Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Vishek Pratap

Vishek Pratap

Vishek Pratap is a dedicated entrepreneur and avid learner with a strong passion for community building. With a vision to empower the youth in tier-3 cities, he strives to provide them with a platform to showcase their talents and unlock their full potential. As a professional, Vishek is highly engaged in the tech industry and actively participates in discussions on topics such as blockchain, cybersecurity, marketing, sales, and product development. His commitment to collaboration over competition sets him apart, as he believes that by working together, we can achieve greater success and innovation. With a deep understanding of the importance of community, Vishek leverages his expertise in community building to foster meaningful connections and create a supportive environment for growth. His strong communication skills and leadership abilities enable him to effectively engage with diverse audiences and inspire others to achieve their goals. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Vishek enjoys sharing his knowledge and insights through tweeting and participating in discussions. His enthusiasm for continuous learning drives him to stay updated on the latest industry trends and share valuable insights with others. Vishek Pratap is excited to be a part of conferences and events where he can connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the community.

Vishek Pratap is a dedicated entrepreneur and avid learner with a strong passion for community building. With a vision to empower the youth in tier-3 cities, he strives to provide them with a platform to showcase their talents and unlock their full p... Show more

Neringa Young

Neringa Young

Neringa Young is the Founder of Build Stuff conferences, which she personally manages – recruiting and working with the team, looking for the partners, creating marketing strategies and implementation of the conference promotion. She is also helping with logistics and creating the content of the event. For each year she invites 80 leading speakers from the Tech industry from around the world to come to the Baltics for this 5-day event.
The success of her leadership is seen through the results of the event which every year attracts more than 1400 software developers, with the same participants returning every year as the event grows.
Outside of the workplace, Neringa is involved with initiatives like Women Go Tech where she mentors young women, providing them with advice and direction for their careers in the tech sector.
She is the founder and manager of FIX.Events which runs meetings, training, conferences, private and public events for private & corporate clients.
During her university studies, she was simultaneous working as a Telemarketing sales representative. In just 2 years (2009), she was promoted on the basis of good results to become the Sales team lead at Lintel. At the age of 22, she was responsible for over 100 telemarketing sales managers. Her responsibilities included – hiring staff, training staff, coaching, organizing work across the wider team and implementing company sales strategies.
At AB TEO (now Telia), she initiated, formed and managed a team that is composed of both technical- and sales-personnel to boost sales in line with the company’s sales strategy. Her responsibilities included human resource management – hiring staff, training, coaching, organizing teamwork and working with sales strategies.
During the time she was working at AB TEO, she also published her Master thesis on an HR Topic: "Coaching for the Development of Organizational Personnel (Case of an X Organization, Lithuania)"; 2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION REFORM AND MANAGEMENT, INNOVATION (ERMI 2012), VOL 1 Pages: 54-60 Published: 2013; Conference: International, Conference on Education Reform and Management Innovation (ERMI 2012) Location: Shenzhen, PEOPLES R CHINA Date: DEC 04-05, 2012.

Neringa Young is the Founder of Build Stuff conferences, which she personally manages – recruiting and working with the team, looking for the partners, creating marketing strategies and implementation of the conference promotion. She is also helping ... Show more

Khadijah El-Usman

Khadijah El-Usman

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and capacity-building to advance internet freedom, digital rights, across the region.
With expertise in data governance, artificial intelligence, elections, and women’s rights online, Khadijah has successfully led coalition responses to legislation, policy dialogues, and digital security training for civil society, journalists, and the judiciary. She is also a first responder on PIN’s Ripoti platform, supporting victims of digital rights violations.

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and... Show more

Sandra Milena Restrepo Ruiz

Sandra Milena Restrepo Ruiz

Comunicadora social y periodista de la Universidad del Quindío. Magíster en Educación de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Bogotá y magíster en Asuntos Internacionales de la Universidad Externado de Colombia. Cuenta con más de 14 años de experiencia en inclusión de TIC y TAC en la educación. Actualmente, se desempeña como directora de tecnología educativa y transformación digital en Edu Labs.

Además, he participado en proyectos en empresas del sector público y privado como el Universidad Externado de Colombia, Departamento Nacional de Estadística, Unidad de Planificación Rural Agropecuaria, Fundación Bolívar Davivienda, Telefónica Educación Digital, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, entre otras.

