everything she builds. As the founder of DuWell Performance Group, she specializes in Microsoft technology implementations from Power Platform architecture and governance to Dynamics 365 system configuration, user adoption strategy, and ALM pipeline design. She has worked across industries helping organizations get real value out of their technology investments through thoughtful solution design and hands-on enablement.

Beyond the platform, Tiffany is an actor and filmmaker with over two decades of performance experience. She runs Three Eight Studios, her Los Angeles–based production company and has appeared on shows like HBO's HACKS and films like Amazon's Unstoppable. Her dual career in technology and the arts gives her a unique perspective on user experience, storytelling, and the human side of digital transformation. This dual career path has made her passionate about carving out space for others who straddle unconventional career paths.

Tiffany is an active mentor in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, and a champion for inclusion and representation in tech. When she's not architecting apps or troubleshooting flows, you can find her on set, at a film festival, or at home with her family.

Tiffany Duppong is a Dynamics 365 CE and Power Platform consultant who brings a rare combination of technical depth and creative instinct to everything she builds. As the founder of DuWell Performance Group, she specializes in Microsoft technology im... Show more

Lee A. Tonouchi stay one Okinawan American writer known as "Da Pidgin Guerrilla" for his activism in campaigning for Pidgin a.k.a. Hawai‘i Creole for be accepted as one legitimate language. He wuz da 2023 recipient of da American Association for Applied Linguistics Distinguished Public Service Award for his work in raising public awareness of important language-related issues and promoting linguistic social justice.

Lee has always been one leader. When he wuz just starting out back in 2000, he wuz one of twelve selected participants nationwide for attend da Emerging Asian Pacific American Leaders in the Arts Convening in New York, one summit sponsored by da Ford Foundation. Lee wen organize and edit Da Kine Dictionary, da first eva community Pidgin dictionary project that came out from Bess Press. He wen write da first eva essay in Pidgin about Pidgin that wuz publish inside College English, das da Journal of Composition and Rhetoric from da National Council of Teachers of English. He wen create da first eva college course devoted soley to Pidgin Literature and for doing so he got recognitions on top da front page of The Wall Street Journal in 2005.

Lee stay one very prolific Pidgin author and playwright. He get one award-winning Pidgin short story collection called Da Word from Bamboo Ridge Press and one collection of Pidgin essays called Living Pidgin: Contemplations on Pidgin Culture from Tinfish Press. He wen also edit da anthology Buss Laugh: Stand Up Poetry from Hawai‘i. Lee had several of his plays produce before by Kumu Kahua Theatre, da Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts, da Honolulu Theatre for Youth, and East West Players in LA. His Pidgin play Three Year Swim Club wuz even one Los Angeles Times Critic's Choice Selection.

He one multiple time winning Honolulu magazine fiction contest Grand Prize Winner. He get several Kumu Kahua Playwriting Contest prizes. Lee won da Cades Award for Literature and da Tony Quagliano Poetry Prize. His Pidgin pieces wuz publish in numerous literary magazine in Hawai‘i, on top da continent, and internationally. An'den Lee stay kinda da only Pidgin journalist. For decades he been writing Pidgin reviews, articles, and interviews for various publications. He currently get one Pidgin column called Much Mahalos that he does for Discover Nikkei, das da online magazine for The Japanese American National Museum.

In his more recent works, Lee stay exploring more of his Uchinaanchu identity. His Pidgin poetry collection Significant Moments in da Life of Oriental Faddah and Son: One Hawai'i Okinawan Journal won da Association for Asian American Studies Book Award. His children's picture book Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos got one Skipping Stones Honor Award. His latest book wuz da anthology, Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai'i Okinawan Literature. Currently he stay working with Playbuilders Hawai‘i and The Hawai‘i United Okinawa Association for write one community-based play inspired by da stories he stay gathering from Hawai‘i's Local Okinawan community.

Lee A. Tonouchi stay one Okinawan American writer known as "Da Pidgin Guerrilla" for his activism in campaigning for Pidgin a.k.a. Hawai‘i Creole for be accepted as one legitimate language. He wuz da 2023 recipient of da American Association for Appl... Show more

B. Kyle Blackburn is an in-demand collaborator in the fields of both music and arts education technology, regularly leading ensembles and professional development at all levels.

B. Kyle Blackburn is an in-demand collaborator in the fields of both music and arts education technology, regularly leading ensembles and professional development at all levels. Show more

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL.

Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She aspires to travel the world, tell honest stories and sprinkle stardust wherever she goes.

She is a Blackhouse Foundation Fellow, a Facebook SEEN initiative winner, and a Paul Robeson Awardee. She has had digital art installations exhibited up and down the east coast including the Anacostia Arts Center, Lycoming College, and Miami Soul Basel. She recently completed a film residency in Ghana through a partnership with the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD). She is also the grant recipient of several creative initiatives including Moment Invitational Film Fest, Late Fee Magazine photography grant, and the inaugural National Black Movie Day Scholarship.

Films directed by Des have screened at renowned national festivals including Martha's Vineyard African American Film Fest, Pan-African Film Festival, Afrikana Film Festival and the esteemed American Black Film Festival - New Voices Category.

