Abhishek is a cybersecurity instructor at Sheryians Coding School and a digital forensics and cybercrime investigation expert actively working with Madhya Pradesh Police and multiple state police. As a lead instructor and mentor, he trains both law enforcement officers and cybersecurity students across India, bridging the gap between technical theory and ground-level crime investigations.

Abhishek was an active speaker and community contributor at events like TEDx and THM Indore, where he conducted hands-on workshops and CTF-based learning sessions to promote cybersecurity awareness and skill development in cloud security, network defense, and ethical hacking.

Abhishek is a cybersecurity instructor at Sheryians Coding School and a digital forensics and cybercrime investigation expert actively working with Madhya Pradesh Police and multiple state police. As a lead instructor and mentor, he trains both law e... Show more

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security

Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and strategic consulting. A U.S. Army and Air National Guard veteran, Derek now serves as the Practice Manager of Security Engineering at Stratascale, where he leads high-performing teams in delivering cutting-edge cloud and hybrid security solutions.

His career journey—from tactical military operations to corporate cybersecurity leadership—has shaped his mission-driven approach to technology, leadership, and resilience. Derek holds top industry certifications, including CISSP, OSCP, and multiple SANS designations (GREM, GPYC, GCIH, GCED, GSEC), and specializes in vulnerability management, red/purple teaming, SIEM optimization, and security program development.

Beyond his technical expertise, Derek is a passionate educator and mentor. He hosts two widely respected podcasts—"Security Happy Hour" and "Walk With Me"—aimed at guiding newcomers into cybersecurity and inspiring personal growth. He also collaborates with schools to bring cybersecurity education to the next generation.

A compelling and relatable speaker, Derek brings authenticity, practical insight, and a deep sense of purpose to every engagement. Whether he's discussing threat detection, burnout in security teams, or the human side of cyber leadership, Derek connects with audiences through his real-world experience and passion for making security a force for good.

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and stra... Show more

Rashda Munawar – Author & Educator

Rashda Munawar is a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for a growth mindset. Holding a Master’s degree in Mathematics, she is passionate about fostering resilience and confidence in young learners.

Her debut children's book, Think Big, was inspired by her personal journey as a mother navigating her daughter’s early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Recognizing the power of mindset in overcoming challenges, Rashda strives to equip children with the tools to embrace mistakes, persevere, and think beyond limitations.

Beyond writing, she enjoys exploring growth mindset literature, playing board games, reading, practicing yoga, taking nature walks, and baking. Through her work, Rashda hopes to inspire both educators and young readers to believe in the power of growth and self-discovery.

Rashda Munawar – Author & Educator Rashda Munawar is a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for a growth mindset. Holding a Master’s degree in Mathematics, she is passionate about fostering resilience and confidence in young learners. Her d... Show more

At just 24 years old, Jimmy Klimowicz brings over a decade of experience in preaching and public speaking to stages across churches, schools, businesses, events, and community groups. Known for a dynamic presence and a gift for connecting across generations, Jimmy Klimowicz began speaking at the age of 13 and has since developed a powerful voice marked by authenticity, clarity, and purpose.

With a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Jimmy Klimowicz blends academic insight with real-world speaking experience, delivering messages that are both impactful and deeply relatable. Whether addressing faith-based audiences or professional groups, Jimmy Klimowicz consistently brings a message of hope, direction, and transformation.

Beyond the stage, Jimmy Klimowicz hosts a podcast that dives into faith, purpose, and everyday leadership. Their influence also extends to social media and YouTube, where they post thought-provoking content that engages thousands of viewers and listeners each month.

Jimmy Klimowicz is passionate about equipping others to walk in purpose, communicate with confidence, and live with intentionality—and brings that passion to every platform they touch.

At just 24 years old, Jimmy Klimowicz brings over a decade of experience in preaching and public speaking to stages across churches, schools, businesses, events, and community groups. Known for a dynamic presence and a gift for connecting across gene... Show more

At just 20 years old, Dylan brings a powerful first hand perspective on what young people need to feel seen, supported, and heard. As the co-founder of Fourddo (four-dee-do), he and his sister have served thousands by spearheading national initiatives in mental health, activism, and the arts—partnering with organizations like Nike, KIA Motors, Macy's and No Kid Hungry. He is a believer in the power of storytelling as a tool for connection, healing, and change.

