Brianna designs and manages training and education initiatives for the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps US program. The Climate Corps summer fellowship program matches graduate students with companies and public institutions to help them meet their climate and energy goals. She also facilitates EDF's Green Fellowships Community of Practice, bringing together university faculty and staff for shared learning and problem solving.

Prior to joining EDF, Brianna managed climate and sustainability internship programs for students while collaboratively working to advance institutional sustainability initiatives at the University of Texas at Austin. She has spent her career serving mission-driven organizations with a focus on experiential environmental and sustainability education. Brianna has an M.S. in Environment & Resources from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Brianna designs and manages training and education initiatives for the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps US program. The Climate Corps summer fellowship program matches graduate students with companies and public institutions to help them me... Show more

Highly creative engineer with 5+ years of onsite field and office experience in the construction industry with a master’s degree in construction management, bachelor’s in construction/civil engineering and diploma in civil engineering from reputed university. Having top- level experience of working in oil & gas, underground reservoir, commercial & residential building projects. Broad knowledge and success in both academic and field environment with experience of working at both national and international firms. Passionate about pre and post construction works.

Civil Engineer specializing in Bridge Maintenance, Traffic Safety, Construction Inspection, and Contract Compliance for State and Federal Infrastructure Projects. Expert in ensuring structural integrity, material compliance, and contract adherence for large-scale bridge maintenance projects. Skilled in monitoring construction progress, conducting thorough inspections, and preparing quality estimates to align with MassDOT standards.

A leader in utilizing advanced project management systems like RMS-360, recommending repair strategies based on field conditions, and ensuring timely and efficient completion of infrastructure projects to enhance public safety and transportation reliability.

Highly creative engineer with 5+ years of onsite field and office experience in the construction industry with a master’s degree in construction management, bachelor’s in construction/civil engineering and diploma in civil engineering from reputed un... Show more

Aben Melvis Anep is an Environmental Management and Climate Policy professional and researcher from Cameroon, with expertise in natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, climate policy, community engagement, and sustainable development.

She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Buea, an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Yaoundé I, and an M.Sc. in International Relations from the University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon. In 2024, She was awarded the Commonwealth Scholarship at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.

Melvis is an alumna of the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. In 2022, she received an Innovation Fellowship Grant from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Environment Agency. In 2023, she served as a Assistant Lecturer in Ecosystem Restoration Towards Green recovery at Technische Universität Dresden.

She currently serves as an Environmental and Climate Change Facilitator at ISEC Cameroon and Technical Adviser to the Youth Network for Climate Action (YONECA). She has contributed to national, regional, and international climate and environmental initiatives, including serving as Team Lead for Green Friends of Earth under the UNEP/UNSSC My Sustainable Lifestyles Challenge 2024. She is also an alumna of AGNES Africa and an Ambassador for Youth Adaptation Finance for Africa.

Her international engagement includes serving as a Guest Speaker at the Dresden Nexus Conference 2022, facilitating the Cameroon Economic Day in China in 2019, and participating in the Climate Justice Caravan during COP27. She has reviewed articles that has international contributions in the areas of Leadership, Circular economy, Corporate Social responsibility, and environmental conservation on marine ecosystem.She is a Member of Africa Forest Forum, International Women Peace Group,Global Biodiversity Youth Forum, Network for Women led organization CSOs in Cameroon

Aben Melvis Anep is an Environmental Management and Climate Policy professional and researcher from Cameroon, with expertise in natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, climate policy, community engagement, and sustainable development. ... Show more

Industrial engineer with experience in the logistics sector using machine learning technologies, specializing in project management and AI. Committed to best practices in industries utilizing new technologies and the implementation of the SDGs.

