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

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

Hi 👋🏾 ! I'm Edmond Ghislain MAKOLLE EBONGUE NDJOH, Software Engineer and Python Programming Instructor . I am originally from the LITTORAL in CAMEROON 🇨🇲 .

I work most often in Python (if not always) with technologies such as Django and FastAPI to build backend applications and Rest or Graph APIs.

I am involved in certain communities in my city and even in my country, because I am for those who give back what the community has given them. So I often organize and participate in community-organized events.

Hi 👋🏾 ! I'm Edmond Ghislain MAKOLLE EBONGUE NDJOH, Software Engineer and Python Programming Instructor . I am originally from the LITTORAL in CAMEROON 🇨🇲 . I work most often in Python (if not always) with technologies such as Django and FastAP... Show more

- Coloré immigré de France puis du Québec 🇵🇰 🇫🇷 🇨🇦
- Enthousiaste gestionnaire de produits (15+ années) (Desjardins, BRP, Levio, ShareCare, Pomona, Thales, Peugeot-Citroën, SFR et Crédit Agricole) 📱
- Heureux gestionnaire de produits sur desjardins.com chez Desjardins 📱
- Apprenant chargé d’enseignement universitaire pour plusieurs universités (4 années) (Cours sur l’agilité et la gestion de produits) 🖋️
- Passionné orateur (des conférences et plusieurs interventions lors d'évènements) 📢
- Curieux étudiant en sciences de l’éducation (Baccalauréat complété - En route vers la maîtrise) 📚
- Organisateur engagé de Culture Produit (2026) - Ancien organisateur d’Agile Tour Montréal (2022 à 2025) 🎯
- Énergique entraîneur de soccer ⚽

- Coloré immigré de France puis du Québec 🇵🇰 🇫🇷 🇨🇦 - Enthousiaste gestionnaire de produits (15+ années) (Desjardins, BRP, Levio, ShareCare, Pomona, Thales, Peugeot-Citroën, SFR et Crédit Agricole) 📱 - Heureux gestionnaire de produits sur des... Show more

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection.

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection. Show more

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

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

Alan is wired differently and doesn't like to be put into a box, he does his best thinking "outside of the box" ("out of the box" implies you are still inside said box...). This unconventional perspective, combined with his diverse background, enables him to offer different and often unique insights into the challenges facing our modern (digital) society.
As a regulator, Alan wears many hats. He supervises companies to ensure they meet their obligations under applicable cybersecurity legislation, provides guidance to the sector, and contributes his expertise to the development and evaluation of laws and regulations.
Alan is equally committed to protecting individuals. While companies suffer the financial and reputational consequences of a data breach, individuals are often 'forgotten victims' who's personal information is now forever exposed through no fault of their own. His mission is to help both (large) organizations and individuals understand the importance of (personal) security and privacy in this society of the future.

Alan is wired differently and doesn't like to be put into a box, he does his best thinking "outside of the box" ("out of the box" implies you are still inside said box...). This unconventional perspective, combined with his diverse background, enable... Show more

Elena Simciuc — CEO of Innotech Booster, 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 Innotech Booster, 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

J'ai toujours cultivé une certaine polyvalence dont les différentes facettes s'enrichissent mutuellement.
Coach professionnel et agiliste, j'écoute et je questionne individus et organisations pour les aider à clarifier leurs problématiques et à construire leurs propres solutions.

J'ai toujours cultivé une certaine polyvalence dont les différentes facettes s'enrichissent mutuellement. Coach professionnel et agiliste, j'écoute et je questionne individus et organisations pour les aider à clarifier leurs problématiques et à cons... Show more

Ebony Lawrence is an instructional designer/curriculum developer with Amazon Web Services (AWS). She likes to refer to herself as an “accidental instructional designer,” as her academic background is deeply rooted in public health (BS in health education and MS in health administration), and epidemiology (DrPH). The transition was a natural step, and she has since gained over a decade of valuable experience in higher education, corporate training development, and management consulting. In 2020, Ebony obtained her CPTD and, despite her non-traditional entry into the field, she’s leaned on her diverse background and skills to build her brand.

Ebony Lawrence is an instructional designer/curriculum developer with Amazon Web Services (AWS). She likes to refer to herself as an “accidental instructional designer,” as her academic background is deeply rooted in public health (BS in health educa... Show more

Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi is one of Africa’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, inclusive innovation, and digital transformation. He is the Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-Founder and CEO of EqualyzAI, an African AI company building voice-first, agentic intelligence that works in local languages, dialects, and accents, on any device, with or without the internet. Through EqualyzAI, he is helping pioneer a new model of inclusive AI, where voice becomes the primary interface for intelligence and action, particularly for underserved communities often excluded from digital innovation.

