Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert.

Previously, he was the Founder and President of OpenConcept Consulting Inc., a web development agency specializing in building open source solutions for the open web. Mike has served as a Drupal Core Accessibility Maintainer in 2012.

Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert. Previously, he was the Fou... Show more

Muskan Kashyap is a B.Tech CSE Second year Student as well as startup and community enthusiast with experience across founder’s office operations, sales development, outreach, and community building. She has worked as a Sales Development Representative at GoDigitify and in founder’s office roles at Peggy Ice Cream and CN8 at Indian School of Buisness ( ISB ), where she is currently gaining exposure to the startup ecosystem.

Beyond her internship experiences, Muskan is actively involved in community outreach and networking, serving as an ambassador for GFG, Reskill, and Innovation Mission Punjab and Gemini, while contributing to community engagement and relationship-building initiatives. She enjoys connecting people, initiating conversations, building meaningful professional relationships, and exploring opportunities at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and community growth.

Passionate about helping people step beyond their comfort zones, Muskan believes that communication, curiosity, and the courage to reach out can open doors to opportunities that go beyond a resume

Muskan Kashyap is a B.Tech CSE Second year Student as well as startup and community enthusiast with experience across founder’s office operations, sales development, outreach, and community building. She has worked as a Sales Development Representat... Show more

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex programs in state government.
I thrive at the intersection of people, process, and technology. Whether I'm aligning a room of executives, untangling a dependency across 13 vendors, or building the data infrastructure that gives leadership real-time visibility — I bring the clarity and structure that keeps programs on track.
My work spans program strategy, stakeholder alignment, cross-functional team leadership, and delivery governance. I believe the best project managers don't just manage schedules — they build the systems, culture, and communication that let great teams do their best work.

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex pr... Show more

Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. He currently serves as a Senior AI/ML Consultant at Onyx Data, specializing in Microsoft AI and cloud technologies to drive business innovation.

Passionate about technology and education, Abdulrafiu actively shares insights with the global tech community. His expertise spans AI research, cloud computing, and developer tools, making him a sought-after speaker and mentor. Recognized for his contributions to AI accessibility and inclusive learning, he continues to push boundaries in the intersection of AI, education, and social impact.

Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. H... Show more

Dex-Xavier Copeland is Head of Growth and Training for the GRC Engineering Club, where he builds the training paths and hands-on labs that help practitioners move past checkbox compliance and start engineering the systems behind it. He also helps the community grow through local chapters and programs that welcome new members in. By day, he's an AI Governance Manager for a state government, working where GRC and AI meet: deciding how new AI tools can be adopted safely and what evidence actually shows a risk is managed, without letting governance become the thing that stalls good work. Teaching and mentoring sit at the center of everything he does, and he's happiest when someone who never thought of themselves as technical ships their first automation and can explain exactly why it works. Whether he's building curriculum, reviewing an AI system, or talking shop with a new chapter member, Dex's focus stays on making GRC more practical and more open to people who are ready to learn by building.

Dex-Xavier Copeland is Head of Growth and Training for the GRC Engineering Club, where he builds the training paths and hands-on labs that help practitioners move past checkbox compliance and start engineering the systems behind it. He also helps the... Show more

Varshenne Reddi is a Research & Reporting Analyst at East Texas A&M University and an Adjunct Faculty member in the College of Business. Her work focuses on accreditation reporting, institutional research analytics, student success metrics, and evidence-based decision-making that supports educational quality and continuous improvement.

She works closely with university leadership on institutional reporting initiatives, including accreditation-related reporting, rankings, and strategic data analysis. Through her work, she is developing practical frameworks that help higher education institutions use reliable evidence to improve transparency, accountability, and educational outcomes.

Her current research explores evidence-based institutional research and reporting frameworks for advancing educational quality. She is passionate about bridging academic research with practical implementation to help institutions make better decisions through data-informed strategies.

Her speaking interests include institutional research, educational quality, higher education analytics, accreditation, student success, evidence-based decision making, and continuous improvement in higher education.

Varshenne Reddi is a Research & Reporting Analyst at East Texas A&M University and an Adjunct Faculty member in the College of Business. Her work focuses on accreditation reporting, institutional research analytics, student success metrics, and evide... Show more

Jessie is the Power Platform service owner at Hennepin County as a member of the Enterprise Strategic Solutions team for the past five years. She began her journey at the county as a developer and quickly found her passion in the Power Platform space. Starting her technology career as what is now known as a citizen developer, Jessie has grown into a leader who empowers others to build tools that make work better—for everyone. Her mission is simple: enable people to create meaningful solutions that improve how they work every day.

