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

Kerem Demirayak is an award-winning creative producer specializing in immersive technologies, spatial computing, and AI-driven media experiences. He leads next-generation interactive media production at FIELD.IO, merging artistic vision with technical expertise in XR, generative design, and real-time systems.

With a proven track record of scaling emerging tech solutions for Fortune 500 brands and cultural institutions, Kerem has brought innovative experiences to life for IBM, BMW, Nike, and more. His work bridges the gap between concept and delivery, transforming immersive and interactive ideas into engaging, real-world experiences. He is also exploring investment opportunities in creative AI and immersive tech infrastructure.

Kerem Demirayak is an award-winning creative producer specializing in immersive technologies, spatial computing, and AI-driven media experiences. He leads next-generation interactive media production at FIELD.IO, merging artistic vision with technica... Show more

Dr. Amr Assad is a distinguished Academic Leader and Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Holding a PhD in Broadcasting from Cairo University, he has dedicated over two decades to excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum development within the field of mass media.

As a seasoned educator, Dr. Assad specializes in media literacy, digital storytelling, social media dynamics, and communication theory. He integrates advanced teaching methods and educational technologies to create engaging and inclusive learning environments to support diverse student populations in achieving academic excellence.

Throughout his career, Dr. Assad’s research has been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. His work explores valuable insights into social media usage, media ethics, and the impact of digital tools on communication practices. These contributions have significantly influenced academic discourse and the development of media curricula across multiple institutions.

Dr. Assad also actively participates in various scholarly and administrative committees, serving on the Program Academic Committee (PAC), Divisional Promotion Committee, and the Applied Media Industry Advisory Committee, among others, where he continues to integrate industry best practices and drive academic innovation.

Dr. Assad is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of communication professionals, providing personalized guidance, and nurturing an environment conducive to academic and professional success. He is open to connecting with fellow academics, industry professionals, and collaborators who share a passion for shaping the future of mass communication.

Dr. Amr Assad is a distinguished Academic Leader and Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Holding a PhD in Broadcasting from Cairo University, he has dedicated over two decades to excellence in teaching, res... Show more

creative, published, father to two, Indian Hindi native non-thorny

creative, published, father to two, Indian Hindi native non-thorny Show more

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofits—using storytelling, visual arts, and poetry to foster connection, voice, and emotional healing. As a national and international speaker, Joselyn has presented on mental health, expressive therapies, and community-based healing across conferences and institutions. She is the author of a published thesis and a debut poetry book, A Voice Written Through Graffiti, which explores narrative as a form of resistance, reflection, and restoration.

In parallel, she leads The Wellness Portfolio, a mental health and consultation space offering expressive arts resources, seasonal toolkits, workshops, and culturally responsive programming for individuals, communities, and organizations. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through voice, visibility, and the stories we choose to tell.

Signature Topics:
Storytelling as a Healing Practice
Creative Arts for Community Wellness
Culturally Responsive Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Expressive Therapy
Empowering Youth through Art & Voice

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofit... 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

Sarah Peters is a web developer at Georgetown University, building and maintaining web solutions for the Office of Advancement. She began her development career at Crema, a digital product agency in Kansas City, where she worked as an Application Developer. A graduate of Prime Digital Academy, Sarah brings a unique perspective to software development, drawing from her previous career as a professional violinist.

Before transitioning to tech, Sarah performed with orchestras such as the Kansas City Symphony and New World Symphony; she currently plays with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (when time permits!). She has been featured as a chamber musician on Kansas Public Radio Live and has appeared at festivals including the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Tanglewood Music Center, and the Lakes Area Music Festival. She received her Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma in Violin Performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston.

Her experience in both the arts and technology informs her approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous learning. Sarah currently lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, a member of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and their two children.

Sarah Peters is a web developer at Georgetown University, building and maintaining web solutions for the Office of Advancement. She began her development career at Crema, a digital product agency in Kansas City, where she worked as an Application Dev... Show more

Cail has spent the last couple of decades working at the intersection of people and technology: in the performing arts, in the motion picture industry, and now in the field of software operations. He is fascinated by learning from incidents - large and small - and will gladly trade stories about them. He is a proud member of the Resilience In Software Foundation, a group dedicated to applying Resilience Engineering principles to the business of operating software systems.

