Anita Cleare is an award-winning parenting speaker, writer and coach who supports working parents to balance successful careers with being a parent.

Anita speaks at events for working parents across the UK and internationally and delivers webinars for working parents at top global companies. Her books have been translated into twelve languages.

Her first book, 'The Work/Parent Switch' (known as 'The Working Parent’s Survival Guide' in USA) outlines how working parents can use the bits of time left over when work is done to parent smarter not harder and be the parent their child needs.

Her most recent book 'How To Get Your Teenager Out Of Their Bedroom' came out to five start reviews in September 2024.

Anita has been listed in The Times as one of the top 5 parenting caches in the UK. Her advice blog ‘Thinking Parenting’ has been listed in The Sunday Times Magazine as a must-read for parents. She is regularly featured in the media, including the BBC, CNBC, The Telegraph, and The Times. Anita is currently appearing as a TV parenting expert in Series 2 of At Home With Katherine Ryan.

As an accredited Triple P® parenting facilitator, Anita has been working with parents for 20 years on all aspects of children’s behaviour and wellbeing. She has an academic background in developmental psychology, and a talent for helping parents step back and reflect on parent-child dynamics and implement small changes that make a big difference.

Anita Cleare is an award-winning parenting speaker, writer and coach who supports working parents to balance successful careers with being a parent. Anita speaks at events for working parents across the UK and internationally and delivers webinar... Show more

Jay Dwayne is a highly sought-after tech specialist and dedicated public servant renowned for his exceptional skills in software and systems engineering. Following previous excellent work at the ICT Authority, under the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy in Kenya, Jay is currently driving digital transformation at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Jay brings a comprehensive technical toolkit spanning full-stack software and systems development, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, mobile development, and advanced DevOps practices. His reputation as an expert is well-deserved, with numerous accolades and awards recognizing his contributions to the technology sector. With a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set, Jay is a valuable asset to any project team. His adaptability and proficiency make him an indispensable resource in the fast-paced world of modern technology, where he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of software development and technological innovation.

As a Tech speaker, Jay has spoken at International and local conferences such as the Dublin Tech Summit, Dublin, Ireland, in May 2025, CABSAT, SATExpo & Integrate ME 2025 conference in Dubai, UAE in May, 2025. TEMS ICT Africa conference in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2025, Moonshot by Techcabal in Lagos in 2024, 2023,2022, Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi, 2024, The freelancers summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2023, African Congress on Cyber Security in Nairobi, 2022, MWC Series in Kigali, Rwanda, 2023 among many others including webinars and hackathons and workshops

Current Roles
Software Systems Engineer at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Jay collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of engineers in leading digital transformation initiatives at Kenya's premier tax and customs revenue agency, contributing to system optimization, automation projects, and enhancing user experiences across KRA's digital platforms.

Tech Consultant, Special Projects at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

• Providing technical advisory on innovation ecosystem development across Africa
• Leading technical assessment and implementation of digital platforms to connect entrepreneurial universities continent-wide
• Developing strategic frameworks for university business incubation models
• Facilitating knowledge transfer between academic institutions and industry partners
• Designing monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress toward the one-billion-startup goal
• Collaborating with university leadership to create entrepreneurship curricula integration strategies

Jay's Core Expertise

Technical Specializations
-Full-Stack Development: Expert in modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js), Node.js, TypeScript, and comprehensive front-end technologies
- Backend Engineering: Proficient in multiple languages including C#/.NET, Java, Python, Golang, with expertise in enterprise frameworks and API development
- Mobile Development: Native iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin/Java) development, plus cross-platform solutions with Flutter
- Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS services (EC2, Lambda, S3), Docker, Kubernetes, and modern DevOps practices
- Database Technologies: Extensive experience with SQL Server, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and graph databases
- DevOps & DevSecOps: CI/CD pipelines, containerization, infrastructure as code, and security integration
- Visual Design: Adobe Creative Suite mastery (AI, AE, PS, ID, Pr), Sketch, and modern design tools

Leadership & Communication
- Public Speaking: Accomplished speaker with ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
- Visual Design: Creative problem-solving through design thinking
- Project Management: End-to-end software lifecycle management
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Stakeholder alignment and team leadership

