I am an accomplished speaker and presenter with a passion for sharing my knowledge and expertise with others.

As an active contributor to several open-source communities, I have delivered talks and hands-on sessions in a variety of tech stacks, including Flutter and Dart. I believe that open source is the future of software development, and I am committed to making a positive impact in this space through my contributions and speaking engagements.

In addition to my open source work, I bring a wealth of experience in business development, strategic planning, and project management to the table. I am a strategic thinker with a strong ability to identify new business opportunities and deliver impactful results, and I have a proven track record of success in both start-up and established environments.

Overall, I am excited to continue pursuing my career as a speaker and presenter, and I look forward to the opportunity to share my insights and expertise with your audience.

I am an accomplished speaker and presenter with a passion for sharing my knowledge and expertise with others. As an active contributor to several open-source communities, I have delivered talks and hands-on sessions in a variety of tech stacks, in... Show more

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

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

Leadership at TREE Industries

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

Innovations in AI Sustainability

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

Key Projects and Initiatives:

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

Industry Influence:

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

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

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

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

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations.

With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he works on designing practical frameworks for AI adoption, addressing its limitations, risks, and challenges in real-world decision-making contexts.

He is the founder of Thinking Out!, a consulting firm focused on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, where he supports institutions and professionals in the effective integration of these technologies.

He is currently researching how the public sector can reduce its structural gaps and improve its capabilities through the strategic adoption of technology. As part of this work, he developed a digital transition approach adaptable to different types of organizations, aimed at effectively integrating data and artificial intelligence in real-world management contexts.

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations. With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he wor... 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

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

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

I run Ziax, a studio that specialises in multiplayer gaming infrastructure. We run our own brand, CubeCraft Games, and work with other partner studios to provide technical services and infrastructure to support millions of players!

Outside of tech, I'm heavily involved in the sport of sailing (coaching / race management / governance) after being a competitive windsurfer when I was younger.
I also work within the UK Events industry in operations and event control roles.

I run Ziax, a studio that specialises in multiplayer gaming infrastructure. We run our own brand, CubeCraft Games, and work with other partner studios to provide technical services and infrastructure to support millions of players! Outside of tech... 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

Jamie is a Senior Developer Advocate for Loqate formally at IBM & Sonatype, based in the UK. He has had the privilege to have spoken all around the world at developer conferences and is an organiser of London’s biggest developer community, the London Java Community.

Passionate about discovering ways to help reduce developers carbon footprint, he is also a subject matter expert in containerised solutions and build technologies. He fell in love with coding at university and has gone on to talk at many conferences about using languages like Java with microservices and related technologies such as AI and software security. He has worked on a wide variety of projects such as modernising IBMs mainframe testing infrastructure, creating, and automating the creation of Docker images for IBM’s products and contributing to a DevOps pipeline offering.

Jamie is a Senior Developer Advocate for Loqate formally at IBM & Sonatype, based in the UK. He has had the privilege to have spoken all around the world at developer conferences and is an organiser of London’s biggest developer community, the London... Show more

Sujay is a seasoned software engineer with expertise in building scalable data platforms and stream processing systems. Currently part of Netflix's Data Platform team, he leads various efforts in Data Mesh, which processes trillions of daily events. Sujay spearheaded building real-time streaming transformations, enabling quick, data-driven decisions.
Previously, he led various initiatives in Meta and Microsoft - from ultra high scale Data & Cloud Infrastructures to business critical Integrity Systems and Real-time messaging services.

Sujay is a seasoned software engineer with expertise in building scalable data platforms and stream processing systems. Currently part of Netflix's Data Platform team, he leads various efforts in Data Mesh, which processes trillions of daily events. ... Show more

I'm a software developer who loves architecture and constantly learning new things, I love to understand everything behind every kind of argument, even not related to the software environment.
I work to improve my knowledge of Cloud Systems and Kubernetes.
My expertise revolves around crafting innovative and green applications.

I'm a software developer who loves architecture and constantly learning new things, I love to understand everything behind every kind of argument, even not related to the software environment. I work to improve my knowledge of Cloud Systems and Kub... Show more

I am a professional with 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and managing scalable cloud data architectures. As a technical consultant, I specialize in Data&AI solutions that span the entire stack of modern Cloud Data Platforms, mainly based on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Hashicorp Terraform, Azure DevOps, and GitHub.
I have a solid university background (MSc in Mathematical Engineering at Politecnico of Milan), combined with a proven ability to communicate with different kind of audiences.
I complement my core skills by cultivating interests in the ethical, social, and environmental aspects of modern technologies. I'm interested in science outreach and actively involved in tech events, always looking for continuous learning.

