Edward Bezerra is the CEO and Founder of CertiVend, where he helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity, vendor risk management, AI governance, and third-party assurance through practical, business-focused security strategies.

With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Edward has held executive leadership positions for Fortune 500 organizations, including serving in infrastructure, cybersecurity, IT risk, and executive leadership roles with organizations such as AIG, Herbalife, K. Hovnanian, and Party City. Throughout his career, he has led global teams, managed multimillion-dollar technology and cybersecurity budgets, and developed enterprise security, governance, and risk management programs supporting complex business environments.

Edward is also the Founder of CertiVend Academy, where he works to bridge the gap between certification training and real-world cybersecurity experience by developing hands-on learning programs focused on practical skills that employers expect.

A frequent speaker, educator, and industry mentor, Edward enjoys sharing practical insights on cybersecurity leadership, governance, vendor risk management, AI governance, cloud security, data governance, career development, and building effective security programs. His presentations emphasize actionable guidance, real-world lessons learned, and strategies that security professionals can immediately apply within their own organizations.

Edward holds numerous industry certifications, including CCISO, ITIL Foundation, Microsoft, Citrix, and other technical certifications, and is currently completing his Doctor of Computer Science (Cybersecurity), with research focused on optimizing cybersecurity resource allocation within enterprise data centers.

Edward Bezerra is the CEO and Founder of CertiVend, where he helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity, vendor risk management, AI governance, and third-party assurance through practical, business-focused security strategies. With more than 30 ... Show more

Dr. Tareq Genedy is a leadership, governance and organizational excellence expert with more than 25 years of professional experience across executive education, consulting and university teaching. He has delivered leadership, performance, governance, customer experience and artificial intelligence programmes for public- and private-sector organizations across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

He has taught MBA and undergraduate learners at several universities in the UAE and combines academic insight with practical organizational experience. His work focuses on building institutional readiness, responsible autonomy, accountability and sustainable performance.

Dr. Tareq is the author of *How Excellence Builds Autonomy*, which explores how governance, trust, capability and organizational maturity enable responsible empowerment. He is also the Founder and CEO of iSkills Consultancy FZE LLC in Dubai.

Dr. Tareq Genedy is a leadership, governance and organizational excellence expert with more than 25 years of professional experience across executive education, consulting and university teaching. He has delivered leadership, performance, governance,... Show more

Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist, researcher, educator, and consultant specializing in gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and educational technology. She serves as a faculty member at Elmbridge University and is the Founder and Director of Advanced Learning Research & Consulting, LLC. Dr. Lee's work explores the intersection of gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and human-centered technology integration, with a focus on expanding access, opportunity, and talent development through strengths-based learning design. She has published research in leading gifted education and creativity journals, serves as Chair-Elect of the National Association for Gifted Children's Research & Evaluation Network, and collaborates with schools, universities, and educational organizations on research, program evaluation, and professional learning initiatives.

Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist, researcher, educator, and consultant specializing in gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and educational technology. She serves as a faculty member at Elmbridge University and is the... Show more

Anthea Armar has been the person in the room with something to say and no voice to say it with. That experience shaped everything she does now.

She's the founder of Amarkai Group and creator of the A.C.T. framework, a psychology-first approach to speaking confidence. With over 20 years in learning and development, the last four have been focused specifically on one problem: why capable professionals freeze the moment visibility is required.

Anthea has worked with organisations including Network Rail and Women in Rail, delivering keynotes and programmes that address speaking anxiety at the root rather than layering technique on top of a problem that runs deeper.

Her talks are direct, story-led and built to give audiences a starting point they can act on immediately, not just a moment of inspiration that fades by Monday.