Dylan has held several advisory and ambassadorial positions at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Young Futures Org, Made By Us, Civics Unplugged, Adolescent Content, The Foundation for Social Connection, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, the United States Tennis Association, the American Philosophical Society, and UNICEF USA. At his alma mater, Emerson College, he advises the President and the Dean on equitable and inclusive solutions for students. His creative pursuits have also recognized him as a Norman Lear and Bruno Mars Fund Scholar. This spring, he was recognized as a Finalist at Sundance and produced a premiere at Tribeca Film Festival.

At just 20 years old, Dylan brings a powerful first hand perspective on what young people need to feel seen, supported, and heard. As the co-founder of Fourddo (four-dee-do), he and his sister have served thousands by spearheading national initiative... 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

Master en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia por la UNAM, académica en la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, docente en Colegio Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica, Coordinadora académica del diplomado "Administración y marketing para clínicas y hospitales veterinarios" en la FMVZ-UNAM, con múltiples diplomados y certificaciones en el área Educación, Veterinaria y tecnologías para la educación.
Ganadora del 2do. Lugar a nivel nacional en el Hackathon AI, 2021, CONALEP en “Automatiza tu clase con Power Platform y MS TEAMS”. Ganadora del primer lugar como asesora en proyectos de sustentabilidad en la primera competencia de generación de Nudges de América Latina. Autora de artículos sobre temas de emprendimiento y sustentabilidad.
Ganadora Techfluencer por los Globant Award Women that Build
Conferencista internacional en congresos y seminarios veterinarios.
Conferencista internacional en congresos y seminarios para docentes.
Creadora de contenidos educativos en la plataforma You Tube (Edutuber).
Canvassador
Canva Educator Creator
Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert
MVP Microsoft 2021-2024

Master en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia por la UNAM, académica en la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, docente en Colegio Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica, Coordinadora académica del diplomado "Administración y marketing para ... Show more

Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this role, Esmeralda leads the development of innovative digital solutions, emphasizing the integration of open-source methodologies to enhance collaboration and efficiency across government platforms.

An active member of the Drupal open-source community, Esmeralda was honored with the Women in Drupal award in 2024, recognizing her significant contributions and leadership. Her involvement in the community underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Esmeralda is board member of the Dutch Drupal Association and started the Network of European Drupal Associations.

Esmeralda’s professional journey reflects a dedication to leveraging open-source principles not only in software development but also in organizational practices. She advocates for transparent communication, collaborative decision-making, and empowering teams by harnessing individual talents. Her work exemplifies how adopting an open-source mindset can drive innovation and create more inclusive work environments.

Through her work at DICTU and active participation in the Drupal community, Esmeralda continues to influence the adoption of open-source strategies within the public sector, promoting sustainable and inclusive technological advancements.

Esmeralda delivers talks and workshops, and can act as panel leader.

Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Min... Show more

Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream his sessions learning C# and Node.js shortly after. His previous role at GitLab was all about bringing DevSecOps into the classroom by making GitLab available to educators around the world, followed by time spent as a community manager for ProjectDiscovery helping the bug bounty hunter community learn and grow. He has presented on a variety of topics at several events like Start.Dev.Change, Codeland, DevOpsDays Chicago, DevRelCon, and Orlando Code Camp.

Pj loves 80’s music, including modern music that sounds like it was made in the 80’s, 90’s internet culture, and poetry. He’s a published poet and a musician sometimes. He loves chatting and being on podcasts, shows, and live streams.

Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream... Show more

With over 30 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support of inspections and regulatory enforcement, breaking IT silos, and beginning with the Navigable Waters Act Renewal Project (NWAR) in 2017, pioneering Agile development and leveraging Power Platform at the department.

As a direct result of NWAR’s success – including winning the 2020 departmental National Creativity and Transformation Award, Douglas was offered the opportunity to found the Power Apps Centre of Excellence (PACE). Since being formed in summer 2020, PACE has become a leader in the Government of Canada when it comes to Power Apps. The PACE team has built numerous critical systems in response to COVID-19 and other department priorities, supported other Professional Developers across government to succeed utilizing the platform, and sponsored the initial blossoming of Citizen Development at TC. PACE was recognized for these efforts in 2021 by receiving the Government of Canada’s “Excellence in Innovation” Digital Government Community Award.

