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

Anu Ranade

Anu Ranade

I am an Associate Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, with over thirty years of experience in medical education and academic leadership. I hold a Ph.D. in Anatomy from Manipal University, India, and specialize in clinical anatomy, reproductive biology, and molecular pathology. I teach across medical, dental, pharmacy, and allied health programs and serve as Course Chair, Unit Coordinator, and Lead Faculty within the integrated MBBS curriculum. I am a highly published researcher and a recipient of multiple awards for academic and teaching excellence.
In addition to my academic responsibilities, I provide leadership in community engagement and sustainability initiatives. I lead the LEAF (Linking Education and Farming) initiative at the University of Sharjah and spearhead multidisciplinary projects focused on food‑waste composting, plastic recycling, organic farming, and zero‑waste campus practices. Through these initiatives, I facilitate experiential learning and have trained many students in applied sustainability and environmental stewardship. Notably, I guide the first successful cultivation of black wheat in the UAE, contributing to national food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Through sustained collaborations with governmental organizations, non‑governmental agencies, and community outreach programs, I continue to advance sustainability education, social responsibility, and environmental awareness within the University of Sharjah and the wider community.

I am an Associate Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, with over thirty years of experience in medical education and academic leadership. I hold a Ph.D. in Anatomy from Manipal University, India, an... Show more

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz é Analista Judiciário no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 23ª Região, em Cuiabá-MT, onde atua desde 2012. Atualmente ocupa o cargo de Secretário de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação e Coordenador do Grupo de Secretários de TIC da Justiça do Trabalho. É pós graduado em Informática Voltada à Negócios, possui MBA em Gestão Empresarial, MBA em Marketing e MBA em Finanças e Auditoria, além de ser autor de sete livros.

Eduardo Bellincanta Ortiz é Analista Judiciário no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 23ª Região, em Cuiabá-MT, onde atua desde 2012. Atualmente ocupa o cargo de Secretário de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação e Coordenador do Grupo de Secretários... Show more

Amanda Brock

Amanda Brock

Amanda Brock is CEO of OpenUK and has built one of the most recognised and impactful organisations in open source. She is also the Executive Producer of State of Open Con 25 taking place 4 - 5 February 2025 in London having founded and produced the ‘23 and ‘24 events building to over 800 attendees, and over 200 speakers.

A lawyer with 25 years’ experience, 5 as GC of Canonical, she’s been instrumental in shaping open source’s legal frameworks, as she was in shaping internet law during the early 2000’s.
Regularly contributing to tech press, she edited “Open Source: Law, Policy and Practice”, (2022).

Amanda is a sought-after and contagious international keynote speaker, speaking at tech events and international events like COP29 on topics from open source software to AI. A regular contributor to the tech press across a wider range of areas, Amanda is the editor of Open Source Law, Policy and Practice (2nd edition) published by Oxford University Press in October ‘22, with open access thanks to the Vietsch Foundation https://amandabrock.com/books

Current Advisory: UK Cabinet Office Open Standards Board; UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure; UKRI Exascale; KDE; commercial boards – Mimoto, Scarf, FerretDB and Space Aye; and is Fellow Open Forum Academy; Distinguished Fellow Rust Foundation; European Representative, OIN.

Past Advisory includes: Chair, UN Technology and Innovation Labs Open Source and IP Advisory Group’; OASIS Open Projects Initiative; British Computer Society Inaugural Influence Board; UK Government Energy Sector Digitalisation Task Force; elected Board Member Open Source Initiative; and Commercial Advisory Boards at Beamery and Everseen.

Recognition: Computer Weekly’s 50 Most Influential Women in UK TechC(2023, 2024) listed as #20 in 2024; Computing IT Leaders 100 (2023, 2024); ‘ INvolve HERoes list “(2023, 2024); “Women Who Will”, Changemaker (2023); INvolve Heroes (2022, 2023); and Novi Awards Advocate for Change in Gender Equality Honouree (2024); Ambassador Open Charge Alliance. Amanda was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Women, Influence & Power in Law UK 2022.

Judging: IDG Foundry CIO 100 2023, 2024); and Senior Judge, First Enable Role Model List by Dow (2024) having been a Judge in the We are Tech Women Rising Star Awards in (2021, 2022).

linkedin.com/in/amandabrocktech
@amandabrockUK
@openuk_uk
https://openuk.uk
https://amandabrock.com/

Amanda Brock is CEO of OpenUK and has built one of the most recognised and impactful organisations in open source. She is also the Executive Producer of State of Open Con 25 taking place 4 - 5 February 2025 in London having founded and produced the ‘... Show more

Patricia Gosch

Patricia Gosch

My work is shaped by professional experience and lived reality.