Speaking Topics

Primary Topics
- Full-Stack Development Excellence: Modern JavaScript frameworks, API design, and scalable architecture patterns
- Cloud-Native Applications: AWS ecosystem, containerization with Docker/Kubernetes, and serverless architectures
- Mobile Development Strategy: Cross-platform development, native vs hybrid approaches, and Flutter implementation
- DevOps Transformation: CI/CD pipeline design, infrastructure automation, and team collaboration practices
- Database Architecture & Design: From SQL to NoSQL, choosing the right database for your needs
- Digital Government Services: Modernizing public sector technology and citizen-facing applications
- Visual Design in Tech: Bridging design and development for better user experiences

Secondary Topics
- Enterprise Software Development: .NET ecosystem, Java enterprise patterns, and legacy system modernization
- API Design & Integration: RESTful services, GraphQL implementation, and microservices architecture
- Testing Strategies: Comprehensive testing approaches from unit to integration testing
- Performance Optimization: Front-end performance, database tuning, and scalability planning
- Technology Leadership: Building and managing technical teams in fast-paced environments

Session Formats
- Keynote Presentations (45-60 minutes)
- Technical Deep-Dives (30-45 minutes)
- Interactive Workshops (90-120 minutes)
- Panel Discussions (30-60 minutes)
- Lightning Talks (10-15 minutes)

Jay's Technical Stack

Frontend Technologies
JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML5, CSS3, SCSS/Sass, Bootstrap, Gatsby, Stencil.js, GraphQL, Firebase

Backend & Server Technologies
Node.js, Express.js, C#/.NET Core, ASP.NET, Java/Java EE, Python/Django, Golang, PHP/Laravel, Apache, NGINX

Mobile Development
Swift (iOS), Kotlin/Java (Android), Flutter, Firebase, Android Studio, Xcode

Databases
SQL Server, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, Neo4j, CockroachDB, SQLite

Cloud & DevOps
AWS (EC2, Lambda, S3, SQS), Docker, Kubernetes, GitLab, Git, Digital Ocean, Heroku, IBM Cloud

Design & Testing
Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Jest, Jasmine, jUnit, Cucumber, Protractor

Development Tools
Visual Studio, VS Code, Android Studio, Xcode, Maven, Gradle

Speaking Experience
Accomplished public speaker with a proven track record of making complex technical concepts accessible to diverse audiences, from technical teams to executive stakeholders. Recognized industry expert with numerous accolades and awards for contributions to the technology sector.

Thinking of booking Jay?
Jay brings an exceptional combination of breadth and depth across the entire technology stack. His hands-on experience spans from frontend frameworks to cloud infrastructure, mobile development to enterprise systems. This comprehensive expertise, combined with his government sector experience and proven communication skills, makes him uniquely qualified to speak at conferences focused on:

- Full-Stack Development
- Cloud Computing & DevOps
- Mobile Application Development
- Enterprise Software Architecture
- Digital Transformation
- Government Technology
- Database Design & Architecture
- Modern JavaScript Frameworks
- Cross-Platform Development

Portfolio & Contact
Website: www.jaydwayne.com
Available for speaking engagements at technology conferences, corporate events, and educational institutions. Experienced in both in-person and virtual presentation formats.

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Bridging the gap between complex technical concepts and practical business solutions through innovative software engineering and clear communication.
Let's make it happen!

Jay is a trophy of God's grace, a conduit of rhema, saved by grace through faith.

Jay Dwayne is a highly sought-after tech specialist and dedicated public servant renowned for his exceptional skills in software and systems engineering. Following previous excellent work at the ICT Authority, under the Ministry of Information, Commu... Show more

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. In a society where fathers are often unseen or undervalued in the parenting equation, Dr. Borland aims to spark a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting fathers in their parenting roles. She is also a published author and writer, where she has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print.

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and sup... Show more

Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this role, Esmeralda leads the development of innovative digital solutions, emphasizing the integration of open-source methodologies to enhance collaboration and efficiency across government platforms.

An active member of the Drupal open-source community, Esmeralda was honored with the Women in Drupal award in 2024, recognizing her significant contributions and leadership. Her involvement in the community underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Esmeralda is board member of the Dutch Drupal Association and started the Network of European Drupal Associations.