With over 30 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support ... Show more

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Business Administration with a major in finance and global markets from the prestigious School of Business at Tulane University as well as becoming a Data Scientist from the New York School of Data Flatiron. Jhonathan completed a 15 year career track. In 2017, he became a Global Lead in Data Digital Transformation, and later an Executive Manager in Data Models & Database Reviews, at a global firm based New York City -He has research and published business applications of data sciences and AI in major media outlets. Today he is Chief Data Strategist for Xabios Data, a data analytics| business intelligence and data science firm optimizing businesses.

Notably, JD was featured on an international article for Grant Thornton International in Data Monetization. Hi research reached more than 15,000 followers - He has spoken at more than 13 conferences in the USA and LATAM- He founded a non-profit in LATAM that helps limited-resources entrepreneurs with micro-lending and educational resources. These recognitions, along with his Top 5 Awards in Leadership reflect his dedication and impact in industry and to people.

Jhon enjoyes being called to speak at the National and International Conferences to speak about real world experiences in the world of AI , Data Analytics & Data Science. Highlights include: the State of Mexico Business Association, in Mexico City, the Data Science Panels at the S&P 500 Building in Wall street for Data Science Salon, and at the The University of Houston College of Technology. Jhonathan makes complex topics, easy to understand to non-technical audiences, and makes technical audiences understand the world and language of business.

Experience for yourself as Jhonathan speaks to businesses leaders, management groups, professionals, scientist and students about real world applications of data sciences, from real life experiences. As he speaks the language of business and science, learned through his management of global teams in real-life projects, working with the leadership of top institutions, he shares his previous and ongoing client business experiences and what's happening in the world of data science.

His expertise topics include themes around : Data Science in a Business Context, Project Experiences, Data Modeling, and Financial Education.

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Busines... Show more

Dr. Inna Armstrong, professional speaker, global thought leader & influencer in the field of Augmented Reality (AR) in K12 Education, and a Co-Founder of CleverBooks. She investigates how AR can be used for learning and creating an engaging and immersive environment for students in the classroom and beyond that they can develop 21st-centry skills. Inna's current focus is on influencing the change in the education system through a strategic application of most innovative EdTech. Inna is nominated as Evergreen Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on AR/VR 2022, Top 10/25/50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on AR/VR in Education 2021/2022/2023 (Thinkers360), Top 25/50 Thought leaders in EdTech 2020/2023 (Thinkers360), and 144 Women CEOs and Founders leading Global EdTech Startups (HolonIQ). Under Inna's leadership, in 2020 CleverBooks was awarded in Reimagine Education as a Bronze Winner 2020 in the AR/VR category and a Regional Award Gold Winner 2021, EdTech Breakthrough award winner 2020, GESAward 2020 winner and the winner of the Digital Innovation Challenge 2020 organized by the European Commission. The company is on the list of Top Tech Startups in Europe in 2023 and enrolled in one of the biggest EU funded HORIZON 2020 research project that aims to build a Europe-wide competitive ecosystem that supports the dissemination of augmented reality and virtual reality in education.

Dr. Inna Armstrong, professional speaker, global thought leader & influencer in the field of Augmented Reality (AR) in K12 Education, and a Co-Founder of CleverBooks. She investigates how AR can be used for learning and creating an engaging and immer... Show more

Annalinde's main area of passion is bringing humanness into the workplace. She adores trying new things out. She is a connector of and with people. She's worked as an analyst, facilitator, musician, Scrum Master, and Agile Coach across various industries, and is also a published poet. Her favourite communication methods include emojis and GIFs. 😉

Annalinde's main area of passion is bringing humanness into the workplace. She adores trying new things out. She is a connector of and with people. She's worked as an analyst, facilitator, musician, Scrum Master, and Agile Coach across various indust... Show more

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human capital, and organizational growth. As a Leadership Psychology Architect and Transformation Facilitator, Elizabeth empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential through tailored business solutions, cutting-edge training, and strategic insights. Elizabeth’s passion for helping others grow is the driving force behind her career. She specializes in developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence and resilience. Through learning assessments, leadership training, or strategic business solutions, Elizabeth’s work empowers others with the skills they need to succeed. Elizabeth is not just a scholar-practitioner—she is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring leaders to reach new heights and organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human ... Show more

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology, governance, and social impact to build robust ethical AI governance that takes a human-first approach. Currently, her focus is on merging customer success and AI governance in the federal space.