Industrial engineer with experience in the logistics sector using machine learning technologies, specializing in project management and AI. Committed to best practices in industries utilizing new technologies and the implementation of the SDGs. Show more

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical, eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions focused on accessibility, privacy, and open-source technologies. As CTO since the company's inception, Johnson architects next-generation emerging technologies and AI solutions, leading TREE Industries' efforts to integrate sustainability first principles into AI development for global problem-solving, including advancements in voice-powered tools, 3D avatars with open-source AI assistants, and collaborative virtual beings. His notable public contributions, documented since 2017, include spearheading the release of TREE's first video game, Ultimate Disc Golf, in December 2019; developing a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020; creating the first 3D avatars integrated with the Mycroft AI assistant in March 2021; launching a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021; and developing BlenderGPT, an AI tool for generative 3D modeling, which was featured in NVIDIA's 2023 SIGGRAPH keynote, all emphasizing ethical and environmentally conscious tech innovation. Johnson is further distinguished in the field by his role in collaborations, such as TREE Industries' partnership with Fable on AI-driven projects, and his co-founding of Geppetto AI to advance real-time AI applications.

Joshua Johnson's early career in the technology sector began with roles focused on web development and software engineering, laying the foundation for his later work in AI and sustainable technologies. Alongside his role at TREE Industries, he founded and continues to lead eClarity Web Solutions, where he serves as CEO, assisting businesses and individuals in developing modern content management system (CMS)-powered websites. In this position, Johnson specialized in technologies such as Joomla!, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Flash AS3, and HTML5, gaining expertise in web design and development over several years.These early experiences honed his skills in programming and digital solutions, enabling him to tackle more complex technical challenges in subsequent roles. Although specific timelines for his initial positions are not widely documented, his work at eClarity represented a key period of skill development in software engineering and client-facing tech services before transitioning to executive leadership in AI innovation.

Leadership at TREE Industries

Joshua Johnson was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries upon its founding in September 2017, where he has led the technical direction since inception. In this executive role, Johnson has focused on initial team-building efforts and aligning the company's technological vision with sustainable AI goals aimed at addressing environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. Key leadership milestones under Johnson's tenure include overseeing the expansion of research and development (R&D) activities from 2018 onward, such as the company's joining of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce in February 2018 to foster industry collaborations and the development of innovative AI tools, including a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020. By 2021, his strategic guidance contributed to further R&D growth, exemplified by the creation of 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI in March 2021, the release of a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021, and the prototyping of an AI virtual being capable of real-time 3D art generation in August 2021 as part of TREE Industries' entry into The Culture DAO. These efforts highlight Johnson's role in hiring key engineers and forming partnerships with environmental and tech organizations to scale sustainable AI initiatives. Johnson's strategic initiatives have emphasized eco-friendly practices, including the implementation of sustainable operations in data centers and AI development processes, though specific budgets remain undisclosed in public records. His leadership has driven organizational growth, positioning TREE Industries as a leader in green AI technologies headquartered in Washington, Missouri.

Innovations in AI Sustainability

As CTO of TREE Industries, Joshua Johnson leads efforts to integrate sustainability principles into AI development, focusing on ethical and eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

Joshua Johnson has led several AI-driven projects at TREE Industries since joining as CTO in 2017, aligning with the company's vision for sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. One notable initiative is the development of Ultimate Disc Golf, a video game incorporating AI and machine learning elements, launched in December 2019. This project aimed to advance accessible gaming technologies while exploring AI applications in simulation and real-time environments, with Johnson discussing its integration of AI for enhanced user experiences during a 2020 podcast interview. The effort contributed to TREE Industries' broader portfolio in ethical AI for entertainment, though specific environmental impact metrics were not publicly detailed. In 2021, Johnson oversaw the creation of DeepSpeech-based automatic speech systems for games, focusing on open-source AI to enable voice interactions in virtual environments. This initiative sought to promote affordable and privacy-focused AI tools, developed as part of TREE's commitment to socially responsible technology, with outcomes including prototypes for real-time 3D art creation. The project underscored ethical considerations in AI deployment for gaming industries.[More recently, in 2024, Johnson collaborated with Fable on an AI project bringing the Sam Altman saga to life through advanced chatbots, emphasizing innovative storytelling via eco-friendly AI practices. According to a Forbes article, these chatbots represented non-traditional applications, highlighting TREE Industries' role in sustainable AI collaborations that minimize computational waste. The partnership demonstrated measurable advancements in ethical AI for narrative simulations. Additionally, under Johnson's leadership, TREE Industries advanced the Unreal Agent plugin in 2025, an open-source AI copilot for Unreal Engine 5 that automates tasks like level design and content generation to optimize development workflows. This tool aims to reduce energy-intensive manual processes, supporting green AI goals through efficient, real-time integrations, with its GitHub release fostering community-driven sustainable innovations.