A career in law enforcement and public service has included leading programs focused on community safety, supporting missing persons investigations, and working in close partnership with Tribal communities across Washington State. That work has revealed gaps that often exist between systems and the communities served—and the critical role of trust built through consistency, respect, and accountability.

Connection to this work is also deeply personal.

Previously a foster parent, having an extended kinship network, and a descendant of a federal Indian boarding school survivor, bringing a perspective shaped by lived experience and a deep understanding of loss, resilience, and the lasting impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma. These experiences inform relationship-building, listening, and engagement—with a strong commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.

Work alongside Tribal leaders, advocates, and partner agencies has supported efforts addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP), with a focus on strengthening collaboration and improving system responses.

At the core of my work is a belief that meaningful change happens at the intersection of relationships, accountability, and action. Focus remains on building trust and creating solutions informed by the voices and experiences of those most impacted.

My work is shaped by professional experience and lived reality. A career in law enforcement and public service has included leading programs focused on community safety, supporting missing persons investigations, and working in close partnership w... Show more

Sabrina Baes

Sabrina Baes

Especialista em Gestão de Pessoas, Liderança e Carreiras | Analista comportamental PI®️ | Professional OKR Coach e OKR Master | Palestrante e Escritora | Criadora de conteúdo | Host do NovoCast podcast| Meia maratonista | Esposa e mãe de 3 | Servidora publica há 16 anos e atualmente como Diretora de Planejamento e Gestão

Especialista em Gestão de Pessoas, Liderança e Carreiras | Analista comportamental PI®️ | Professional OKR Coach e OKR Master | Palestrante e Escritora | Criadora de conteúdo | Host do NovoCast podcast| Meia maratonista | Esposa e mãe de 3 | Servidor... Show more

Audrey Long

Audrey Long

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling and evaluating security in architecture. Her expertise extends to implementing robust security practices that safeguard digital landscapes.
Passionate about making security accessible, Audrey is dedicated to empowering software engineers and inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM. She holds a DoD secret clearance and a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security from Johns Hopkins. Additionally, Audrey is a proud ambassador for Google's Women Techmakers program, championing diversity and inclusion in tech.
As an international speaker, Audrey has shared her insights and expertise at conferences and events around the world, inspiring audiences with her knowledge and passion for cybersecurity.

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling a... Show more

Ashley Carpenter

Ashley Carpenter

Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter is a scholar and leader in the field of gifted education, currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Professional Development and Publications at the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary. Her work is defined by a commitment to equity and excellence, focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and classroom practice. Her leadership in the field was recently recognized with the prestigious 2024 Early Leader Award from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), honoring her significant contributions to the growth and development of gifted and talented children.
Dr. Carpenter’s expertise lies at the intersection of underserved gifted populations, twice-exceptional (2e) learners, and the impact of socioeconomic status on talent development. At CFGE, she spearheads national and international professional development initiatives, training educators to implement research-based curricula and inclusive identification practices. She also serves as a key researcher for Project BUMP UP, a federally funded Javits grant focused on increasing math proficiency for high-potential students in high-poverty schools.
A former middle school teacher for 14 years, Dr. Carpenter brings a practical, practitioner-oriented lens to her work. She is a frequent speaker at local and national conferences, where she advocates for the "hidden" gifted student. Through her various roles, Dr. Carpenter continues to foster educational environments where diverse talents are not only recognized but meticulously nurtured.

Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter is a scholar and leader in the field of gifted education, currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Professional Development and Publications at the Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William &... Show more

Seema Sidhu, Ed.D.

Seema Sidhu, Ed.D.

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the strategic "braiding" of millions in state and federal programs to move the needle on equity and justice. A former English teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, her career is defined by a refusal to accept the status quo of top-down governance. Dr. Sidhu is recognized for bringing innovation to compliance, dismantling administrative silos to institutionalize authentic democratic school governance. Her leadership in operationalizing the "Voice to Action" Equity Transformation Cycle has resulted in historic academic gains for English Learners and at-promise youth. A recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award from the California State Senate, Dr. Sidhu is a sought-after speaker on AI implementation, strategic planning, and the power of shared leadership. She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne and is dedicated to equipping leaders with the tools to transform school systems and level up through student voice and agency.

