Government, Social Sector & Education

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

Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing

Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing

Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing (Dr. TAB), Human Resources Director for the City of Peachtree City, is an accomplished HR professional with 20 years in the industry (15 years in local government). She is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that positively impact productivity and overall employee satisfaction. Dr. TAB specializes in training and development, talent management, employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, wellness programs and risk management. Dr. TAB is a training instructor for the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she teaches Human Resources classes to municipal elected officials and staff.

Dr. TAB currently serves as President of the Georgia Public Employer Labor Relations Association, Immediate Past President of the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association, and Past Vice President of Membership for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources-Atlanta Chapter. She also sits on several advisory councils and board of directors. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute, the Society for Human Resource Management, and an Advanced Certified Human Resources Manager through the University of Georgia. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree in HR from Capella University.

Dr. TAB is originally from the greater St. Louis metro area. In her spare time, you can find her on her rollerskates three times a week or riding her Harley Iron 883 Sportster motorcycle!

Dr. Teaa Allston-Bing (Dr. TAB), Human Resources Director for the City of Peachtree City, is an accomplished HR professional with 20 years in the industry (15 years in local government). She is responsible for developing and implementing policies and... Show more

Tutaleni Ilonga

Tutaleni Ilonga

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Africa game development program Mr, Ilonga created his own game studio/company called TL Entertainment whereby he created games and was successfully able to import Global Game Jam and Game Jam +, whereby together with the partnership between TL Entertainment and Game Jam+ there was a bridge built between Namibia and Brazil.

With the games that where created not proving to be profitable, Mr Ilonga would take part in a CEP program whereby he would like up with Vaughan, Veronica and Ndamono and together they would form Edu-Game Namibia to create an innovation hub around gaming to ensure that the market because sustainable around gaming and ensure future Namibian generations will be able to profit from it.

With 7 Years’ experience in Gaming Mr Ilonga has won a few awards and also became the flag career for Gaming especially at the Forbes where he and Vaughan would help Edu-Game Namibia make it to the top 3 pitch battle final. Currently Mr Ilonga together with Edu-Game are working on a curriculum to gamify the education system.

List of Achievements
Forbes 30 Under 30 Top 3 Pitch Battle Finalist 2024
Boost Up Pitch Winner 2023
Xbox Games Camp Alumni 2023
Sanlam Bridge Beneficiary 2023
CEP WINNER 2022
Game Industry Africa Awards Winner 2022
Class of 2022 Game Developers Conference SCHOLARS:

Events/Interviews I have Spoken At
Xbox Games Camp - Topic - Why Africa Is The Best Place To Invest When It Comes To Gaming
Africa Partnership For Growth Symposium - Topic - Why Investing In Gaming is Profitable
PathfindinGS -Topic - Gamifying the Namibian Education System
Africa Comicade Topic -Getting Local Businesses to Invest in Game Development
Game Jam Plus Topic -Importance of Game Jam In The Local Ecosystem
African Creative Meeting Topic -E-Sports In Africa
ESQUENTA Topic - Importance of GJ + For the Local Ecosystem
BBC World Service TV Topic - CES 2020: What’s in it for Africa?

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Afri... Show more

Shivaram K R

Shivaram K R

Shivaram K R is an innovator, researcher, and serial entrepreneur. He focuses on the impact of emerging technologies on humanity through his key strengths: initiative, innovation and implementation. He has 20 years of hands-on experience in Artificial Intelligence. He is a domain expert in multiple emerging technologies and has built 11 tech startups to solve the world’s problems. He is currently the Co-founder and CEO of Hue Learn.

Alumni of IIT Delhi, he has 10 years of experience in algorithmic trading and quantitative research. He has built High Frequency Trading strategies and Cross Asset Investment Strategies during his tenure in Bank of America, Edelweiss and Societe Generale. He created a robotics lab to do research on AI, robotics, 3D printing, IoT and other emerging technologies. He started his entrepreneurial journey in 2014 from his lab. He uses the first principles approach to build his startups. He has built products that use AI to solve problems in the domain of commodity trading, genomics, education, drone delivery, high-frequency trading and healthcare. He has advised government bodies and the World Economic Forum on the impact of emerging technologies. He is a TEDx speaker and has spoken at various global forums such as Green Accelerator at Davos during the World Economic Forum Annual Event, COP28 on use of AI in Education.

