Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and corporations in Australia and India, including Vodafone, Coles, and Charles Darwin University, Basware, Teamlease EdTech, UPES where he specialized in global partnerships, student mobility, business development, sales & marketing, customer experience, relationship building, and many more fields.

As the Founder & CEO of the GORI Foundation, he is driving initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering students, educators, and communities. He actively mentors startups and innovators through the Ministry of Education’s Institution Innovation Council (India), Jagriti Enterprises, and other platforms, helping early-stage ventures shape their growth journey.

Charanpal is a recognized Innovation Ambassador, mentor, and evaluator for the Government of India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and regularly collaborates with universities worldwide to create opportunities for cross-cultural learning, student exchange, and knowledge transfer. He is also well-versed in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and other advanced digital solutions, bringing a tech-driven edge to his expertise. He has hands-on experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, WordPress, and a range of emerging AI tools such as ChatGPT Gamma, etc., leveraging these platforms to drive impact in business, education, and innovation.

A visionary thought leader at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and technology, he is passionate about building global bridges, enabling innovation-driven growth, and creating social impact at scale.

Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and c... 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

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

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

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

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

Matt "Kelly" Williams is the founder of Making Software Greener, the CEO of the Sustainable IT Manifesto Foundation, advisory board member for the Green Computing Foundation, and a speaker and mentor on IT practices including DevOps, Cloud Computing, and mental health advocacy. He has always wanted to be a Renaissance person; perhaps one day he will be. In the meantime, he explores IT Sustainability, is learning photography, designs tabletop games, reads, weaves, cooks, hacks, and explores the mountains near Loveland, Colorado.

Matt "Kelly" Williams is the founder of Making Software Greener, the CEO of the Sustainable IT Manifesto Foundation, advisory board member for the Green Computing Foundation, and a speaker and mentor on IT practices including DevOps, Cloud Computing... 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

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

Laureato in Ingegneria Matematica (master in Applied Statistics) al Politecnico di Milano, in qualità di consulente mi occupo di progettare, implementare e ottimizzare soluzioni architetturali in ambito Data&AI, basate su moderne piattaforme Cloud, in particolare Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Hashicorp Terraform, Azure DevOps e GitHub.

Affianco il background tecnico, coltivando interessi riguardo aspetti etici, sociali e ambientali delle moderne tecnologie. Da diversi anni, curo incontri di divulgazione scientifica e partecipo attivamente ad eventi tech.

Laureato in Ingegneria Matematica (master in Applied Statistics) al Politecnico di Milano, in qualità di consulente mi occupo di progettare, implementare e ottimizzare soluzioni architetturali in ambito Data&AI, basate su moderne piattaforme Cloud, i... Show more

Vipin Kataria is an IEEE Senior Member and Distinguished SCRS Fellow with 21+ years of experience in enterprise cloud platforms and AI systems. As Lead Architect - Data/ML at Picarro, he designs cloud data solutions for environmental monitoring and hazardous gas detection, processing real-time IoT sensor data for Fortune 500 companies.

His career spans leading technology companies where he built scalable solutions: at Intel Corporation, he architected automated diagnostic systems for XMM modem platforms; at Amazon, he developed enterprise-grade cloud solutions; and at Aricent Technologies and TCS, he delivered telecommunications and enterprise software platforms. This diverse experience across hardware, cloud, and enterprise domains uniquely positions him to solve complex technical challenges.

He actively contributes to the AI research community as an author and peer-reviewer of cutting-edge research papers. Vipin also serves as a judge for international AI awards and hackathons, helping evaluate breakthrough innovations. He's currently writing "The Agentic Enterprise," which explores how AI agents transform marketing, customer experience, and enterprise operations.

His expertise spans modern data architecture, advanced analytics pipelines, and next-generation AI systems that drive business transformation. Based in Fremont, California, he continues advancing cloud architecture, machine learning, and IoT technologies.

