Linda Bartholme is a Certified Heroic Performance Coach, Mental Fitness Trainer with Positive Intelligence®, and former French Immersion middle years teacher who understands firsthand what educators face. With Master's degrees in Kinesiology and French Language & Literature, she blends research-based tools with compassion, humour, and lived experience as a teacher, mother, immigrant, and coach.
Through her coaching and consulting practice, Linda delivers interactive workshops helping teams and educators build resilient mindsets and sustainable routines. She has facilitated sessions for SD71, CSF, Athena Collective, the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, CFB Comox, Réseau-Femmes C.-B., and the SDE. She is known for making mindset tools practical and immediately usable.
Curious what others are saying? Her Google Business Profile (https://share.google/4H6zat05iLfPfcdqD) includes reviews and stories from those she has supported.
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bethrivingmomstoday

Linda Bartholme is a Certified Heroic Performance Coach, Mental Fitness Trainer with Positive Intelligence®, and former French Immersion middle years teacher who understands firsthand what educators face. With Master's degrees in Kinesiology and Fren... Show more

Alberto Castillo Aroca has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the global AI landscape, particularly in the niche of Humanitarian AI. As an Economist with a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, he sits at the unique intersection of complex data science, social impact, and technology policy.

​Currently, he serves as the Product Manager for ANTICIPA at the French NGO 3iS. Under his leadership, the platform was recently selected by Google.org as one of only 20 initiatives globally—out of over 3,000 proposals—to win the Generative AI Impact Challenge.

​Unlike many AI experts who focus solely on commercial software, Alberto leads engineering projects that are actively saving lives in Colombia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Amazon. His work utilizes advanced architectures involving Gemini, Mastra AI, and GraphRAG to help vulnerable communities manage environmental risks and disasters through accessible interfaces like WhatsApp.

​He is a recognized expert in bridging the gap between advanced Enterprise AI architectures and real-world deployment in low-connectivity environments. Beyond his technical work, Alberto is deeply involved in tech governance, having recently presented formal AI regulation proposals to the Senate of the Dominican Republic. He is currently one of the strongest voices advocating for the use of Agentic Systems to solve complex, systemic crises in the Global South.

Alberto Castillo Aroca has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the global AI landscape, particularly in the niche of Humanitarian AI. As an Economist with a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, he sits at the unique inters... Show more

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth.

Drawing from trauma-informed principles, psychology research, and lived experience, Char teaches leaders how the brain’s survival systems influence decision-making, leadership style, workplace culture, and long-term performance.

Her work focuses on helping professionals recognize when they are operating from “survival mode” and equipping them with practical strategies to shift into what she calls SurThrival Mode — a leadership framework centered on awareness, resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable impact.

Char’s work has resonated across leadership, wellness, and transformation spaces, where she speaks on topics including trauma-informed leadership, mindset transformation, resilience under pressure, and creating psychologically safe environments that allow people and organizations to thrive.

Through her speaking, coaching, and media platform, Char continues to lead transformative conversations that reshape leadership from the inside out.

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth. Drawing from trauma-info... Show more

Estudió la licenciatura en matemáticas en la Universidad de Guadalajara, después ingresó a la maestría en ciencias de la computación en el Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) unidad Guadalajara, en donde también realizó su doctorado en ciencias con especialidad en robótica y visión computacional.

Actualmente esta trabajando en la empresa Intel en la habilitación de características de procesadores Intel en diferentes distribuciones de Linux. También es docente del Instituto Tecnológico de Jalisco unidad académica de Zapopan.

Por su afición a Linux sus compañeros lo conocen como miguelinux.

Estudió la licenciatura en matemáticas en la Universidad de Guadalajara, después ingresó a la maestría en ciencias de la computación en el Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) unidad Guadalajara, en donde también realiz... Show more

Sam Jenkins is a community strategist, facilitator, and inclusive event design expert with over a decade of experience leading large-scale public programs, workforce initiatives, and cultural events. She currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator in local government while also running Empowering Communities, a consulting practice focused on helping organizations move beyond performative efforts and into practical, people-centered action.

Sam’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, culture, and lived experience. She specializes in supporting front-line staff, building psychologically safe teams, and designing events and initiatives that actually reflect the communities they serve. Her background in parks and recreation, combined with her systems-level DEI work, gives her a rare perspective that resonates with both leadership and on-the-ground staff.

Known for her engaging, honest, and highly interactive style, Sam blends real-world scenarios, storytelling, and actionable tools participants can use immediately. She does not shy away from hard conversations, but she always grounds them in compassion, clarity, and practicality.

