Vishal Shah is a seasoned Data Analyst with over three years of experience in harnessing machine learning, data modeling, and big data technologies to drive transformative insights across diverse sectors. Currently, he serves as a Business Data Analyst at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, where he designs predictive models and scalable data pipelines to enhance wildlife management and public safety. A Master’s graduate in Computer Science from New York University, Vishal has led innovative projects—from real-time stock market analytics to AI-driven public safety systems—demonstrating a unique ability to bridge advanced AI methodologies with practical, high-impact applications.

Vishal Shah is a seasoned Data Analyst with over three years of experience in harnessing machine learning, data modeling, and big data technologies to drive transformative insights across diverse sectors. Currently, he serves as a Business Data Analy... Show more

Stephanie is a Forbes-featured author of the best-selling networking book, Confident Introvert and host of the podcast/event series, redefining what it means to be successful with less hustle and more fun, meaning and wellness, Holistic Ambition. Stephanie has helped thousands of people celebrate their strengths, step into their authentic confidence, and make meaningful connections through building out community over 1k in-person events at organizations like YPOSF, speaking at places like Harvard University, years behind-the-scenes at TEDx, and 1:1 coaching.

Stephanie is a Forbes-featured author of the best-selling networking book, Confident Introvert and host of the podcast/event series, redefining what it means to be successful with less hustle and more fun, meaning and wellness, Holistic Ambition. Ste... Show more

Kolapo Imam is the Founder and Lead Facilitator at Prodcademy, an institute focused on raising the next generation of Product Leaders. He is a Product Manager with experience in building API products that power payments, virtual accounts, and funds transfer across Africa. His work focuses on developer experience, product strategy, and cross-functional delivery of scalable fintech infrastructure.

Prior to this, Kolapo served as a Product Marketing Manager at Nexford University, leading initiatives across product adoption, B2B positioning, and competitive intelligence. He has also worked in product and growth roles at PropertyPro Nigeria, Versus Africa, and through multiple consulting projects.

With a unique background spanning product marketing, technical product management, and tech sales, Kolapo brings a deep understanding of how to build and position business, enterprise and consumer products for growth. In 2022, he was nominated by HackerNoon for Product Management, Business Growth and Strategy.

Kolapo Imam is the Founder and Lead Facilitator at Prodcademy, an institute focused on raising the next generation of Product Leaders. He is a Product Manager with experience in building API products that power payments, virtual accounts, and funds t... Show more

Denette Dunn is a dedicated sustainability expert and public speaker with a wealth of experience in both public service and the private sector. She previously served as a vice mayor and currently represents the Pine District as a council member.

As a council member, Denette established the Pine Citizens Advisory Committee to address the specific concerns of her district. Since its inception, the committee has grown to include more than 100 members, demonstrating her ability to foster collaboration and strengthen community involvement in local governance.

Dunn’s professional experience spans both the private and public sectors. She worked as the Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, overseeing municipal contracts valued at over $85 million across the southwest region. In addition to this role, she was a registered lobbyist, advocating for legislation promoting effective and sustainable partnerships between private companies and municipalities.

Her leadership extends to numerous boards and commissions, including the WESTMARC Board and the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission. Denette also served as president and legislative liaison for the Arizona Recycling Coalition, where she contributed to advancing sustainable practices and policies throughout the state.

Before her work in public service, Denette held various marketing, sales, and management roles. From 2007 to 2011, she worked as the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Hudson Baylor Corporation, overseeing material recovery operations and managing public relations efforts. She also worked closely with municipal and state officials to secure grants and sponsorships for various initiatives.

After her time at Hudson Baylor, Denette continued her career at Republic Services, managing contracts and contributing to legislative advocacy. Later, at Dickson Sweeping, she helped expand the company’s operations in Arizona and Nevada, working on projects such as compressed natural gas fuel stations.

Since 2019, Denette Dunn has served as a Peoria Council member, working to support the city’s growth and sustainability. She also supports charitable organizations, including Hart Pantry, West Valley Connect, and You Matter Too, an anti-bullying nonprofit.

