Niya Brooks has been an innovative beauty professional in the industry for over 23 years. She has a passion for education that she incorporated dividing her time between instructing students at Rowan Cabarrus Community College Cosmetology Department, working with her Vintage Beauty clients, managing backstages at New York Fashion Week and representing brands such as Olaplex, Ardell, Clubman Pinaud, and GiGi. Niya also attended Gardner Webb University pre pandemic.
In 2019 Niya set out to open a school for esthetics and then Covid 19 graced us with it's presence. During the pandemic Niya built the program curriculum to encompass all requirments set forth by the state as well as concentrating on the advanced medical esthetics. In July of 2020 construction began on 700 S. Dekalb St marking the beginning of Shelby School of Esthetics. Within a few months after cpmpletion of building construction we were licensed by the NC Board of Cosmetic Arts and enrolled our first students in January of 2021. Our advanced esthetics program launched summer of 2022 making Shelby School of Esthetics one of the first private school's to offer advanced esthetic training.
Niya’s storied career in the beauty industry includes a multitude of different roles including stylist, platform artist, esthetician, makeup artist, nail technician, national educator, and school director.
As founder and CEO of Vintage Beauty LLC based in now Shelby, NC, she has gained a reputation as a talented beauty professional with superior business acumen. Niya has a passion for education driven by her own personal success with multiple brands and her desire to share her own personal stories and experiences of changing lives through education.
Shelby School of Esthetics has been featured on WBTVs QC@3 as well as in the Shelby Star, Gaston Gazette and Spectrum News.
Niya has been featured in a number of print publications for her work at NYFW for Harlems Fashion Row and numerous Beauty Show Conferences.

Niya Brooks has been an innovative beauty professional in the industry for over 23 years. She has a passion for education that she incorporated dividing her time between instructing students at Rowan Cabarrus Community College Cosmetology Department,... Show more

As a seasoned data consultant, I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in data analytics and transformational data management to the conference stage. With a track record of delivering impactful insights and strategies, I engage audiences with dynamic presentations tailored to empower professionals in harnessing the full potential of their data. Attendees can anticipate practical guidance and actionable takeaways, drawn from my seven-year tenure spearheading data-driven transformations, aimed at driving success in their own organisations.

As a seasoned data consultant, I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in data analytics and transformational data management to the conference stage. With a track record of delivering impactful insights and strategies, I engage audiences with d... Show more

Aryan Kaushik is a student pursuing Bachelor's in Technology with a major in Computer Science. He is a GNOME Foundation member, was a former GSoC’22 and GSoC'23 Intern under GNOME Foundation and Chromium respectively.
He is also the Group Lead of the GNOME UG Delhi-NCR and Ubuntu India LoCo, and is also organising UbuCon Asia'24.
He is the maintainer of Logo Menu (139k downloads).
Aryan was also a speaker at GUADEC'22 Mexico, GNOME Asia'22 Malaysia, GUADEC'23 Latvia, and GNOME Asia'23 Nepal.

Aryan Kaushik is a student pursuing Bachelor's in Technology with a major in Computer Science. He is a GNOME Foundation member, was a former GSoC’22 and GSoC'23 Intern under GNOME Foundation and Chromium respectively. He is also the Group Lead of t... Show more

Eric Heyward is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in business operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With a strong background in IT/Business leadership, he has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in scaling start-ups, driving operational excellence, and fostering growth.

As a key leader of an eCommerce start-up, Eric played a pivotal role in building a scalable business operations infrastructure from the ground up. He spearheaded the establishment of robust organizational structures, enabling seamless growth and expansion. By driving talent acquisition strategies, Eric assembled high-performing teams to propel the company forward.

