AI Scientist driving scalable retail modeling, causal inference, and supply chain decisions for Target's growing digital business. Previously, he was a Graduate student in AI at Duke with research stints at the Center for Advanced Hindsight and IBM Labs for their open source and pro bono initiatives.

AI Scientist driving scalable retail modeling, causal inference, and supply chain decisions for Target's growing digital business. Previously, he was a Graduate student in AI at Duke with research stints at the Center for Advanced Hindsight and IBM L... Show more

Peter Örneholm is the CTO at Budi Auktioner, dedicated to helping companies reduce waste and embrace reuse through smart digital tools. With over 15 years of experience in Microsoft-related technologies, he leverages the power of cloud solutions like Azure to drive innovation and sustainability. Peter's mission is to create impactful solutions that enable businesses to adopt more circular and sustainable practices.

Peter Örneholm is the CTO at Budi Auktioner, dedicated to helping companies reduce waste and embrace reuse through smart digital tools. With over 15 years of experience in Microsoft-related technologies, he leverages the power of cloud solutions like... Show more

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, and Founder and CEO of sociaLink Rx, a digital health company pioneering precision social prescribing in Canada.

He serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and Climate Health Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Through leadership roles, especially with the Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment (CAPhE), he advocates for health equity and climate-resilient pharmacy practice. His research on social prescribing is published in peer-reviewed journals, and he regularly speaks at national and international conferences.

A Chartered Manager, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Agile Coach, Tarek helps healthcare organizations design evidence-based systems that are faster, safer, and measurably more impactful at the intersection of pharmacy, technology, and social health.

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, ... Show more

Mark Heckler, MBA is the Senior Director of Field Engineering at Moderne.
He has worked with key players in numerous industries and organizations to develop, deliver, and maintain critical capabilities securely, on time, and on budget. Mark is an open source contributor, author of Spring Boot: Up and Running (https://bit.ly/springbootbook), and a licensed, instrument-rated pilot.

Mark Heckler, MBA is the Senior Director of Field Engineering at Moderne. He has worked with key players in numerous industries and organizations to develop, deliver, and maintain critical capabilities securely, on time, and on budget. Mark is an o... Show more

As the Head of EMEA Operations at One Task, Bert leads the deployment of innovative camera systems designed to combat mobile phone usage while driving, combining his tech expertise with a strong commitment to road safety. He is also the founder of FabCore Consulting, where leadership, communication, and agile training and coaching are provided to organizations and individuals worldwide, fostering environments that emphasize empathy and efficiency.

An international speaker, he regularly shares his insights at conferences, engaging audiences with his deep knowledge in technology, leadership, and agile practices. With a background spanning the arts, technology, and international development, he draws on a diverse array of experiences to champion empathic leadership and continual learning. His journey through personal challenges has fueled his dedication to professional growth and making a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, he indulges in cooking and storytelling, enhancing life's flavor as a culinary enthusiast and a veteran tabletop roleplaying game master.

As the Head of EMEA Operations at One Task, Bert leads the deployment of innovative camera systems designed to combat mobile phone usage while driving, combining his tech expertise with a strong commitment to road safety. He is also the founder of Fa... Show more

Igniting the African Growth Story: Harnessing Data, AI, and ML to Empower Industries, Markets, and Lives.

As an Intrepreneur/Entrepreneur, I am fuelled by a burning passion for propelling business growth through effective processes and structures. However, my vision extends far beyond that. I firmly believe that the power of Data Insights, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning will serve as the catalysts propelling Africa into a realm of double-figure growth in sectors such as Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, Insurance Penetration, and more.

Forever a Mentee and student of life, I have amassed 9 years of invaluable experience as a dedicated and detail-oriented Project Lead/Owner. My journey has taken me through diverse environments, honing my skills in monitoring, maintaining, and surpassing client satisfaction goals and growth objectives through data-driven teams.

I hold a special interest in capturing the millennial market and leveraging Modelling Artificial Intelligence systems to unlock exponential growth opportunities in the African Market. To complement my expertise, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Actuarial Science at the esteemed University of Nairobi.

Beyond my educational background and industry experience, I have founded two successful startups that showcase my commitment to driving technological advancements and intrinsic value in the world:

1. BimaSmart: An Insurance Evaluation platform revolutionizing risk assessment and pricing of micro-insurance. I successfully sold the concept to https://jetsure-agritech.com/ in 2016-2017.

2. Tose Technologies LTD: A groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning think tank focused on implementing AI in Agriculture Value Chains to mitigate risk associated with financial instruments. Though currently at the ideation stage, we are poised to embark on a proof of concept journey in October 2022.