In her spare time, she serves as the Non-Technical Lead for the DC Chapter of Black Girls CODE and the Technology Committee Co-chair and Webmistress for the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When she isn’t doing those things, she is a mentor to women at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Her mission is to inspire, empower, & impact underrepresented individuals and protect the data associated with them. For a full bio, please find it here: www.eveal.ai.

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology... Show more

Frank Zeyda (Dipl.-Inform. BSc PhD PgCLTHE) feels at home in both the world of academia and industry. He has made sustained contributions to academic research in the fields of Formal Methods (FM), Semantic Foundations of Programming, and Automated Theorem Proving (ATP) on EPSRC/EC/DARPA-funded projects while also working in industry to apply formal techniques to real-world systems, such as safety-critical avionic systems under stringent certification standards such as DO-178C. Currently, he works as an independent consultant for Galois, Inc. and Free & Fair. In Guadalajara, he moreover organizes meetups of the Embedded Systems Geeks (ESG) group.

Frank Zeyda (Dipl.-Inform. BSc PhD PgCLTHE) feels at home in both the world of academia and industry. He has made sustained contributions to academic research in the fields of Formal Methods (FM), Semantic Foundations of Programming, and Automated Th... Show more

Rachel Green is a seasoned community development and third sector leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning local government, national networks, and grassroots organisations. Beginning her journey on a village hall committee, she combined lived experience with academic study, earning a BA in Community Education and later an MScR in Health Humanities and Arts. Rachel has implemented innovative governance and planning systems, and transformed organisations into genuine member-led body. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, and ensuring communities most affected by disadvantage have a voice and agency in shaping their futures. Known for her collaborative and transparent leadership style, Rachel builds strategic partnerships across government, academia, and the third sector, advocating for holistic, person-led approaches that create meaningful, lasting change.

Rachel Green is a seasoned community development and third sector leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning local government, national networks, and grassroots organisations. Beginning her journey on a village hall committee, she combined lived ... Show more

Ambica Dixit is a Principal Partner for Data, AI & Robotics at VedArc, where she leads large-scale data modernisation and AI strategy initiatives across New Zealand and Australia. She specialises in enterprise AI, modern data platforms, and agentic systems, with a strong focus on the responsible, secure, and sustainable use of AI in complex organisations. Ambica is known for guiding enterprises from early experimentation toward safe, governed, and production-grade AI adoption, ensuring strategic alignment while enabling high-quality execution across multidisciplinary teams. She works extensively with regulated sectors including energy, forestry, finance, and public service agencies, bringing together strategy, technology, and governance to deliver measurable, real-world outcomes.

Ambica Dixit is a Principal Partner for Data, AI & Robotics at VedArc, where she leads large-scale data modernisation and AI strategy initiatives across New Zealand and Australia. She specialises in enterprise AI, modern data platforms, and agentic s... Show more

Développeuse back Java depuis ma reconversion en 2022, j'aime coder, résoudre des défis, me questionner sur mes pratiques, j'aime le craft et réfléchir à comment apprendre et travailler en équipe.
Je suis aussi formatrice en Discipline Positive quelques jours par an.

Développeuse back Java depuis ma reconversion en 2022, j'aime coder, résoudre des défis, me questionner sur mes pratiques, j'aime le craft et réfléchir à comment apprendre et travailler en équipe. Je suis aussi formatrice en Discipline Positive que... Show more

Cassandra Chin is a keynote speaker, book author, podcast host, children's workshop instructor, and a computer science student. She has been teaching technology kids workshops at international conferences since she was 13 years old and is passionate about helping allow women, minorities, and underprivileged students to learn about technology. Her books have been featured at international events like Kubecon + CloudNativeCon and in popular technology shows like theCUBE and Techstrong TV.