Cail has spent the last couple of decades working at the intersection of people and technology: in the performing arts, in the motion picture industry, and now in the field of software operations. He is fascinated by learning from incidents - large a... Show more

Jana Maier ist Theatermacherin, Regieassistentin, Studentin. Engagements als Regieassistentin am Theater Münster und am KOSMOS Theater Wien. Parallel dazu entwickelt sie eigene Konzepte, ist als Performerin auf der Bühne und sammelt Erfahrungen in Gastengagements, u. a. an den Städtischen Bühnen Chemnitz.

Jana Maier ist Theatermacherin, Regieassistentin, Studentin. Engagements als Regieassistentin am Theater Münster und am KOSMOS Theater Wien. Parallel dazu entwickelt sie eigene Konzepte, ist als Performerin auf der Bühne und sammelt Erfahrungen in Ga... Show more

Alberto Lucas López is a Spanish-born journalist who, since 2016, has served as Senior Artist – New Narratives at National Geographic Magazine. In this role, he specializes in the development of innovative approaches to visual storytelling and graphic journalism. His individual work has been honored with more than 200 international awards from Webby, SPD, WAN-IFRA, IIBA, DJA Global Editors Network, SND and CaGIS, among other organizations. It is worth highlighting he has been awarded with the Best of Show Malofiej—that distinguishes the best infographic in the world published of the year—, two Human Rights Award Malofiej, the Best Map of the World Miguel Urabayen Award, and the Impressive Individual Award from Information Is Beautiful Awards. Occasionally, he serves as a jury in journalistic contests such as the Premio GABO, WAN-IFRA World Media Awards or the Society of Publishers in Asia Awards, and leads talks and workshops internationally on visual storytelling.

Prior to joining National Geographic, he was Graphics Director at Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for News Design and, in recent years, has devoted a significant portion of his time to doctoral research in Arts and Education. He also regularly delivers international lectures and leads workshops on visual storytelling.

Alberto Lucas López is a Spanish-born journalist who, since 2016, has served as Senior Artist – New Narratives at National Geographic Magazine. In this role, he specializes in the development of innovative approaches to visual storytelling and graphi... Show more

Angie is a multidisciplinary educator, director, and wellness innovator whose work brings together neuroscience, awareness, and the performing arts through Learning HOW to Age™. This curriculum-based program integrates research on brain health with experiential practices from acting, voice, and movement, offering engaging, skill-based approaches to lifelong vitality and presence.

She serves as administrator for the Expressive Avenues Wellness YouTube channel, where she shares lessons designed to support active, independent aging. Angie holds an MFA from the University of Louisville and brings decades of experience in education, performing, directing, and media production. Angie leads experiential breakout sessions at aging conferences like the National Council on Aging, sharing results from a two-year implementation of Learning HOW to Age™ with independent living adults averaging 81 years old. She will present “Learning HOW to Age™: An Experiential, Intergenerational Program—Skills for Every Generation” for the first time at the Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference, expanding the curriculum into an actionable intergenerational model across the lifespan.

A survivor of a catastrophic car accident, Angie chronicles her journey through coma and back into consciousness in her memoir Emerging: From Coma to Presence. With honesty, humor, and candor, she reflects on what she encountered in that liminal space and later with a numinous bearded iris—offering a deeply human perspective on resilience, awareness, and what it means to truly be present.

Angie is a multidisciplinary educator, director, and wellness innovator whose work brings together neuroscience, awareness, and the performing arts through Learning HOW to Age™. This curriculum-based program integrates research on brain health with e... Show more

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Houston has traveled to 49 of the 50 United States, 5 Canadian Provinces, and 26 countries. He also has Down syndrome. His photos have been in magazines and books, won awards in numerous competitions, and been shown in galleries in three countries.

