Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to be more customer obsessed. Previously she moved Ford to consider people with disabilities in the design of their autonomous vehicles and the US DoD to include user experience in testing of systems. She currently lives in Dublin with her husband and son.

Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to ... Show more

Shannon Jenkins, founder of Connect Create Labs, is a UX designer, artist, and creative community-builder who uses design to make technology feel more human. With a background in customer experience, education, and design leadership, she transforms complex ideas into digital experiences that spark connection and trust. She has spoken at conferences like Render ATL, where she championed Privacy by Design, and has led live design sessions and mentored rising creatives across the tech industry. Her work lives at the intersection of creativity, empathy, and transformation—and through her talks, Shannon invites audiences to rethink what’s possible when we dare to evolve beyond yesterday.

Shannon Jenkins, founder of Connect Create Labs, is a UX designer, artist, and creative community-builder who uses design to make technology feel more human. With a background in customer experience, education, and design leadership, she transforms c... Show more

AI & Data leader with 14+ years of experience. Women in AI California State Ambassador. Talks about #AI in Life Sciences #Building solutions using Gemini #GenAI #Career in tech

AI & Data leader with 14+ years of experience. Women in AI California State Ambassador. Talks about #AI in Life Sciences #Building solutions using Gemini #GenAI #Career in tech Show more

Full-stack application creator. Musician. With degrees in philosophy and librarianship. A father, a husband, a brother, a son. Human, after all.

Full-stack application creator. Musician. With degrees in philosophy and librarianship. A father, a husband, a brother, a son. Human, after all. Show more

Tyler Suard is a Python software developer in the field of Machine Learning and AI. He loves spaceships, giant robots, and his cat Ridley.

Tyler Suard is a Python software developer in the field of Machine Learning and AI. He loves spaceships, giant robots, and his cat Ridley. Show more

I am Kshitij raj sharma from Nepal , An OSM enthusiastic , Open Source Spatial Developer , Geomatics Engineer. I love maps and love contributing & making tools that benefits humankind

I am Kshitij raj sharma from Nepal , An OSM enthusiastic , Open Source Spatial Developer , Geomatics Engineer. I love maps and love contributing & making tools that benefits humankind Show more

Arvind Lodaya is a seasoned design and innovation expert with over 30 years of experience shaping products, brands, and strategies. A National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad alumnus, he runs a design, innovation and branding consultancy in Bengaluru. His expertise lies in strategic branding, product and service design, and fostering innovation cultures in organizations.
Throughout his career, Arvind has held leadership positions, including Ogilvy Advertising’s design consulting unit in India, Co-Founder of Deccan Centre for Innovation & Design, Professor at IIT Kanpur, Ambedkar Univ Delhi, Srishti and Vidyashilp in Bengaluru. He led impactful projects such as the corporate rebranding of ICICI and strategic design for prominent brands across diverse industries. Beyond his consulting work, Arvind is deeply involved in education and advisory roles, teaching at leading institutes in India and abroad and contributing to the growth of several startups.
His current focus encompasses systemic practice and multisolving, impact entrepreneurship, design thinking and embedding deep values in design. He actively engages with organizations to deploy design and innovation for impact and address complex global challenges. He is currently leading a Systems Practice Fellowship for emerging social leaders for SELCO Foundation.

Arvind Lodaya is a seasoned design and innovation expert with over 30 years of experience shaping products, brands, and strategies. A National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad alumnus, he runs a design, innovation and branding consultancy in Benga... Show more

Je facilite l’adoption de cadres de travail adaptés aux enjeux métiers, en cultivant une culture de collaboration, de transparence et d’amélioration continue. Mon approche du coaching produit vise à renforcer la vision, prioriser intelligemment et maximiser l’impact des livrables, tout en fédérant les parties prenantes autour d’objectifs communs.
Convaincu que la performance passe par l’humain, je mets en place des méthodologies de travail favorisant l’intelligence collective, l’autonomie et la responsabilisation des équipes. J’interviens aussi bien sur la structuration des pratiques que sur le développement des postures, avec un souci constant d’efficacité et de sens.
En parallèle, j’exploite le pouvoir du visuel à travers le scribing (facilitation graphique) pour clarifier les idées, dynamiser les échanges et ancrer les messages clés. Le dessin devient alors un véritable levier d’engagement, de compréhension et de mémorisation, au service de la transformation.