Igniting the African Growth Story: Harnessing Data, AI, and ML to Empower Industries, Markets, and Lives. As an Intrepreneur/Entrepreneur, I am fuelled by a burning passion for propelling business growth through effective processes and structures.... Show more

Taylor tinkers with writing, learning, time, design, software, ideas, humor, and entrepreneurship.

Taylor tinkers with writing, learning, time, design, software, ideas, humor, and entrepreneurship. Show more

Andres Sepulveda Morales is the founder of Red Mage, a specialized technology agency focusing on the intersection of deep engineering and community impact. A former corporate software engineer with 8+ years of experience, Andres translates complex technical expertise into accessible, community-driven solutions.

His consulting proficiency has been widely recognized; in 2025, he was named one of Contra’s Best Software Consultants to Hire for English and Spanish markets. He is a trusted partner for platforms like Lovable and SureLink, and a recognized expert for cutting-edge development tools including Bolt.new and Framer.

Andres is highly dedicated to advancing AI literacy in the community. As Treasurer and Advisory Board Member for the Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), he founded the Fort Collins chapter and helped the organization serve over 6,400 participants at 200+ events across Colorado in 2025 alone.

Andres Sepulveda Morales is the founder of Red Mage, a specialized technology agency focusing on the intersection of deep engineering and community impact. A former corporate software engineer with 8+ years of experience, Andres translates complex te... Show more

Deepak John Reji is an experienced NLP practitioner and researcher who specializes in developing and designing solutions for data science products. He is passionate about domain-centric data science development and advocates for responsible and ethical AI development. Deepak enjoys working with social science and environmental data and creates videos showcasing various prototypes and AI tutorials. Additionally, he hosts the D4 Data Channel podcast, where he interviews industry experts and academicians in the fields of Data Science and Sustainability.

Deepak strongly believes in the power of open source and the democratization of AI. He actively contributes to open-source projects and shares his models and packages in Huggingface and PyPI repositories. His recent research focuses on Immigration and Integration Research, as well as studying human and community interactions in third places using AI and data.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-john-reji/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepakjohnreji
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4azuuXAAAAAJ&hl=en

Deepak John Reji is an experienced NLP practitioner and researcher who specializes in developing and designing solutions for data science products. He is passionate about domain-centric data science development and advocates for responsible and ethic... Show more

I am a professional with a solid university education (MSc in Mathematical Engineering - major in Applied Statistics - at Politecnico of Milan). As a Consultant, I deal with designing and implementing Data&AI solutions covering the entire stack of modern Cloud Data Platforms, mainly based on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Hashicorp Terraform, Azure DevOps and GitHub technologies.

I complement my technical background by cultivating interests in the ethical, social, and environmental aspects of modern technologies.
For several years, I have been organizing scientific outreach meetings and actively participating in tech events.

I am a professional with a solid university education (MSc in Mathematical Engineering - major in Applied Statistics - at Politecnico of Milan). As a Consultant, I deal with designing and implementing Data&AI solutions covering the entire stack of mo... Show more

Armagan Karatosun (He/him), holds an MSc in High-Performance Computing from Istanbul Technical University with 8+ years of industry experience. As a Cloud Data Services Expert at EUMETSAT, he specializes in crafting cloud-based solutions. His focus is on creating resilient and event-driven infrastructure tailored for advanced applications like AI/ML and high-performance workloads. He is an expert in cloud technologies, particularly Kubernetes and OpenStack.

Armagan Karatosun (He/him), holds an MSc in High-Performance Computing from Istanbul Technical University with 8+ years of industry experience. As a Cloud Data Services Expert at EUMETSAT, he specializes in crafting cloud-based solutions. His focus i... Show more

William is a CNCF Ambassador and Linkerd Ambassador currently working at Mirantis as Strategy Lead. He’s focused on helping customers designing, building, and running their initiatives on Edge, AI and Platform Engineering. He wore many hats in the IT world, Engineering, Pre-Post sales, Product Owner and Consulting. from HPC, Storage to Distributed Systems.
William enjoys volunteering in several Cloud Native groups and organizing the KCD Netherlands events.

William is a CNCF Ambassador and Linkerd Ambassador currently working at Mirantis as Strategy Lead. He’s focused on helping customers designing, building, and running their initiatives on Edge, AI and Platform Engineering. He wore many hats in the IT... Show more

Coach agile, coach professionnel, et formateur, je capitalise sur 16 ans d'expérience dans les environnements IT et agiles pour accompagner les individus, les équipes et les organisations dans leur transformation.
Mon approche, systémique, combine accompagnement opérationnel des équipes, accompagnement des leaders, et accompagnement stratégique au niveau organisationnel.
Curieux, engagé, je m’implique activement dans les communautés pour partager et apprendre.