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the str... Show more

Giselle Cunanan

Giselle Cunanan

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of student activism and key grassroots community organizations. Her current work documents the legislative and political battles that threaten academic freedom and critical pedagogy. She maintains a scholarly focus on U.S.-based Filipinxs and their organizing history in the long struggle for Ethnic Studies curriculum.

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of s... Show more

Katrina Johnson

Katrina Johnson

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2010 with the mission: “Giving Everyone A New Start.” Horizon Outreach provides employment, workforce development, reentry services, housing assistance, and fatherhood/parenting education to strengthen families and support economic mobility.

Ms. Johnson is a United States Air Force Veteran and a 2008 Executive MBA graduate of Auburn University. She has over 35 years of combined corporate and nonprofit experience, including overseeing $320 million in corporate finance portfolios and leading high-quality fatherhood programming. She is a sought-after keynote speaker for college commencement ceremonies and local graduations throughout the Houston region, delivering motivational messages that inspire future leaders.

Ms. Johnson has over 35 years of combined corporate and nonprofit experience, overseeing $320 million in corporate accounts and leading high-quality fatherhood programming. Under her leadership, Horizon Outreach has secured and successfully managed more than $15 million in federal and private funding, serving over 12,500 families and individuals, including more than 9,000 fathers and 3,500 veterans. She has also been sought out by federal grantors to provide technical assistance to other grantees to strengthen workforce development programming.

Horizon Outreach provides reentry services and workforce development support to fathers throughout the Houston area. Horizon Outreach provides fathers in Houston, Texas with a “New Start” through fatherhood education, workforce training, and industry-recognized credentials—including Forklift, Flagger, Commercial Truck Driving, and TWIC—supporting sustainable employment and strengthening long-term family stability.

Horizon Outreach has been recognized for reducing recidivism among reentry fathers, reducing homelessness among veteran families, and increasing access to permanent affordable housing for vulnerable populations. Accolades include a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, two City of Houston designations (Horizon Eagle Day & Horizon Outreach Day), and Mayoral recognition for reducing veteran homelessness. Nationally, Horizon Outreach received the “Earkle Award” for Elevated Session Attendance.

Ms. Johnson has also served as Team Captain for Houston’s Annual Homeless Count, supervising over 500 volunteers to identify and provide resource access to homeless veterans, families, and children. She enjoys serving others, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA Founder & Chief Executive Officer Horizon Outreach Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2010 with the mission: “Giving Everyone A... Show more

Emilie Cook

Emilie Cook

Emilie Cook joined Every Learner Everywhere in April 2021 and is currently the senior manager, content, community and digital engagement. In her role, Emilie manages content, internal and external communications, marketing and network partner engagement and collaboration. She also maintains Every Learner’s Resource Library and leads Every Learner’s Student Intern Program. With over 15 years of marketing, content and community engagement experience, she brings vast knowledge and expertise with a steadfast commitment to evidence-based teaching practices and digital learning to improve student outcomes in higher education. Recently, Emilie served as an adjunct instructor for the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business, where she taught marketing and implemented adaptive courseware. Emilie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Dickinson College, and a Master of Science in Marketing from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School.

Emilie Cook joined Every Learner Everywhere in April 2021 and is currently the senior manager, content, community and digital engagement. In her role, Emilie manages content, internal and external communications, marketing and network partner engagem... Show more

Hassan Tejan Mansaray

Hassan Tejan Mansaray

Hassan is a PhD researcher in Economics and Finance at Cranfield University School of Management, with a strong background in Development Economics and International Development. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting (2.1) from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, and an MSc in International Finance and Economics from Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.

With over 10 years of experience, including more than eight years in advisory roles, Hassan has worked extensively in International Development, Research and Policy, and Development Programme Management across Africa and Europe. He has held both permanent and consultancy positions with leading organizations such as the World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, European Commission, European Central Bank, and the World Bank Group.

His work in Africa has focused on Sustainable Development, Host Government Support, Emergency Operations, and designing programme interventions that drive meaningful outcomes.

Hassan is a Certified PRINCE2® Project Management Professional and a member of the American Finance Association and the London Fiscal Institute.

