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

Jörg Pareigis

Jörg Pareigis

Jörg Pareigis is an assistant professor in Business Administration and director of library as well as the head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Karlstad University, Sweden. He has vast experience of developing open online graduate courses for lifelong learning based on strategically important research centres at Karlstad University. Jörg was a participant of FDOL and is since 2019 part of the organising team of Open Networked Learning.

Jörg Pareigis is an assistant professor in Business Administration and director of library as well as the head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Karlstad University, Sweden. He has vast experience of developing open online graduate courses f... Show more

Michelle Storm

Michelle Storm

I am an experienced Innovation Designer and Personal Freedom Facilitator with a deep love for self-development and inner freedom. Drawing on a background in design thinking and a keen understanding of neurodiversity, I specialize in creating inclusive, socially sustainable, and human-centered solutions. I believe that by fostering environments where all individuals can tap into their unique strengths, we pave the way for transformative growth—both personally and collectively.

I have led workshops, trainings and sessions focused on leveraging creativity and technology to drive innovative thinking, collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges. Committed to building bridges between different perspectives, I thrive on turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that yield meaningful, sustainable impact in the short and long term. My aim is always to bring people together in ways that spark self-discovery, creative expression, and personal liberation, ultimately empowering every individual to step fully into their potential.

I am an experienced Innovation Designer and Personal Freedom Facilitator with a deep love for self-development and inner freedom. Drawing on a background in design thinking and a keen understanding of neurodiversity, I specialize in creating inclusiv... Show more

Anish S

Anish S

Anish S. Nair is a dynamic and accomplished Corporate Trainer with a rich background in an extensive array of programming languages and cutting-edge technologies. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, he played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of Logix Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd, contributing to its establishment as a prominent startup specializing in technical and corporate training.

As a founding member, Anish spearheaded the development of Logix Space Technologies, focusing on technical and corporate training. His leadership played a crucial role in the creation of SAFE KIDS, an innovative application that garnered attention from the Kerala State Government and is now implemented in schools across the state.

Anish possesses extensive expertise in a wide range of technologies, including Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, MEAN Stack / FullStack Technologies, Big Data, Internet Of Things, iOS, Android, Java, PHP, Python, MongoDB, Cloud Computing, Vue.js, React, Angular, React Native, DART, Google Flutter, and more. He specializes in Mobile and Web app development.

Anish holds the prestigious title of a certified REDHAT Engineer with dual certifications of RHCE & RHCSA, showcasing his proficiency in Linux system administration. Leading the training department at Logix Space Technologies Pvt. Ltd and Link Ur Codes, Anish has been a beacon of knowledge, specializing in full-stack and mobile app development. His training sessions have impacted renowned companies such as Samsung , Harman Kardon, iPrimed (Bengaluru), Reflections, Nest Digital, Prodapt Technologies (Bengaluru), SigniFy (Bengaluru) and many more.

Anish is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech enthusiasts, working with students of all ages and backgrounds. His programs, "Women Who Code" and "Coding for Kids," are designed to empower women in coding and introduce young minds to the exciting world of programming and development.

He served as a jury panel member for two events in the Reboot Kerala Hackathon 2020, organized by ASAP Kerala, showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the tech community. Additionally, he is a Board of Studies member at the autonomous college SBCE, Kerala, contributing to curriculum development and academic advancements in emerging technologies.

Anish has a proven track record of delivering engaging, informative, and interactive training sessions. With excellent communication skills, he can explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible and easy to retain. His adaptive training style suits the diverse needs of different audiences, reflecting his passion for sharing knowledge and helping others develop their skills in technology

Anish S. Nair is a dynamic and accomplished Corporate Trainer with a rich background in an extensive array of programming languages and cutting-edge technologies. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, he played a pivotal role as one of ... Show more

Jared Tamana

Jared Tamana

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community.

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community. Show more

Shindale Seale

Shindale Seale

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intuit, and numerous prestigious universities. A masterful communicator, Dr. Seale employs cutting-edge leadership and performance optimization concepts to help organizations identify, articulate, and achieve their cultural transformation goals.