Je facilite l’adoption de cadres de travail adaptés aux enjeux métiers, en cultivant une culture de collaboration, de transparence et d’amélioration continue. Mon approche du coaching produit vise à renforcer la vision, prioriser intelligemment et ma... Show more

Ozhan (Oz) Sisic is a visionary cybersecurity executive and award-winning technology leader, recently recognized by IDC as one of the UK’s Next CIOs. With over 15 years of global experience in cybersecurity leadership across gaming, electronics, and high-tech sectors, Ozhan has built and led world-class security programs that align closely with business strategy, risk posture, and compliance frameworks.

Served as the Director of Cyber Security at Jagex, he has been instrumental in leading cyber risk strategy and due diligence during high-impact corporate transactions, including the company’s recent acquisition. His strategic foresight has shaped board-level incident response frameworks, optimized cybersecurity tooling, and improved enterprise resilience across both cloud and on-prem environments.

Ozhan’s career includes senior leadership roles at Sony Electronics based in Brussels, managing teams in Japan, the US, Turkey, and India, where he scaled global application security and vulnerability management programs from the ground up. As a former vCISO, he has advised large-scale organizations on risk-based cybersecurity transformations, vendor selection, and secure development practices.

A lifelong learner and strategic thinker, Ozhan is currently completing the Chief Technology Officer Programme at the University of Cambridge – Judge Business School, further solidifying his position at the intersection of cybersecurity, innovation, and executive leadership.

With deep technical roots in secure SDLC, penetration testing, and application security—and a strong record in talent development and cross-functional stakeholder engagement—Ozhan brings a rare blend of technical rigor and business acumen. He thrives on building security cultures that empower teams to think proactively, innovate securely, and grow sustainably.

Ozhan (Oz) Sisic is a visionary cybersecurity executive and award-winning technology leader, recently recognized by IDC as one of the UK’s Next CIOs. With over 15 years of global experience in cybersecurity leadership across gaming, electronics, and ... Show more

In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam has discovered that the most powerful form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the oldest—great storytelling. With rich support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is, and how they can use it to their advantage.

Best of all, the insights in Adam’s keynotes explain phenomena that many people sense are true without knowing why. Armed with the tools, research, and empathy Adam brings to the stage, they emerge as more confident communicators in their personal and professional lives.

Based in Rhode Island, Adam has earned rave reviews by audiences from Boston to Borneo. And with the rise of AI, Adam is determined to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.

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In this high-energy, aha-moment-filled keynote, you’ll learn why stories have such a powerful hold on us, how they work, the transformative effect storytelling can have on your business, and how to do it.

Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy immediately:
- Unparalleled ROI
- Increased sales and fundraising revenue
- Greater productivity
- Higher retention
- …and much, much more

Learn more at https://www.rustleandspark.com/story

In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam has discovered that the most powerful form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the oldest—great storytelling. With rich support from neuroscientists, psychologi... Show more

Ryan is a Principal Engineer at John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) where he oversees API standards and architecture for systems farmers depend on for connecting with experts like agronomists, dealers, other experts.

Ryan is a Principal Engineer at John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) where he oversees API standards and architecture for systems farmers depend on for connecting with experts like agronomists, dealers, other experts. Show more

ingeniero en Computación que desarrolla sistemas embebidos usando microcontroladores como el ESP32, con un interés especial en los sistemas operativos, especialmente FreeRTOS. Actualmente trabaja en procesamiento de señales GNSS, investigando formas de mejorar la precisión de GPS/Galileo y mitigar el problema del multicamino. Además, diseña y construye pedales de guitarra, fusionando electrónica analógica, audio y firmware embebido. Le gusta tomar conceptos “de laboratorio” y convertirlos en proyectos prácticos que cualquiera pueda replicar con hardware accesible. Cuando no está frente al osciloscopio, a menudo está remando, obsesionado con perfeccionar cada palada tanto como cada línea de código.

ingeniero en Computación que desarrolla sistemas embebidos usando microcontroladores como el ESP32, con un interés especial en los sistemas operativos, especialmente FreeRTOS. Actualmente trabaja en procesamiento de señales GNSS, investigando formas ... Show more