Sam has facilitated workshops, panels, and trainings for government agencies, nonprofits, and professional associations, and she consistently receives feedback for creating spaces that feel both challenging and supportive. Her sessions are especially impactful for audiences navigating burnout, change fatigue, and the pressure to “get it right” without enough guidance or support.

Sam Jenkins is a community strategist, facilitator, and inclusive event design expert with over a decade of experience leading large-scale public programs, workforce initiatives, and cultural events. She currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and I... Show more

Lister Potter is a CTO, consultant, and elected Mayor focused on designing systems that scale — in software and in governance.

He leads the architecture of a next-generation multi-tenant platform built around a repository-centric workflow where documentation, architecture decisions, backlog, and code live together. His work explores what it means to build AI-native development environments where clarity and structure are designed in from the start.

Across technology leadership and civic governance, Lister applies the same principle: tools don’t solve systemic problems — well-forged systems do.

Lister Potter is a CTO, consultant, and elected Mayor focused on designing systems that scale — in software and in governance. He leads the architecture of a next-generation multi-tenant platform built around a repository-centric workflow where do... Show more

Secondary school teacher (mathematics & physics), Ph.D. in mathematics (with specialization in the teaching of mathematics at the university level)

Research Interests: instructional design of mathematics courses, mathematical sophistication & enculturation, mathematical beliefs, fostering giftedness, future skills, AI & data literacy

Secondary school teacher (mathematics & physics), Ph.D. in mathematics (with specialization in the teaching of mathematics at the university level) Research Interests: instructional design of mathematics courses, mathematical sophistication & encu... Show more

Dr. Yi Zhang is a global learning strategist, TEDx speaker, SXSW London speaker (incoming), and founder who stands at the intersection of human development and technology shifts. With a 15-year career partnering with C-suite and senior leaders, Yi has spearheaded workforce capability initiatives that have positively impacted over 120,000 people at Fortune 100 giants, including Microsoft, Walmart, and United Airlines.

With a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, Yi helps people-centric organizations break through the AI overwhelm and rediscover their humanity and what they’re called to build. Whether addressing large conferences or leadership circles, Yi is known for making an emotional connection with the audience and bringing bold truths about AI and human behaviors that ignites change.

I offer two (2) signature talks:

1. Humanity & Well-Being: The AI Age Survival Guide

As AI reshapes the workplace, organizations face a hidden crisis of burnout and culture drift. This talk blends the nature of AI, human development, and change to help corporate leaders and teams navigate the overwhelm of AI acceleration without losing their humanity.

2. AI & the Human Debt: How HR & People Teams Win the AI Race

Is your HR/people team a passive observer or a strategic architect of the AI revolution? This talk unpacks the failed AI initiatives and provides proprietary guidance for CHROs and people leaders. It reclaims their seat at the table by bridging the gap between technological acceleration and human capability.

“Yi speaks from a place of extraordinary experience and genuine passion. What makes her remarkable on stage is her ability to take complex, forward-looking topics like AI, technology shifts, and workforce transformation and make them accessible, relatable, and deeply personal. That sets her apart as a speaker and as a thought leader.” — Berthine Crèvecoeur West, CEO, Westbridge Solutions"

Visit my speaker kit here for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EfIzdWtvkTL8h5FgjOeNQqdZFKgj99O4/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Yi Zhang is a global learning strategist, TEDx speaker, SXSW London speaker (incoming), and founder who stands at the intersection of human development and technology shifts. With a 15-year career partnering with C-suite and senior leaders, Yi ha... Show more

Sam Naji is CTO of UniqLearn, where he built VCOS — a 5-layer agentic development system that cut bug escape rates from 25% to under 5%. He's shipped production AI across four countries and now builds AI-powered personalized learning for K-12 from NYC.

Sam Naji is CTO of UniqLearn, where he built VCOS — a 5-layer agentic development system that cut bug escape rates from 25% to under 5%. He's shipped production AI across four countries and now builds AI-powered personalized learning for K-12 from NY... Show more

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at the Kolping University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Affairs.

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at... Show more

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

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

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

Data Scientist enthusiast, Co-Organiser of Pydata Port Harcourt and Team Lead at Port Harcourt School of Ai

Data Scientist enthusiast, Co-Organiser of Pydata Port Harcourt and Team Lead at Port Harcourt School of Ai Show more

Alida is a Data Engineer for the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about service, especially within her city, and is always excited to talk about the intersections of data, local government, and change-making.