Esmeralda’s professional journey reflects a dedication to leveraging open-source principles not only in software development but also in organizational practices. She advocates for transparent communication, collaborative decision-making, and empowering teams by harnessing individual talents. Her work exemplifies how adopting an open-source mindset can drive innovation and create more inclusive work environments.

Through her work at DICTU and active participation in the Drupal community, Esmeralda continues to influence the adoption of open-source strategies within the public sector, promoting sustainable and inclusive technological advancements.

Esmeralda delivers talks and workshops, and can act as panel leader.

Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Min... Show more

Eshan Chattaraj has his 10+ years of experience in professional industry both in Govt and private leading MNCs comprising the area of Android Development and Python Data Analytics. Eshan is also a public Speaker in where he has been invited in many prestigious oganisations and institutions like AICTE, Niser, IISER, NIT and IITs, ISI and most of the Tier 1 Colleges. Eshan is also a Research Scholar in the field of Android, ML/AI. Institutions tagged with him are like IIT, Kharagpur and The Institution of Engineers (India). Some of the Prestigious Clients he made contributions are Google, Microsoft, Wipro Tech, Capgemini, Coca-Cola, United Health, Optum, Shaadi.com, MagicBricks, Fittr etc.
He done his graduation in Computer Science Engineering and Legal background at Corporate Laws. He has given talk in prestigious organisations like IIT/IIM, IISER, NISER, ATAL, AICTE divisional, Hackathon, ISI, Atomic Research, Law Societies and GDG etc
He has been awarded and recognized from Govt of India and CID, WB

Eshan Chattaraj has his 10+ years of experience in professional industry both in Govt and private leading MNCs comprising the area of Android Development and Python Data Analytics. Eshan is also a public Speaker in where he has been invited in many p... Show more

Eric Burden is an IT Sr Consultant with NTT DATA Services, currently serving as the Data Conversion and Reporting lead for the state of Arkansas' CCWIS project. In this role, Eric blends his Social Work experience and deep technical know-how to ensure timely delivery and development of an effective child welfare information system. Prior to this, Eric worked with the United Way of the Mid-South (Memphis) on their Driving the Dream Initiative, aimed at deploying a shared client referral and database platform to break down service silos in the Memphis social service sector. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Data Reporting for Mississippi’s Department of Child Protection Services. Eric combines his technical expertise with his education in social work (MSW from Jackson State University) to engage process improvement from people to systems. On a personal note, Eric and his wife have two children (a son and a daughter) and a very spoiled dog. They enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, hiking, kayaking, playing in creeks, finding bugs, and gardening.

Eric Burden is an IT Sr Consultant with NTT DATA Services, currently serving as the Data Conversion and Reporting lead for the state of Arkansas' CCWIS project. In this role, Eric blends his Social Work experience and deep technical know-how to ensur... Show more

Armagan is the founder of Coyotiv GmbH, and is currently on a mission to bring a scalable and nimble engineering culture to startups and enterprises.

A software architect well versed in both the backend and frontend systems, he focuses on building resilient cloud systems. He loves open source and is the author of cote, a library for building microservices with Node.js, among many others. In his free time, he loves to hack stuff with JavaScript, ranging from musical gadgets to brain signals processing.

Armagan is a public speaker, a mentor and a lecturer. He also leads Lonca, a software craftspersonship school for women engineers, and teaches JavaScript at Coyotiv School of Software Engineering.

Armagan is the founder of Coyotiv GmbH, and is currently on a mission to bring a scalable and nimble engineering culture to startups and enterprises. A software architect well versed in both the backend and frontend systems, he focuses on building... Show more

Jen Kramer has been teaching & practicing web design for over 20 years. Most recently, she is a Lecturer at Harvard University Extension School in the Master's of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design program, where she teaches five courses per year on front-end web development. She's also a prolific video author, creating over 40 training courses for LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com, Frontend Masters, O'Reilly Media, and others. She earned her MS in Internet Strategy Management from Marlboro College.

