Dr. Terza Lima-Neves is a scholar, author, and community advocate. She is professor of political science at Johnson C. Smith University. Her research interests focus on African diasporas, gender and community building. Lima-Neves has published 2 edited volumes focused on Cabo Verde, gender, and diaspora relations. Terza is also the cofounder and executive director of Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean women. She lives in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Terza Lima-Neves is a scholar, author, and community advocate. She is professor of political science at Johnson C. Smith University. Her research interests focus on African diasporas, gender and community building. Lima-Neves has published 2 edit... Show more

Peret Gunat Goar is a Nigerian researcher and civic technology practitioner working at the intersection of AI, democracy, gender and inclusive development. She is a PhD researcher in Political Economy and Development Studies at Nasarawa State University and Executive Director of Gender Initiative for Change and Social Transformation (GICSOT).
She is part of the team developing CivicHer-AI, an applied civic technology prototype designed to improve access to civic and electoral information for women and underserved communities in Nigeria. Her work combines academic research, community-based development practice and experimentation with emerging technologies in the Global South.

Peret Gunat Goar is a Nigerian researcher and civic technology practitioner working at the intersection of AI, democracy, gender and inclusive development. She is a PhD researcher in Political Economy and Development Studies at Nasarawa State Univers... Show more

Keva M. Suitte, MSN, RN, is the Simulation Lab Coordinator and Faculty Instructor in the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University. With more than 25 years of nursing experience and expertise in healthcare simulation and nursing education, she is dedicated to creating innovative and engaging learning experiences that prepare students for professional practice. Ms. Suitte serves as a Co-Principal Investigator for NCCU's Reverse Mentoring Program, where she collaborates on initiatives that promote reciprocal learning, leadership development, and intergenerational engagement. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, mentorship, faculty development, and interprofessional collaboration.

Keva M. Suitte, MSN, RN, is the Simulation Lab Coordinator and Faculty Instructor in the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University. With more than 25 years of nursing experience and expertise in healthcare simulation and nursing educ... Show more

Amy McMullin is a cybersecurity and IT instructor and Department Chair at Immokalee Technical College (iTECH) in Collier County, Florida. There she teaches computer systems, networking and applied cybersecurity to adult and dual-enrollment students. She was named Collier County Public Schools' 2025–2026 Outstanding Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Beyond the classroom, Amy runs the campus's certification testing center, serves as its Building Technology Coordinator, and mentors new teachers on Florida's industry-certification program. She was also selected for her district's Innovative Teacher Leaders program. She holds an M.S. in Information Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture from Florida State University, and a B.A. in Technical Education & Industry Training from the University of Central Florida.

Amy McMullin is a cybersecurity and IT instructor and Department Chair at Immokalee Technical College (iTECH) in Collier County, Florida. There she teaches computer systems, networking and applied cybersecurity to adult and dual-enrollment students. ... Show more

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-premises and cloud environments. Based in Dallas, Texas, he has built a distinguished career focused on protecting critical public sector systems and safeguarding sensitive government operations.
Since May 2018, Venkata has served the City of Dallas through KC Synergy Solutions Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in securing vital municipal infrastructure. His responsibilities include comprehensive cybersecurity defense for the Dallas Police Department and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), ensuring the protection of sensitive law enforcement data through multi-layered security controls such as OKTA two-factor authentication, advanced VPN architectures, and strict CJIS compliance. He has engineered secure, disaster-resilient communication channels between CAD911 dispatch systems and the Texas Department of Public Safety, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response coordination statewide.
One of Venkata’s most significant accomplishments is the architecture of a secure, multi-zoned SCADA network for Dallas’s freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. By implementing air-gapped environments, zero-internet-access zones, and IDS/IPS protections, he has directly safeguarded critical public health infrastructure from cyber threats. His expertise was further demonstrated during a major ransomware incident, where he successfully detected, contained, and eradicated malware by isolating compromised systems and blocking communication with the Royal ransomware group.
Venkata’s technical expertise spans Cisco ASA, Firepower Threat Defense, SD-WAN, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 BIG-IP, and web application firewalls. He has architected secure hybrid cloud environments using AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, and IPSEC tunnels, supported by AWS architect level certifications. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and maintains advanced certifications, including CJIS Level 4 and Cisco Firepower NGFW, consistently ensuring compliance with NIST and federal cybersecurity standards.