With a keen focus on driving results, Eric has led major technology and management consulting engagements for prominent companies, including Cox, Coca-Cola, Aflac, First Data, and Equifax. Through his strategic vision and hands-on approach, he consistently delivered exceptional value to clients while ensuring the seamless execution of projects. Eric's expertise in management consulting, combined with his proficiency in technology consulting, has enabled him to navigate complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Talley & Twine Watch Company, Eric's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his ability to create and optimize business operations. Leading the daily operations of the largest Black-owned wristwatch brand, he has played a pivotal role in building a thriving e-commerce company. Eric has successfully developed and implemented robust processes and systems for marketing and product innovation, manufacturing/assembly, order fulfillment and logistics, inventory management, and financial controls. His strategic collaborations with partners have driven brand-building campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and strategic partnerships, accelerating growth and customer loyalty.

Eric also serves as Chief Operating Officer of RenderATL, which is a testament to his multifaceted leadership abilities. At RenderATL, a unique and vibrant community where technology professionals come together to celebrate innovation and individuality, Eric leads the Sales, Marketing, and Operations departments. In this dynamic environment, he has fostered an atmosphere where authenticity thrives, and individuals can truly be themselves without feeling constrained by conventional norms. Eric's leadership has been instrumental in furthering the company's mission to create a space “where talent feels welcome.” He has not only driven the growth of the Sales and Marketing functions but has also optimized the operational aspects of RenderATL, ensuring that it remains a daily celebration of community and the diverse intersections that define its members. Eric's contribution to RenderATL underscores his ability to lead with innovation and inclusivity, making him a driving force behind the company's success.

Eric Heyward's entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business operations acumen, and transformative leadership skills make him a sought-after professional in the industry. His ability to drive growth, navigate complex challenges, and inspire teams positions him as a catalyst for success in any entrepreneurial endeavor or organization seeking transformative leadership.

Eric Heyward is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in business operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With a strong background in IT/Business leadership, he has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in scaling st... Show more

Elise is leading digital and web3 communications for Christian Louboutin.

She is passionate about digital transformation and innovation and, in addition to Christian Louboutin, has extensive experience at top luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, in Europe as well as Japan.

She is also a non-executive board member of the Bespoke media group and a dedicated Web3/AI advocate.

Elise is leading digital and web3 communications for Christian Louboutin. She is passionate about digital transformation and innovation and, in addition to Christian Louboutin, has extensive experience at top luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and C... Show more

Sai Anvesh Durvasula is a seasoned technology professional with a track record of aligning business strategy with software development to achieve significant operational impacts. He holds a Master’s in Financial Engineering from New York University and a Bachelor's in Electronics and Communication from BITS Hyderabad. Currently serving as an Architect at Parabole.AI, he has been pivotal in leveraging AI, ML, and NLP technologies to develop no-code machine teaching platforms for optimizing procurement plans and metadata extraction without the need for labeled data. His technical expertise spans multiple programming languages including Python and Java, and he is skilled in various IDEs and SQL tools. Anvesh's professional journey also includes significant roles at Publicis Sapient, Bangalore, where he contributed to digital transformations for oil derivatives order management systems. Known for his sharp analytical skills and effective cross-functional team leadership, he excels in AI model training and validation, knowledge extraction, graphical representation, and customer relationship management.

Sai Anvesh Durvasula is a seasoned technology professional with a track record of aligning business strategy with software development to achieve significant operational impacts. He holds a Master’s in Financial Engineering from New York University a... Show more

Experienced Dynamics CE/CRM consultant with 14 years of experience with Dynamics 365 in the finance, retail, and construction landscapes

Experienced Dynamics CE/CRM consultant with 14 years of experience with Dynamics 365 in the finance, retail, and construction landscapes Show more

Tal Mizrachi, AKA Analysis Paralysis online, is a data scientist and educator trying to make data science, analytical methods, and programming accessible and fun to learn about.
Tal teaches with laughter, Joy and dad jokes and easy acceptance of mistakes, Tal is married to Adi (MD, it rhymes), 2 daughters (5, 0.5), a black dog.

