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

Brooke Deuson

Brooke Deuson

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch.

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch. Show more

Matías Fortunato

Matías Fortunato

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos.
Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca.
Programador .Net durante 10 años y los últimos 6 años Scrum Master y Consultor Ágil.

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos. Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca. Programador .Net durante 10 años y lo... Show more

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things (IoT), computer networking, wireless and mobile networks (including 5G/6G), and machine learning for sensor systems. She is also the Chair and a founding member of the ACM Women UK Chapter.

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things ... Show more

Paul Zikopoulos

Paul Zikopoulos

Paul is an award-winning professional writer & speaker who’s been consulted on the topic of AI & Big Data by the popular TV show “60 Minutes”. Paul’s been named to dozens of global “Experts to Follow” & “Influencers” lists, including Analytics Insight’s “Top 100 Global AI & Big Data Influencers”. Paul’s written 20 books (including “The AI Ladder” and 3 ‘for Dummies’ titles) and over 360 articles during his accidental 26-year career as a data nerd. Currently, Paul is writing an O’Reilly book on Hybrid Cloud. At IBM, Paul leads from the front, owning accountability and strategic direction in a ‘tech years are like dog years’ world for the entire IBM Technology Unit’s (all IBM software & hardware) sales, tech sales, and partner ecosystem learning journeys and upskilling programs.

You’ll find Paul taking a very active role around Women in Technology (he’s a seated board member for Women 2.0, who he became involved with after his tweet was mentioned on the TV show, “The View”), general workplace inclusivity (completing an intensive D&I certificate at Cornell University), and Coding for Veterans. In addition, Paul sits on the world recognized Masters of Management Analytics & AI program boards at Canada’s prestigious Queen’s University.

Paul is an award-winning professional writer & speaker who’s been consulted on the topic of AI & Big Data by the popular TV show “60 Minutes”. Paul’s been named to dozens of global “Experts to Follow” & “Influencers” lists, including Analytics Insigh... Show more

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to foster civic engagement, spark dialogue, and amplify communities.

She co-developed the Metaverse Music Festival aka MVMF, the first global music festival rooted in the metaverse; Co-produces Huellas Festival in Southern Spain; and contributes to a number of DAOs and creative communities in the Web3 ecosystem. Recently, she founded Web3 Uncut -- a dynamic tech lab building micro experiments to support creators on chain and a newsletter centering Web3 arts & culture.

You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @NatalieCrue.

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to... Show more

Mahdi Shariff

Mahdi Shariff

Mahdi Shariff is the Co-founder of Humble AI, a platform that empowers non-technical teams to build, manage, and launch their own AI-enabled tools — without code or complexity. At Humble, Mahdi is driven by a belief that AI should augment human collaboration, not replace it. His mission is to make technology more accessible, inclusive, and human-centred — ensuring the future of work is built not just for people, but by them.

Prior to founding Humble, Mahdi served as VP at a Soros-backed venture, helping global companies and startups scale through data, automation, and high-performing technical teams. He was formerly Chief Strategy Officer at Sunteng, a big data startup that became a leader in programmatic advertising in China, and previously worked in investment banking in London, specialising in AI, CRM, and ad tech M&A.

A Forbes Asia “30 Under 30” awardee, Mahdi is also an angel investor and advisor to Slush, and has spoken at leading global events including Slush, Innovfest, and the London Business School China Forum.

Mahdi speaks on topics at the intersection of AI, education, and entrepreneurship — with a focus on practical implementation, inclusive access, and real-world impact. His recent talks cover areas such as:
• AI in Education – empowering both students and teachers through accessible, human-centric AI tools
• AI in Business – from automation to augmentation, how AI is reshaping workflows and decision-making
• Creating Custom AI Assistants – building tailored tools that support real teams, without code
• Data Security & Ethics in AI – navigating implementation with responsibility and transparency
• Practical AI Frameworks – step-by-step approaches for deploying AI tools in real-world environments
• AI for SMBs – unlocking the power of AI for small teams with limited technical capacity
• Careers in the AI Era – how AI is creating new paths for builders, creatives, and knowledge workers
• No-Code AI Systems – enabling innovation without needing to write a single line of code

