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

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

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

I design 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 and 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 that help organizations anticipate change at and act with confidence. Rather than solely serving senior executives, I strengthen the intelligence processes involving people across the entire organization – from research and innovation teams to the C-suite.

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗹𝗮𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. As founder and CEO of Mind-Alliance Systems and editor of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘸-𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, I’ve helped governmental organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and leading law firms turn weak signals and scenarios into practical and adaptive strategic choices.

Today, I focus on building intelligence operating systems that connect horizon scanning, scenario planning, indicators, and decision support into one coherent workflow. I combine human expertise with advanced AI – including 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼-𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹 – to leverage complex knowledge networks, not just retrieve documents. The result is faster sensemaking, shared mental models, and better decisions under uncertainty.

I design 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 and 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 that help organizations anticipate change at and act with confidence. Rather than solely serving senior executives, I strengthen the intelligence processes inv... Show more

Alex Malebranche is a dynamic keynote speaker, founder, and mental health advocate drawing from over a decade worth of tech and military experience. That background provides a unique outlook on how to manage mental health no matter how it presents.
After years at Amazon and Amazon Web Services, globally, Alex made the move into starting his own tech company, PlaneAhead. Though not turning out to be the next Google, Alex successfully raised VC capital as a solo founder and made strides in entrepreneurship before joining GitHub to help launch their company’s first startup program.
His passion as a founder is evident but within that, Alex is driven by creating greater opportunities for underrepresented founders and continuing to push the boundaries of inclusiveness in tech and venture capital.

Alex Malebranche is a dynamic keynote speaker, founder, and mental health advocate drawing from over a decade worth of tech and military experience. That background provides a unique outlook on how to manage mental health no matter how it presents. ... Show more

Ken is a Java Champion and member of the java Community Process Executive Committee. He is also the organizer of the annual JChampions Conference, He retired from the classroom after 31 years teaching software development at Dawson College, 25 of those years as the chair and program coordinator of the Computer Science Technology Program. He is currently a Research Scholar in Residence at the college. His first book, Transitioning to Java, was recently published by Packt and he is hard at work on his second book. He has spoken at numerous conferences where his presentations have focused on simplicity.

Ken is a Java Champion and member of the java Community Process Executive Committee. He is also the organizer of the annual JChampions Conference, He retired from the classroom after 31 years teaching software development at Dawson College, 25 of tho... Show more

Sean Martin serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for Folsom Cordova Unified School District and is the current President of the ACSA State Business Services Council. A CASBO Certified Chief Business Official, he brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in public education.

His experience spans Basic Aid and LCFF-funded districts, county office of education leadership, and service as an elected school board member. Sean has supported educational programs serving preschool, TK-12, and Adult Education students in organizations ranging from a six-student school district to his current role serving more than 22,000 students. Prior to entering public education, he spent 10 years in the financial services industry.

Sean is passionate about improving outcomes for students and working collaboratively to align resources and systems in ways that create lasting change for those who need it most.

Sean Martin serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for Folsom Cordova Unified School District and is the current President of the ACSA State Business Services Council. A CASBO Certified Chief Business Official, he brings mo... Show more

Being a Team Coach and a Facilitator gives me the opportunity to help teams discover new ways of working, introducing well-being, happiness, visual management, leadership at all levels, team self-organization, collaborative management, remote work and empowerment.

Being a Team Coach and a Facilitator gives me the opportunity to help teams discover new ways of working, introducing well-being, happiness, visual management, leadership at all levels, team self-organization, collaborative management, remote work an... Show more

David Dawson is a seasoned Business Analyst with 30+ years' experience transforming business needs into technical solutions in aerospace, government, and healthcare industries. Specializing in requirements analysis, process optimization, and digital transformation, he has led implementations and agile projects at Boeing, Department of Defence, and more recently at IQVIA. Through his unique leadership style and flair, David has earned the respect of his peers which had led to him being formally recongised by receiving the Mark Donaldson VC award. He is currently completing his Masters of International Business through the Queensland University of Technology. A Polish-Australian dual citizen, he is passionate about fostering operational excellence.

David Dawson is a seasoned Business Analyst with 30+ years' experience transforming business needs into technical solutions in aerospace, government, and healthcare industries. Specializing in requirements analysis, process optimization, and digital ... Show more

Motivated by entrepreneurship and innovation. Currently positioned as an Agilist and Innovation Consultant, with more than 15 years of experience in the area of Consulting and Agile Project Management. I also worked as a University Professor, Lecturer, collaborating in the main Brazilian public bodies; as well as in the main companies in Portugal.

