"Mahdi Farahi is the lead architect and founder of Nexus Research AI Lab, specializing in the intersection of neural synchronization and secure agentic frameworks. He is the creator of the AWARE protocol, an edge-first system for autonomous AI agents. His commitment to 'Security by Design' is demonstrated by the Nexus ecosystem’s OpenSSF Silver Badge validation from the Linux Foundation. Mahdi’s research focuses on scaling ethical and aware AI infrastructures using decentralized technologies."

"Mahdi Farahi is the lead architect and founder of Nexus Research AI Lab, specializing in the intersection of neural synchronization and secure agentic frameworks. He is the creator of the AWARE protocol, an edge-first system for autonomous AI agents... Show more

Nandipa Sozoyi is a PhD candidate, transdisciplinary researcher, and systems thinker working at the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, digital infrastructure, spatial governance, and emerging technologies. Her research explores how knowledge systems function as adaptive infrastructures that inform contemporary challenges in AI, sustainability, governance, and technology design.

She is the founder of Noncedo Development Collective, a South African systems design and research initiative focused on ethical development architectures, knowledge infrastructures, and innovation ecosystems. Her work spans academic research, community innovation, and applied platform development, including community-based initiatives through Zithulele Development Collective and IKS SoMbo Connect, an emerging initiative exploring how Indigenous knowledge can be translated into digital and institutional systems.

Nandipa’s work has received innovation funding, featured in innovation showcases and collaborative initiatives, and increasingly bridges architecture, systems thinking, and technology futures. She also contributes to higher education through research mentorship and studio teaching while building models that connect research, communities, and emerging technologies.

Nandipa Sozoyi is a PhD candidate, transdisciplinary researcher, and systems thinker working at the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, digital infrastructure, spatial governance, and emerging technologies. Her research explores how knowled... Show more

Mohamed Laghdaf is a 22-years old certified software engineer from BlueCrest College, where he obtained a diploma in software engineering. He also holds a diploma with distinction in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sierra Leone. Currently, he is in the final stage of pursuing an LL.B alongside an LL.M (Master of Laws) simultaneously, with a particular interest in technology law.

Professionally, Mohamed Laghdaf is an academia, aspiring to become a global expert in AI accountability and liability frameworks. In 2024, he serves as the director of the FALAS Human Rights Student Wing at the Republic of Sierra Leone. In October 2025, he serves as a keynote speaker in Liberia and has also been invited to Kigali for a subsequent session in October 2026. Additionally, he is the president of the Njala Association of Law Mooters. He is fluent in English and Arabic and a beginner in Spanish.

Mohamed's professional memberships include being a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Freetown Peninsula, a young student member at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (England), and an honorary member of the Honours Society (USA).

His currently trying to obtain a license from the Chartered Institute of Professional Security Studies in AI governance and risk management. He is also a PhD applicant at the University of Canberra, Australia, focusing his research on "Assessing the Concept of Legal Personhood in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."

In summary, Mohamed Laghdaf is an emerging international legal scholar dedicated to integrate law, technology, and conflict resolution, with the aim of promoting a better global policy framework.

Mohamed Laghdaf is a 22-years old certified software engineer from BlueCrest College, where he obtained a diploma in software engineering. He also holds a diploma with distinction in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Peace and Conflict S... Show more

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist".

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist". Show more

Author, Artist, Husband, Dad, Son, Easy going, Perpetual learner. Love to make stuff. Has a gift of explaining complex stuffs easily. https://goo.gl/NfPze7

Author, Artist, Husband, Dad, Son, Easy going, Perpetual learner. Love to make stuff. Has a gift of explaining complex stuffs easily. https://goo.gl/NfPze7 Show more

David Mpoupe-Singui, also known as David Singui, is a finance executive, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to exploring the ethical foundations of technology, artificial intelligence, and human responsibility.

With a career spanning more than two decades, David has built deep expertise across corporate finance, real estate, and business operations. He began as a Senior Financial Analyst at Sony Pictures Studios before moving into senior financial leadership at the University of California, Los Angeles. He later served as Executive Vice President at Lendings Biz and as CEO of Direct Money Source, Inc., where he oversaw a five-division financial corporation responsible for high-level strategy, corporate decision-making, and overall operations.