Vipin Kataria is an IEEE Senior Member and Distinguished SCRS Fellow with 21+ years of experience in enterprise cloud platforms and AI systems. As Lead Architect - Data/ML at Picarro, he designs cloud data solutions for environmental monitoring and h... 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

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

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

¡Hola! Soy un entusiasta líder en desarrollo de software con una genuina pasión por aprender y compartir conocimientos. En este momento, estoy dedicando mi tiempo a enriquecer la comunidad JavaScript Chile como parte del staff, Apoyo a comunidades en la evaluación y además de mantener mis clases particulares dirigidas a programadores juniors, un espacio donde puedo transmitir lo aprendido en mi trayectoria en empresas como Poliglota, AVLA, Orand entre otras.

A lo largo de mi carrera, he tenido la gratificante experiencia de coordinar equipos de desarrollo multidisciplinarios en distintos países. He tenido la oportunidad de trabajar con una variedad de tecnologías, incluyendo JavaScript, SQL, AWS, Vue.js y Ruby on Rails. Mi enfoque siempre ha sido liderar con empatía y fomentar un ambiente de colaboración y crecimiento continuo. Con una formación que incluye un magister en ingeniería informática de la Universidad de Santiago de Chile, estoy muy emocionado por la posibilidad de ser speaker en esta conferencia, esperando poder conectar con otros profesionales y compartir experiencias y perspectivas enriquecedoras. ¡Estoy ansioso por la oportunidad de contribuir a esta comunidad con una charla que inspire y fomente la colaboración y el aprendizaje!

¡Hola! Soy un entusiasta líder en desarrollo de software con una genuina pasión por aprender y compartir conocimientos. En este momento, estoy dedicando mi tiempo a enriquecer la comunidad JavaScript Chile como parte del staff, Apoyo a comunidades en... Show more

Maria-Anastasia is a software engineer and a Microsoft IoT Most Valuable Professional (MVP). She currently works as a software engineer at BEWISE. She holds a Diploma in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras.

Furthermore, she is also a PhD candidate at the University of the Aegean, having completed a Master's Program in the Didactics of Mathematics, Science, and Information and Communication Technologies in Education: Interdisciplinary Approach. Her thesis focused on designing and implementing an interactive digital book for teaching mathematics through programming. Her research interests include teaching and learning for the development of Computational Thinking (CT), the pedagogy of Information Technology, and the integrated educational approach of IT and Mathematics for CT development.

Maria-Anastasia has received four awards in international robotics competitions with the Robotics Club UoP. She is a frequent speaker at national and international technology conferences, and is also a blogger and co-host on the IoTeaLive Livestream. With seven Microsoft Certifications, she is dedicated to continuous learning in technology. Additionally, she has volunteered in various labs, technology conferences, and environmental clubs, reflecting her commitment to environmental concerns.

Maria-Anastasia is a software engineer and a Microsoft IoT Most Valuable Professional (MVP). She currently works as a software engineer at BEWISE. She holds a Diploma in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras. Furthermo... 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

Over nineteen years of experience in software development and design.
I have been passionate about cloud technologies for the last nine years.
My journey with the cloud began with Azure. However, about three years later, AWS became my primary cloud provider at work. 
From the beginning, I was impressed by how cloud technologies help engineers in their work and help deliver solutions much faster and easier. 
For the last four years, my interests and work mainly focused on serverless infrastructure, containerized applications, and search. 
Besides that, I am also curious about other cloud providers, like GCP and Azure.

I'm the AWS Community Builder.

Speaker and co-organizer of the "Mambo Jambo Cloud Talks" community meetup in Prague.

Over nineteen years of experience in software development and design. I have been passionate about cloud technologies for the last nine years. My journey with the cloud began with Azure. However, about three years later, AWS became my primary clou... 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

Ralf Richter is a renowned IT expert with over two decades of professional experience, specializing in cloud technologies. He has demonstrated his expertise across various industries, including medical technology, finance, automotive, and manufacturing. As a consultant, Ralf has worked on cloud projects at various levels, from strategic to methodical aspects, advising both executive boards and developer teams.

