Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Magesh Rajan

Magesh Rajan

Magesh T. Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, is Vice President for Research & Innovation at Prairie View A&M University, where he leads the university’s research, innovation and economic development enterprise. His leadership has focused on expanding research capacity, strengthening faculty competitiveness and creating pathways that connect students to research, mentorship and workforce opportunities. Under his leadership, PVAMU achieved Carnegie R2 classification, expanded undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and developed programs such as Faculty RISE and Panther RISE to support faculty scholarship and student engagement. Dr. Rajan is a licensed Professional Engineer, professor and higher education executive whose work centers on building institutional systems that strengthen research excellence, student success and long-term public impact.

Magesh T. Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, is Vice President for Research & Innovation at Prairie View A&M University, where he leads the university’s research, innovation and economic development enterprise. His leadership has focused on expanding research ... Show more

Mister Brown

Mister Brown

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

Lilia Gargouri

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

Dr. June Hall

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

Bea Mensing

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

Emmy Okwir Ogule

Emmy Okwir Ogule

Emmy Okwir Ogule is a Research Associate at the Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) in Kampala, where he drives rigorous research on digital governance, global policy, and multilateral cooperation. He delivers evidence-based insights that shape critical discussions on internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital rights.

Emmy’s work champions inclusive, intersectional approaches to complex global challenges, seamlessly connecting academic research with actionable policy solutions. Committed to amplifying diverse voices, he fosters collaborative multilateral efforts to advance digital rights and equitable governance worldwide.

Emmy Okwir Ogule is a Research Associate at the Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) in Kampala, where he drives rigorous research on digital governance, global policy, and multilateral cooperation. He delivers evidence-based insights that shape cr... Show more

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber

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

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

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

Jessie Robbins

Jessie Robbins

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

Rachel Gifford

Rachel Gifford

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

Matthew Brubaker

Matthew Brubaker

Matt Brubaker is an Architect and Energy Manager with 27-years of experience in building systems design and energy efficiency planning and implementation. Matt has served as the Campus Energy Manager at SUNY Cortland for twelve years. Most recently, Matt is serving as the SUNY Cortland Chief Sustainability Officer adding more reporting to his current roles and supporting SUNY Cortland’s Energy Master Plan efforts with a goal of 85% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2040. In Matt's spare time, he is trying to grow something to eat, or climb with his family in Central New York.

Matt Brubaker is an Architect and Energy Manager with 27-years of experience in building systems design and energy efficiency planning and implementation. Matt has served as the Campus Energy Manager at SUNY Cortland for twelve years. Most recently,... Show more

Jeremy Darling

Jeremy Darling

Jeremy Darling is a Principal Consultant at Centroid, where he partners with organizations to design and deliver resilient, secure, and scalable technology platforms in complex and regulated environments. With decades of experience across distributed systems, cloud and edge architectures, and Kubernetes-based platforms, Jeremy specializes in translating ambitious technical goals into operational reality.

His work spans data-driven systems in healthcare, public sector, and higher education, including large-scale analytics initiatives and mission-critical platforms operating under strict security and compliance constraints. Known for navigating high-stakes technical challenges, Jeremy brings a pragmatic, systems-thinking approach to architecture, delivery, and long-term sustainability.

Beyond the technology, Jeremy is deeply committed to the human side of engineering. As a leadership speaker and mental health advocate, he focuses on empathy, resilience, and communication during moments of stress, loss, and organizational change. He believes strong systems are built by healthy teams—and that leadership matters most when things don’t go as planned.

Outside of client work and speaking engagements, Jeremy practices yoga and continues exploring the intersection of mental health, leadership, and sustainable engineering culture.

Jeremy Darling is a Principal Consultant at Centroid, where he partners with organizations to design and deliver resilient, secure, and scalable technology platforms in complex and regulated environments. With decades of experience across distributed... Show more

Christian K. Karl

Christian K. Karl

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and digitalization.

With his extensive experience in research and practice, he has designed numerous projects, publications, and interactive workshops that present complex topics such as digital transformation in an accessible and practical way. His combination of academia, practice, and creativity inspires others to actively transform education.

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and d... Show more

Shari Spangrud

Shari Spangrud

Shari is an Educational Diagnostician, doctoral student, and parent of a child with a learning disability. Her professional and personal experiences shape her commitment to improving IEP quality and student progress. Her doctoral research focuses on strengthening IEP development, alignment, progress monitoring, and the systems that support meaningful instruction for students with disabilities.