Mahdi Shariff is the Co-founder of Humble AI, a platform that empowers non-technical teams to build, manage, and launch their own AI-enabled tools — without code or complexity. At Humble, Mahdi is driven by a belief that AI should augment human colla... Show more

Dedren Snead

Dedren Snead

Dedren Snead (he/him/his) is a computer scientist, artist, and Ford Foundation Global Fellow in Gaming and Artificial Intelligence. As founder of SUBSUME Media and SUBSUME Studios, featured in CNN and Black Enterprise, he established the world's first Afrofuturism technology studio in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. His work focuses on creating inclusive technologies and storytelling experiences that bridge digital divides while celebrating diverse cultural narratives through gaming, artificial intelligence, and interactive media.

Through SUBSUME's pioneering initiatives, Dedren develops educational gaming platforms and AI-driven solutions that connect K-12 and early career learners to creative and technical professions. His innovative approach to combining technology with cultural storytelling has earned him positions as an Innovator in Residence at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Artist in Residence at Georgia State
University's Creative Media Industries Institute, where he contributes to Digital Media, Game Design, and Futurism studies.

Dedren Snead (he/him/his) is a computer scientist, artist, and Ford Foundation Global Fellow in Gaming and Artificial Intelligence. As founder of SUBSUME Media and SUBSUME Studios, featured in CNN and Black Enterprise, he established the world's firs... Show more

Bradley D. Steyn

Bradley D. Steyn

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower who exposed criminality and extremism within powerful state systems.
Using real-world case studies, never-before-shared stories, and visual documentation from his covert years, Bradley offers a deep-dive into the psychological, moral, and systemic toll of standing up against corruption from the inside.
He’ll walk the audience through key turning points: how intelligence was manipulated to target innocent civilians, the moment he chose truth over complicity, and the personal cost of betrayal, surveillance, and exile.
This is a high-impact, high-integrity talk for organizations navigating crisis, ethical leadership, and institutional reform.
Why it matters: In a world where disinformation and institutional mistrust are skyrocketing, this session delivers a rare inside-out perspective on how integrity — even in the darkest corridors of power — can be a catalyst for reform.

This is not a fictional thriller — it’s a real-life journey from covert operative to global truth-teller. In this raw and revelatory session, Bradley “Hawk” Steyn unpacks his transformation from apartheid-era intelligence operative to a whistleblower... Show more

Gary Raife

Gary Raife

Modern workplace advisory & lead solutions architect with a passion for using the Microsoft M365, Copilot, Power Platform and Azure technology frameworks to solve workforce challenges across Health & Public Sector.

I believe that by creating innovative digital solutions and using modern cloud based technology platforms to their fullest it enables organisations to do more with less. This approach is key to empowering a modern workforce with timely and relevant information enabling them to deliver operational success, especially when it comes to public sector and healthcare service delivery.

Modern workplace advisory & lead solutions architect with a passion for using the Microsoft M365, Copilot, Power Platform and Azure technology frameworks to solve workforce challenges across Health & Public Sector. I believe that by creating innov... Show more

Savneet Singh

Savneet Singh

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles, podcasts, and speaking engagements.

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles,... Show more

Colleen Turner

Colleen Turner

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating the electrification of the transportation sector through the development of plans, programs, and policies for state and local governments.

Colleen returned to Michael Baker in February 2021 following her employment as the Assistant Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Planning and Capital Programming (OPCP). During her tenure at MDOT, Colleen oversaw long-range environmental planning and the planning and deployment of innovative transportation technologies including zero emission vehicles (ZEV) and connected and automated vehicles (CAV). She managed MDOT’s air quality and climate change mitigation programs and participated in national discussions related to the electrification of the transportation sector, sharing her expertise with the White House, the National Governor’s Association (NGA), the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Colleen is a member of the TRB Standing Committee on Alternative Fuels and Technologies (AMS40). She is the former Chair of the AASHTO Air Quality Climate Change and Energy subcommittee of the Committee on Environment and Sustainability.