I am a professional with 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and managing scalable cloud data architectures. As a technical consultant, I specialize in Data&AI solutions that span the entire stack of modern Cloud Data Platforms, mainly ba... Show more

Passionate about opensource fields, active fedora contributor, written few article for fedora and Red Hat , Active Docker community leader, Trying to promote Opensource by arranging AWS / Google Events as I am AWS UG , GDG UG and AWS CB. In Dec 2022 GDG Devfest we had taken a session for around 550+ attendees. Currently delivering training for Kubernertes / Docker and GKE

Passionate about opensource fields, active fedora contributor, written few article for fedora and Red Hat , Active Docker community leader, Trying to promote Opensource by arranging AWS / Google Events as I am AWS UG , GDG UG and AWS CB. In Dec 2022 ... Show more

Currently, I am working as a Staff Engineer at Axa France for the past year and half. I worked as a Technical Leader/Senior Software Engineer at Axa France for 3 and a half years. I started at Axa France 5 years ago.

I am an experienced engineer with a proven track record in IT. I am proficient in Java/JEE/Spring/SpringBoot, Python, PostgreSQL, Webmethods, ODM, SOA concepts, statistical modeling, and Prolog. I hold a solid engineering background with a degree in Computer Engineering and Statistics focused on systems and network engineering, software engineering, and financial engineering from Polytechnique Lille.

Previously, I worked for SNCF for 4 years, and before that, for Capgemini for 2 and a half years.

Currently, I am working as a Staff Engineer at Axa France for the past year and half. I worked as a Technical Leader/Senior Software Engineer at Axa France for 3 and a half years. I started at Axa France 5 years ago. I am an experienced engineer w... Show more

Alicia is a software developer, musician, and natural resources engineer from Chile. Through consultancies and open-source contributions, she has built digital products committed to social and environmental impact, and her background also includes agroecology and environmental education. Her current work focuses on product engineering and harness engineering: designing the systems, scaffolding, and workflows that make AI agent output trustworthy at scale, so teams can move from reviewing code line by line to gardening the systems that produce it.

Alicia is a software developer, musician, and natural resources engineer from Chile. Through consultancies and open-source contributions, she has built digital products committed to social and environmental impact, and her background also includes ag... Show more

I am a multifaceted professional with extensive experience across technology, education, and leadership spanning two decades. Throughout my career, I have contributed in diverse capacities including individual contributor, technical product manager, scrum master, intellectual property rights coordinator, and coach specializing in open-source test automation tools and programming.
As the Founder of 5 Elements Learning, an e-learning organization, and Mosaic Words, a green literature publishing company, I combine entrepreneurship with technical expertise. I have authored five technical books and two works of fiction.
I contribute to FOSS and open-source projects, serving as a Selenium committer.
I actively participate in the global testing and automation community, contributing to international conferences on Testing, Automation, AI, and related fields as a reviewer, jury member, organizer, and speaker. I hold multiple certifications aligned with my professional expertise and personal interests.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I enjoy writing, reading, travel, nature watching, and conservation initiatives. I am committed to contributing positively to society and the environment through both my expertise and resources, guided by the principle of #BeKind, beginning with self-compassion

I am a multifaceted professional with extensive experience across technology, education, and leadership spanning two decades. Throughout my career, I have contributed in diverse capacities including individual contributor, technical product manager, ... Show more

I'm David Aniebo, a software development engineer interested in product quality, tooling, automation, and developer operations. I specialize in building scalable, high-performing, sustainable software solutions that consistently exceed business and user expectations.

I enjoy sharing insights with the developer community through speaking engagements and workshops.

I'm David Aniebo, a software development engineer interested in product quality, tooling, automation, and developer operations. I specialize in building scalable, high-performing, sustainable software solutions that consistently exceed business and u... Show more

Heather is a Developer Advocate at Gatling where she enjoys building content and community around making performance testing approachable and essential to teams. Her perspective is shaped by five years as a software developer followed by three years advocating for DevOps best practices. She’s an international speaker that enjoys comparing theory with reality of software development lifecycles, using practical examples and analogies. Her goal is to give engineers different perspectives that will build the confidence they need to make performance a core part of their workflow.