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-prem... 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

Subash Rajaseelan is Chief of Staff at SigIQ.ai, where he works on EverTutor, a voice-first AI tutor for K-12 students, and built the company's AI-native go-to-market engine. He was previously the founding product manager at Thinkverse, an adaptive AI math tutor used by 15,000+ students across 30+ schools. At Northeastern University, where he earned an MS in Engineering Management, he co-founded the Aspiring Product Managers Club (1,200+ members). He speaks on AI in K-12 education, voice-first AI tutoring, and breaking into product management. Recent talks include the MTSS Summit (2025), the Boston AI Forum (2025), and the Northeastern Product Conference (2025, 2026). He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Subash Rajaseelan is Chief of Staff at SigIQ.ai, where he works on EverTutor, a voice-first AI tutor for K-12 students, and built the company's AI-native go-to-market engine. He was previously the founding product manager at Thinkverse, an adaptive A... Show more

He wears many different hats. In universities, he is an assistant professor. In enterprises, he is an AI-enabled service consultant. In elementary school, he is a STEM teacher. In public, he is a cloud advocate, especially for Azure.

He wears many different hats. In universities, he is an assistant professor. In enterprises, he is an AI-enabled service consultant. In elementary school, he is a STEM teacher. In public, he is a cloud advocate, especially for Azure. Show more

Twenty years of behaviour change practice with UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, FAO and IOM.

Builds AI agents and the adoption programmes that get them used. Architect of Sarah, a WhatsApp coaching agent that ran a 30-day programme for 43 leaders at a microfinance bank.

Runs AI capability and foresight work for banks, insurers, energy companies and universities across Pakistan.

Creator of the ADOPT method for AI adoption.

Twenty years of behaviour change practice with UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, FAO and IOM. Builds AI agents and the adoption programmes that get them used. Architect of Sarah, a WhatsApp coaching agent that ran a 30-day programme for 43 leaders at a... Show more

Ciara Taylor is an Author, Speaker, Leadership Strategist, and Certified Executive Coach, and founder of Still Becoming, a platform dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves and recognize that they are a commitment worth keeping.

After navigating seasons of profound loss, motherhood, health challenges, career achievement, and personal transition, Ciara realized that while she had continued showing up for everyone and everything around her, she had stopped asking an important question: What do I need?

That realization became the foundation for Still Becoming and her Commitment Worth Keeping Framework—Reconnect, Discover, Commit—a practical approach that helps women reconnect with themselves, discover what they need in their current season, and take intentional action to stay committed to themselves.

Ciara is also the author of Mommy, You Got This! A Mother’s Journey Through Survival, Healing, and Becoming and brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, organizational development, coaching, and facilitating transformational learning experiences.

Through her writing and speaking, Ciara reminds women that becoming isn't about having everything figured out. It is a lifelong practice of continuing to grow, evolve, and remain committed to yourself along the way.

Ciara Taylor is an Author, Speaker, Leadership Strategist, and Certified Executive Coach, and founder of Still Becoming, a platform dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves and recognize that they are a commitment worth keeping. After ... Show more

Paul Prathap (Prathap Latchmanan) spent nineteen years in uniform, from the age of eighteen, seventeen of them as a regular. His last command was a military police battalion of 650 soldiers and 80 working dogs, through more than 2,000 live operations. He completed his regular service in August 2026 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He founded Men-Kind, a Singapore practice in executive coaching and leadership development, with 1,100+ coaching hours across 300+ clients. He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a doctoral researcher in crisis leadership (PhD in Defence and Security, in progress) at Cranfield University. His analysis of Singapore's crisis controls ran in the Lowy Institute's The Interpreter in September 2026.