Shivaram K R is an innovator, researcher, and serial entrepreneur. He focuses on the impact of emerging technologies on humanity through his key strengths: initiative, innovation and implementation. He has 20 years of hands-on experience in Artificia... Show more

Emily Selim

Emily Selim

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study program designer and leader, charter school administrator. I’ve worked in district office administration, and most recently as a county office specialist serving Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. I also serve as a coach for 21CSLA and have coached teachers and leaders in many capacities for 15 years. I am trained as a Resilience Coach with Dovetail Learning, and as a trainer for Mental Health First Aid. I am a professional photographer and laser maker, and in my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking nutritious food, and traveling to new places.

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study progra... Show more

Andrea Civile

Andrea Civile

Andrea Civile is a Ph.D. candidate in Linguistics and Language Teaching at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. His research focuses on pragmatic competence and cultural shock in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language, with a cross-cultural approach involving data collection in Brazil and Japan. He is a member of the Grupo de Pesquisa "Pragmática (inter)linguística, cross-cultural e intercultural" at the University of São Paulo and participates in the Online Courses in Italian Language and Culture research group at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Andrea has extensive experience in Italian language education, having taught at institutions such as the Italian Cultural Institute of Tokyo and the University of Tokyo. He currently serves as a Language Expert at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.

Andrea Civile is a Ph.D. candidate in Linguistics and Language Teaching at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. His research focuses on pragmatic competence and cultural shock in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language, with a cross-cultur... Show more

Dr Karissa Thomas

Dr Karissa Thomas

Dr. Karissa Thomas is a global strategist, author, and leadership expert known for her transformative work at the intersection of emotional intelligence, identity, and inclusive leadership. With over 20 years of experience across corporate America, international education, and humanitarian leadership, she equips professionals to lead with emotional integrity, cultural fluency, and presence under pressure.

As the creator of the Mosaic Intelligence Method™, Dr. Thomas helps organizations and individuals navigate identity shifts, leadership fatigue, and systemic disruption with clarity and confidence. She has spoken at leadership summits, disaster response conferences, school districts, and global forums—offering deeply reflective and practical guidance on how to lead in uncertain times.

Whether she is addressing high-stakes communication in emergency response teams, building emotionally intelligent cultures in schools, or guiding executives through identity realignment, Dr. Thomas is known for her grounded, emotionally rich, and actionable style. Her talks are not just motivational—they are movemental.

Dr. Karissa Thomas is a global strategist, author, and leadership expert known for her transformative work at the intersection of emotional intelligence, identity, and inclusive leadership. With over 20 years of experience across corporate America, i... Show more

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitalize on disparate data & information to deliver tactical, operational, & strategic intelligence to protect personnel, facilities, data, & information systems.

While in the government sector, A.J.'s work was often delivered to military & government decision-makers, including the U.S. Secretary of State, Congress, & the White House. Since moving to the private sector, A.J. has spoken at conferences & events globally, contributed to online & print publications, podcasts - including his award-winning Unspoken Security podcast - webinars, & other new & traditional media.

A.J. holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College & both a Graduate Certificate in Servant Leadership & an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitali... Show more

Jeff Harry

Jeff Harry

Jeff Harry combines positive psychology and play to heal workplaces, help teams build psychological safety and assist individuals in addressing their biggest challenges through embracing a play-oriented approach to work. Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers and has been featured in the NY Times, Mashable, Upworthy, Shondaland, & Wired. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day.

Jeff Harry combines positive psychology and play to heal workplaces, help teams build psychological safety and assist individuals in addressing their biggest challenges through embracing a play-oriented approach to work. Jeff was selected by BambooH... Show more

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace resilience, and cultivate success-driven thinking.

