Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream his sessions learning C# and Node.js shortly after. His previous role at GitLab was all about bringing DevSecOps into the classroom by making GitLab available to educators around the world, followed by time spent as a community manager for ProjectDiscovery helping the bug bounty hunter community learn and grow. He has presented on a variety of topics at several events like Start.Dev.Change, Codeland, DevOpsDays Chicago, DevRelCon, and Orlando Code Camp.

Pj loves 80’s music, including modern music that sounds like it was made in the 80’s, 90’s internet culture, and poetry. He’s a published poet and a musician sometimes. He loves chatting and being on podcasts, shows, and live streams.

Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream... Show more

Karen’s mission is to create an environment where differences are expected rather than the exception. Her understanding of the neurochemistry of behaviour has allowed the participants of her sessions to make a plan and MoveON from whatever stressors they are experiencing. Karen has been an invited speaker and presenter at the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorder’s National Conference as well as the Moracle Foundation in England. Karen is the author of the children’s book Different is Just… Different as well as Purple Stew (a parenting guide). She has facilitated workshops for international conferences and several universities and teacher conferences. She has also served as a sessional instructor at the University of Windsor in the Faculty of Education.

Karen’s mission is to create an environment where differences are expected rather than the exception. Her understanding of the neurochemistry of behaviour has allowed the participants of her sessions to make a plan and MoveON from whatever stressors ... Show more

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Business Administration with a major in finance and global markets from the prestigious School of Business at Tulane University as well as becoming a Data Scientist from the New York School of Data Flatiron. Jhonathan completed a 15 year career track. In 2017, he became a Global Lead in Data Digital Transformation, and later an Executive Manager in Data Models & Database Reviews, at a global firm based New York City -He has research and published business applications of data sciences and AI in major media outlets. Today he is Chief Data Strategist for Xabios Data, a data analytics| business intelligence and data science firm optimizing businesses.

Notably, JD was featured on an international article for Grant Thornton International in Data Monetization. Hi research reached more than 15,000 followers - He has spoken at more than 13 conferences in the USA and LATAM- He founded a non-profit in LATAM that helps limited-resources entrepreneurs with micro-lending and educational resources. These recognitions, along with his Top 5 Awards in Leadership reflect his dedication and impact in industry and to people.

Jhon enjoyes being called to speak at the National and International Conferences to speak about real world experiences in the world of AI , Data Analytics & Data Science. Highlights include: the State of Mexico Business Association, in Mexico City, the Data Science Panels at the S&P 500 Building in Wall street for Data Science Salon, and at the The University of Houston College of Technology. Jhonathan makes complex topics, easy to understand to non-technical audiences, and makes technical audiences understand the world and language of business.

Experience for yourself as Jhonathan speaks to businesses leaders, management groups, professionals, scientist and students about real world applications of data sciences, from real life experiences. As he speaks the language of business and science, learned through his management of global teams in real-life projects, working with the leadership of top institutions, he shares his previous and ongoing client business experiences and what's happening in the world of data science.

His expertise topics include themes around : Data Science in a Business Context, Project Experiences, Data Modeling, and Financial Education.

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Busines... Show more

Enterprise Agile Coach

Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-driven Agile, and Organizational Development. With over 15 years of experience, Toby helps organizations address today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) challenges by guiding leaders and teams to understand, apply, and evangelize Lean and Agile practices.

Toby is an ICF-Credentialed Coach, an IC-Agile Accredited Trainer, a Certified Executive Coach and holds several top Agile certifications from Scrum Alliance and ICAgile. He also has certifications in AI, including AI for Product Management (IBM/Pendo.io), Generative AI Fundamentals (Academy Accreditation from Databricks), and AI & Agility (Scrum Alliance).

He is passionate about developing people’s capabilities through coaching, consulting, training, and mentoring. A dedicated advocate for the Agile community, Toby co-founded the A20 Agile Conference in 2020 and leads the Loudoun Agile Network (LAN), a vibrant community of over 2,000 members in the Washington DC Metro area. He frequently speaks at Agile conferences and industry events worldwide.

As an early adopter of AI, Toby uses AI tools extensively as an Enterprise Coach, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. He has hosted six AI-related presentations at LAN, and is invested in continuously expanding his AI knowledge.

LinkedIn: Toby Rao

Enterprise Agile Coach Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-dr... Show more

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, technology, and business innovation, Darya is a driving force in digital transformation, AI, and future workforce development.