With over three decades of leadership experience spanning corporate environments, academia, and the non-profit sector, Dr. Seale brings unparalleled depth to her speaking engagements on organizational culture, leadership development, and change management. Her expertise in business performance optimization, staff development, and creating sustainable and equitable working environments has established her as a thought leader in the field.

Dr. Seale's consulting practice extends across diverse sectors, including education, law, government agencies, law enforcement, military, utilities, emerging tech, and research organizations nationwide. Her groundbreaking research and consulting work on creating equitable solutions for marginalized groups have made her a sought-after subject matter expert and keynote speaker.

Beyond her speaking and consulting work, Dr. Seale demonstrates her commitment to community empowerment as the curator of the Inglewood Small Business Academy, providing vital resources for disadvantaged small business owners throughout Inglewood, California. As the inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program Chair at the University of California Santa Cruz - Silicon Valley Extension, she developed and taught pioneering courses on DEI in workplace and academic settings. Dr. Seale continues to shape future leaders as a Professor at the University of Redlands, teaching Leadership, Organizational Change, and Business Communication.

In perhaps her most personal mission, Dr. Seale founded Our Community Mentors, a non-profit organization in South Los Angeles dedicated to providing academic, professional, and quality-of-life resources for marginalized communities.

Dr. Seale holds a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Change and Leadership and a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California (USC), complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Language and Linguistics from California State University at Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).

*Available for keynotes, workshops, and consultation on organizational culture, strategic leadership, and equitable change management.*

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intui... Show more

Canberk Genç

Canberk Genç

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

Sharon Burstein

Sharon Burstein

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedicated over three decades to empowering individuals and organizations through transformative keynotes, workshops, and signature events like Leadership Summit America and YOUniquely You!

With a focus on personal empowerment, team building, and personal branding, Sharon's engaging presentations blend humor, real-life stories, and actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her book, Life Snacks for Women, offers bite-sized wisdom that inspires women to step confidently into leadership roles.

Sharon's expertise has touched thousands across education, healthcare, corporate sectors, and non-profit organizations, making her a sought-after speaker worldwide. Her mission is clear: to help others maximize their potential and leadership impact. Connect with Sharon today to elevate your journey towards leadership excellence!

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedica... Show more

Patrick Diehl

Patrick Diehl

HPC, Quantum Computing, HPC education, and C++.

HPC, Quantum Computing, HPC education, and C++. Show more

Kimetha Dunn

Kimetha Dunn


Kimetha Dunn is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in tech. With a background in Speech and Communications, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a UX/UI Design certificate from General Assembly, Kimetha leads generative AI research at Microsoft, driving product development and mentoring emerging UX professionals. Kimetha is the founder of The Fedeila Group where they empower organizations by providing innovative AI research and ethical AI and EI (emotional intelligence) training. The Fedeila Group's mission is to ensure AI technologies are taught and implemented responsibly and effectively, fostering trust, integrity, and long-term success for all involved. Kimetha has shared her expertise at high-profile events, including Microsoft Ignite 2024, ScaleAI discussions on diversity, Blacks in Technology (BITCON) 2024 on mitigating bias in AI, and most recently as a Speaker with the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) discussing ways to bring resources using technology to our beloved Haitian communities. Kimetha is passionate about uplifting Black women and people in AI and regularly mentors non-traditional students to break into the UX/UI field. She is involved in organizations like Black Women in AI (BWIAI), Blacks in Technology (BIT) Atlanta Chapter and is an active community leader for Interaction Design Foundation Chicago chapter (IxDF) and ADPList Atlanta Chapter. Kimetha lives by the motto. "Speak what you want until you see what you've said."

Kimetha Dunn is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in tech. With a background in Speech and Communications, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a UX/UI Design certificate from G... Show more

Betta Lyon Delsordo

Betta Lyon Delsordo

👩🏻‍💻My journey into ethical hacking began at 13, when I taught myself to code. This early passion led me to freelance web development throughout high school and college, where I built websites for small businesses and educational institutions. Recognizing the need to secure my clients' sites, I delved into application security, self-teaching everything I could about cybersecurity. This eventually led to an internship at a penetration testing firm, where my years of web development proved invaluable in web hacking.