Colleen is an Associate Vice President and Michael Baker’s Greater DC / Maryland Planning Practice Lead, with 25 years of experience in transportation and environmental planning and policy. She leads a team of professionals dedicated to accelerating ... Show more

Mahipal Jadeja

Mahipal Jadeja

Dr. Mahipal Jadeja received his Ph.D. degree from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT) in the field of Theoretical Computer Science. He currently works at MNIT Jaipur as an assistant professor. His research interests include Theoretical Computer Science, Social Network Analysis, Machine Learning on Graphs (Graph Neural Networks) and Generative AI in education. He has published several journal articles, book chapters and a reference book (Springer) in these domains. His research work is presented at reputed international conferences including GSB-SIGIR 2015 (Chile), WAAC 2016 (Japan), SCAI-ICTIR 2017 (Netherlands) and ICAAE 2023 (Australia). He has supervised 3 Ph.D. students, 12 M.Tech students and currently, he is supervising 4 Ph.D. students and 3 M.Tech students. On his YouTube Channel-CS Simplified, he has uploaded more than 150 academic videos. To date, the channel has received more than 3,50,000 views. He has also developed a Massive Open Online Courese (MOOC) on Python Programming, which has attracted over 1500 learners and boasts an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Dr. Mahipal Jadeja has delivered numerous expert talks at prestigious venues including a session on AI-powered advancements in education, organised by Dr. Rea Lavi from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), the top-ranked institute of the world (QS #1 since 2012).

Dr. Mahipal Jadeja received his Ph.D. degree from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT) in the field of Theoretical Computer Science. He currently works at MNIT Jaipur as an assistant professor. His research... Show more

Charisma De Los Reyes

Charisma De Los Reyes

Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program with the San Diego County Office of Education. Before her work with SDCOE, Charisma was a community organizer and activist with 20+ years of experience engaging in social justice and advocacy work. This activism influenced over 15 years of social services experience at national and local levels. Charisma has spearheaded multiple county-wide initiatives and is recognized for her advocacy and dedication to children, in addition to her efforts to develop cross-system procedures for collaboration & coordination among child-serving systems. And for these efforts, she received the California Senator Pro Tempore Toni Atkins’ Woman of the Year award.

Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program with the San Diego County Office of Education. Before her work with SDCOE, Charisma was a community organizer and activist with 20+ years of exp... Show more

Vishal Shah

Vishal Shah

Vishal Shah is a seasoned Data Analyst with over three years of experience in harnessing machine learning, data modeling, and big data technologies to drive transformative insights across diverse sectors. Currently, he serves as a Business Data Analyst at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, where he designs predictive models and scalable data pipelines to enhance wildlife management and public safety. A Master’s graduate in Computer Science from New York University, Vishal has led innovative projects—from real-time stock market analytics to AI-driven public safety systems—demonstrating a unique ability to bridge advanced AI methodologies with practical, high-impact applications.

Vishal Shah is a seasoned Data Analyst with over three years of experience in harnessing machine learning, data modeling, and big data technologies to drive transformative insights across diverse sectors. Currently, he serves as a Business Data Analy... Show more

Jacob Isah

Jacob Isah

Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills.

On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tutorials, coding challenges, and practical tips. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into Python or an experienced developer diving into machine learning, I’ve got you covered.

Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills. On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tut... Show more

Devin Sarno

Devin Sarno

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Devin's engaging and compassionate coaching style empowers individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically. Devin's relatability, quick wit, and background in dramatic arts from prestigious institutions like the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The British-American Dramatic Academy at Oxford allow her to transform complex ideas into inspiring, meaningful experiences. But Devin's impact goes beyond mere entertainment. Her commanding presence and empathetic approach empower audiences to see things from new perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and tap into their potential. Whether speaking to thousands or coaching one-on-one, she creates a safe space for growth, laughter, and transformation. More than just a keynote speaker or coach, Devin Sarno is a catalyst for change - a weaver of stories and a reminder of the power of the human voice.