Shari is an Educational Diagnostician, doctoral student, and parent of a child with a learning disability. Her professional and personal experiences shape her commitment to improving IEP quality and student progress. Her doctoral research focuses on ... Show more

Antonia Wunderlich

Antonia Wunderlich

Studium: Kunstgeschichte und Philosophie in Köln, Bonn und Witten/Herdecke. Systemische Beraterin, Facilitator, ECHA-Coach Specialist in Coaching Gifted. Schwerpunkte: Kompetenzorientiert Lehren und Prüfen, Moderation von Teamprozessen, Programmentwicklung.

Studium: Kunstgeschichte und Philosophie in Köln, Bonn und Witten/Herdecke. Systemische Beraterin, Facilitator, ECHA-Coach Specialist in Coaching Gifted. Schwerpunkte: Kompetenzorientiert Lehren und Prüfen, Moderation von Teamprozessen, Programmentwi... Show more

Marcelle Lee

Marcelle Lee

Marcelle is security practitioner but also an educator at heart, and has delivered numerous talks and workshops on a variety of topics. Marcelle brings over twelve years of experience in cybersecurity, and her journey has taken her through some of the most elite teams in the field, including Secureworks Counter Threat Unit (CTU) and the Equinix Threat Analysis Center (ETAC). She's a security consultant, threat researcher, educator, and intel analyst with deep expertise in cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, intrusion analysis, security operations, and technical writing.

She has contributed to both government and private sector initiatives, bringing a well-rounded perspective to cyber defense and threat research. Before transitioning into cybersecurity, Marcelle led operations and managed complex projects across various industries.

She is an active leader in the cyber community, serving on boards and working groups such as the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu. She is also an enthusiast of cyber competitions, both as a builder and participant.
Marcelle holds numerous industry certifications, including CISSP, GCFA, GCIA, GCIH, GPEN, GISF, GSEC, GCCC, C|HFI, C|EH, PenTest+, CASP+, Security+, and Network+. She has earned four academic degrees, including a Master’s in cybersecurity. Her contributions have been recognized with honors such as the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council Women in Tech (WIT) Award and the Volunteer of the Year award from the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu.

https://linktr.ee/marcellelee

Marcelle is security practitioner but also an educator at heart, and has delivered numerous talks and workshops on a variety of topics. Marcelle brings over twelve years of experience in cybersecurity, and her journey has taken her through some of th... Show more

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer, and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning and student academic support systems. Her background spans the education system, from classroom teaching and department leadership to district, county, state, and higher education administration. A champion for student success and equity, her work consistently translates research and emerging practices into innovative and actionable strategies for leaders, educators, and students, driving continuous improvement for schools and community organizations.

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer, and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning and student academic support systems. Her background spans the education system, from classroom teaching and department le... Show more

Lindsey Treadway

Lindsey Treadway

Lindsey Treadway, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a school-based speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience serving students and partnering with educators. She is the founder of Talk Teach Repeat, PLLC, a therapist-owned organization supporting schools through related services and innovative MTSS approaches. Her work focuses on early speech-sound development, phonological awareness, and practical ways schools can reach students earlier while making better use of specialized SLP expertise.

Lindsey Treadway, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a school-based speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience serving students and partnering with educators. She is the founder of Talk Teach Repeat, PLLC, a therapist-owned organization support... Show more

Ricardo Rossello

Ricardo Rossello

Ricardo Rosselló has spent his career moving between systems that rarely coexist on a single résumé: science, entrepreneurship, academia, government, crisis leadership, and emerging technology. A biomedical scientist by training and former Governor of Puerto Rico, he became fascinated by a recurring problem: why do well-prepared people and well-intentioned institutions so often produce outcomes they never intended?
His work focuses on the hidden signals and incentives beneath stated goals. Through The Signal and his Signal Flip framework, Rosselló helps leaders identify those forces, examine where they lead, and redesign the conditions that shape behavior. His sessions connect that idea to organizational transformation, decision-making under pressure, hyperconvergence, foresight, and longevity.