Jen Kramer has been teaching & practicing web design for over 20 years. Most recently, she is a Lecturer at Harvard University Extension School in the Master's of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design program, where she teaches five courses per year o... Show more

Johnnie L. Brown is a dynamic educator and thought leader with over 30 years of experience transforming educational spaces from the classroom to the district level. As the former Program Coordinator for PVU Teach, adjunct faculty in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University and now Interim Chair for Simmons College of Kentucky Teacher Education Program, Professor Brown brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on leadership. Her career spans roles as a school principal, senior program specialist, master teacher, and adjunct faculty member, with expertise in curriculum development, family engagement, and teacher training. She has developed family literacy models nationwide and led initiatives that have significantly improved student outcomes and community involvement.
Professor Brown is a passionate advocate for equity in education and has been honored with numerous awards, including the WRGCOE Staff and Administration Excellence Award and recognition from New Orleans Public Schools for Leadership in Family Literacy. Whether she’s leading workshops, delivering keynotes, or mentoring future educators, she inspires audiences with her commitment to student success, student responsive teaching, and transformative leadership.

Johnnie L. Brown is a dynamic educator and thought leader with over 30 years of experience transforming educational spaces from the classroom to the district level. As the former Program Coordinator for PVU Teach, adjunct faculty in Educational Leade... Show more

Dr. Ambar J. Saleh-Cipolloni is a professor at Sarasota University, where she serves as Chair of the Doctoral Dissertation Program and teaches in the distance Doctor of Education program. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and academic leader dedicated to advancing excellence in higher education, Montessori education, and teacher preparation.
Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni is the founder and owner of Montessori Global Academy, located in Ormond Beach, Florida. The academy serves students from infancy through secondary education and is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) as well as nationally accredited. Through her leadership, the school promotes academic excellence, global citizenship, and authentic Montessori practices.

She is also the founder and owner of the Montessori Global Teacher Education Institute (MGTEI), a higher education institution accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Through MGTEI, she prepares and mentors future Montessori educators and leaders dedicated to serving children and families around the world.
Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni holds Montessori teaching certifications for the infant and toddler (0–3), early childhood (3–6), lower elementary (6–9), and upper elementary (9–12) levels. She is currently completing her Montessori Secondary certification, further expanding her expertise across the full continuum of Montessori education.
In addition to her Montessori credentials, Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Psychology and a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.

Her extensive experience as a university professor, educational administrator, accreditation consultant, and school leader in the United States provides her with a unique multicultural perspective and a strong foundation in educational leadership. She has worked with Montessori and non-Montessori schools, teacher education programs, colleges, and universities, supporting institutional growth, accreditation, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Above all, Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni is committed to empowering educators, supporting student success, and advancing educational innovation. She is also the proud mother of four successful young adult professionals, whose accomplishments continue to inspire her commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Dr. Ambar J. Saleh-Cipolloni is a professor at Sarasota University, where she serves as Chair of the Doctoral Dissertation Program and teaches in the distance Doctor of Education program. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and academic leade... Show more

Merav Mofaz is part of the fast-track PhD program for excellent students in Tel Aviv University, conducting a study that deals with continuous monitoring and early detection of health and wellbeing related events using smartphones and smartwatches. Merav is an excellence award-winning lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering. In addition, she works as data scientist in Microsoft Education group where she develops advanced models for personalized learning and diagnosing at-risk students.

Merav Mofaz is part of the fast-track PhD program for excellent students in Tel Aviv University, conducting a study that deals with continuous monitoring and early detection of health and wellbeing related events using smartphones and smartwatches. M... Show more

Inspired by the celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week in the USA and the UK, the PAW Germany Coordination Team, consisting of coordinators from Hanover and Munich, played a key role in launching PAW Germany in 2022, a nationwide initiative to celebrate the incredible work of postdocs. By bringing together researchers, research institutions, postdoc coordinators and research administrators from across Germany, the PAW Coordination Team helps to create a special program of events and a social media campaign each year to celebrate the contribution of postdocs to research and academic life, and to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany aims to recognise and empower postdocs to excel in their careers, drive scientific progress, make meaningful contributions to their fields, and ultimately shape a better future for science and society.