Denette Dunn is a dedicated sustainability expert and public speaker with a wealth of experience in both public service and the private sector. She previously served as a vice mayor and currently represents the Pine District as a council member. A... Show more

Meet Rona! She's a whirlwind of vibrant energy and connection. With her engaging style, she brings a sense of joy to workplaces everywhere. As an expert in Purposeful and Attuned Play, Rona blends the core elements of leadership and engagement with the magic of play, transforming workplace dynamics and boosting personal satisfaction.

Rona's unique mix of corporate savvy and wellbeing wisdom, paired with her deep understanding of play and flow, allows her to translate complex ideas into relatable and enjoyable stories. Her sessions are dynamic, packed with practical tools to weave play into daily work life, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration flourish.

In her role as coach and consultant, Rona has left a lasting mark on countless organizations. She's nurtured creative thinking, honed leadership skills, and deepened connections through enhanced communication. Her tailor-made programs are grounded in evidence-based practices, boosting team morale and connectivity while encouraging a fresh reimagining of workplace culture.

Rona has been featured in Shondaland, Nebraska Bride, Pierless Magazine, Town and Country, Corporate Wellness Magazine and seen and heard on TV and radio stations from San Diego and San Francisco to New York .

With the Playful Mind Project, Rona positions herself as a key partner for organizations ready to breathe new life into their corporate environments. Ready to make work fun again?

Meet Rona! She's a whirlwind of vibrant energy and connection. With her engaging style, she brings a sense of joy to workplaces everywhere. As an expert in Purposeful and Attuned Play, Rona blends the core elements of leadership and engagement with t... Show more

Sandi Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, transformational speaker, educator, and author dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and live life on purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional school counselor and community therapist, Sandi blends clinical insight, faith, and real-world wisdom to empower others to rewrite their narratives and reclaim their peace.

Her passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her own journey of resilience. After facing seasons of personal loss, emotional struggle, and identity shifts, Sandi chose healing over hiding. She now uses her story as a testament that wholeness is possible—and that it’s never too late to begin again.

As a speaker, Sandi is known for her warmth, authenticity, and ability to create safe spaces for real conversations. She speaks on topics such as compassion fatigue, burnout, emotional resilience, solution-focused counseling, and the power of building authentic friendships in a disconnected world. Whether in a conference setting or an intimate retreat, she invites her audience into deeper connection—with themselves and with others.

Through her retreats, books, and speaking engagements, Sandi continues to inspire others to move from surviving to thriving with intention and purpose.

Sandi Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, transformational speaker, educator, and author dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and live life on purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional school counselor and comm... Show more

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both interaction with the audience and personal reflection time.

In her interactive workshops and keynote addresses, Caitlin quickly quells the, “I could never do improv!” fear and makes accessible, the principles professional actors use, to be better communicators, teammates, and leaders.
Disarming and energetic, Caitlin opens up the most skeptical attendees, allowing them to learn through applying the Improv Approach, and even crack a smile along the way.

Caitlin Drago’s mission is to create cultures of empathy, creativity, and trust, beginning with how people communicate and connect.

She is an LA-based actor turned upstate NY-based certified leadership coach, trainer, facilitator, and author of Approaching Improv – Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond. Acting taught her to be present, self-aware, empathetic and to prioritize connection with others. Improv taught her to listen, trust her gut and deal with the unexpected in a positive and creative way. She currently works with leaders and teams to help them to listen to one another, communicate and connect, using improvisation as a platform for interactive learning.

Caitlin spent ten years studying improv at places like the nationally accredited Upright Citizen’s Brigade and has spent the last nine years working with leaders and their teams across industries, including, but not limited to higher education, hospitality, tech, marketing, healthcare and real estate. She’s been featured in Medium’s Authority Magazine, Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle, a variety of podcasts and has spoken at various conferences, including the Talent Development Think Tank, the International TWA Conference, CNY SHRM, and DisruptHR Rochester.