Anthea Armar has been the person in the room with something to say and no voice to say it with. That experience shaped everything she does now. She's the founder of Amarkai Group and creator of the A.C.T. framework, a psychology-first approach to ... 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

Zack Knight is the founder of ATLVets (Advancing The Line for Veterans), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life through leadership development, professional networking, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
A former police officer, Army infantry officer, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business leader, Zack has built his career around a commitment to service. Following a medical retirement from the military, he experienced firsthand many of the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life—redefining purpose, building new professional relationships, and navigating an unfamiliar path forward.
Rather than allowing those challenges to become obstacles, Zack transformed them into a mission. He founded ATLVets to provide veterans with the resources, connections, and support he wished had existed during his own transition. Today, the organization serves as a trusted community where veterans can find opportunities, develop professionally, and build meaningful relationships that extend far beyond their military service.
Through his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to helping others succeed, Zack has become a respected voice in the veteran and business communities. His work demonstrates that trust is not built through titles or credentials—it is earned through authenticity, shared experiences, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Zack Knight is the founder of ATLVets (Advancing The Line for Veterans), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life through leadership development, professional networking, en... Show more

Yino Diaz is a Dutch-Colombian social entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Niños del Futuro, a community-driven organization in Medellín that helps young people build their futures through entrepreneurship, leadership, and opportunity.

After rebuilding his own life and moving to Colombia in 2019 to reconnect with his roots, Yino discovered that lasting transformation rarely begins with advice. It begins with experiences that change how people see themselves, others, and the world around them.

Over the past several years, he has developed initiatives including Chefs del Futuro, Barberos del Futuro, and Kicks4Kids, mentored vulnerable youth in Colombia and the Netherlands, coached adults searching for purpose, created the Between Worlds conversation card deck, and designed immersive experiences that connect volunteers, founders, educators, and organizations with communities they might otherwise never encounter.

His work sits at the intersection of leadership, service, storytelling, community building, and social entrepreneurship. Rather than delivering motivation or abstract theory, Yino shares practical frameworks shaped by years of building organizations where trust, belonging, and ownership become the foundation for lasting change.

Whether speaking to founders, educators, nonprofit leaders, governments, students, or corporate teams, Yino challenges audiences to rethink what leadership looks like in today’s world. His sessions combine powerful stories with practical tools that people can apply immediately to build stronger teams, more connected communities, and lives driven by purpose.

At the heart of every keynote is one central question:

How do we design experiences that transform people, not just inform them?

Yino Diaz is a Dutch-Colombian social entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Niños del Futuro, a community-driven organization in Medellín that helps young people build their futures through entrepreneurship, leadership, and opportunity. After rebu... Show more

Dr Mamet Amfo-Brobbey, EdD, is an educator, researcher, speaker, and founder of First Pick Education. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she specialises in teaching and learning, learner agency, assessment, and educational leadership.

Her doctoral research explored the use of heutagogic instruction to foster learner agency and promote agentic engagement, examining how classroom design can empower learners to take greater ownership of their learning. A triple-science teacher, examiner, and staff trainer, she works with educators and school leaders to translate educational research into practical strategies that develop independent, self-directed learners.

Dr Amfo-Brobbey is also an award-winning public speaker and author, known for making complex educational ideas accessible, actionable, and impactful for teachers, leaders, and learners.

Dr Mamet Amfo-Brobbey, EdD, is an educator, researcher, speaker, and founder of First Pick Education. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she specialises in teaching and learning, learner agency, assessment, and educatio... Show more

Marouaa Yakhlef is an AI and STEM Leader with over 17 years of experience in education, specializing in STEM education, robotics, educational technology, and innovative learning design. As a STEM Robotics Trainer of Trainers (TOT), she leads initiatives that integrate AI, emerging technologies, and project-based learning to create engaging and authentic learning experiences.

Throughout her career, Marouaa has supported educators and students in developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through technology-rich learning environments. She has led educational technology initiatives, innovation projects, and a podcast exploring emerging trends and best practices in education.

Her work also includes mentoring students and supporting participation in STEM, robotics, and innovation competitions, helping learners develop confidence, resilience, and a mindset of inquiry and innovation.

Marouaa is passionate about empowering students to move beyond knowledge acquisition and become creators, innovators, and solution designers. Her current focus is exploring how AI-supported inquiry and project-based learning can help students address authentic challenges and create meaningful impact within their communities.

Marouaa Yakhlef is an AI and STEM Leader with over 17 years of experience in education, specializing in STEM education, robotics, educational technology, and innovative learning design. As a STEM Robotics Trainer of Trainers (TOT), she leads initiati... Show more

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

Yigakpoa is an open-source advocate and technologist working at the intersection of open data, accessibility, digital equity, and sustainability. Her work focuses on building systems that make technology more inclusive, measurable, and impactful for communities often left out of digital transformation.