As a C-level executive, entrepreneur, and mentor, Darya has shaped the success of enterprises, startups, and global initiatives by integrating emerging technologies with strategic growth frameworks. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work, addressing audiences at major global conferences, corporate summits, and executive retreats.

A passionate advocate for future-ready leadership, Darya believes that true innovation begins with a bold vision and the courage to challenge the status quo. She inspires business leaders to embrace AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, unlock new opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Impact & Achievements:
✅ Executive & Board Leadership: C-Level strategist with expertise in business transformation, revenue operations (RevOps), and strategic growth across global markets. Advisor to enterprises, government bodies, and tech innovators.
✅ Digital Transformation & AI Thought Leader: Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in AR/VR, AI, and Digital Transformation by Thinkers 360, shaping the dialogue on the future of business and technology.
✅ Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Speaker: Winner of the Global Female Leader Award in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader (#EYL40), Women in IT, and featured in Forbes, Inc.com, Business & Finance, and Irish Times.
✅ Future Workforce & EdTech Visionary: Led transformative EdTech initiatives, including EU-backed projects on AI and AR in education, impacting thousands of students across Europe.
✅ Women in Leadership & DEI Advocate: A strong voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mentoring female founders, startup leaders, and executives to break barriers in tech and business.

Speaking & Expertise:
🔹 Leadership in the Age of AI & Digital Disruption
🔹 The Future of Work: Skills, Adaptability & Innovation
🔹 Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies
🔹 Strategic Growth & Business Transformation
🔹 Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose & Resilience

Darya’s leadership journey, from entrepreneurial success to executive impact, serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and human-centric leadership, making her a powerful voice in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

🚀 Inspire. Lead. Transform. 🚀

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection... Show more

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。
社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理システム）」座長、三重県デジタル推進フェロー、一般社団法人オープン・ナレッジ・ファウンデーション・ジャパン代表理事なども務めている。

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。 社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理シ... Show more

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human capital, and organizational growth. As a Leadership Psychology Architect and Transformation Facilitator, Elizabeth empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential through tailored business solutions, cutting-edge training, and strategic insights. Elizabeth’s passion for helping others grow is the driving force behind her career. She specializes in developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence and resilience. Through learning assessments, leadership training, or strategic business solutions, Elizabeth’s work empowers others with the skills they need to succeed. Elizabeth is not just a scholar-practitioner—she is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring leaders to reach new heights and organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human ... Show more

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology, governance, and social impact to build robust ethical AI governance that takes a human-first approach. Currently, her focus is on merging customer success and AI governance in the federal space.

In her spare time, she serves as the Non-Technical Lead for the DC Chapter of Black Girls CODE and the Technology Committee Co-chair and Webmistress for the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When she isn’t doing those things, she is a mentor to women at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Her mission is to inspire, empower, & impact underrepresented individuals and protect the data associated with them. For a full bio, please find it here: www.eveal.ai.

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology... Show more

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of public service.

Carrie has her Bachelors of Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Information Assurance and Digital Forensics, and she is a co-founder of BSides Oklahoma and a founding member of Techlahoma.

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of publi... Show more

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive, and fun. She helps clients tailor their professional life to their unique brains, allowing their talents and genius to shine. Following a 17+ year legal career and certifications in ICF-accredited executive, ADHD, and career coaching, Elle founded Interlace Solutions, a coaching firm that taps into clients' potential to accelerate their achievement. Her team coaches executives, executive teams, and professionals with a subspecialty in ADHD coaching.

Elle is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator who consistently draws large crowds. Her goal is for participants to walk away with meaty new learning for practical application. Elle has been published in national and international outlets and speaks on productivity, professional motivation, creating ADHD-friendly environments, and innovations to support mental health, among other topics. Elle is a subject matter expert on international agricultural trade, which doesn’t come up a lot. She lives in Washington, DC, with her dog Penny, the most beautiful dog in the world. And a great family, but the dog is hard to beat.

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive,... Show more

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. A serial founder whose previous organizations have included Vote.org (2016), ElectionDay.org (2018), Long Distance Voter (2008), and Swing the State (2004), she's been working at the intersection of technology and democracy since 2004, several years before “civic tech” and “online organization” entered the cultural lexicon. Her various organizations have collectively registered over 4 million people, conducted mass marketing campaigns reaching tens of millions, and pioneered tactics now considered industry standards. She is an alumna of Pomona College and Y Combinator, a former Draper Richards Kaplan Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship. She frequently speaks on issues impacting voter turnout and digital innovations to increase access to the polls, with appearances at events such as SXSW, Netroots Nation, Harvard Law, the Harvard School of Government, University of Michigan, SUMMIT Ideas Festival, Lesbians Who Tech, and Accelerate Good Global.