Jessie is the Power Platform service owner at Hennepin County as a member of the Enterprise Strategic Solutions team for the past five years. She began her journey at the county as a developer and quickly found her passion in the Power Platform space... Show more

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and international tech events. He has trained and coached 500+ students in AI and Data Science, and focuses on making complex AI concepts accessible to Moroccan developers in Darija.

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and intern... Show more

Jesus Gil es un especialista el área de datos e Inteligencia Artificial, actualmente se desempeña como Arquitecto de Soluciones de Nube (CSA) en Microsoft
Por 12 años consecutivo fue nombrado MVP de SQL Server
Es coautor de 2 guías oficiales de Migración escritas para Microsoft Corporation y del libro Power BI MVP Book
Es ingeniero en sistemas, pero su pasión por la Educación lo llevó a obtener una maestría y un Doctorado en Ciencias de la Educación
Cuenta con +25 años de experiencia en la industria, desde el año 2007 ha dado entrenamientos tanto en México, USA, LATAM y Europa
Desde el año 2008 es un speaker habitual en eventos de tecnología dando charla en México, USA, LATAM y Europa

Jesus Gil es un especialista el área de datos e Inteligencia Artificial, actualmente se desempeña como Arquitecto de Soluciones de Nube (CSA) en Microsoft Por 12 años consecutivo fue nombrado MVP de SQL Server Es coautor de 2 guías oficiales de Mig... Show more

I am a tech leader, award-winning Software Engineering graduate, and AI enthusiast with over four years of experience in Agile delivery, software products, and AI-powered digital solutions. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Management & Analytics at the Washington University of Science and Technology and also Team Lead & Project Manager at Team Diamonds. I gained international recognition as the Global Champion of the 2022 NASA Space Apps Challenge, and I represented my project team at NASA Headquarters in 2024.
As a Project Manager and Business Analyst, I specialize in Generative AI tools, MVP development, data analytics, and backend cloud systems. Beyond my technical work, I frequently serve as a technical judge for global STEM and innovation competitions, including the Technovation Girls, Illinois Student Invention Convention, Conrad Challenge and the NASA Space Apps Challenge. I am passionate about bridging the gap between data-driven business analysis and AI-assisted engineering, and I look forward to sharing my expertise with the AWS DMV tech community.

I am a tech leader, award-winning Software Engineering graduate, and AI enthusiast with over four years of experience in Agile delivery, software products, and AI-powered digital solutions. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Manageme... Show more

Me llamo David, vivo en Uruguay, y me dedico a IR y Threat Intelligence.

Me desempeñe como Analista en Inteligencia Criminal en el estado, para luego pasarme al ambito privado, habiendo ocupado posiciones de Analista SOC L1, L2, Analista de Inteligencia, Threat Hunter a Incident Response.

Soy egresado como Analista en Inteligencia Criminal de la DNIC en Argentina, y como Analista en Inteligencia Criminal de la escuela. de Inteligencia de la Policia Federal Argentina.

Me llamo David, vivo en Uruguay, y me dedico a IR y Threat Intelligence. Me desempeñe como Analista en Inteligencia Criminal en el estado, para luego pasarme al ambito privado, habiendo ocupado posiciones de Analista SOC L1, L2, Analista de Intel... Show more

Ariane Djeupang is a ML Engineer and Project/Program Manager, a Microsoft MVP passionate about fostering community growth and innovation in the tech industry.
She is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, actively participating in the tech and non-tech communities and other initiatives that empower underrepresented groups in technology.
Her commitment to mentorship and community-driven change drives her efforts to create supportive environments where everyone can thrive and excel, and have a sincere sense of belonging.

Ariane Djeupang is a ML Engineer and Project/Program Manager, a Microsoft MVP passionate about fostering community growth and innovation in the tech industry. She is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, actively participating in the tech... Show more

Latifa DEKHICI is a full professor in computer sciences and vice dean of external relations in mathematics and computer science faculty in the university of sciences and technology of Oran; and a researcher in LDREI, Smart Grid Developement laboratory in the Higher School of Electrical and Energetic engineering of Oran. Her research interests include power dispatch, power system design, healthcare scheduling and green optimization as well as optimization methods especially metaheuristics. DEKHICI has been a member of Inside Project (Inclusion of Students With impairements in Distance Education) in 2023, of DIGITAQ Project about Quality Assurance Digitalization in Higher Education and a responsable of Digitalisation Strategy Office in her university. She partipated as a trainer in many sustainability; digitalization; accessibilty, cyber responsability, soft skills and inclusivity activities and serious game design.

