Arts

Talented creative individuals working in the field of visual, auditory and performance arts

Benjamin Little

Benjamin Little

Ben Little is the DGCE Chair of Design Innovation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and an instructor of strategy at Boston University and Harvard University’s Professional and Executive Development program. He has a background in product strategy and has worked extensively with corporate innovation programs and venture studios around the world.

Ben previously served as Head of Venture Strategy at Siemens Healthineers' digital incubator in Silicon Valley, VP of Design Strategy at Fidelity Investments in Boston, and as Head of Design Strategy at Sutherland Labs, a global insight-led design firm with studios in London and San Francisco. His work often centers on navigating the messy realities of human behavior, drawing from a foundation in anthropology and years spent as a strategy leader.

Ben holds a BA from the College of William & Mary and an MBA from the University of Oxford.

Ben Little is the DGCE Chair of Design Innovation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and an instructor of strategy at Boston University and Harvard University’s Professional and Executive Development program. He has a background in product st... Show more

Robin Rosengrün

Robin Rosengrün

Full time power platform enthusiast @Microsoft

Full time power platform enthusiast @Microsoft Show more

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer.
As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow mature enterprise architecture and business analysis practices, and plan and execute digital transformation programs.
As the Professor of Business Analytics at Humber College, she encourages her students to look for ways to solve business problems using analytics.
As a business analysis mentor, she leads the BA Mindset Mentorship Circle and encourages business analysts to learn, adapt, and thrive.
Yulia is active in the business analysis, architecture, and analytics communities, publishing articles and videos, joining podcasts, and advocating for applying common sense and critical thinking in all business endeavours.

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer. As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow ma... Show more

Kate Siegel

Kate Siegel

I'm a motivational speaker and ICF Certified Professional Coach devoted to changing the world one aha at a time.
Having led the learning and development function in a variety of industries and organizations, I have a rich background in leadership, management, and interpersonal skill development.
I combine my 15+ years of experience in the corporate classroom with even more years of acting and improv comedy to lead events that are as entertaining as they are impactful. With personal stories, hands-on activities, and actionable takeaways, my programs are always engaging, inspiring, and uplifting.
My areas of expertise and library of materials cover leadership, management, change, communication, personal/interpersonal development, and much more. Feel free to check out my course catalog at www.k8siegel.com/coursecatalog

I'm a motivational speaker and ICF Certified Professional Coach devoted to changing the world one aha at a time. Having led the learning and development function in a variety of industries and organizations, I have a rich background in leadership, ... Show more

Benjamin Nothdurft

Benjamin Nothdurft

Benjamin has a long-term and hands-on experience with introducing, building, running, coaching and speaking about Java, Microservices (including DDD and events), Docker/Containerization, distributed/self-contained systems (SCS) and disruptive technologies.

At day he works as Tech Lead for Cloud Technologies at codecentric. At night he hacks on innovative trends like FaaS, Service Meshes, Voice UIs and IoT. At evenings he organizes workshops, talks and code retreats at the Software Crafters Community Jena (Softwerkskammer Jena) and the Java User Group Thüringen. On weekends he serves as a board member at the Java Aktuell Magazine and at the JavaLand conference – leading the Architecture and Methodology & Culture streams.

He also runs Open Data Hackathons as well as Devoxx4Kids events. Regularly he also gives university lectures on OOP, Java, Docker, Git, Project Management and Agile Methodologies. In his leisure time he enjoys road cycling, art & theaters, wine/gin/whiskey tastings and discussions about politics and improving IT organizations.

Benjamin has a long-term and hands-on experience with introducing, building, running, coaching and speaking about Java, Microservices (including DDD and events), Docker/Containerization, distributed/self-contained systems (SCS) and disruptive technol... Show more

Rob Farley

Rob Farley

Rob is a data consultant in Australia. His company is LobsterPot Solutions. He leads the Adelaide Data Platform & Analytics User Group, and is also involved in the open-mic comedy community.

Rob is a data consultant in Australia. His company is LobsterPot Solutions. He leads the Adelaide Data Platform & Analytics User Group, and is also involved in the open-mic comedy community. Show more

João Esperancinha

João Esperancinha

João is a 10+ years experienced Software Developer, Studied Telecom Engineering at ISEL Lisboa, and worked in different companies in Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. He is a certified Kong Champion, a certified Java Developer (OCP11) and is a Certified Spring Professional 2021. Outside the software development Universe, João is someone interested in arts and crafts and making stuff out of old materials creating the occasional modified furniture. João loves plants and has a small potted garden with Yuccas and blueberry bushes. He has one particular YouTube channel called JESPROTECH dedicated to engineering where João shares his experience with the world.