Her journey—one of perseverance, loss, and profound transformation—led to a defining realization: True empowerment begins within. As a dedicated single mother and accomplished business owner, Rakhi spent years building her career, only to face an unexpected turning point in 2021 that challenged everything she knew. In losing her business, trust in others, and belief in herself, she uncovered the most powerful lesson of all—To take care of others, you must be able to take care of you first, and success is not about doing more, but about being yourself.

Determined to rebuild, Rakhi mastered mind-transforming techniques that restored her confidence and propelled her to achieve more success than ever before. Now, she shares these strategies, along with the most critical life lessons she learned over two decades, with individuals ready for meaningful growth, guiding them to release old patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and realign their mindset with their purpose.

As an empathetic leader and relationship strategist, Rakhi bridges the gap between personal fulfillment and career success, helping others step into their highest potential. Through her transformational approach, she teaches resilience, belief-building, and self-discovery—showing that when we elevate our inner world, life itself becomes effortless.

"If there’s one thing that can change everything around you, it’s to focus on YOU."

With her unique insights, storytelling, and unwavering commitment to growth, Rakhi inspires individuals to step into their power, embrace their purpose, and create lasting impact in every aspect of life.

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals... Show more

Valentina Vasilov

Valentina Vasilov

Valentina Vasilov is certified research integrity trainer, personcentered-integrative coach (DACB, GwG, RTC) as well as facilitator in areas of career development and communication. She has many years of professional experience in doctoral education as well as working experience in diversity management in the academic field. As a member of the GC Plus Team she offers counselling to early career researchers and designs programmes and trainings for the development of transferable skills.

Valentina Vasilov is certified research integrity trainer, personcentered-integrative coach (DACB, GwG, RTC) as well as facilitator in areas of career development and communication. She has many years of professional experience in doctoral education ... Show more

Michelle Keating-Sibel DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC

Michelle Keating-Sibel DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, preventative screenings, and value-based care. She has worked as a family nurse practitioner, providing comprehensive care across the lifespan, and has also served at Tandigm Health, where she focused on innovative healthcare delivery models to enhance quality and efficiency in primary care.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Sibel is a faculty member at Chamberlain University, where she educates future healthcare leaders on the implementation of strategies to drive policy change and improve healthcare quality metrics such as HEDIS measures. A seasoned speaker, she has presented on a range of critical healthcare topics, including deprescribing strategies, hospital-at-home models, and the integration of pharmacologic therapy in weight management.

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evide... Show more

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovation and operational excellence for diverse organizations. At the City of Seattle, he modernized various services, enhancing collaboration and automating workflows for a workforce of over 10,000 employees.

Dan’s expertise lies in leading impactful teams, crafting transformative strategies, and delivering innovative technology solutions that align with business goals. He speaks on topics such as Digital Transformation Strategy, Leadership in Technology, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, Emerging Technology Adoption, IT Governance Best Practices, and AI Governance.

Passionate about helping customers solve real-world challenges through technology, Dan combines deep technical expertise with a focus on positive outcomes for people. When he’s not transforming organizations, Dan enjoys gaming, hosting digital transformation talks, and connecting with audiences on Twitch and LinkedIn.

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovatio... Show more

Francisca Márcia Gomes Sampaio

Francisca Márcia Gomes Sampaio

Apaixonada por pessoas, agilidade, gestão e conhecimento. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência em tecnologia e transformação organizacional, atuo no SERPRO — a maior empresa pública de TI do mundo — onde já contribuí em diversas frentes: transformação ágil, gestão ágil, experiência do usuário (UX), LGPD, técnicas de facilitação e, atualmente, como gestora do time Sinergia, apoiando o desenvolvimento de lideranças inspiradoras e a construção de times de alto desempenho.

Doutoranda em Engenharia de Software pela UFPE, sou também especialista em Gerência Estratégica da Informação (UNIFOR - 2004), mestre em Informática Aplicada (UNIFOR - 2008), MBA em Gerência de Projetos (FGV - 2012), pós-graduada em Psicologia Positiva, Ciência do Bem-Estar e Autorrealização (PUCRS - 2021), MBA em Liderança, Inovação e Gestão 4.0 (PUCRS - 2022) e pós-graduada em Psicologia Organizacional e Gestão de Pessoas (PUCRS - 2024).