Since 2010, David has served as Chief Financial Officer at Protecta-inc in Beverly Hills, where he supervises budget implementation, financial reporting and analysis, cash management, company forecasting, and yearly tax reporting.
Beyond his executive career, David Mpoupe-Singui is a committed writer and systems thinker. Through essays and reflections, he examines how innovation can be aligned with human dignity, fairness, and long-term societal stability, asking not just what technology can do, but what it should do. His work sits at the intersection of finance, ethics, and the future of artificial intelligence.

David is also a longtime advocate for African development. He is the founder and Chairman of African Foundation 2000, which supports African students in completing education abroad and re-entering their home country's workforce. He co-founded the African Arts Foundation to promote international appreciation of African culture, established an AIDS awareness nonprofit in Los Angeles, and has contributed to building orphanages across Africa.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Management from National University, Los Angeles.

David Mpoupe-Singui, also known as David Singui, is a finance executive, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to exploring the ethical foundations of technology, artificial intelligence, and human responsibility. With a career spanning more than two... Show more

An accomplished Senior Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence professional with versatile expertise in Machine Learning, Systems Integration and Process Automation. Proven track record of executing successful large and complex projects, aligned with organizational objectives, with an emphasis on client satisfaction, generating revenue and reduced costs, supported by over twenty years of experience building custom software and systems integrations. Possess the ability to identify, suggest and deliver tailored AI business strategies, including cloud (or on-premise) pipelines, feature creation automation, EDA, cross-functional communication skills, and AI staff training and enablement. Collaborative Enterprise Architect focused on building relationships and developing talent to produce highly effective teams, increase productivity, and improve outcomes.

I am passionate about opportunities where I am able to work with highly motivated clients to implement innovative projects and create winning solutions.

An accomplished Senior Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence professional with versatile expertise in Machine Learning, Systems Integration and Process Automation. Proven track record of executing successful large and complex projects, a... Show more

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

Davide is a software developer, with a strong interest in games as tools for learning, experimentation, and community building. Over the years, he has collaborated on board games, urban games, and game-related events, often working alongside people who "do this for real". His journey with Game Jams started as a participant and naturally evolved into taking organizational roles, after countless Jams experienced both on-site and online. What began with curiosity during his first hackathon in 2017 quickly turned into an ongoing exploration of how constraints, play, and imperfect environments can spark creativity. Davide enjoys mixing structure with chaos, serious problem-solving with playful experimentation. When he's not developing or designing games, he is part of an improvisational theatre troupe, an experience that strongly influences how he approaches collaboration, facilitation, and embracing the unexpected.

Davide is a software developer, with a strong interest in games as tools for learning, experimentation, and community building. Over the years, he has collaborated on board games, urban games, and game-related events, often working alongside people w... Show more

For the last 10 years, Carolina has worked as a clinical psychologist decoding the human mind; now, she’s using that expertise to revolutionize public speaking training.

Mixing her talent development knowledge, mindfulness, and her background in theatre, she creates transformational experiences that take individuals from shy and uncertain to confident and impactful speakers.

Her unique 4-personality framework has helped hundreds of professionals find their speaking zone of genius—whether they’re natural storytellers or data-driven thinkers. She has worked with global companies like Upwork and P&G, and specializes in training teams to communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence.

For the last 10 years, Carolina has worked as a clinical psychologist decoding the human mind; now, she’s using that expertise to revolutionize public speaking training. Mixing her talent development knowledge, mindfulness, and her background in ... Show more

From paintbrushes to Power BI 🎨📊, my path blends art and analysis: I studied hairdressing, special effects makeup, and fine arts, and today I analyze data in a call center. Where I once created imaginary worlds, I now use my imagination to innovate with KPIs, dashboards, and strategic decisions 💡. I still tell stories, but with data as the protagonists. Because creativity isn't abandoned… it transforms 🚀

From paintbrushes to Power BI 🎨📊, my path blends art and analysis: I studied hairdressing, special effects makeup, and fine arts, and today I analyze data in a call center. Where I once created imaginary worlds, I now use my imagination to innovate... Show more