With more than 24 years of executive and technical experience, Dr. Adekanmbi has held senior leadership roles at MTN Nigeria, MTN Group South Africa, and Airtel Africa UK, leading strategy, analytics, innovation, and digital transformation across more than 30 African markets and impacting over 300 million people. He is widely recognized for combining deep technical expertise with practical business and policy leadership. He co-facilitated Nigeria’s National AI Strategy with more than 120 global experts and has contributed to international efforts on AI safety, governance, and responsible innovation with organizations including GSMA, Meta, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, the Tony Blair Institute, and the UK AI Safety Institute. He also served as a senior adviser to the International Scientific Report 2025 on Advanced AI Safety led by Yoshua Bengio.

A strong advocate for AI inclusion through language, Dr. Adekanmbi has led major AI localization efforts, including the creation of AI knowledge and learning resources in Hausa and Yoruba, two Nigerian languages spoken by over 100 million people, with support from Google.org. This work reflects his commitment to ensuring that AI understanding and access are not limited to English-speaking or digitally privileged populations, but are extended to communities in their own languages and cultural contexts.

Dr. Adekanmbi’s work has earned global recognition. Five of the AI solutions he has led were selected among the UNESCO/IRCAI Top 100 AI Projects for Social Good, and he received the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Grand Challenge Award for developing AI-driven financial inclusion tools for low-income populations. A respected researcher and thought leader, he has authored and presented work at leading conferences, including NeurIPS, ICLR, AAAI, CVPR, and ICML. He holds a PhD from the University of London, has trained more than 500,000 young Africans in AI and data science through Data Science Nigeria, and is the author of several books, including Africa’s first AI book for children.

Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi is one of Africa’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, inclusive innovation, and digital transformation. He is the Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria and Co-Founder and CEO of EqualyzAI, an African AI company buildin... Show more

Marcel Schade studied chemical engineering at TU Dortmund University and is a research associate at TU Dortmund University as well as an external PhD student at the University of Wuppertal.
He is currently working on the JuModel and Access@DigitalLabs projects, funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education. His work focuses on digital teaching – particularly in cross-reality laboratories – engineering education and accessibility.

Marcel Schade studied chemical engineering at TU Dortmund University and is a research associate at TU Dortmund University as well as an external PhD student at the University of Wuppertal. He is currently working on the JuModel and Access@DigitalLa... Show more

公立千歳科学技術大学 情報システム工学科 准教授．博士（理工学）．
大学の技師として学習支援システムの企画・設計・開発・運用・保守を担当した後，2013年から研究職に移り，2024年より現職。千歳市バスロケーションシステム（〜2022）などの開発を経て，現在はシステム開発手法，プログラミング教育の研究に従事。
2015年からJavaユーザーグループ北海道を立ち上げ、スタッフとともに年4回のイベント開催に取り組む。

公立千歳科学技術大学 情報システム工学科 准教授．博士（理工学）． 大学の技師として学習支援システムの企画・設計・開発・運用・保守を担当した後，2013年から研究職に移り，2024年より現職。千歳市バスロケーションシステム（〜2022）などの開発を経て，現在はシステム開発手法，プログラミング教育の研究に従事。 2015年からJavaユーザーグループ北海道を立ち上げ、スタッフとともに年4回のイベント開催に取り組む。 Show more

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference.

Emerald's tech odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early involvement in SWENext kindled her love for the field, setting the stage for an incredible transformation. From these roots, she ascended to become a Collegiate Member and a Collegiate Club Lead, championing inclusivity in STEM.

Emerald's accomplishments in the SWE Recruitment Challenge, where she clinched top positions multiple times, speak volumes about her zeal for SWE's mission and the advancement of women in tech. She believes that innovation thrives in diversity, and she's a living testament to this ideology.

But her journey didn't stop there. Emerald's commitment transcends borders; she proudly serves as a SWE Global Ambassador, amplifying the organization's impact and values globally. She's passionate about fostering a global community that empowers women to thrive in the tech universe.

As the newly appointed GDSC Lead at BAZE University, Emerald is poised to make an indelible mark. Her leadership and dedication are set to empower a new generation of tech enthusiasts.

Emerald's story is a testament to the incredible potential that emerges when passion meets dedication. She's breaking barriers, paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech, and proving that age is no limit when it comes to making waves in the world of technology.

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference. Emerald's... Show more

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study program designer and leader, charter school administrator. I’ve worked in district office administration, and most recently as a county office specialist serving Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. I also serve as a coach for 21CSLA and have coached teachers and leaders in many capacities for 15 years. I am trained as a Resilience Coach with Dovetail Learning, and as a trainer for Mental Health First Aid. I am a professional photographer and laser maker, and in my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking nutritious food, and traveling to new places.

