Seasoned technologist, infoSec researcher & automation hacker. Sassi has accumulated extensive experience in information security for ~30 years, in Red-Blue team assessments, conducting forensic investigations and more, including Fortune100 accounts. Advisory board member of Javelin Networks (acquired by Symantec in 2018). Worked for Microsoft ~8 years as Technology Group Manager and coded support tools for Windows Server. Sassi spoke at TED and TEDx events, and was awarded 4 Peace and friendship awards. Sassi holds a M.A in law, CISSP etc, and speaks regularly at various technology conferences worldwide. Volunteer for youth at risk, aviator & oriental rock guitarist.

Seasoned technologist, infoSec researcher & automation hacker. Sassi has accumulated extensive experience in information security for ~30 years, in Red-Blue team assessments, conducting forensic investigations and more, including Fortune100 accounts.... Show more

After 15 years as a unit production manager in the film and television industry, I’ve made the pivot to tech. Here to share my journey and insight with fellow pivoters!

After 15 years as a unit production manager in the film and television industry, I’ve made the pivot to tech. Here to share my journey and insight with fellow pivoters! Show more

Level 1 Italian Teacher in the Chicagoland area since 2011.

Level 1 Italian Teacher in the Chicagoland area since 2011. Show more

Miroslav is an architectural designer, visionary, founder of Mind Design, and Co-Founder of Dom World.
He pursued his Master of Architecture at the Architectural Association, London.
With a computational design background and specialization in Sustainable Pure Design with elements of surprise, he believes that using cutting-edge technology and collaborative thinking is the right approach to solving problems and finding design opportunities.

Miroslav is an architectural designer, visionary, founder of Mind Design, and Co-Founder of Dom World. He pursued his Master of Architecture at the Architectural Association, London. With a computational design background and specialization in Sust... Show more

Nicolas Petitjean is the former VP Design at Sodexo Group (2017-2022). In 2021, he founded "collectivehood", which helps business leaders design operational models where innovation through design thrives and responsible growth practices flourish. With a Master's degree in Design (Rubika 2000') and an Executive MBA (EDHEC 2015'), Nicolas has over 20 years' experience in user research, human-centered design, innovation & design leadership, strategy and entrepreneurship at various levels, with companies such as Salomon, Adidas, Decathlon, Sodexo, Hanesbrands, Caran d'Ache, Ministry of Defence UK, USAA, Google, GSK, Coventry University among others. Nicolas is also an active and leading speaker on innovation practices, business modeling and social leadership by design across Europe.

Nicolas Petitjean is the former VP Design at Sodexo Group (2017-2022). In 2021, he founded "collectivehood", which helps business leaders design operational models where innovation through design thrives and responsible growth practices flourish. Wit... Show more

Marc Mauro is a dynamic artist, filmmaker, and host of HOP: The Hour of Power, blending decades of creative mastery with a passion for digital innovation. From grammar school chalk art to airbrushing and teaching, Marc’s journey led him to photography and filmmaking—mediums he views as personal snapshots of life. His brand, QUESTIONMARC, embodies his cutting-edge ethos. With HOP, Marc transformed a struggling podcast into a thriving platform by spotlighting NFT artists—painters, 3D sculptors, and musicians—whose lives were reshaped by digital art’s financial and global potential. Live on social media, he showcases works like glitchy animations and tokenized soundscapes, engaging with creators. A collaborative “people person,” Marc’s professionalism and originality make him a pivotal voice in the art-tech revolution.

Marc Mauro is a dynamic artist, filmmaker, and host of HOP: The Hour of Power, blending decades of creative mastery with a passion for digital innovation. From grammar school chalk art to airbrushing and teaching, Marc’s journey led him to photograph... Show more

Rich is a musician and software developer based in Cardiff, UK.
He releases music, commits code and plays Blood Bowl under the name “jacksorjacksor”.

Rich is a musician and software developer based in Cardiff, UK. He releases music, commits code and plays Blood Bowl under the name “jacksorjacksor”. Show more

Amy Trent is a long time fan of happily-ever-afters, cookies, and staying up late to write happily-ever-afters and eat cookies. She writes novels and short stories that explore identity, whimsy, and love through the lens of fairy tales and folklore. A woman, a mother, a reader, and a devoted stan of her cat, Amy can think of nothing better than an afternoon of connecting with others over books and creature comforts. Her brand is cozy; her point of view is a slow-burning ember of hope.

Amy has been publishing novels since 2021. She is a 2024 Praiseworthy Award finalist, a 2024 Once Upon a Pen Book Award nominee, and a #1 Amazon Best Seller. Her short stories have appeared or will soon appear in The Fairy Tale Magazine, Corvid Queen, and various anthologies. Amy currently lives in Colorado with her family, but the Trents have also called California and Mississippi home.