Industry Influence:

Joshua Johnson has exerted influence in the sustainable AI sector through his thought leadership and participation in high-profile industry events. As CTO of TREE Industries, he spoke at the AI Film and Games Festival in San Francisco in 2023 and GatherVerse Summit 2025.This engagement underscores his role in promoting ethical AI practices that align with environmental goals, as TREE Industries emphasizes "Sustainability First" in its operations. In advisory capacities, Johnson serves as the Interoperability Committee Lead at The Culture DAO since April 2022, contributing to standards development in emerging technologies, including AI interoperability that supports sustainable applications. Johnson's contributions extend to open-source initiatives that advance sustainable AI tools. Under his technical guidance at TREE Industries, the company developed and released open-source projects such as 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI, a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI, and a desktop control skill for Mycroft, all launched between 2020 and 2021 to make advanced technologies more accessible and environmentally responsible. These efforts have been adopted in communities focused on conversational AI, promoting energy-efficient offline processing solutions that reduce computational waste. Additionally, TREE's early involvement in open-source speech systems like DeepSpeech has influenced game development and AI applications with lower environmental footprints.Through these activities, Johnson has shaped industry discussions on sustainable AI, as evidenced by his commentary in media outlets like Forbes, where he highlighted innovative AI collaborations that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly advancements. His work has contributed to TREE Industries' promotion of AI adoption among local businesses via chamber of commerce memberships, fostering wider sectoral shifts toward sustainability.

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to addr... Show more

Olayiwola Akinnagbe is a Senior Backend Engineer and AI researcher working at the intersection of financial technology, distributed systems, and intelligent human–AI collaboration. His work is guided by a clear conviction: systems should not merely function. They should scale, adapt, and strengthen the people who use them.

In the fintech sector, Olayiwola architects API-first, event-driven microservices that power payments, loan origination, and high-volume transaction platforms processing over one million API requests daily. He designs secure and resilient backend infrastructures using Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, and AWS. By applying CQRS principles, low-latency search optimization, and cloud-native deployment strategies, he consistently delivers measurable improvements in latency, throughput, and system reliability.

His contribution extends beyond engineering practice into scholarly research. He is the author of the peer-reviewed paper “Human–AI Collaboration: Enhancing Productivity and Decision-Making,” where he reframed artificial intelligence not as automation, but as cognitive partnership. His work examines how humans and intelligent systems can intentionally distribute cognitive responsibility while preserving human agency. This framework has been recognized for its clarity in explaining productivity acceleration and hybrid decision-making models.

Olayiwola holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology, graduating in the top five percent of his class, with research focused on machine learning–based malware detection. His broader publications span AI in finance, cybersecurity, federated learning, and predictive modeling for risk management. This combination of production engineering and academic inquiry enables him to translate theoretical insight into secure, deployable, and economically sound systems.

An AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Developer, he is committed to building architectures that are secure by design, resilient under pressure, and optimized for real-world constraints. He mentors engineers, contributes to technical scholarship, and speaks on system design, fintech infrastructure, and the evolving discipline of human–AI collaborative intelligence.

For Olayiwola, technology is not only about writing code. It is about designing systems that expand human capability while preserving judgment, responsibility, and trust.

Olayiwola Akinnagbe is a Senior Backend Engineer and AI researcher working at the intersection of financial technology, distributed systems, and intelligent human–AI collaboration. His work is guided by a clear conviction: systems should not merely f... Show more

Jeannine Du Chateau has more than 15 years of experience as a Senior Manager, leading Environmental, Health, and Safety governance, facilities operations, and enterprise risk management across multinational, multi-site organizations. Her professional focus centers on aligning Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality strategies with business objectives while supporting regulatory compliance and operational stability. Across sectors including manufacturing, food production, energy, chemicals, and medical devices, she has supported complex operations and global teams responsible for regulated environments.