João is a 10+ years experienced Software Developer, Studied Telecom Engineering at ISEL Lisboa, and worked in different companies in Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. He is a certified Kong Champion, a certified Java Developer (OCP11) and is a Ce... Show more

Aries Fitriawan

Aries Fitriawan

Aries Fitriawan is an accomplished Data Scientist and a Google Cloud Certified Professional Machine Learning Engineer with over a decade of experience bridging the gap between complex data systems and real-world applications. He has built a robust career specializing in Machine Learning, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence. He currently leverages his expertise to develop sophisticated models and data architectures, with a notable professional history at major telecommunications industry. This speaking simply to pursue his interest in coding.

Aries Fitriawan is an accomplished Data Scientist and a Google Cloud Certified Professional Machine Learning Engineer with over a decade of experience bridging the gap between complex data systems and real-world applications. He has built a robust ca... Show more

Matt Zaske

Matt Zaske

I am a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience who brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the table. My background bridges several IT disciplines including endpoint management, server administration (Linux and Windows), and applications architecture and development. I am also an advocate for innovation and automation through encouraging folks to move to a DevOps mindset and promoting the use of automation tooling to improve everyday business practices. I also believe that the concept of "embracing laziness" is a powerful driver of innovation and creative solutions.

I am a well-established trainer and dynamic and engaging speaker, having presented at events internally, locally, and regionally such as user groups, edtech conferences, and similar engagements. I have also been a repeat speaker at larger events such as MMSMOA. My unique blend of humor, storytelling, and real-world experience helps others navigate and understand complex technology concepts and sparks innovation. I refer to this as "technology grief counseling."

I enjoy exploring and demystifying new and emerging technologies and enjoy creative pursuits including 3D printing, home automation, software development in novelty "bot" projects, and am a theatre nerd and participant including time as an executive leader of a nonprofit community theatre organization.

I am a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience who brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the table. My background bridges several IT disciplines including endpoint management, server administration (Linu... Show more

Luca Zavarella

Luca Zavarella

Luca holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of L'Aquila and has more than fifteen years of experience working on the Microsoft Data Platform. He started his experience as a T-SQL developer on SQL Server 2000 and 2005. He then focused on the whole Microsoft Business Intelligence stack (SSIS, SSAS, SSRS), deepening data warehousing techniques. Recently, he has been focusing on the world of Advanced Analytics and Data Science. He contributes to the technical community as a speaker at data events and through his personal blog on Medium. He is the author of "Extending Power BI with Python and R 2nd Ed.", published by Packt Publishing. He holds the role of Data & AI Solution Hub Lead at Lodestar. He is currently a Microsoft AI & Data Platform Most Valuable Professional (MVP).

He also graduated with honors in classical piano from the "Alfredo Casella" Conservatory in L'Aquila.

Luca holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of L'Aquila and has more than fifteen years of experience working on the Microsoft Data Platform. He started his experience as a T-SQL developer on SQL Serv... Show more

Anchal Gautam

Anchal Gautam

A seasoned digital leader with over 15 years of experience in building and optimizing customer-centric digital experiences, Anchal Gautam currently serves as a Digital Product Manager at Blick Art Materials. In this role, she leads key initiatives across Product Search and Personalization, Account Self-Service, and B2B product experiences.

With a strong background at the intersection of technology, data, and user experience, Anchal has a proven track record of driving growth through strategic product development and innovative digital solutions. They are passionate about leveraging personalization and scalable platforms to enhance customer engagement and deliver measurable business impact.

At this conference, Anchal brings practical insights on evolving digital ecosystems, optimizing product discovery, and creating seamless experiences for both B2C and B2B audiences.

A seasoned digital leader with over 15 years of experience in building and optimizing customer-centric digital experiences, Anchal Gautam currently serves as a Digital Product Manager at Blick Art Materials. In this role, she leads key initiatives ac... Show more

Christian Wermke

Christian Wermke

Working since 12 years for Germany's biggest financial daily "Handelsblatt", since 2024 as Deputy Lead of Weekend & Report. Since 2022, covering as well Web3, crypto, and NFTs and building the first newspaper-driven NFT community in Europe. Moderated several events in Germany and Italy. Founder of the digital art platform VistaVagabond.xyz in 2023.