Latifa DEKHICI is a full professor in computer sciences and vice dean of external relations in mathematics and computer science faculty in the university of sciences and technology of Oran; and a researcher in LDREI, Smart Grid Developement laborator... Show more

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our development office during her university placement. Today, she is the backbone of our customer success in EMEA, championing impactful learning experiences that drive organisational success and professional growth. With a proven track record of driving skills development for organisations of all sizes, she brings a passion for education to every workplace she interacts with. She has a deep understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS), learning analytics, and the IBM mainframe, enabling her to provide strategic guidance and support to clients. Recognising the need for practical learning solutions, she helps clients balance corporate objectives of efficiency and value with educational solutions that inspire and educate.

Clementine thrives at the intersection of technology, professional development, and customer engagement. Outside of work, Clementine is an avid SCUBA diver who loves exploring the wonderful waters of Britain and beyond.

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our developmen... Show more

- Coloré immigré de France puis du Québec 🇵🇰 🇫🇷 🇨🇦
- Enthousiaste gestionnaire de produits (15+ années) (Desjardins, BRP, Levio, ShareCare, Pomona, Thales, Peugeot-Citroën, SFR et Crédit Agricole) 📱
- Heureux gestionnaire de produits sur desjardins.com chez Desjardins 📱
- Apprenant chargé d’enseignement universitaire pour plusieurs universités (4 années) (Cours sur l’agilité et la gestion de produits) 🖋️
- Passionné orateur (des conférences et plusieurs interventions lors d'évènements) 📢
- Curieux étudiant en sciences de l’éducation (Baccalauréat complété - En route vers la maîtrise) 📚
- Organisateur engagé de Culture Produit (2026) - Ancien organisateur d’Agile Tour Montréal (2022 à 2025) 🎯
- Énergique entraîneur de soccer ⚽

- Coloré immigré de France puis du Québec 🇵🇰 🇫🇷 🇨🇦 - Enthousiaste gestionnaire de produits (15+ années) (Desjardins, BRP, Levio, ShareCare, Pomona, Thales, Peugeot-Citroën, SFR et Crédit Agricole) 📱 - Heureux gestionnaire de produits sur des... Show more

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to.

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of technical excellence and global access. She has shipped production ML systems, advised 30+ early-stage AI product teams annually, and built a global technical institute serving 40K+ developers across 120+ countries, generating $45M+ in career outcomes for 600+ first-generation technologists.

Mentor Me Collective is a Google for Startups partner, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center alumni, and by every measure, a developer relations program at true scale, with enablement programs running at 3x industry engagement benchmarks and partnerships spanning Google Cloud, IBM, and Grow with Google.

Her technical range is matched by her ability to translate it across engineering rooms, executive briefings, and communities the industry too often overlooks.

Chanel works at the frontier of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and accelerated computing. She builds fast, speaks plain, and closes the gap between what's possible and who gets to build it.

She is not building toward legacy. She is already living it.

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to. A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of techn... Show more

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and Human Resources Manager, reflecting adaptability across industries including healthcare, food, automotive, and oil.

An entrepreneurial spirit, Tom builds and manages multiple ventures alongside consulting. His portfolio includes software platforms for nonprofits, education, and event management, along with hands-on projects in IoT, AI, and disaster readiness.

Outside of technology, Tom is a storm chaser and community volunteer. He contributes to disaster relief efforts, teaches STEM outreach, and speaks at conferences, colleges, schools, and museums. His passions extend to vintage technology, restoring antique cars and radios, and advancing communication tools through amateur radio.

Tom is an active member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, Spotter Network, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services. Through speaking and consulting, he shares hard-earned lessons in resilience, innovation, and building solutions that matter.

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and ... Show more

George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder with a background in Software Engineering, Leadership, Training and Teaching roles which together span over a decade long background in the IT field. Passionate about pentesting and automating everything Cyber Security related or how he likes to call it: finding ways to work less or not at all. George holds a GPEN and a GCFA certification and is part of GIAC Advisory Board.