Jeannine has developed broad experience strengthening ISO management systems and coordinating operational support functions across diverse industrial settings. Her responsibilities have included working with manufacturing shop floor teams, engineering departments, supply chain professionals, procurement groups, warehousing operations, and maintenance functions. Through consistent collaboration and structured processes, she has supported measurable improvements in cost efficiency, energy performance, and sustainability outcomes across light and heavy manufacturing, PCB and electronics production, automotive operations, chemical processing, plastics manufacturing, and the beverage industry.

She also participated in emergency preparedness and response assessments related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion. While working remotely from the BP Houston, Texas site, she monitored oil rig piping and underwater systems that remained active after the incident. At the BP training location in Mobile, Alabama, emergency response documentation was reviewed while preparedness procedures were evaluated. Observations were also conducted during preparations, during which fishermen's vessels were equipped for crude oil spill cleanup in the former Deepwater rig area. Training activities were later delivered at several FCX and Rio Tinto mining locations in the United States and internationally, including the DRC in Africa.

Du Chateau also conducted auditing assignments across several highly regulated organizations and operational facilities. These assignments included auditing NASA sites in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Houston, Texas, for compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. She supported certification processes for Thales sites in Florida and California. She helped guide ISO 14001 certification across Rockwell operations in multiple states in the United States and Mexico, covering 50 sites within Motion Control. Several food and beverage facilities across Coca-Cola locations in the United States were also audited as part of quality and safety compliance initiatives.

Her professional responsibilities also include guiding environmental, quality, and safety governance across multinational enterprise accounts. She works closely with leadership teams to align regulatory compliance with operational performance and governance frameworks. These activities include coordinating certification programs, supporting risk management strategies, and maintaining communication with executive teams responsible for operational oversight.

Jeannine Du Chateau currently serves as a Global Account Manager and Lead Auditor for LRQA, a London-based assurance and risk management organization that provides certification, inspection, and advisory services to multinational companies. Over the past four years, she has managed a portfolio of 20 multinational enterprise accounts across automotive, PCB and SMT manufacturing, chemical production, heavy manufacturing, and energy sectors. Through strategic account development and expanded services, she supported 26% revenue growth and 30% sales growth while assisting organizations with certification across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SQF, FSSC 2200, and emerging cybersecurity and ESG certification frameworks.

She previously worked with the same organization from 2017 to 2020 as Senior QEHS and Sustainability Customer Manager and Lead Auditor before returning in 2022. During that time, she collaborated with accreditation bodies to manage certification activities, support audit remediation processes, and maintain compliance continuity for multinational clients. These efforts strengthened certification visibility and operational credibility across global markets.

Du Chateau also served for two years as Senior Maintenance Facilities QEHS and Security Manager at Thales Avionics, a company operating within defense, aerospace, and digital technology sectors. In this role, she oversaw governance across regulated manufacturing and airport environments. Reporting to the Director of Operations, she led cross-functional teams, managed a $300,000 budget, and supported operational continuity across six sites in the United States while maintaining regulatory compliance and safety programs.

Jeannine Du Chateau also held prior leadership roles, including eight years as Global Key Customer Project Manager at Det Norske Veritas in Norway. In that role, she supervised six-member auditor teams while guiding environmental, health, safety, and quality governance programs for multinational enterprises. Before that assignment, she served as the Quality, Environmental Health, and Safety Manager at General Dynamics in Tallahassee, Florida, where risk management and environmental stewardship were integrated into advanced manufacturing operations.

Her professional contributions have been recognized through several awards, including the Crystal Award for Environmental Excellence (awarded multiple times), the Governor’s Hazardous Waste Reduction Award, and the Values in Action Award for Customer Service. She is also active in professional organizations, including the Orlando Chapter of the American Society for Quality, the Technical Advisory Group for updates to ISO 14001, the Technical Advisory Group supporting the OCS Blue transition to an ISO standard, the Local Emergency Planning Commission, and advisory groups connected to the International Organization for Standardization.

Du Chateau graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and later continued graduate studies in Corporate Finance at Capella University. She also holds professional certifications, including First Aid, CPR, and AED, as well as Emergency Response certification through the State of Florida Local Emergency Planning Commission. She has also been certified by Exemplar Global, Inc. as a Lead Environmental Auditor, Lead Health and Safety Auditor, and Lead Quality Auditor.