Rev. Steven Van Meter is an Ordained Minister of Religious Science and professional Spiritual Leader for over 26 years. He spent eight years working with Centers for Spiritual Headquarters in Los Angeles and Burbank, CA on the Events Team. He departed working at CSL to serve as Assistant Minister in La Crescenta, CA before becoming the Senior Minister in Menifee Valley, CA.
He is currently the Senior Minister for the Grants Pass Center for Spiritual Living in Oregon where he has been serving for the past seven years.
He is a devoted Spiritual Leader with a deep consciousness of healing and love who demonstrates a spirit of wholeness, joy, and love in everything he does!

Rev. Steven Van Meter is an Ordained Minister of Religious Science and professional Spiritual Leader for over 26 years. He spent eight years working with Centers for Spiritual Headquarters in Los Angeles and Burbank, CA on the Events Team. He departe... Show more

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Realites, a leading metaverse company, to create immersive and interactive experiences for his fans. Kae9mm aims to push the boundaries of music and technology and to explore new dimensions of creativity and expression.

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Rea... Show more

Daniela Rosas es estudiante de Gestión y Alta Dirección con mención en Gestión Social y Pública en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) y Presidenta de 180 Degrees Consulting PUCP, donde lidera proyectos de consultoría estratégica para organizaciones sociales y emprendimientos de impacto. Ayacuchana de origen, su trabajo está profundamente conectado con la generación de soluciones que respondan a realidades diversas y descentralizadas.

Su enfoque se sitúa en la intersección entre tecnología, innovación social y estrategia, utilizando inteligencia artificial generativa, herramientas no-code y diseño centrado en el usuario (UX/UI) para transformar ideas en soluciones escalables, accesibles y con impacto medible. Ha implementado soluciones tecnológicas en ONGs y proyectos sociales, integrando automatización, marketing social y herramientas como n8n y Lovable para optimizar procesos, fortalecer el fundraising y movilizar comunidades de manera innovadora.

Ha sido Parlamentaria Joven Nacional del Congreso de la República del Perú, donde contribuyó al diseño de propuestas legislativas en temas ambientales, participación ciudadana y transparencia, incorporando indicadores de impacto y mecanismos de seguimiento. Asimismo, fue becaria del Millennium Fellowship (ONU) y participante del Aspire Leaders Program de Harvard University, consolidando su formación en liderazgo global e impacto social.

Como consultora en sostenibilidad en Mypes Verdes, ha acompañado a pequeñas empresas en la adopción de modelos responsables y elaboración de reportes de sostenibilidad. Además, es fundadora de Responsible Work For Ecology, una iniciativa comunitaria en Ayacucho que ha capacitado a más de 80 mujeres en prácticas sostenibles, promoviendo su empoderamiento económico y ambiental.

Ha sido reconocida como ganadora del HONOR College Marketing Challenge 2025, finalista en la Datatón OEFA Innova y en el GreenTech Challenge, destacando por su propuesta de “IA que te entiende y potencia tu esencia”, entendida como el uso de la inteligencia artificial para potenciar capacidades humanas y construir soluciones más empáticas e inclusivas.

Daniela promueve activamente el acceso inclusivo a la tecnología y el uso ético de la IA, convencida de que romper los patrones en la industria implica que más mujeres y actores del sector social pasen de ser usuarios a creadores de tecnología, diseñando soluciones que transformen realidades y generen valor sostenible.

Daniela Rosas es estudiante de Gestión y Alta Dirección con mención en Gestión Social y Pública en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) y Presidenta de 180 Degrees Consulting PUCP, donde lidera proyectos de consultoría estratégica para ... Show more

Daria Fedorova is a strategic operator and trusted partner to founders building high-growth, high-stakes businesses. With over a decade of experience spanning the UAE, Europe, the US, and Asia, she has served as Chief of Staff, VP of Investor Relations, and Interim COO — scaling teams, systems, and capital across 7 markets.
As the first hire and CoS at Destinus, a pre-IPO deep-tech aerospace and defense startup, Daria led three global funding rounds totaling 120M CHF, acted as founder proxy in board and investor forums, and built the operational infrastructure that took the company from zero to 80+ people across 7 countries.
Her career spans YC-backed construction tech (Mighty Buildings), fintech (Bank 131), IoT supply chains (Cogobuy/Forbes Asia Fab 50), and M&A at Siemens Financial Services — giving her a rare cross-industry, cross-cultural lens on what it takes to build and scale ambitious companies.
Today, Daria advises founders and family offices on capital formation, operational scale-up, and international expansion, based between Madrid and Dubai.
She speaks on Chief of Staff, founder leverage, international growth, and building the operating systems that turn strategy into execution.