Coach agile, coach professionnel, et formateur, je capitalise sur 16 ans d'expérience dans les environnements IT et agiles pour accompagner les individus, les équipes et les organisations dans leur transformation. Mon approche, systémique, combine a... Show more

Started with his C64 at age 11, Manu “Stuff” Carrasco Molina later became a Pro Software Dev after 3 years of CS. He started the first french podcast about Apple in 2005. Started developing for iOS in 2008. With Swift since 2014 and SwiftUI since 2019. He looks at visionOS on the side since 2023, waiting the revolution to arrive (or not). Most importantly, he has been actively involved in local politics with the Greens in Germany since 2011, sitting at various city and regional councils, and even trying to run for European Parliament. That `try` landed in the `catch` block though, but oh well, he learned ;-)

Started with his C64 at age 11, Manu “Stuff” Carrasco Molina later became a Pro Software Dev after 3 years of CS. He started the first french podcast about Apple in 2005. Started developing for iOS in 2008. With Swift since 2014 and SwiftUI since 201... Show more

Scott is an artist, engineer & dad, collaborating on a different kind of world. Into collective art, activism, therapy & open source nerdy stuff. Scott is a Cloud Native Ambassador, speaker, organizer of CNCF community events including the New York Kubernetes Meetup and New York KCD, and international conferences including GitOpsCon. He enjoys helping develop Free and Open Source Software that anyone can use, including co-maintaining CNCF projects Helm, Flux and OpenGitOps.

Scott is an artist, engineer & dad, collaborating on a different kind of world. Into collective art, activism, therapy & open source nerdy stuff. Scott is a Cloud Native Ambassador, speaker, organizer of CNCF community events including the New York K... Show more

Agile Coach for over 15 years, I help teams, leaders, and organizations grow through transformation. I explore the intersections of agility, systems thinking, ecology, frugal innovation, and foresight. Passionate about storytelling and community-building, I design meaningful learning experiences to spark collective talent and long-term impact. I also steward a community of agilists and nurture regenerative practices.

Agile Coach for over 15 years, I help teams, leaders, and organizations grow through transformation. I explore the intersections of agility, systems thinking, ecology, frugal innovation, and foresight. Passionate about storytelling and community-buil... Show more

I've been building websites and apps for various clients for the last 20 years, from running agencies to direct clients, and generally integrating the heck out of systems. I enjoy learning new things and sharing what I've learnt, and I organise the Bristol and South West .NET Meetup, as well as the DDD South West Conference.

I've been building websites and apps for various clients for the last 20 years, from running agencies to direct clients, and generally integrating the heck out of systems. I enjoy learning new things and sharing what I've learnt, and I organise the B... Show more

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant individuellement dirigeant·es et particuliers dans leurs objectifs personnels et professionnels. TEDx speaker, je crée des conférences interactives en mobilisant les sciences humaines, une approche systémique et des expériences concrètes d’accompagnement en entreprise.
Mon objectif : faire bouger les lignes sur des sujets qui impactent profondément notre quotidien.

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant ind... Show more

Michael is a Platform Engineer at 1KOMMA5°, where he builds the developer platform for Europe's largest virtual power plant. With over 10 years of experience creating developer-centric platforms, he has implemented Backstage in multiple organizations, won last year's poster session with a novel Helm-based deployment workflow for Google Cloud Run, and introduced the Component Stack—a method that combines Backstage metadata with Terraform to ensure labels are always up-to-date.

Michael is a Platform Engineer at 1KOMMA5°, where he builds the developer platform for Europe's largest virtual power plant. With over 10 years of experience creating developer-centric platforms, he has implemented Backstage in multiple organizations... Show more

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s passionate about helping others grow in tech. She has mentored over 200+ students and actively contributes to the community as a CNCF Ambassador and organiser of CNCF Gurugram.

Monika is also the founder of TMS: The Monika Rajput Stack, a podcast where she shares stories from the world of data, AI, and cloud, featuring people doing meaningful work in tech. She’s currently serving as a Program Committee Member for KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in China, Japan, and India. Her goal is to make technology more open, relatable, and accessible, especially for those who are just getting started.

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s... Show more

Aleksandar is a Product Manager for Dynamics 365 Business Central, responsible for core finance and regulatory capabilities, localization strategy, E-Documents, Sustainability, and agent-based innovation in these areas. He has more than three decades of experience in IT, with a strong background in ERP solutions. A former Dynamics NAV MVP, he is a regular lecturer at major international conferences.

Aleksandar is a Product Manager for Dynamics 365 Business Central, responsible for core finance and regulatory capabilities, localization strategy, E-Documents, Sustainability, and agent-based innovation in these areas. He has more than three decades... Show more

Jitendra Gupta is 13 years experienced IT professional with expertise in GenAI, information security and cloud computing. As a sought-after speaker, with a proven track record of implementing GenAI & security best practices in cloud environments, Jitendra is dedicated to empowering fellow IT professionals with actionable takeaways to safeguard their applications, data and infrastructure on Google Cloud.