Hassan is a PhD researcher in Economics and Finance at Cranfield University School of Management, with a strong background in Development Economics and International Development. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting (2.1) from the Institute of... Show more

Peter Kipkosgei

Peter Kipkosgei

Peter Kipkosgei is a Senior Technical Trainer with Kenya’s Ministry of Education – State Department of TVET, where he has been training and mentoring the next generation of geospatial and surveying professionals since 2021. He specializes in delivering competency-based training in surveying, mapping, planning, GIS and remote sensing, while also setting and marking national examinations.
Beyond the classroom, Peter is an accomplished Environmental and GIS Specialist with extensive experience in spatial data analysis, geodatabase design, land use mapping, remote sensing, and environmental projects. He has worked across private sector, consultancy, and climate-focused initiatives, including project management, technical operations oversight, and capacity building.
He is an all-rounded professional who values teamwork, strategic planning, and disciplined time management. He bridges technical expertise with practical training to strengthen Kenya’s human capital in the geospatial and environmental sectors.

Peter Kipkosgei is a Senior Technical Trainer with Kenya’s Ministry of Education – State Department of TVET, where he has been training and mentoring the next generation of geospatial and surveying professionals since 2021. He specializes in deliveri... Show more

Ryan Chung

Ryan Chung

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

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

Giorgio Caridi

Giorgio Caridi

Seasoned professional with expertise in communication, PR, innovation, China and Italy

Seasoned professional with expertise in communication, PR, innovation, China and Italy Show more

Patrick C Burke

Patrick C Burke

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team of student leaders and employees. Patrick leads daily operations for high‑impact campus events, manages multimillion‑dollar budgets, directs technology & equipment upgrades, and implements the S.E.E.D. Student Development Curriculum, fostering meaningful student growth aligned with University Objectives & Values.

Patrick is a higher education leader known for elevating student experiences, strengthening operational excellence, and delivering seamless event and facility logistics. With more than a decade of progressive leadership across student affairs, event management, and residential education, he brings a holistic, people‑centered approach to developing teams, optimizing systems, and creating environments where students and staff thrive.

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team ... Show more

Moiz Penkar

Moiz Penkar

Moiz feels the Internet can be more mindful and friendlier to not just the end-users but also the developers and adopt more lean principles. He has worked in various roles including front-end development, product management, consulting, research (in Human-Computer Interaction), and teaching.

He also organises the monthly TED-Style Talks and, if he has any free time left, enjoys some photography, badminton, and squash. You can watch a demo of his PhD thesis prototype at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzyYsQoKb-k

Moiz feels the Internet can be more mindful and friendlier to not just the end-users but also the developers and adopt more lean principles. He has worked in various roles including front-end development, product management, consulting, research (in ... Show more

Racquel Pinto

Racquel Pinto

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

Saikumar Swarnapudi

Saikumar Swarnapudi

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems.

My journey blends hands-on engineering with a love for sharing knowledge. As a community leader, I’ve had the privilege of delivering sessions, leading hackathons, and mentoring students and developers across India. I’ve also been part of organizing flagship events like Google I/O Extended, DevFest, Azure AI Influencer Day, and the IEEE CIS Summer School.

I actively contribute to communities through leadership roles in Google Developer Groups, IEEE, and more, believing strongly in the power of collaboration, mentorship, and building inclusive tech ecosystems.

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems. My journey blends hands... Show more

Dane Maddams

Dane Maddams

Dane Maddams, named one of Amplitude’s Product 50 leaders, is a Director of Product at Culture Amp specialising in HR tech. He operates at the intersection of product strategy and organisational psychology, leveraging 1.5 billion data points on workplace engagement to design systems where performance and people thrive together. Known for cutting through jargon and telling it like it is, Dane leaves audiences with practical frameworks, sharper thinking, and the confidence to lead with both ambition and empathy.

Dane Maddams, named one of Amplitude’s Product 50 leaders, is a Director of Product at Culture Amp specialising in HR tech. He operates at the intersection of product strategy and organisational psychology, leveraging 1.5 billion data points on workp... Show more

Alida Laney

Alida Laney

Alida is a Data Engineer for the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about service, especially within her city, and is always excited to talk about the intersections of data, local government, and change-making.

Alida is a Data Engineer for the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about service, especially within her city, and is always excited to talk about the intersections of data, local government, and change-making. Show more

Obed de Jesús Olivares Guarneros

Obed de Jesús Olivares Guarneros

(1). Licenciatura en Estudios Internacionales por la Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, España.

(2). Diplomado de Postgrado en Comunicación en TV, por la Facultad de Comunicación y el Departamento de Postgrado de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona UAB.

(3). Maestría Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Justicia Penal Internacional (DIH), L'Institut International de Postgrau UOC / Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja CICR / Barcelona, España.

(4) Maestría en Derecho Penal Internacional, Escuela de Postgrados, Universidad de Granada - España.

* * Líneas de Investigación: Bienes Culturales Protegidos por el Derecho Internacional; Derecho de los Refugiados; México como Miembro en la Corte Penal Internacional.

