Liz Awbrey is the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for the City of Sandy Springs, Georgia. She leads HR and risk strategy for more than 600 employees across for the City. She has more than 15 years of HR leadership experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Before Sandy Springs, Liz was Human Resources Director for the City of Johns Creek. Earlier, she spent eight years as Director of Human Resources at Cherokee Town & Country Club. She began her HR career in learning and development at The Home Depot.

Liz is active in the HR community as SHRM-Atlanta’s Co-Chair for the Public Sector Network, and she previously served as the chapter’s Volunteer Development Chair and as a mentor. On nights and weekends, she hangs out with her husband, her two red-headed “monster” teenage daughters and her puppy. When she’s not putting out trust fires, she’s reading romantasy books and posting on Bookstagram.

Liz Awbrey is the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for the City of Sandy Springs, Georgia. She leads HR and risk strategy for more than 600 employees across for the City. She has more than 15 years of HR leadership experience in the pu... Show more

Vugar Rustamli is a delivery and Agile transformation consultant based in Prague, and the founder of PMWILL. He has worked in project management since 2010, across tech, a UN agency, pharma and international sport.

Most recently, he led delivery of AI features for a US dating app, taking day-to-day delivery over from the CTO. Before that, he helped a UN agency reorganise 80 people into cross-functional squads. Earlier work includes Scrum Master on a SAFe release train at Pfizer, a PMO operating model for FIFA HQ, and a 10,000-user workforce platform for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Vugar is PMP and PMI-ACP certified, a contributing author to the PMI Agile Practice Guide (2nd Edition), and an adjunct professor at the International University of Monaco. He has trained over 1,000 professionals from 20+ countries, and live in 10 different countries since 2017.

Vugar Rustamli is a delivery and Agile transformation consultant based in Prague, and the founder of PMWILL. He has worked in project management since 2010, across tech, a UN agency, pharma and international sport. Most recently, he led delivery ... Show more

Orman Sultanli leads the private banking sales team at PASHA Private Banking in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he has worked with high-net-worth clients for over nine years. He teaches entrepreneurship and startups to MBA students at Baku Higher Oil School and is completing an Executive MBA at the University of York. He is also the Founder & CEO of Park Hub, a parking technology startup and finalist of the Startup World Cup Azerbaijan 2025. Orman has spoken at Fintex Summit 2025 in Baku on private banking and wealth management in emerging markets.

Orman Sultanli leads the private banking sales team at PASHA Private Banking in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he has worked with high-net-worth clients for over nine years. He teaches entrepreneurship and startups to MBA students at Baku Higher Oil School ... Show more

With over five years of specialized experience in utility billing, Racquel Pinto currently serves as a Water Billing Clerk in the City of Evanston, dedicated to operational excellence. Beyond her primary role, she is a deeply engaged leader within the industry, serving on the ISAWWA Technology and Women in Water committees and contributing to the Legacy Project for Women in Local Government committee. A passionate advocate for equity, Racquel has also participated with the REDI and Black Implementation Group committees to help shape a more inclusive future for her city. When she isn't collaborating with committees or working on diversity initiatives, Racquel enjoys exploring the world through international cuisine and traveling with her family.

With over five years of specialized experience in utility billing, Racquel Pinto currently serves as a Water Billing Clerk in the City of Evanston, dedicated to operational excellence. Beyond her primary role, she is a deeply engaged leader within th... Show more

Buinwi Kenneth Webnda is an AI Adoption Consultant and Digital Inclusion Advocate from Cameroon, passionate about making emerging technologies accessible, understandable, and beneficial to individuals and communities across Africa.

With a background in Geomatics Engineering, drone mapping, and graphic design, Kenneth brings a multidisciplinary perspective to conversations around technology, innovation, and digital empowerment. His interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital literacy, responsible technology adoption, and inclusive digital development.

He is particularly interested in understanding how people in resource-limited settings experience the rapid advancement of AI, including the anxieties, knowledge gaps, and challenges surrounding data protection, privacy, and responsible use. He also explores how AI and emerging technologies can be harnessed to strengthen citizen participation, improve access to information, and create more inclusive opportunities for civic engagement and democratic governance.