He speaks on what holds, and what gives, when the pressure arrives: crisis readiness, leading in brittle and anxious conditions, and leadership identity under pressure. Formats: keynote, panel or fireside, and keynote plus workshop. Organisations served include MINDEF, the National University of Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Unilever.

menkind.life/speaking

Paul Prathap (Prathap Latchmanan) spent nineteen years in uniform, from the age of eighteen, seventeen of them as a regular. His last command was a military police battalion of 650 soldiers and 80 working dogs, through more than 2,000 live operations... Show more

🇮🇹 Con oltre 10 anni di esperienza tra consulenza e aziende digitali, oggi ricopre il ruolo di Experience Strategy & Service Designer Manager presso uno dei principali gruppi italiani di logistica, spedizioni, pagamenti e servizi finanziari dove si occupa di progettare e innovare servizi con l’obiettivo di migliorare concretamente l’esperienza e la vita delle persone. È Ambassador di SheTech, organizzazione non profit impegnata a promuovere la parità di genere nel mondo tech e digital attraverso networking, formazione e sensibilizzazione, contribuendo a creare nuove opportunità e ad abbattere stereotipi e barriere di accesso al settore. Ha inoltre collaborato per diversi anni con l’Università di Roma Tre come assistente di cattedra e cultore della materia nell’ambito della Comunicazione d’impresa, affiancando alla propria esperienza professionale un forte interesse per la formazione e la condivisione delle competenze. È membro della community delle Unstoppable Women di StartupItalia, una rete dedicata a valorizzare il talento e l’imprenditorialità femminile.

🇬🇧 With over 10 years of experience across consulting and digital companies, she currently works as Experience Strategy & Service Designer Manager at one of Italy’s leading groups in logistics, shipping, payments, and financial services, where she focuses on designing and innovating services with the goal of making a tangible difference to people’s experiences and lives. She is an Ambassador for SheTech, a non-profit organization committed to promoting gender equality in the tech and digital sectors through networking, training, and awareness-raising, helping to create new opportunities and break down stereotypes and barriers to entering the industry. She also collaborated for several years with Roma Tre University as a teaching assistant and subject-matter expert in Corporate Communication, combining her professional experience with a strong interest in education and knowledge sharing. She is a member of StartupItalia’s Unstoppable Women community, a network dedicated to promoting female talent and entrepreneurship.

🇮🇹 Con oltre 10 anni di esperienza tra consulenza e aziende digitali, oggi ricopre il ruolo di Experience Strategy & Service Designer Manager presso uno dei principali gruppi italiani di logistica, spedizioni, pagamenti e servizi finanziari dove si... Show more

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transformative F.L.I. method (Forgive. Let Go. Initiate.) inspires women to lead balanced, purpose-driven lives. Dr. Tia has a proven record in driving strategic initiatives, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and developing sustainable growth strategies.

A sought-after International Speaker, Dr. Tia has delivered keynotes for universities, nonprofits, and conferences, including the renowned SpeakerCon stage with figures like Les Brown. Her bestselling book, F.L.I. Forgive. Let Go. Initiate., quickly became an Amazon Best Self-Help Short Read, chronicling her journey through personal challenges with courage and resilience.

Recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Tia has received numerous honors, such as the Women of Distinction by the United Nations Global Women Foundation, Women In Management Africa, Champion Leadership Award U.K., and the Lifetime Commitment to Community Service Award.

Dr. Tia's true joy lies in empowering women, advocating for economic advancement, and inspiring audiences through her talks on leadership, faith, and personal growth. Outside of her professional sphere, she is a devoted mother to Derrick, Tamia, and Jazmyn, and a proud grandmother to Amaiah. Her passion for inspiring transformation makes her an invaluable presence at events where she combines authenticity with actionable insights.

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transfor... Show more

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo
Specialist in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Cybersecurity
Initiator of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs in Burkina Faso

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo is a researcher specializing in artificial intelligence applied to cybersecurity. His work focuses on behavior-based detection of malware, the protection of digital infrastructures, and the security of mobile devices in resource-constrained environments. He particularly investigates the risks associated with the widespread use of smartphones in Africa and the cyberattacks targeting vulnerable populations.

Highly committed to promoting digital rights and developing technological skills, he leads and supports several capacity-building initiatives in cybersecurity targeted at youth, women, and rural communities in West Africa.