She has contributed to global open-source ecosystems through leadership and governance roles, including serving as Co-Chair of the Project Management team and a Maintainer within the Accessibility team at the CHAOSS Project, where she supported the development of frameworks for measuring the health, inclusivity, and sustainability of open-source communities.

As Chief Operating Officer at CLENT Africa, she works at the intersection of climate and technology, leveraging open data platforms and energy access tools to drive community-centered resilience and environmental justice across African contexts.

At OpenGov Africa, she leads strategy, designing and scaling systems that use open data to strengthen government transparency, civic participation, and accountability. Her work integrates digital infrastructure with grassroots governance, enabling citizens to actively engage with and shape public systems.

Beyond her organizational roles, Yiga is a global speaker and mentor, supporting marginalized individuals as they navigate pathways into technology and open-source ecosystems.

Yigakpoa is an open-source advocate and technologist working at the intersection of open data, accessibility, digital equity, and sustainability. Her work focuses on building systems that make technology more inclusive, measurable, and impactful for ... Show more

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought leader, Charles excels at translating complex technical architectures, from AI frameworks to massive digital media and data infrastructure—into scalable, real-world solutions that drive meaningful organizational change.

With extensive experience addressing executive audiences and policy makers, Charles is a frequent voice at major industry events. His recent speaking engagements include executive roundtables and interviews at the Flower AI Summit in London, delivering keynotes on emerging technology trends, and serving as an expert panelist at a recent Innovation Summit on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Charles’s ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and high-level strategy has also made him a trusted presenter for government and diplomatic audiences, including past presentations for the Trade Commissioner Service Secretariat. He brings a pragmatic, forward-thinking perspective to every stage, empowering teams and stakeholders to successfully navigate the future of digital transformation.

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought le... Show more

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in software supply chain security and SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) policy and standardization. With extensive experience as the chief executive of 20 e-government security projects, he possesses a deep understanding of national infrastructure security. He played a pivotal role in cultivating top-tier white-hat hacker talent at the national level, successfully launching the 'Best of the Best (BoB)' program. As a pioneer in OT/ICS (Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems) convergence security, he spearheaded the establishment of graduate programs and delivers influential lectures, contributing to the future development of industrial security.

- Member of Presidential Council on National AI Strategy Korea (Special Committee on Security)
- WG Leader, Korean Government-wide ‘SW Supply Chain Security TF’
- WG Chair, Korean MSIT's ‘SW Supply Chain Security Forum’ (Policy)
- Korean Financial Security Advisory Committee Member
- US CISA's SBOM Community Working Group Member
- Linux Foundation's OpenSSF Global Ambassador (1st Cohort)

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in ... Show more

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administrativa e governança pública. Sua formação académica inclui pós-graduações em Gestão Pública, Auditoria e Perícia Contábil. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência na área de tecnologia, é autor dos livros "Excel do Básico ao Dashboard" e "Governança na Prática: Como Estruturas Públicas Enxutas Podem Alcançar Alta Eficiência". Como educador e criador de conteúdo, acumula mais de 160 mil visualizações em seu canal no YouTube, onde promove a interseção entre tecnologia, gestão e agilidade.

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administra... Show more

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design.

My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong interest in health-related topics, especially those involving patient experience and the organizational transformation of hospitals, as well as subjects related to public innovation and their impact on citizens' everyday lives.

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design. My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong inte... Show more

Manuel Dolderer is an economist, edupreneur, and advocate for transformative learning. He co-founded CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin in 2017 and served as its founding president until 2023, building an innovative learning environment based on curiosity-driven, project-based education.
Manuel studied economics, philosophy, and cultural studies at Witten/Herdecke University, and has now returned to his Alma Mater as project lead transformation.
As a keynote speaker, advisor and entrepreneur he is dedicated to redesigning learning for human agency in the age of AI.

Manuel Dolderer is an economist, edupreneur, and advocate for transformative learning. He co-founded CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin in 2017 and served as its founding president until 2023, building an innovative learning environment ba... Show more

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores in her role the potential impact of new technologies and emerging concepts on education and research. Her background in management studies provides her with the ability to approach developments from various angles.