Cassandra Chin is a keynote speaker, book author, podcast host, children's workshop instructor, and a computer science student. She has been teaching technology kids workshops at international conferences since she was 13 years old and is passionate ... Show more

Ximena is a Public Relations professional with over 10 years of experience collaborating with startups and scaleups across a wide range of areas. She has supported communities and is an organizer of mad_in_api, a Google Cloud community in collaboration with Google Spain. She has also worked on the organization, management, and execution of acceleration programs for startups such as "Google for Startups" in Latin America.

As a WTM ambassador, her goal is to be a supportive voice for the neurodiverse population in the IT industry, particularly for women. She draws on her personal experience of having a circle of neurodiverse family members working in the IT industry.

Ximena is a Public Relations professional with over 10 years of experience collaborating with startups and scaleups across a wide range of areas. She has supported communities and is an organizer of mad_in_api, a Google Cloud community in collaborati... Show more

With over a decade of dynamic experience across leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and human resources, Sheila Vance-Tisby is a recognized thought leader and speaker in the areas of leadership, women’s leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational transformation. Sheila's career spans multiple industries, where she has spearheaded high-impact programs that cultivate resilience, foster effective leadership, and promote equity in the workplace.

As the Founder and Principal Consultant for Rebel Leader Lab, Sheila designs and delivers bespoke leadership development programs for organizations looking to accelerate talent growth and foster emotional intelligence within their teams. Having consulted for major companies such as Amazon Web Services, New Balance, and Georgia Tech Research Institute, she brings firsthand knowledge of how to lead teams through transformative change, manage conflict, and build emotionally intelligent leaders. Her leadership programs have been implemented by companies across the U.S., and her impact continues to resonate within the corporate world.

A frequent speaker at conferences and corporate events, Sheila captivates audiences with her powerful insights on emotional intelligence, leadership resilience, and mediation techniques. She is known for blending practical strategies with inspirational storytelling, leaving her audiences empowered to lead with empathy, resolve conflicts, and create inclusive work environments.

With a strong educational foundation including an MBA from Concordia University and over 10 years of progressive leadership experience, Sheila’s expertise positions her as a top speaker for organizations committed to developing future leaders and fostering workplace excellence.

With over a decade of dynamic experience across leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and human resources, Sheila Vance-Tisby is a recognized thought leader and speaker in the areas of leadership, women’s leadership, emotional intelligence... Show more

Jennifer Ann Mason is the Vice President of Workforce Transformation and Learning at Planet Technologies, where she leads the Evolve 365 team as they help transform organizations and agencies through user adoption and various learning activities, including customized adoption playbooks, training videos designed for internal business processes, ongoing learning campaigns and personalized Champions Programs. Helping organizations adjust how they approach learning as they move forward with digital transformation and change the way they work.

Jennifer has been awarded the Microsoft MVP over 10 consecutive years and is a nationally known speaker at worldwide conferences. She is the author of over 6 SharePoint Technical Books and helps lead and coordinate the local user’s group in her hometown. The Microsoft Community is a big part of Jennifer’s interest and you can often find her at local events, community forums or working behind the scenes to coordinate various Diversity & Inclusion conference tracks.

Jennifer has been with Planet Technologies over 5 years and is looking forward to the future of the government workplace. The changes of the cloud are being felt more and more every day and the journey of adoption for many agencies is just beginning! Being able to help various agencies do more and do things differently is just a small thing that gets her excited! From helping them transition from paper or excel forms to PowerApps and Power BI or to Teams and SharePoint from email – all changes big or small that help people work more efficiently are foundations worth celebrating in Jennifer’s mind!

In her spare time, you can often find Jennifer traveling all over the US with her husband Corey and her pup Bowser. From the beaches to the mountains to the vineyards, you just never know where they might end up for a few days!

Jennifer Ann Mason is the Vice President of Workforce Transformation and Learning at Planet Technologies, where she leads the Evolve 365 team as they help transform organizations and agencies through user adoption and various learning activities, inc... Show more

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safety.

