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��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

Colette Grail is a Big Data advocate and author of The Fallacy of Laying Flat - the Fuzzy, Hairy Truth about Data Decision Making. She authors work on emerging technology, data concepts, leadership, and inspiration. Her 25+ years in the US Navy include five major commands working policy, strategy and program management. She currently works for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leading strategy development for the Emergency Communications Division. Her mission is reporting on the opportunities and challenges of the Big Data world and how Big Data is solving Big Problems.

Colette Grail is a Big Data advocate and author of The Fallacy of Laying Flat - the Fuzzy, Hairy Truth about Data Decision Making. She authors work on emerging technology, data concepts, leadership, and inspiration. Her 25+ years in the US Navy inc... Show more

Scientist and teacher by vocation
I arrived in the Power Platform world 4 years ago and I was captured by it. I believe in continuous improvement and learning.

"To excellence you have to go and knock on the door, it is an everyday job".

Scientist and teacher by vocation I arrived in the Power Platform world 4 years ago and I was captured by it. I believe in continuous improvement and learning. "To excellence you have to go and knock on the door, it is an everyday job". 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

Prajakta is a passionate advocate for open source, education, and community empowerment. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth, she has dedicated herself to mentoring and teaching individuals across India, both online and in-person. Prajakta’s work is centered around creating inclusive platforms that allow others to learn, grow, and thrive in the tech ecosystem.

She is the co-founder of Techvalley, a dynamic initiative focused on building a thriving community of tech enthusiasts. As an active mentor and judge, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of tech talent by guiding students through hackathons and pitching events. Her dedication to education and skill development has also led her to serve as a National Skill Development Corporation mentor, where she helps bridge the gap between education and industry.

Prajakta’s community-building efforts extend to various global and local initiatives. She is a former AngelHack Ambassador, a core member of FOSS United Pune, and a Girlscript Ambassador, where she champions diversity and inclusion in tech. She has also made significant contributions to the blockchain and decentralised tech community as a core member of Dapps.co and Hackers Meet-up.

At her university, Prajakta took the initiative to start Co-Dev, a technical community dedicated to collaboration and growth. She has been an active Microsoft Student Ambassador, connecting students with opportunities and resources, and her leadership in fostering open-source culture has left a lasting impact.

Driven by a passion for empowering others through education, mentoring, and hands-on experience, Prajakta is committed to creating a future where technology is accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.

Prajakta is a passionate advocate for open source, education, and community empowerment. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth, she has dedicated herself to mentoring and teaching individuals across India, both online and in-perso... Show more

Jenny Xu ist Soziologin und Research Associate im Projekt „Digitaler Diversitätsdialog (D3)“ an der Universität Passau. Sie forscht an der Schnittstelle von Hochschullehre, Diversität und Künstlicher Intelligenz. Ein weiterer Forschungsschwerpunkt liegt in den Gender Studies.

E-Mail: jenny.xu@uni-passau.de
Projektseite: https://www.uni-passau.de/universitaet/einrichtungen/stabsstelle-kompetenzentwicklung-in-studium-und-lehre-ksl/digitaler-diversitaetsdialog

Jenny Xu ist Soziologin und Research Associate im Projekt „Digitaler Diversitätsdialog (D3)“ an der Universität Passau. Sie forscht an der Schnittstelle von Hochschullehre, Diversität und Künstlicher Intelligenz. Ein weiterer Forschungsschwerpunkt li... Show more

Alin ZAMFIROIU finished his PhD in Economic Informatics in 2014 at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania. He is currently an Associate Professor at Department of Economic Informatics and Cybernetics in Bucharest University of Economic Studies and a Senior Researcher at “National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics, Bucharest”. In 2025 he served as a Visiting Professor in Cybersecurity at Utah Tech University.

Alin ZAMFIROIU finished his PhD in Economic Informatics in 2014 at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania. He is currently an Associate Professor at Department of Economic Informatics and Cybernetics in Bucharest University of Economi... Show more

Elena Simciuc — CEO of LevelUP Academy, PhD in Economics. Expert with 15+ years of experience in managing innovation projects (budgets exceeding €3.5 million). Specialist in attracting non-reimbursable EU funding for digital projects. A practitioner who personally implements AI bots and agents for HR, education, and marketing. International speaker and Web Summit participant.