Amy Trent is a long time fan of happily-ever-afters, cookies, and staying up late to write happily-ever-afters and eat cookies. She writes novels and short stories that explore identity, whimsy, and love through the lens of fairy tales and folklore. ... Show more

Sonja Dalseth er redaktør og forlegger i Måken forlag. Hun er også oversetter.

Sonja Dalseth er redaktør og forlegger i Måken forlag. Hun er også oversetter. Show more

Je navigue depuis 25 ans dans les différentes évolutions des métiers du design, du graphisme au design numérique, de l'UX au design de service, et depuis 6 ans au sein de la mutuelle MAIF j'anime et accompagne un collectif de plus de 70 designers dans les aspects opérationnels et stratégiques, en tant que référent de la guide design.

Je navigue depuis 25 ans dans les différentes évolutions des métiers du design, du graphisme au design numérique, de l'UX au design de service, et depuis 6 ans au sein de la mutuelle MAIF j'anime et accompagne un collectif de plus de 70 designers dan... Show more

Freelance story editor, all-around shtriga from Shtriga, alternative history writer, and lover of all things wild & queer.

Freelance story editor, all-around shtriga from Shtriga, alternative history writer, and lover of all things wild & queer. Show more

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. At the HPI d—school I design learning experiences in the sustainability innovation space.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. At the HPI d—school I design learning experiences in the sustainability innovation space. Show more

Hi, I'm Shivam Mittal, a passionate cybersecurity analyst and orange teamer dedicated to ethical hacking and digital security. With hands-on experience in digital forensics, offensive penetration testing, malware analysis, and threat intelligence, I specialize in protecting systems and uncovering vulnerabilities.

I hold certifications like Certified Network Security Practitioner (CNSP), CompTIA Pentest+ and so on

Hi, I'm Shivam Mittal, a passionate cybersecurity analyst and orange teamer dedicated to ethical hacking and digital security. With hands-on experience in digital forensics, offensive penetration testing, malware analysis, and threat intelligence, I ... Show more

Veronica Shelton is a creative director and UX strategist with 15+ years in product design, branding, and digital transformation. As co-founder of Oak Theory, she leads UX/UI, web development, and e-commerce projects with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. With experience across Fortune 500s, startups, and social impact organizations, she brings a unique perspective on the intersection of design and technology.

Veronica Shelton is a creative director and UX strategist with 15+ years in product design, branding, and digital transformation. As co-founder of Oak Theory, she leads UX/UI, web development, and e-commerce projects with a focus on inclusivity and a... Show more

Tanesha L. Moody knows what it means to pivot—boldly, strategically, and without losing who you are in the process.

From calling cues on Broadway-style stages to leading global events for Under Armour, Salesforce, Marriott, and Disney, Tanesha has lived the power of reinvention—again and again. Whether navigating career transitions, building teams from scratch, or showing up after rejection, she brings an unmatched blend of honesty, resilience, and clarity to the stage.

Her journey has been a masterclass in resilience and leading through uncertainty—which is why her signature keynote, The Art of the Pivot, resonates so deeply with those navigating change, career shifts, or bold leadership moves. Tanesha teaches audiences how to adapt without losing authenticity, lead without fear, and thrive—even when everything changes.

Tanesha's approach is insightful, engaging, and deeply relatable. She doesn’t just share theories—she tells the behind-the-scenes truths of what it really takes to pivot full out and turn challenges into opportunities. Audiences leave with actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take their next bold step.

Organizers don’t bring Tanesha in for a cookie-cutter leadership talk. They book her because she’s relatable, strategic, and able to speak to the heart of high-achieving professionals who are tired of wearing masks and ready to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Signature Keynotes Include:
The Art of the Pivot: Leading, Living, and Thriving Full Out
Falling Full Out: How to Turn Rejection & Failure into Your Superpower
Full Out Leadership: Elevating Performance, Influence & Agility
Say It Like a Leader: How to Give Feedback That Actually Works
Resilience & Rejection in Leadership: Turning Setbacks into Breakthroughs
Living Full Out: Breaking Free from Fear & Playing Bigger

Book Tanesha to deliver a keynote that’s high-impact, high-empathy, and impossible to forget.

Website: www.taneshalmoody.com/speaker

Tanesha L. Moody knows what it means to pivot—boldly, strategically, and without losing who you are in the process. From calling cues on Broadway-style stages to leading global events for Under Armour, Salesforce, Marriott, and Disney, Tanesha has... Show more

I'm a senior product designer with a strong foundation in graphic design and a deep passion for creating meaningful, user-focused experiences. I take pride in crafting intuitive interaction designs and ensuring we build products that not only meet real needs but are also a joy to use.