Ricardo Rosselló has spent his career moving between systems that rarely coexist on a single résumé: science, entrepreneurship, academia, government, crisis leadership, and emerging technology. A biomedical scientist by training and former Governor o... Show more

Dy Edington

Dy Edington

Dy is the owner of Edington Advisory Group, providing fractional CISO services for defense contractors, as well as CMMC advisory and preparation services. She served as Director of Information Security for BlueHalo leading their successful CMMC program. During her tenure at BlueHalo, Dy spearheaded international travel policy and implementation, inter-departmental process development, oversaw the development of a proactive cybersecurity program focused on M&A, established supply chain support for subcontractors, and built the InfoSec branch of the Cyber team. Dy then served as Director of Information Security for AV, leading the CMMC-related integration post acquisition. She has a MS in Information Technology Management, is a CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) and CISM. Prior to coming into IT/Cyber, Dy spent 20 years in Classical Education, where she managed regulatory obligations for cottage schools and cooperatives, developed curricula, led community education program development, and taught high school science. Her favorite Stoic is Marcus Aurelius.

Dy is the owner of Edington Advisory Group, providing fractional CISO services for defense contractors, as well as CMMC advisory and preparation services. She served as Director of Information Security for BlueHalo leading their successful CMMC progr... Show more

Briyona Sanghvi

Briyona Sanghvi

Briyona Sanghvi is an AI builder, Computer Science engineer, innovator, and Google Student Ambassador passionate about turning technology into solutions for real-world problems.

Her journey spans AI-powered applications, student innovation, hackathons, and technology communities, with projects exploring areas such as smart governance, education, safety, and citizen assistance. She has also been recognized through national-level innovation initiatives, including winning the Digital category at Toycathon.

As a Google Student Ambassador, Briyona actively works to make emerging technologies more accessible and encourages students and aspiring developers to experiment, learn, and build.

She is particularly interested in the space between **“What if?” and “I built it.”** Through her work, she explores how AI can help people move faster from identifying a problem to designing, prototyping, and validating meaningful solutions.

At DevFest, Briyona hopes to share not just AI tools, but the mindset and practical approach needed to use them intentionally—to turn ambitious ideas into prototypes that can create genuine impact.

Briyona Sanghvi is an AI builder, Computer Science engineer, innovator, and Google Student Ambassador passionate about turning technology into solutions for real-world problems. Her journey spans AI-powered applications, student innovation, hackat... Show more

Hina Waseem

Hina Waseem

Hina Waseem is an Enterprise Solution Architect and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) experienced in enterprise architecture, cloud modernization, AI adoption, and digital transformation. Beyond her enterprise role, she is passionate about expanding AI education by connecting industry, universities, governments, nonprofits, and communities to create meaningful opportunities. She has led AI skills initiatives introducing Microsoft learning resources to university students and educators. She also founded the Future Leaders Academy to help students move beyond AI awareness through continuous learning, leadership development, and real-world application.

Hina Waseem is an Enterprise Solution Architect and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) experienced in enterprise architecture, cloud modernization, AI adoption, and digital transformation. Beyond her enterprise role, she is passionate about expanding ... Show more

Joy Hopkins

Joy Hopkins

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for both their communication and project management skills. Their data science expertise and passion lie primarily in data literacy, visualization, and storytelling. Joy has a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Master’s degree from American University.

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for bot... Show more

Andrew MacLean

Andrew MacLean

Andrew is equal parts tech enthusiast, educator, and the kind of person who can’t resist pressing buttons just to see what happens (sometimes even twice). A former classroom teacher with nearly a decade of experience crafting learning experiences for techies of all ages, he traded chalkboards for the keyboards of the tech industry in 2020 and hasn’t looked back. Since then, he’s worn many hats—Community Manager, Developer Advocate, and now Developer Educator at Twilio—where he helps developers connect the dots between imagination and implementation. When he’s not building (or breaking :sweat_smile:) things with tech, you’ll find Andrew soaking up the west coast vibes on Vancouver Island, Canada—where he tries (and often fails) to look outdoorsy.

Andrew is equal parts tech enthusiast, educator, and the kind of person who can’t resist pressing buttons just to see what happens (sometimes even twice). A former classroom teacher with nearly a decade of experience crafting learning experiences for... Show more

Olubayo Adekanmbi

Olubayo Adekanmbi

Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi is one of Africa’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, inclusive innovation, and digital transformation. He is the Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-Founder and CEO of EqualyzAI, an African AI company building voice-first, agentic intelligence that works in local languages, dialects, and accents, on any device, with or without the internet. Through EqualyzAI, he is helping pioneer a new model of inclusive AI, where voice becomes the primary interface for intelligence and action, particularly for underserved communities often excluded from digital innovation.