Past clients include:
Gartner
Rochester Regional Health System
Starbucks
Fee Brothers

Testimonials:

“Caitlin's energy, enthusiasm, and sprinkling of humor eased the tensions in our group and the entire experience was packed with valuable team collaboration insights. We found ourselves using this technique the very same day we learned it.”

S.M. Digitronik Labs

“We focused on communication in a completely different way. Not a seminar-feel, but a fun, engaging way to demonstrate the importance of being open and positive. I stepped
outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, the idea of improv was horrifying. But it was fun!”

J.G., VWR

"Caitlin did an excellent job facilitating a workshop for my team. From the time we first met to preparation and the actual workshop, she was helpful and engaging and was highly focused on ensuring my workshop went the way I had envisioned. My team had excellent feedback afterwards and I can say it had an immediate positive impact on how my team interacted and felt about communication."

I.G., Gartner

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both intera... Show more

Pai da Cecília e do Inácio, esposo da Ana Lúcia, membro da Comunidade de Vida Cristã (CVX), curitibano e sofredor do Coritiba. Desde a pandemia, optou por morar na zona rural de Piraquara (Região Metropolitana da capital paranaense), onde cria galinhas, joga bola com os filhos, colhe amoras, figos e Physalis e está cavando (bem aos poucos!) um pequeno lago para os futuros gansos da família. Jornalista e economista, sempre trabalhou em organizações com forte impacto social. Atualmente, é responsável por ajudar o Grupo Marista, uma instituição de mais de 7 mil colaboradores e com uma história bicentenária, em sua estratégia ESG, articulando iniciativas transversais e proprietárias das Frentes de Missão (unidades de negócio) PUCPR, Saúde, FTD Educação e Centro Marista de Defesa da Infância; e monitorando indicadores e avaliando a evolução da maturidade - sempre procurando nutrir uma mentalidade ágil, com foco nas pessoas, na entrega de valor e na melhoria contínua.

Pai da Cecília e do Inácio, esposo da Ana Lúcia, membro da Comunidade de Vida Cristã (CVX), curitibano e sofredor do Coritiba. Desde a pandemia, optou por morar na zona rural de Piraquara (Região Metropolitana da capital paranaense), onde cria galinh... Show more

Corporate Career
I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team building, problem-solving, and leadership.

Connecting The Dots
One day, it dawned on me that I was applying many of the tips and tools from my training to raising my children—and they worked extremely well. These techniques helped me develop a unique and successful parenting style. I realized that there were valuable lessons here that I wanted to share with others.

Adulting and Parenting Work
In 2019, I expanded my training focus to the adulting and parenting arena with the publication of my book, “Growing Into Your Parenting Role” (Mountain Arbor Press). Since then, I’ve blogged extensively on these topics, been featured as a guest on various adulting and parenting podcasts, conducted engaging webinars, and developed skills-based training programs based on the concepts, tips, and tools in my book.

In 2021, I founded the Adulting and Parenting Academy (AP Academy) with a mission to help young adults build strong, fulfilling relationships that last. The Academy now houses all my adulting, parenting, and personal growth consulting.

Corporate Career I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team b... Show more

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through data. A White House Presidential Innovation Fellow and co-creator of groundbreaking initiatives.

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through... Show more

Sunny Johnson | Agile Coach & Professional Growth Consultant
Founder, SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC | Unleashing Agile Excellence

Sunny Johnson is an Agile Coach, Professional Growth Consultant, and founder of SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC, where she specializes in empowering Agile professionals to navigate career transitions, accelerate leadership growth, and future-proof their success. With over a decade of experience in Agile transformation, coaching, and leadership, Sunny has helped organizations and individuals leverage Agile methodologies to optimize performance, streamline workflows, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Her strategic, results-driven approach is built on deep expertise in:
✅ Agile Career Transformation – Guiding professionals in pivoting into Agile leadership roles and securing high-value opportunities.
✅ Enterprise Agile Coaching & Change Leadership – Driving Agile adoption across organizations, implementing Scrum, SAFe 6.0, and DevOps practices.
✅ Stakeholder & Executive Engagement – Bridging the gap between leadership and Agile teams to align business goals with Agile execution.
✅ Team Development & Performance Optimization – Coaching teams to embrace continuous improvement, collaboration, and high-performance mindsets.
✅ Retail, Banking & Sales Expertise – Bringing a customer-focused perspective to Agile delivery, leveraging industry experience in retail, financial services, and technology.