I'm a senior product designer with a strong foundation in graphic design and a deep passion for creating meaningful, user-focused experiences. I take pride in crafting intuitive interaction designs and ensuring we build products that not only meet re... Show more

The Dynamics 365 Lady. Autism is her superpower. A woman who loves technology and peicing things together. Rachel is a FastTrack Solution Architect for Dynamics 365, former MVP, and community advocate at Microsoft.

She maintains a blog at https://Dynmaics365Lady.com
You can find her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/Dynamics365Unboxed
Tune into Top of Mind with Anne and Rachel every Wednesday on LinkedIn at 12:00 Pacific Time at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tom-with-anne-and-rachel/

The Dynamics 365 Lady. Autism is her superpower. A woman who loves technology and peicing things together. Rachel is a FastTrack Solution Architect for Dynamics 365, former MVP, and community advocate at Microsoft. She maintains a blog at https:/... Show more

Agilist, feminist, humanist

Agilist, feminist, humanist Show more

Vignesh Hari Krishnan is a designer whose work integrates art, technology, and community engagement. A Yale Alumnus, Vignesh has established a creative practice in the intersections of human experience and urban environments, aiming to create spaces that foster connectivity and inclusivity.

Notable among his team projects is sending 'Ultraspace: Moss Helmet' to zero-gravity flight experiment, which was recognized with a Best Documentary Film Award at the Experimental Film and Music Festival. He has also conceptualized 'Street Magnet Poetry: NYCxDESIGN edition,' an interactive installation that transforms urban surfaces into public expression and engagement forums during NYCxDESIGN Week.

Vignesh Hari Krishnan is a designer whose work integrates art, technology, and community engagement. A Yale Alumnus, Vignesh has established a creative practice in the intersections of human experience and urban environments, aiming to create spaces ... Show more

Carol Berg, former software engineer, never expected to write eighteen novels. Nor did she expect to win the Colorado Book Award four times or hear that her books had been read on the slopes of Denali, in the war zone of Iraq, or underneath the Mediterranean. She certainly never thought to see her name alongside her literary heroes like JRR Tolkien as winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Recent publications include her Collegia Magica trilogy, her Lighthouse Duet, and her Sanctuary Duet, re-released with splendiferous new artwork from Open Road Media, as well as Tor’s A Summoning of Demons under her nom de plume, Cate Glass.

Carol Berg, former software engineer, never expected to write eighteen novels. Nor did she expect to win the Colorado Book Award four times or hear that her books had been read on the slopes of Denali, in the war zone of Iraq, or underneath the Medit... Show more

Bhuvana Meenakshi Koteeswaran is a Socio-tech Researcher and founder of Women In Tech collectives, India, she is also Internationally recognised as a Mozillian, Wikimedian, and VRAR/ multidimensional space enthusiast. She is one of the recipients of the ShuttleWorth Flash Grant awards 2021. Bhuvana initiated the Women In Tech community in India to enable more voices of women who are interested in pursuing a career in tech or want to learn tech and to give opportunities for those who lost their careers in tech due to the pandemic. As part of this initiative, she has joined hands with Coko Foundation where the organisation has collaborated to support the members of the community in furthering their careers and interest in advance technologies. She is the cofounder of EmergeAbility, an initiative to make the digital world inclusive and accessible. She has also facilitated global events like MozFest, and Hack4OpenGLAM. She had been a mentor at Creep-a-thon hosted by Codam college, Amsterdam. She was one among the International Jury panel for the Wikipedia Pages wanting Photos campaign 2021.
Bhuvana being curious to reach the global technologies and communities so she collaborated with the CityJS London team and initiated its first ever World series version in the steel city of India, Salem. She is the founder and lead the team of CityJS India 2022 with an intention connect developers and technology enthusiasts from India and all around the world. She also balances her life by pursuing performing arts, she has received Merit certificates from Annamalai University and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London for her notable participation in Bharatnatyam and Kathak dance forms.
To add feathers to her cap she has been conferred with two major awards :-
* Best Poster Presentation Award by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the “India International Science Festival 2016”, New Delhi. 
​
* Dr. Kalam Young Achiever’s Award by the World Youth Federation on 15th Oct, 2016 at Anna University, Chennai.  
​
As part of her CSR efforts, she has launched the DEWI (Develop and Empower Women Interests in tech) program under the Women In Tech collectives, India initiative. In this program top giant tech companies have associated to offer mentorship and training programs for women trainers and women students. The DEWI will also cater internships and career opportunities for the trained candidates across modern industrial expectations.