Durante estos años se ha consolidado como conferencista internacional en temas relacionados con educación, innovación y tecnología; competencias digitales; educación y género; transformación de las instituciones de educación superior y formación para el trabajo, aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida, rutas de aprendizaje y plan de carrera. Fue nombrada en el 2022 como líder de innovación educativa por el Co-Lab del Ministerio de Educación Nacional.

También, es escritora y revisora de diferentes artículos para revistas nacionales e internacionales, ha sido par evaluadora de tesis, coordinadora del Comité Científico del congreso EPIC, y se desempeñó como miembro del Comité Editorial y fundadora de la revista digital e-Learning Externado.

Pertenece a diferentes redes hispanoamericanas como Relace en la cual participa desde el 2018 y actualmente es coordinadora general, fue miembro de la RedÚnete en Colombia y la red GCTI (Gobernanza, Gestión del Conocimiento, Tecnología e Innovación). Y hace parte del programa de mentorias de Women In.

Comunicadora social y periodista de la Universidad del Quindío. Magíster en Educación de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Bogotá y magíster en Asuntos Internacionales de la Universidad Externado de Colombia. Cuenta con más de 14 años de exper... Show more

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫
@HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmyths #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience

🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD

#Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Nachhaltigkeit #Erziehung #Bildung #Lehren #Lernen #Evidence #Misconceptions #Bildungsmedien #Videos #PKM #OER #sotl #academicdevelopment

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmyths #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience 🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD #Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Na... Show more

Johanna Schafer

Johanna Schafer

Dedicated to identifying and optimizing the value of teams, individuals, and organizations, Johanna is a lead consultant at Impact Makers with expertise in change management, agile transformation, process improvement, and coaching.

Dedicated to identifying and optimizing the value of teams, individuals, and organizations, Johanna is a lead consultant at Impact Makers with expertise in change management, agile transformation, process improvement, and coaching. Show more

Tasriqul Islam

Tasriqul Islam

Tasriqul Islam is a renowned writer and researcher, specializing in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy. With a focus on technology regulation and the ethical implications of business practices, he brings a unique perspective on how innovation can align with societal values. Tasriqul holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering, along with a master’s degree in International Relations, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the technical, political, and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.

Tasriqul offers deep insights into the future of technology policy, making complex issues accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. His thought leadership has made a significant impact in shaping discussions around responsible technology and its role in fostering sustainable business practices. With his extensive academic background and practical expertise, Tasriqul is well-equipped to lead conversations that bridge the gap between technological innovation and effective governance.

Tasriqul Islam is a renowned writer and researcher, specializing in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy. With a focus on technology regulation and the ethical implications of business practices, he brings a unique perspectiv... Show more

Grant Salmond

Grant Salmond

Amateur astronomer, physics, mathematics and chemistry teacher (secondary), BEd, MSc.

Amateur astronomer, physics, mathematics and chemistry teacher (secondary), BEd, MSc. Show more

Jason Scott Quinn

Jason Scott Quinn

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

Jeren Hicks

Jeren Hicks

Jeren Hicks is a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast and a software developer turned program manager. With experience spanning nearly every role in a software company over the past 20 years, Jeren has found his true passion in helping teams thrive and achieve success. His mission is to empower individuals and foster collaboration—oh, and to share his boundless love of dinosaurs. Seriously, he really loves dinosaurs.

Jeren Hicks is a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast and a software developer turned program manager. With experience spanning nearly every role in a software company over the past 20 years, Jeren has found his true passion in helping teams thrive and achie... Show more

Vann Jones

Vann Jones

Vann Jones is a transgender political analyst, community organizer, educator, and caretaker, born and raised in the East Bay Area. Vann got his start in working towards community care at the age of 12 when he became heavily involved in the Castro Valley Unified School District, fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion and education at every grade level. He is proudly a first-generation college student, graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz with highest honors in Feminist Studies and the History of Art & Visual Culture. During his time in college, he published and presented his own research and educational website on transmasculine reproduction which has become a staple in transgender health care across the UC system, and is now permanently preserved by the GLBT Historical Society. He has collaborated with a plethora of renowned organizations and activists both while still in college and after graduating. Vann has experience working both at the California State Capitol in Sacramento as a legislative intern and on The Hill in Washington, D.C. as a policy & field intern for the National LGBTQ+ Task Force and a journalism intern for internationally acclaimed reporter Erin Reed. Throughout his life, Vann has worked with and lobbied at every level of government in order to help pass progressive legislation on a wide variety of intersectional issues in order to protect our most vulnerable.