Through digital education, creative problem-solving, and advocacy for accessible technology, Kenneth is committed to bridging the gap between technological innovation and the people it is meant to serve, particularly within African communities.

Buinwi Kenneth Webnda is an AI Adoption Consultant and Digital Inclusion Advocate from Cameroon, passionate about making emerging technologies accessible, understandable, and beneficial to individuals and communities across Africa. With a backgrou... Show more

Jason P. Armstrong is a crisis-tested executive leader and organizational performance expert who partners with companies to strengthen leadership effectiveness during moments of pressure, change, and complexity. A retired police chief and National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee, Jason led organizations through nationally scrutinized crises, including reform efforts in Ferguson following the killing of Michael Brown Jr. and the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd. These experiences shaped his expertise in leadership decision-making, accountability, and building trust in high-stakes environments.

Today, Jason works with executive teams, managers, and emerging leaders to improve communication, sharpen decision-making, and create aligned cultures that drive performance. Drawing from decades of real-world leadership experience, he delivers practical frameworks leaders can apply immediately to navigate conflict, reduce reactivity, and lead with clarity when the stakes are high. Clients value Jason’s ability to translate complex challenges into actionable strategies that strengthen teams, improve culture, and produce measurable results long after the keynote ends.

Jason P. Armstrong is a crisis-tested executive leader and organizational performance expert who partners with companies to strengthen leadership effectiveness during moments of pressure, change, and complexity. A retired police chief and National La... 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

Anthea Jeffrey is Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where she oversees the Student Accounting, Billing, Collections, and Cashiers divisions.

Over a career of more than thirty years in higher education, she has held roles across billing and collections, financial aid, student accounts, registrar functions, and enrollment management.

Anthea specializes in operational efficiency, policy development, and process automation, using data analytics and student feedback to build clear, compliant processes and a better student experience. Her current focus is reimagining how the university communicates with students about money: turning the student bill into a financial navigation tool that builds clarity, confidence, and persistence. She holds a BS and MS from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (formerly Polytechnic University) and an MBA from Pace University.

Anthea Jeffrey is Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where she oversees the Student Accounting, Billing, Collections, and Cashiers divisions. Over a career of more than thirty ye... Show more

Camila Bañares, conocida como CamiDevAI, es ingeniera en Informática mención Ciberseguridad (Instituto Profesional Providencia, 2017-2021) y tiene estudios de posgrado en inteligencia artificial. Llegó a la tecnología por reconversión profesional, después de trabajar en atención al público, servicios financieros y administración, y hoy dedica su carrera a que más personas aprendan a usar la IA con criterio. Trabajó en desarrollo de software en NTT DATA Chile (2022) y Tuxpan (2022-2025), en proyectos de plataformas empresariales, automatización, chatbots e integración de IA. Es fundadora y CMO de InformatiK-AI, empresa tecnológica con base en Temuco dedicada a desarrollo de software, automatización e integración de inteligencia artificial. Como CamiDevAI creó una comunidad educativa en redes sociales donde enseña herramientas de IA, programación asistida, ciberseguridad y uso responsable de la tecnología, con tutoriales prácticos y lenguaje simple. Es conferencista y relatora en instituciones como Santo Tomás y DUOC UC, evaluadora de competencias laborales en IA y ciberseguridad en el sistema ChileValora, y vicepresidenta de la Cámara Chilena de Inteligencia Artificial para el período 2026-2028. Su convicción: no necesitas saberlo todo para comenzar a aprender tecnología; lo importante es la curiosidad, el criterio y atreverse a experimentar.

Camila Bañares, conocida como CamiDevAI, es ingeniera en Informática mención Ciberseguridad (Instituto Profesional Providencia, 2017-2021) y tiene estudios de posgrado en inteligencia artificial. Llegó a la tecnología por reconversión profesional, de... Show more

Kenneth Oyeniyi is a strategic communications professional, multidisciplinary creative director, and brand strategist with extensive experience in digital rights advocacy and visual storytelling. As Senior Communications Officer at Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise advancing digital rights and inclusion, he develops compelling visuals and high-impact media strategies and coordinates international campaigns to promote internet freedom and inclusive digital participation.