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Dev... Show more

Paul Bellows

Paul Bellows

Paul Bellows is a 30-yr practitioner of digital transformation for public service organizations. Paul is the host of The 311 Podcast, a member of Canada's Digital Governance Council and a senior advisor to one of Canada's largest public service focussed digital teams. Paul was CEO of Yellow Pencil, a Canadian leader in public service digital transformation until his merger with Northern in 2024 where he advises the CEO on public service strategy. Paul sits on the advisory board on open source for Canada's CTO, is a former member of the Council of Canadian Innovators, and the former VP of Digital Alberta. Paul has been part of the Drupal community since 2011.

Paul Bellows is a 30-yr practitioner of digital transformation for public service organizations. Paul is the host of The 311 Podcast, a member of Canada's Digital Governance Council and a senior advisor to one of Canada's largest public service focus... Show more

Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin

Kevin D. Martin, MBA, CDAP, PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe-SA, LSSGB, is dedicated to the topic of professional leadership and continuous improvement.

He brings a unique leadership background in Information Technology, Call Center Operations, Project Management, Agile and Change Management disciplines, capable of adapting quickly and delivering value frequently.

Known for his boundless energy and servant leader heart, his personal experience and abilities allow him to quickly improve strategic, leadership and operational challenges with speed & clarity.

He achieves success, in Fortune 100 engagements from the C-Level down to the individual teams and individuals, building high performance results that continue to perform well, immersed in his legacy of excellence systems and practices.

As a thought leader, Tier 1 University graduate/undergraduate faculty member and international speaker in high demand, he enjoys the challenges of complex business initiatives and the speed at which innovation must occur to compete.

Kevin is a voracious business reader and active leader in his community and civic organizations.

Book him today, see results tomorrow!

Kevin D. Martin, MBA, CDAP, PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe-SA, LSSGB, is dedicated to the topic of professional leadership and continuous improvement. He brings a unique leadership background in Information Technology, Call Center Operations, Project Managem... Show more

Kirtivardhan Singh

Kirtivardhan Singh

Ex-ML Intern at Ministry of Defense

Ex-ML Intern at Ministry of Defense Show more

Dana Blume

Dana Blume

Teacher and researcher on systemic approaches to reflection in education.

Teacher and researcher on systemic approaches to reflection in education. Show more

Nick Darland

Nick Darland

Nick Darland is a recognized leadership and empowerment expert, 7-figure entrepreneur, and author of Power in Chaos: Overcoming Adversity with Courage and Hope. He hosts The Power in Chaos Podcast and the TV show Spruce It Up. His work has been featured in prestigious outlets, including NBC, Roku, Army Times, Yahoo, Iowa Legislation, ABC, Prime Video, and the Princeton Journal.

A lifelong learner, Nick holds an Associate Degree from DMACC, a Leadership Certification from Harvard Business School Online, and an Entrepreneurship Certification from Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses. As a member of the Iowa Army National Guard, he has received numerous accolades, including the Iowa Medal of Merit, four Army Commendation Medals, and the Iowa Leadership Ribbon with Torch.

Nick is the founder of HomeRevisions, specializing in artistic carpentry, and Waterproofing Solutions of Iowa. He has collaborated with 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-figure entrepreneurs, veterans, service members, and state officials. His speaking engagements address topics such as leadership, empowerment, navigating and transforming chaos, post-traumatic growth, and overcoming adversity, inspiring audiences of students, business owners, and service members.

Dedicated to giving back, Nick supports organizations like Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS) and serves as a board member for the Young Professionals of Iowa. With over 12 years of service in the National Guard and five years in business, he has built multiple 7-figure ventures and continues to empower individuals and communities through his work.

Nick Darland is a recognized leadership and empowerment expert, 7-figure entrepreneur, and author of Power in Chaos: Overcoming Adversity with Courage and Hope. He hosts The Power in Chaos Podcast and the TV show Spruce It Up. His work has been featu... Show more

Guilherme Sousa Bastos

Guilherme Sousa Bastos

Guilherme Sousa Bastos is an engineer, psychopedagogue, behavior analyst, and advocate for neurodiversity with over 20 years of experience in education and technology. As the founder of Autism.iA, a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovative, AI-driven solutions for autism inclusion in schools and healthcare, Guilherme is committed to transforming the lives of neurodiverse individuals. With a focus on personalized support, data analysis, and accessible technology, Autism.iA bridges the gap between healthcare providers, educators, and families to create tailored solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Guilherme is also a specialist in education and autism, with a deep understanding of how to integrate evidence-based therapies and inclusive practices. His extensive background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and his dedication to fostering a more inclusive society drive his work. Guilherme’s mission is to harness the power of technology to empower individuals with autism, offering a future where barriers are minimized, and opportunities for growth are maximized.