Inspired by the celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week in the USA and the UK, the PAW Germany Coordination Team, consisting of coordinators from Hanover and Munich, played a key role in launching PAW Germany in 2022, a nationwide initiative to cele... Show more

A 25 year veteran of information security, Tony Rice has automated audit evidence gathering and reporting along with vulnerability management across on-prem, cloud, and lab environments for Cisco's public and private sector customers. Outside of information security, Tony helps hundreds of broadcast meteorologists around the country improve science communications and is active in STEM education leading judging for the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair.

A 25 year veteran of information security, Tony Rice has automated audit evidence gathering and reporting along with vulnerability management across on-prem, cloud, and lab environments for Cisco's public and private sector customers. Outside of info... Show more

Dr. Jeremy Schenk is the Associate Vice President for Operations and Services in the Division of Student Affairs at Northwestern University. Jeremy oversees Student Affairs Administration and Finance, Assessment and Planning, the Norris University Center, Division Services (including Marketing, Dining, IT, Special Projects, and Safe Ride), division vendor contracts, and division facilities. He received a bachelor’s in social work, master’s in education administration and foundation, and his doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis. Jeremy’s dissertation explored the relationships between departmental leadership and the engagement, job satisfaction, skill development, and retention to the field of new professionals in Student Affairs.

Prior to his current position, Dr. Schenk served as the Executive Director of the Norris University Center at Northwestern University, Director of the University Commons and Activities Office at Virginia Commonwealth University; the Associate Director of the Plaster Student Union and Director of the Office of Student Engagement at Missouri State University, Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Programming at Illinois State University, and a Residence Hall Director at Illinois State University.

Dr. Schenk has served in a variety of volunteer roles within the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) including President Elect, President, and Past President. He has also served two terms as an At Large Member on the Board of Trustees, has led the processes for the development of the 2016, 2019, and 2021 ACUI strategic plans, and is a recipient of the ACUI Presidential Award for Distinguished Service. Jeremy’s research focus is community and space design, customer service, team development, strengths based leadership, transformational leadership, supervision, strategic planning, organizational health, organizational change and transition management, and has served on several university external review teams.

Dr. Jeremy Schenk is the Associate Vice President for Operations and Services in the Division of Student Affairs at Northwestern University. Jeremy oversees Student Affairs Administration and Finance, Assessment and Planning, the Norris University Ce... 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

As a technical leader at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific—a vital arm of the Department of the Navy dedicated to delivering innovative technology for U.S. and allied military operations— Andy Tran specializes in the intersection of advanced communications and cybersecurity.

Andy Tran spearheaded the research, development, and deployment of 5G cellular systems across the Navy and Marine Corps, specifically enhancing communications capabilities at the tactical edge of the battlefield. Beyond deployment, they have conducted rigorous analysis on the vulnerabilities of emerging wireless technologies to ensure that security frameworks and specifications remain robust against evolving threats. Committed to operational efficiency, [Your Name] also developed critical automation tools to streamline the upgrading of networking systems, allowing infrastructure to adapt seamlessly to new requirements and evolving military needs.

As a technical leader at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific—a vital arm of the Department of the Navy dedicated to delivering innovative technology for U.S. and allied military operations— Andy Tran specializes in the intersection of advanc... Show more

Portia Richardson is a transformational leadership and education speaker, social impact strategist, educator, and founder who helps leaders and educators lead well, strengthen culture, and create meaningful impact without losing themselves in the process.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Tumaini DC, Portia brings more than 15 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development. Her work has reached thousands of students, educators, and leaders across the U.S. and globally, with a focus on developing people, strengthening school and organizational culture, and creating environments where people can thrive.

Portia speaks at the intersection of transformational and servant leadership, educator wellness, school climate and culture, social-emotional learning, purpose, and sustainable impact. She brings the perspective of someone who has been in the classroom, built organizations, led teams, coached leaders, and worked alongside communities.

Her style is honest, relatable, practical, and rooted in real experience. Whether speaking to educators, school and district leaders, executives, or social impact organizations, Portia challenges people to think beyond what they accomplish and pay attention to how they lead, how people experience their leadership, and the culture they create along the way.

Her core belief is simple: We transform organizations and communities by first transforming the way we lead and care for people—including ourselves.

