LaSheita Sayer - Founder, Executive Director, Women Who Charge

Recognizing the need for an inclusive space for women and a focus on workforce development within the electric transportation industry, LaSheita Sayer founded Women Who Charge. As its Executive Director, she leverages her extensive EV sector experience to promote and increase the presence of women in leadership roles, actively contributing to the training and growth of the future EV workforce.

LaSheita is a passionate advocate for EV expansion and greenhouse gas reduction. Her commitment to sustainability and talent development is evident through her active involvement in various organizations. She is a valuable member of the Denver Electric Vehicle Council and serves on the transportation subcommittee of the Denver Sustainability Advisory Committee, contributing to sustainable transportation solutions and the skilled workforce needed to implement them.

Beyond Denver, LaSheita has been an active member of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Coalition since 2020. Her work on the Equity, Policy, and EV Battery Recycling committees for the Colorado Energy Office showcases her dedication to creating a more equitable, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly future for all, underpinned by a well-trained and diverse workforce. LaSheita is a trailblazer, inspiring women to embrace their potential in electric mobility and fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

LaSheita Sayer - Founder, Executive Director, Women Who Charge Recognizing the need for an inclusive space for women and a focus on workforce development within the electric transportation industry, LaSheita Sayer founded Women Who Charge. As its ... Show more

Rev. Dr. Majadi Baruti is an Earth Chaplain, poet, and theologian whose work bridges eco-spirituality, African cosmology, and the Musical and Poetic radical traditions of the African Diaspora. As founder and priest of Udja Temple, he has guided communities for over two decades in reclaiming ancestral wisdom, ecological balance, and the sacred presence of the Divine African Feminine.
His voice unites spiritual ecology with the rhythms of resistance found in Black music, ritual, and art. A dynamic and deeply grounded public speaker, Dr. Baruti delivers transformative keynotes, lectures, and workshops that inspire faith leaders, students, and activists to embody spirituality as both ecological practice and political liberation. His oratory carries the soul of a bluesman, the insight of a theologian, and the urgency of a justice worker.

Rev. Dr. Majadi Baruti is an Earth Chaplain, poet, and theologian whose work bridges eco-spirituality, African cosmology, and the Musical and Poetic radical traditions of the African Diaspora. As founder and priest of Udja Temple, he has guided commu... Show more

As a Green IT Consultant, I strive to design efficient software systems holistically - from conception to development and operation. My main focus is on optimizing cloud environments, DevOps environments and Java-based applications. Minimalism shapes me a lot, which helps me to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle and provides the basis for implementing and operating systems in the most cost-efficient and ecologically sustainable way possible.
In iSAQB architecture training courses (GREEN advanced module), I regularly provide my expertise, particularly on the aspects of measurement and efficient operation.

In my spare time, I am involved in animal rights activism and I am a passionate trail runner who enjoys running through nature.

As a Green IT Consultant, I strive to design efficient software systems holistically - from conception to development and operation. My main focus is on optimizing cloud environments, DevOps environments and Java-based applications. Minimalism shapes... Show more

Shan Zhang is a PhD candidate from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Her research uses prospective life cycle assessment to assess potential environmental impacts of emerging battery technologies. She holds a master degree in Environmental Sciences, from Wageningen University. Her research interests lie in prospective life cycle assessment and metal criticality assessment.

Shan Zhang is a PhD candidate from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Her research uses prospective life cycle assessment to assess potential environmental impacts of emerging battery technologies. She holds a master degree in Environmental... Show more

Rohit Naidu S. is a globally recognized business leader, sustainability strategist, and CEO of IFortis Worldwide—a pioneering firm at the forefront of sustainability, tech solutions, and corporate innovation. With a career spanning multiple sectors including technology, staffing, corporate training, and environmental sustainability, he has built a reputation for driving large-scale transformation while aligning profitability with purpose.

Named India’s Impactful CEO 2024 by The Economic Times, Rohit is widely known for his leadership in integrating renewable energy, sustainable business practices, and social impact into core corporate strategy. Through initiatives like the #MakingWomenSelfReliant program and Mission Sustainable India, he has empowered over 100,000 women and youth globally, championing inclusive entrepreneurship and workforce development.