Dr. Sawadogo also contributes to international collaborations in research, publications, and innovative projects bridging AI, security, and digital inclusion

Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo Specialist in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Cybersecurity Initiator of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs in Burkina Faso Dr. Zakaria Sawadogo is a researcher specializing in artificial intelligence applied t... Show more

Alex B. Hill highlights the intersections of power, privilege, and race in regards to health equity, access to basic services, and the social and political determinants of health. He is Project Director for the Detroit Food Map Initiative, Property Praxis, Detroit Atlas Collaboration, and DetroitData. Alex started DETROITography (detroitography.com) in 2013 to bring together various Detroit mapmakers and cartographers to showcase their work and encourage community members to start mapping their own city. He teaches in urban studies, public health, and geography at Wayne State University and Michigan State University. Alex is the author and cartographer of the books, Detroit in 50 Maps (2021) and Great Lakes in 50 Maps (2025) from Belt Publishing. He is a regular contributor to Model D Media, Flintside, Detroit PBS and the Detroit Free Press.

Alex B. Hill highlights the intersections of power, privilege, and race in regards to health equity, access to basic services, and the social and political determinants of health. He is Project Director for the Detroit Food Map Initiative, Property P... Show more

Obed is a Senior Data Analyst and Educator with a strong focus on turning complex data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making with strong regulatory compliance within the public sector. Currently working on scalable data pipelines and analytics solutions, he brings real-world industry experience into the conference.

Alongside his professional work, Obed has delivered over 500 mentoring sessions and supported 50+ students in achieving top career breakthroughs, as well as coaching over 1,000 university students. Passionate about education and inclusion, Obed is committed to helping more young children and underrepresented groups build confidence and careers in tech.

Obed is a Senior Data Analyst and Educator with a strong focus on turning complex data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making with strong regulatory compliance within the public sector. Currently working on scalable data pipeli... Show more

Hey there, I am Jeremy Harris, I serve as an Assistant Director at Christopher Newport University. I oversee the recruitment and selection of student staff at CNU along with development and steering of the programming and engagement model.

Hey there, I am Jeremy Harris, I serve as an Assistant Director at Christopher Newport University. I oversee the recruitment and selection of student staff at CNU along with development and steering of the programming and engagement model. Show more

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

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

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

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

Dale L. Loudermilk, D.M., MBA, CISSP, PMP is an Assistant Professor of Computer Technology at Dunwoody College of Technology, bringing a rare and powerful blend of enterprise cybersecurity leadership, academic research, and decades of high-stakes military experience.

A retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with nearly 29 years of multi-branch service (spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy Seabees, and U.S. Army), Dale’s military career included serving as a Senior Enlisted Leader and Commandant for Special Operations Task Force - North and West Africa, as well as managing critical IT and communications network migrations for US AFRICOM and SOCAFRICA. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

In the private sector, Dale has held senior technical and governance roles with organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Wells Fargo, and Xcel Energy, specializing in penetration testing, cyber compliance, and multi-million-dollar technology portfolio management.

Holding a Doctor of Management (D.M.) in Organizational Development and Change, an MBA in Technology Management, and industry certifications including the CISSP, PMP, CGEIT, and CRISP, Dale’s current research and teaching focus on the critical intersection of cybersecurity, industrial automation (OT), and process governance in safety-critical cyber-physical systems.

Dale L. Loudermilk, D.M., MBA, CISSP, PMP is an Assistant Professor of Computer Technology at Dunwoody College of Technology, bringing a rare and powerful blend of enterprise cybersecurity leadership, academic research, and decades of high-stakes mil... Show more

Technische Universität Dortmund
Zentrum für HochschulBildung (zhb)
Bereich Hochschuldidaktik
Vogelpothsweg 78
44227 Dortmund

tanja.nebel@tu-dortmund.de

Technische Universität Dortmund Zentrum für HochschulBildung (zhb) Bereich Hochschuldidaktik Vogelpothsweg 78 44227 Dortmund tanja.nebel@tu-dortmund.de ... Show more

Although I am a Reputable Individual, I prefer to aid in the scientific education of college or university students and/or offer instruction and training to individuals to improve or develop their capabilities.