Alida is a Data Engineer for the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about service, especially within her city, and is always excited to talk about the intersections of data, local government, and change-making. Show more

With over 20 years of enterprise Java experience, Frederieke has seen (and probably debugged) it all, from legacy monoliths to reactive messaging systems and the occasional front-end adventure. She’s especially interested in how Domain-Driven Design and reactive principles can help teams build systems that are both robust and adaptable.

Frederieke enjoys helping people grow, whether that’s through mentoring, improving team practices, or just asking the right questions. Outside of work, she’s an active contributor to the Java Meetup in Groningen (NL), where she shares ideas and learns from colleagues in her local community.

When she’s not coding or speaking, you’ll likely find her out on a trail. She once hiked the Grand Canyon and is always looking for the next adventure.

With over 20 years of enterprise Java experience, Frederieke has seen (and probably debugged) it all, from legacy monoliths to reactive messaging systems and the occasional front-end adventure. She’s especially interested in how Domain-Driven Design ... Show more

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich background in technology consulting and a passion for making complex concepts accessible to all, Tim is a beacon for those seeking to understand the future of technology and its impact on our lives.

As a seasoned speaker, Tim has a knack for demystifying AI for non-technical audiences, elucidating its significance in everyday life and the pivotal role it plays in shaping our future. He dives deep into the heart of how AI can revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and think about education, highlighting practical applications that can address the challenges faced by today's schools and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Drawing from his experience as a technology leader and IT mentor, Tim Goree provides invaluable insights into IT leadership in the digital age. He believes in leadership that is not just about managing technology but inspiring teams and keeping them accountable to big visions. His talks offer a roadmap for IT professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills and for organizations striving to cultivate a forward-thinking IT culture.

Beyond the podium, Tim is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technology leaders, emphasizing the importance of women in tech and advocating for diversity of thought in technical fields. He champions the idea that a successful technology career is accessible to everyone, with the right guidance and opportunities.

Speaking Topics:
- AI Made Simple: Unraveling Artificial Intelligence for Non-Technical Audiences
- The Future of Learning: How AI is Transforming Education and School Culture
- What's Wrong with Schools and How to Fix It: The Disconnect Between What Schools Say and What They Do
- Leading in IT: Essential Leadership Skills for the Digital Age
- Mentorship Programs: The Key to Growth and Diversity in the Technology Field

With a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm, Tim Goree invites you to join him on a journey to explore the intersections of education, business, technology, and leadership. Whether you're an educator looking to innovate, an IT professional seeking to lead, or simply curious about the future of technology, Tim's sessions are a beacon of knowledge and inspiration.

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich backgrou... Show more

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and private sector organizations across the MENA region, specializing in AI-driven transformation, data strategy frameworks, and advanced analytics.

As the founder of STEP INSIGHT, she has advised multinational clients on AI Strategy, Governance, and upskilling activation. As the director of AI strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, Hela runs multiple training sessions and projects for governmental entities across the UAE and Qatar on govtech, digital transformation, Data strategy, and the importance of Data in the governmental sector.

Hela holds an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School and an engineering degree in statistics and data analysis from Carthage University.

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and... Show more

Originally from Azerbaijan, Sabina currently lives and works in Amsterdam.

Has been immersed in tech startup environment for 7+ years, ex-founder and social entrepreneur. Global Head of Relations at the largest startup accelerator in Europe, Startupbootcamp. Was a co-founder of Metasouls, membership onboarding women to Web3, AI and other skills of the future, and SheNFT, its series of events. Mentors early-stage startups.

A big part of her Web3 journey is advocating and promoting the idea women in tech across conferences and communities all over the world. Other speaking topics of expertise include personal brand development, entering Web3 as a non-tech person and insights from the venture capital and startup industry.

Originally from Azerbaijan, Sabina currently lives and works in Amsterdam. Has been immersed in tech startup environment for 7+ years, ex-founder and social entrepreneur. Global Head of Relations at the largest startup accelerator in Europe, Start... Show more

Megan is a career fundraiser with 20+ years international experience. Delivering growth strategies, programs and leading teams. Extensive experience in capital and capacity campaigns, mega and major gifts, bequests, partnerships, community and events fundraising.

Megan is a career fundraiser with 20+ years international experience. Delivering growth strategies, programs and leading teams. Extensive experience in capital and capacity campaigns, mega and major gifts, bequests, partnerships, community and events... Show more

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment.

In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platforms team, overseeing UX for the flagship sales product used across Disney’s linear channels like ABC and ESPN.

Frances began her teaching career in 2020 at Austin Community College, where she taught UX/UI design, visual design, and portfolio design.