As a thought leader and sought-after speaker, Sunny delivers high-impact workshops, keynote talks, and leadership training on Agile career growth, resilience, and leadership development. Her signature programs and coaching frameworks empower professionals to confidently pivot, brand themselves effectively, and thrive in the evolving job market.

Sunny is also an accomplished author, with books including:
📘 Learn How I Made a Fortune While in College
📘 Come into the Light: Discovering Your Path to Purpose, Prosperity, and Powerful Relationships
📘 Sprints to Success: A New Scrum Master's Career Guide

Her work extends beyond Agile into mentorship and career coaching, where she is known as a “Super-Connector”—helping professionals expand their networks, refine their communication skills, and unlock new career and business opportunities.

Through SMJ Speaks Consulting and the Release the Brake Mastermind, Sunny champions professional women and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the strategies, confidence, and tools to accelerate their careers and business ventures.

She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University. Sunny resides in Mooresville, NC, with her husband Bruce Johnson, and their two sons, Harrison and Corban, where she continues to inspire, lead, and empower others to achieve career clarity, leadership growth, and Agile excellence.

Sunny Johnson | Agile Coach & Professional Growth Consultant Founder, SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC | Unleashing Agile Excellence Sunny Johnson is an Agile Coach, Professional Growth Consultant, and founder of SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC, where she s... Show more

Dr. Qazi is a highly respected data scientist, thought leader, author, mentor, and speaker with a strong background in both academia and industry. He is passionate about bridging the talent gap in emerging technologies through education, up-skilling, and industry collaboration. He believes true success lies in strong communication, an entrepreneurial mindset, and continuous learning. Through his books and educational initiatives, he helps professionals build a strong foundation in data-driven fields. His work with leading organizations across the public and private sectors has earned him widespread respect, making him a trusted mentor and a voice in technology and education.

Dr. Qazi is a highly respected data scientist, thought leader, author, mentor, and speaker with a strong background in both academia and industry. He is passionate about bridging the talent gap in emerging technologies through education, up-skilling,... Show more

Ivonne Chaves, widely known as #shirivo, is a trailblazing software engineer, architect, and cloud technology expert based in Costa Rica. With over 16 years of experience in software, data, and cloud development, she has continuously pushed the envelope in tech innovation. Her open-source projects, showcased on her public GitHub profile, exemplify her passion—ranging from innovative cognitive services applications to cutting-edge cloud solution implementations. These projects not only highlight her technical prowess but also reinforce her commitment to using technology to solve real-world challenges and foster community collaboration.

Beyond her coding commitments, Ivonne plays an influential role as a Microsoft Technical Trainer and an international speaker. Drawing on her academic foundation from renowned institutions in Costa Rica, she bridges the gap between complex technical environments and accessible, transformative learning experiences. Her work demonstrates a seamless blend of rigorous theoretical insight and practical problem-solving skills, inspiring many to explore innovative approaches in technology and data solutions.

Ivonne's extensive experience isn't confined to Costa Rica; her career has taken her around the world, enriching her perspective and broadening her impact. Through international projects and speaking engagements across multiple continents, she has collaborated with diverse teams, adapted cutting-edge solutions to various cultural and business contexts, and shared her expertise on a global stage. This worldly experience has not only honed her technical skills but also deepened her understanding of global market dynamics, enabling her to mentor and empower professionals worldwide.