Working since 12 years for Germany's biggest financial daily "Handelsblatt", since 2024 as Deputy Lead of Weekend & Report. Since 2022, covering as well Web3, crypto, and NFTs and building the first newspaper-driven NFT community in Europe. Moderated... Show more

Raghavendra Kalapatapu

Raghavendra Kalapatapu

Over 15 years of experience in data analytics and data platforms, with a passion for building AI-powered assistant products for manufacturing plants. Focused on delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions that solve complex operational problems and drive real business impact. Guided by curiosity, practicality, and economic feasibility.

Over 15 years of experience in data analytics and data platforms, with a passion for building AI-powered assistant products for manufacturing plants. Focused on delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions that solve complex operational problems and... Show more

Ramsey Elkholy

Ramsey Elkholy

Ramsey Elkholy is a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and anthropologist who founded the indietronica collective Monotronic in 2016. He conceived the project as a communal platform where instruments interweave into a single expressive force. Rather than spotlighting individual virtuosity, he emphasizes shared intention and group chemistry, encouraging collaborators to shape each track with their own textures, instincts, and creative voice.

Elkholy’s parallel career in anthropology informs that philosophy. He earned a PhD and authored Being and Becoming: Embodiment and Experience Among the Orang Rimba of Sumatra, a study of rainforest foragers in Indonesia. His research explored how identity, environment, and daily practice intertwine. That perspective carries into his music, where rhythm and atmosphere reflect lived experience and collective awareness.

Travel has also played a defining role in his artistic development. After spending three years backpacking across Asia and beyond, studying Indian music in Calcutta, and completing two years of fieldwork in Sumatra, Ramsey Elkholy Monotronic developed a deep sensitivity to polyrhythm and texture. He has described the rainforest at night as a vast, layered symphony. Raised in New York and now based in Los Angeles, he works from a home garage studio.

Monotronic’s 2026 album Waiting for You represents a significant chapter in the collective’s growth. The record features acclaimed bassist Mohini Dey on Close Enough and legendary drummer Omar Hakim throughout the project. Several accompanying videos, including Looking Away and Everything Moves, premiered at number one on VEVO, expanding the band’s reach and visual identity.

The album blends indie rock, pop, and electronic elements into a cohesive, cinematic sound marked by reflective lyrics and polished production. Everything Moves unfolds in a high-energy escape room setting, while Kettle Song pairs dynamic choreography with striking imagery. Many of the songs were written during time spent in Tulum, where coastal landscapes shaped the album’s contemplative mood.

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2019, Monotronic has earned praise from outlets such as Rolling Stone and Relix. A rotating roster of accomplished musicians has contributed to the project, many of whom have ties to major artists across genres. Singles including Kids of Summer and In Between have drawn a strong critical response, reinforcing Elkholy’s reputation for genre-fluid songwriting and immersive sound design.

Ramsey Elkholy is a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and anthropologist who founded the indietronica collective Monotronic in 2016. He conceived the project as a communal platform where instruments interweave into a single expressive force. Rather th... Show more

Nadège Bide

Nadège Bide

Nadège Bide, Impact Designer.
Public Sector Design Lead at POLLUX | DOCAPOSTE
Designer for over 20 years.
Graduate of the DIU in Philosophy, Design, and Ethics in Care (CNAM, 2024)
Graduate in UX Management (Les Gobelins, 2015)
Committed practice rooted in public service design, the commons, capacitive design, and transformation.

Nadège Bide, Impact Designer. Public Sector Design Lead at POLLUX | DOCAPOSTE Designer for over 20 years. Graduate of the DIU in Philosophy, Design, and Ethics in Care (CNAM, 2024) Graduate in UX Management (Les Gobelins, 2015) Committed practic... Show more

Michael Mikulec

Michael Mikulec

Michael Mikulec, a distinguished Creative/Art Director and Designer, has explored various domains, including graphic design, broadcast, and international creative projects. He originated from Connecticut and is now settled in Savannah, GA. His path is decorated with diverse experiences and achievements.