Kenneth is a 2024 fellow of the African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG) and an alumnus of the Atlantic Council’s DFRLab Digital Sherlocks programme and the Orange Academy, one of Africa’s leading branding schools. He combines data-driven analysis, creative art direction, and brand strategy to deliver measurable impact across the continent.

Kenneth Oyeniyi is a strategic communications professional, multidisciplinary creative director, and brand strategist with extensive experience in digital rights advocacy and visual storytelling. As Senior Communications Officer at Paradigm Initiativ... Show more

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additionally, he teaches courses in HR, Management, & Technology at the college level. Patrick earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Kennesaw State University, a master’s in business administration from Troy University, and recently earned a doctorate in business administration at the Florida Institute of Technology. He holds both the SPHR & SHRM-SCP certifications.

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additio... Show more

Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, elite coach, and SparkLife Connoisseur renowned for her ability to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential, ignite passion, and take decisive action. With a diverse background as a C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and non-profit founder, Lynsey's favorite role is being a mom to four amazing boys. Drawing from her extensive experience, she brings expertise and a passion for empowering others to achieve lasting change. Lynsey captivates audiences with engaging stories, practical tools, and energizing exercises. Her relatable and high-impact approach leaves listeners motivated to pursue intentional growth and achieve extraordinary results.

Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, elite coach, and SparkLife Connoisseur renowned for her ability to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential, ignite passion, and take decisive action. With a diverse background a... Show more

I develop self-efficacy in leaders so they can perform and adapt in changing environments.

For nearly 25 years, I’ve led teams, managed enterprise operations, and designed leadership development systems across higher education, edtech, and corporate environments while focused on strengthening the human side of performance. My focus centers on a simple but often neglected question: how do we build both the competence and the self-belief leaders need to lead well?

Organizations frequently promote high performers into leadership without fully equipping them to supervise, coach, manage performance, or guide teams through change. The consequences show up in stalled feedback cultures, manager hesitation, burnout, and uneven execution.

My work addresses that gap at both the individual and organizational level.

I design and deliver leadership development initiatives that strengthen:
• Manager/leader self-efficacy and confidence (they are different!)
• Coaching capability and performance conversations
• Capacity building within teams and systems
• Change adoption and behavioral follow-through
• AI-enhanced learning and performance support

I translate my research on self-efficacy, leadership development, and supervision into practical tools and skillsets leaders use immediately. Lighthearted does not mean lightweight. My aim is durable capability, not short-term inspiration.

Whether I’m guiding enterprise-level manager development strategy, coaching a leader through a high-stakes conversation, or integrating AI into learning design to increase scale and effectiveness, the goal remains consistent: build leadership capacity that lasts beyond the program.

I make learning lovable, laughable, and long-lasting.

In my work at Learnit, we know that companies grow when their people do. My job....is to help others do their job better and become better versions of themselves, their teams, and their organizations. We help make that happen on a daily basis, and have been doing so for over thirty years.

I develop self-efficacy in leaders so they can perform and adapt in changing environments. For nearly 25 years, I’ve led teams, managed enterprise operations, and designed leadership development systems across higher education, edtech, and corpora... Show more

Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, docente y consultor con más de 10 años de experiencia en tecnología y formación profesional. Ha desarrollado su labor académica en instituciones como INACAP, DUOC UC y CIISA, impartiendo asignaturas relacionadas con Python, programación, ciberseguridad, redes, Big Data, ciencia de datos e IoT.
En el ámbito profesional ha participado en proyectos y consultorías para empresas en ciberseguridad, infraestructura tecnológica y desarrollo de soluciones digitales, incluyendo diseño e implementación de sitios web. Cuenta además con formación y certificaciones en ciberseguridad, seguridad de la información y tecnologías de redes.
Su enfoque se basa en aprender haciendo: transformar conceptos técnicos complejos en experiencias prácticas, cercanas y accesibles, utilizando la programación, la experimentación y la resolución de problemas reales como herramientas de aprendizaje.

Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, docente y consultor con más de 10 años de experiencia en tecnología y formación profesional. Ha desarrollado su labor académica en instituciones como INACAP, DUOC UC y CIISA, impartiendo as... Show more

K. Miller is a speaker, wellness educator, host of The Harmony Principle Podcast, and founder of Kimemeki, a wellness ecosystem rooted in Generational Health.

With over a decade of experience in health and coaching, she helps women better understand their bodies, recognize their natural rhythms, and rebuild the energy, clarity, and capacity to thrive.

Her work grew from her own experiences navigating severe fatigue and health challenges, which led her to question the conventional approaches to health and the expectation that we should simply keep pushing through.

As a homeschooling mother of five, K understands that real life doesn't always fit into neat routines. Through The Harmony Principle, she challenges the pursuit of work-life balance and teaches a more personal approach to health that considers our biology, daily rhythms, and changing seasons of life.

Her mission is to help women create lasting change in their own lives and families, because Generational Health, just like generational wealth, is something worth building and passing down.

K. Miller is a speaker, wellness educator, host of The Harmony Principle Podcast, and founder of Kimemeki, a wellness ecosystem rooted in Generational Health. With over a decade of experience in health and coaching, she helps women better understa... 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

Marshall Wilmot serves as Deputy Assistant Director of Systems Support for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), where he provides leadership for systems and initiatives supporting Arizona’s Medicaid eligibility and enrollment operations. His work spans current eligibility systems, operational improvement, systems governance, and the modernization efforts preparing AHCCCS for the next generation of eligibility technology.
Marshall began his career in Arizona state service as an Eligibility Worker in 1990. After several years working in Arizona’s public assistance programs, he continued his career in South Florida as a Medicare Advantage plans contractor. He returned to AHCCCS in 2011 and subsequently helped develop and implement Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus), Arizona’s integrated eligibility application and processing system.
Over the course of his career, Marshall has combined frontline eligibility experience with systems, operational, project, and leadership roles. He remains actively engaged in professional organizations supporting eligibility and public assistance professionals and is committed to developing future leaders, strengthening partnerships, and modernizing the systems that support the people Arizona serves.

Marshall Wilmot serves as Deputy Assistant Director of Systems Support for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), where he provides leadership for systems and initiatives supporting Arizona’s Medicaid eligibility and enrollment o... Show more

Camilo Mussi iniciou sua trajetória como piloto de caça da Força Aérea Brasileira e construiu, ao longo de 47 anos de serviço público, uma carreira marcada pela liderança de transformações complexas.

Como CIO do INEP, liderou a implantação do ENEM Digital, realizado simultaneamente em 101 cidades, em um contexto de prazo inadiável, pandemia e ausência de precedentes.

Atualmente, é Subsecretário de Tecnologia da Informação Digital do Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, onde lidera iniciativas de transformação digital, inteligência artificial, cibersegurança e modernização de serviços estratégicos para o agronegócio brasileiro. Em um único mandato, sua gestão entregou 30 sistemas digitais, entre eles o e-Phyto, que transformou a certificação fitossanitária para exportação.

Atuou também na FAB, no Banco Central, na ANVISA, na ANTAQ e no MDS. É mestre em Computação Aplicada, professor universitário há 22 anos e advogado.

Foi eleito CIO – Personalidade Mais Influente na área de TI, em 2023 e 2025; CIO Destaque da Educação, em 2020; e selecionado entre os líderes de transformação digital do governo federal pela ENAP e pelo Ministério da Economia, em 2019.

É autor do livro “Liderar é Servir”, porque, para ele, liderança nunca foi sobre o posto, mas sobre propósito, serviço e legado.