Vann Jones is a transgender political analyst, community organizer, educator, and caretaker, born and raised in the East Bay Area. Vann got his start in working towards community care at the age of 12 when he became heavily involved in the Castro Val... Show more

Dr. Tara M. Reid

Dr. Tara M. Reid

In her role as Director, Dr. Reid is responsible for supporting a team of highly-skilled professional educators in the curation of innovative educational resources that foster the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of student-facing and faculty-facing programs and services.

In her role as Director, Dr. Reid is responsible for supporting a team of highly-skilled professional educators in the curation of innovative educational resources that foster the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of student-fac... Show more

Kayla Schaefer

Kayla Schaefer

Kayla Schaefer is an Agile practitioner with over a decade of experience in organizational transformations. As an Agile Coach at Collins Aerospace, she has trained many individuals in Agile practices, leading multiple transformations from standalone teams to fully integrated scale programs. Prior roles as a team contributor, scrum master, and release train engineer showcase her adeptness in driving Agile methodologies, improving sprint success rates, and championing Agile practices. Kayla takes a unique approach to Agile transformations, including embedding with teams and focusing largely on change management practices. Her commitment to transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement has earned her respect and admiration, making her a trusted figure in Agile transformations. Outside of her career, Kayla resides in Iowa and enjoys gardening, bike riding and anything to beat the wild Midwest weather.

Kayla Schaefer is an Agile practitioner with over a decade of experience in organizational transformations. As an Agile Coach at Collins Aerospace, she has trained many individuals in Agile practices, leading multiple transformations from standalone ... Show more

Margaret Dettloff

Margaret Dettloff

Margaret Dettloff is the Program Manager for the Bold Scholars Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In this role, Margaret is dedicated to fostering the personal, academic, and career success of her students. The Bold Scholars Program is a comprehensive four-year initiative designed to provide support, resources, and a vibrant community to help student engage early in their university experience, build their networks, and participate in career-focused experiential learning. In her role, Margaret oversees the delivery of a wide range of services aimed at helping student navigate university life and achieve their goals. Margaret holds a Bachelor's in Business Management and a Master's in Business Administration. Margaret has been in higher education for over 16 years. Fun Facts: I love to go horseback riding, woodworking, reading, working on family ancestry information, and spending time with my family and friends.

Margaret Dettloff is the Program Manager for the Bold Scholars Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In this role, Margaret is dedicated to fostering the personal, academic, and career success of her students. The Bold Scholars... Show more

Beatrice Bottini

Beatrice Bottini

Interessata alla ricerca e all'innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching individuale, di team e organizzazioni.

Grazie alla sua conoscenza diretta dei meccanismi di funzionamento delle organizzazioni, Beatrice lavora con professionisti aiutandoli a rafforzare la loro consapevolezza organizzativa, a sviluppare sinergie tra bisogni e obiettivi organizzativi e personali.

È Certified Practitioner Coach (EIA), Certified Agile Coach (IC-Agile), membro dell’Associazione Italiana Coach Professionisti e di EMCC Global. Come Coach e trainer affianca gruppi e individui facilitando fasi di transizione e supportando cambiamenti nella gestione di sé, dei team e dell’organizzazione.

Nei suoi interventi adotta approcci sperimentali per lo sviluppo delle competenze relazionali e della leadership, utilizza strumenti di facilitazione esperta, serious play, training frontale ed esperienziale.
Oltre al coaching si dedica alla ricerca sul Coaching Organizzativo, in collaborazione con il gruppo di ricerca AICP.