As a trusted advisor to organizations across the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and India, Rohit also serves on the boards of several companies, including GIOSTAR USA, Instape, and AAVTR ASIA. A sought-after international speaker and G20 delegate, he brings powerful insights on the future of work, climate action, and ethical leadership—helping organizations and individuals alike become drivers of sustainable, scalable change.

Rohit Naidu S. is a globally recognized business leader, sustainability strategist, and CEO of IFortis Worldwide—a pioneering firm at the forefront of sustainability, tech solutions, and corporate innovation. With a career spanning multiple sectors i... Show more

Digital Strategy & Sustainability Manager | Product Management | UX Advocate | Sustainable Web

Digital Strategy & Sustainability Manager | Product Management | UX Advocate | Sustainable Web Show more

Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology teams up with unyielding passion to take on the biggest challenges of our time. That's where I come in. I'm Ayon Roy, and I'm not just about crunching numbers and lines of code.

I'm on a mission to leverage the extraordinary capabilities of Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence to tackle the pressing issues of sustainability and climate change.

What truly fires me up is the idea of using AI to tackle sustainability and climate-related challenges. I've had my fair share of adventures in the world of Data Science, AI, and ML, having hopped through various internships. Right now, I'm proudly wearing the hat of an Executive Data Scientist at NielsenIQ, where I get to channel my passion into meaningful projects.

However, my journey doesn't stop at my day job—I'm deeply involved in giving back to the community. I spend time mentoring hackathons and boot camps, helping budding tech enthusiasts find their way.

When it comes to speaking, I'm no stranger to the stage. I've stood in front of audiences around the world, delivering over 70 technical talks at international and national conferences, as well as meetups. From India to the USA, Ireland to Nigeria, and even Japan, I've taken the stage physically and virtually, adapting to different formats and keeping the crowd engaged.

But I'm not just about speaking; I'm also a firm believer in hands-on involvement. I've mentored over 100 hackathons, collaborating with prestigious institutions like John Hopkins School of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Madras, and Delhi University. It's my way of giving back and nurturing the next wave of innovators.

One of my proudest achievements is organizing India's First Kaggle Days Meetup in Delhi NCR, a platform that brings together minds hungry for knowledge and collaboration. And yes, I also indulge in reviewing technical books because staying ahead of the curve matters to me.

If you want to know more about me, check out my Personal Website (https://ayon-roy.netlify.app) or connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayon-roy/). I'm excited about the chance to share my journey, insights, and passions with your event. Let's make it awesome together!

Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology teams up with unyielding passion to take on the biggest challenges of our time. That's where I come in. I'm Ayon Roy, and I'm not just about crunching numbers and lines of code. I'm on a mission to le... Show more

Benedict is an accomplished and energetic digital leader, Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) and start-up founder (1 exit), working across financial services, health, energy, media and government. He has 20 years of experience supporting brands by leading the development and deployment of innovative data, analytics, and technology products and solutions that solve their customers’ greatest needs and challenges.

As a founder, Ben has hands-on experience navigating challenges of early growth and scalability, building strong trust-based and commercial relationships with customers and stakeholders. As a resilient commercial leader, regularly developing and negotiating contracts worth £1m+, he built a consultancy with £6.5m/year turnover and 50+ people.

Ben is a rare leader with hands-on experience of the entire digital process, from marketing, design, coding and infrastructure to commercial sales, value prop development and mobilising energised teams-of-teams implementing transformational technologies. He is purpose driven and, as an accomplished speaker, enjoys sharing ideas for the future with the broader community.

Benedict is an accomplished and energetic digital leader, Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) and start-up founder (1 exit), working across financial services, health, energy, media and government. He has 20 years of experience supporting brand... Show more

I’m a civil design engineer specializing in water infrastructure, sustainable engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis. At AECOM-DBS JV (DWM-PMO), I support the Chicago Department of Water Management through engineering design reviews, facility protection assessments, and water distribution system adjustments that strengthen long-term resilience. With a Master’s in Civil Engineering and certifications including PE, ENV SP, and OSHA-30, I’ve reviewed hundreds of plans to ensure compliance and high-quality design. Outside engineering, I’m an active musician and composer, blending classical, Bangla, and modern styles, and I enjoy writing, performing, and exploring creative outlets that balance my analytical work.