Certificada PMP desde 2005 e Personal Coach pela SLAC, atuo também como professora em cursos de pós-graduação e palestrante em grandes eventos de agilidade, como Agile Trends, Agile Trends Gov, TDC, Agile Brazil, entre outros. Sou ainda partner do Coletivo Ação no Workshop Team Facilitator.

Movida por propósito, sigo em constante evolução pessoal e profissional, acreditando que ambientes de trabalho felizes, colaborativos e humanos geram, naturalmente, os melhores resultados.

Apaixonada por pessoas, agilidade, gestão e conhecimento. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência em tecnologia e transformação organizacional, atuo no SERPRO — a maior empresa pública de TI do mundo — onde já contribuí em diversas frentes: transformação ... Show more

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her unique blend of economic analysis, communications expertise, and social work practice, Aruna brings a comprehensive perspective to addressing complex challenges in early learning systems.
Aruna holds a Master of Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Economics, Communications, and Journalism. This interdisciplinary background enables her to approach early childhood policy through multiple lenses—understanding both the economic implications of early learning investments and the communication strategies needed to build support for children and families.
In her role at the Early Learning Coalition, Aruna oversees program implementation, policy analysis, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the early learning infrastructure in Palm Beach County. Her work focuses on ensuring equitable access to quality early education programs and developing evidence-based approaches to support children’s developmental outcomes.
Aruna is passionate about translating research into actionable policy and sharing insights on how communities can build more effective early learning systems that serve all children and families.

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her uniq... Show more

Jaly Badiane

Jaly Badiane

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

Brooke Deuson

Brooke Deuson

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch.

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch. Show more

Matías Fortunato

Matías Fortunato

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos.
Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca.
Programador .Net durante 10 años y los últimos 6 años Scrum Master y Consultor Ágil.

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos. Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca. Programador .Net durante 10 años y lo... Show more

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things (IoT), computer networking, wireless and mobile networks (including 5G/6G), and machine learning for sensor systems. She is also the Chair and a founding member of the ACM Women UK Chapter.

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things ... Show more

Paul Zikopoulos

Paul Zikopoulos

Paul is an award-winning professional writer & speaker who’s been consulted on the topic of AI & Big Data by the popular TV show “60 Minutes”. Paul’s been named to dozens of global “Experts to Follow” & “Influencers” lists, including Analytics Insight’s “Top 100 Global AI & Big Data Influencers”. Paul’s written 20 books (including “The AI Ladder” and 3 ‘for Dummies’ titles) and over 360 articles during his accidental 26-year career as a data nerd. Currently, Paul is writing an O’Reilly book on Hybrid Cloud. At IBM, Paul leads from the front, owning accountability and strategic direction in a ‘tech years are like dog years’ world for the entire IBM Technology Unit’s (all IBM software & hardware) sales, tech sales, and partner ecosystem learning journeys and upskilling programs.

You’ll find Paul taking a very active role around Women in Technology (he’s a seated board member for Women 2.0, who he became involved with after his tweet was mentioned on the TV show, “The View”), general workplace inclusivity (completing an intensive D&I certificate at Cornell University), and Coding for Veterans. In addition, Paul sits on the world recognized Masters of Management Analytics & AI program boards at Canada’s prestigious Queen’s University.

Paul is an award-winning professional writer & speaker who’s been consulted on the topic of AI & Big Data by the popular TV show “60 Minutes”. Paul’s been named to dozens of global “Experts to Follow” & “Influencers” lists, including Analytics Insigh... Show more

Vinay Sati

Vinay Sati

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical hacking and cyber defense has earned me recognition at both national and international levels.

I have had the honor of being invited as a speaker by prestigious institutions and government bodies such as the National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi University, IIT Delhi, and IIT Roorkee. In these engagements, I have shared my insights and expertise with senior scientists, government officials, and academic leaders.

My work in securing leading Indian banks—including Axis Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and IndusInd Bank—demonstrates my commitment to enhancing cybersecurity in critical financial sectors. I have also collaborated closely with various government agencies to strengthen digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.