Interessata alla ricerca e all'innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching ind... Show more

Wanda Curlee

Wanda Curlee

Dr. Wanda Curlee oversees works with university students and oversees the mentoring program at the Project Management Institute. Her business career spans over many industries, including IT, Government, Insurance, Telecommunications and Consulting. Dr. Curlee researches the practical aspects with Artificial Intelligence especially in Project Management. Dr. Curlee has published three books; two delve into complexity theory and one is about virtual PMOs. She has earned four PMI credentials: PfMP, PgMP, PMP and PMI-RMP. Dr. Curlee is a Professor at American Public University in the School of Business.

She is proud to be the mother of three children who have served or currently serve in the US Military. She met her husband, Steve, while both were serving in the US Navy.

Dr. Wanda Curlee oversees works with university students and oversees the mentoring program at the Project Management Institute. Her business career spans over many industries, including IT, Government, Insurance, Telecommunications and Consulting. D... Show more

Beatrice Bottini

Beatrice Bottini

Interessata alla ricerca e all’innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching individuale, di team e organizzazioni. Grazie alla sua conoscenza diretta dei meccanismi di funzionamento delle organizzazioni, Beatrice lavora con professionisti aiutandoli a rafforzare la loro consapevolezza organizzativa, a sviluppare sinergie tra bisogni e obiettivi organizzativi e personali. Nei suoi interventi adotta approcci sperimentali per lo sviluppo delle competenze relazionali e della leadership, utilizza strumenti di facilitazione esperta, serious play, training frontale ed esperienziale.

Interessata alla ricerca e all’innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching ind... Show more

Lauren Hope

Lauren Hope

Meet Lauren Hope, a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and military spouse. With ventures like Hope Design Ltd. and the #ShopMilitary campaign, she's not just building businesses but fostering change. As the force behind the Lauren Hope Collective and Military Spouse Mafia, Lauren empowers others while earning recognition like the 'Mighty 25' award. She's instrumental in shaping opportunities for military spouses through advisory roles with the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network and the Military Family Advisory Network. But where she truly shines is on stage, captivating audiences at events like the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Military Influencer Conference. Lauren's journey embodies resilience, courage, and unwavering hope, inspiring all to embrace their potential and rewrite their stories.

Meet Lauren Hope, a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and military spouse. With ventures like Hope Design Ltd. and the #ShopMilitary campaign, she's not just building businesses but fostering change. As the force behind the Lauren Hope Coll... Show more

Darrel Raines

Darrel Raines

Darrel is currently the Orion Flight Software System Manager at NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 40 years experience in Commercial, Department of Defense, and NASA aircraft/spacecraft software. He has worked on software for the F-16, OV-1, AHIP, Space Station, Space Shuttle, and the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (Orion). He has worked with embedded software control systems his whole career.

Darrel is currently the Orion Flight Software System Manager at NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 40 years experience in Commercial, Department of Defense, and NASA aircraft/spacecraft software. He has worked on software for t... Show more

Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams

Jeff joined VDOE in May 2021 shortly before the oversight of childcare transferred from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to the VDOE. Jeff has 20+ years of childcare experience as a regulator, policy developer, provider and consumer. He worked in a licensed childcare program and ran a religious exempt childcare program before becoming a Licensing Inspector with VDSS, working his way up the organization. In 2011, he left VDSS to work for another state agency in the field of regulation but returned to VDSS in 2019 as a Project Manager for the Division of Family Services for VDSS. Jeff is the proud father and grandfather of 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. His personal and professional experiences help him understand the struggles that providers face and the importance of the OCCHS collaborating with providers to keep children healthy and safe.

Jeff joined VDOE in May 2021 shortly before the oversight of childcare transferred from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to the VDOE. Jeff has 20+ years of childcare experience as a regulator, policy developer, provider and consumer.... Show more

Nigel Mahoney

Nigel Mahoney

Passionate about bring positive change to the world through interdependence and systems thinking.

Passionate about bring positive change to the world through interdependence and systems thinking. Show more

Bjorn Thomson

Bjorn Thomson

Bjorn has worked in web technology in both technical and leadership role. He has experience with various aspects of technology, including development, visual and interaction design, marketing, content strategy, and web analytics.

With a Master’s in Education from UBC and 7 years of experience teaching in post-secondary institutions, Bjorn has been teaching, researching, and applying technology within higher education for over 15 years.