Elena Simciuc — CEO of LevelUP Academy, PhD in Economics. Expert with 15+ years of experience in managing innovation projects (budgets exceeding €3.5 million). Specialist in attracting non-reimbursable EU funding for digital projects. A practitioner ... Show more

I am a Alabama Native. Military Army Veteran. I am Natural Hair and Microlocs Specialist, licensed instructor and Salon Owner with over 15yrs in the Natural Hair Industry.
I have a huge 30,000+ social Media following with clients all over the US.

I am a Alabama Native. Military Army Veteran. I am Natural Hair and Microlocs Specialist, licensed instructor and Salon Owner with over 15yrs in the Natural Hair Industry. I have a huge 30,000+ social Media following with clients all over the US. Show more

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling and evaluating security in architecture. Her expertise extends to implementing robust security practices that safeguard digital landscapes.
Passionate about making security accessible, Audrey is dedicated to empowering software engineers and inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM. She holds a DoD secret clearance and a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security from Johns Hopkins. Additionally, Audrey is a proud ambassador for Google's Women Techmakers program, championing diversity and inclusion in tech.
As an international speaker, Audrey has shared her insights and expertise at conferences and events around the world, inspiring audiences with her knowledge and passion for cybersecurity.

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling a... Show more

Aufgewachsen in einem mehrsprachigen Umfeld, interessiere ich mich besonders dafür, wie Sprachen erworben werden und wie sich das eigene Selbstbild in verschiedenen Sprachen verändert. Fachlich liegen meine Schwerpunkte auf Mehrsprachigkeit, kultursensibler Sprachbildung und kritischen Perspektiven auf Native-Speakerism.

Aufgewachsen in einem mehrsprachigen Umfeld, interessiere ich mich besonders dafür, wie Sprachen erworben werden und wie sich das eigene Selbstbild in verschiedenen Sprachen verändert. Fachlich liegen meine Schwerpunkte auf Mehrsprachigkeit, kulturse... Show more

Espen Holtebu started his career as a solar engineer before moving into data engineering. A strong foundation in SQL and analytical thinking made the transition natural and fun.

Today Espen works with modern data platforms in the public sector, helping teams navigate the shift from legacy, GUI‑based tooling to code‑driven, transparent workflows. He focuses on practical enablement, organizational change, and building sustainable ways of working with data at scale.

Outside of work, Espen enjoys fishing and spending time in nature with his family.

Espen Holtebu started his career as a solar engineer before moving into data engineering. A strong foundation in SQL and analytical thinking made the transition natural and fun. Today Espen works with modern data platforms in the public sector, he... Show more

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought leader, Charles excels at translating complex technical architectures, from AI frameworks to massive digital media and data infrastructure—into scalable, real-world solutions that drive meaningful organizational change.

With extensive experience addressing executive audiences and policy makers, Charles is a frequent voice at major industry events. His recent speaking engagements include executive roundtables and interviews at the Flower AI Summit in London, delivering keynotes on emerging technology trends, and serving as an expert panelist at a recent Innovation Summit on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Charles’s ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and high-level strategy has also made him a trusted presenter for government and diplomatic audiences, including past presentations for the Trade Commissioner Service Secretariat. He brings a pragmatic, forward-thinking perspective to every stage, empowering teams and stakeholders to successfully navigate the future of digital transformation.

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought le... Show more

Sarah Wolters is a passionate educator, DEI advocate, and consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through inclusive practices and innovative solutions. With a background as a classroom teacher and youth development specialist, Sarah has been shaping communities and organizations through tailored Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training since 2020 as a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Her leadership journey began as a founding board member of Cabins4Kids, where she has been fostering leadership skills and teaching DEI informally since the age of 15.

In her current role as the founder of Sarah Wolters Co, Sarah is dedicated to empowering organizations through tailored DEI training, leadership development, and agile project management strategies. By integrating innovative practices with a focus on inclusivity, she equips leaders and teams with tools to foster collaboration, prioritize effectively, and drive meaningful change. Her efforts extend to business and technology consulting, where she helps organizations identify solutions to work smarter, adapt to challenges, and achieve lasting impact. She continues to draw on her 11 years of experience in education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Special Education from Butler University and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori certification from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Sarah also remains deeply connected to her roots in youth mentorship through her ongoing work with Cabins4Kids.

When she’s not working or exploring new ideas, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, discovering local businesses, cheering for her favorite sports teams, and soaking in the joy of live music with friends. Her mission is clear: to inspire growth, innovation, and meaningful connection at every level.