Guilherme Sousa Bastos is an engineer, psychopedagogue, behavior analyst, and advocate for neurodiversity with over 20 years of experience in education and technology. As the founder of Autism.iA, a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovati... Show more

Ranjini Kishen Kumar

Ranjini Kishen Kumar

Ranjini is committed to fostering growth and driving impactful change through her diverse experiences and skills. With a strong background in technology and social impact, she has led and collaborated with teams at renowned organizations such as EY , IBM, Bank of America, and Centelon. As a Board Member at TechLabs, Women Techmakers Ambassador, and Consultant at Impact Consulting, Ranjini applies her strategic and technical expertise to deliver tangible results. Her versatile leadership roles demonstrate her ability to effectively consult and collaborate with clients to achieve their objectives.

Ranjini is committed to fostering growth and driving impactful change through her diverse experiences and skills. With a strong background in technology and social impact, she has led and collaborated with teams at renowned organizations such as EY ,... Show more

William Shackelford

William Shackelford

Corporate Career
I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team building, problem-solving, and leadership.

Connecting The Dots
One day, it dawned on me that I was applying many of the tips and tools from my training to raising my children—and they worked extremely well. These techniques helped me develop a unique and successful parenting style. I realized that there were valuable lessons here that I wanted to share with others.

Adulting and Parenting Work
In 2019, I expanded my training focus to the adulting and parenting arena with the publication of my book, “Growing Into Your Parenting Role” (Mountain Arbor Press). Since then, I’ve blogged extensively on these topics, been featured as a guest on various adulting and parenting podcasts, conducted engaging webinars, and developed skills-based training programs based on the concepts, tips, and tools in my book.

In 2021, I founded the Adulting and Parenting Academy (AP Academy) with a mission to help young adults build strong, fulfilling relationships that last. The Academy now houses all my adulting, parenting, and personal growth consulting.

Corporate Career I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team b... Show more

Dr. Laura Borland

Dr. Laura Borland

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. Host of Gladverse TV, 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

Maira Elahi

Maira Elahi

Maira Elahi is a Canada-based student researcher dedicated to leveraging technology, policy, and advocacy to serve and empower her community. Her work spans machine learning research in cancer detection, AI safety testing in collaboration with OpenAI, and the preservation of Global South dialects through AI language model training. Maira has founded her own startup, Tivea, through which she self-published books, built a brand image, and explored digital storytelling as a vehicle for social change. She has also worked on app development and conducted market validation research for a Canadian tech launch. Beyond tech, she co-created UNICEF Canada’s first TikTok account, served on World Vision Canada’s National Youth Council, and led creative campaigns for platforms like The Adroit Journal. She spearheaded a grassroots team in her city to educate youth on the intersection of civic engagement and social innovation.

Her unwavering commitment to innovating responsibly—with our collective humane interests at the forefront—and bringing youth into high-level decision-making spaces continues to drive her mission across disciplines. She believes that inclusive futures are built not just by experts in suits, but by young people with lived experience, vision, and the audacity to disrupt.