His journey in the creative field began at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, setting the stage for his future endeavors. Upon graduating, he embarked on a career in broadcast design at ESPN in Bristol, CT. His tenure there was marked by significant contributions to two NBA Finals and the receipt of two Sports Emmy Awards, one of which was for his work on the "This is SportsCenter" show.

Following Michael's time at ESPN, he moved to Troika Design Group in Los Angeles, where he was integral to high-profile projects like the launch of the CW network, MTV's HD platform, and the design of the 2008 Olympic logo for NBC's coverage of the games.

Craving a broader perspective, he relocated to Rome, Italy, to lead the international creative efforts at Frame by Frame. His work reached clients across Europe and the Middle East, including Canal+, SKY, Mediaset, NILE, and NBC Universal. His pursuit of advanced studies took him to Yale University, where he pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Under the mentorship of renowned designers such as Michael Beirut and Irma Boom, his design skills were honed, culminating in the successful pitch for Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary Logo.

Capitalizing on the success of the Fenway Park project, Michael established an American branch for Frame by Frame. As Partner and Creative Director, he worked with prestigious clients such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Fendi, AS Roma, and the Miami Dolphins. He also played a crucial role in branding Curaleaf, now the largest Cannabis company in the U.S., from naming the company to developing marketing strategies.

His career also included freelancing in Los Angeles, working with numerous agencies and clients, including Fox Sports. Responding to a call from SCAD, he returned to his alma mater as an associate chair before being promoted to Department Chair of the Graphic Design Department, the largest of its kind globally.

Michael is an independent Creative/Art Director & Designer based in Savannah, GA. His career is a testament to his versatility and extensive expertise, which continue to influence his professional activities.

Mikulec is recognized for his professional prowess and personal achievements. He is a proud father, a three-time Sports Emmy Award winner, and a recipient of several Promax/BDA Awards. His portfolio features designs for notable entities such as TRUtv, CW, Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary, and NBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Beyond his creative endeavors, he has a passion for fine art, graphic design, travel, photography, and screenwriting. His particular love for travel was sparked during his time in Italy. His commitment to philanthropy is evident in his various charitable activities, including creating murals for the Greenbriar Children's Center and supporting young black creatives.

His contributions benefit organizations like the Red Cross, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Mental Health America, reflecting his deep commitment to community service.

Michael Mikulec's career reflects a deep-seated creative expertise and a profound dedication to societal contributions, continually striving to impact the design world and beyond while championing the values of creativity, compassion, and community involvement.

Michael Mikulec, a distinguished Creative/Art Director and Designer, has explored various domains, including graphic design, broadcast, and international creative projects. He originated from Connecticut and is now settled in Savannah, GA. His path i... Show more

Sylvain Gougouzian

Sylvain Gougouzian

Dev / Formateur GreenIT
Speaker,
Chef d'orchestre,
(Retro)Gamer,
Papa geek,
Eleveur de GNUs

Dev / Formateur GreenIT Speaker, Chef d'orchestre, (Retro)Gamer, Papa geek, Eleveur de GNUs Show more

Matthew Jones

Matthew Jones

Matthew "Makerinator" Jones is a Senior Innovation Engineer, Flutter developer, and maker based in Virginia Beach. He believes the best software has something physical attached to it. His presentations focus on the intersection of embedded hardware and modern app development. When he's not building fintech solutions at his day job, he's designing PCBs in KiCad, deploying Flutter on Raspberry Pi, and running Makerinator on YouTube. Matthew is what happens when a software developer gets a CNC router and too many ideas.

Matthew "Makerinator" Jones is a Senior Innovation Engineer, Flutter developer, and maker based in Virginia Beach. He believes the best software has something physical attached to it. His presentations focus on the intersection of embedded hardware a... Show more

Kelli Lucas

Kelli Lucas

Kelli is Chief Design Officer and co-founder of LunarLab, a UX design and product strategy firm that helps businesses create innovative, inclusive, and profitable products. Kelli is an experienced design leader who's created engaging web and mobile experiences for startups and enterprise clients alike. She’s designed for FinTech, healthcare, publishing, sports, advertising, education, logistics, and more.