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment. In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platfor... Show more

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of student activism and key grassroots community organizations. Her current work documents the legislative and political battles that threaten academic freedom and critical pedagogy. She maintains a scholarly focus on U.S.-based Filipinxs and their organizing history in the long struggle for Ethnic Studies curriculum.

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of s... Show more

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agriculture. After witnessing environmental challenges and participating in group studies in the EU Commission he founded Rural PM: Incubation & Management Academy in 2016. His goal is to help strengthen management practices in agri food systems, promoting value creation in a simple and regenerative way.

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agricultu... Show more

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz é Analista Judiciário no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 23ª Região, em Cuiabá-MT, onde atua desde 2012. Atualmente ocupa o cargo de Secretário de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação e Coordenador do Grupo de Secretários de TIC da Justiça do Trabalho. É pós graduado em Informática Voltada à Negócios, possui MBA em Gestão Empresarial, MBA em Marketing e MBA em Finanças e Auditoria, além de ser autor de sete livros.

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz é Analista Judiciário no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 23ª Região, em Cuiabá-MT, onde atua desde 2012. Atualmente ocupa o cargo de Secretário de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação e Coordenador do Grupo de Secretários... Show more

Chris Chiancone is a 3x ORBIE CIO of the Year Finalist and technology executive with over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation across government and the private sector. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer for the City of Carrollton, Texas (pop. 140,000), where he oversees all technology strategy, cybersecurity, and AI initiatives for a full-service municipality.

With more than 16 years of hands-on experience in AI and machine learning, Chris has delivered over $150M in technology projects, managed $25M+ annual budgets, and led teams of 100+ professionals. He is a CISSP-certified security practitioner and published author on AI adoption for non-technical leaders.

As a Fractional CIO and AI Strategy Consultant, Chris helps mid-market companies and government agencies modernize their technology operations, build practical AI strategies, and achieve enterprise-grade IT leadership — without the cost of a full-time executive.

Chris speaks on AI strategy, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology leadership with a focus on real-world results over hype. He brings specific numbers, honest lessons learned, and actionable frameworks that audiences can implement immediately.

Chris Chiancone is a 3x ORBIE CIO of the Year Finalist and technology executive with over 25 years of experience leading digital transformation across government and the private sector. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer for the City of... 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

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est une organisation de jeunes et de femmes orientée sur les questions de promotion de l’engagement citoyen, de défenses des droits humains notamment des droits numériques et sur le développement de projets/programmes à fort impact social le tout avec la technologie comme principal vecteur. Notre organisation est convaincue de la nécessité de tirer profit de tout ce que le numérique nous offre pour développer notre capitale humain.

Basée au Sénégal, notre association est membre fondateur la coalition Tournons La Page – Section Sénégal et initiatrice du Centre d’Innovation sociale et environnementale de Mbour.
Militante féministe, je me suis formée en cybersécurité et promeut les actions de lutte contre les violences sur le genre en ligne.

En parallèle, je suis consultante, experte Genre Inclusion et formatrice en médias sociaux comme outils de plaidoyer.

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est ... Show more

Andy Crotty is a TS/SCI-cleared cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in cyber threat detection, incident response, and security engineering across federal, financial, and enterprise environments. He currently serves as a Cyber Network Defense Analyst 3 with Leidos, supporting the Department of Homeland Security in a 24x7x365 NOSC environment. In this role, Andy leads high-impact investigations, develops and optimizes detection logic aligned to MITRE ATT&CK, and mentors junior analysts to strengthen operational readiness and cyber defense capabilities.

A U.S. Army Warrant Officer with over 15 years of military service, Andy has led teams in advanced persistent threat (APT) analysis, cyber threat hunting, and defensive operations for the Department of Defense. His civilian career includes senior roles in security operations for Wells Fargo and the State of Arizona Department of Homeland Security, where he enhanced detection strategies, streamlined incident response workflows, and strengthened enterprise security postures.

Beyond his operational work, Andy is passionate about cybersecurity community engagement and mentorship. At DEFCON 33, he served as a staff member for Noob Village, where he coordinated community-focused activities including volunteer outreach, CTF raffle setup, and securing sponsors to provide prizes. Through his YouTube channel GingerHacker and mentorship initiatives, Andy continues to guide aspiring cybersecurity professionals, sharing practical insights on breaking into the field, building technical skills, and navigating a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Andy Crotty is a TS/SCI-cleared cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in cyber threat detection, incident response, and security engineering across federal, financial, and enterprise environments. He currently serves as a Cyber ... Show more

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo
Specialist in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Cybersecurity
Initiator of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs in Burkina Faso

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo is a researcher specializing in artificial intelligence applied to cybersecurity. His work focuses on behavior-based detection of malware, the protection of digital infrastructures, and the security of mobile devices in resource-constrained environments. He particularly investigates the risks associated with the widespread use of smartphones in Africa and the cyberattacks targeting vulnerable populations.