This combination of local commitment and global experience positions Ivonne as a uniquely versatile leader in the tech community—one who champions both innovation and inclusivity in the ever-evolving digital landscape. #shirivo #helloshirivo

Ivonne Chaves, widely known as #shirivo, is a trailblazing software engineer, architect, and cloud technology expert based in Costa Rica. With over 16 years of experience in software, data, and cloud development, she has continuously pushed the envel... Show more

Curtis Cox is a seasoned Career Brand Strategist and the founder of Curtis Careers, a leading career consulting platform dedicated to helping professionals and businesses elevate their brands, scale their careers, and unlock new opportunities. With deep expertise in career branding, professional development, and career scaling, Curtis has guided countless individuals in navigating career transitions, building powerful personal brands, and positioning themselves as leaders in their industries.

Through Curtis Careers, Curtis provides strategic career coaching, workforce development solutions, and executive branding services tailored for millennial professionals, corporate teams, and entrepreneurs. His mission is to equip individuals with the tools to thrive in competitive job markets and achieve long-term career success.

As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Curtis shares valuable insights on career growth, professional branding, and networking. Whether hosting workshops, leading career-focused discussions, or delivering impactful keynote talks, he is dedicated to empowering professionals to turn ambition into achievement.

Curtis Cox is a seasoned Career Brand Strategist and the founder of Curtis Careers, a leading career consulting platform dedicated to helping professionals and businesses elevate their brands, scale their careers, and unlock new opportunities. With d... Show more

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and civic service training, she is committed to driving impactful change in underserved populations. Kay holds an MS in Human Service and a BA in Psychology, positioning her as a trusted leader in fostering financial fidelity, compliance, and organizational engagement.

As the founder and CEO of SheRen Consulting, a BIPOC and woman-owned business, Kay offers specialized consulting and training services aimed at empowering organizations to achieve their goals while addressing systemic inequities.

SheRen Consulting is known for its tailored approach to policy advocacy, operational support, and comprehensive training. Their methods engage participants in "head and heart work," combining strategic knowledge with personal reflection to inspire meaningful change. By blending practical tools with emotional and ethical engagement, SheRen Consulting ensures that leaders and teams are equipped to drive both organizational success and community impact.

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant mana... Show more

As architect and business analyst Jeroen has a lot of experience at complex and political sensitive organisations as Nato Communication & Information Agency (NCIA), tax authorities , unemployment authorities (UWV) and Dutch Home
Office (IND). Besides that he teaches Business analysis courses.

As architect and business analyst Jeroen has a lot of experience at complex and political sensitive organisations as Nato Communication & Information Agency (NCIA), tax authorities , unemployment authorities (UWV) and Dutch Home Office (IND). Beside... Show more

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe

Was mich auszeichnet
Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Business und Strategie und kenne die Dynamiken von Startups, Mittelstand und Konzernen.
Strategischer Brückenbauer: Wo Zusammenarbeit stockt, setze ich an und schaffe verbindende Lösungen.
Schnelle Empathie & frischer Humor: Meine Kunden schätzen, wie rasch ich Empathie entwickle und mit überraschenden Perspektivwechseln Impulse gebe.

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe Was mich auszeichnet Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Busine... Show more

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on social-emotional learning curriculum across the country, presented at multiple conferences, and provided training of researchers at a government contractor. Her experience includes training interpreters, registration staff, law students, and other participants on federal programs.

The premise of her first book Accountability in the Classroom: Using Social-Emotional Learning to Guide School Improvement came from her dissertation topic, and it was published in 2021. The idea behind her second book Kids Before Content: An Educator's Guide on Social-Emotional Learning Competencies came from both her dissertation and her experiences with recommending a pilot social-emotional learning program.

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on... Show more

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that empowers underserved communities, strengthens organizational strategy, and drives economic and social transformation.

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, reentry programming, and fatherhood advocacy, Troy is recognized for his trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that enable individuals and families to achieve lasting stability. At ZWG, he consults on program development, strategic planning, and grant writing, helping organizations secure essential funding and enhance operational efficiency. His entrepreneurial spirit has expanded ZWG's reach into real estate, film production, and exclusive events, fostering professional and community networking.

In the public sphere, Troy’s leadership extends to his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, where he advocated for social equity, economic opportunity, and systemic change. As a sought-after speaker, he shares insights on corporate strategy, innovation, and social responsibility, inspiring leaders to align their business goals with impactful community outcomes. Through his work, Troy Zakari Walker is committed to blending corporate success with social consciousness, positioning him as a transformative figure in business and social innovation.