Heather is a Developer Advocate at Gatling where she enjoys building content and community around making performance testing approachable and essential to teams. Her perspective is shaped by five years as a software developer followed by three years ... Show more

Nina Ajnira Karisik is a software engineer, speaker, and founder of MadeApt, a fashion-tech startup reimagining how clothing is made and experienced. With a background in AI, development, and community-building, Nina’s work blends technical depth with a human touch. She’s known for creating interactive sessions where audiences co-create apps live, exploring the joys and messiness of coding with AI. Her talks and talks have been featured in Australia, India, Spain and beyond

Nina Ajnira Karisik is a software engineer, speaker, and founder of MadeApt, a fashion-tech startup reimagining how clothing is made and experienced. With a background in AI, development, and community-building, Nina’s work blends technical depth wit... Show more

Aquayemi-Claude’s relentless drive for systemic reform has positioned him as a key figure across global platforms. He serves as a leader in youth empowerment, a mentor in educational equity, and a public speaker whose message resonates with diverse audiences. As a solopreneur and thought leader, his work bridges entrepreneurship, activism, and environmentalism, while his contributions to the Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities highlight his commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for marginalized communities.

A compelling public speaker and storyteller, Aquayemi-Claude captivates audiences with inspiring narratives and thought-provoking insights. With a gift for communication and a dedication to amplifying marginalized voices, Aquayemi-Claude inspires action and fosters dialogue on issues of social significance.

Aquayemi-Claude is also an accomplished author, sharing perspectives and experiences that challenge conventional wisdom and inspire critical reflection. Through written works, Aquayemi-Claude invites readers on a journey of discovery and empowerment, encouraging introspection and growth.

Aquayemi-Claude’s relentless drive for systemic reform has positioned him as a key figure across global platforms. He serves as a leader in youth empowerment, a mentor in educational equity, and a public speaker whose message resonates with diverse a... Show more

Sankalp Gilda is a Staff ML Engineer and independent researcher focused on epistemic accountability and structured reasoning for AI-assisted workflows in regulated and high-stakes domains. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and has six-plus years of production data science experience spanning time-series analysis, uncertainty quantification, and MLOps -- most recently driving AI for electric-vehicle systems in greentech as well as in oil and gas.

He created tsbootstrap, an open-source Python library for bootstrapped time-series resampling (87+ stars, sktime-integrated), and gave its tutorial at SciPy 2024. His other public OSS spans the security and developer-safety ecosystem -- idna-ip-literal-smuggle-rules, a CodeQL/Semgrep ruleset and gopatch auto-fix codemod for a Go IDNA-canonicalization bug class (UTS-46 digit-fold IP-literal smuggling) he privately disclosed to the Go team in April 2026, and mcp-keyring-injector for session-scoped credential safety in MCP environments. Recent research includes workshop papers at ICLR 2026 -- Logical Reasoning of LLMs (algebraic invariants for LLM reasoning chains and weakest-link reliability propagation) and AI in Finance (epistemic accountability and generator-ratifier disjointness for agentic financial AI). He builds Verity, a reasoning-layer system for AI coding assistants in regulated environments, currently in private development.

Outside work he's drawn to high-commitment activities -- skydiving, scuba diving, kitesurfing -- that reward the same combination of careful preparation and decisive action that good engineering does. He consults across industries through DeepThought Solutions on AI governance, structured reasoning, and ML-for-regulated-domains problems.

Sankalp Gilda is a Staff ML Engineer and independent researcher focused on epistemic accountability and structured reasoning for AI-assisted workflows in regulated and high-stakes domains. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and has six-plus years of product... Show more

Curtis Charles serves as the Director of Campus Residences Information Technology at Stony Brook University, where he leverages over 20 years of experience from both higher education and private industry. His work focuses on technical leadership, infrastructure development, and operational strategy, with an emphasis on translating institutional goals into actionable and scalable initiatives.

In his role at Stony Brook, Curtis oversees student-centered infrastructure projects within Campus Residences, including solar-powered micro-mobility charging stations and sustainable residential technologies. He partners with housing, facilities, and sustainability teams to advance projects that enhance student safety, promote equity, and improve residential living.