Portia Richardson is a transformational leadership and education speaker, social impact strategist, educator, and founder who helps leaders and educators lead well, strengthen culture, and create meaningful impact without losing themselves in the pro... Show more

Steve Johnson, MSc, CISSP, C|CISO
Steve earned his MSc in Cybersecurity from Essex University in Colchester, England, following a career in the U.S. Army as a Communications Security Specialist. He has over 20 years of experience in the design of large-scale intelligent transportation systems, including 7 years as the program manager and principal investigator for a USDOT research project on Connected Vehicle technology.

Steve currently leads cybersecurity design and consulting services for several state DoTs, transit rail operators, and aviation facilities. He also leads cybersecurity design projects for the Department of War pertaining to building management systems, access control, anti-terrorism standards, and other facility protection systems.
He is a Professional Associate at HDR, a global A&E firm.

Steve Johnson, MSc, CISSP, C|CISO Steve earned his MSc in Cybersecurity from Essex University in Colchester, England, following a career in the U.S. Army as a Communications Security Specialist. He has over 20 years of experience in the design of la... Show more

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at the Kolping University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Affairs.

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at... Show more

Participants will leave with:
Strategies to maintain motivation and enthusiasm as educators.
Insights into why game mechanics are so engaging.
Practical, classroom-ready gamification techniques that work across age groups.
Simple ideas to help students become active, resilient, and motivated learners.

Participants will leave with: Strategies to maintain motivation and enthusiasm as educators. Insights into why game mechanics are so engaging. Practical, classroom-ready gamification techniques that work across age groups. Simple ideas to help st... Show more

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institutions nationwide.

Sarah is best known for work that pioneers actionable strategies in a quickly evolving marketing landscape. She developed Signal Engineering, a framework for making brands legible to AI systems.

Sarah builds teams as well as strategies. She has designed and built the multi-agent AI infrastructure her teams use for market research, search intelligence, and content production, and established EducationDynamics' center of excellence for performance marketing.

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institut... Show more

Hillary Makori Bsc. Software Engineering , Freelance Software Engineer, Technology Consultant, and Founder of Software Consultants a digital solutions company dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, innovation, and service delivery.
With expertise spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Engineering, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data-Driven Solutions, and Digital Transformation, Hillary specializes in designing and implementing smart technology solutions that solve real-world challenges across multiple industries.
Through Software Consultants, Hillary works with schools, universities, hospitals, banks, businesses, and community organizations to develop and deploy modern digital systems that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and create sustainable growth. His solutions include school management systems, hospital information systems, banking and financial technology solutions, inventory and accounting platforms, customer management systems, workflow automation tools, and customized enterprise software applications.
Passionate about the future of intelligent technology, Hillary champions the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to transform the way organizations operate. He helps institutions integrate AI into their daily workflows through AI-powered automation, intelligent data analysis, prompt engineering, digital assistants, and responsible technology adoption strategies that enhance human potential.
His technical expertise includes building cloud-based applications, scalable software platforms, web and mobile applications, database management systems, enterprise solutions, and secure digital infrastructures that support organizations in becoming more agile, connected, and future-ready.
Hillary is known for simplifying complex technological concepts and transforming them into practical solutions that audiences can immediately apply. His sessions combine real-world case studies, live demonstrations, interactive learning, and hands-on experiences, empowering professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders with the knowledge needed to thrive in the digital era.
Beyond software development, Hillary is passionate about using technology as a tool for social impact ; empowering institutions, businesses, and communities through innovation, automation, and accessible digital solutions.
His vision is simple: to bridge the gap between technology and people by creating intelligent systems that make organizations smarter, faster, and ready for the future.