Camilo Mussi iniciou sua trajetória como piloto de caça da Força Aérea Brasileira e construiu, ao longo de 47 anos de serviço público, uma carreira marcada pela liderança de transformações complexas. Como CIO do INEP, liderou a implantação do ENEM... Show more

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est une organisation de jeunes et de femmes orientée sur les questions de promotion de l’engagement citoyen, de défenses des droits humains notamment des droits numériques et sur le développement de projets/programmes à fort impact social le tout avec la technologie comme principal vecteur. Notre organisation est convaincue de la nécessité de tirer profit de tout ce que le numérique nous offre pour développer notre capitale humain.

Basée au Sénégal, notre association est membre fondateur la coalition Tournons La Page – Section Sénégal et initiatrice du Centre d’Innovation sociale et environnementale de Mbour.
Militante féministe, je me suis formée en cybersécurité et promeut les actions de lutte contre les violences sur le genre en ligne.

En parallèle, je suis consultante, experte Genre Inclusion et formatrice en médias sociaux comme outils de plaidoyer.

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est ... Show more

Abdullah fatimah is a passionate technology professional and data enthusiast dedicated to driving innovation and empowering the next generation of women in tech. With experience in data analytics, community engagement, and technology advocacy, she focuses on using data as a tool for problem solving and inclusive growth She has contributed to several technology communities and initiatives, where she mentors and supports young talents, particularly women, to break barriers and embrace opportunities in STEM. Her work bridges the gap between technical expertise and social impact, making her a strong voice for diversity and inclusion in Africa’s growing digital economy.

Abdullah fatimah is a passionate technology professional and data enthusiast dedicated to driving innovation and empowering the next generation of women in tech. With experience in data analytics, community engagement, and technology advocacy, she fo... Show more

Kylah Seltzer Johnston works for the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County. Kylah has an extensive background working in community and political organizing, with an emphasis on campaigns related to climate change and environmental justice. She has also collaborated with a number of coalitions and elected officials across Illinois to strengthen and pass legislation, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. An avid lover of the Great Lakes, Kylah has worked on a number of policy research projects related to Great Lakes waterways and water systems and how they interact with climate change, clean drinking water access, and invasive species. She is currently working as a Relationship Manager with Cook County’s Build Up Cook program, working closely with municipalities in South and West Suburban Cook County to move both water and vertical infrastructure projects from start to finish. In her free time, Kylah can be found baking at home or lounging by Lake Michigan.

Kylah Seltzer Johnston works for the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County. Kylah has an extensive background working in community and political organizing, with an emphasis on campaigns related to climate change and environmental justice. She ha... Show more

Muna Adan is a web accessibility auditor and accessibility college Professor based in Ottawa, Canada. She spends her days testing websites and applications against accessibility standards, working directly with developers to identify barriers and build more inclusive digital experiences.

She also teaches web accessibility to emerging developers, with a focus on turning standards like WCAG into practical, understandable techniques developers can actually use. Her work spans accessible HTML, ARIA, keyboard interaction, screen-reader testing, and the many accessibility problems automated tools simply can’t catch.

Muna is especially passionate about changing the way developers think about accessibility, not as a final compliance check, but as part of building good software from the beginning. Her teaching style is practical, candid, and occasionally chaotic in the best possible way.

Her goal is simple: help create developers who don’t just write good code, but inclusive code.

Muna Adan is a web accessibility auditor and accessibility college Professor based in Ottawa, Canada. She spends her days testing websites and applications against accessibility standards, working directly with developers to identify barriers and bui... Show more

I am a highly accomplished Android developer, boasting over 4 years of professional experience and a profound understanding of mobile application development. I have consistently demonstrated my expertise in this field throughout my career, delivering exceptional results for various projects. Motivation is a driving force in my work. I approach every project with enthusiasm and a determination to surpass expectations. This zeal translates into innovative solutions and a constant drive for improvement. My creative mindset enables me to think outside the box, bringing fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the development process.

*Established and currently leading a groundbreaking international project in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) dedicated to providing advanced IT education for children aged 6-14.
Created strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and technology companies to deliver high-quality education programs.
Implemented a unique pedagogical approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and critical thinking, engaging children through gamification and adaptive learning techniques.
Managed a diverse team of educators, managers, and technology experts to ensure program excellence and scalability.