Kelli is Chief Design Officer and co-founder of LunarLab, a UX design and product strategy firm that helps businesses create innovative, inclusive, and profitable products. Kelli is an experienced design leader who's created engaging web and mobile e... Show more

Eriol Fox

Eriol Fox

Eriol has been working as a designer for 15+ years working in for-profits and then NGO’s and open-source software organisations, working on complex problems like sustainable food systems, peace-building, censorship circumvention OSS, Human Rights OSS tools and crisis response technology. Eriol now works at The Open Home Foundation on OSS first smart home technology.

Eriol is part of the core teams at Open Source Design (http://opensourcedesign.net/) Sustain UX & Design working group (https://sustainoss.org/working-groups/design-and-ux/) and help hosts podcast about open source and design (https://sosdesign.sustainoss.org/)

Eriol is a non-binary, queer person who uses they/them pronouns.

Eriol was studying a Comp Sci PhD looking at how designers participate in humanitarian and human rights focussed open-source software projects and is looking for a new home for this research.

Eriol has been working as a designer for 15+ years working in for-profits and then NGO’s and open-source software organisations, working on complex problems like sustainable food systems, peace-building, censorship circumvention OSS, Human Rights OSS... Show more

Seiji Ralph Villafranca

Seiji Ralph Villafranca

Graduated Cum Laude with a degree of Bachelor of Science In Computer Science at University of Santo Tomas.

A Senior developer based in the Netherlands, a Microsoft MVP, Auth0 Ambassador, and one of the Community Leaders of Angular PH who is involved in organizing tech meetups and mentorships, and has written tutorials on his website seijivillafranca.com, he is a speaker on several meetups, in local and international conferences that focus on JavaScript development, and Microsoft products, and also a book author for full-stack web development.

Graduated Cum Laude with a degree of Bachelor of Science In Computer Science at University of Santo Tomas. A Senior developer based in the Netherlands, a Microsoft MVP, Auth0 Ambassador, and one of the Community Leaders of Angular PH who is involv... Show more

Ellyse Cedeno

Ellyse Cedeno

Language nerd (Elixir, Haskell, Rust, Nix, Cobol, 6502 Assembly), retrocomputing and game development. Worked making games at Nickelodeon, medical research at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, and making internet stuff at Netscape.

Language nerd (Elixir, Haskell, Rust, Nix, Cobol, 6502 Assembly), retrocomputing and game development. Worked making games at Nickelodeon, medical research at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, and making internet stuff at Netscape. Show more

J Matthew Saunders

J Matthew Saunders

Matthew started working on the Web in '95 at an experimental dance company in Ottawa Canada. This became an obsession with bleeding edge technologies. His decades of experience in the technology sphere as a project manager and Web application architect segued into joining the Drupal community in 2007. He has spoken at numerous tech conferences. Saunders was on the Drupalcon Denver organizing committee, is Director of Drupalcamp Colorado, and helped found the Drupal Event Organizing Working Group. Matthew recently left Pfizer as Delivery Lead for the Health Care Provider Portal and is looking for his next challenge. He runs a consultancy at https://www.jamesmatthewsaunders.ai. He is an activist in neurodiversity. Matthew recently joined amazee.io as their AI Ambassador.

Matthew started working on the Web in '95 at an experimental dance company in Ottawa Canada. This became an obsession with bleeding edge technologies. His decades of experience in the technology sphere as a project manager and Web application archite... Show more

Martin Leon Refi

Martin Leon Refi

Diseño productos digitales desde hace 8 años, con experiencia en proyectos que van desde juegos hasta finanzas. Soy docente y mentor en Estudiando UX, un proyecto educativo que fundé para impulsar una educación digital más empática y humana.

Diseño productos digitales desde hace 8 años, con experiencia en proyectos que van desde juegos hasta finanzas. Soy docente y mentor en Estudiando UX, un proyecto educativo que fundé para impulsar una educación digital más empática y humana. Show more

Heather Cook

Heather Cook

Heather Cook is Principal PM Manager for the Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group within Microsoft’s Collaborative Applications and Platform Group. She leads engagement, evangelism, and growth strategies, building programs and connections between Microsoft and its global community. A former Microsoft MVP for Microsoft 365 Apps and Services, Heather brings over two decades of experience as a marketing executive for leading tech companies and as Founder of Creative Maven, her impact consultancy. As a consultant, executive event producer, and fractional Chief Marketing Officer, she has delivered thousands of events, campaigns, and experiences across high‑tech and entertainment. Heather is a seasoned keynote speaker, moderator, and host, and an avid writer who publishes Maven Musings on LinkedIn and her cultural Substack, Heddas Mix Tape. Her Microsoft origin story is featured in The Women of Microsoft. Based in Marina del Rey, California, she travels globally to speak on healthy workplaces, power skills, community, and inclusion.