Tal Mizrachi, AKA Analysis Paralysis online, is a data scientist and educator trying to make data science, analytical methods, and programming accessible and fun to learn about. Tal teaches with laughter, Joy and dad jokes and easy acceptance of mis... Show more

Studied physics at Technical University of Munich.
Professional experience as a top management consultant, startup founder and Commercial Lead at a software boutique. Currently Partner with DevelopX, a PE backed consulting and software services group. Serving clients in developing new digital business in both web2 and web3.
Passionate about AI, decentralization and digital art.

Studied physics at Technical University of Munich. Professional experience as a top management consultant, startup founder and Commercial Lead at a software boutique. Currently Partner with DevelopX, a PE backed consulting and software services grou... Show more

Adeola is a first-generation African immigrant who migrated into the US many years ago and has carved a unique path in the business world, blending social consciousness with entrepreneurial drive. With academic foundations laid at the City University of New York (BS & MS in Accounting & Finance) and an MBA in Social Economics in Emerging Markets from Harvard Business School, Adeola's journey is one marked by perseverance, insight, and a profound understanding of diverse economic landscapes.

Having successfully navigated two business exits, Adeola is now building Kredete, a financial software platform that helps African Immigrants in the diaspora send money back home instantly to over 20+ countries with low fees, while also helping users build credit through the utilization of web3 technology.

Adeola is a first-generation African immigrant who migrated into the US many years ago and has carved a unique path in the business world, blending social consciousness with entrepreneurial drive. With academic foundations laid at the City University... Show more

- CEO PAM Real CDP & Marketing Automation
- Author of Book Automation Marketing (How to market in the future when a marketer works with AI.)
- Vice President of MarTech Association of Thailand
- Technical Consultant for brands to use technology to upgrade their business to use automation marketing.

- CEO PAM Real CDP & Marketing Automation - Author of Book Automation Marketing (How to market in the future when a marketer works with AI.) - Vice President of MarTech Association of Thailand - Technical Consultant for brands to use technology to... Show more

Linux kernel developer, and embedded system maker as hobbyist.

Linux kernel developer, and embedded system maker as hobbyist. Show more

With more than 17 years in the Microsoft space, doing almost exclusively data-related solutions. A dad with a heart for building oneself first before fixing anything else. A simple man.

With more than 17 years in the Microsoft space, doing almost exclusively data-related solutions. A dad with a heart for building oneself first before fixing anything else. A simple man. Show more

Mariana is a designer and artist who is a great believer in the mass adoption of NFT through great art.

Mariana is a designer and artist who is a great believer in the mass adoption of NFT through great art. Show more

Pran is an iOS developer with over 10 years of experience building large-scale apps used by millions. Three of his apps boast 4+ star ratings on the App Store. Beyond development, he's a UI/UX enthusiast who loves exploring Adobe XD. Recently, he joined Swift Bengaluru, a community that organises local meet-ups across India, to share his knowledge and support the community.
Beyond work he enjoys watching movies, swimming, travelling.

Pran is an iOS developer with over 10 years of experience building large-scale apps used by millions. Three of his apps boast 4+ star ratings on the App Store. Beyond development, he's a UI/UX enthusiast who loves exploring Adobe XD. Recently, he joi... Show more

Driven by a lifelong passion for technology and a deep connection with dogs, Almog Koren isn't your average tech entrepreneur. With 15 years of software engineering experience and two successful startups under his belt, he understands the ever-evolving digital landscape intimately. But it was his dual background in competitive dog sports and SAR dog handling that truly ignited his vision. Recognizing the untapped potential of technology to elevate working dog performance, Almog founded DogBase. This innovative platform bridges the gap between tech and canine excellence, fueled by his unwavering commitment to problem-solving and serving others – principles instilled during his service in the IDF Special Forces. Today, Almog leverages his unique expertise as both a developer and leader to empower not just canine heroes, but the heroes who rely on them.