Bjorn has worked in web technology in both technical and leadership role. He has experience with various aspects of technology, including development, visual and interaction design, marketing, content strategy, and web analytics. With a Master’s i... Show more

GDG Abomey-calavi

GDG Abomey-calavi

Welcome to the Google Abomey-Calavi developer group. We are an official chapter of Google's global network of developers, designers, researchers, data scientists, and technology enthusiasts.

Our mission is to help our members grow by advancing their skills, network and career.

Welcome to the Google Abomey-Calavi developer group. We are an official chapter of Google's global network of developers, designers, researchers, data scientists, and technology enthusiasts. Our mission is to help our members grow by advancing the... Show more

Ken Boyd

Ken Boyd

I work on digital media literacy and constructive discussion programs at CIVIX, a Canadian charity that creates experiential learning resources for teachers and other educators all across the country.

I work on digital media literacy and constructive discussion programs at CIVIX, a Canadian charity that creates experiential learning resources for teachers and other educators all across the country. Show more

Ursula McGeown

Ursula McGeown

With 20 years of experience in the charity and non-profit sector, Ursula is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable and underserved members of society - both human and animal. She specialises in strategic community engagement and development, driving initiatives that create sustainable and meaningful social change. Motivated by her deep love for animals, Ursula is dedicated to advancing human well-being, promoting animal welfare, and fostering stronger communities.

With 20 years of experience in the charity and non-profit sector, Ursula is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable and underserved members of society - both human and animal. She specialises in strategic community engagement and developme... Show more

Sharron Tendai

Sharron Tendai

In addition to her role as a Program Manager and Contracting Officer Representative at a federal agency, Sharron Tendai is the founder of Get Her to the B.A.G. and Her Big Bag Consulting, where she empowers women of color entrepreneurs to secure the funding necessary to realize their business dreams. With over 20 years of experience combined as a grant writer, reviewer (at the federal level) and consultant, Sharron is deeply committed to advancing the economic success of Black women, offering expertise in both grant writing and securing funding for nonprofit and for-profit entities. She has also shared her knowledge by teaching grant writing and conducting workshops, including her 'BAG Big Grants' workshop presented at local, national and global conferences.

Sharron’s work with Get Her to the B.A.G., a community-driven initiative that curates wealth-building and wellness experiences for women and youth in Washington, DC. With nearly $50,000 in grant funding secured from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the nonprofit Let's Choose Love, the project has successfully implemented five transformative events—four in-person and one virtual—benefiting over 100 participants from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Partnering with the *Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center* (CHACC), a nonprofit focused on exposing and educating local communities on arts and cultural opportunities in Wards 7 and 8, Sharron has used these events to uplift marginalized communities. Get Her to the B.A.G. has been acknowledged by the Mayor of Washington, DC, Hon. Mayor Bowser via a letter of Ceremonial Greetings. Sharron Tendai also received an award from Beautiful I Am, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering and inspiring women and girls, for her extensive community contributions and good works.

As the CEO and Principal Consultant of Her Big Bag Consulting, LLC, Sharron brings her expertise in business strategy, grant writing, and digital resources to women of color entrepreneurs, creators, and social impact leaders. Her consulting firm provides tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of her clients, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women in the business world. Under her leadership, Her Big Bag has become a vital partner for women-owned businesses, providing the tools necessary for long-term success.

In addition to her role as a Program Manager and Contracting Officer Representative at a federal agency, Sharron Tendai is the founder of Get Her to the B.A.G. and Her Big Bag Consulting, where she empowers women of color entrepreneurs to secure the ... Show more

Eric Muriithi

Eric Muriithi

Eric Muriithi is a dynamic Software Developer, Educator, and Social Entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership and innovation. As the Lead Web and App Developer at Muray Innovations, a cutting-edge software development and consulting enterprise, he collaborates with early-stage entrepreneurs and established organizations to design and build software solutions, develop MVPs for proof of concept, and create marketing materials that drive customer engagement. Muray Innovations has successfully partnered with over 15 founders and consultants from five countries, helping them build digital products that have enhanced their brand presence, generated leads, and converted them into paying customers.