Jeannine Du Chateau remains committed to community involvement alongside her professional career. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Viera Hospital, assisting individuals recovering from hip and knee surgeries. She served as a United Way representative while working with Rockwell, General Dynamics, and Thales. Community participation also includes involvement in American Cancer Society programs for 10 years, including the Cattle Baron’s Ball, Light up the Night Races, and Relay for Life events. She has supported Alzheimer Society of Miami fundraising activities and contributed to church Christmas drives supporting Clewiston, Florida. She is the mother of two and participates in youth sports by coaching her children’s flag football teams and supporting several leagues as a dugout parent.

Jeannine Du Chateau has more than 15 years of experience as a Senior Manager, leading Environmental, Health, and Safety governance, facilities operations, and enterprise risk management across multinational, multi-site organizations. Her professional... Show more

Madeeha operates at the intersection of technical chaos and operational elegance. Driven by a relentless instinct for efficiency, her philosophy is straightforward: if you are solving a complex problem twice, you missed the pattern the first time. She has built her career transforming dense, tangled software ecosystems into clean, modular blueprints that teams can leverage indefinitely.
On stage, Madeeha delivers sharp, high-energy talks that strip away tech industry jargon to expose the mechanics of scaling. She bypasses abstract theory in favor of battle-tested frameworks, helping engineers, architects, and executives untangle technical debt and build for high-speed repeatability. Whether keynoting international developer summits or advising engineering executives, Madeeha challenges audiences to rethink how they approach system design, team alignment, and problem-solving

Madeeha operates at the intersection of technical chaos and operational elegance. Driven by a relentless instinct for efficiency, her philosophy is straightforward: if you are solving a complex problem twice, you missed the pattern the first time. Sh... Show more

Senior IT and Cloud professional with over 10 years of experience in systems administration, cloud infrastructure, IT security, and enterprise environments. I specialize in Microsoft Azure, hybrid infrastructure, server administration, Microsoft technologies, networking, and cloud security.
Throughout my career, I have contributed to the design, implementation, optimization, and security of complex IT environments, with a strong focus on reliability, performance, scalability, and operational excellence.
My background also includes team supervision, technical mentoring, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration. With academic qualifications in Computer Science and Project Management, alongside professional certifications from Microsoft and other leading technology organizations, I combine hands-on technical expertise with project management and strategic thinking.
I am particularly interested in cloud architecture, automation, DevOps, cybersecurity, hybrid infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Senior IT and Cloud professional with over 10 years of experience in systems administration, cloud infrastructure, IT security, and enterprise environments. I specialize in Microsoft Azure, hybrid infrastructure, server administration, Microsoft tech... Show more

Suresh Kumar Ganapathy is a Director of Software Engineering and Security Architect with 25+ years of experience at the intersection of identity, security, and AI. He specializes in CIAM, identity governance, and secure API-driven architectures. Suresh designs platforms that apply AI and machine learning to adaptive authentication and identity intelligence, with a strong focus on MCP security, RAG model protection, and secure AI pipelines. His work emphasizes privacy-aware, scalable, and standards-based identity systems.

Suresh Kumar Ganapathy is a Director of Software Engineering and Security Architect with 25+ years of experience at the intersection of identity, security, and AI. He specializes in CIAM, identity governance, and secure API-driven architectures. Sure... Show more

Keith Smith is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Compliance leader with over a decade of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk & Compliance for a national healthcare organization, Keith brings a wealth of expertise to his role in protecting cutting-edge technology.
Throughout his career, Keith has held numerous key leadership positions and has consistently developed and implemented comprehensive security strategies across various industries.
Keith serves on the advisory council for Information Systems & Analytics at Florida Gulf Coast University. He holds multiple industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP, CDPSE, CISM, and CRISC. Keith specializes in risk management, compliance frameworks (including PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, and SOC2), and implementing effective security awareness programs.

Keith Smith is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Compliance leader with over a decade of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk & Compliance for a national healthcare organization, Keith brings a wealt... Show more

Bhanuprakash Madupati is an award-winning Technology Leader, Senior .NET Full Stack Developer, and AI & Cybersecurity Expert with over a decade of experience in software development, cloud computing, and AI-driven security solutions. He specializes in .NET technologies, microservices, and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, having led enterprise-level digital transformations and security-driven projects across multiple industries.