Daria Fedorova is a strategic operator and trusted partner to founders building high-growth, high-stakes businesses. With over a decade of experience spanning the UAE, Europe, the US, and Asia, she has served as Chief of Staff, VP of Investor Relatio... Show more

Sandy Hackett is a speaker, event host, and producer with decades of experience working in front of live audiences at corporate events, conferences, and theaters nationwide.
He specializes in audience engagement and communication, helping events stay energized, connected, and running smoothly from start to finish. Known for his ability to read a room in real time, Sandy brings a practical, experience-driven perspective on how people connect, respond, and stay present.
His work focuses on the human side of engagement—how communication, energy, and presence directly impact workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and event success. Blending humor, insight, and real-world experience, Sandy delivers presentations that keep audiences fully engaged while creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Sandy Hackett is a speaker, event host, and producer with decades of experience working in front of live audiences at corporate events, conferences, and theaters nationwide. He specializes in audience engagement and communication, helping events sta... Show more

Co-Author of "Shift: From Product to People" a novel about what it means to really put people at the center of everything you do. Coaching Agile leaders on how to improve lives and improve bottom lines at the same time. Specializes in Agile beyond IT, including manufacturing, government, education, the arts, non-profits, and more.

Co-Author of "Shift: From Product to People" a novel about what it means to really put people at the center of everything you do. Coaching Agile leaders on how to improve lives and improve bottom lines at the same time. Specializes in Agile beyond IT... Show more

James Simon didn’t start his career with the intention of becoming a producer. Like many who fall in love with theater, his first experience with the stage was through performing. He acted in plays during his school years and at summer camps, developing a connection to live performance early on. Though he later explored other fields—college and a radio career—he eventually found his way back to theater, though this time behind the scenes.

Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a portfolio of work that stretches from Manhattan to the United Kingdom.

James was born and raised in Bronxville, New York. He studied communications at Emerson College in Boston, preparing for a career in media. After working in radio for several years, he moved to New York City in the early 1990s to pursue acting full-time. Like many actors in the city, James balanced performance work with side jobs. One of those jobs introduced him to theater production, and that experience led him down a different professional path.

His first hands-on experience with a Broadway production came during the revival of Damn Yankees. Through that role, he saw just how much work goes into making a show successful. From that point forward, Producer James Simon began to take shape. The process of coordinating the many moving parts of a theatrical production sparked his interest and led to a long-term shift in focus.

James developed an ability to spot projects with potential and bring together teams capable of executing a shared vision. His strength lies in balancing creative ambition with the practical realities of producing. Over time, he established a reputation for being consistent, thoughtful, and adept at managing the challenges of theater production.

James L. Simon earned his first Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His second nomination came with Operation Mincemeat, recognized for Best New Musical. He also co-produced The Woman in Black Off-Broadway, which received the Best Play Revival award from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His credits include work in London’s West End and at major theater festivals around the globe.

James is currently preparing to bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also co-producing a national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern in the United States, an interactive production that combines live gaming and traditional theater elements.

When asked what keeps him producing, James often points to his belief in the power of stories. While he appreciates being part of well-known productions, he also values smaller, more intimate works that may not attract as much attention. In interviews and articles, he has noted how hard it can be for new voices to gain access in the theater industry.

He continues to support opportunities for emerging talent. James serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and donates to programs such as Artists Relief and Donors Choose. These platforms help artists at early stages of their careers gain visibility and support.

Outside the arts, James has volunteered with the New York Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. He is also a regular blood donor through the New York Blood Bank and supports the Legal Aid Society, showing his broader commitment to service.