Although I am a Reputable Individual, I prefer to aid in the scientific education of college or university students and/or offer instruction and training to individuals to improve or develop their capabilities. Show more

David studies the root causes or keystones for success and achievement in the areas of Leadership, Personal Performance, Sales and Communication. He studied over 3,000 top performers to find what the best performing employees do, what the best leaders do, what the best communicators do, and what the best salespeople do. And more importantly, he discovered the roadblocks that hold people back. His analytical skills come from his degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and his work at IBM, other tech companies, and working with clients in technology, banking, communications, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution and others. He is an expert in leadership, sales and personal development and brings his insights to you to create breakthrough solutions.

David presents over 140 times/year, has spoken to over 200,000 people in 49 states and internationally. He delivers engaging, inspiring and energetic presentations.

David studies the root causes or keystones for success and achievement in the areas of Leadership, Personal Performance, Sales and Communication. He studied over 3,000 top performers to find what the best performing employees do, what the best leade... 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

Abogado especializado en cibercrimen y evidencia digital (UBA), e investigador certificado (TRM-CI). Comenzó su camino profesional en la industria de medios de pago, luego sumó experiencia en derecho comercial y desde hace algunos años trabaja en el Ministerio Público Fiscal de la Nación. Allí combina técnica jurídica e investigación avanzada para colaborar con el equipo en la investigación y litigio de causas penales.

Abogado especializado en cibercrimen y evidencia digital (UBA), e investigador certificado (TRM-CI). Comenzó su camino profesional en la industria de medios de pago, luego sumó experiencia en derecho comercial y desde hace algunos años trabaja en el ... Show more

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Africa game development program Mr, Ilonga created his own game studio/company called TL Entertainment whereby he created games and was successfully able to import Global Game Jam and Game Jam +, whereby together with the partnership between TL Entertainment and Game Jam+ there was a bridge built between Namibia and Brazil.

With the games that where created not proving to be profitable, Mr Ilonga would take part in a CEP program whereby he would like up with Vaughan, Veronica and Ndamono and together they would form Edu-Game Namibia to create an innovation hub around gaming to ensure that the market because sustainable around gaming and ensure future Namibian generations will be able to profit from it.

With 7 Years’ experience in Gaming Mr Ilonga has won a few awards and also became the flag career for Gaming especially at the Forbes where he and Vaughan would help Edu-Game Namibia make it to the top 3 pitch battle final. Currently Mr Ilonga together with Edu-Game are working on a curriculum to gamify the education system.

List of Achievements
Forbes 30 Under 30 Top 3 Pitch Battle Finalist 2024
Boost Up Pitch Winner 2023
Xbox Games Camp Alumni 2023
Sanlam Bridge Beneficiary 2023
CEP WINNER 2022
Game Industry Africa Awards Winner 2022
Class of 2022 Game Developers Conference SCHOLARS:

Events/Interviews I have Spoken At
Xbox Games Camp - Topic - Why Africa Is The Best Place To Invest When It Comes To Gaming
Africa Partnership For Growth Symposium - Topic - Why Investing In Gaming is Profitable
PathfindinGS -Topic - Gamifying the Namibian Education System
Africa Comicade Topic -Getting Local Businesses to Invest in Game Development
Game Jam Plus Topic -Importance of Game Jam In The Local Ecosystem
African Creative Meeting Topic -E-Sports In Africa
ESQUENTA Topic - Importance of GJ + For the Local Ecosystem
BBC World Service TV Topic - CES 2020: What’s in it for Africa?

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Afri... Show more

Con más de una década en desarrollo y QA Automation, he liderado equipos en sectores como retail, banca y gobierno. Mi expertise abarca Python, JavaScript, Selenium, Playwright, Postman, entre otros. Me apasiona compartir conocimientos sobre lenguajes de programación y pruebas de software para potenciar equipos y fomentar el crecimiento colectivo.

Con más de una década en desarrollo y QA Automation, he liderado equipos en sectores como retail, banca y gobierno. Mi expertise abarca Python, JavaScript, Selenium, Playwright, Postman, entre otros. Me apasiona compartir conocimientos sobre lenguaje... Show more

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both interaction with the audience and personal reflection time.

