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

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

Irina Karagyaur

Irina Karagyaur

Irina Karagyaur is a visionary Web3 strategist with a foundation in architecture, pioneering contributions to the NFT space, and a deep commitment to sustainability through blockchain. She has spearheaded ecosystem growth, decentralized governance initiatives, and transformative collaborations across the NFT, DePIN, and RWA sectors.

As the former lead of DigitalArt4Climate, Irina harnessed blockchain technology to drive climate action through digital art. Now, as the Founder and President of Creators4Impact NGO, she empowers women worldwide with Web3 education, focusing on financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

A TEDx speaker and Top 100 Woman of the Future, Irina has spoken at COP26, COP27, and COP28, as well as at leading academic institutions. She continues to bridge enterprises, governments, and communities through decentralized technologies, shaping the future of digital ownership, sustainability, and innovation.

Irina Karagyaur is a visionary Web3 strategist with a foundation in architecture, pioneering contributions to the NFT space, and a deep commitment to sustainability through blockchain. She has spearheaded ecosystem growth, decentralized governance in... Show more

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesenia Carrillo

Yesenia Carrillo

With over seven years of experience in employee engagement, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), social impact, and event management, I have dedicated my career to fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. I graduated from San Jose State University with a Master's in Communication Studies, during which I focused my thesis on Cancer Prognostic Conversations between Latino(a) patients and their healthcare providers. This research deepened my understanding of the disparities in health communication and further ignited my passion for advocating for underrepresented communities. I continue to conduct research supporting diverse populations in healthcare.

Throughout my career, I have successfully designed and implemented initiatives promoting diversity and creating a sense of employee belonging. I believe that a strong company culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives innovation and productivity. My experience includes leading workshops, organizing community outreach programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders to build systems that uplift marginalized voices.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring different cultures through travel, engaging in community events, and spending time with family and friends. I aim to continue making meaningful contributions in the workplace and the broader community, championing practices that lead to a more equitable future for all.

With over seven years of experience in employee engagement, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), social impact, and event management, I have dedicated my career to fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. I graduated from San Jos... Show more

Emma Urquhart

Emma Urquhart

I like to describe my career to people as making the world a better place for all people, no matter their needs. I truly believe our work makes a difference in people's lives. That is why accessibility is as much a passion as a profession. My aim in any role is to promote digital inclusivity and ensure that all users have equal access to information and services online.

My day-to-day work involves conducting accessibility audits and assessments to identify potential barriers to access. I like to offer solutions, not just list the problems, and prefer to work with the project team to find a fix that considers their team, their coding comfort level, and any system restrictions. Accessibility improvements shouldn't feel impossible, and it's important to me to spend time ensuring the project team feel positive about the improvements rather than frustrated.

In my role as a subject matter expert, I work with designers, developers, and content creators to ensure that their products and services meet accessibility standards and guidelines. I also support clients who would consider themselves 'non-technical', and enjoy the challenge of simplifying complex technical subjects.

I'm based in Scotland but can also be regularly found around Manchester, Leeds and London as part of my work with Nexer Digital. I'm also very comfortable speaking alongside any Nexer Digital colleagues -- you can check out their Sessionize pages: Danny Lancaster, Chris Bush, Rachel Breeze, and Molly Watt.

I like to describe my career to people as making the world a better place for all people, no matter their needs. I truly believe our work makes a difference in people's lives. That is why accessibility is as much a passion as a profession. My aim in ... Show more

Manuel Dolderer

Manuel Dolderer

Manuel Dolderer is an economist and an edupreneur. He is co-founder and founding president of CODE, a university of applied sciences with study programs related to digital product development and an innovative learning concept based on curiosity and entrepreneurship.

Manuel studied economics, philosophy and cultural studies at Germany’s oldest private University in Witten/Herdecke. As a student, he joined the executive board of the StudierendenGesellschaft, a non-profit organization offering an income-adjusted tuition model that promotes equal opportunities in education.