*As a passionate advocate for gender equality in the tech industry, I am honored to serve as a Google's Women Techmakers Ambassador. I'm dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for women in the world of technology.

*My mission is to encourage women to break the glass ceiling and create change in the tech sector. I'm also currently a Country Leader BIH for WomanTech Network. I contributed by uniting 150K women from 181 countries to join the network, get inspired, discover their purpose, and make a positive impact.

A firm believer that it is never too late at any stage of life to turn things around! There is something everyone can do/contribute at work/life with a unique skill set. With /around/through technology we can amplify the impact even more and at speed! This is not just my story, this is my mission! I am driven by a deep desire to use my skills and experience to make a lasting impact in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the world, one step at a time.

I am a highly accomplished Android developer, boasting over 4 years of professional experience and a profound understanding of mobile application development. I have consistently demonstrated my expertise in this field throughout my career, deliverin... 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

Jesus Gil es un especialista el área de datos e Inteligencia Artificial, actualmente se desempeña como Arquitecto de Soluciones de Nube (CSA) en Microsoft
Por 12 años consecutivo fue nombrado MVP de SQL Server
Es coautor de 2 guías oficiales de Migración escritas para Microsoft Corporation y del libro Power BI MVP Book
Es ingeniero en sistemas, pero su pasión por la Educación lo llevó a obtener una maestría y un Doctorado en Ciencias de la Educación
Cuenta con +25 años de experiencia en la industria, desde el año 2007 ha dado entrenamientos tanto en México, USA, LATAM y Europa
Desde el año 2008 es un speaker habitual en eventos de tecnología dando charla en México, USA, LATAM y Europa

Jesus Gil es un especialista el área de datos e Inteligencia Artificial, actualmente se desempeña como Arquitecto de Soluciones de Nube (CSA) en Microsoft Por 12 años consecutivo fue nombrado MVP de SQL Server Es coautor de 2 guías oficiales de Mig... Show more

I'm a Principal Architect at Microsoft specializing in the Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Copilot, and agentic AI solutions for U.S. State and Local Government.

Throughout my career, I've been driven by a simple belief: the people who understand a business problem best should have a meaningful voice in building the solution. That's why I'm so passionate about Microsoft's low-code and no-code platform. I love helping organizations empower business users to work alongside professional developers to create applications, automations, and AI experiences that solve real problems and deliver measurable value.

For more than two decades, I've worked with government organizations to modernize business processes, improve citizen services, and accelerate digital transformation. I've partnered with agencies of every size to design solutions that combine enterprise architecture, modern application development, automation, data, and artificial intelligence into practical outcomes that users can embrace.

My favorite conversations are the ones where technology becomes accessible. Whether I'm presenting on Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Copilot Studio, or the latest advancements in agentic AI, my goal is always the same: to make complex technology approachable, demonstrate what's possible, and give people the confidence to build solutions they didn't think they could create themselves.

I believe the future of software development isn't about replacing professional developers—it's about expanding who gets to participate in creating great software. When analysts, subject matter experts, makers, architects, and developers collaborate using the Microsoft Power Platform, organizations build better solutions, faster. That's the future I'm excited to help shape.

I'm a Principal Architect at Microsoft specializing in the Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Copilot, and agentic AI solutions for U.S. State and Local Government. Throughout my career, I've been driven by a simple belief: the peop... Show more

## Salma Mohammed Salem Alketbi

**Emirati Educator & Researcher | Arabic Language Curriculum Specialist | Educational Leader & Innovator**

Salma Mohammed Salem Alketbi is a distinguished Emirati educator and researcher specializing in **Arabic language curriculum, educational innovation, and teacher development**. Currently serving as a **Vice Principal**, she has made significant contributions to advancing teaching practices, empowering educators, and enhancing student learning experiences in the United Arab Emirates.

Her outstanding educational achievements have earned her prestigious recognition, including the **Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher** and the title of **Best Teacher in the Arab World**. She also became the **first Emirati teacher to enter the Guinness World Records** through a pioneering innovation in creative writing—an achievement that reflects her passion for transforming ideas into meaningful educational impact.