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that emp... Show more

Ananya R is a visionary leader in the realm of technology and community empowerment, currently serving as the Global Community Manager at She Loves Tech, the acceleration platform for women in technology. With a passion for building inclusive ecosystems, Ananya is committed to fostering greater visibility, creating funding opportunities, and nurturing a supportive community for women in technology worldwide.

Ananya's journey in community building and advocacy traces back to her impactful role as the Community Manager at Google Developers India. Here, she took charge of over 500 Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) spanning across 180+ cities. In this capacity, Ananya orchestrated strategies to expand the GDSC network, meticulously nurturing relationships with student leads to their learning journeys and professional growth. Her strategic efforts led to a remarkable increase in diversity within GDSC, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups found their voices and avenues for advancement in the tech community.

Fuelled by her unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Ananya serves as an #IamRemarkable Gold Facilitator. Her dedication to uplifting women in technology is epitomized by her pivotal role as the driving force behind the Women in Tech wing at Tinkerhub foundation. Through this groundbreaking initiative, Ananya created a nurturing and inclusive platform, Tink-Her-Hack1.0, Kerala's largest women's hackathon. This transformative event not only bridged the gender gap in technology but also empowered thousands of women to showcase their skills, creativity, and potential. Under Ananya's leadership,

Ananya's impact extends beyond her professional accolades; she is a beacon of inspiration and change in the tech community. Her Tedx and other riveting talks and thought-provoking insights have graced various institutions and platforms, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams in technology.

In recognition of her unwavering dedication, Ananya has been honored with the Outstanding Women in Engineering Award 2018 in Kerala, a testament to her exemplary contributions to the field.Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Ananya R is driving positive change and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.

Ananya R is a visionary leader in the realm of technology and community empowerment, currently serving as the Global Community Manager at She Loves Tech, the acceleration platform for women in technology. With a passion for building inclusive ecosyst... Show more

Marisa Burn is a entrepreneur, and creative professional based in Zürich, Switzerland. She is the Co-Lead of E-Learning at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), where she develops innovative digital learning strategies and leads the CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) in Digital Learning and Teaching Cultures. In this role, she explores the future of education, shaping teaching methods to meet the needs of a new generation of learners.

As the Co-Founder and Head of Innovation & Process at House of Change Burn Pichler, Marisa helps organizations navigate digital transformation and creative processes. She is also the Co-Founder of the holistic design agency Burninglights, where she specializes in creating holistic experiences, fostering collaboration, and designing authentic branding and mindful lifestyle solutions.

Marisa holds a degree in Postindustrial Design with a focus on Process Design and Interaction Leading from HyperWerk FHNW. Her artistic pursuits span multiple disciplines, including music, performance art, painting, and sculpture. As an interdisciplinary artist and activist, she co-founded the Peace Club, an initiative that organizes events fostering genuine human connections and promoting a more intentional way of living.

With over 15 years of experience as an independent entrepreneur, Marisa brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and mindfulness to everything she does, driving forward-thinking approaches in both business and education.

Marisa Burn is a entrepreneur, and creative professional based in Zürich, Switzerland. She is the Co-Lead of E-Learning at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), where she develops innovative digital learning strategies and leads the CAS (Certificate ... Show more

Artemis Bear (they/them) lost faith in our system of government working in climate policy in the 2000s and is committed to co-creating new structures for rapid, pragmatic systemic change. They founded The Garden, an innovative education project, in 2016, which centres young people's rights and has been a laboratory for the building blocks of an emergent culture that is fairer and freer. They also co-ordinate the Freedom to Learn network and co-produce community cabaret SCRiTCH.