Recognized globally for his contributions, Bhanuprakash has received prestigious accolades such as the Global Technology Leaders Award 2024, Indian Achievers' Award 2024, and Global Tech Hero Award. He actively serves as a judge, mentor, and peer reviewer for renowned hackathons, international conferences, and ACM Transactions journals.

Apart from technology, Bhanuprakash is passionate about environmental sustainability in the music industry and leads Create4Climate, an initiative promoting climate-conscious music. He is a Fellow of IEEE, BCS, and IET, and continues to inspire innovation through public speaking, mentorship, and research.

Bhanuprakash Madupati is an award-winning Technology Leader, Senior .NET Full Stack Developer, and AI & Cybersecurity Expert with over a decade of experience in software development, cloud computing, and AI-driven security solutions. He specializes i... Show more

Dr. Ryan Rad is an AI researcher, professor, and industry advisor with over 15 years shaping how artificial intelligence is built, taught, and deployed. He holds faculty positions at Northeastern University and the University of British Columbia, where he has designed curricula and graduate programs in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Generative AI, and Data Science—reaching thousands of students across six universities and online. His industry work spans research, engineering, and leadership at startups and tech giants including Microsoft, scaling AI solutions across 40 countries for Fortune 500 companies.
A sought-after speaker with 50+ international talks and tens of top-tier peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Rad's research focuses on resource-efficient generative AI for edge deployment. He is the author of The Agentic AI Book—distilling years of building, teaching, and deploying AI into actionable insights—and shares AI perspectives on his YouTube channel.

Dr. Ryan Rad is an AI researcher, professor, and industry advisor with over 15 years shaping how artificial intelligence is built, taught, and deployed. He holds faculty positions at Northeastern University and the University of British Columbia, whe... Show more

I am a senior researcher focused on digital transformation in the energy sector, with a particular interest in open source, AI, and emerging technologies. My work centers on accelerating innovation within the LF Energy ecosystem by exploring how different open-source projects can be applied, integrated, and extended for real-world digital grid use cases. My earlier experience includes cloud-native solution architecture, test automation, DevOps, and CI/CD.

I am a senior researcher focused on digital transformation in the energy sector, with a particular interest in open source, AI, and emerging technologies. My work centers on accelerating innovation within the LF Energy ecosystem by exploring how diff... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more

Olga Woschitz is a data architect focused on building the scalable, future-proof foundations required for modern AI. She specializes in designing systems that drive real business impact by connecting data strategy directly to implementation.

Her interest in AI-ready architecture grew from solving the real-world problems she saw inside organizations: Legacy pipelines that break under pressure. Teams that struggle to collaborate. Data that cannot support even basic analytics, let alone AI. This experience drives her to build modern, domain-oriented architectures that make AI possible instead of painful.

Olga Woschitz is a data architect focused on building the scalable, future-proof foundations required for modern AI. She specializes in designing systems that drive real business impact by connecting data strategy directly to implementation. Her i... Show more

Jarred Smith has spent 20 years in marketing across industries including environmental services, healthcare, public media, and retail. He currently serves as Director of Marketing at Alliance Technical Group, a large environmental services company with over 2,200 employees and 60+ offices across the United States and Canada.

Previously, he served as VP of Marketing and Communications at OETA (Oklahoma's PBS affiliate), as CMO for a healthcare provider, and led digital marketing for Love's Travel Stops, where he built a digital experience department from scratch and rolled out omni-channel marketing programs across more than 1,800 retail locations.

He didn't set out to write a book about AI and search. He set out to solve a problem. In early 2024, he noticed that AI assistants were answering questions about his industry but never mentioning the company he worked for. The research that followed became Explainable.

Jarred lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Erin and their three kids.

Jarred Smith has spent 20 years in marketing across industries including environmental services, healthcare, public media, and retail. He currently serves as Director of Marketing at Alliance Technical Group, a large environmental services company wi... Show more

Platform and database engineer with 16 years of experience in the industry. Currently I am working on scaling systems we have in Zaptec and building complete observability platform for the whole organization.