Throughout her career, Salma has led and contributed to several influential educational initiatives, including the **International Teachers’ Knowledge Fund Platform** and the **Tokkatsu Project**, focusing on teacher development, student character building, and innovative learning practices. She has also supported national programs promoting reading, writing, and student readiness for educational assessments.

As an active researcher and educational contributor, Salma has participated in research projects, conferences, and professional forums at both national and international levels, sharing innovative practices and contributing to curriculum development and educational advancement.

Salma believes that **education is more than the transfer of knowledge—it is a powerful force for shaping people, communities, and the future**. Her mission is to empower educators, inspire students, and cultivate lifelong learners who are prepared to make a meaningful contribution to society.

### Areas of Expertise

**Educational Innovation | Arabic Language Curriculum | Educational Leadership | Creative Writing | Teacher Development & Empowerment | Reading & Writing Strategies | Educational Research | Student Character Development | Educational Initiative Design & Implementation**

### Suggested Speaker Tagline

**“From the Classroom to Guinness World Records: An Emirati Journey of Innovation, Creativity, and Educational Impact.”**

## Salma Mohammed Salem Alketbi **Emirati Educator & Researcher | Arabic Language Curriculum Specialist | Educational Leader & Innovator** Salma Mohammed Salem Alketbi is a distinguished Emirati educator and researcher specializing in **Arabic ... Show more

Mary Foster is the Heritage and Cultural Arts Program Manager for the City of Allen, Texas, where she oversees programming and interpretation at Allen Heritage Village and supports preservation and interpretation efforts at the historic Allen Cemetery. Her work brings together historic preservation, public programming, community engagement, and parks and recreation to connect residents with the history of their community.

Foster holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler and previously served as a museum curator at the 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum, where she curated exhibits and developed educational programs. She also served as Campaign Director for United Way of Smith County, supporting fundraising efforts for 26 local nonprofit organizations.

With nearly a decade of experience working across museums, history, parks and recreation, and nonprofit organizations, Foster is particularly interested in local and recent history, historic cemeteries, urban archaeology, and finding creative ways to make history meaningful and accessible to the communities where it happened.

Mary Foster is the Heritage and Cultural Arts Program Manager for the City of Allen, Texas, where she oversees programming and interpretation at Allen Heritage Village and supports preservation and interpretation efforts at the historic Allen Cemeter... Show more

I am an Academic Content Specialist, EdTech strategist, and teacher trainer based in Saudi Arabia. My career is dedicated to bridging rigorous pedagogical standards with modern digital learning solutions, driving instructional transformation across diverse educational environments.

With extensive experience working with IB, IGCSE, British, and HMH curricula, I specialize in curriculum design and strategic content localization. I align complex international frameworks with local educational needs to ensure learning materials are academically sound, culturally relevant, and engaging.

At the intersection of pedagogy and technology, I focus on driving EdTech integration and platform adoption. Rather than simply introducing new tools, I embed digital solutions into instructional models to elevate student engagement, support personalized learning pathways, and streamline assessment.

As an active educator trainer and speaker, I design and facilitate high-impact professional development grounded in cognitive science and active learning. Through targeted mentorship, I empower teachers and leaders to modernize their classroom practices and improve learning outcomes.

I am an Academic Content Specialist, EdTech strategist, and teacher trainer based in Saudi Arabia. My career is dedicated to bridging rigorous pedagogical standards with modern digital learning solutions, driving instructional transformation across d... Show more

Experienced manager, coordinating advisor, and architect with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Besides, I PhD in Enterprise Architecture (EA) and digital transformation from the Open University, Faculty Management, Science & Technology (MST).
Skilled in Team Management and Coordination, Enterprise Architecture (EA), EA Management, IT Governance, and Digital Strategy. A strong business development professional with a Master's degree in Business Process Management & IT from Open University.

Experienced manager, coordinating advisor, and architect with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Besides, I PhD in Enterprise Architecture (EA) and digital transformation from the Open University, Faculty Man... Show more