*** Derecho Espacial Internacional.

(1). Licenciatura en Estudios Internacionales por la Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, España. (2). Diplomado de Postgrado en Comunicación en TV, por la Facultad de Comunicación y el Departamento de Postgrado de la Universidad Autónoma de Bar... Show more

Christopher Bohn

Christopher Bohn

Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in computer engineering from AFIT, and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. Dr. Bohn is the author of Programming at the Hardware/Software Interface, published by Great River Learning.

Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in co... Show more

Aashima Lakhanpal

Aashima Lakhanpal

After a decade of selling Tech/AI powered search across countries & working with teams globally I am now on a mission to inspire people to “relate”. Never before have humans faced an empathy deficit as grave as today. Imagine a world where AI inherits your biases and empathy deficit. Aashima simplifies her journey as an AI educator to help you understand what AI can do for you. My Master's in human resources and a degree in Journalism helps with group exercises that inspire teams of all sizes to relate better and become AI champions!

After a decade of selling Tech/AI powered search across countries & working with teams globally I am now on a mission to inspire people to “relate”. Never before have humans faced an empathy deficit as grave as today. Imagine a world where AI inherit... Show more

Canberk Genç

Canberk Genç

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agriculture. After witnessing environmental challenges and participating in group studies in the EU Commission he founded Rural PM: Incubation & Management Academy in 2016. His goal is to help strengthen management practices in agri food systems, promoting value creation in a simple and regenerative way.

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agricultu... Show more

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safety.

To support refugee and low income communities to access quality education and advanced technology in Africa, Justin has founded an organisation named Up With Africa based in Uganda.

About his work engagement, Justin has worked as a Research Enumerator with the University of Oxford - Refugee Study Center on a Refugee Economy Study in Uganda in 2018, where he successfully conducted interviews with 123 adult refugees from different slums and households.

Justin has also worked on many projects with the University of Toronto (for 6 years) in Uganda such as: refugees reproductive health, stress management and Virtual Reality as an mental health intervention, managing communication from online systems to refugees' WhatsApp massaging as part of the study.

Additionally, Justin has worked in refugee settlements in Uganda like Nakivale, Kyaka II, Bidibidi and Kiryandongo where he supported the creation of ICT, Entrepreneurship and Conflicts Resolution online course contents for refugees to learn remotely.

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safet... Show more

Jaly Badiane

Jaly Badiane

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

Zakaria Sawadogo

Zakaria Sawadogo

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Esperanza

Peter Esperanza

Dr. Peter Esperanza is a mathematics professor at Barstow Community College and an experienced online educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. He is also the creator of the Numberbender educational platform and a YouTube content creator with over half a million followers across social media, recognized with the YouTube Silver Play Button. His work focuses on flipped learning, video-based instruction, and technology-enhanced teaching strategies that strengthen engagement and equity in online learning. Dr. Esperanza has presented nationally and internationally on best practices in content creation, distance learning innovation, and effective digital pedagogy, helping educators design engaging online instruction that prioritizes student connection and learning.

Dr. Peter Esperanza is a mathematics professor at Barstow Community College and an experienced online educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. He is also the creator of the Numberbender educational platform and a YouTube content creator wi... Show more

Adam Maruyama

Adam Maruyama

Adam Maruyama translates complex technological and risk concepts into stories that move markets. As a Field CTO, evangelist, and advisor, he helps organizations position AI and cybersecurity in ways that resonate with technical teams, business leaders, and government stakeholders alike. He leads customer and internal teams to improve their performance through clear communication, alignment on shared goals, and agile execution.

Adam's career spans two decades bridging technical depth and strategic communication—from cyber operations and national strategy development to customer success leadership at Palo Alto Networks, management consulting at McKinsey, and Field CTO roles driving go-to-market for emerging security technologies. That experience taught him two consistent lessons: breakthrough technology fails without clear articulation of its value, and innovations will be subverted without a deliberate, secure by design approach.

Adam is a recognized thought leader in cybersecurity, AI, and their geopolitical implications. He has been a speaker at high-profile conferences including RSAC, the Security Week ICS Security Summit, and MilCIS, and his analysis has appeared in dozens of publications, including Dark Reading, Forbes, The Cipher Brief, and Federal News Network.

Adam Maruyama translates complex technological and risk concepts into stories that move markets. As a Field CTO, evangelist, and advisor, he helps organizations position AI and cybersecurity in ways that resonate with technical teams, business leader... Show more

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