I’m a civil design engineer specializing in water infrastructure, sustainable engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis. At AECOM-DBS JV (DWM-PMO), I support the Chicago Department of Water Management through engineering design reviews, facility prote... Show more

Neeraj is the co-founder of Vivid Climate, a climate management and accounting platform. Neeraj is a polyglot. Over the years, he has worked on a variety of full-stack software and data-science applications, as well as computational arts, and likes the challenge of creating new tools and applications, and is an active speaker with talks and tutorials presented at multiple conferences.

Neeraj is the co-founder of Vivid Climate, a climate management and accounting platform. Neeraj is a polyglot. Over the years, he has worked on a variety of full-stack software and data-science applications, as well as computational arts, and likes t... Show more

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, she has worked with organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, the United Nations' World Health Organization as well as NASA, Stanford, University of Southern California (USC), University of California LA (UCLA), Cal State Universities and various nutrition technology and medical companies to leverage the power of marketing, social impact and education to drive positive change for purpose-driven brands. A recognized thought leader often referred to as "Digital Changemaker", Dr. Kouzeh has spoken on global stages for over 15 organizations, including Sustainable Brands, the premier global community of brand innovators who are shaping the future of sustainable commerce worldwide.

Dr. Kouzeh obtained a Doctorate degree in Education at University of Southern California (USC) and holds two Master of Science degrees from RSM Erasmus University and Wageningen University in Marketing Management and Nutrition & Health and a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Located in Los Angeles, she obtained two UCLAx Certificates in Marketing and Sustainability and a Harvard certificate in Higher Education. She also serves as a member of advisory board for UCLA Extension, member of advisory council for Harvard Business Review, certified Climate Reality Leader, and several community organizations empowering individuals from youth to C-Suite executives to change the world.

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, s... Show more

I am an executive with 15+ years of experience and a core conviction: sustainable transformation is never about technology alone. It is about the equilibrium between People, Tools, and Processes.

I approach the current AI shift with that same pragmatic lens. AI is a strategic lever that only delivers ROI when supported by robust governance and a profound evolution of organizational culture. My mission is to ensure that "Digital" translates directly into measurable impact, operational resilience, and long-term business value.

I am an executive with 15+ years of experience and a core conviction: sustainable transformation is never about technology alone. It is about the equilibrium between People, Tools, and Processes. I approach the current AI shift with that same prag... Show more

Adam leads Marketing, Communities & Partner Alliances at Advancing Analytics - a Databricks Gold Partner. Over the past 15 years, Adam has led tech community efforts at companies including Microsoft and Green Software Foundation. He is passionate about lifting up voices of underrepresented communities. In his spare time, he has a keen interest in green tech, including EVs, solar and battery technology.

Adam leads Marketing, Communities & Partner Alliances at Advancing Analytics - a Databricks Gold Partner. Over the past 15 years, Adam has led tech community efforts at companies including Microsoft and Green Software Foundation. He is passionate abo... Show more

Soy ingeniero geólogo de formación. Comencé mi carrera en el mundo de la construcción de obras civiles, pero con el tiempo descubrí mi vocación por la tecnología y la transformación digital. Así fue como me convertí en desarrollador de software, especializándome en bases de datos, infraestructura en la nube e ingeniería de datos.

Con los años, mi enfoque se centró en el análisis geoespacial y los sistemas de información geográfica (GIS), donde encontré la forma de conectar mi experiencia territorial con la ciencia de datos. Trabajo con herramientas como PostGIS, Python, Laravel, QGIS, Power BI y Azure Maps, y me apasiona construir soluciones que ayuden a empresas, organizaciones y gobiernos a tomar mejores decisiones a partir de los datos.

Hoy desarrollo sistemas que integran el mundo físico con el digital, buscando siempre generar impacto real en los negocios, en la sociedad y en el ambiente.