🎓 After earning a degree in Computer Science, I pursued a Master's in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech and completed numerous certifications through an NSA grant. I went on to specialize in application security penetration testing, with a focus on web, cloud, and AI hacking. In my current role as an Application Penetration Tester at OnDefend, I search for vulnerabilities and covert channels in web and mobile applications.

🚀 Beyond my technical pursuits, I am deeply committed to mentoring underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. For the past eight years, I have been a technical mentor in the Technovation Challenge, an international coding competition where girls build apps and AI models to address community issues. Two of my teams reached the international semifinals, and I was honored to speak at the 2024 Technovation Global Celebration.

📢 I'm also an active member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), and Rewriting the Code (RTC). Through these organizations, I’ve hosted talks, organized local meetups, and volunteered at conferences to promote greater diversity in cybersecurity. My advocacy has been recognized with awards and scholarships from (ISC)², FS-ISAC, the NSA, the Infosec Institute, ESET, WISP, WiCyS, and more.

🦸🏻‍♀️To me, hacking is a superpower that can be used for good or evil, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that more women and underrepresented groups can harness that power to protect humanity. I'm happy to speak about cybersecurity topics ranging from career advice to hacking demos, and I'm particularly passionate about empowering underrepresented groups in our field. If you would like me to speak for your organization, please submit a request! I have spoken for organizations including the World Bank, Technovation, and the Women In Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Conference. You can view my full speaking history on my website: https://lyondelsordobetta.wixsite.com/betta.

👩🏻‍💻My journey into ethical hacking began at 13, when I taught myself to code. This early passion led me to freelance web development throughout high school and college, where I built websites for small businesses and educational institutions. Rec... Show more

Dario Woollover

Dario Woollover

I'm a self-taught programmer passionate about coding craftsmanship.

I'm a former disability educator and caregiver, and a former event manager.

I love photography and artisan arts.

It is rumored I'm a decent poet.

I'm a self-taught programmer passionate about coding craftsmanship. I'm a former disability educator and caregiver, and a former event manager. I love photography and artisan arts. It is rumored I'm a decent poet. Show more

Kevin David Cueva Bonilla

Kevin David Cueva Bonilla

Me llamo Kevin David. Soy Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información por la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo. He sido Ex Co-Líder de la comunidad universitaria Microsoft D´Soft.net y desarrollador del primer metaverso del Ecuador. Formo parte de diversos semilleros de investigación como AI & TI, Ciencia de Datos, AI y Ciberseguridad, RedI (Red de Investigación en Ingeniería e Informática) y lidero el Semillero Nexus Community.

Además, participo activamente en proyectos de voluntariado y activismo. Formo parte de Generación Más, la Red de Jóvenes Líderes del Ecuador(RJLE) y Ecuador Joven, donde he trabajado en iniciativas orientadas al desarrollo juvenil, la inclusión social y el liderazgo comunitario. Mi compromiso con el cambio positivo se refleja en mi activismo, a través del cual busco generar impacto en mi entorno y construir una sociedad más justa. He participado en Lider Lab y varios organismos que promueven el liderazgo y el activismo.

En el ámbito técnico, poseo conocimientos sólidos en programación (Python, C++, C#, Java, .Net, Node.js) y en el manejo de software libre y propietario. Además, tengo experiencia en estadística utilizando SPSS y RStudio, así como en sistemas de comunicación, redes avanzadas, bases de datos avanzadas, GIS, seguridad informática, marketing digital, desarrollo web y comunicación digital. Mi interés en la investigación y el aprendizaje continuo me ha llevado a especializarme en áreas como inteligencia artificial y ciberseguridad.

Soy una persona multifacética y apasionada por aplicar mis conocimientos en cualquier ámbito que se presente. Disfruto de la lectura, la escritura y el desarrollo de habilidades blandas, como la oratoria y la comunicación interpersonal. Además, me encanta viajar, explorar la fotografía y crear contenido de valor. Estoy siempre dispuesto a aprender, crecer y demostrar mi compromiso con cada proyecto en el que participo.