In addition to his work with Muray Innovations, Eric is the Co-founder of SHIELD (Social Hub for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Design Thinking), a pre-accelerator innovation hub with a mission to empower over 10,000 young entrepreneurs in Kibera over the next decade. SHIELD provides vital support in helping these entrepreneurs develop and implement solutions to address challenges faced in informal settlements. Eric’s key role at SHIELD involves leading web platform development and overseeing fundraising initiatives, having successfully raising grant funding in the first year of operations to support SHIELD's mission of establishing innovation hubs in underserved communities.

At Power Learn Project, Eric’s role spans across the marketing and software engineering teams as a Liaison Officer. In this capacity, he plays a critical role in managing developer relations, project management efforts, and building strategic partnerships. His work ensures a seamless collaboration between the teams and enhances the overall project execution. Additionally, Eric is an instructor for the 1,000,000 Developers for Africa initiative, guiding a cohort of over 600 learners from three African countries in building cross-platform mobile applications using Dart and Flutter. His technical expertise spans Dart with Flutter, Python, web technologies, and NoSQL databases like Firebase and MongoDB. His excellent communication and negotiation skills have been instrumental in securing partnerships and navigating client relations.

Eric’s commitment to community extends beyond the tech world. He partners with local football communities, raising funds to support their operations, including procuring training equipment such as balls, bibs, and cones. His recent milestone includes raising capital to support South C United, a local team facing financial difficulties. Soccer has been a transformative part of Eric's life, and he is passionate about giving back to the sport and the communities that foster it.

Eric has also been an active speaker at various Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) events at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), where he has shared his expertise in software development and the impact of generative AI. Most recently, he contributed to generative AI research at Microsoft's Africa Development Center (ADC), underscoring his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and using them to empower others.

Through his roles at Muray Innovations, SHIELD, and Power Learn Project, Eric Muriithi continues to drive initiatives that foster innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, creating a lasting impact in both the tech industry and underserved communities.

Eric Muriithi is a dynamic Software Developer, Educator, and Social Entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership and innovation. As the Lead Web and App Developer at Muray Innovations, a cutting-edge software development and consulting enter... Show more

Dr. Ash P

Dr. Ash P

My journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and innovation. Starting as a college dropout, and then a military veteran 4 years earlier than expected, I forged my path as a self-taught programmer, proving that passion and determination can lead to success. Despite facing challenges, and doubters, I embraced lifelong learning, ultimately becoming a late education bloomer.

Now, with over a decade in STEM, I hold a doctorate in Healthcare Administration and a master's in IT Management. My diverse experience spans the manufacturing sector and local, state, and federal tech industries, where they’ve contributed to transformative projects that bridge technology and healthcare. This unique blend of practical skills and academic credentials positions me as a leader in driving impactful change in the tech and public health landscape.

My journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and innovation. Starting as a college dropout, and then a military veteran 4 years earlier than expected, I forged my path as a self-taught programmer, proving that passion and determination can lead to... Show more

Chiquita Atkins

Chiquita Atkins

With over 20 years of experience, I still consider myself a “forever learner”. I’m so excited to be responsible for helping to usher our Next Generation of Stylist.
I earned a degree in cosmetology by majoring in Business Management from Cape Fear Community College.
I did attend Barbering school also.
I have had the pleasure of Educating At the student and professional level with companies such as Miller-Motte and Aveda.
I have been certified to educate in NC, TX, DC, and Maryland.
Currently I specialize in Loc Maintenance for Clients with Hair Loss issues in My salon in Maryland.

For decades Palm maintenance has been a great way to maintain locs.
However, for your clients with Scalp issues, low-density hair, or alopecia, Palm maintenance can create more problems for clients who suffer from product sensitivity and Hair loss Concerns.
With that in mind, I created a tension-free approach to maintaining locs Using a three-prong crochet needle, minimal and no product.

This technique is designed to avoid Hair loss, mend new growth on locs that haven't been maintained regularly, damaged Locs, and much more.

Learn this technique to avoid injury to yourself or the integrity of the locs
Help build a thicker Base, and feed loose hair back into the loc safely by Approaching Crochet Maintenance Loc repair and Loc Restoration differently.

Crochet is a great way to maintain locs of any size!

With over 20 years of experience, I still consider myself a “forever learner”. I’m so excited to be responsible for helping to usher our Next Generation of Stylist. I earned a degree in cosmetology by majoring in Business Management from Cape Fear C... Show more

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