Currently George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder at Visma and an Associate Professor at Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, teaching students how to be better blue teamers.

George is responsible for building from the ground up the internal SOAR platform that is used by Visma GSOC to automate every step of the way from the moment the alert comes into their systems until it gets closed by the analyst.

George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder with a background in Software Engineering, Leadership, Training and Teaching roles which together span over a decade long background in the IT field. Passionate about pentesting and automating everything ... Show more

Ingeniero graduado de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI), Doctor en Energética y Magíster en Administración. Actualmente se desempeña como consultor independiente.

Cuenta con múltiples certificaciones profesionales en plataformas de nube y analítica, incluyendo Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer, Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102), Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100), Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) y Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300).

Además, fue becario del programa Future AWS AI Engineer, desarrollado por Amazon Web Services y Udacity, y ha completado programas avanzados de especialización en Deep Learning e Ingeniería de Inteligencia Artificial.

Su trabajo se enfoca en el desarrollo de soluciones basadas en IA generativa para problemas empresariales y educativos.

Ingeniero graduado de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI), Doctor en Energética y Magíster en Administración. Actualmente se desempeña como consultor independiente. Cuenta con múltiples certificaciones profesionales en plataformas de nube ... Show more

Frank Victory is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience shaping impactful security strategies. Focused on results rather than titles, he has excelled in both technical and leadership roles, bringing deep expertise in defensive and offensive security—spanning blue and red team operations, incident response, and threat & risk management.

Passionate about developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Frank teaches at local community colleges and leads instruction for CU Boulder’s programs in Social Engineering, Ethical Hacking, DFIR, and Threat Hunting. As Vice President of the Denver OWASP chapter, he fosters community engagement through meetups and conferences, including SnowFROC.

Frank also co-hosts the Colorado=Security Podcast, where he interviews local cybersecurity professionals, delving into their journeys, challenges, and insights—always ending with the question: What is the biggest challenge in cybersecurity today?

Frank Victory is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience shaping impactful security strategies. Focused on results rather than titles, he has excelled in both technical and leadership roles, bringing deep expertise in defensi... Show more

Felicity Patrick is a Lead Network Architect with more than 20 years building and securing network infrastructure across federal environments, including federal health IT, with prior service as a CIO. A Marine Corps veteran and former CCIE, she is pursuing a PhD in Cyber Leadership at Capitol Technology University, where her research treats documentation failure and technical debt as governance risks. She works at the intersection of hands-on infrastructure and the decisions that govern it.

Felicity Patrick is a Lead Network Architect with more than 20 years building and securing network infrastructure across federal environments, including federal health IT, with prior service as a CIO. A Marine Corps veteran and former CCIE, she is pu... Show more

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning U.S. federal government, military operations, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizations. His work focuses on helping leaders understand and manage cyber risk shaped by geopolitics, operational reality, and real‑world consequences.

Josh currently serves as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) within a large U.S. healthcare organization, aligning cybersecurity strategy with business growth, regulatory requirements, and patient care. He translates technical risk into executive decision‑making and embeds security into enterprise transformation initiatives.

In parallel, Josh supports international cyber capacity‑building as a senior advisor to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense Cyber Defense Center, where he helps design incident response frameworks, organizational models, workforce pipelines, large‑scale cyber exercises, and governance aligned with NATO and EUCOM objectives.

Josh is also an officer in the U.S. Air National Guard, specializing in cyberspace operations and international security advising, with experience integrating cyber considerations into joint and multi‑domain environments.

Across government, military, and private‑sector roles, Josh designs executive‑level exercises and crisis simulations focused on risk‑based decision‑making under uncertainty. His work consistently operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and leadership—helping organizations understand not just what could happen, but why it matters and how to act.

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning U.S. federal government, military operations, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizations. His ... Show more

Portia Richardson is a transformational leadership and education speaker, social impact strategist, educator, and founder who helps leaders and educators lead well, strengthen culture, and create meaningful impact without losing themselves in the process.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Tumaini DC, Portia brings more than 15 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development. Her work has reached thousands of students, educators, and leaders across the U.S. and globally, with a focus on developing people, strengthening school and organizational culture, and creating environments where people can thrive.

Portia speaks at the intersection of transformational and servant leadership, educator wellness, school climate and culture, social-emotional learning, purpose, and sustainable impact. She brings the perspective of someone who has been in the classroom, built organizations, led teams, coached leaders, and worked alongside communities.