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores... Show more

I am an AI Product Manager / Team Lead at Natural Resources Canada working at the intersection of AI and GeoScience. I have a Master’s in Machine Learning from Mila and the University of Montréal, Canada.

In the past year, I have won the following awards:

* Winner of the Next Generation Leader of the Year award by The Women in IT Summit & Awards Series
* Rising Star awardee by Womxn in Data Science
* One of the awardees for WeaveSphere Developer 30 Under 30 of Canada
* Runner-up in the ‘Outstanding in AI - Young AI Role Model of the Year' - North America by Women in AI

During my time at Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Textract, I worked on Model-based Noisy Annotation Detection and Correction. Previously, I was a Machine Learning Engineer at a fast-paced startup, Shipmnts. There, in the span of 2.5 years, I built an AI-Powered Document Understanding Platform to automate paperwork involved in global supply chains. Prior to that, I was a Research Trainee at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where I worked in the Smart-cities Mission of India. I hold a Bachelor’s in Information and Communication Technology from Ahmedabad University, India.

I am passionate about tech & community, and my journey has led me to become an international speaker, one of the youngest Google Developers Experts in AI and GCP around the globe. To date, I have spoken at 30+ conferences and have trained 40k+ professionals and students in ML, DL, TensorFlow, and GCP. I have always been curious about the human brain’s functionality and want to tweak its neural circuits! 🧠 👩‍💻

Talk to me about Technology, Finance, Art, Travel, and Entrepreneurship! 💖

Learn. Apply. Share. Repeat.

I am an AI Product Manager / Team Lead at Natural Resources Canada working at the intersection of AI and GeoScience. I have a Master’s in Machine Learning from Mila and the University of Montréal, Canada. In the past year, I have won the following... Show more

Anton Sokolov is a researcher at Tyche Institute, an Estonian non-profit maintaining open-source infrastructure for verifiable AI-agent attestation, and a PKI engineer in Tallinn. His work spans post-quantum cryptography, MCP, and EU regulation (AI Act, Cyber Resilience Act, eIDAS 2.0). He maintains the EATF reference implementation and its public Agent Evidence Package verifier and corpus; EATF runs in Estonian schools (MATx — President of Estonia AI hackathon prize, 2026).

Anton Sokolov is a researcher at Tyche Institute, an Estonian non-profit maintaining open-source infrastructure for verifiable AI-agent attestation, and a PKI engineer in Tallinn. His work spans post-quantum cryptography, MCP, and EU regulation (AI A... Show more

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to leaders who care about a more effective approach.

As a qualified coach, and a team dynamics & systemic interventions consultant with more than a decade of hands-on experience working with senior leadership teams in government, large multinational private and public organisations and fledgling start-ups, Ceri is at her best when she's helping you and your people find some calm in the chaos.

Tea in hand, Ceri works globally and is continually delighted to speak with audiences worldwide, mostly about the beautiful intermingling of behavioural science and hopeful future-focused transformation.

She also loves researching and talking about brains - because once a nerd, always a nerd...

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to lead... Show more

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences that unlock potential through powerful conversations and exercises rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Tabbi serves as faculty for the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium's Certified Public Manager program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a National Faculty Member for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Management Assistance Team, helping leaders across sectors create cohesive, high-impact teams without burning out.

Before launching her training and coaching practice in 2024, Tabbi served as Education Division Chief for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 2018-2023, leading 80+ staff across multiple facilities and programs, following 13 years as Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Statewide Education Coordinator. Her approach combines real-world leadership expertise with academic excellence, including her Certified Public Manager certification, a Master's of Arts in Biology from Miami University, and a Bachelor's in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University.

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences th... Show more

Blair Lee is International Education Partnerships Manager at Team Monolith, a Korea-based EdTech company developing Codle, an AI-powered classroom learning platform. Her role focuses on helping international schools explore how AI can be introduced into teaching and learning in a practical and curriculum-aligned way.

Before working on global education projects, Blair built her foundation in education through Korean language teaching and classroom support. Her experience in developing learning materials and giving student feedback shaped her understanding of what teachers need to make learning work in real classrooms.