He shares the positives surrounding disability on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For his photography sales, he started on ETSY, moved to his own website, and now sells his photography as NFTs. To date he has been part of three sold-out NFT collections.

Houston inspires others, both inside and outside of the disability community. By sharing his gift of photography he also shares gifts of beauty and hope.

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Houston has traveled to 49 of the 50 United States, 5 Canadian Provinces, and 26 countries. He also has Down syndrome. His photos h... Show more

Bhavya Desai is a Madras (Chennai)-based illustrator with over a decade of experience creating culturally rooted visual narratives. Through his studio, Bhavya Desai Illustrations, he has worked with leading brands to bring stories to life by drawing from the everyday moments, people and places that define contemporary India.

Bhavya Desai is a Madras (Chennai)-based illustrator with over a decade of experience creating culturally rooted visual narratives. Through his studio, Bhavya Desai Illustrations, he has worked with leading brands to bring stories to life by drawing ... Show more

Third Planet Studio aka "3PS" is a full service Web3 Music, Art & Entertainment concierge.

3PS offers many white glove services catering to the web3 community from 3D development, creative consulting, project management and most of all, they are a “go to” virtual and real life event talent booking source.

The members at 3PS have built a stellar reputation for being innovators in their field. Lead by owner and lead designer, Bianca aka Binx, who has over 20 years experience in music, event design and planning industry, her mission at Third Planet Studio is to help pave the way for artists to carry on their legacy through a decentralized network.

Third Planet Studio aka "3PS" is a full service Web3 Music, Art & Entertainment concierge. 3PS offers many white glove services catering to the web3 community from 3D development, creative consulting, project management and most of all, they are ... Show more

Jeremy Conescu helps leaders and innovators craft authentic stories that drive trust, connection, and measurable success. With over 20 years of experience with brands like Adobe, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, and NASA, Jeremy has led more than $1B of client projects that have transformed businesses around the world.

Drawing from his background and education in theater and graphic design, Jeremy coaches audiences to find their authentic voice, and turn complex data into persuasive narratives. Whether you’re seeking to motivate a small group of stakeholders, inspire hundreds of executives, or energize thousands of attendees, Jeremy delivers engaging stories with hands-on activities that inspire lasting change.

Jeremy Conescu helps leaders and innovators craft authentic stories that drive trust, connection, and measurable success. With over 20 years of experience with brands like Adobe, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, and NASA, Jeremy has led more than $1B of client p... Show more

I have an MA in cultural studies, but I work as a kindergarten teacher. Tolkien was/is my first love, and I haven't cared much for Marvel until I met my Thor.
I love reading, boardgames, quizzes, arts & crafts and karaoke (try me at your own peril) and have two beautiful children (I promise pics only on request).

I have an MA in cultural studies, but I work as a kindergarten teacher. Tolkien was/is my first love, and I haven't cared much for Marvel until I met my Thor. I love reading, boardgames, quizzes, arts & crafts and karaoke (try me at your own peril)... Show more

Michael Collett is a San Francisco born-and-based career designer with nearly two decades of experience in graphic, print, brand, web and generalized two-dimensional design. He has also taught, designed, developed and built exhibitions and public programs, while operating as a sole practitioner and team member at studios, start-ups and institutions.

He is currently the Design Director and a co-founder at Àrokò Cooperative, a worker-owned design studio and publishing concern.

Michael Collett is a San Francisco born-and-based career designer with nearly two decades of experience in graphic, print, brand, web and generalized two-dimensional design. He has also taught, designed, developed and built exhibitions and public pro... Show more

Anna Kovalova is a fantasy writer and a content writer from Kyiv. Her debut novel of the fantasy comedy book series “Smartcharms” was published in 2024. Her fantasy YA novel “Dark seas” will be published next year. Anna has three children. Speaks 5 languages. She currently lives in Zadar due to the war.