In her interactive workshops and keynote addresses, Caitlin quickly quells the, “I could never do improv!” fear and makes accessible, the principles professional actors use, to be better communicators, teammates, and leaders.
Disarming and energetic, Caitlin opens up the most skeptical attendees, allowing them to learn through applying the Improv Approach, and even crack a smile along the way.

Caitlin Drago’s mission is to create cultures of empathy, creativity, and trust, beginning with how people communicate and connect.

She is an LA-based actor turned upstate NY-based certified leadership coach, trainer, facilitator, and author of Approaching Improv – Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond. Acting taught her to be present, self-aware, empathetic and to prioritize connection with others. Improv taught her to listen, trust her gut and deal with the unexpected in a positive and creative way. She currently works with leaders and teams to help them to listen to one another, communicate and connect, using improvisation as a platform for interactive learning.

Caitlin spent ten years studying improv at places like the nationally accredited Upright Citizen’s Brigade and has spent the last nine years working with leaders and their teams across industries, including, but not limited to higher education, hospitality, tech, marketing, healthcare and real estate. She’s been featured in Medium’s Authority Magazine, Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle, a variety of podcasts and has spoken at various conferences, including the Talent Development Think Tank, the International TWA Conference, CNY SHRM, and DisruptHR Rochester.

Past clients include:
Gartner
Rochester Regional Health System
Starbucks
Fee Brothers

Testimonials:

“Caitlin's energy, enthusiasm, and sprinkling of humor eased the tensions in our group and the entire experience was packed with valuable team collaboration insights. We found ourselves using this technique the very same day we learned it.”

S.M. Digitronik Labs

“We focused on communication in a completely different way. Not a seminar-feel, but a fun, engaging way to demonstrate the importance of being open and positive. I stepped
outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, the idea of improv was horrifying. But it was fun!”

J.G., VWR

"Caitlin did an excellent job facilitating a workshop for my team. From the time we first met to preparation and the actual workshop, she was helpful and engaging and was highly focused on ensuring my workshop went the way I had envisioned. My team had excellent feedback afterwards and I can say it had an immediate positive impact on how my team interacted and felt about communication."

I.G., Gartner

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both intera... Show more

Naila Rais is one of the youngest scholars in her twenties, an AI innovator, data strategist, and rising tech leader who's already building what many only dreams of. A winner of the Salesforce Quest: Customer AI 2024, recipient of the Distinguished Global Scholar Award at LoneStar College Tomball, Texas, and former AI intern at the Imageomics Institute, where she merged machine learning with biodiversity to power scientific discovery. She is also a leader & organizer of Microsoft Fabric User Group: Uttar Pradesh Power BI Club & serves as a WomenTech Circle Leader cum Ambassador, and drives digital strategy at the Sustainable Living Guide, where she’s led growth and engagement by 40%+. She's also the mind behind VoiceBridge (In-progress), an AI-powered tool for non-verbal communication, and has authored research in social strategy and inclusive AI. With honors degrees, publications, and leadership roles under her belt — all before 21 — Naila is proving that impact has no age limit.

Naila Rais is one of the youngest scholars in her twenties, an AI innovator, data strategist, and rising tech leader who's already building what many only dreams of. A winner of the Salesforce Quest: Customer AI 2024, recipient of the Distinguished G... 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

Entusiasta por entender cada vez mais sobre Transformação e Cultura Organizacional.
Motivado por compartilhamento de conhecimentos: treinar, facilitar e também aprender.

Atua como agente de transformação ajudando organizações e times a atingir resultados significativos sempre acreditando que a diferença está nas pessoas.

Mais de 15 anos de experiência atuando com intervenções utilizando abordagens preditivas, adaptativas e híbridas.
Experiência como Agile Coach responsável por transformação ágil de organizações de TI e outside TI.

Doutorando na área de Transformação Digital e Cultura Organizacional e Mestre em Ciências da Computação.
Docente em cursos de MBA e Pós-Graduação de Gestão de Negócios e Gestão Ágil.

Entusiasta por entender cada vez mais sobre Transformação e Cultura Organizacional. Motivado por compartilhamento de conhecimentos: treinar, facilitar e também aprender. Atua como agente de transformação ajudando organizações e times a atingir r... Show more