At Team Monolith, she supports international school partnerships and AI education implementation across global education markets, including the Middle East. She also works on teacher training initiatives that help schools move beyond standalone AI tools and build structured learning workflows.

At GESS Dubai 2026, she will share a strategic framework for helping international schools turn AI investment into measurable learning impact through curriculum integration, teacher-led implementation, and verifiable learning evidence.

Blair Lee is International Education Partnerships Manager at Team Monolith, a Korea-based EdTech company developing Codle, an AI-powered classroom learning platform. Her role focuses on helping international schools explore how AI can be introduced i... Show more

Com mais de 32 anos de experiência profissional, atuando como developer, analista de negócio e gerente de produtos no início do e-commerce no Brasil, gerente de projetos, membro e gestor de PMO, PO, SM e AC.
Um dos principais responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento e evolução da primeira solução de e-gov para Compras Públicas do Brasil em 1999.
Atualmente é Sócio, Head de Projetos, Produto e Transformação na Hiflex Group, tendo atuado como agente de mudança implementando agilidade, PMO e VMOs, além de apoiar transformações organizacionais com o uso de abordagens híbridas, ágeis e enxutas de gestão.
Palestrante com mais de 200 palestras nos últimos anos em eventos nacionais e internacionais, autor de 9 livros com mais de 10k exemplares vendidos, incluindo 3 Best-Seller, dentre eles: Scrum e PMBOK unidos no gerenciamento de projetos, Scrum e Agile em Projetos – Guia Completo, PMO Ágil – Escritório Ágil de Gerenciamento de Projetos, Jornada OKR na prática, e Business Agility Inception, e o mais recente Do PMO ao VMO 2.0 - Para de começar projetos e comece a entregar valor.

Com mais de 32 anos de experiência profissional, atuando como developer, analista de negócio e gerente de produtos no início do e-commerce no Brasil, gerente de projetos, membro e gestor de PMO, PO, SM e AC. Um dos principais responsáveis pelo dese... 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

Aaron Garth is CEO of Ultimate Youth Worker, a Melbourne-based social enterprise providing professional supervision, training and consulting to the Australian youth and community sector. He has worked in youth work since 2002 and founded Ultimate Youth Worker in 2012 to professionalise the sector through better training, structured supervision and clearer career pathways.

His work centres on supervision as a genuine space for critical reflection rather than administrative compliance, and on building the workforce capability frameworks that let organisations retain and develop frontline staff. He has designed and delivered accredited training across strengths-based youth work, AOD and dual diagnosis practice, and youth justice contexts, and consults to organisations on psychosocial risk, workforce structure and practice standards.

Aaron is also a PhD candidate at RMIT University researching fathering through a New Materialist theoretical lens, and speaks on the intersection of relational practice, professional identity and sector reform.

Aaron Garth is CEO of Ultimate Youth Worker, a Melbourne-based social enterprise providing professional supervision, training and consulting to the Australian youth and community sector. He has worked in youth work since 2002 and founded Ultimate You... Show more

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara

Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc
Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist

Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cultural bearer with nearly a decade of experience helping creatives and community-driven organizations build sustainable, funded work. She serves as Executive Director and President of WONTANARA Inc, where she leads arts education, community programming, and organizational strategy rooted in West African cultural traditions.

Immersed in cultural arts since age three, Abena brings over 20 years of professional artistry, 15 years of intensive West African cultural training, and deep lineage-based knowledge passed down through master teachers, historians, griots, and elders. Her grandfather founded the first performing company in Guinea, West Africa, and helped introduce West African master artists to the United States—a legacy Abena continues through WONTANARA’s programs and global partnerships. Her multidisciplinary training spans West African dance, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and music composition and production, allowing her to bridge tradition and innovation with integrity.

Alongside her artistic leadership, Abena brings strong business and funding expertise. While pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Georgia State University, she served as an executive intern for a popular men’s grooming company, helping generate $1.1 million in revenue within its first year. That experience launched her career as a consultant, where she has spent nearly nine years advising organizations on operations, funding strategy, and growth.