Me llamo Kevin David. Soy Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información por la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo. He sido Ex Co-Líder de la comunidad universitaria Microsoft D´Soft.net y desarrollador del primer metaverso del Ecuador. Formo parte de di... Show more

Lazetta Braxton

Lazetta Braxton

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Hemanth Tadepalli

Hemanth Tadepalli

Hemanth Tadepalli serves as the Cybersecurity & Compliance Subject Matter Expert (SME) at May Mobility, a company revolutionizing mobility through advanced autonomous vehicle technology. His career spans notable roles at prestigious organizations, including management consulting firm AlixPartners, cybersecurity leader Mandiant, tech giant Google, and Michigan-based cybersecurity startup SensCy.

Hemanth’s research focuses on advancing cybersecurity in critical areas such as autonomous vehicle security, Internet of Things (IoT) security, threat intelligence, risk management, API security, and election security. He was appointed by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to the Advisory Task Force overseeing statewide election security and integrity. Throughout his career, Hemanth has consistently demonstrated expertise in implementing and maintaining security measures to safeguard systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

In addition to his technical contributions, Hemanth has published numerous articles on cybersecurity and emerging technologies, showcasing his thought leadership. He is a sought-after speaker, invited to present at prominent cybersecurity conferences, serve as a distinguished panelist, and share insights on technology-focused podcasts. His impactful work has earned him accolades, including the 40 Under 40 recognition from Oakland County, Michigan, and the Governor’s Service Award for his philanthropic efforts and community service in cybersecurity.

Hemanth earned his bachelor's degree from Kettering University in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity and minors in Pre-Law, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. He also pursued his Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information from the University of California, Berkeley, further advancing his research and expertise in the field. Hemanth currently serves in office for the City of Troy and is a Board of Director for Kettering University.

Hemanth Tadepalli serves as the Cybersecurity & Compliance Subject Matter Expert (SME) at May Mobility, a company revolutionizing mobility through advanced autonomous vehicle technology. His career spans notable roles at prestigious organizations, in... Show more

Lauren Yee

Lauren Yee

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Lauren truly enjoys getting to meet and connect with others in fun and interesting ways.

Betterment Works is a playful professional development company on a mission to strengthen businesses and teams by helping people feel, connect, and do better at work. They break down complex ideas into accessible frameworks and practices that meet teams where they're at and empower them with the information, skills, and tools to get where they want to be. Play is an integral part of their facilitation and programming because it’s highly engaging and promotes authentic connection. In a playful environment, people can dive into challenging subjects, build soft skills, and also hopefully have fun doing it. Because happy people do better work.

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and... Show more

Christopher Bohn

Christopher Bohn

Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in computer engineering from AFIT, and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. Dr. Bohn is the author of Programming at the Hardware/Software Interface, published by Great River Learning.

Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in co... Show more

Pedro Cruz

Pedro Cruz

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Trainer and CEO at Synergyc.

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Tr... Show more

Fabian Deitelhoff

Fabian Deitelhoff

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support for teachers and learners. He also works as a freelance author, lecturer and software developer in the .NET and web environment. You can reach him via deitelhoff.me or at fabian@deitelhoff.me.

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support ... Show more

Brian Stauber

Brian Stauber

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable experience for your team with lasting results! In-person facilitation for retreats, work planning, teambuilding, and more. Focused in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Available for virtual facilitation.

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let... Show more

Lia Fuziy

Lia Fuziy

Lia Fuziy
Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como organizadora e palestrante em eventos.

Lia Fuziy Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como... Show more

Fred Eijkenboom

Fred Eijkenboom

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a lot of public speaking and mindset, before coming a Toastmaster in April 2019 in Rotterdam. He became the first President of 010 TMC in Rotterdam, and started to develop himself within the European Trainers Network and as mentor in the "Odyssey Project" for which he became Ambassador in January 2021 for District 59.
His intention is to start within the Accredited Speaker Program of Toastmasters and become an international Mindset speaker, trainer, mentor and coach.