Driven by a lifelong passion for technology and a deep connection with dogs, Almog Koren isn't your average tech entrepreneur. With 15 years of software engineering experience and two successful startups under his belt, he understands the ever-evolvi... Show more

With over 18 years in development, Deepika, a Cloud Compliance Security Architect, fortifies cloud security through robust, compliant solutions. Specializing in IBM and external compliance, her contributions extend to developing and enforcing tailored security automation, and ensuring guideline adherence. Collaborating seamlessly across teams, Deepika integrates security practices throughout cloud infrastructure, safeguarding compliance and enhancing resilience against potential incidents. In her role, she consistently delivers, protects, and fortifies services in cloud environments.

With over 18 years in development, Deepika, a Cloud Compliance Security Architect, fortifies cloud security through robust, compliant solutions. Specializing in IBM and external compliance, her contributions extend to developing and enforcing tailore... Show more

Brian K. McDonald, Author of Pro SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services through Apress. Brian is a serial entrepreneur and currently is the CEO and CDA for Patriot Consulting. A Veteran owned business in Jacksonville, FL where we serve our clients with integrity & improve their organizational efficiencies with data management expertise and creating actionable insights into their data. Brian was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio but he currently lives in JAX with his beautiful wife and his two children; Bailey and Kylie.

Brian has over 25 years of expertise in Enterprise Data Management Strategy, Organizational Leadership, architecting data warehouses, data modeling, database administration, SQL Server Reporting Services/Power BI/Tableau/Microstrategy, Integration Services/Azure Data Factory, and has dabbled in Analysis Services. He has worked as an application developer, network administrator, and database administrator throughout his IT career. Brian takes pride in all his projects and diligently works to not only meet expectations, but greatly exceed them. All characteristics engrained in him while serving his country in the United States Marine Corps.

In addition to authoring a book, Brian has written for many industry websites (SQLServerCentral & the retired BIDN) and continually strives to improve his skill set both professionally and personally. Brian has presented for user groups, Code Camps, SQL Rally and many SQL Saturday events in the U.S. When not working, Brian enjoys "geeking" out with his wife Sherri and binge-watching Hallmark’s Christmas movies.

Brian K. McDonald, Author of Pro SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services through Apress. Brian is a serial entrepreneur and currently is the CEO and CDA for Patriot Consulting. A Veteran owned business in Jacksonville, FL where we serve our clients with i... Show more

Vinay brings over a decade of experience in the security industry, and previously held positions at Microsoft and Splunk. He currently runs the Bug Bounty program for Snapchat and leads their M&A Security program. He has presented at Bluehat, LASCON, and BSides Las Vegas.

Vinay brings over a decade of experience in the security industry, and previously held positions at Microsoft and Splunk. He currently runs the Bug Bounty program for Snapchat and leads their M&A Security program. He has presented at Bluehat, LASCON,... Show more

Candace Marquette is a fine commercial and applied artist who studied at the University of North Texas. While working toward a BFA in Graphic Design, she fell in love with using unconventional mediums for her artworks. For 20+ years, she has created a diverse portfolio of works from NFT's, murals, fashion, Illustration, home decor, and abstract art. Her inspirations include MC Escher, Salvador Dali, and Picasso. As an indigenous artist, Candace views her life as a masterpiece unfolding with every stroke of the brush to canvas. She hopes to inspire others to partake not only in the near future, but the complete future of humanity. For Candace, the world can be renewed through love, beauty, and wisdom. That beauty is also found in her amazing children, and Rob the handsome love of her life.

Candace Marquette is a fine commercial and applied artist who studied at the University of North Texas. While working toward a BFA in Graphic Design, she fell in love with using unconventional mediums for her artworks. For 20+ years, she has created... Show more

Rica Elysee – a funded Black Women entrepreneur in tech - was a successful community organizer, marketer, and fundraising exec who had founded an influential beauty and makeup community for women of color in Boston. Rica was also helping take care of a disabled family member and she noticed how confident hair appointments made this family member feel - but it was hard to find accessible salons and to book and keep appointments. She noticed that most women in her beauty group faced similar problems - late or canceled appointments and long waits for beauty services. So she used her knowledge of the beauty industry, marketing and fundraising to try to solve the “beauty bookings” problem.

