Teacher and researcher on systemic approaches to reflection in education.

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

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 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

Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert.

Previously, he was the Founder and President of OpenConcept Consulting Inc., a web development agency specializing in building open source solutions for the open web. Mike has served as a Drupal Core Accessibility Maintainer in 2012.

Mike Gifford is an open standards and practices lead at CivicActions and a thought leader on digital accessibility in the public sector. He is also a W3C Invited Expert and recognized authoring tool accessibility expert. Previously, he was the Fou... Show more

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

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 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 | 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 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. 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 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

Jasmine Fluker, a visionary in leadership and equity, spearheads transformative change through the Pivotal Paradigm Project. With over a decade of executive leadership, she's reshaping how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jasmine's dynamic blend of strategic problem-solving and community-driven initiatives electrifies audiences, inspiring them to challenge the status quo. Join her in paving the way for a future where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.

Jasmine Fluker, a visionary in leadership and equity, spearheads transformative change through the Pivotal Paradigm Project. With over a decade of executive leadership, she's reshaping how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jasmine's dynam... Show more

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and civic service training, she is committed to driving impactful change in underserved populations. Kay holds an MS in Human Service and a BA in Psychology, positioning her as a trusted leader in fostering financial fidelity, compliance, and organizational engagement.

As the founder and CEO of SheRen Consulting, a BIPOC and woman-owned business, Kay offers specialized consulting and training services aimed at empowering organizations to achieve their goals while addressing systemic inequities.

SheRen Consulting is known for its tailored approach to policy advocacy, operational support, and comprehensive training. Their methods engage participants in "head and heart work," combining strategic knowledge with personal reflection to inspire meaningful change. By blending practical tools with emotional and ethical engagement, SheRen Consulting ensures that leaders and teams are equipped to drive both organizational success and community impact.

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant mana... Show more

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that empowers underserved communities, strengthens organizational strategy, and drives economic and social transformation.

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, reentry programming, and fatherhood advocacy, Troy is recognized for his trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that enable individuals and families to achieve lasting stability. At ZWG, he consults on program development, strategic planning, and grant writing, helping organizations secure essential funding and enhance operational efficiency. His entrepreneurial spirit has expanded ZWG's reach into real estate, film production, and exclusive events, fostering professional and community networking.

In the public sphere, Troy’s leadership extends to his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, where he advocated for social equity, economic opportunity, and systemic change. As a sought-after speaker, he shares insights on corporate strategy, innovation, and social responsibility, inspiring leaders to align their business goals with impactful community outcomes. Through his work, Troy Zakari Walker is committed to blending corporate success with social consciousness, positioning him as a transformative figure in business and social innovation.

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that emp... Show more

Artemis Bear (they/them) lost faith in our system of government working in climate policy in the 2000s and is committed to co-creating new structures for rapid, pragmatic systemic change. They founded The Garden, an innovative education project, in 2016, which centres young people's rights and has been a laboratory for the building blocks of an emergent culture that is fairer and freer. They also co-ordinate the Freedom to Learn network and co-produce community cabaret SCRiTCH.

Artemis Bear (they/them) lost faith in our system of government working in climate policy in the 2000s and is committed to co-creating new structures for rapid, pragmatic systemic change. They founded The Garden, an innovative education project, in 2... Show more

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community.

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community. Show more

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autorin und Redakteurin tätig.

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autori... Show more

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intuit, and numerous prestigious universities. A masterful communicator, Dr. Seale employs cutting-edge leadership and performance optimization concepts to help organizations identify, articulate, and achieve their cultural transformation goals.

With over three decades of leadership experience spanning corporate environments, academia, and the non-profit sector, Dr. Seale brings unparalleled depth to her speaking engagements on organizational culture, leadership development, and change management. Her expertise in business performance optimization, staff development, and creating sustainable and equitable working environments has established her as a thought leader in the field.

Dr. Seale's consulting practice extends across diverse sectors, including education, law, government agencies, law enforcement, military, utilities, emerging tech, and research organizations nationwide. Her groundbreaking research and consulting work on creating equitable solutions for marginalized groups have made her a sought-after subject matter expert and keynote speaker.