After founding two applied research institutes with projects focussing on healthcare, education, and digitalization he joined Klett Group in 2012, one of Europe’s leading education-dedicated enterprises, where he became co-founder and managing director of praxisHochschule, a private university of applied sciences that has since become part of EUFH.

In 2016 he joined forces with Thomas Bachem and Jonathan Rüth to found CODE – a new kind of university for the digital pioneers of tomorrow.

As an international advisor, keynote speaker and evangelist for curiosity-driven education, Manuel is dedicated to supporting innovative learning concepts around the world.

Manuel Dolderer is an economist and an edupreneur. He is co-founder and founding president of CODE, a university of applied sciences with study programs related to digital product development and an innovative learning concept based on curiosity and ... Show more

Shubhendu Shubham

Shubhendu Shubham

Shubhendu is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a specialization in cloud security,Red Teaming. With five years of experience, he has honed his skills in threat hunting, drawing inspiration from his survival instincts developed while watching Bear Grylls shows. Shubhendu is an active open-source contributor to popular repositories like Docker Extensions and Microsoft Sentinel, DevSecOps Repo.

He holds five Azure certifications and has been recognized as a Kusto Golden Awardee, earning the title of Principal Detective Agent. His blog was ranked 24th in the Azure Blog-A-Thon 2021 by Microsoft.

Shubhendu is also a community leader, organizing multiple meetups such as Docker Bangalore and the Azure Developer Community. As a subject matter expert on Hack The Box, he enjoys playing Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges.

Shubhendu is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a specialization in cloud security,Red Teaming. With five years of experience, he has honed his skills in threat hunting, drawing inspiration from his survival instincts developed while watchin... Show more

Charisma De Los Reyes

Charisma De Los Reyes

Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program with the San Diego County Office of Education. Before her work with SDCOE, Charisma was a community organizer and activist with 20+ years of experience engaging in social justice and advocacy work. This activism influenced over 15 years of social services experience at national and local levels. Charisma has spearheaded multiple county-wide initiatives and is recognized for her advocacy and dedication to children, in addition to her efforts to develop cross-system procedures for collaboration & coordination among child-serving systems. And for these efforts, she received the California Senator Pro Tempore Toni Atkins’ Woman of the Year award.

Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program with the San Diego County Office of Education. Before her work with SDCOE, Charisma was a community organizer and activist with 20+ years of exp... Show more

Dieter Uckelmann

Dieter Uckelmann

Dieter Uckelmann ist Professor für Informationslogistik und wissenschaftlicher Direktor des Instituts für Angewandte Forschung an der HFT Stuttgart. Seine Forschungstätigkeiten fokussieren zum einen Anwendungen im Internet der Dinge in den Bereichen Industrie 4.0, Logistik, Smart Building und Smart City, sowie zum anderen entsprechende didaktische Fragestellungen. Er ist Mitherausgeber des „International Journal of RF-Technologies: Research and Applications“. Von 2005 bis Anfang 2012 leitete er als Geschäftsführer das LogDynamics Lab an der Universität Bremen. Vor seiner akademischen Karriere war er als Geschäftsführer in mehreren Unternehmen der IuK-Branche tätig.

Dieter Uckelmann ist Professor für Informationslogistik und wissenschaftlicher Direktor des Instituts für Angewandte Forschung an der HFT Stuttgart. Seine Forschungstätigkeiten fokussieren zum einen Anwendungen im Internet der Dinge in den Bereichen... Show more

Pete Oliver-Krueger

Pete Oliver-Krueger

Co-Author of "Shift: From Product to People" a novel about what it means to really put people at the center of everything you do. Coaching Agile leaders on how to improve lives and improve bottom lines at the same time. Specializes in Agile beyond IT, including manufacturing, government, education, the arts, non-profits, and more.