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. ... Show more

Dennis Oxaas er en sikkerhets- og teknologileder med bred erfaring fra forsvars- og justissektoren. Han har en MBA i teknologiledelse, der masteroppgaven omhandler risiko, styring og bruk av eksterne konsulenter i sikkerhetsgraderte anskaffelser.

Arbeidet hans kombinerer praktisk erfaring fra komplekse prosjekter med empirisk forskning på hvordan menneskelige, organisatoriske og styringsmessige faktorer påvirker sikkerheten i komplekse og regulerte virksomheter.

Dennis Oxaas er en sikkerhets- og teknologileder med bred erfaring fra forsvars- og justissektoren. Han har en MBA i teknologiledelse, der masteroppgaven omhandler risiko, styring og bruk av eksterne konsulenter i sikkerhetsgraderte anskaffelser. ... Show more

Currently leading technical team.
I was a full-stack developer for 20 years in both large and small companies.
Over the last 8 years, my focus has shifted to leadership, organizational culture, advocating for "entry-level" profiles, light and inverted hierarchies, comprehensive work flexibility, and working in companies that prioritize people.

Currently leading technical team. I was a full-stack developer for 20 years in both large and small companies. Over the last 8 years, my focus has shifted to leadership, organizational culture, advocating for "entry-level" profiles, light and inver... Show more

Project and Digital Transformation Leader with over 8 years of experience driving modernization and operational efficiency in the public sector. Expert in the implementation of governance frameworks (COBIT, ISO 27001) and cybersecurity, essential to ensure operational continuity and the protection of citizens’ sensitive data. Proven track record in public sector digitalization, positioning a municipality among the top 2 nationwide, and cybersecurity speaker.

Project and Digital Transformation Leader with over 8 years of experience driving modernization and operational efficiency in the public sector. Expert in the implementation of governance frameworks (COBIT, ISO 27001) and cybersecurity, essential to ... Show more

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

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

Dr. Mikel Chamblee is a Marine Corps veteran, cybersecurity executive, educator, and researcher with extensive experience in IT audit, cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). His professional background spans the military, financial services, higher education, and consulting sectors, including leading cybersecurity and third-party risk audits for a Department of Defense-affiliated financial institution and co-founding a cybersecurity consulting firm.

Dr. Chamblee holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity, an MBA in Information Assurance with military honors, and a B.S. from The University of Texas at Dallas. He also holds CISA, CDPSE, CTPRP, and CRVPM certifications, along with multiple machine learning and generative AI credentials. His doctoral research examined the influence of organizational culture on security behavior through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the ISACA Greater Houston Chapter and supports cybersecurity initiatives through Texas VIRT and the Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary. An active researcher and speaker, his work focuses on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, governance, and security culture. His recent publication, Empowering AI-Driven Health Data Sovereignty for Ethical Transformation, reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing responsible technology practices.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Chamblee enjoys living aboard his sailboat, mentoring future cybersecurity professionals through CyberPatriot and the U.S. Cyber Team, and managing a wildlife refuge ranch that includes a certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation.

Dr. Mikel Chamblee is a Marine Corps veteran, cybersecurity executive, educator, and researcher with extensive experience in IT audit, cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). His professional background spans the military, financial se... Show more

Dr. Annis Stubbs is a C-suite executive, executive coach, and the founder of The Papyrus Group. Over two decades she has led brand, people, and community work inside mission-driven organizations, including as a Chief People Officer. She has spoken at the Clinton Global Initiative, the University of Michigan, and Techonomy. She speaks on brand, people, and equity, and on what it takes to lead through growth and change. She is an Aspen Institute Fellow and holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Dr. Annis Stubbs is a C-suite executive, executive coach, and the founder of The Papyrus Group. Over two decades she has led brand, people, and community work inside mission-driven organizations, including as a Chief People Officer. She has spoken at... Show more

As a technical leader at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific—a vital arm of the Department of the Navy dedicated to delivering innovative technology for U.S. and allied military operations— Andy Tran specializes in the intersection of advanced communications and cybersecurity.