Anna Kovalova is a fantasy writer and a content writer from Kyiv. Her debut novel of the fantasy comedy book series “Smartcharms” was published in 2024. Her fantasy YA novel “Dark seas” will be published next year. Anna has three children. Speaks 5 l... Show more

Melvin Thambi is a renowned Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Global Speaker with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design, technology, and business. His expertise spans visual design, product innovation, and brand strategy, where he has led high-impact creative initiatives for global brands, shaping the future of design-driven business success.

A thought leader in AI, design monetization, and creative entrepreneurship, Melvin is a recognized speaker at international design and technology conferences. He brings a unique perspective on how designers can leverage AI, build scalable revenue models, and adopt a business mindset to thrive in an evolving creative economy.

In 2017, he was honored as Business Mentor of the Year by Entrepreneur of India, recognizing his impact in mentorship and leadership. His artistic work has also been exhibited on the global stage, including New York Times Square, reflecting his passion for blending storytelling, digital art, and cutting-edge technology.

Beyond corporate leadership, Melvin is deeply committed to mentorship and the future of design, empowering the next generation of creative professionals to move beyond execution—embracing strategy, innovation, and business acumen to drive real-world impact.

Melvin Thambi is a renowned Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Global Speaker with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design, technology, and business. His expertise spans visual design, product innovation, and brand strategy, wh... Show more

Riva Zmajoki creates art, thinks about stuff, and manages daily life. You'll find her around internet playing with concepts.

Riva Zmajoki creates art, thinks about stuff, and manages daily life. You'll find her around internet playing with concepts. Show more

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immigrating to Canada — clients include Universal Music, Nettwerk, and AWAL.

Her work sits at a rare intersection: creative direction and performance marketing. She delivers $0.16 CPCs and 631% website traffic growth from single campaigns, alongside brand work that holds up visually. She taught at cimdata Bildungsakademie (IHK-accredited, Germany), served as an industry mentor at Symphonic (March 2026), and mentored at Measure of Music 2026 — a global music and data conference reaching 1,400+ participants across 63 countries. She has been featured in CEO Times and Women's Insider.

She speaks on brand strategy, creative direction, performance marketing, and building a creative business as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur. Available in-person in Toronto and virtually worldwide.

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immig... Show more

An award-winning creative and former Fulbright Scholar who has worked with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and top tech startups alike to create new brands, products, and experiences from concept to launch. Originally from Mexico City, Mariana has transformed creative teams inside and out, leading companies into a design-led product innovation space, for her work, she has received numerous awards, including the ACE Award for “Best Launch” by the Accessories Council, the highest accomplishment given in the fashion industry. She believes good design is about connecting and inspiring people to ideas and ideals and her commitment to that is demonstrated by a portfolio that spans industries and disciplines. Formally, she holds a Master of Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Arts and Design from Universidad Iberoamericana. Prior to design, she studied Fine Arts under Maestro Giovanni Ospitali in Florence, and later Paris.

An award-winning creative and former Fulbright Scholar who has worked with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and top tech startups alike to create new brands, products, and experiences from concept to launch. Originally from Mexico City,... Show more

I am a Computer Engineering student and a member of the marketing team at LYCS. In this role, I am actively engaging with the world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), specifically technologies like Salesforce and Marketing Cloud, by blending both consulting and development expertise.

I concurrently pursue a profound interest in personal development and coaching, which I channel into content creation as a medium for artistic expression, creative freedom, and the exploration of core human themes, including motivation, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

I characterize myself as a developing full-stack engineer who places significant emphasis on the balance between hard and soft skills. My inspiration is drawn from a diverse set of sources, ranging from Quranic studies and spirituality to physical activity (swimming, running, calisthenics), design (photo and video editing), and e-sports (valorizing strategy, teamwork, and responsiveness).

My primary objective is to disseminate accessible, practical, and inspiring insights aimed at helping individuals progress, grow, and effectively define their niche within the technology ecosystem and broader professional landscape.