Beyond her speaking and consulting work, Dr. Seale demonstrates her commitment to community empowerment as the curator of the Inglewood Small Business Academy, providing vital resources for disadvantaged small business owners throughout Inglewood, California. As the inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program Chair at the University of California Santa Cruz - Silicon Valley Extension, she developed and taught pioneering courses on DEI in workplace and academic settings. Dr. Seale continues to shape future leaders as a Professor at the University of Redlands, teaching Leadership, Organizational Change, and Business Communication.

In perhaps her most personal mission, Dr. Seale founded Our Community Mentors, a non-profit organization in South Los Angeles dedicated to providing academic, professional, and quality-of-life resources for marginalized communities.

Dr. Seale holds a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Change and Leadership and a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California (USC), complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Language and Linguistics from California State University at Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).

*Available for keynotes, workshops, and consultation on organizational culture, strategic leadership, and equitable change management.*

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intui... Show more

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs

Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unserer Zeit zu bewältigen?

Als Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im Bereich der Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. Silja Graupe an der HfGG suche ich nach wirkungsvollen Antworten auf diese Fragestellungen. Mich beschäftigen insbesondere die Zusammenhänge und Potenziale zwischen Transformativer Bildung, Zukünftebildung und Futures Literacy. Mithilfe der 4FutureLabs forsche ich zu diesen Themen in der Hochschulbildung im Bachelor & Master, in der Schulbildung und in zivilgesellschaftlichen Kontexten.

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unsere... Show more

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedicated over three decades to empowering individuals and organizations through transformative keynotes, workshops, and signature events like Leadership Summit America and YOUniquely You!

With a focus on personal empowerment, team building, and personal branding, Sharon's engaging presentations blend humor, real-life stories, and actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her book, Life Snacks for Women, offers bite-sized wisdom that inspires women to step confidently into leadership roles.

Sharon's expertise has touched thousands across education, healthcare, corporate sectors, and non-profit organizations, making her a sought-after speaker worldwide. Her mission is clear: to help others maximize their potential and leadership impact. Connect with Sharon today to elevate your journey towards leadership excellence!

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedica... Show more

Passionate Technologist | Developer Advocate (Aspiring) | Speaker

A results-driven software engineer with a strong background in Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and SQL, now expanding expertise into emerging technologies, cloud computing, DevOps, and AI/ML. With a keen interest in developer advocacy, I am committed to bridging the gap between technology and community by sharing insights, building projects, and delivering impactful talks.

Experienced in designing and implementing scalable applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging modern software development practices. I strive to empower developers by sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.

🔹 Areas of Interest: Java, Cloud Technologies (AWS/Azure/GCP), DevOps, Kubernetes, Microservices, Open Source, AI/ML, Developer Relations (DevRel)
🔹 Looking for Speaking Opportunities on: Software Engineering Best Practices, Emerging Tech Trends, Open Source, Developer Productivity

Passionate Technologist | Developer Advocate (Aspiring) | Speaker A results-driven software engineer with a strong background in Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and SQL, now expanding expertise into emerging technologies, cloud computing, DevOps, an... Show more

As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmentally conscious transportation solutions for Michigan residents. Janine leads innovation growth initiatives at OFME including signature grant programs under the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) and state-wide testing assets. In addition to managing MMFP, she facilitates industry collaboration through various working groups convening subject matter experts to identify challenges in the state and develop solutions.

Prior to joining OFME, Janine was an associate director leading the mobility practice at Antenna Group, a leading cleantech communications agency. In this role, Janine focused on strategy development, media relations, and project management across account teams. Janine’s client experience spans product launches, company rebrands, high-profile public and private partnerships, market entries and crisis management. Her areas of expertise include advanced transportation infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, battery technology and growth-focused programs including incubators and accelerators.