Master in Computer Engineering and Web Technology and Postgraduate in Software Engineering and Project Management.

Motivated by entrepreneurship and innovation. Currently positioned as an Agilist and Innovation Consultant, with more than 15 years of experience in the area of Consulting and Agile Project Management. I also worked as a University Professor, Lecture... Show more

Líder de squad, um dos pontos focais do estado no Grupo de Transformação Digital - GTD e integrante do time de gestão de portfólio na Secretaria de Gestão e Governo Digital.

Mestrando em gestão pública pela Fundação Getúlio Vargas, economista, com MBA em Liderança e Inovação também pela FGV e especialista em políticas públicas pela Universidade de São Paulo, além de ser gestor profissional de projetos certificado PMP e Scrum Master.

Líder de squad, um dos pontos focais do estado no Grupo de Transformação Digital - GTD e integrante do time de gestão de portfólio na Secretaria de Gestão e Governo Digital. Mestrando em gestão pública pela Fundação Getúlio Vargas, economista, com... Show more

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a series of curriculums on leadership, resilience, and goal achievement. As one of the most sought-after speakers and mentors in the country, Nick and his team of assets share valuable insights on discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, in turn empowering others to unlock capacity and increase capability. 

Nick has a long and distinguished list of military awards, but to name a few, he has been awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, three Bronze Stars for service, the Bruce Price Leadership award, and the Special Operations Command Excalibur award. 

Nick is the best selling author of Objective Secure- the battle-tested guide to goal achievement, and most significantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys. 

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a s... Show more

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en
région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en
s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coach agile en 2015 et
construit 2 cursus de formations :
 Devenir coach agile Agilopathe®
 Devenir un manager/gestionnaire agile avec Montessori Extended®

Son ambition est d’accompagner les organisations vers plus d’auto-organisation et au-delà pour
plus d’engagement, plus de performance, plus d’innovation, pour une société plus saine.

Sur son site http://lesagilopathes.com vous retrouverez ses publications, des vidéos de ses
conférences précédentes, la description de ses offres et les événements à venir !

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coa... Show more

Myself Venkata Suresh Babu Kamma a Senior Oracle ERP Cloud Architect with over 20+ years of experience designing, implementing, and governing large-scale enterprise ERP systems across public sector, transportation, higher education, utilities, and regulated capital-program environments.
I am specializes in Oracle ERP Cloud Project Portfolio Management (PPM), Grants Management, Project Costing, Project Billing, Contracts, General Ledger, and Subledger Accounting, with a governance-first architectural approach. My work emphasizes embedding compliance, audit readiness, predictive forecasting, and long-term sustainability directly into ERP system design.
I have led and advised ERP initiatives involving federal and state grants, multi-year capital and infrastructure programs, multi-entity funding structures, and high-scrutiny audit environments. I am expertised with spans both greenfield Oracle ERP Cloud implementations and modernization of complex legacy ERP environments.

I have contributed an enterprise ERP architect focused on governance-driven system design for public sector organizations. My work integrates funding structures, execution controls, financial integration, and predictive oversight into scalable ERP architectures that support long-term accountability and public stewardship. My Original contributions synthesizes his architectural models and governance frameworks developed through hands-on leadership of complex ERP initiatives.

Myself Venkata Suresh Babu Kamma a Senior Oracle ERP Cloud Architect with over 20+ years of experience designing, implementing, and governing large-scale enterprise ERP systems across public sector, transportation, higher education, utilities, and re... Show more

Luis Felipe Hernandez is a Senior Software Engineer and Adjunct Professor currently residing in Orlando, FL.