Sarah Wolters is a passionate educator, DEI advocate, and consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through inclusive practices and innovative solutions. With a background as a classroom teacher and youth development ... Show more

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida Show more

Ian Knight is an independent consultant specializing in digital transformation for government and public institutions. His wins include moving a 500-person survey process from email to a single platform, using generative AI to evaluate an $8 million federal program, and replacing an NGO's Rolodex and spreadsheet system with a centralized CRM. Raised in Montana, Ian has worked with Montana nonprofits and the federal government at the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy in Mongolia. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations Young Professional Briefing Series, a 2025 World Bank Youth Summit Delegate, and a recipient of the U.S. Department of State's Citizen Diplomacy Award. Ian holds a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Political Science.

Ian Knight is an independent consultant specializing in digital transformation for government and public institutions. His wins include moving a 500-person survey process from email to a single platform, using generative AI to evaluate an $8 million ... Show more

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a tech diplomat and statesman, he works at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital governance, and youth empowerment. His work bridges technical cybersecurity expertise with practical policy design, always advocating for ethical, sovereign, and inclusive digital futures. The role of young Africans in shaping the continent's technology agenda.

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a... Show more

Amb. Aluba Lekwauwa is the Founder and Executive Director of Herora Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, advancing girl-child education, and fostering sustainable community development. She is a passionate advocate, speaker, and social impact leader committed to creating opportunities for vulnerable women, girls, and young people.
With experience in community engagement, mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy, Aluba has championed initiatives that promote education, economic empowerment, and youth participation in social change. Her work focuses on equipping individuals and communities with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in an evolving world.

As a speaker, she inspires audiences to embrace inclusive leadership, leverage innovation for positive impact, and drive sustainable transformation. Through Herora Foundation and her public engagements, Aluba continues to champion a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed. Her mission is rooted in empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating lasting impact across generations.

Amb. Aluba Lekwauwa is the Founder and Executive Director of Herora Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, advancing girl-child education, and fostering sustainable community development. She is a passionate advocate, spe... Show more

Lubna Jabeen Ahmed is an international educational leader and Careers & University Guidance specialist with over 17 years of experience in the UAE. She specializes in student progression, curriculum design, and university guidance. Passionate about preparing young adults for the future workforce, Lubna focuses on building independent thinking, adaptive agility, and the human-centric skills students need to step confidently onto the global stage.

Lubna Jabeen Ahmed is an international educational leader and Careers & University Guidance specialist with over 17 years of experience in the UAE. She specializes in student progression, curriculum design, and university guidance. Passionate about p... Show more

Hi! My name is Sam. I'm a proud Minnesotan covering the 2026 midterm elections in Orlando, Florida. Before this, I covered the 89th Texas Legislature in Austin, Texas and reported on local government, schools, state agencies, campaign finance and more for four years in Ketchikan, Alaska. I also love bringing coding and data visualization into the newsroom and helping share my enthusiasm with the rest of the world!

Hi! My name is Sam. I'm a proud Minnesotan covering the 2026 midterm elections in Orlando, Florida. Before this, I covered the 89th Texas Legislature in Austin, Texas and reported on local government, schools, state agencies, campaign finance and mor... Show more

Mestre em Gestão de Riscos pelo Departamento de Computação Aplicada da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), com especializações em Gestão da Segurança da Informação e Comunicações (UnB), Regulação de Telecomunicações (Inatel) e Gestão Pública (IFSC). Possui 18 anos de experiência no setor privado de telecomunicações, atuando em funções técnicas e de gestão antes de ingressar no serviço público.
É servidor de carreira da Anatel desde 2007, onde ocupou diversos cargos estratégicos: Gerente Operacional de Redes na área de Gestão da Informação, Gerente da Unidade Operacional no Maranhão , Assessor na Secretaria do Conselho Diretor, Assessor e Gerente substituto na Gerência de Canais de Relacionamento com os Consumidores, e atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente de Planejamento, Desenvolvimento e Segurança de Sistemas na Superintendência de Gestão Interna da Informação.

Mestre em Gestão de Riscos pelo Departamento de Computação Aplicada da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), com especializações em Gestão da Segurança da Informação e Comunicações (UnB), Regulação de Telecomunicações (Inatel) e Gestão Pública (IFSC). Poss... 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