I am a Computer Engineering student and a member of the marketing team at LYCS. In this role, I am actively engaging with the world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), specifically technologies like Salesforce and Marketing Cloud, by blending ... Show more

With 10+ years of experience working in New York City, San Francisco, China, Singapore, and now Australia, Jay Demetillo has built an impressive resume of experience and creating impact. ‍

Jay has designed for Twitter, Pinterest, Yahoo, and Grab. Jay was an adjunct professor at California College of the Arts in San Francisco and has spoken/lectured in China for ACG. He’s worked on notable projects like the Bay Lights, Gaspar Brasserie, San Francisco’s Park System SFPark, GrabFood, Grab's Facial Recognition for Drivers, and Grab AudioProtect.

Jay is passionate about building products and designs that are inclusive, having empathy for your users, and dismantling your biases. Currently, he's at Canva and has launched Canva Sheets.

With 10+ years of experience working in New York City, San Francisco, China, Singapore, and now Australia, Jay Demetillo has built an impressive resume of experience and creating impact. ‍ Jay has designed for Twitter, Pinterest, Yahoo, and Grab. ... Show more

Founding designer at SigNoz and independent researcher. Previously did things at Deepsource, Solana, and Openhouse. Shutterbug, Violinist, voracious reader, and a Star Wars nerd with a knack for mixing and playing around.

Founding designer at SigNoz and independent researcher. Previously did things at Deepsource, Solana, and Openhouse. Shutterbug, Violinist, voracious reader, and a Star Wars nerd with a knack for mixing and playing around. Show more

FAITH THOMAS is a multidisciplinary digital creator and storyteller with a passion for
building meaningful connections through art and media. Faith has been passionate about video
games for as long as she can remember — and somewhere along the way, that passion turned
into a career. As a content creator in the gaming space with the tag TheCreativeAmalgamation,
Faith found a way to connect with a community that shares that same love for the craft. That
creativity doesn't stop at gaming, though. Faith has brought fresh ideas and innovative thinking
to every role she's held, including serving as COO of a nonprofit.

The topics she speaks on are how to implement play into your everyday life and how reconnecting with your inner child and creativity helps build other aspects of your life and work.

FAITH THOMAS is a multidisciplinary digital creator and storyteller with a passion for building meaningful connections through art and media. Faith has been passionate about video games for as long as she can remember — and somewhere along the way,... Show more

Meet Monique, a seasoned Production Management Specialist with over a decade of experience in creative content writing, video production, and editing. Monique has worked at studios such as Skydance Animation, Netflix Feature Animation, Blue Sky Studios, and Zero VFX where she encouraged cross-team collaboration among Line Producers and Supervisors, as well as streamlined and simplified the creative process. She spearheaded the creation of comprehensive internal reports on project progress and issues, while proposing effective solutions. Monique was also the go-to person for internal and external studio executives

Meet Monique, a seasoned Production Management Specialist with over a decade of experience in creative content writing, video production, and editing. Monique has worked at studios such as Skydance Animation, Netflix Feature Animation, Blue Sky Studi... Show more

Soy diseñadora estratégica y especialista en UX/UI con amplia experiencia en la creación de experiencias digitales centradas en las personas. Ha liderado proyectos de transformación empresarial donde el diseño, la innovación y los datos se integran para generar valor y comunicación efectiva. Su enfoque combina empatía, análisis y creatividad para construir soluciones que conectan visualmente y comunican con propósito.

Soy diseñadora estratégica y especialista en UX/UI con amplia experiencia en la creación de experiencias digitales centradas en las personas. Ha liderado proyectos de transformación empresarial donde el diseño, la innovación y los datos se integran p... Show more

Bowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers through media engagement and by leading workshops on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing. He holds a Master of Education, five martial arts black belt certifications, and is an Army veteran. Travel enthusiast, lover of the outdoors, and habitual volunteer, Bowen’s secret joys include quiet moments by the fireplace and cooking big meals for family and friends.

Bowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers t... Show more

Graham Wilson is the Director of Cultural Policy Research, also known as RCCIL. His work focuses on exploring the transformative power of creativity and innovation within cultural industries.

Graham Wilson is the Director of Cultural Policy Research, also known as RCCIL. His work focuses on exploring the transformative power of creativity and innovation within cultural industries. Show more