Ndèye Fatou Diouf est une communicante digitale sénégalaise engagée dans la société civile, spécialisée dans l’activisme numérique, la mobilisation communautaire et la communication pour le changement social. Elle est actuellement chargée de communication digitale à AfricTivistes, où elle accompagne des initiatives citoyennes panafricaines en faveur de la démocratie, des droits humains et de la gouvernance numérique à travers des stratégies de communication et d’engagement en ligne.
Elle est également Social Media Manager de Dialogue Migration, un média engagé sur les enjeux migratoires, et coordinatrice des Sahels Activistes du Sénégal, où elle contribue à la structuration de mouvements citoyens et au renforcement des dynamiques militantes locales. Son parcours l’a aussi conduite à collaborer avec Pollicy en tant que coordinatrice régionale au Sénégal sur les questions liées à l’avenir du travail et à l’inclusion numérique.
Forte d’une formation en marketing et communication, Ndèye Fatou Diouf met le numérique au service des causes sociales, de la participation citoyenne et de l’amplification des voix souvent marginalisées dans l’espace public.

Ndèye Fatou Diouf est une communicante digitale sénégalaise engagée dans la société civile, spécialisée dans l’activisme numérique, la mobilisation communautaire et la communication pour le changement social. Elle est actuellement chargée de communic... 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

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

I bring a unique interdisciplinary perspective that blends forensic anthropology, cultural research, education, and storytelling into engaging, accessible conversations for modern audiences. My background spans scientific research, public education, conference presentations, and multimedia communication, allowing me to translate complex topics into meaningful and memorable experiences.

Through my work as the creator and host of Field Notes from the Dead, I explore the intersections of anthropology, human behavior, trauma, media, and culture in ways that connect academic research with real-world conversations. My presentations combine evidence-based research with approachable storytelling, creating programs that are informative, thought-provoking, and audience-centered.

Whether speaking to students, educators, community groups, writers, or interdisciplinary audiences, I aim to make people think differently about humanity, identity, fear, storytelling, and the ways we understand one another through science and culture.

I bring a unique interdisciplinary perspective that blends forensic anthropology, cultural research, education, and storytelling into engaging, accessible conversations for modern audiences. My background spans scientific research, public education, ... Show more

Sophie Heins studierte Kommunikationsdesign an der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften in Hamburg und arbeitete als angestellte und freiberufliche Kommunikationsdesignerin. Sie promovierte an der Muthesius Kunsthochschule in Kiel zur visuellen Rhetorik in Nachhaltigkeitsberichten. Derzeit arbeitet sie als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Projekt CampusConnect/SDG-Campus an der Hafencity Universität Hamburg.

Sophie Heins studierte Kommunikationsdesign an der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften in Hamburg und arbeitete als angestellte und freiberufliche Kommunikationsdesignerin. Sie promovierte an der Muthesius Kunsthochschule in Kiel zur visuellen R... Show more

Robert Stribley is a user experience design professional with over 20 years of experience. He worked with dozens of brands at Razorfish and Publicis Sapient before starting his own company, Technique. He teaches UX design at the School of Visual Arts, and speaks regularly on the subjects of user experience design and privacy by design. His book Design for Privacy is now available from Rosenfeld Media.

Robert Stribley is a user experience design professional with over 20 years of experience. He worked with dozens of brands at Razorfish and Publicis Sapient before starting his own company, Technique. He teaches UX design at the School of Visual Arts... Show more

Full-stack Developer at Curiosum, working on web applications in React and Elixir. PhD, Institute of Audiovisual Arts, Jagiellonian University, Kraków. Outside of her professional work, she has always been interested in combining technology and the arts/humanities, with a recent focus on hardware hacking and DIY electronics.

Full-stack Developer at Curiosum, working on web applications in React and Elixir. PhD, Institute of Audiovisual Arts, Jagiellonian University, Kraków. Outside of her professional work, she has always been interested in combining technology and the a... 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

Joris Quarshie is an Events and Programs Officer at Open Knowledge Impact Foundation, where he leads the planning and execution of impactful programs that promote open knowledge, community engagement, and digital inclusion. He works closely with diverse stakeholders to design initiatives that empower contributors, strengthen collaborative networks, and advance access to free and open information across communities.