Platform and database engineer with 16 years of experience in the industry. Currently I am working on scaling systems we have in Zaptec and building complete observability platform for the whole organization. Show more

Head of DevRel LATAM at AWS. Environmental engineer that ended up in the cloud. I’m passionate about building communities, and the power of tech to change lives. Worked in the non-profit and social entrepreneurial space for 10+ years where I became a multi-awarded professional by the government of Mexico, UN Women, and others. Transitioned into tech 4+ years ago, and I now lead an (amazing) tech team to build exciting things in the cloud.

Head of DevRel LATAM at AWS. Environmental engineer that ended up in the cloud. I’m passionate about building communities, and the power of tech to change lives. Worked in the non-profit and social entrepreneurial space for 10+ years where I became a... Show more

Erik Thorelli is an Engineering Leader at Cisco Meraki, leading the mobile engineering organization. He's been developing React and React Native apps for almost a decade, from startups to corporates and across sectors (defense, pharma, green, fintech, networking, and IoT)...and seen some stuff. Erik teaches courses and lectures at universities, workshops, conferences, and local tech meetups.

Erik Thorelli is an Engineering Leader at Cisco Meraki, leading the mobile engineering organization. He's been developing React and React Native apps for almost a decade, from startups to corporates and across sectors (defense, pharma, green, fintech... Show more

Engr. Chukwuemerie Ujam is a Technical Project Manager at Arone Technologies, working at the intersection of technology, engineering, innovation and project delivery for Autonomous drones, AI surveillance systems and Solar energy solutions.

His professional experience includes coordinating complex technology and engineering initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, technical teams, operational requirements, project planning, risk management and real-world implementation.

His experience provides a practical perspective on the challenges that occur between having a technology idea and successfully implementing that idea in an operational environment.

He is currently volunteering as a product manager at Ikovia inc, an immigration decision system.
At Ikovia, he contributes to defining product direction, translating customer needs into product requirements, prioritising the product roadmap, and working closely with AI in applying AI and data-driven product intelligence to simplify complex decision-making and create more personalised digital experiences.

As a public speaker, he is passionate about helping technology professionals, young leaders and innovators develop the combination of technical knowledge, leadership, project-management capability and execution skills required to transform ideas into real-world solutions.

Engr. Chukwuemerie Ujam is a Technical Project Manager at Arone Technologies, working at the intersection of technology, engineering, innovation and project delivery for Autonomous drones, AI surveillance systems and Solar energy solutions. His pr... Show more

Jason Smith (Jay) is a Staff Cloud Architect who specializes in Application Modernization at Google Cloud. Jay has helped many Enterprises find ways to bring their applications to the cloud via Kubernetes, GitOps, Serverless, Agentic AI, Developer Workflow and more. He also co-leads the Cloud Native San Francisco Community and is a co-organizer for Kubernetes Container Days (KCD) San Francisco Bay Area.

Jason Smith (Jay) is a Staff Cloud Architect who specializes in Application Modernization at Google Cloud. Jay has helped many Enterprises find ways to bring their applications to the cloud via Kubernetes, GitOps, Serverless, Agentic AI, Developer Wo... Show more

John Feminella is an avid technologist, occasional public speaker, and curiosity advocate. He helps enterprises transform the way they write, operate, and deploy software so that their businesses and people can be more effective. Before that, he led technology organizations at Pivotal, VMware, ThoughtWorks, EY, and Two Sigma; helped build the world's largest database of pollutants and air emissions; and authored a distributed-sensor technology.

John lives in Charlottesville, VA and likes meta-jokes, milkshakes, and referring to himself in the third person in speaker bios.

John Feminella is an avid technologist, occasional public speaker, and curiosity advocate. He helps enterprises transform the way they write, operate, and deploy software so that their businesses and people can be more effective. Before that, he led ... Show more

Mofazzel Hosen Morshed, is a Software Engineer, young entrepreneur, and aspiring technology leader from Bangladesh, known for his passion for innovation and digital transformation. With a strong commitment to leveraging technology to solve real world challenges, he has been actively involved in developing forward thinking ideas and ventures that promote progress in the tech ecosystem.