With more than 24 years of executive and technical experience, Dr. Adekanmbi has held senior leadership roles at MTN Nigeria, MTN Group South Africa, and Airtel Africa UK, leading strategy, analytics, innovation, and digital transformation across more than 30 African markets and impacting over 300 million people. He is widely recognized for combining deep technical expertise with practical business and policy leadership. He co-facilitated Nigeria’s National AI Strategy with more than 120 global experts and has contributed to international efforts on AI safety, governance, and responsible innovation with organizations including GSMA, Meta, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, the Tony Blair Institute, and the UK AI Safety Institute. He also served as a senior adviser to the International Scientific Report 2025 on Advanced AI Safety led by Yoshua Bengio.

A strong advocate for AI inclusion through language, Dr. Adekanmbi has led major AI localization efforts, including the creation of AI knowledge and learning resources in Hausa and Yoruba, two Nigerian languages spoken by over 100 million people, with support from Google.org. This work reflects his commitment to ensuring that AI understanding and access are not limited to English-speaking or digitally privileged populations, but are extended to communities in their own languages and cultural contexts.

Dr. Adekanmbi’s work has earned global recognition. Five of the AI solutions he has led were selected among the UNESCO/IRCAI Top 100 AI Projects for Social Good, and he received the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Grand Challenge Award for developing AI-driven financial inclusion tools for low-income populations. A respected researcher and thought leader, he has authored and presented work at leading conferences, including NeurIPS, ICLR, AAAI, CVPR, and ICML. He holds a PhD from the University of London, has trained more than 500,000 young Africans in AI and data science through Data Science Nigeria, and is the author of several books, including Africa’s first AI book for children.

Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi is one of Africa’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, inclusive innovation, and digital transformation. He is the Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-Founder and CEO of EqualyzAI, an African AI company buildin... Show more

Ifeoma Nwosu

Ifeoma Nwosu

Ifeoma is a Software Engineer Consultant with a strong foundation in frontend software development and a user-centred approach to building inclusive digital products. She currently works at Capco, where she builds user-facing experiences for AI-powered applications and data engineering platforms within leading global financial institutions. Previously, she worked at BT as a Digital Accessibility Engineer, working alongside engineering teams to improve the accessibility of digital products and experiences, across the organisations numerous products.

Skilled in JavaScript, React, CSS, Storybook, APIs, web accessibility, and AI-agent workflows, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her engineering work, shaped by cross-functional experience in product discovery, developer education, and digital accessibility.

She has delivered accessible, user-focused web interfaces, internal tools, and scalable design systems across both B2C and B2B environments. Her interest in how users experience digital products led her to attend Product School, where she deepened her expertise in product discovery and user research, equipping her to contribute at every stage of the product and software development lifecycle.

Beyond hands-on engineering and product work, Ifeoma is a recognised community leader and conference speaker, having shared insights at technical events on topics including accessibility, web performance, and developer tooling. She currently serves as Community and Mentorship Lead at Her AI Studio, supporting initiatives focused on creating opportunities for young women and girls in AI. Her project delivery experience also includes launching global initiatives with partner institutions and overseeing the successful delivery of digital products in cross-functional, multinational teams.

With a passion for teaching, sharing knowledge, and advocating for inclusive design, Ifeoma has worked as a Developer Educator and LinkedIn Learning Instructor, creating educational content that helps teams and individuals build more usable and accessible experiences. Her LinkedIn Learning course on accessible HTML forms has also been featured as part of the curriculum on Harvard University’s Digital Accessibility Training Portal.

From leading cross-functional product initiatives to scaling accessible component libraries, building AI-powered interfaces, and shaping developer education and community, her work consistently drives impact at the intersection of technology, people, and inclusion, contributing to her endorsement for the UK Global Talent visa in Digital Technology.

Ifeoma is a Software Engineer Consultant with a strong foundation in frontend software development and a user-centred approach to building inclusive digital products. She currently works at Capco, where she builds user-facing experiences for AI-power... Show more

Craig Tomanini

Craig Tomanini

Craig Tomanini is a technology educator, speaker, and creator of Digital Discernment, a practical program helping students, families, churches, schools, and organizations navigate technology wisely in an increasingly connected world.

With more than 30 years of experience spanning technology, education, business leadership, public service, and entrepreneurship, Craig brings a uniquely practical perspective to the opportunities and challenges created by today's digital landscape.

As a K-5 Technology Teacher, business educator, and founder of The Technology Business Coach™, Craig has worked with organizations, leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and communities to improve performance, embrace innovation, and adapt to change without losing sight of the people they serve.