Heather Cook is Principal PM Manager for the Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group within Microsoft’s Collaborative Applications and Platform Group. She leads engagement, evangelism, and growth strategies, building programs and connections between Mi... Show more

MuraliMohan Jonnalagadda

MuraliMohan Jonnalagadda

Indian, Born in Andhra Pradesh working in Saudi Arabia as a software engineer from past 20 years having 2 kids and wife and 1 sister and 1 brother and i am singer

Indian, Born in Andhra Pradesh working in Saudi Arabia as a software engineer from past 20 years having 2 kids and wife and 1 sister and 1 brother and i am singer Show more

Vanchhit Khare

Vanchhit Khare

Vanchhit Khare is an AI systems engineer, published researcher, and music producer. He
works at the intersection of agentic intelligence, automation infrastructure, and creative system
design. His experience spans large scale implementations in finance and healthcare, and his
research focuses on multi agent collaboration, contextual memory, and machine driven
coordination. He also creates electronic music that blends structured logic with emotional
storytelling. Learn more at https://vkhare.online.

Vanchhit Khare is an AI systems engineer, published researcher, and music producer. He works at the intersection of agentic intelligence, automation infrastructure, and creative system design. His experience spans large scale implementations in fin... Show more

Anuar Harb

Anuar Harb

Anuar Harb is a seasoned software developer with more than 10 years of experience, during which he has contributed to renowned companies in the US, Mexico, and Colombia. Currently, he proudly serves as the founder of Code Centre, a software studio dedicated to the exploration of new technologies and the harmonious integration of art and technology.

Anuar Harb es un experimentado desarrollador de software con más de 8 años de experiencia, durante los cuales ha realizado importantes contribuciones en reconocidas empresas de Estados Unidos, México y Colombia. En la actualidad, se desempeña con orgullo como fundador de Code Centre, un estudio de software dedicado a la exploración de nuevas tecnologías y a la integración armoniosa del arte y la tecnología.

Anuar Harb is a seasoned software developer with more than 10 years of experience, during which he has contributed to renowned companies in the US, Mexico, and Colombia. Currently, he proudly serves as the founder of Code Centre, a software studio de... Show more

J.D. Flynn

J.D. Flynn

JD Flynn has had mental illness most of his life, but didn't admit it until his early 30s when he decided it was time to do something about it. After a decade-long career in emergency services as a paramedic, JD made the jump from the ambulance to the text editor. Since then, JD has climbed to Principal Drupal Software Engineer in his current position.

His life was changed by OSMH (Open Sourcing Mental Health), a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on opening the conversation on mental illness, which led him to telling his own story to as many people who would listen. As someone with mental illness who is not afraid to talk about it, JD has presented on the topic of Mental Illness in the Tech Community to local user groups, regional conferences, and national level events at locations such as MIT, UC Berkeley, Washington State Convention Center, Guaranteed Rate Field, and DePaul University.

More recently, JD has started streaming development on Twitch and has been learning new tools and languages on stream. He streams under the name JDDoesDev and is desperate for your approval and attention.

When not speaking or coding, JD plays baritone saxophone in Windiana, a professional level wind ensemble out of Valparaiso, IN, and Michigan City Municipal Band, the oldest municipal band in Indiana.

JD Flynn has had mental illness most of his life, but didn't admit it until his early 30s when he decided it was time to do something about it. After a decade-long career in emergency services as a paramedic, JD made the jump from the ambulance to th... Show more

Daniella Karni-Harel

Daniella Karni-Harel

Senior backend engineer who thrives on blending structure and creativity, whether coding or storytelling. Passionate about “using your powers for good”, she is volunteering as a software engineer in several organizations, such as Midaat. She cares deeply about wildlife, and volunteered at both the Wildlife Hospital and the Haibulans. She is currently volunteering for the Haibulans as tech consultant.

Senior backend engineer who thrives on blending structure and creativity, whether coding or storytelling. Passionate about “using your powers for good”, she is volunteering as a software engineer in several organizations, such as Midaat. She cares de... Show more

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