Andy Tran spearheaded the research, development, and deployment of 5G cellular systems across the Navy and Marine Corps, specifically enhancing communications capabilities at the tactical edge of the battlefield. Beyond deployment, they have conducted rigorous analysis on the vulnerabilities of emerging wireless technologies to ensure that security frameworks and specifications remain robust against evolving threats. Committed to operational efficiency, [Your Name] also developed critical automation tools to streamline the upgrading of networking systems, allowing infrastructure to adapt seamlessly to new requirements and evolving military needs.

As a technical leader at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific—a vital arm of the Department of the Navy dedicated to delivering innovative technology for U.S. and allied military operations— Andy Tran specializes in the intersection of advanc... Show more

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institutions nationwide.

Sarah is best known for work that pioneers actionable strategies in a quickly evolving marketing landscape. She developed Signal Engineering, a framework for making brands legible to AI systems.

Sarah builds teams as well as strategies. She has designed and built the multi-agent AI infrastructure her teams use for market research, search intelligence, and content production, and established EducationDynamics' center of excellence for performance marketing.

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institut... Show more

Mojeed began his journey in global sustainability after winning a national climate change contest, which led to a UNESCO-sponsored research tour in Germany. There, he worked alongside Nigeria’s Ministries of Environment and Education, supported by leaders like then-Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, gaining firsthand experience in driving real-world impact at the intersection of policy and global challenges.

Building on that foundation, after having his Bachelor's in Mathematics, he pursued a Master’s in Informatics & Analytics, where he earned a perfect CGPA. He has applied his skills at companies such as Deloitte and KPMG, leading machine learning innovation projects that bridged technology with business transformation.

Today, as CEO of DataGlobal Hub & AI Every Time, he has extended that mission into Data & AI education and accessibility. I have hosted Global Data & AI conferences featuring leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon; partnered with organizations like Microsoft, Packt, and DataCamp; and empowered thousands worldwide through education. Their work has been published on Business Insider, Yahoo News, and more than 900 media outlets globally. This unique blend of sustainability, academic excellence, corporate innovation, and global entrepreneurship positions him to lead a mission-driven company shaping the future of Data and AI. He is also the Chief Data Officer (CDO) of The Strategemist.

He is not just building a company, he is leading a movement born from lived experience, fueled by technical depth, and sustained by a mission to create impact that matters.

Mojeed began his journey in global sustainability after winning a national climate change contest, which led to a UNESCO-sponsored research tour in Germany. There, he worked alongside Nigeria’s Ministries of Environment and Education, supported by le... Show more

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex programs in state government.
I thrive at the intersection of people, process, and technology. Whether I'm aligning a room of executives, untangling a dependency across 13 vendors, or building the data infrastructure that gives leadership real-time visibility — I bring the clarity and structure that keeps programs on track.
My work spans program strategy, stakeholder alignment, cross-functional team leadership, and delivery governance. I believe the best project managers don't just manage schedules — they build the systems, culture, and communication that let great teams do their best work.

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex pr... Show more

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she specializes in workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, de-escalation strategies, and employee wellness.

Kelsey helps organizations identify concerning behaviors before they escalate into violence, develop practical prevention strategies, and create safer environments for employees, customers, and stakeholders. Her presentations combine real-world experience, behavioral science, and actionable de-escalation tools that audiences can immediately apply in the workplace.

She has delivered training to construction, corporate, educational, and community audiences on topics including workplace violence prevention, behavioral indicators of risk, conflict de-escalation, and resilience through mindfulness practices.

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she ... Show more

Nicole Walker is the Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement at Louisiana State University's Center for Academic Success, where she leads campus-wide initiatives focused on student success, academic engagement, and belonging. She oversees outreach programming, develops academic success workshops, coordinates bridge and transition programs, and collaborates with campus partners to create meaningful support systems for undergraduate students.

Prior to her work in higher education, Nicole served as a speech-language pathologist, bringing a student-centered approach and strong foundation in communication, learning, and development to her work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research with a concentration in Higher Education Administration at LSU.

Nicole serves as President of the Louisiana College Learning Center Association (LCLCA), where she works to advance collaboration and professional development among learning center professionals across the state. Her research interests include college readiness, bridge programs, academic support services, student persistence, and the role of learning centers in promoting student success.

A frequent presenter at regional and national conferences, Nicole enjoys sharing practical, evidence-informed strategies that higher education professionals can immediately apply on their own campuses. Her presentations blend research, real-world experience, and interactive learning to create engaging sessions that leave participants with actionable ideas and renewed enthusiasm for supporting students.