Hillary Makori Bsc. Software Engineering , Freelance Software Engineer, Technology Consultant, and Founder of Software Consultants a digital solutions company dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, innovation,... Show more

Katia Reed is an AI Literacy Lead, EAL Coordinator, and Mandarin Teacher at North American International School in Dubai, where she designs and delivers the school's AI Literacy curriculum for secondary students across Grades 6 to 12. She is a member of the UAE AI Think Tank and a recognised UAE AI Changemaker.
Katia has facilitated sold-out workshops on custom AI tools and PBL with AI at the Common Core Virtual Boot Camp, drawing over 80 attendees per session, and delivered a fully booked session at the Dubai Teaching Conference.
She builds and deploys classroom-facing and school-wide platforms using vibe coding tools, including a digital escape room series on AI ethics, a streamlined whole-school lesson planning workflow powered by AI, a whole-school EAL assessment platform, a distance learning platform for teachers, and a suite of leadership and administration tools built entirely without traditional coding. Her work sits at the intersection of AI literacy, inclusive pedagogy, and practical school leadership.
She is the developer of the AI Ethics Escape Trails platform and shares open-access tools and classroom AI practice with a growing educator audience on LinkedIn.

Katia Reed is an AI Literacy Lead, EAL Coordinator, and Mandarin Teacher at North American International School in Dubai, where she designs and delivers the school's AI Literacy curriculum for secondary students across Grades 6 to 12. She is a member... Show more

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a tech diplomat and statesman, he works at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital governance, and youth empowerment. His work bridges technical cybersecurity expertise with practical policy design, always advocating for ethical, sovereign, and inclusive digital futures. The role of young Africans in shaping the continent's technology agenda.

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a... Show more

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she specializes in workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, de-escalation strategies, and employee wellness.

Kelsey helps organizations identify concerning behaviors before they escalate into violence, develop practical prevention strategies, and create safer environments for employees, customers, and stakeholders. Her presentations combine real-world experience, behavioral science, and actionable de-escalation tools that audiences can immediately apply in the workplace.

She has delivered training to construction, corporate, educational, and community audiences on topics including workplace violence prevention, behavioral indicators of risk, conflict de-escalation, and resilience through mindfulness practices.

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she ... Show more

I am a logistics professional and project manager committed to Internet governance, digital inclusion, and capacity building in Africa. As the Organizational Secretary for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Côte d’Ivoire, I help coordinate multistakeholder initiatives that bring together various stakeholders to address digital issues. I also participate in projects led by House of Africa Côte d’Ivoire and civil society organizations, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence governance, digital rights, innovation, youth empowerment, and digital transformation. Drawing on my experience in project management and stakeholder engagement, I am committed to promoting inclusive digital policies and strengthening cooperation for sustainable digital development in Africa.

I am a logistics professional and project manager committed to Internet governance, digital inclusion, and capacity building in Africa. As the Organizational Secretary for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Côte d’Ivoire, I help coordinate multis... Show more

Dr. Khloud Khalid is the Head of the Department of Design at the European University in the UAE -RAK Campus, bringing over a decade of comprehensive experience as both an academic and an industry professional. As a licensed, award-winning architect, BIM manager, Design Lead, and Experiential Design Consultant holding a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urbanism, her expertise spans advanced digital modeling workflows, sustainable spatial planning, and pedagogical innovation, as evidenced by her extensive research publications. She has actively participated in international conferences and workshops, serving as an invited lecturer in universities across more than ten countries including the UAE, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Philippines, and wider Europe while continuously advancing academic quality through her roles as a juror, supervisor, and peer reviewer.

Dr. Khloud Khalid is the Head of the Department of Design at the European University in the UAE -RAK Campus, bringing over a decade of comprehensive experience as both an academic and an industry professional. As a licensed, award-winning architect, ... 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

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, features, and infrastructure are not only high-quality but also valuable to individuals, businesses, and communities. David’s expertise includes DevOps, user experience (UX), service design, and accessibility. These skills enable him to enhance transparency, increase productivity, deliver value, and boost customer engagement.

David holds an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University and is a certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) by Rutgers/PTI. He actively participates in several professional organizations: the Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI), the Government Management Information Science (GMIS), and the Service Design in Government Community of Practice. Additionally, he has served as a mentor in the General Services Administration (GSA) User Experience Community of Practice.

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, f... Show more

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, including limited infrastructure, incomplete datasets and strict cost ceilings.

He has led the development of data-driven and cloud-based solutions ranging from high-concurrency web platforms to machine learning systems tailored for smallholder agriculture. His recent work explores practical approaches to model design, system resilience and translating complex technical outputs into usable insights for non-technical users.

Mark is particularly interested in how architectural decisions change when constraints are treated as requirements rather than limitations.

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, inc... Show more