Maira Elahi is a Canada-based student researcher dedicated to leveraging technology, policy, and advocacy to serve and empower her community. Her work spans machine learning research in cancer detection, AI safety testing in collaboration with OpenAI... Show more

Sunny Johnson

Sunny Johnson

Sunny Johnson | Agile Coach & Professional Growth Consultant
Founder, SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC | Unleashing Agile Excellence

Sunny Johnson is an Agile Coach, Professional Growth Consultant, and founder of SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC, where she specializes in empowering Agile professionals to navigate career transitions, accelerate leadership growth, and future-proof their success. With over a decade of experience in Agile transformation, coaching, and leadership, Sunny has helped organizations and individuals leverage Agile methodologies to optimize performance, streamline workflows, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Her strategic, results-driven approach is built on deep expertise in:
✅ Agile Career Transformation – Guiding professionals in pivoting into Agile leadership roles and securing high-value opportunities.
✅ Enterprise Agile Coaching & Change Leadership – Driving Agile adoption across organizations, implementing Scrum, SAFe 6.0, and DevOps practices.
✅ Stakeholder & Executive Engagement – Bridging the gap between leadership and Agile teams to align business goals with Agile execution.
✅ Team Development & Performance Optimization – Coaching teams to embrace continuous improvement, collaboration, and high-performance mindsets.
✅ Retail, Banking & Sales Expertise – Bringing a customer-focused perspective to Agile delivery, leveraging industry experience in retail, financial services, and technology.

As a thought leader and sought-after speaker, Sunny delivers high-impact workshops, keynote talks, and leadership training on Agile career growth, resilience, and leadership development. Her signature programs and coaching frameworks empower professionals to confidently pivot, brand themselves effectively, and thrive in the evolving job market.

Sunny is also an accomplished author, with books including:
📘 Learn How I Made a Fortune While in College
📘 Come into the Light: Discovering Your Path to Purpose, Prosperity, and Powerful Relationships
📘 Sprints to Success: A New Scrum Master's Career Guide

Her work extends beyond Agile into mentorship and career coaching, where she is known as a “Super-Connector”—helping professionals expand their networks, refine their communication skills, and unlock new career and business opportunities.

Through SMJ Speaks Consulting and the Release the Brake Mastermind, Sunny champions professional women and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the strategies, confidence, and tools to accelerate their careers and business ventures.

She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University. Sunny resides in Mooresville, NC, with her husband Bruce Johnson, and their two sons, Harrison and Corban, where she continues to inspire, lead, and empower others to achieve career clarity, leadership growth, and Agile excellence.

Sunny Johnson | Agile Coach & Professional Growth Consultant Founder, SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC | Unleashing Agile Excellence Sunny Johnson is an Agile Coach, Professional Growth Consultant, and founder of SMJ Speaks Consulting, LLC, where she s... Show more

Rob Bayliss

Rob Bayliss

Rob Bayliss is passionate about automation, and has been building fast, reliable systems for state governments since 2017. He is passionate about performance, and once led an initiative to reduce the response times of Mass.gov by 50%, preventing downtime during the pandemic. In 2023, he co-founded Mighty Acorn Digital - an agency with the explicit goal of improving quality assurance and release processes for state and federal government organizations.

Rob Bayliss is passionate about automation, and has been building fast, reliable systems for state governments since 2017. He is passionate about performance, and once led an initiative to reduce the response times of Mass.gov by 50%, preventing down... Show more

Dr. Junaid Qazi

Dr. Junaid Qazi

Dr. Qazi is a highly respected data scientist, thought leader, author, mentor, and speaker with a strong background in both academia and industry. He is passionate about bridging the talent gap in emerging technologies through education, up-skilling, and industry collaboration. He believes true success lies in strong communication, an entrepreneurial mindset, and continuous learning. Through his books and educational initiatives, he helps professionals build a strong foundation in data-driven fields. His work with leading organizations across the public and private sectors has earned him widespread respect, making him a trusted mentor and a voice in technology and education.

Dr. Qazi is a highly respected data scientist, thought leader, author, mentor, and speaker with a strong background in both academia and industry. He is passionate about bridging the talent gap in emerging technologies through education, up-skilling,... Show more

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself University, and hosts the Soul Seekr Podcast. Despite all of Sam’s ventures and business success and being recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 Under 40” at just age 31 years old and “Rising Star” in the promotional products industry, he soon recognized that something was missing. Sam realized that despite his success, he was unhappy. This understanding catapulted him on his most recent exploration of his life’s purpose.

He is on a mission to bridge the gap between the way we conduct ourselves in business, mindful practices, how we communicate with everyone, especially oneself, all through prioritizing psychological safety and mental health first.

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself Unive... Show more

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