Additionally, Janine previously led the overall b2b and b2c marketing communications strategy for Shift Transit, a mobility operations startup focusing on first/last-mile micromobiltiy solutions. Janine has also held multiple positions at leading automotive b2b publication, Automotive News including integrated marketing manager and conference specialist. While at Automotive News Janine planned and executed large-scale conferences and events for industry executives as well as integrated marketing campaigns and custom content for industry partners. In 2019, Janine was honored with the Automotive News Tony Merpi Award for Leadership & Innovation for her efforts in streamlining cross-functional processes.

A longtime cycling enthusiast and advocate, she is passionate about helping organizations develop accessible and equitable mobility solutions. Janine holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and lives on the eastside of Detroit.

As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmen... Show more

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a unique ability to lead through innovative worship services and educational programming. As the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has revolutionized prayer services, fostering strong membership engagement and forming deep connections within local and broader Jewish communities.

Raised in a suburban Detroit home, Rabbi Ranon grew up immersed in the practices and values of Orthodox Judaism as the second of three children. His early education occurred at Orthodox Day School, followed by Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago. After completing high school, he moved to Israel, where he studied at an Orthodox yeshiva and dove into advanced Talmudic study, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred text. However, as he progressed in his studies, he began questioning the Orthodox practices he had grown up with, leading him to seek a deeper understanding of Judaism that would better align with his evolving spiritual identity.

1996, Rabbi Teller returned to Israel to explore alternative Jewish spirituality and practice. He became particularly drawn to contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which helped him connect with Jewish traditions in new and meaningful ways. During this time, he audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive Jewish education program. These experiences led him to a profound realization that his calling was to pursue Jewish leadership, prompting him to return to the United States in 1998 to further his studies and become a rabbi.

Upon returning to the United States, Rabbi Ranon enrolled at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) in Los Angeles, where he focused on Jewish education and rabbinic ordination. His dedication to his studies and growing love for Jewish learning were evident as he excelled in his coursework, culminating in an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2022. Exceptional achievements, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies, marked his academic journey.

In 2002, Ranon Teller was ordained as a rabbi and began his rabbinic career as the associate rabbi at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served until 2005. During his time there, the congregation faced a period of senior leadership turnover, and he was called upon to provide vision and stability. He successfully engaged young families and introduced innovative, interactive prayer services, further solidifying his role as a dynamic and compassionate leader. This experience helped shape his approach to leadership, which would prove invaluable in the future.

In 2005, Rabbi Teller moved to Houston to become the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom. His soulful, personable, and diplomatic approach to leadership quickly led to congregational growth and revitalization. During his two decades at Brith Shalom, he introduced innovative musical prayer services that united congregants and community members, making services more engaging and spiritually enriching. He also played a key role in securing a $1.5 million endowment for the synagogue and a $5 million contribution toward a building renovation campaign, helping ensure the synagogue's long-term stability and success.

Rabbi Ranon's impact extends far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He is deeply involved in the Houston Jewish community, actively collaborating with and volunteering for organizations such as the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Food and Faith Collaborative. In addition, he works closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Alexander Jewish Family Service to support those in need, further reflecting his commitment to tikkun olam, the Jewish principle of repairing the world.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Ranon Teller enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests that further enrich his life. He continues to play blues and folk guitar and remains passionate about song-leading, bringing joy and spirituality through music. Reading non-fiction, particularly biographies and books on human nature, is another of his favorite activities. He also enjoys juggling, magic, and backpacking, often finding spiritual fulfillment in the natural world. He has written for Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He co-authored the book, Peaceful Bones, sharing his insights and experiences with a broader audience.

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a ... Show more

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in dual degree medical programs. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students across the globe—from East Asia and the UAE to the USA and Canada.

Originally from The Gambia, I moved to the USA at the age of five. My own educational journey, coupled with the incredible mentorship I received, deeply influenced my decision to launch Pembroke Admissions. I understand how transformative guidance and support can be, which is why I’m passionate about breaking down financial barriers for students.

My work is driven by a belief that no student should be held back by financial
constraints, and I’m dedicated to leveling
the playing field in the college admissions
process

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in... Show more

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. She earned an M.Ed. in Multicultural Education in 2008.