Soy ingeniero geólogo de formación. Comencé mi carrera en el mundo de la construcción de obras civiles, pero con el tiempo descubrí mi vocación por la tecnología y la transformación digital. Así fue como me convertí en desarrollador de software, espe... Show more

Joe Dana is a multi-media journalist in Phoenix covering public education, energy policy and climate.
Reports on schools examine:
-funding, academics and policy debates in the nation's first universal private voucher program, launched in 2023
-how federal, state and local tax dollars support three systems of education in Arizona (school districts, charter schools, ESA private vouchers)
-how billions of dollars flows from the state, to private voucher accounts, and then to education vendors, tutors, and retailers like Amazon. This multi-year investigation has led to an ongoing public records lawsuit brought by investigative reporter/colleague Craig Harris against the AZ Superintendent and Treasurer.
Joe's series, Power & Influence, examines climate and justice concerns in Arizona's energy sector. His stories exposed faulty customer service at Arizona's largest utility in 2019, prompting a $25 million class settlement. A 2025 investigation about utility shut-off deaths during extreme heat was credited by the AZ Attorney General for helping lead to a $7 million civil settlement for low-income customers.
Joe gets easily distracted, chasing random stories about stuff like birdwatching technology, the science of art therapy and what its like to walk Arizona's first barefoot forest trail.

Joe Dana is a multi-media journalist in Phoenix covering public education, energy policy and climate. Reports on schools examine: -funding, academics and policy debates in the nation's first universal private voucher program, launched in 2023 -how... Show more

Mr. G is an ai and greentech startup founder, and business coach for startups for the New Zealand Government, United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia and for the Social Tides programme for ai and impact startups across the EU.

His sustainable business approach has won him the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation's Green Business Awards and helped push the sustainable business agenda for organizations such as the United Nations and Oxfam to the Royal Government of Cambodia.

He has a strong belief that empathetic dialogue and design are key life skills to both personal and professional success, and is currently on a mission to solve real world issues through empathy, entrepreneurship and principled leadership.

Mr. G is an ai and greentech startup founder, and business coach for startups for the New Zealand Government, United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia and for the Social Tides programme for ai and impact startups across the EU. His sustai... Show more

Aarshad Devani is an acclaimed leader and emerging entrepreneur focused on integrating technology with sustainable change.

He was honored with the Leadership Award for Excellence in AI Leadership by the UNOO (United Nations Observatory Organization), where he also holds Observatory Status. Recognized as a Top 10 emerging entrepreneur by YourStory for his work in sustainable AI, Aarshad is also an established speaker, having addressed over 1,00,000 technology enthusiasts.

He is currently focused on building his personal brand to amplify his vision for the future of AI and global impact.

Aarshad Devani is an acclaimed leader and emerging entrepreneur focused on integrating technology with sustainable change. He was honored with the Leadership Award for Excellence in AI Leadership by the UNOO (United Nations Observatory Organizatio... Show more

Daniela Rosas es estudiante de Gestión y Alta Dirección con mención en Gestión Social y Pública en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) y Presidenta de 180 Degrees Consulting PUCP, donde lidera proyectos de consultoría estratégica para organizaciones sociales y emprendimientos de impacto. Ayacuchana de origen, su trabajo está profundamente conectado con la generación de soluciones que respondan a realidades diversas y descentralizadas.

Su enfoque se sitúa en la intersección entre tecnología, innovación social y estrategia, utilizando inteligencia artificial generativa, herramientas no-code y diseño centrado en el usuario (UX/UI) para transformar ideas en soluciones escalables, accesibles y con impacto medible. Ha implementado soluciones tecnológicas en ONGs y proyectos sociales, integrando automatización, marketing social y herramientas como n8n y Lovable para optimizar procesos, fortalecer el fundraising y movilizar comunidades de manera innovadora.

Ha sido Parlamentaria Joven Nacional del Congreso de la República del Perú, donde contribuyó al diseño de propuestas legislativas en temas ambientales, participación ciudadana y transparencia, incorporando indicadores de impacto y mecanismos de seguimiento. Asimismo, fue becaria del Millennium Fellowship (ONU) y participante del Aspire Leaders Program de Harvard University, consolidando su formación en liderazgo global e impacto social.

Como consultora en sostenibilidad en Mypes Verdes, ha acompañado a pequeñas empresas en la adopción de modelos responsables y elaboración de reportes de sostenibilidad. Además, es fundadora de Responsible Work For Ecology, una iniciativa comunitaria en Ayacucho que ha capacitado a más de 80 mujeres en prácticas sostenibles, promoviendo su empoderamiento económico y ambiental.