Her style is honest, relatable, practical, and rooted in real experience. Whether speaking to educators, school and district leaders, executives, or social impact organizations, Portia challenges people to think beyond what they accomplish and pay attention to how they lead, how people experience their leadership, and the culture they create along the way.

Her core belief is simple: We transform organizations and communities by first transforming the way we lead and care for people—including ourselves.

Portia Richardson is a transformational leadership and education speaker, social impact strategist, educator, and founder who helps leaders and educators lead well, strengthen culture, and create meaningful impact without losing themselves in the pro... Show more

Mister Brown helps students make better choices so they can live better lives — and equips parents and educators to intentionally build cultures where respect, responsibility, and connection flourish.
With over 30 years of experience in schools and youth development, he teaches that culture is not created by rules alone, but by relationships, consistency, and daily choices. His message challenges communities to move beyond managing behavior and toward building environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
His impact has reached millions of elementary, junior high, and high school students — as well as the adults who support them — through school partnerships, classroom video curriculum, and widely viewed YouTube content for students, parents, and educators around the world. In addition, Mister Brown has developed practical resources and professional development experiences that help teachers strengthen classroom culture, help parents reinforce positive habits at home, and help entire school communities grow more connected and aligned.

Mister Brown helps students make better choices so they can live better lives — and equips parents and educators to intentionally build cultures where respect, responsibility, and connection flourish. With over 30 years of experience in schools and ... Show more

Lilia Gargouri stands for sustainable, scalable, and efficient quality assurance in complex eGovernment projects. She is committed to accessibility, trains career changers, and passionately advocates for greater visibility and equal opportunities for women in IT. As the inventor of a model-based, low-code test automation tool, she has significantly simplified and accelerated quality assurance in critical eGovernment projects. As ISTQB® Glossary Chair and member of the German Testing Board, she actively drives the development of industry quality standards.

Lilia Gargouri stands for sustainable, scalable, and efficient quality assurance in complex eGovernment projects. She is committed to accessibility, trains career changers, and passionately advocates for greater visibility and equal opportunities for... Show more

Dr. June Hall, affectionately known as Dr. June, has been an educator and presenter for over 20 years. She is a TEDx speaker, media personality, author, and speaker. When faced with trials that negatively impacted her life, her faith in God taught her to APT which is to Accentuate Positive Thinking. She then founded Time to APT, facilitating programs to help others personally and professionally. As a speaker she spreads this message of positivity, effective communication, and making lemon pound cake when life gives you lemons. She has been the keynote speaker for the Mental Health Association of Broward, CARE Foundation, Girl Scouts of America, AABE, colleges, churches and more. As a media personality, she is the expert panelist on shows such as NBC Bloom, CBS Great Day Tampa Bay, podcasts and more. She has received the EPIC (Exceptional People Impacting the Community) Award.
With her masters in Mental Health Counseling and her doctorate in Educational Leadership, she bridges her experiences in the corporate/academic world with her background in counseling to strengthen communication skills, reduce stress, and increase retention in schools and at work. Dr. June teaches and implements emotional wellness as she posits "As long as you still have life, each day offers you an opportunity to do something towards your goal. It's Time to APT; It's Time to take ACTION."

Dr. June Hall, affectionately known as Dr. June, has been an educator and presenter for over 20 years. She is a TEDx speaker, media personality, author, and speaker. When faced with trials that negatively impacted her life, her faith in God taught he... Show more

Bea Mensing is a member of Klasse Klima with a background in Performing Arts, Philosophy and Education. Her interest lies in creating interdisciplinary and inclusive learnspaces, that combine theory and practice and consider cognitive and sensual aspects.

Bea Mensing ist ein Mitglied von Klasse Klima mit einem Hintergrund in Performativen Künsten, Philosophie und Bildung. Ihr Interesse liegt darin, interdisziplinäre und möglichst inklusive Lernräume zu gestalten, die Theorie und Praxis verbinden und sowohl kognitive als auch sinnliche Aspekte beachten.

Bea Mensing is a member of Klasse Klima with a background in Performing Arts, Philosophy and Education. Her interest lies in creating interdisciplinary and inclusive learnspaces, that combine theory and practice and consider cognitive and sensual asp... Show more

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at the Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Studies of the University of Cologne.

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at th... 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

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida Show more