Her startup, BeautyLynk (beautylynk.com) brings the beauty salon into women's homes.

She also has a passion to help female entrepreneurs through her work #AttheTable (www.atthetable.io) and #FemaleFoundersDay

Rica Elysee – a funded Black Women entrepreneur in tech - was a successful community organizer, marketer, and fundraising exec who had founded an influential beauty and makeup community for women of color in Boston. Rica was also helping take care of... Show more

Considered a WEB3 Rolling Stone. This Non-Fungible Nomad sets a new bar in NFT Community Recognition and Reward. Creator and owner of "MaRbLeMoNuMeNtDeSiGn," home of:

"The Wooden Nickel Collective": A unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted 3D Commemorative Nickel Collective for the pioneers, both new and old, who all share a common canvas. Created out of respect, love, loyalty, and commitment to the NFT Community. Talented individuals, who's love for the culture, their passion for what they do, and the people within the community, shines through with every stroke. Whether it key, pen, or brush. This one's for you.
"The Wooden Nickel Awards": The only independent NFT Community Awards and Recognition Program of its kind. Supporting and celebrating the Creators, Curators, and Connoisseurs of the NFT Community. Utilizing NFT technology to create a one of a kind experience you'll never forget.

"The art is the catalyst. The individuals behind it and the Communities they build are what sparked my involvement."

Considered a WEB3 Rolling Stone. This Non-Fungible Nomad sets a new bar in NFT Community Recognition and Reward. Creator and owner of "MaRbLeMoNuMeNtDeSiGn," home of: "The Wooden Nickel Collective": A unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted 3D Commem... 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

Jorge is an influential and experienced keynote speaker specializing in innovation and business transformation. With a successful global and multisector track record, Jorge has been invited as a keynote speaker for over 100 events, sharing best practices in strategy and innovation management. His presentations consistently receive high scores in engagement.
He has spoken to Fortune 500 companies and is an adjunct professor in Disruptive Innovation for Heriot-Watt University (campus Dubai). He also is the founder and managing partner of Innoway, a boutique consulting firm focused on helping organizations develop solutions fast, like startups.
He coaches startups and intrapreneurs on adopting startup principles into practice.
A citizen of the world, proudly Spaniard, lived in 3 continents and 7 countries. He is married with two daughters and lives in Florida.

Jorge is an influential and experienced keynote speaker specializing in innovation and business transformation. With a successful global and multisector track record, Jorge has been invited as a keynote speaker for over 100 events, sharing best pract... Show more

Betül is a Software Engineer and a member of the Trendyol Tech team. In Trendyol, she works with Java, Spring Framework, PostgreSQL, Kafka, RabbitMQ, Redis, Docker, and Kubernetes.

Betül is a Software Engineer and a member of the Trendyol Tech team. In Trendyol, she works with Java, Spring Framework, PostgreSQL, Kafka, RabbitMQ, Redis, Docker, and Kubernetes. Show more

Meet Bill Bensing, the tech guru who discovered the power of Notepad and hasn't stopped fueling the world with tech ever since. He's passionate about creating inclusive environments that allow anyone to develop software and takes pride in building Shadow IT organizations. Yes, you heard that right - he believes in the magic of Shadow IT and how it can drive real Business-IT alignment.

As if that weren't impressive enough, Bill is also a co-author of Investments Unlimited. The book describes bringing security, compliance, and audit into the software delivery lifecycle by automating governance. It's a novel that will make you want to trade your favorite book for it!

But that's not all. Bill's day job is the founder of Attestify and a Governance Engineering evangelist. By night, he's a dreamer, researcher, and creator of various open-source projects. You could say he's a tech superhero fighting for a better world!