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a l... Show more

Soorya Narayan Satheesh

Soorya Narayan Satheesh

Soorya Narayan Satheesh is a distinguished technology leader and former Indian Forest Service Officer who combines extensive public service experience with cutting-edge technical expertise. A graduate of UC Berkeley's Information Management Systems program and recipient of the prestigious James R. Chen Award, Soorya brings over six years of experience in developing innovative information systems. As Deputy Conservator of Forests (Information Technology & Statistics), he earned a prestigious state-level award from the Government of Tripura for developing cutting-edge information systems that transformed forest management practices. His expertise spans full-stack development, data engineering, and machine learning, with a proven track record of developing award-winning solutions that bridge the gap between environmental management and digital transformation.

Soorya Narayan Satheesh is a distinguished technology leader and former Indian Forest Service Officer who combines extensive public service experience with cutting-edge technical expertise. A graduate of UC Berkeley's Information Management Systems p... Show more

Chelsea Mendes

Chelsea Mendes

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboarded to OMBI Group, Chelsea has gained valuable experience in entertainment law. Her passion for advocacy also led her to become the co-chair of the Partnerships Committee for the Sports Business Conference at Spelman College, where she helped secure over $20,000 in sponsorships from major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and more. A political science major at Spelman College, Chelsea’s work at the White House further solidified her commitment to advocacy. Through her Symposium, she merges her legal expertise with digital tools to help creatives navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection, empowering them to safeguard their work in the digital age.

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboard... Show more

Richard Lee-Thai

Richard Lee-Thai

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like social anxiety, technology addiction, and workplace silos, creating spaces where meaningful relationships and collaboration can thrive.

A TEDx Speaker and co-author, Richard has shared his expertise on the power of human connection with audiences around the world. He has spoken at conferences, delivered workshops, and appeared on podcasts to inspire leaders and teams to prioritize connection in their personal and professional lives.

Richard is a faculty member at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Rhodes Wellness College, where he integrates connection-building strategies into learning environments. His work in higher education emphasizes improving student success, staff collaboration, and institutional culture.

Certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) and as a Trust at Work® Practitioner, Richard blends research-backed insights with actionable strategies to help people foster trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Through his work, Richard empowers individuals and organizations to unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and build thriving communities.

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like socia... Show more

Dian van Heijningen

Dian van Heijningen

I'm a Product Owner of a Cloud Engineering & Enablement team at a Governmental Software company called Wigo4it, which builds Social Security software. I was part of the digital transformation Wigo4it made from a old-fashioned traditional company to a fully focused Cloud and DevOps organization.

With my enthusiasm and creativity, I like to help organizations gain new insights to become more Cloud and DevOps-oriented. I'm fascinated by the fact that people have a fixed mindset and I always try to inspire others in a unique way to be more successful.

I'm a frequent speaker at various conferences. Last year I delivered sessions at events like Techorama, Microsoft Belgium Government Day, International Product owner Day, Azure Meet-ups, and many more. Microsoft often asks me to give customer case presentations about our transformation.

Lately the greening of IT has gained more of my interest. A topic that seems to not be considered while we're all building new software and services. It's time for the World to add the greening of IT to our digital transformations as well.

You can always contact me to talk about subjects like: DevOps, Cloud Computing, Sustainable IT, and Growth Mindset.

I'm a Product Owner of a Cloud Engineering & Enablement team at a Governmental Software company called Wigo4it, which builds Social Security software. I was part of the digital transformation Wigo4it made from a old-fashioned traditional company to a... Show more

Wendy Ryan

Wendy Ryan

As CEO of Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, MHROD, leads an interdisciplinary team designing and delivering corporate solutions for leadership development. With over 25 years of combined experience in human resources, organizational development, non-profit leadership and executive coaching, Wendy has partnered with hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. helping front-line through C-suite leaders and board members achieve success as individuals and in teams. She is the author of the award-winning bestseller, "Learn Lead Lift: How To Think, Act and Inspire Your Way To Greatness," and has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo News!, Business Digest, Authority Magazine, CEO Magazine and Thrive Global. In addition to her work with Kadabra, Wendy advises and invests in companies innovating to bring future-fit solutions to market. Her impact facilitating innovation and access to capital is featured in the award-winning documentary film, “Show Her The Money" which U.S. News and World Report recently named one of the top finance films of the past decade.