My contributions have been featured in prominent media outlets, including Dailyhunt News, and my recent session with NIC was broadcast live on DD News and is archived on the Government Webcast Portal.

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical ha... Show more

Gursimar Singh

Gursimar Singh

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after speaker at international conferences and universities, fostering a culture of learning. His passion lies in mentoring others, evident in his roles as a Section Leader for Code in Place and Google Cloud Facilitator.

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after spea... Show more

Janet Robb Robb

Janet Robb Robb

Janet has been working within the Microsoft Dynamics ego system for over 24 years. Both within Microsoft , Partner networks & Consultancy. She is one of the leading change practitioners in Dynamics & Power Platform, she knows what works & the effort it requires to be successful.

Janet is one of the founding members of the power platform community & known for mentoring & supporting up & coming talent. Janet is passionate about ensuring a safe & equal opportunities for women within the IT industry.
She is known for being straight talking – you have be warned.

Janet has been working within the Microsoft Dynamics ego system for over 24 years. Both within Microsoft , Partner networks & Consultancy. She is one of the leading change practitioners in Dynamics & Power Platform, she knows what works & the effort... Show more

Mahdi Shariff

Mahdi Shariff

Mahdi Shariff is the Co-founder of Humble AI, a platform that empowers non-technical teams to build, manage, and launch their own AI-enabled tools — without code or complexity. At Humble, Mahdi is driven by a belief that AI should augment human collaboration, not replace it. His mission is to make technology more accessible, inclusive, and human-centred — ensuring the future of work is built not just for people, but by them.

Prior to founding Humble, Mahdi served as VP at a Soros-backed venture, helping global companies and startups scale through data, automation, and high-performing technical teams. He was formerly Chief Strategy Officer at Sunteng, a big data startup that became a leader in programmatic advertising in China, and previously worked in investment banking in London, specialising in AI, CRM, and ad tech M&A.

A Forbes Asia “30 Under 30” awardee, Mahdi is also an angel investor and advisor to Slush, and has spoken at leading global events including Slush, Innovfest, and the London Business School China Forum.

Mahdi speaks on topics at the intersection of AI, education, and entrepreneurship — with a focus on practical implementation, inclusive access, and real-world impact. His recent talks cover areas such as:
• AI in Education – empowering both students and teachers through accessible, human-centric AI tools
• AI in Business – from automation to augmentation, how AI is reshaping workflows and decision-making
• Creating Custom AI Assistants – building tailored tools that support real teams, without code
• Data Security & Ethics in AI – navigating implementation with responsibility and transparency
• Practical AI Frameworks – step-by-step approaches for deploying AI tools in real-world environments
• AI for SMBs – unlocking the power of AI for small teams with limited technical capacity
• Careers in the AI Era – how AI is creating new paths for builders, creatives, and knowledge workers
• No-Code AI Systems – enabling innovation without needing to write a single line of code

Mahdi Shariff is the Co-founder of Humble AI, a platform that empowers non-technical teams to build, manage, and launch their own AI-enabled tools — without code or complexity. At Humble, Mahdi is driven by a belief that AI should augment human colla... Show more

Dedren Snead

Dedren Snead

Dedren Snead (he/him/his) is a computer scientist, artist, and Ford Foundation Global Fellow in Gaming and Artificial Intelligence. As founder of SUBSUME Media and SUBSUME Studios, featured in CNN and Black Enterprise, he established the world's first Afrofuturism technology studio in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. His work focuses on creating inclusive technologies and storytelling experiences that bridge digital divides while celebrating diverse cultural narratives through gaming, artificial intelligence, and interactive media.

Through SUBSUME's pioneering initiatives, Dedren develops educational gaming platforms and AI-driven solutions that connect K-12 and early career learners to creative and technical professions. His innovative approach to combining technology with cultural storytelling has earned him positions as an Innovator in Residence at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Artist in Residence at Georgia State
University's Creative Media Industries Institute, where he contributes to Digital Media, Game Design, and Futurism studies.