Jitendra Gupta is 13 years experienced IT professional with expertise in GenAI, information security and cloud computing. As a sought-after speaker, with a proven track record of implementing GenAI & security best practices in cloud environments, Jit... Show more

Hello, it's Cephas here, I'm a software engineer with experience in cross-platform app development, and I'm also passionate about graphics and UX design. I love using my skills to create experiences that make people's lives better. Am glad you checked me out here!

Hello, it's Cephas here, I'm a software engineer with experience in cross-platform app development, and I'm also passionate about graphics and UX design. I love using my skills to create experiences that make people's lives better. Am glad you checke... Show more

Kristina Devochko is a platform engineer, tech content creator, speaker and tech community contributor based in Norway. She focuses on all things cloud native, Kubernetes, cloud security and green tech. Kristina is an owner of kristhecodingunicorn.com tech blog, a CNCF Ambassador, Microsoft Azure MVP, Green Software Champion, CNCF TAG Environmental Sustainability chair, co-organizer of multiple meetup groups and mentor. In her free time Kristina enjoys doing CTF challenges, reading and cuddling with her four cats.

Kristina's great passion is to share her knowledge with others and provide guidance on how to build systems with sustainability, security and cloud native principles at its core. Kristina strongly believes that contributing to making the world a better place by volunteering is important, therefore being a volunteer is a big part of her life. Both when it comes to contributing back to the tech community and non-profit organizations.

Kristina Devochko is a platform engineer, tech content creator, speaker and tech community contributor based in Norway. She focuses on all things cloud native, Kubernetes, cloud security and green tech. Kristina is an owner of kristhecodingunicorn.co... Show more

With over 4 years of experience in the tech and data analytics space, I have contributed significantly to innovative fintech startups across Africa and currently work with a leading fintech company. Beyond my professional role, I am passionate about mentoring and teaching aspiring data professionals. I have collaborated with esteemed edtech organizations such as Tech4Dev and Niyo BootCamp, and have taught over 3,000 students across Africa and the United Kingdom. Additionally, I have worked on impactful data analytics projects with Nasarawa State, FCMB among others, driving data-driven decision-making and innovation. My dedication to continuous learning and community engagement underscores my commitment to advancing the field of data analytics.

With over 4 years of experience in the tech and data analytics space, I have contributed significantly to innovative fintech startups across Africa and currently work with a leading fintech company. Beyond my professional role, I am passionate about ... Show more

Master of Business (Global Management & Marketing) (Honours)
Master of Applied Computing

With over six years of experience in cloud services, enterprise integration, and automation, I specialise in transforming ambiguous business challenges into practical, scalable solutions. My work sits at the intersection of technology and strategy, focusing on how AI, product development, and digital systems can reshape workflows and enhance decision-making.

I have a proven track record in designing seamless connections between complex systems—whether integrating platforms, redesigning processes, or improving the way information flows across an organisation. My approach blends deep technical understanding in Oracle technologies and cloud services with strong business insight, ensuring that the solutions we build are not only functional but genuinely meaningful for the people who rely on them.

I’m deeply guided by the belief that impactful technology should be quiet, intentional, and human-centred. Through writing and speaking, I explore how AI and modern product thinking are reshaping digital experiences and the future of work.

✍️ Explore my thoughts on Substack: https://elaine1233blog.substack.com

🔗 Learn about my work at BrightQuant: https://brightquant-ai.world/

Master of Business (Global Management & Marketing) (Honours) Master of Applied Computing With over six years of experience in cloud services, enterprise integration, and automation, I specialise in transforming ambiguous business challenges into... Show more

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon expérience au service de ceux qui partagent mon quotidien, mais j'essaye avant tout de leur faire révéler leur propre potentiel, parfois des pépites qu'ils ignorent d'eux-mêmes...

Maman de 3 enfants, neuroatypique, féministe et fresqueuse du climat.

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon ... 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

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

“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.”

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

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

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more

A Docker Captain and Microsoft MVP, is a Cloud and DevOps engineer, consultant, and instructor with expertise in Microsoft Azure and DevOps practices. Passionate about teaching, she delivers both practical and theoretical courses on Azure, and DevOps. Cigdem helps organizations implement DevOps transformations across cloud and on-premises environments while contributing to the community through insightful technical articles and videos on cloud adoption and DevOps best practices.

A Docker Captain and Microsoft MVP, is a Cloud and DevOps engineer, consultant, and instructor with expertise in Microsoft Azure and DevOps practices. Passionate about teaching, she delivers both practical and theoretical courses on Azure, and DevOps... Show more