Highly committed to promoting digital rights and developing technological skills, he leads and supports several capacity-building initiatives in cybersecurity targeted at youth, women, and rural communities in West Africa.

Dr. Sawadogo also contributes to international collaborations in research, publications, and innovative projects bridging AI, security, and digital inclusion

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo Specialist in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Cybersecurity Initiator of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs in Burkina Faso Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo is a researcher specializing in artificial intelligence applied t... Show more

Noreen Krause ist als Projektleitung an der TIB in Hannover aktiv.
Nach dem Diplom am Georg-Elias-Müller-Institut für Psychologie der Universität Göttingen war sie an den Universitäten Wien und Tübingen tätig. In Wien war sie am Institut für Wirtschaftspsychologie, Bildungspsychologie und Evaluation mit dem Schwerpunkt Lebenslanges Lernen. Ab 2013 übernahm Noreen Krause die Leitung für ein Pilotprojekt der Universitäten Tübingen und Dresden, gefördert durch das Auswärtige Amt. In Tübingen war sie als erste wissenschaftliche Stabstelle am Dezernat für Forschung, Strategie und Recht und als Geschäftsführung einer Großfakultät. Ab 2017 wirkte Noreen Krause als Beraterin und E-Learning Professional in Verbundprojekten, z.B. an der Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hochschule Hannover und im E-Learning Academic Network Niedersachsen mit den Schwerpunkten Strategie und Nachhaltigkeit.
Gemeinsam mit dem Team gestaltet sie seit 2019 den Auf- u. Ausbau für das nds. OER-Portal twillo.

Noreen Krause ist als Projektleitung an der TIB in Hannover aktiv. Nach dem Diplom am Georg-Elias-Müller-Institut für Psychologie der Universität Göttingen war sie an den Universitäten Wien und Tübingen tätig. In Wien war sie am Institut für Wirtsc... Show more

Educator, systems thinker, and lifelong learner. I lead the Computing Programs at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus, where I work at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and software development. I care deeply about building systems that scale — whether that’s a capstone project, a degree program, or a set of habits that help students grow.

My background blends academia, entrepreneurship, and international experience. Before joining Northeastern, I ran a publishing business in Russia for over a decade — leading a team, streamlining operations, and building internal tools long before low-code platforms became popular. These days, I bring that same bias toward clarity, efficiency, and real-world results into how I teach and lead.

As a computer science educator, I’ve mentored hundreds of students through project-based learning, often partnering with industry and nonprofit clients. I’ve designed and taught 60+ capstone projects, developed AI-focused pathways, and created structures to help students turn their academic work into something meaningful — sometimes even startup-worthy.

I’ve been lecturing, facilitating workshops, and giving talks for over two decades — in universities, industry settings, and more recently, on stage as a Toastmaster. What makes that meaningful to me is the personal journey: I used to stutter as a kid and avoided speaking up whenever I could. These days, I find joy in clarity — not just in what I say, but in helping others articulate ideas that matter. Whether I’m teaching a technical concept or sharing a story from the classroom, I aim for engagement over perfection.

I speak and write about computer science education in the age of AI, teaching across cultures, building entrepreneurial mindsets, and how to preserve cognitive rigor without burning people out. My talks are grounded in classroom experience but often go beyond pedagogy — into leadership, mindset, and systems design.

Outside of work, I’m into distance running, slow travel, strange programming languages, and learning Spanish (with a thick Argentinian accent, apparently). I’m also raising a curious and sporty teenager, which is probably the most humbling teaching gig of all.

Educator, systems thinker, and lifelong learner. I lead the Computing Programs at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus, where I work at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and software development. I care deeply about building systems tha... Show more

Melissa Smith is a cybersecurity architect specializing in Microsoft Security and data governance, with deep expertise in Microsoft Purview, and identity-driven security architecture. She works with organizations operating in highly regulated and government cloud environments to design secure, scalable solutions that actually work in the real world.

Melissa is known for delivering deeply technical content in a way that’s engaging, practical, and refreshingly human. As a woman and mom in tech, she brings a perspective shaped by real-world tradeoffs, resilience, and a belief that impactful security careers don’t have to come at the expense of authenticity.

Melissa Smith is a cybersecurity architect specializing in Microsoft Security and data governance, with deep expertise in Microsoft Purview, and identity-driven security architecture. She works with organizations operating in highly regulated and gov... Show more