Dedren Snead (he/him/his) is a computer scientist, artist, and Ford Foundation Global Fellow in Gaming and Artificial Intelligence. As founder of SUBSUME Media and SUBSUME Studios, featured in CNN and Black Enterprise, he established the world's firs... Show more

Bradley D. Steyn

Bradley D. Steyn

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower who exposed criminality and extremism within powerful state systems.
Using real-world case studies, never-before-shared stories, and visual documentation from his covert years, Bradley offers a deep-dive into the psychological, moral, and systemic toll of standing up against corruption from the inside.
He’ll walk the audience through key turning points: how intelligence was manipulated to target innocent civilians, the moment he chose truth over complicity, and the personal cost of betrayal, surveillance, and exile.
This is a high-impact, high-integrity talk for organizations navigating crisis, ethical leadership, and institutional reform.
Why it matters: In a world where disinformation and institutional mistrust are skyrocketing, this session delivers a rare inside-out perspective on how integrity — even in the darkest corridors of power — can be a catalyst for reform.

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower... Show more

Savneet Singh

Savneet Singh

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles, podcasts, and speaking engagements.

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles,... Show more

Jess Price

Jess Price

Jess Price is a systems strategist and founder of Paradigm Makers. She makes the invisible visible and designs systems rooted in clarity, dignity, and collective evolution. Known for translating complexity into insight, Jess helps individuals and institutions reimagine how we live and work, so the systems around us reflect the future we actually want to build.

Jess Price is a systems strategist and founder of Paradigm Makers. She makes the invisible visible and designs systems rooted in clarity, dignity, and collective evolution. Known for translating complexity into insight, Jess helps individuals and ins... Show more

Anne Dhir

Anne Dhir

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

Colleen Turner

Colleen Turner

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating the electrification of the transportation sector through the development of plans, programs, and policies for state and local governments.

Colleen returned to Michael Baker in February 2021 following her employment as the Assistant Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Planning and Capital Programming (OPCP). During her tenure at MDOT, Colleen oversaw long-range environmental planning and the planning and deployment of innovative transportation technologies including zero emission vehicles (ZEV) and connected and automated vehicles (CAV). She managed MDOT’s air quality and climate change mitigation programs and participated in national discussions related to the electrification of the transportation sector, sharing her expertise with the White House, the National Governor’s Association (NGA), the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Colleen is a member of the TRB Standing Committee on Alternative Fuels and Technologies (AMS40). She is the former Chair of the AASHTO Air Quality Climate Change and Energy subcommittee of the Committee on Environment and Sustainability.

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating ... Show more

Tinuade Oguntuyi

Tinuade Oguntuyi

Tinuade is the GM Technical at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Nigeria's
a premium ISP and technology company, and is also responsible for championing the future of
work strategies in ICSL. Her work includes, among other things, machine-to-machine
communications (M2M, IoT), GSM backhauling via satellite in rural communities, and hard-to-get
settlements, internal revenue solutions, and secured federal and state-wide WAN connectivity.
She partners with several global ODMs and OEMs to deliver bespoke terrestrial and non-terrestrial network solutions, leveraging security and AI platforms.
She has successfully designed and implemented over thirty major network infrastructure projects
projects in more than 12 sectors, including government, education, financial institutions, etc.
utilizing renewable energy solutions in rural communities.
Tinuade is a Co-Chair of the Infrastructure, Access, and Connectivity working group of the
Internet Society (Nigeria Chapter), a Nigerian School on Internet Governance Fellow, and a
passionate STEM inclusion driver who imparts her knowledge through mentorship programs,
support groups, local and global industry speaking engagements, and other social impact
activities and encourages women and girls interested in STEM fields.
Through her experience, she understands how critical security is to any digital infrastructure, especially when working with diverse domains and clients. She is a pioneer member of the Meta Safe online and digital literacy community of practice.

Tinuade is the GM Technical at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Nigeria's a premium ISP and technology company, and is also responsible for championing the future of work strategies in ICSL. Her work includes, among other things... Show more

Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers.

Join Speakers Directory

Join our Speakers Directory today and amplify your reach! Showcase your expertise to a global audience hungry for your insights. Let your voice be heard!

Create Profile