Joris Quarshie is an Events and Programs Officer at Open Knowledge Impact Foundation, where he leads the planning and execution of impactful programs that promote open knowledge, community engagement, and digital inclusion. He works closely with dive... 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

The name is Sanja, which in Croatian means a dreamer. Graphic design is my main quest, while gaming, cosplay, music, movies, shows and creating artworks are my side quests. If you know an elf or a dwarf or any magical creature out there in a need of assistance with graphic design or voice acting, don't hesitate to let me know! ;)

The name is Sanja, which in Croatian means a dreamer. Graphic design is my main quest, while gaming, cosplay, music, movies, shows and creating artworks are my side quests. If you know an elf or a dwarf or any magical creature out there in a need of ... Show more

Mr. Darius is a Top Hitmaker with a unique, impactful & multidisciplinary sound that attracts a global audience. The Multidisciplinary/MultiGenre Artist, Designer, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Lyricist, Poet, Producer, Self-Published Author, Top Web3/NFT Alumni, & Brand Ambassador, hailing from Dallas, TX, residing in Miami, here to take creativity & music to the highest levels & vibrations; who’s works have been recognized/collaborated with from the likes of 12X Platinum Producer & YugaLabs Partnership Lead IllaDaProducer with Darius’s genesis MusicNFT Drop “LIT”, art piece displays such as “XPRMNTL” showcased in Paris at L'église De La Madeleine for the #NABU IRL Crypto Art Exhibition: alongside TimePieces, & The Seven Collection w/ Deepak Chopra, Supreme Kong OG & KONGRADIO Host, NFT Energy Ambassador, OneLove Art Dao Member, SoundXYZ, MetaRides & Parrot Radio Featured Artist, Culture Cards Team Host & Top 100 Music Artist, recent PIXELYNX/KorusAI Host and most recently a guest feature on the Randi Zuckerberg Crypto Cafe Podcast via SiriusXM with Jordan Kantor artistic director of ArtBlocks, & recent performer at Breathe 2023: The Emerging Tech Conference live in Las Vegas as well as the Art Garden Elysian Palms performance & legendary performance at the imperial Verona Sky Villa Penthouse Suite of the late Elvis Presley at Westgate Resorts Las Vegas. Celebrating his recent impeccable performances during Miami Art Basel at House of S.E.X. & Heart Basel alongside other prominent performers like Scott Page of Pink Floyd & Violetta Zironi, as well as being a featured artist most recently in the Decentraland metaverse w/ artist SpottieWiFi; Community Spotlight Artist via OneLoveArtDao in OnCyber; Stage Smasher/Performer at PepePunksDao Art Basel & NY (Electric Bowery), closing headline performer @ NFTNYC2024 in collaboration with NFTNYC X TokenTraxx, & live artwork feature @ Jacob Javits Center + World Trade Center/Oculus X Canvas 3.0. Having recently performed at Freedom Festival June 29-30 2024, & featured at RASTAFUSION, while coming off a Miami Art Basel 2024 tour including performances @ BitBasel X ON1 Force, OneLoveDao Festival & ZaoChella with powerful artworks featured @ Miami Digital Art Fair (BlackDove), Inscribing Miami via Gamma.io & once again ZaoChella. Catch Mr. Darius at a surprise performance near you & check his latest music releases including the highly anticipated “We Up” drop with IllaDaProducer & SpottieWifi available everywhere, a legendary Hip Hop Anthem “ArtWork” W/ Styles P (“LOX”) & Muzik, and “Bullish On You” W/ Grammy Davis Jr. (Netflix, ABC, VH1, MTV, BET) 🌎

https://linktr.ee/mrdarius

Mr. Darius is a Top Hitmaker with a unique, impactful & multidisciplinary sound that attracts a global audience. The Multidisciplinary/MultiGenre Artist, Designer, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Lyricist, Poet, Producer, Self-Published Author, Top Web3/... Show more

Chinaza Chukwunweike is a Full-Stack Software Engineer with 3+ years of experience building scalable web applications using technologies like React.js, TypeScript, Nextjs, Nodejs, Python, and Django. She has worked on dynamic platforms across the UK and Nigeria, improving performance, user experience, and deployment workflows.