Through WONTANARA Inc and her consulting work, Abena has secured over $200,000 in grants and sponsorships, including support for WONTANARA Percussions, the world’s first Black-owned instrument factory based in Africa. She has also led the development of WONTANARA Festival, securing city-wide sponsorship and building a thriving cultural platform. Her consulting practice maintains a 92% client retention rate, and she has helped more than 10 clients secure government funding within their first year of business.

Abena’s work sits at the intersection of creativity, community, and capital. She is passionate about demystifying funding systems and empowering creatives and community leaders to move from passion projects to sustainable, paid impact—without compromising their values.

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cul... Show more

Dahvid is the COO at Suzu Labs with over 15 years of experience in cyberattacks and defense. A former Special Operations communicator and offensive cyber operator, he transitioned from the military to leading international Red Teams for a Big 4 firm. In his subsequent leadership and executive roles, he specialized in enhancing security resilience and maturity across more than 100 clients globally. A DEFCON Black Badge holder and inaugural trainer, Dahvid is a recognized expert in logical, social, and physical infiltration and exploitation, as well as custom malware development. Teaching his clients how to "train how they fight". Grounded in the philosophy that "Leaders Eat Last", he focuses on bridging the gap between high-level business strategy and bespoke, high-value services to build truly resilient organizations.

Dahvid is the COO at Suzu Labs with over 15 years of experience in cyberattacks and defense. A former Special Operations communicator and offensive cyber operator, he transitioned from the military to leading international Red Teams for a Big 4 firm.... Show more

Mi nombre es Brian y fundé WeCode (wecode.edu.uy) en 2020. Reinventamos la educación haciéndola divertida, actual y enfocada en las habilidades del futuro. Enseñamos programación, robótica y ahora también: IA. Dirijo un equipo de 45 personas, con las que cada año impactamos 2500 niños y niñas, en nuestras sucursales, en 20 colegios aliados y junto a Ceibal.

Mi nombre es Brian y fundé WeCode (wecode.edu.uy) en 2020. Reinventamos la educación haciéndola divertida, actual y enfocada en las habilidades del futuro. Enseñamos programación, robótica y ahora también: IA. Dirijo un equipo de 45 personas, con las... Show more

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change.

Her perspective was shaped long before the boardroom. From military leadership to managing complex government initiatives involving competing priorities and diverse stakeholders, Giselle learned that even the best strategies fail when people don't understand one another. Over the last two decades, she has helped leaders turn complexity into clarity by building trust, strengthening communication, and bringing people with them through transformation.

As the founder of World of Consulting LLC, Giselle equips leaders with practical tools to lead across generational differences, evolving technologies, and shifting workplace realities. Her work is rooted in a question that has never been more relevant to education: How do we prepare people, not just systems, for an AI-enabled future?

As a doctoral scholar in educational leadership and the award-winning author of Thriving in the Modern Workplace: A Gen Z Guide to Success, Giselle bridges research and real-world practice to help audiences move from uncertainty to action. Known for her engaging storytelling, interactive approach, and immediately applicable strategies, she challenges leaders to rethink communication not as a soft skill, but as the leadership practice that determines whether trust is built, change takes hold, and innovation succeeds.

Giselle believes the future of education will not be determined by the technology we adopt. It will be determined by our ability to help people adapt, connect, and move forward together.

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change. Her perspective w... Show more

Dr. Calynn Lawrence is a Chicago-based CEO, Founder, Social Scientist, and Trauma Specialist who advances equitable change by integrating trauma-informed, holistic wellness principles with corporate and civic leadership strategy. Across organizations and community systems, she helps leaders move from reactive culture to proactive, human-centered practices that support resilience, belonging, and long-term wellbeing.

In her work, Dr. Lawrence translates social science insight into actionable, values-driven leadership frameworks that strengthen decision-making, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. She partners with executives, public sector leaders, and mission-driven teams to design programs and policies that reduce harm, improve relational trust, and create measurable pathways toward a more progressive, equitable world.

Dr. Calynn Lawrence is a Chicago-based CEO, Founder, Social Scientist, and Trauma Specialist who advances equitable change by integrating trauma-informed, holistic wellness principles with corporate and civic leadership strategy. Across organizations... Show more