Bhuvana Meenakshi Koteeswaran is a Socio-tech Researcher and founder of Women In Tech collectives, India, she is also Internationally recognised as a Mozillian, Wikimedian, and VRAR/ multidimensional space enthusiast. She is one of the recipients of ... Show more

A Google WTM Ambassador and GDG Lead ~ As a Full Stack Developer, Cinamon operates as an AP Computer Sciences Educator and a Certified NASA Instructor with an emphasis in STEAM Education for Global Competency. With over 20 years experience in Education and Technology, She is a Thought-Leader in STEAM Curriculum Design. Cinamon is now an NPO Founder working to close the gender gap in technology and advocate for the under represented communities.

A Google WTM Ambassador and GDG Lead ~ As a Full Stack Developer, Cinamon operates as an AP Computer Sciences Educator and a Certified NASA Instructor with an emphasis in STEAM Education for Global Competency. With over 20 years experience in Educat... Show more

Designing Intuitive & User-Centered Experiences

Designing Intuitive & User-Centered Experiences Show more

Dark Sky Traveller

Dark Sky Traveller Show more

Debasmita is a Senior Mobile Developer and freelancer with a decade of experience, primarily focused on mobile app development. An early adopter of Flutter, she has successfully built and released numerous applications spanning various industries, notably in FinTech. In addition to her technical expertise, Debasmita is passionate about sharing knowledge. She has spoken at events like Flutter Festival, DevFest, and Google I/O Extended. Recognized as a Google Developer Expert (GDE), she continues to create content that strengthens the Flutter community.

Debasmita is a Senior Mobile Developer and freelancer with a decade of experience, primarily focused on mobile app development. An early adopter of Flutter, she has successfully built and released numerous applications spanning various industries, no... Show more

Father-son duo Mark and Cody Stepp are lifelong serial entrepreneurs and technologists, best known for their pioneering work in real estate automation through their company, Workflow Secrets. With decades of combined experience building software solutions, they’ve created the groundbreaking Systems Accelerator Manager (SAM), an AI-powered platform designed to streamline operations, boost client engagement, and drive business growth.

Mark Stepp is a recognized leader in real estate technology, with a long history of developing tools that automate complex workflows and deliver measurable business impact. Cody Stepp specializes in designing AI-driven strategies that enhance efficiency and elevate customer experiences across industries.

Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge on how businesses of all sizes can leverage AI to optimize their operations, reduce manual tasks, and scale faster - making them the perfect guides for businesses looking to harness AI's transformative potential.

Father-son duo Mark and Cody Stepp are lifelong serial entrepreneurs and technologists, best known for their pioneering work in real estate automation through their company, Workflow Secrets. With decades of combined experience building software solu... Show more

Carlo Lorenzo Garcia is an award winning Actor & Director with experience on stage, television, and film with appearances on shows like Chicago PD (NBC), Empire (FOX), and Walker (CW). Carlo has been active in the DeFi space since 2017, an avid collector of NFTs, and has hosted over 350 Twitter Spaces covering various topics regarding DeFi, NFTs, and community growth. He currently serves as Community & Project Manager for BEARISH, a new community for builders, which recently launched on Abstract L2.

Carlo Lorenzo Garcia is an award winning Actor & Director with experience on stage, television, and film with appearances on shows like Chicago PD (NBC), Empire (FOX), and Walker (CW). Carlo has been active in the DeFi space since 2017, an avid colle... 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

Los Angeles-based digital systems architect, manager, and admin department head. Currently working at building engineering and advisory firm Buro Happold, in her 10th year with the company. Leveraging a background in entertainment to bring soft skills to digital integrations.

Los Angeles-based digital systems architect, manager, and admin department head. Currently working at building engineering and advisory firm Buro Happold, in her 10th year with the company. Leveraging a background in entertainment to bring soft skill... Show more

Born and raised in Mexico City, María Díez is the second generation of a family of Spanish immigrants who fled the dictatorship in Spain. At 15, her journey took her across The Netherlands, Spain, and Mexico, before she settled in Barcelona in 2005.

With a background in Audiovisual Arts and Sound Engineering, María has always been passionate about creative industries. She entered the video game industry in 2015, specializing in Production and steadily growing into leadership roles. Initially grounded in project management, she soon realized that true efficiency in creative work comes from flexibility and adaptability. This led her to embrace Agile methodologies, earning certifications in Agile Coaching, Agile Leadership, and Management 3.0 to better support teams and foster a people-first approach.

As she deepened her expertise in Studio and People Operations, María recognized the need to understand business strategy and decision-making at a broader level. This drove her to pursue a Master’s in Project Management and an MBA, complementing her Agile mindset with a strong foundation in business and organizational leadership.

Today, María specializes in Studio Operations, Production, and People Operations, helping teams and studios thrive—not just by refining processes, but by building cultures of empowerment, alignment, and creativity.

Born and raised in Mexico City, María Díez is the second generation of a family of Spanish immigrants who fled the dictatorship in Spain. At 15, her journey took her across The Netherlands, Spain, and Mexico, before she settled in Barcelona in 2005. ... Show more