Currently based in the UK, She contributes to education-focused tech projects, following Agile methodologies and DevOps practices. Chinaza holds a Master’s in Computing (Distinction) from the University of Roehampton and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria. She’s also certified by IBM and JPMorgan.

Beyond work, She volunteers as a tech instructor, supporting young learners in coding.

Portfolio: chinaza-chisom.netlify.app
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chinaza-chukwunweike-72395b185
GitHub: github.com/chinaza-Sommie

Chinaza Chukwunweike is a Full-Stack Software Engineer with 3+ years of experience building scalable web applications using technologies like React.js, TypeScript, Nextjs, Nodejs, Python, and Django. She has worked on dynamic platforms across the UK ... Show more

Andrew Farrior is the COO of AXM Technologies, a company building systems to help creators, institutions, and rights holders manage how cultural assets are used in the age of artificial intelligence. His work focuses on the growing intersection of AI, intellectual property, and the global creative economy.

He is also Director of Practice for the Cultural IP Research Hub at Miles College, where he works with students and partners across the arts, technology, and legal fields to explore new models for cultural ownership and governance.

Andrew’s work has been recognized internationally for digital innovation in the creative economy, and he has collaborated with institutions including Howard University, the African Union Development Agency, and major cultural estates. Through AXM, he is focused on helping build the systems that allow creators and communities to participate in the emerging AI economy.

Andrew Farrior is the COO of AXM Technologies, a company building systems to help creators, institutions, and rights holders manage how cultural assets are used in the age of artificial intelligence. His work focuses on the growing intersection of AI... Show more

Monisha is a senior designer crafting mobile experiences for Jira at Atlassian.She has expertise in interaction design and user-centered design. AI design patterns and mobile design are her key focus right now.
Previously she has spoken at international conferences like UXPA Puerto rico, GHC Orlando and Interact Mumbai presenting her research papers or conducting workshops. She has a patent in tree table navigation pattern for smaller device.
She is fascinated by the impact of technology on society and design.
She draws inspiration from her travel, connect with new people, and also collects postcards for her future-self. Music from around the world keeps her in high spirits.

Monisha is a senior designer crafting mobile experiences for Jira at Atlassian.She has expertise in interaction design and user-centered design. AI design patterns and mobile design are her key focus right now. Previously she has spoken at internat... Show more

Sandipana Das is a UX Designer at IBM whose work sits at the intersection of AI, enterprise systems, and human-centered design. Beyond enterprise product design, Sandipana explores the future of learning and equitable access, especially in contexts where technology may extend guidance beyond institutional limits.

She designs for complex, high-stakes environments across sustainability, finance, and knowledge-rich workflows, with a focus on how intelligent systems can better support comprehension, decision-making, and trust.
Her practice combines design strategy, systems thinking, and emerging AI behaviors to examine how interfaces might evolve from reactive tools into more context-aware forms of support. She is particularly interested in adaptive AI, multimodal interaction, and the ethical questions that arise when systems begin interpreting human signals, behavior, and cognitive strain.

Sandipana Das is a UX Designer at IBM whose work sits at the intersection of AI, enterprise systems, and human-centered design. Beyond enterprise product design, Sandipana explores the future of learning and equitable access, especially in contexts w... Show more

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me.

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me. Show more

Eugene Willis Jr. is an Application Analyst, Red Hat Systems Administrator, and Helpdesk professional who built his career in tech from the ground up. Starting without a formal background, he worked his way from support roles into managing Red Hat systems and higher education applications. With degrees in Business and Marketing, Eugene blends technical expertise with creative strategy to solve real-world problems. Outside of tech, he’s a touring emcee and author who enjoys mentoring others and helping them carve out their own path forward.

Eugene Willis Jr. is an Application Analyst, Red Hat Systems Administrator, and Helpdesk professional who built his career in tech from the ground up. Starting without a formal background, he worked his way from support roles into managing Red Hat sy... 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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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