Curtis approaches campus challenges through a systems-oriented, results-focused lens shaped by his diverse professional background. He is particularly engaged in exploring the intersection of technology and sustainability within student life, working to ensure that campus residences are adaptable, effective, and positioned for long-term success.

Curtis Charles serves as the Director of Campus Residences Information Technology at Stony Brook University, where he leverages over 20 years of experience from both higher education and private industry. His work focuses on technical leadership, inf... Show more

As a child, I was fascinated by technology and began programming at the age of 9 to create my own video game. This passion led me to pursue computer science, and in 2009,I transitioned to cybersecurity. I work with Big Data and AI. My current objective is to unleash the vast potential of technology, particularly in the fields of cloud computing and Human-Data Interaction,to drive digital progress.

As a child, I was fascinated by technology and began programming at the age of 9 to create my own video game. This passion led me to pursue computer science, and in 2009,I transitioned to cybersecurity. I work with Big Data and AI. My current objecti... Show more

I’m a technology leader who thrives at the intersection of architecture, strategy, and organizational design. For over a decade, I’ve led platform transformations, built distributed systems at scale, and helped companies rethink how they build, deliver, and operate software.
I work hands-on with engineering teams, coach leadership, and speak at conferences to challenge outdated assumptions and share lessons from the field.
🗺️ International experience. Polyglot. Opinionated, but always curious.
🎤 Speaker on topics like digital platforms, team dynamics, and sustainable software.
🌻 Occasionally philosophical

I’m a technology leader who thrives at the intersection of architecture, strategy, and organizational design. For over a decade, I’ve led platform transformations, built distributed systems at scale, and helped companies rethink how they build, deliv... Show more

Jean Seely is a project manager at Kwik Trip, where she leads AI adoption and runs hands-on Copilot training for teams at every skill level. Before Kwik Trip, she spent years at Microsoft as a PM leading GDPR compliance for Windows and Internet Explorer ahead of the 2018 enforcement deadline.

She holds a Master's in Project Management from UW-Platteville, a BS in Applied Mathematics, and certifications including PMP and CIPM.

Outside of work, Jean and her husband Scott run a zero-emissions home in rural Wisconsin — 28.8 kW solar, geothermal heat pump, two EVs — putting them in the top 0.1% of US households by that combination in a cold climate. She talks about sustainability the same way she talks about projects: with the actual numbers, the real failure modes, and the ROI case that makes skeptics quiet.

She writes about practical sustainability and AI at jeanius.cc.

Jean Seely is a project manager at Kwik Trip, where she leads AI adoption and runs hands-on Copilot training for teams at every skill level. Before Kwik Trip, she spent years at Microsoft as a PM leading GDPR compliance for Windows and Internet Explo... Show more

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Kieran supports organisations through digital transformation and the adoption of new Microsoft technologies, including AI-powered business applications and agents.

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, K... Show more

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account.

Some previous presentations:
- BSides Oslo 2024 - Keynote - Exploring the World of Ethical Hacking: From Web Vulnerabilities to Election Security (partial recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwWPzRceCgs)
- HelloStavanger 2024 - 5 sikkerhetsfeil hos Storebrand (not recorded)
- Javazone 2020 - Overvåke gata eller finne korrupsjon Norges data er ferdig indeksert, https://vimeo.com/showcase/7568031/video/459871711
- ISF Høstkonferansen 2018 + Meetups 2018 (OWASP Oslo / Javabin Sørlandet) - Walk-through of responsible disclosures I've done
- Javazone 2017 - Lightning talk - Æ fant data, https://2017.javazone.no/program/a181ba49a1e1450c9a37d0d793a3e4ec

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account... Show more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living Entrepreneunarial values in UX and experience optimisation. I'm the happy co-founder of Ferpection, now Unguess France, a part of the Unguess European team. We're helping companies to evaluate and improve their digital products and multichannel journeys: market research and innovation, UX, QA, accessibility, sustainability, cybersecurity. We deliver these all over the world through our unique crowdtesting solutions: proprietary panel, AI platform and expert consultants pool.Living

Living Entrepreneunarial values in UX and experience optimisation. I'm the happy co-founder of Ferpection, now Unguess France, a part of the Unguess European team. We're helping companies to evaluate and improve their digital products and multichanne... Show more