Ha sido reconocida como ganadora del HONOR College Marketing Challenge 2025, finalista en la Datatón OEFA Innova y en el GreenTech Challenge, destacando por su propuesta de “IA que te entiende y potencia tu esencia”, entendida como el uso de la inteligencia artificial para potenciar capacidades humanas y construir soluciones más empáticas e inclusivas.

Daniela promueve activamente el acceso inclusivo a la tecnología y el uso ético de la IA, convencida de que romper los patrones en la industria implica que más mujeres y actores del sector social pasen de ser usuarios a creadores de tecnología, diseñando soluciones que transformen realidades y generen valor sostenible.

Daniela Rosas es estudiante de Gestión y Alta Dirección con mención en Gestión Social y Pública en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) y Presidenta de 180 Degrees Consulting PUCP, donde lidera proyectos de consultoría estratégica para ... Show more

Joe Kramer is the CEO of Parjana Engineering, Inc., where he leads the development and deployment of advanced water infrastructure solutions focused on restoring natural infiltration and improving stormwater performance.

Through the IRIS™ Infiltration System, his work has helped municipalities, developers, and infrastructure owners move beyond traditional design assumptions toward measured, real-world performance outcomes.

Joe is also leading HydroCoin, a framework designed to create auditable, verifiable records of water infiltration and recharge, enabling environmental performance to be measured, tracked, and trusted at scale.

His work sits at the intersection of infrastructure, environmental markets, and digital systems, focused on one core shift:
transforming water from an unmeasured liability into a quantifiable, defensible asset.

Joe Kramer is the CEO of Parjana Engineering, Inc., where he leads the development and deployment of advanced water infrastructure solutions focused on restoring natural infiltration and improving stormwater performance. Through the IRIS™ Infiltra... Show more

Justice is a Data, Programs and Operations expert interested in sustainability and cleantech. He currently works as the Community Growth and Data Lead at Young Collective.
He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and a Net Zero Emission Data Tracker with the Net Zero Tracker. Justice is Microsoft Certified in M365, Azure, and Power Platforms. Justice is a former Growth and Operations Manager at Trashcoin UG, a German/Nigerian cleantech startup focused on digitizing waste collection in Africa.

Justice is a Data, Programs and Operations expert interested in sustainability and cleantech. He currently works as the Community Growth and Data Lead at Young Collective. He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a trained Climate Reality Lea... Show more

After 28 years driving industrial hyper-efficiency for a global water bottling giant, I experienced a profound wake-up call regarding the fragility and ecological cost of our optimization models. Today, as the co-founder of Permabilis, a purpose-driven R&D pre-seed startup, and holding an Executive PhD from Paris-Dauphine, I challenge corporate leaders to move beyond the 'cult of efficiency' to build systemic robustness in practice. I guide organizations toward regenerative economics and 'Responsible Plastic' trajectories, leveraging decentralized technologies not just to optimize, but to fundamentally transform behaviors and industrial ecosystems.

After 28 years driving industrial hyper-efficiency for a global water bottling giant, I experienced a profound wake-up call regarding the fragility and ecological cost of our optimization models. Today, as the co-founder of Permabilis, a purpose-driv... Show more

Geographer is committed to the development of society and climate resilience, through research and the use of geospatial tools.

Geographer is committed to the development of society and climate resilience, through research and the use of geospatial tools. Show more

Brittany Cox, MA, RDH, is a sustainable systems strategist and emerging policy architect, guiding healthcare into a planet-first future. With a Master’s in Oral Health Promotion and a postgraduate certification in leadership and coaching, Brittany bridges clinical expertise with environmental innovation. She consults with dental practices, manufacturers, and institutions to design sustainable systems that enhance patient care, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

Currently pursuing a legal education focused on environmental and health law, Brittany is expanding her mission to influence policy and reimagine the frameworks that govern healthcare. Known for her ability to translate complex challenges into practical strategies, she blends evidence-based insight with deeply ethical leadership. Through speaking, content creation, and consulting, Brittany equips industry leaders and organizations to align their operations with sustainability, without sacrificing excellence. Her work empowers practices and systems to do better by their people, their patients, and the planet.