Outside of work, I dive into research on topics that fascinate me education, gender equality, climate change, and social issues. Whether I’m in the field conducting studies or brainstorming solutions behind a computer screen, I’m committed to making a difference. Multitasking comes naturally to me; I thrive in environments where no two days are the same.

And when it comes to taking on new tasks, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t believe in saying ‘no’ I see every project, whether research or management, as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Mofazzel Hosen Morshed, is a Software Engineer, young entrepreneur, and aspiring technology leader from Bangladesh, known for his passion for innovation and digital transformation. With a strong commitment to leveraging technology to solve real world... Show more

Arne Bernhardt is Division Manager for Grid Control Systems at SOPTIM AG, developing software solutions for modern transmission system operation and critical energy infrastructure. His work focuses on open semantic technologies and interoperable architectures based on CIM/CGMES, RDF, SHACL, and SPARQL.

He contributes to open-source communities around semantic graph technologies and the energy sector, including contributions to Apache Jena and several CIM/CGMES-related projects. He is one of the contributors behind RDFArchitect and OpenCGMES.

His current interests include high-performance in-memory RDF processing, semantic interoperability for grid applications, and the use of open-source technologies to build scalable and vendor-neutral digital infrastructures for the energy transition.

Arne Bernhardt is Division Manager for Grid Control Systems at SOPTIM AG, developing software solutions for modern transmission system operation and critical energy infrastructure. His work focuses on open semantic technologies and interoperable arch... Show more

Bootstrapped founder. Minimalist, grug-brained developer. Creator of Tusk for macOS and GNOME. Author of Platform Agentic: "Definitive Guide for Building Compliant Ai Agents".

Background in engineering, research and sales, it is my mission to filter out the cruft in tech and orgs, and maintain a steady focus on value, delivering sustainable, long-term business outcomes.

Bootstrapped founder. Minimalist, grug-brained developer. Creator of Tusk for macOS and GNOME. Author of Platform Agentic: "Definitive Guide for Building Compliant Ai Agents". Background in engineering, research and sales, it is my mission to filt... Show more

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Emanuele Solferino è Founder & CEO di Solferino Technology, studio digitale specializzato nello sviluppo di siti web, software e soluzioni tecnologiche su misura. È membro italiano della Free Software Foundation Europe e promuove l’adozione del Software Libero, degli standard aperti e di tecnologie sostenibili e indipendenti.

Emanuele Solferino è Founder & CEO di Solferino Technology, studio digitale specializzato nello sviluppo di siti web, software e soluzioni tecnologiche su misura. È membro italiano della Free Software Foundation Europe e promuove l’adozione del Softw... Show more

I am Doleh Khan, a development professional with experience in programme management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), gender research, and youth empowerment. I currently serve as a Program Officer at The Lord Sarfraz Foundation, where I coordinate an Equine Therapy Programme supporting children with autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome.

Previously, I worked with organizations including FAO, Research and Development Foundation (RDF), HANDS Pakistan, and Community World Service Asia. My work has focused on vocational skills development, humanitarian response, gender equality, research, and community engagement. I have contributed to programmes that supported more than 1,300 young people and women with skills training, livelihoods, and employment opportunities across Sindh.

I represented Pakistan at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (UNCC Bangkok) and have participated in international leadership initiatives, advocating for youth empowerment, inclusive development, and evidence-based policymaking. As a Vice Chancellor's Gold Medalist in Gender Studies, I am passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and advancing sustainable development through research, innovation, and collaboration.

I am Doleh Khan, a development professional with experience in programme management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), gender research, and youth empowerment. I currently serve as a Program Officer at The Lord Sarfraz Founda... Show more

Technical Co-Founder and Head of Product Development for 3 International Startups, building and managing teams bringing digital transformation to domains such as Energy Management, Building Automation, Asset Tracking, and Consumer Electronics.

15+ years of experience as an AI and IoT Engineer, working in design and development of products across industries such as IoT, Autonomous Driving, Automotive Engineering, Aeronautics, Industry 4.0, and Robotics.

Technical Co-Founder and Head of Product Development for 3 International Startups, building and managing teams bringing digital transformation to domains such as Energy Management, Building Automation, Asset Tracking, and Consumer Electronics. 15+... Show more