When she’s not on set, her interests include poetry, fashion, travel and interior design. Des is an Alumnae of the University of Florida where she completed a unique program infusing photojournalism and innovation. Des holds an MFA in film from Howard University.

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL. Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She asp... Show more

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefining brand development through regenerative creativity, experimentation, and conceptual reinvention.

As founder and president of the Association of Entrepreneurs of Ecuador, Mauro actively fosters entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, solidifying his role as a key figure in Ecuador’s business landscape. His extensive portfolio spans multiple industries, featuring successful projects across diverse sectors. Currently, Mauro focuses on the knowledge economy and digital media, fields where his work continues to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Mauro has shared his projects and ideas on international platforms, including entrepreneurship conferences, art exhibitions, creativity workshops, and specialized publications. His insights have resonated with audiences in Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Ecuador, the United States, Portugal, and Türkiye, highlighting his global influence.

Today, Mauro leverages his expertise as a business coach, brand strategist, executive mentor, entrepreneurship trainer, and digital artist, driving innovation and excellence. His commitment to redefining industries and creating avant-garde business solutions underscores his transformative approach.

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefini... Show more

Leslie Short is the owner of The Cavu Group and the author of "Expand Beyond Your Current Culture." With four decades of experience as a seasoned brand and culture strategist and leadership advisor, she founded The Cavu Group to address critical challenges in building and guiding organizations toward sustainable cultural growth.
Leslie is uniquely skilled at fostering environments that promote continuous evolution and innovation. Her approach emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding people, whom she recognizes as an organization's greatest asset.
She is deeply committed to creating and maintaining diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive cultures. Leveraging her expertise, she develops inclusive workplace strategies and facilitates transformative discussions that challenge the status quo.
Her work delves into the vital intersections of leadership, culture, accessibility, and social impact, equipping businesses with actionable insights to thrive in today’s dynamic and complex business landscape.

Leslie Short has an accomplished background that includes business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and the arts. Her journey began as a classical ballet dancer, which took her to Europe, where she lived for over a decade. After her dance career, Leslie founded an entertainment business in Japan, which was recognized as the country's best business in 1994.
She held influential roles, including President of Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations at FUBU The Collection, as well as Corporate Operating Strategist at prominent companies both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Leslie launched K.I.M. Media LLC (Keep It Moving) and founded Ascend Bereavement Management, demonstrating her versatility and innovative mindset.

A highly sought-after speaker, Leslie has addressed audiences at prestigious events hosted by Fortune 500 companies, universities, the United Nations, and the European Union, sharing her expertise and insights with a global audience. Leslie is a Chaplain, Certified Mediator, and Conflict Coach.

Leslie Short is the owner of The Cavu Group and the author of "Expand Beyond Your Current Culture." With four decades of experience as a seasoned brand and culture strategist and leadership advisor, she founded The Cavu Group to address critical ch... Show more

Divya Tak is an award winning multidisciplinary creative whose work spans across forms and subjects to explore a sense of wonder, curiosity and belonging. She has published work in multiple mediums, products, games, illustrations, comics, ads, and more. Her own journey has also inspired her to facilitate workshops on technology, creativity and storytelling and the intersection of them all.

Divya Tak is an award winning multidisciplinary creative whose work spans across forms and subjects to explore a sense of wonder, curiosity and belonging. She has published work in multiple mediums, products, games, illustrations, comics, ads, and mo... Show more

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Obama Administration as a Champion of Change. Her graphic novels include Pashmina, Jukebox, Super Boba Café and the Shark Princess series. She also has a number of picture books including I will be fierce, Strong, Binny’s Diwali, What Will My Story Be and Quiet Karima. When she’s not making books Nidhi loves to travel and has visited 20 countries. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. nidhichanani.com

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Ob... Show more

Dillion S. Phiri is a Zimbabwean-Malawian entrepreneur, filmmaker, and social sculptor based in Johannesburg with 14+ years building creative ecosystems across Africa. As founder of Creative Nestlings, he has cultivated a 100,000+ member pan-African network, directly and indirectly investing $5.4M+ in African creatives.

His work spans co-founding J&B Hive (incubating brands like Bathu and Tshepo The Jeanmaker), serving as Entrepreneur in Residence at I’M IN (facilitating R45M in funding), directing award-winning documentaries (“Seeds of Change,” “Zero to A Hundred”), winning Format’s 2018 photography contest, and documenting 200+ creatives in his “What It Takes” series. Named one of MIPAD’s 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, he launched CRCO in December 2025 a next-generation community management platform for Africa’s creative industries.

Currently, he also serves as Responsible AI Fellow at the Stimson Center and Community Lead at BetterShared, continuing to bridge creativity, technology, and strategic foresight to empower African innovation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Dillion S. Phiri is a Zimbabwean-Malawian entrepreneur, filmmaker, and social sculptor based in Johannesburg with 14+ years building creative ecosystems across Africa. As founder of Creative Nestlings, he has cultivated a 100,000+ member pan-African ... Show more