Producing involves far more than choosing scripts. It requires careful budgeting, coordination, conflict resolution, and planning for travel. James L. Simon, the Producer, remains deeply involved in all aspects of production. He finds value in the behind-the-scenes work—quiet tasks that ensure everything comes together on time.

Even with two Tony Award nominations and international credits, James stays focused on the work rather than recognition. He chooses projects based on substance, not trends, and strives to build environments where creativity can thrive.

Though some of his upcoming projects remain undisclosed, one thing is certain: James Simon, the Producer, continues to approach every production with care, dedication, and a deep respect for the process.

James Simon didn’t start his career with the intention of becoming a producer. Like many who fall in love with theater, his first experience with the stage was through performing. He acted in plays during his school years and at summer camps, develop... Show more

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice.

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice. Show more

She is a social impact leader and impact placemaker, She has co-founded the award winning PlayPan - a social movement that transforms underutilised spaces into vibrant community hubs for creativity and social good. In addition, she also co-founded Glass Dome - a Third Space in Central Singapore that brings diverse stakeholders together to build a culture of giving.

With over two decade in philanthropy and a background spanning corporate, nonprofit, and advisory roles, she is a strong advocate for driving impact through purpose-led design and collaboration. Her joint work is archived as part of contemporary Singapore history as well as documented as case study in Harvard Business Review.

She is a social impact leader and impact placemaker, She has co-founded the award winning PlayPan - a social movement that transforms underutilised spaces into vibrant community hubs for creativity and social good. In addition, she also co-founded Gl... Show more

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional MVP AI | NASA Citizen Scientist; TCS Utilities Data and Analytics Practice Lead and Energy Trading and Risk Management Practice Lead | AWS Community Builder

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional MVP AI | NASA Citizen Scientist; TCS Utilities Data and Analytics Practice Lead and Energy Trading and Risk Management Practice Lead | AWS Community Builder Show more

Founder of VYBZ ( NFT project showcasing true community spirit )
Founder of SYS AMA ( Web3 Vetting Show )
Just a guy who knows how to get product to market within the WEB3 Space

Founder of VYBZ ( NFT project showcasing true community spirit ) Founder of SYS AMA ( Web3 Vetting Show ) Just a guy who knows how to get product to market within the WEB3 Space Show more

J'ai passé des années à aider les autres à mieux travailler ensemble. Et puis j'ai fondé Animeet, une communauté où des gens qui ne se connaissent pas fabriquent des films d'animation en un week-end. Mon métier aujourd'hui : libérer le processus créatif dans les organisations.

J'ai passé des années à aider les autres à mieux travailler ensemble. Et puis j'ai fondé Animeet, une communauté où des gens qui ne se connaissent pas fabriquent des films d'animation en un week-end. Mon métier aujourd'hui : libérer le processus créa... Show more

Magnus Stahre is a software craftsman doing application development for three decades.

He is currently a Staff Software Engineer at Torc Robotics where he works on the simulation team.

Magnus Stahre is a software craftsman doing application development for three decades. He is currently a Staff Software Engineer at Torc Robotics where he works on the simulation team. Show more

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends real-world change management expertise with authentic and engaging storytelling. His work includes open conversations around mental health, suicide awareness, and well-being, creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends re... Show more

Fletcher Groseclos is a media professional and community advocate based in Bentonville, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from the University of Arkansas with a focus on creative writing. His work in broadcast news has included positions as a producer, camera operator, audio operator, and live television director at Hearst Television's 40/29 and KFSM-TV (Channel 5). In 2018, he also worked in television production on the set of True Detective, Season Three, serving as Property Production Assistant (Jan.Feb.) and later as Locations Assistant (July).

Fletcher was born in Rogers and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas. His interest in communication led him to study in Fayetteville, where he graduated in December 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism. During his time at the university, he was involved with the student news outlet and worked as a field producer, assistant producer, and lead producer. His responsibilities included scheduling and conducting interviews, editing video content, mixing audio through Adobe Premiere Pro, and creating graphics such as lower-thirds, on-screen text, and full-page visuals. He also coordinated live broadcasts with the production team to ensure smooth delivery.