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study progra... Show more

Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter is a scholar and leader in the field of gifted education, currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Professional Development and Publications at the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary. Her work is defined by a commitment to equity and excellence, focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and classroom practice. Her leadership in the field was recently recognized with the prestigious 2024 Early Leader Award from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), honoring her significant contributions to the growth and development of gifted and talented children.
Dr. Carpenter’s expertise lies at the intersection of underserved gifted populations, twice-exceptional (2e) learners, and the impact of socioeconomic status on talent development. At CFGE, she spearheads national and international professional development initiatives, training educators to implement research-based curricula and inclusive identification practices. She also serves as a key researcher for Project BUMP UP, a federally funded Javits grant focused on increasing math proficiency for high-potential students in high-poverty schools.
A former middle school teacher for 14 years, Dr. Carpenter brings a practical, practitioner-oriented lens to her work. She is a frequent speaker at local and national conferences, where she advocates for the "hidden" gifted student. Through her various roles, Dr. Carpenter continues to foster educational environments where diverse talents are not only recognized but meticulously nurtured.

Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter is a scholar and leader in the field of gifted education, currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Professional Development and Publications at the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William &... Show more

Named the 2025 ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year, Dr. Julie Hong is an award-winning educational leader, author, and systems designer with over 21 years of experience across general, special, and alternative education. She currently serves as Director of Instructional Support, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage at the Riverside County Office of Education, where she leads systems that unify Alternative Education, Special Education, and career pathways through student-centered, future-ready design. She is the author of Toward Pedagogy-First AI Integration: A Conceptual Framework Grounded in Relevance to Rigor Flow and Pedagogy in the Loop. Her work advances a human-centered approach to AI integration that aligns with UNESCO’s emphasis on ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI in education. She has led transformative change across three school districts and two county offices, building instructional coherence in diverse settings. Her work centers on AI Integrated Learning, Project-Based Learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Design Thinking. Dr. Hong also serves as Vice President of Membership for ACSA Region XIX, Past President-Elect of the SWAA Charter, board member for Mosaic Legacy, and CAAPLE mentor to aspiring administrators. She is known for Sparking Joy in Education and reimagining schools through purpose, people, and possibility.

Named the 2025 ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year, Dr. Julie Hong is an award-winning educational leader, author, and systems designer with over 21 years of experience across general, special, and alternative education. She currently se... Show more

Michael Grajera is a Software Engineer and AI/ML Systems Lead at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), where he develops AI-enabled software and developer tooling for complex operational systems. His work focuses on applying artificial intelligence to real-world engineering problems, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), local language models, developer productivity, and trustworthy AI.

Alongside his industry work, Michael is pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Utah State University, where his research focuses on reliable activity intelligence and human-AI decision support in operational environments. His research emphasizes explainable AI, uncertainty quantification, and human-in-the-loop systems that help people make better decisions rather than replacing them.

Michael enjoys bridging the gap between AI research and practical software engineering. His presentations focus on lessons learned from building AI systems that engineers can actually deploy, maintain, and trust in production

Michael Grajera is a Software Engineer and AI/ML Systems Lead at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), where he develops AI-enabled software and developer tooling for complex operational systems. His work focuses on applying artificial intelligence to rea... Show more

Dr. Monifa McKnight is an accomplished executive leader, governance strategist, and former Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 25 years of experience leading complex institutions, she is known for guiding organizations through high-stakes transitions, strengthening governance, and building resilient, people-centered leadership cultures. As Founder of McKnight Lotus Leadership Group, she advises executives and boards on leadership strategy, crisis navigation, and sustainable performance. She also serves as a leadership coach for the University of Maryland’s Central Office Leadership Academy (COLA) and holds board roles with Bowie State University, Africa University, and the National Capital Area Council of Scouting America.

Dr. Monifa McKnight is an accomplished executive leader, governance strategist, and former Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 25 years of experience leading com... Show more

Air Force Veteran | AI Governance Practitioner & Educator | Bridging Security Compliance with Responsible AI Implementation

Air Force Veteran | AI Governance Practitioner & Educator | Bridging Security Compliance with Responsible AI Implementation Show more

Dr. Edwin Mathieu is a higher education leader and scholar committed to advancing opportunity, access, and belonging across campus communities. He earned his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration in Higher Education from St. John's University, a Master's in History and Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the City College of New York, and a Bachelor's in Africana Studies and Communication Arts from New York University.

As a professor, Dr. Mathieu has taught courses in African American history, U.S. history, and world civilizations. He is passionate about mentoring students and integrating technology to foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.

Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, Dr. Mathieu brings a global, justice-driven lens to his work at the intersection of leadership, education, and history.

Dr. Edwin Mathieu is a higher education leader and scholar committed to advancing opportunity, access, and belonging across campus communities. He earned his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration in Higher Education from St. John's Uni... 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