In early 2020, Stefanie launched WNY People Development. In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer, she provides leadership training, coaching, and keynote presentations to grow the next generation of leaders. Her main areas of expertise are building high impact teams, first time/front line manager development, and engaging multigenerational workforces with a focus on millennial and Gen Z employees. Her facilitation style is interactive, full of movement, laughter, learning, and occasionally includes pom poms.

Stefanie has worked as an organizational consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Education (Baltimore, MD), and served as the Director of Customized Training for Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC). Before starting her own company, she led the corporate training function at CastleBranch (Wilmington, NC).

Through WNY People Development, Stefanie has developed and facilitated leadership solutions for clients in varied industries including construction, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, municipalities, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and non-profit management. Her clients include Association Executives of NC, City of Wilmington (NC), Embassy Suites, HC Beauty, New Hanover County Schools, NC Realtors Association, NC SHRM, Port City Java, Resilience, UNCW, and Waffle House.

Her professional affiliations include SHRM, the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association, the Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC and she was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2022 for her service as School Board Chair during the covid pandemic.

In her personal life, Stefanie's days are fueled by coffee, chocolate, yoga, new challenges, and building relationships; her passions are developing others, serving the community, the beach, Philly sports, travel, managing the chaos that comes with life, and kitchen dancing.

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 year... Show more

Chief Collaborate Officer of "Civic Tech Zen Chiba," an alliance of civic tech organizations in Chiba Prefecture.

Chief Collaborate Officer of "Civic Tech Zen Chiba," an alliance of civic tech organizations in Chiba Prefecture. Show more

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where teaches chemistry and physics content and methods to educators with a focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a social justice tool. She is a passionate advocate for STEM equity and effective engineering education and frequent speaker on why accessibility matters to all of us.

A disabled engineer, K-12 and Higher Ed STEM educator, Sara seeks to raise awareness of disability as a valued form of diversity and the challenges of disability disclosure. She is a 2024 Teach Access Fellow and frequent presenter on equitable access in STEM, math accessibility, and inclusive teaching. Challenged by another engineering faculty to own her disability story, she seeks to be a role model empowering STEM colleagues and students as advocates and allies in disability inclusion. An inclusive mindset in STEM and Medicine begins with an inclusive education! Grounded in research - equitable by design.

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where ... Show more

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany Show more

Adam Frumkin is a results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in developing, directing, and executing business transformation and strategies. He has an established record collaborating with other executives to bring clarity to strategic business decisions and implementing technology to transform business processes.

He has focused experience in strategic planning, cultural & organizational development and emotional intelligence, process reengineering, enterprise system implementations, cybersecurity and disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Serves as:
• Council Chair to the PTI Executive Committee
• Vice Chair for the NACo IT Standing Committee
• Subcommittee Vice Chair the NACo Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee for the Elections Subcommittee.

Additionally, Mr. Frumkin has been named as one of the 2023 Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers by Government Technology; StateScoop – Local Smart County Executive of the Year 2021 and the Columbus Business First – BizTech Executive of the Year 2021.

He is an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, and for the PTI Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) through Rutgers University.

Adam Frumkin is a results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in developing, directing, and executing business transformation and strategies. He has an established record collaborating with other executives to bring clarity to strateg... Show more

Emma is a motivated, passionate person who is driven by improving outcomes for people. She lives in the East of England with her partner and 2 children, and enjoys running and exploring the local area on walks.

Currently Emma works with public sector organisations to focus on improving outcomes for the people they support. For over 10 years she has worked with local authorities across the UK in adults and children’s services, as well as working with NHS organisations, schools, private providers, and voluntary sector organisations. She has recently expanded her consultancy services to include exploring the role of Web 3.0 within public services.

Emma is an NFT enthusiast! She is excited about the opportunity NFTs bring people through utilities, connectivity, community aspects, and as a source of funding, among so many other things. She loves sharing her passion for the space with others.

Emma is a motivated, passionate person who is driven by improving outcomes for people. She lives in the East of England with her partner and 2 children, and enjoys running and exploring the local area on walks. Currently Emma works with public s... Show more