Brittany Cox, MA, RDH, is a sustainable systems strategist and emerging policy architect, guiding healthcare into a planet-first future. With a Master’s in Oral Health Promotion and a postgraduate certification in leadership and coaching, Brittany br... Show more

Distinguished Structural Dynamics and Battery Durability Expert with extensive experience in enhancing the safety, reliability, and sustainability of energy storage systems like Oil (Diesel) and Gas Gensets, Battery Storage System applications like direct current fast chargers (DCFC), and motive power applications. Specializing in vibration and fatigue validation, thermal propagation analysis, and safety and environmental durability assessments, providing actionable insights to ensure robust and efficient energy solutions. With expertise in structural dynamics validation and fatigue analysis bridges the gap between simulation accuracy and real-world performance to deliver durable and eco-friendly products.

Distinguished Structural Dynamics and Battery Durability Expert with extensive experience in enhancing the safety, reliability, and sustainability of energy storage systems like Oil (Diesel) and Gas Gensets, Battery Storage System applications like d... Show more

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is on fostering communication and educational processes to enable change at every level.

His mission is to make people visible—on equal footing, whether in professional contexts, within teams, or on stage. With years of experience as a teacher and a hands-on practitioner, he creates spaces for knowledge sharing and drives sustainable change processes that work from the inside out.

Through his start-up, ID4C.org, he connects personal and organizational development to achieve sustainable business goals through the intrinsic motivation of employees. As a speaker, he inspires audiences with insights on communication and sustainability, regularly sharing his expertise in professional publications.

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is o... Show more

Leena Joshi is an award-winning social entrepreneur, climate advocate and author. She is the founder and executive director of Climate Conservancy, an international nonprofit, with 9000 volunteers in 60+ countries. She has sat on boards and advisory councils for multifarious companies. She's the CEO and Chair of the Board at EcoVita.

Leena's work has been featured by international media outlets and organizations such as World Bank Group, United Nations, Climate Reality Project, Her Campus Media, Feminist, U.S. Department of State and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation.

As a Youth Stocktake Researcher, Leena co-authored the UNFCCC Youth Stocktake Report, a pivotal document that is reshaping youth engagement in global climate governance. She currently serves as a Research Advisor to Imperial College London, where her work on climate anxiety and ecological grief is trailblazing new global conversations around the emotional and psychological costs of climate breakdown.

Leena is a prolific public speaker and has spoken at universities across the world including Harvard, Oxford, Sciences Po and Cambridge. She's a TEDx Speaker and has also spoken at high-level global conferences. She has authored books including 'The Climate Awakening' and 'Ethereal'.

She is a conservation photographer, environmental artist, and climate poet, intersecting art and climate justice through climate artivism for our blue planet.

Leena Joshi is an award-winning social entrepreneur, climate advocate and author. She is the founder and executive director of Climate Conservancy, an international nonprofit, with 9000 volunteers in 60+ countries. She has sat on boards and advisory ... Show more

Daniel Theobald is a visionary leader in robotics, AI, and automation, with decades of experience at the forefront of innovation. With 67 issued patents and over 30 patents pending, Daniel has made significant contributions to shaping the future of intelligent technology.

Daniel achieved a perfect academic record at MIT and was chosen by the faculty as "the student who has achieved the highest academic standing and has exceptional potential for impact on technology and society." He was awarded the prestigious Henry Ford II Scholar award, and was chosen as both an NSF and Hertz Foundation Fellow. Daniel founded Vecna.com in 1998, pioneering advancements in robotics and healthcare access. He later co-founded MassRobotics.org, a non-profit organization driving the global robotics industry, and in 2018, founded VecnaRobotics.com, a global leader in autonomous forklift technology.

Daniel’s work extends beyond healthcare and industrial robotics into sustainable agriculture through TwistedFields.com, a research farm in beautiful San Gregorio, CA which provides free consulting and test space to startups in the agtech space. In 2024 he seed funded Rotate8.com, an amazing farm robotics company that is building multi-purpose solar-powered farming robots that farmers can actually afford.

Daniel does significant pro-bono work. He helps a number of VC firms with technical due diligence, and mentors numerous founders and startups. He provides free consulting to organizations trying to automate. He helps them differentiate robust, scalable solutions from hype, believing that automation project success benefits the industry as a whole. For larger projects, Daniel and his team at Mekable.com provide expert consulting, simulation and automation product/process development to help organizations large and small navigate their automation journey with confidence.