As CEO of Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, MHROD, leads an interdisciplinary team designing and delivering corporate solutions for leadership development. With over 25 years of combined experience in human resources, organizational development, non-profit leade... Show more

Ian L Paterson

Ian L Paterson

Ian L. Paterson is a data entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in leading and commercializing technology companies focused on data analytics and cybersecurity. Ian has raised tens of millions of dollars in private and public financing, completed 4 international mergers and acquisitions across North America and Asia, and is co-inventor of 3 patents. As CEO of Plurilock, Ian successfully built and grew Plurilock, leading to its successful listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.

Previously Ian founded and was CEO of Exapik, a data monetization platform that managed, mined, and monetized data on behalf of clients on Madison Avenue and Wall Street. Ian grew the platform to over a billion data events per month before it was subsequently acquired. Ian also served as the Director of Insights for venture-backed analytics firm Terapeak, managing half a trillion dollars of transaction data, resulting in eight figures in data and analytics sales before it was acquired by eBay.

Often referred to as an “unconventional thinker”, Ian is a regular speaker, author, and media commentator, having been featured in dozens of publications including Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and the Globe & Mail.

Believing in the power of innovation and its ability to change the world, Ian is an active angel investor with over a dozen angel investments in early-stage technology ventures. Ian volunteers his time on national security and innovation economy topics through his work with the Canadian Council of Innovators and the Centre for International Government Innovation.

Ian L. Paterson is a data entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in leading and commercializing technology companies focused on data analytics and cybersecurity. Ian has raised tens of millions of dollars in private and public financing, ... Show more

Teri Musick

Teri Musick

With over 16 years serving the federal government sector and more than 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and telecommunications industries, Teri Musick possesses a wide range of experience providing leadership, program account management, project delivery, Agile Leadership and implementing end-to-end business technology solutions.

As the Director of CGI Federal’s Emerging Technologies Practice Standards and Frameworks team and a strategic advisor for the CGI Federal Agile Center of Excellence, Teri offers comprehensive consulting and solution architecture guidance across all organizational levels, from enterprise leadership to operational teams. Her expertise spans various domains, including federal government solutions, executive leadership and emerging technologies.

Teri's approach to leadership is people- and culture-focused. She leverages her extensive experience to provide a balanced mix of academic knowledge and real-life successes, leading high-performing and motivated teams. She educates colleagues, mentors professionals and develops operating models and strategies tailored to client needs.

With over 16 years serving the federal government sector and more than 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and telecommunications industries, Teri Musick possesses a wide range of experience providing leadership, program a... Show more

Stefanie Adams

Stefanie Adams

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. She earned an M.Ed. in Multicultural Education in 2008.

In early 2020, Stefanie launched WNY People Development. In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer, she provides leadership training, coaching, and keynote presentations to grow the next generation of leaders. Her main areas of expertise are building high impact teams, first time/front line manager development, and engaging multigenerational workforces with a focus on millennial and Gen Z employees. Her facilitation style is interactive, full of movement, laughter, learning, and occasionally includes pom poms.

Stefanie has worked as an organizational consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Education (Baltimore, MD), and served as the Director of Customized Training for Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC). Before starting her own company, she led the corporate training function at CastleBranch (Wilmington, NC).

Through WNY People Development, Stefanie has developed and facilitated leadership solutions for clients in varied industries including construction, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, municipalities, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and non-profit management. Her clients include Association Executives of NC, City of Wilmington (NC), Embassy Suites, HC Beauty, New Hanover County Schools, NC Realtors Association, NC SHRM, Port City Java, Resilience, UNCW, and Waffle House.

Her professional affiliations include SHRM, the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association, the Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC and she was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2022 for her service as School Board Chair during the covid pandemic.

In her personal life, Stefanie's days are fueled by coffee, chocolate, yoga, new challenges, and building relationships; her passions are developing others, serving the community, the beach, Philly sports, travel, managing the chaos that comes with life, and kitchen dancing.

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 year... Show more

Jeremy Wood

Jeremy Wood

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working with Boy Scouts, local schools, leadership development programs, and a variety of other local youth programs Jeremy strives to interact in ways that will push these great thinkers to achieve their dream.

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working... 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