Nicole Walker is the Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement at Louisiana State University's Center for Academic Success, where she leads campus-wide initiatives focused on student success, academic engagement, and belonging. She oversees outre... Show more

Dr. Khloud Khalid is the Head of the Department of Design at the European University in the UAE -RAK Campus, bringing over a decade of comprehensive experience as both an academic and an industry professional. As a licensed, award-winning architect, BIM manager, Design Lead, and Experiential Design Consultant holding a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urbanism, her expertise spans advanced digital modeling workflows, sustainable spatial planning, and pedagogical innovation, as evidenced by her extensive research publications. She has actively participated in international conferences and workshops, serving as an invited lecturer in universities across more than ten countries including the UAE, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Philippines, and wider Europe while continuously advancing academic quality through her roles as a juror, supervisor, and peer reviewer.

Dr. Khloud Khalid is the Head of the Department of Design at the European University in the UAE -RAK Campus, bringing over a decade of comprehensive experience as both an academic and an industry professional. As a licensed, award-winning architect, ... Show more

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team of student leaders and employees. Patrick leads daily operations for high‑impact campus events, manages multimillion‑dollar budgets, directs technology & equipment upgrades, and implements the S.E.E.D. Student Development Curriculum, fostering meaningful student growth aligned with University Objectives & Values.

Patrick is a higher education leader known for elevating student experiences, strengthening operational excellence, and delivering seamless event and facility logistics. With more than a decade of progressive leadership across student affairs, event management, and residential education, he brings a holistic, people‑centered approach to developing teams, optimizing systems, and creating environments where students and staff thrive.

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team ... Show more

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwear on One Tree Hill or co-starring in commercials with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon or the Roaming Gnome. Improv comedy is my passion and I can be seen making audiences, my scene partners, and myself laugh regularly at some of the best and worst improv shows in New York City.

As an educator, I have taught Acting, Improvisation, Public Speaking, Communication Studies at too many colleges to mention. I also teach and coach acting, improv, and applied improv for theatres, private groups, and individuals, and in the corporate space.

I’m known at Collegiate Empowerment for connecting with participants from the toughest mandatory audiences to passionate student leaders to coaching participants through my comedy, passion, high energy, and enthusiasm. Within CE, I’m known for focusing on what students want and need, being a kickass teammate and making weird faces during team meetings.

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwe... Show more

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, features, and infrastructure are not only high-quality but also valuable to individuals, businesses, and communities. David’s expertise includes DevOps, user experience (UX), service design, and accessibility. These skills enable him to enhance transparency, increase productivity, deliver value, and boost customer engagement.

David holds an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University and is a certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) by Rutgers/PTI. He actively participates in several professional organizations: the Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI), the Government Management Information Science (GMIS), and the Service Design in Government Community of Practice. Additionally, he has served as a mentor in the General Services Administration (GSA) User Experience Community of Practice.

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, f... Show more

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, including limited infrastructure, incomplete datasets and strict cost ceilings.

He has led the development of data-driven and cloud-based solutions ranging from high-concurrency web platforms to machine learning systems tailored for smallholder agriculture. His recent work explores practical approaches to model design, system resilience and translating complex technical outputs into usable insights for non-technical users.

Mark is particularly interested in how architectural decisions change when constraints are treated as requirements rather than limitations.

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, inc... Show more

Mari Anne’s housing career began in 1999 as a resident advisor for a privately-owned residence hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. She joined University Housing in 2004 and has held a variety of roles with an eye toward student service during her 22 year tenure. As the director of Housing Information & Marketing, she leads residence hall occupancy management, marketing, communications, and assessment. In addition, Mari Anne champions strategic initiatives to support both students and staff who call University Housing home. Most recently she partnered with other housing executives to implement a culture & climate action plan focusing on staff support structures and developing the next level of strategic leaders in University Housing. Mari Anne received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication & Political Science and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Leadership: Training & Development from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Mari Anne has served as an external consultant on occupancy management and assignment operations, is a certified facilitator for Crucial Conversations and regularly collaborates to train others in providing excellent customer service within the campus community.

Mari Anne’s housing career began in 1999 as a resident advisor for a privately-owned residence hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. She joined University Housing in 2004 and has held a variety of roles with an eye toward studen... Show more

CEO | Palestrante | Head de Agilidade & Inovação | Professor | Conselheiro.

CEO | Palestrante | Head de Agilidade & Inovação | Professor | Conselheiro. Show more