Craig's presentations address topics such as artificial intelligence, digital wellbeing, online safety, social media, leadership, resilience, communication, and technology's impact on individuals, families, workplaces, and communities.

Known for transforming complex ideas into relatable stories and practical action steps, Craig equips audiences with tools they can immediately apply in their personal lives, workplaces, schools, and organizations.

His audiences appreciate his authentic style, engaging delivery, and ability to make challenging topics approachable and relevant.

Whether speaking to church leaders, educators, business owners, students, healthcare professionals, nonprofit teams, or community organizations, Craig helps people navigate change with greater confidence, wisdom, and purpose.

Craig Tomanini is a technology educator, speaker, and creator of Digital Discernment, a practical program helping students, families, churches, schools, and organizations navigate technology wisely in an increasingly connected world. With more tha... Show more

Ezequiel Fernandez

Ezequiel Fernandez

Mediador, formado en la Escuela de
Mediación del Colegio Público de Abogados
de Buenos Aires. Magister en RRHH, FCE
UBA. Entrenado en negociación por CMI-Harvard,
en Cambridge, Massachusetts,
EEUU. Posgrado en Gestión Humana de
las Organizaciones, Facultad de Psicología
UBA. Contador Público. Profesor de
Negociación, persuasión y comunicación estrategica en grado y posgrado.
Vicepresidente de la Comisión de Negociación del Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.
Entrenador, mentor y consultor de negociadores.
Apasionado investigador y creador de contenido sobre negociación, persuasión y comunicación interpersonal.
Profesional independiente, socio fundador de Visión y Estrategia Consultores.

Mediador, formado en la Escuela de Mediación del Colegio Público de Abogados de Buenos Aires. Magister en RRHH, FCE UBA. Entrenado en negociación por CMI-Harvard, en Cambridge, Massachusetts, EEUU. Posgrado en Gestión Humana de las Organizacion... Show more

Christopher Kemper

Christopher Kemper

Christopher Kemper is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 23 years of distinguished military service, a decorated combat leader, and a non-traditional problem solver who now helps businesses win on digital ground.

Chris began his career at the Virginia Military Institute, earning a B.A. in International Studies and Modern Languages. Over two decades of service, he held command and leadership roles at every level, including Deputy Commander of Camp Marmal Garrison Command in Afghanistan and Commander of the 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry. His work in reconnaissance, intelligence, and operational strategy sharpened his analytical mindset and built his reputation for solving complex challenges by viewing them through an unconventional lens.

After retiring from the Army, Chris transitioned into civilian business leadership, managing global software development teams and leading multi-million dollar government contracts. This blend of military precision and civilian innovation laid the groundwork for co-founding EMILY Revolutionary Marketing Group®, where he now leads strategic growth for clients across industries.

At EMILY, Chris merges his strengths in analytics, systems thinking, and team leadership with cutting-edge digital marketing — offering SEO-first, AI-integrated strategies that help businesses grow their online visibility, attract qualified leads, and scale effectively. EMILY’s clients include national franchises, local nonprofits, manufacturers, and fast-growing service brands seeking a competitive edge.

Chris holds an MBA from Brenau University and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. His certifications include Google Digital Marketing, Google Generative AI Leader, SERanking, Google Search & Display Ads, Surfer AI Search and Meta Marketing Analytics.

A proud father, husband, and dog dad, Chris lives in Newberry, South Carolina with his wife Molly and daughters Ellis and Madeline. Whether deploying troops or building brands, he leads with clarity, data, and purpose.

Christopher Kemper is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 23 years of distinguished military service, a decorated combat leader, and a non-traditional problem solver who now helps businesses win on digital ground. Chris began his career at... Show more

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation.

She is a lecturer, consultant and journalist focusing on the theme of active longevity and intergenerational harmony in companies, in Brazil and Portugal, and has lectured in several countries. She is columnist and international correspondent for companies linked to the interests of people 50+, working in Brazil and Portugal.

An activist against ageism, she is director of the StopIdadism Association in Portugal.

A writer, she has launched the book Employability 50+ in Portugal and Brazil, which presents useful information and strategies for a successful career in maturity, and Intentional Longevity®, with a foreword by Dr Alexandre Kalache, a book aimed at encouraging the conscious construction of a life with purpose, healthy habits and choices.

In his Centenarian Expedition project, he has explored the Blue Zones® and other regions where their inhabitants are exceptionally healthy and long-lived, in order to publicise good practices to his audience.

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation... Show more

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