Luis Felipe Hernandez is a Senior Software Engineer and Adjunct Professor currently residing in Orlando, FL. Show more

Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Her career spans public and private sectors, particularly excelling in cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, she held a leadership role in local government, where she spearheaded a county’s cybersecurity program. There, she led and organized significant cybersecurity projects and assisted smaller government offices with their cybersecurity programs. While in this role, employees often told her that cybersecurity was “only IT’s problem” and “too difficult to understand.” Since then, she has made it her mission to show people how critical cybersecurity is in the current digital age and make it accessible and easy to understand. Before working for the Center, she worked for Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), where she traveled across the U.S. and its territories, training IT departments, emergency management, first responders, and average citizens in cybersecurity and cyber preparedness. Beyond her professional achievements, Connar actively works to empower and promote other IT and cybersecurity professionals, participating in international organizations such as ISACA and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). She holds a B.A.S. in Cybersecurity from Pensacola State College and an M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity with a specialization in Network Defense from Capella University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit IT Gulf Coast and is the Social Media Coordinator for the WiCyS Florida Affiliate.

Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Her career spans public and private sectors, particularly excelling in cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, sh... Show more

Ingeniera Electrónica. Certificaciones internacionales en Project Management (PMP®, SAFe®, CSM®) y especializaciones en STEM Entrepreneurship, Sostenibilidad y Agilidad.
Cuenta con gran trayectoria liderando transformación digital, automatización de procesos e innovación en industrias críticas como Energía, Oil&Gas, Nuclear, Food&Beverage y Tecnología.
Actualmente se desempeña como Sr. Technical Project Manager en Globant, liderando equipos globales AI Driven que desarrollan soluciones IOT.
Es docente en la Universidad Torcuato Di Tella de grado y postgrado, donde combina su experiencia técnica con visión estratégica de la innovación.
IEEE Senior Member, Women in Engineering Argentina Chair & Robotics and Automation Society Argentina VChair.
Humanitarian Technology Insdustrial Applications Board Member.
Trabaja en reducir la brecha digital y de género, y el desarrollo de habilidades clave para el futuro a través de iniciativas de impacto social como Roboteam. Growtec Co-Founder

Ingeniera Electrónica. Certificaciones internacionales en Project Management (PMP®, SAFe®, CSM®) y especializaciones en STEM Entrepreneurship, Sostenibilidad y Agilidad. Cuenta con gran trayectoria liderando transformación digital, automatización de... Show more

Joanna Wiggum is the founder and agency principal of Countervail, a cybersecurity and licensed investigative agency providing fractional CISO services, cybercrime investigations, and adversary-informed training shaped by Fortune 100 security leadership, red-team expertise, enterprise incident response, and the operational discipline of military aviation.

She brings more than two decades of experience across Air Force mission operations, enterprise cybersecurity leadership, Big Tech incident response, red-team operations, and cybercrime prevention. Joanna began her career as an Air Force Interface Control Technician supporting operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After three years of enlisted service, she was awarded a command-nominated scholarship to commission as an officer, and later earned her wings as a B-52 Weapons Systems Officer, operating in high-consequence environments where timing, trust, and decision discipline directly affected mission outcomes.

Her cybersecurity career includes building and delivering Starbucks’ red team, serving as Director of Cybersecurity over Application Security and Vulnerability Management, leading Oracle Cloud red-team operations, building Oracle Cloud’s Trust and Safety program, and leading Microsoft security incident response across Azure Cloud and AI environments.

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in International Security Studies and a master’s degree in Human Relations, combining formal study in security, strategy, and human behavior with operational experience across military and enterprise cybersecurity environments. Her current work focuses on how adversaries exploit trust, authority, pressure, and human decision-making in ways traditional security controls often miss.

Joanna Wiggum is the founder and agency principal of Countervail, a cybersecurity and licensed investigative agency providing fractional CISO services, cybercrime investigations, and adversary-informed training shaped by Fortune 100 security leadersh... Show more

Catherine Dimmack is an award-winning keynote speaker, facilitator and transformation leader with more than seven years leading digital transformation, customer experience and service design across Queensland Government. She helps leaders and organisations slow down just enough to think differently — asking better questions, testing assumptions before investing, and understanding the whole system before optimising a part of it. Her keynotes and workshops are practical, story-led and immediately applicable. Catherine speaks at conferences, leadership programs and workshops across government, technology, digital transformation, customer experience and professional associations.

Catherine Dimmack is an award-winning keynote speaker, facilitator and transformation leader with more than seven years leading digital transformation, customer experience and service design across Queensland Government. She helps leaders and organis... Show more

UX Conversational Designer especializada en Responsible AI por la Universidad de Michigan, con más de 5 años de experiencia en diseño de experiencias digitales y liderazgo de producto.
Graduada en Marketing e Innovación y egresada de Laboratoria.