Artemis Bear (they/them) lost faith in our system of government working in climate policy in the 2000s and is committed to co-creating new structures for rapid, pragmatic systemic change. They founded The Garden, an innovative education project, in 2... Show more

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of two adopted daughters and the husband of a teacher, he quickly recognized the absence of other dads participating in family engagement activities at the local school. He also noticed that there were few, if any male role models among school staff members.
After initially being turned away from the PTA, he learned about the Watch D.O.G.S. program and proposed it to the principal of his local school. He quickly became a leader in father engagement at the local, and then state and national level. He served for ten years as a National Family and Community Engagement Coordinator with the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) organization. This was done while simultaneously serving as a senior captain with the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department. Upon his retirement from Atlanta Fire-Rescue in 2019, he began serving full-time with the All Pro Dad Chapters program and did so for four and a half years.
In these roles, Keith has spoken at hundreds of state and national conferences including the American Association of School Administrators, National PTA, American School Counselors Association and the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement. Keith has literally worked with hundreds of local schools and school districts in overcoming the traditional stereotypes of fathers and perceived their lack of engagement in local schools.
In 2023, Keith launched The National Alliance for Father Friendly Schools. This nonprofit organization serves as a resource for training and information on father friendly practices and programs for local schools and school districts. NAFFS can direct school administrators in more actively engaging all family members but, especially being inclusive of fathers and father figures.
Keith is working to create a culture and environment in which schools provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where fathers regularly engage and participate in the daily activities of local schools. This includes supporting students who do not have an easily recognizable father figure in their life as well.
As a national leader, Keith’s goal is to give every child an opportunity to have strong positive role models leading them to the greatest success possible.

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of tw... Show more

Ann Cammaro is the Founder and CEO of Antarexxa Space Global, a pioneering organization dedicated to bridging the gap between spacefaring nations and emerging space countries based in Bali, Indonesia. As a passionate space advocate, educator, and strategist, Ann has championed space advocacy since 2014, expanding her impact globally through Antarexxa since 2020. Under her leadership, the company has delivered space education programs virtually to participants across 76 countries and 67 cities in Indonesia, inspiring youth, educators, and professionals to cultivate interest in the New Space economy and pursue careers in the growing space industry; most importantly to leverage space technology to improve quality of life on Earth and address global challenges.

With over a decade of experience in marketing and communication, strategic international business development, government relations, and multi-stakeholder project coordination, Ann brings a unique blend of expertise to the space sector. Her work spans industries such as infrastructure, education, cybersecurity, aerospace and defense, renewable energy, biotechnology, and environmental conservation, with a proven track record in intergovernmental and interagency collaboration.

Ann is deeply committed to fostering international collaboration, workforce development, and diversity in STEAM fields, with a focus on empowering local talent in Indonesia and beyond. Her initiatives include international study space tours, championing local teams for international competitions, and connecting Indonesian talents with global opportunities in space exploration and industry. Ann’s vision is to create a future where emerging nations play a pivotal role in shaping the space ecosystem, from Earth to the Moon and beyond.

Currently serving as a NASA Harvard-Smithsonian SciX Lead Ambassador for 2025-2027, her primary role is to promote scientific literacy and encourage academic contributions to space exploration. Ann is also the spokesperson for the recently established Indonesia Space Association, advocating for Indonesia's strategic development as a significant global space player in the near future.

Ann Cammaro is the Founder and CEO of Antarexxa Space Global, a pioneering organization dedicated to bridging the gap between spacefaring nations and emerging space countries based in Bali, Indonesia. As a passionate space advocate, educator, and str... Show more

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autorin und Redakteurin tätig.

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autori... Show more

Intersectional journalist (female, first family academic living with disability and migrational background) who turned into a Scrum Master and Diversity Trainer (with 3 years of practice) loves to entertain you with humor and a holistic, positive perspective. After 20 years in journalism and being a leader for 3 years, I realized that my mindset was always agile and I went into IT in 2022. Being there, I saw that all things revolve around two things: psychological safety and belonging.

Intersectional journalist (female, first family academic living with disability and migrational background) who turned into a Scrum Master and Diversity Trainer (with 3 years of practice) loves to entertain you with humor and a holistic, positive per... Show more

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs

Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unserer Zeit zu bewältigen?