Daniel is a leader on the integration of AI, Robotics, and IoT into society, inspiring audiences to explore the transformative potential of technology to create a sustainable, equitable future.

Daniel Theobald is a visionary leader in robotics, AI, and automation, with decades of experience at the forefront of innovation. With 67 issued patents and over 30 patents pending, Daniel has made significant contributions to shaping the future of i... Show more

Aakash is a US patent holder, multiple hackathon winner, pulished author and an open source advocate. He has completed his engineering from Savitribai University and a PGP from IIM Indore. He is passionate about building products for the next billion users and creating a positive social change through technology.

Aakash is a US patent holder, multiple hackathon winner, pulished author and an open source advocate. He has completed his engineering from Savitribai University and a PGP from IIM Indore. He is passionate about building products for the next billio... Show more

Francine Carron is a sustainability economist, ESG specialist and founder of Carron ESG Group, working across Europe, Asia and Africa.

She has more than 20 years of experience in sustainability, ESG strategy, decarbonisation, carbon management and responsible business, with a strong focus on aviation, infrastructure, heavy industry and international market access.

Francine leads ESG Consultancy NV in Europe and Haikou ESG Sustainable Consulting Co., Ltd. in China. Through these businesses, she supports organisations navigating the growing connection between sustainability, investment, procurement, regulation and access to international markets.

Her aviation experience includes work with air navigation service providers, airports, air cargo organisations and international aviation institutions. She has contributed to aviation sustainability programmes involving skeyes, ANA Luxembourg, TIACA, ACI World and EUROCONTROL/EASA, with particular expertise in Green ATM, aviation decarbonisation, ESG frameworks and sustainability implementation.

Francine also works increasingly with African organisations and industries on the commercial side of ESG: how stronger sustainability performance can improve investor confidence, strengthen international partnerships, support access to global buyers and reduce barriers to trade.

Her perspective is shaped by experience in both developed and emerging markets. She has worked in Africa, advises organisations operating between Europe and China, and regularly speaks on how sustainability is becoming a global business language rather than simply a compliance requirement.

At the OpenGov Africa Summit, Francine brings a practical international perspective on the future of African aviation and infrastructure: how ESG, operational efficiency, carbon reduction and better sustainability data can support stronger, more competitive and investment-ready systems across the continent.
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Francine Carron is a sustainability economist, ESG specialist and founder of Carron ESG Group, working across Europe, Asia and Africa. She has more than 20 years of experience in sustainability, ESG strategy, decarbonisation, carbon management and... Show more

Dr. Tiemo Arndt is a senior executive in the paper, packaging, and fiber-based materials industry with more than two decades of experience spanning research, innovation management, technology transfer, and industrial leadership. His career combines a strong scientific foundation with extensive operational and strategic expertise, making him a recognized leader in the development of sustainable packaging and circular economy solutions. Dr. Tiemo Arndt studied Forestry Science and Wood Technology and later earned a doctorate in Process Engineering at Technische Universität Dresden.

Since 2026, Dr. Tiemo Arndt has been Managing Director of Packwell Schwepnitz GmbH & Co. KG, a company of the Palm Group. The Palm Group is one of Europe’s leading companies in corrugated packaging, paper production, and circular economy solutions, operating an integrated business model that combines paper recycling, paper manufacturing, and packaging production. In this role, Arndt is responsible for guiding the company’s strategic and operational development while supporting the group’s commitment to sustainable growth, resource efficiency, and innovation.

Before moving into executive management, Dr. Tiemo Arndt held a variety of leadership positions at Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS), one of Europe’s leading research and service organizations for the paper industry. In his most recent role at PTS as Head of Research & Transfer, he led interdisciplinary teams and collaborated closely with industry partners to develop practical solutions addressing efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation across the paper value chain.

From 2023 to 2025, Arndt served as Managing Director of Reflex GmbH & Co. KG, where he was responsible for the strategic development and modernization of the company’s paper manufacturing operations. During this period, he focused on strengthening competitiveness through innovation, operational excellence, sustainability initiatives, and the development of specialty paper solutions tailored to evolving market demands.

Dr. Tiemo Arndt is a senior executive in the paper, packaging, and fiber-based materials industry with more than two decades of experience spanning research, innovation management, technology transfer, and industrial leadership. His career combines a... Show more