To support refugee and low income communities to access quality education and advanced technology in Africa, Justin has founded an organisation named Up With Africa based in Uganda.

About his work engagement, Justin has worked as a Research Enumerator with the University of Oxford - Refugee Study Center on a Refugee Economy Study in Uganda in 2018, where he successfully conducted interviews with 123 adult refugees from different slums and households.

Justin has also worked on many projects with the University of Toronto (for 6 years) in Uganda such as: refugees reproductive health, stress management and Virtual Reality as an mental health intervention, managing communication from online systems to refugees' WhatsApp massaging as part of the study.

Additionally, Justin has worked in refugee settlements in Uganda like Nakivale, Kyaka II, Bidibidi and Kiryandongo where he supported the creation of ICT, Entrepreneurship and Conflicts Resolution online course contents for refugees to learn remotely.

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safet... Show more

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming languages, Systems Analysis and Design, Databases, AI, Operating Systems, Networks and Free Software. Member of Ubuntu-ar, CaFeLUG, ClementinaOrg and SysArmy, promoter of the use of Free Software in education, organizes and participates in events to disseminate the use of free software and free access to information and knowledge, for which he also develops and share content on your website and social networks. Consultant in migration to Free Software platforms for companies and public or private institutions.

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming language... Show more

She is a result-driven tech lover, passionate about community building, advocate for women in Information Technology, promoter of gender equality in STEM, Google cloud enthusiast, Program Manager who enjoys traveling and meeting new people, developer advocate in the making and hey! She is a music LOVER.

She is a result-driven tech lover, passionate about community building, advocate for women in Information Technology, promoter of gender equality in STEM, Google cloud enthusiast, Program Manager who enjoys traveling and meeting new people, developer... Show more

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

Anne is a service designer and creative strategist.
She is passionate about achieving sustainable growth by tackling complex systems and balancing the interests of organisations, customers, staff, and the planet. She helps organisations find the path from intention to delivery and learn to design for themselves.
She is a ‘design magpie’, sharing insights across sectors and pushing the boundaries of design by learning from other disciplines.

Anne is a service designer and creative strategist. She is passionate about achieving sustainable growth by tackling complex systems and balancing the interests of organisations, customers, staff, and the planet. She helps organisations find the pat... Show more

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference.

Emerald's tech odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early involvement in SWENext kindled her love for the field, setting the stage for an incredible transformation. From these roots, she ascended to become a Collegiate Member and a Collegiate Club Lead, championing inclusivity in STEM.

Emerald's accomplishments in the SWE Recruitment Challenge, where she clinched top positions multiple times, speak volumes about her zeal for SWE's mission and the advancement of women in tech. She believes that innovation thrives in diversity, and she's a living testament to this ideology.

But her journey didn't stop there. Emerald's commitment transcends borders; she proudly serves as a SWE Global Ambassador, amplifying the organization's impact and values globally. She's passionate about fostering a global community that empowers women to thrive in the tech universe.

As the newly appointed GDSC Lead at BAZE University, Emerald is poised to make an indelible mark. Her leadership and dedication are set to empower a new generation of tech enthusiasts.

Emerald's story is a testament to the incredible potential that emerges when passion meets dedication. She's breaking barriers, paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech, and proving that age is no limit when it comes to making waves in the world of technology.

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference. Emerald's... Show more

I am a Deaf leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, working at the intersection of ethical finance, disability inclusion, sustainable development, and climate justice.
As a Senior Financial Analyst and Junior Accountant, I support schools, organizations, and businesses in strengthening financial transparency and accountability.
As the Executive Director of EAI, I lead inclusive programs that amplify the voices and talents of Deaf and disabled people, centering sign language access and intersectional inclusion in leadership.
I also serve as National Coordinator of Rise for Impact (DRC), empowering youth leadership and civic engagement across Central and East Africa.
A former Youth4Climate participant, I advocate for integrating accessibility and resilience into climate action.
Certified in DEI and Leadership, I’m passionate about digital accessibility and building technology that is equitable and inclusive for all.

I am a Deaf leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, working at the intersection of ethical finance, disability inclusion, sustainable development, and climate justice. As a Senior Financial Analyst and Junior Accountant, I support schools, org... Show more