Ralf has been repeatedly honored as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), underscoring his profound knowledge and significant contribution to the IT community. He serves as a Cloud Solution Architect and is also active as a coach and trainer for cloud and software technologies. Ralf is known for always being at the forefront of technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, where he develops and implements innovative solutions.

Additionally, Ralf engages as a Community Leader, where he shares his knowledge and acts as a mentor for emerging professionals in the technology sector. His commitment and expertise make him a key figure in the world of IT and cloud technology.

Ralf Richter is a renowned IT expert with over two decades of professional experience, specializing in cloud technologies. He has demonstrated his expertise across various industries, including medical technology, finance, automotive, and manufacturi... 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

I am a Principal Architect at iSpace with expertise in Cloud Architecture, AI/ML, Serverless Computing, and Enterprise Security, leading the design of scalable and resilient enterprise solutions. I hold the AWS Security Specialty certification and am preparing for the Machine Learning Specialty, with focus areas including semantic search, intelligent content discovery, and AI-driven optimization in serverless systems.

Alongside my technical career, I am a Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, and a Mentor with Startup India, where I guide founders and innovators in technology adoption, architecture strategy, and sustainable growth. My work blends deep technical problem solving with leadership, governance, and mentorship, giving me a holistic perspective on how technology drives business and innovation. Passionate about knowledge-sharing, I contribute to developer communities, mentor professionals, and explore the intersection of technology,leadership, and entrepreneurship

I am a Principal Architect at iSpace with expertise in Cloud Architecture, AI/ML, Serverless Computing, and Enterprise Security, leading the design of scalable and resilient enterprise solutions. I hold the AWS Security Specialty certification and am... Show more

With a background in Architecture and Development Tadeh has supported building large scale projects with diverse teams for over 10 years. By promoting open dialogue, systems thinking, and long term planning he has improved operational efficiencies in all his endeavors. He is a course author, trainer, and open source contributor as well as a speaker at national conferences in technology, architecture, design. He loves to talk about the new possibilities with technology and innovation at everyone’s disposal while building communities along the way.

With a background in Architecture and Development Tadeh has supported building large scale projects with diverse teams for over 10 years. By promoting open dialogue, systems thinking, and long term planning he has improved operational efficiencies in... Show more

Alexander has been a full-stack developer for twelve years and is currently part of the Cloud FinOps team at Atlassian.

A full-stack developer with twelve years of experience. He previously ran an App development agency, managing various teams across design and development, leading web, backend and native mobile app developers in Australia and Europe.

Alexander's strengths are system architecture design and communicating complicated tech to everyday people. He has helped scale tech at numerous startups and is passionate about making a positive difference.

When not working, you can find him writing tech articles and teaching Javascript and React at SheCodes, an initiative helping to get more women into tech. He regularly gives talks on various topics, focusing on the impact the technology we build can have.

Alexander is devastated by the state of the world, loves a good political rant and can often be swearing at no one in particular. He enjoys building things in JavaScript, Deno and Node.

Alexander has been a full-stack developer for twelve years and is currently part of the Cloud FinOps team at Atlassian. A full-stack developer with twelve years of experience. He previously ran an App development agency, managing various teams acr... 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 PhD and expert in Applied Economics and Strategic Marketing, Andrea Saravalle combines a solid academic career at three leading Italian universities (Bologna, Brescia, Ancona) with extensive consulting work for national brands. Specializing in market analysis and positioning strategies, he helps organizations navigate technological and structural changes through a deep understanding of stakeholders' real needs. He is a member of the "Industry, Territory, Environment" research group at the University of Bologna. As a speaker, he brings to the stage a vision that combines strategy and sustainability, guiding companies towards growth that is both innovative and profitable.

A PhD and expert in Applied Economics and Strategic Marketing, Andrea Saravalle combines a solid academic career at three leading Italian universities (Bologna, Brescia, Ancona) with extensive consulting work for national brands. Specializing in mark... Show more