Co-Author of "Shift: From Product to People" a novel about what it means to really put people at the center of everything you do. Coaching Agile leaders on how to improve lives and improve bottom lines at the same time. Specializes in Agile beyond IT... Show more

Jeff Dillon

Jeff Dillon

Jeff Dillon is the Digital Strategist for Higher Education at SearchStax and is the founder of EdTech Connect, a technology marketplace designed exclusively for the higher education community.

Jeff has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the higher education technology sector with expertise in search engines, artificial intelligence, digital experience platforms, personalization strategies and communication tools.

Jeff Dillon is the Digital Strategist for Higher Education at SearchStax and is the founder of EdTech Connect, a technology marketplace designed exclusively for the higher education community. Jeff has more than 20 years of leadership experience i... Show more

Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin

Kevin D. Martin, MBA, CDAP, PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe-SA, LSSGB, is dedicated to the topic of professional leadership and continuous improvement.

He brings a unique leadership background in Information Technology, Call Center Operations, Project Management, Agile and Change Management disciplines, capable of adapting quickly and delivering value frequently.

Known for his boundless energy and servant leader heart, his personal experience and abilities allow him to quickly improve strategic, leadership and operational challenges with speed & clarity.

He achieves success, in Fortune 100 engagements from the C-Level down to the individual teams and individuals, building high performance results that continue to perform well, immersed in his legacy of excellence systems and practices.

As a thought leader, Tier 1 University graduate/undergraduate faculty member and international speaker in high demand, he enjoys the challenges of complex business initiatives and the speed at which innovation must occur to compete.

Kevin is a voracious business reader and active leader in his community and civic organizations.

Book him today, see results tomorrow!

Kevin D. Martin, MBA, CDAP, PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe-SA, LSSGB, is dedicated to the topic of professional leadership and continuous improvement. He brings a unique leadership background in Information Technology, Call Center Operations, Project Managem... Show more

Dana Blume

Dana Blume

Teacher and researcher on systemic approaches to reflection in education.

Teacher and researcher on systemic approaches to reflection in education. Show more

Denette Dunn

Denette Dunn

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

Rona Lewis

Rona Lewis

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

Sandi Johnson

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

Caitlin Drago

Caitlin Drago

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

Rafael Riva Finatti

Rafael Riva Finatti

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

Mike Gifford

Mike Gifford

Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert.

Previously, he was the Founder and President of OpenConcept Consulting Inc., a web development agency specializing in building open source solutions for the open web. Mike has served as a Drupal Core Accessibility Maintainer in 2012.

Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert. Previously, he was the Fou... Show more

William Shackelford

William Shackelford

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

Tyrone Grandison

Tyrone Grandison

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

Dr. Laura Borland

Dr. Laura Borland

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. In a society where fathers are often unseen or undervalued in the parenting equation, Dr. Borland aims to spark a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting fathers in their parenting roles. Host of Gladverse TV, she is also a published author and writer, where she has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print.

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and sup... Show more

Sunny Johnson

Sunny Johnson

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. Junaid Qazi

Dr. Junaid Qazi

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 (shirivo) Chaves Ríos

Ivonne (shirivo) Chaves Ríos

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

Curtis Cox

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

Alessandra Kenner

Alessandra Kenner

Alessandra Kenner ist seit 2012 als Hochschuldidaktikerin an der FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg tätig. Sie beschäftigt sie sich theoretisch und praktisch mit den Themen gute, innovative Lehrkonzepte, Tutoring und Mentoring im Hochschulkontext und der Etablierung einer Feedbackkultur. Darüber hinaus ist sie als freiberufliche Trainerin tätig.

Alessandra Kenner ist seit 2012 als Hochschuldidaktikerin an der FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg tätig. Sie beschäftigt sie sich theoretisch und praktisch mit den Themen gute, innovative Lehrkonzepte, Tutoring und Mentoring im Hochschulkontext und der Etablier... Show more

Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson

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

Jeroen Kraan

Jeroen Kraan

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

Bernd Joussen

Bernd Joussen

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

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