Ha sido consultora de diseño en el sector educativo del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo por más de 3 años, liderando proyectos en la intersección entre tecnología, innovación y experiencia de usuario. Actualmente se desempeña como UX Conversational Designer en Laureate Education.

Fundadora de Juntas Comunidad, una comunidad que impulsa a mujeres en IA desde el desarrollo, el diseño y el liderazgo. Desde 2023 es embajadora de Women Techmakers, con eventos que han impactado a más de 4,500 mujeres en el ecosistema STEM.

Siempre en la frontera entre el diseño y la tecnología emergente.

UX Conversational Designer especializada en Responsible AI por la Universidad de Michigan, con más de 5 años de experiencia en diseño de experiencias digitales y liderazgo de producto. Graduada en Marketing e Innovación y egresada de Laboratoria. ... Show more

Gotham Sharma is the Executive Director at AccessCyber, a cybersecurity education and workforce think tank. Previously he served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Exeltek. His various roles across security engineering, recruiting, and cyber journalism, have provided him a unique, holistic view of the industry.

Gotham Sharma is the Executive Director at AccessCyber, a cybersecurity education and workforce think tank. Previously he served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Exeltek. His various roles across security engineering, recruiting, and cybe... Show more

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, she has worked with organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, the United Nations' World Health Organization as well as NASA, Stanford, University of Southern California (USC), University of California LA (UCLA), Cal State Universities and various nutrition technology and medical companies to leverage the power of marketing, social impact and education to drive positive change for purpose-driven brands. A recognized thought leader often referred to as "Digital Changemaker", Dr. Kouzeh has spoken on global stages for over 15 organizations, including Sustainable Brands, the premier global community of brand innovators who are shaping the future of sustainable commerce worldwide.

Dr. Kouzeh obtained a Doctorate degree in Education at University of Southern California (USC) and holds two Master of Science degrees from RSM Erasmus University and Wageningen University in Marketing Management and Nutrition & Health and a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Located in Los Angeles, she obtained two UCLAx Certificates in Marketing and Sustainability and a Harvard certificate in Higher Education. She also serves as a member of advisory board for UCLA Extension, member of advisory council for Harvard Business Review, certified Climate Reality Leader, and several community organizations empowering individuals from youth to C-Suite executives to change the world.

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, s... Show more

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning.

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning. Show more

Sonia Thomas is a federal compliance expert, resilience strategist, and advocate for intentional living. With a distinguished career spanning leaderships roles at FEMA, and DHS/ICE., Sonia brings a rare combination of technical regulatory rigor and deep human insight to the stage. She specializes in guiding organizations through the complexities of 2 CFR 200, subrecipient monitoring, and high stakes conflict resolution. Beyond the boardroom, Sonia is a passionate speaker on the power of perseverance, drawing on her own journey of transformation to teach audiences how to cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and the restorative philosophy of Hygge in high pressure environments. Whether demystifying federal grants or coaching leaders on creating sanctuary amid chaos, Sonia empowers her audience to navigate professional challenges with humor, clarity, grit and purpose.

Sonia Thomas is a federal compliance expert, resilience strategist, and advocate for intentional living. With a distinguished career spanning leaderships roles at FEMA, and DHS/ICE., Sonia brings a rare combination of technical regulatory rigor and d... Show more

Matt is the founder and President of Cynerge Consulting, Inc. (Cynerge), the co-founder of LocalHop, and the co-founder of Paissa Properties, all based in Pontiac. He is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of management experience, with a focus on information technology and business improvement. Matt is experienced at working with C-level executives and senior management on a variety of activities, including strategy, operations, and budget. His projects have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, supported tens of thousands of users, and reduced process times by over 50%. He is a motivated self-starter, speaker, and entrepreneur that is skilled at bringing groups together to orchestrate solutions. Matt moved his companies to Pontiac in the spring of 2017 and loves the gritty up-and-coming attitude in Pontiac, both from the business community and the residents, and is always looking for ways to help drive the city and Michigan forward! He serves on the board of directors for the Small Business Association of Michigan (aka SBAM). Matt has a B.S. in Environmental Planning and an MBA, both from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Matt is the founder and President of Cynerge Consulting, Inc. (Cynerge), the co-founder of LocalHop, and the co-founder of Paissa Properties, all based in Pontiac. He is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of management experience, with a focu... Show more