Meet Bill Bensing, the tech guru who discovered the power of Notepad and hasn't stopped fueling the world with tech ever since. He's passionate about creating inclusive environments that allow anyone to develop software and takes pride in building Sh... Show more

Digital Transformation & Accessibility Expert

With over 23 years of expertise in product and brand design, Dana has a stellar reputation for applying forward-thinking transformation to digital solutions, particularly in the accessibility space. From deftly steering design, development, and execution to anticipating customer needs, she excels at navigating brands through incorporating innovation and a11y tools into their processes.

She has spoken at MIT, Wharton, CES, Shoptalk, Ad Week and many other high profile events globally.

In the earlier part of her career she was focused on digital creative direction and innovation. She won many awards and received global recognition for her work for some of the largest global retail brands. While always committed to inclusive design principals and human-centered designed, life took a sudden unexpected turn which forever changed her focus and mission as a designer.

In March of 2021 she became suddenly physically disabled due to a rare neurological condition triggered by a virus. In a flash her vision, hearing, balance & mobility and cognitive function was forever changed. She also learned late in life that she was neurodivergent, a life-changing revelation.

Dana's work includes speaking on the topics of disability inclusion and invisible disability awareness, she mentors designers, hosts workshops and trainings.

Digital Transformation & Accessibility Expert With over 23 years of expertise in product and brand design, Dana has a stellar reputation for applying forward-thinking transformation to digital solutions, particularly in the accessibility space. Fr... Show more

Zack Ritchie is a creative with a design and advertising background who has worked with brands such as Red Bull, Martini, and Campari. He's the founder of CactiCrew and co-founder of NFT Club. Ritchie's passion project is creating satire cartoon characters that capture his homeland Malta, with a focus on a cactus character called Beppe. This has led him to the web3 space where he has collaborated with key communities like Deadfellaz, Lirona’s Boiz, Des Lucrece, KidEight, Alphadogggs, 3landers, Jake the Degen and world-renowned fashion designers Charles & Ron. His latest project is creating a unique 1/1 cacti as an NFT daily for 300+days.

Zack Ritchie is a creative with a design and advertising background who has worked with brands such as Red Bull, Martini, and Campari. He's the founder of CactiCrew and co-founder of NFT Club. Ritchie's passion project is creating satire cartoon char... Show more

Okan is a Engineering Team Lead and a member of the Trendyol Tech team. His career journey begins with Turkcell as a Young Talent. He was a member of the Turkcell Tv+ CMS team.
I​n Trendyol, he has been working on multiple projects related to sellers and especially financial processes between Trendyol and sellers. He has experience with Java, Spring Framework, PostgreSQL, Kafka, RabbitMQ, Redis, Docker, and Kubernetes. He has also found a chance to use specific other technologies such as Alibaba Cloud Object Storage Service, Table Partitioning in PostgreSQL, Debezium, SMT, and KsqlDB.

Okan is a Engineering Team Lead and a member of the Trendyol Tech team. His career journey begins with Turkcell as a Young Talent. He was a member of the Turkcell Tv+ CMS team. I​n Trendyol, he has been working on multiple projects related to selle... Show more

Bridget is a leading expert on the art, science, and path to becoming rich in life experiences. Growing up in Flint, MI, she used her love of music as inspiration and hustled her way into the largest record label in the world as a teenager - helping to launch some of today's biggest careers in music. Inspired by a viral video of a deaf woman hearing for the first time, she then founded the first social good electronics company, LSTN Sound Co., sold millions of products, partnered with the likes of Google, Delta Air Lines, and Amazon, was interviewed by Today Show, GMA, NYT, and traveled the world giving over 50,000 people the gift of hearing. Now as a keynote speaker, co-author of the Experiential Billionaire book and Treasure Maps card game, self proclaimed experiential guinea pig, and facilitator of one of the largest surveys on life experiences ever done, she is passionate about helping others improve their mental health and inspiring them to live intentional, regret free lives by going after fulfilling goals.

Bridget is a leading expert on the art, science, and path to becoming rich in life experiences. Growing up in Flint, MI, she used her love of music as inspiration and hustled her way into the largest record label in the world as a teenager - helping ... Show more