Before finishing his degree, he gained professional experience through a summer 2017 internship at KNWA (NBC)/Fox 24 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. During that time, he wrote VOSOT and pacer stories, assisted with live shots, filmed b-roll for packages, and logged interviews. He also observed producers to understand how broadcasts were organized. After the internship, he continued contributing to the university station as a reporter, producing packages and conducting on-camera interviews.

In September 2018, Fletcher joined a television station in Rogers, Arkansas, as a camera operator, where he coordinated live newscast shots, clipped video segments, and posted content to social media. By December 2018, he became an associate producer, creating newscasts using ENPS producer software and designing graphics with the HATMOS graphics engine. In June 2019, he again worked as a camera and audio operator, maintaining equipment and supporting live broadcasts. By July 2020, he advanced to weekend director, directing live programs and supervising transitions, videos, and graphic elements. In December 2022, he joined another news station in Springdale, Arkansas, as a news producer, producing morning shows, editing video packages, coordinating with anchors and reporters, and responding to breaking news.

In August 2023, he began independent contracting with the Literacy Council of Benton County in Arkansas. In this role, he produces promotional and fundraising videos, manages tutor-student matching through Laces software, and volunteers as a tutor, helping adult learners and immigrants improve their reading, writing, and English pronunciation. From March 2021 to November 2022, he also taught English online to international students, helping them strengthen their vocabulary and speaking confidence. In his free time, Fletcher Groseclos enjoys creative writing, reading, and playing chess.

Fletcher Groseclos is a media professional and community advocate based in Bentonville, Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from the University of Arkansas with a focus on creative writing. His work in broadcast news has ... Show more

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Journalism Program at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.

She is the author of “Huele a Bomba: la paradójica esencia del periodismo de Avance,” a book on groundbreaking Puerto Rican publication, Avance. Her storytelling centers on arts, culture, education, and Puerto Rican and Latino issues. Carmen Graciela has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora and her writing has appeared in Hyperallergic, El País, Centro Journal, The Miami Herald, The Common, and Reasons to be Cheerful, among other publications. Her freelance work includes research for the biopic Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It and being a contributing writer of a book documenting the work and the story of ArtPlace America. She holds master’s degrees from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism (New York) in Arts and Culture Reporting and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (San Juan) in Cultural Studies. Her teaching and journalism have been recognized by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and the Overseas Press Club (Puerto Rico chapter). From 2024 to 2025 she was a member of the Center for Cooperative Media's Racial Equity Advisory Board.

Carmen Graciela is currently working on her second book centered on Puerto Ricans in New York to be published in 2026 by Periodística Editorial.

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Jo... Show more

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Music Press), and with collaborators Tamiko Nimura, Ross Ishikawa, and Matt Sasaki was named a Finalist in Creative Nonfiction for the Washington State Book Award. He won an American Book Award with Cheung and Greg Robinson as co-editor of JOHN OKADA: The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy (University of Washington Press), in which he authored the first-ever biography of Okada and traced the origins of his novel. He is currently developing a new stage adaptation of NO-NO BOY in partnership with Seattle Rep.

Abe wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning PBS documentary CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION on the largest organized resistance in the camps, and with writer Frank Chin helped organize the first-ever “Day of Remembrance” in Seattle in 1978. He was an original member of Chin’s Asian American Theater Workshop in San Francisco and studied at the American Conservatory Theater.

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Mu... Show more

Aroma Rodrigues is a software engineer working at JP Morgan Chase. As a techno-activist she has been a part of many projects that promote diversity and inclusion. She believes that Automation is the path to Inclusion. In 2016, a teammate of her "Shoes for the Visually Impaired" project presented it at the FOSSASIA. She reads, writes and enjoys walking to explore places. She presently works in a financial services firm and believes that solving problems that she has would solve problems for a large chunk of the world. An ML enthusiast she has about 20+ Coursera Certifications with the respective project work to support her learning in that field. She presented a talk on “De-mystifying Terms and Conditions using NLP” at PyCon 2018.

Aroma Rodrigues is a software engineer working at JP Morgan Chase. As a techno-activist she has been a part of many projects that promote diversity and inclusion. She believes that Automation is the path to Inclusion. In 2016, a teammate of her "Shoe... Show more