Als Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im Bereich der Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. Silja Graupe an der HfGG suche ich nach wirkungsvollen Antworten auf diese Fragestellungen. Mich beschäftigen insbesondere die Zusammenhänge und Potenziale zwischen Transformativer Bildung, Zukünftebildung und Futures Literacy. Mithilfe der 4FutureLabs forsche ich zu diesen Themen in der Hochschulbildung im Bachelor & Master, in der Schulbildung und in zivilgesellschaftlichen Kontexten.

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unsere... Show more

Passionate Technologist | Developer Advocate (Aspiring) | Speaker

A results-driven software engineer with a strong background in Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and SQL, now expanding expertise into emerging technologies, cloud computing, DevOps, and AI/ML. With a keen interest in developer advocacy, I am committed to bridging the gap between technology and community by sharing insights, building projects, and delivering impactful talks.

Experienced in designing and implementing scalable applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging modern software development practices. I strive to empower developers by sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.

🔹 Areas of Interest: Java, Cloud Technologies (AWS/Azure/GCP), DevOps, Kubernetes, Microservices, Open Source, AI/ML, Developer Relations (DevRel)
🔹 Looking for Speaking Opportunities on: Software Engineering Best Practices, Emerging Tech Trends, Open Source, Developer Productivity

Passionate Technologist | Developer Advocate (Aspiring) | Speaker A results-driven software engineer with a strong background in Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and SQL, now expanding expertise into emerging technologies, cloud computing, DevOps, an... Show more

Kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom, Chidi Iwuchukwu lives to share his remarkable journey from overcoming harrowing life experiences to becoming a bestselling author and community leader. Having survived a terrifying kidnapping and battled cancer, Chidi has not only thrived but has also become a No.1 International bestselling author, Coach and a beacon in his community. Chidi Iwuchukwu is the P.R.O. (Persistent, Resilient and Optimistic) guy. He is the No1. International bestselling author of Coming To Canada: The Ultimate Success Guide for New Immigrants and Travelers. He uses his personal story, highlighting a variety of harrowing life experiences and transitions along the way including surviving a brutal kidnapping for ransom experience and battling cancer, to illustrate how to transform trials into triumphs. He has been featured on Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. He was nominated for the Star of Alberta Award in 2021 and for the Alberta Newcomer Champion Award 2022. In March of 2024, Chidi won the Toastmasters’ International Speech Contest for Area C 13 and Division C. Chidi is also an accomplished and humorous Master of Ceremony and events host.

Kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom, Chidi Iwuchukwu lives to share his remarkable journey from overcoming harrowing life experiences to becoming a bestselling author and community leader. Having survived a terrifying kidnapping and battled can... Show more

As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmentally conscious transportation solutions for Michigan residents. Janine leads innovation growth initiatives at OFME including signature grant programs under the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) and state-wide testing assets. In addition to managing MMFP, she facilitates industry collaboration through various working groups convening subject matter experts to identify challenges in the state and develop solutions.

Prior to joining OFME, Janine was an associate director leading the mobility practice at Antenna Group, a leading cleantech communications agency. In this role, Janine focused on strategy development, media relations, and project management across account teams. Janine’s client experience spans product launches, company rebrands, high-profile public and private partnerships, market entries and crisis management. Her areas of expertise include advanced transportation infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, battery technology and growth-focused programs including incubators and accelerators.

Additionally, Janine previously led the overall b2b and b2c marketing communications strategy for Shift Transit, a mobility operations startup focusing on first/last-mile micromobiltiy solutions. Janine has also held multiple positions at leading automotive b2b publication, Automotive News including integrated marketing manager and conference specialist. While at Automotive News Janine planned and executed large-scale conferences and events for industry executives as well as integrated marketing campaigns and custom content for industry partners. In 2019, Janine was honored with the Automotive News Tony Merpi Award for Leadership & Innovation for her efforts in streamlining cross-functional processes.

A longtime cycling enthusiast and advocate, she is passionate about helping organizations develop accessible and equitable mobility solutions. Janine holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and lives on the eastside of Detroit.

As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmen... Show more