Jorge O. Ramirez has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, working across a wide range of programs including Pacific Oaks Children’s School, Head Start, state preschool, Preschool Collaborative Classrooms (special education), district center programs, faith-based programs, laboratory schools, and private schools. His work with diverse populations and families has shaped his commitment to equity, advocacy, and community-centered practices in early childhood education.
Jorge began his academic journey at East Los Angeles College, earning an A.A. in Liberal Studies, followed by a B.A. in Child Development and a Multiple Subject Preliminary Credential from California State University, Los Angeles. He later earned an M.A. in Education from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education, where his work emphasized advocacy and research-based practice in Early Childhood Education. Jorge is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education at Pacific Oaks College, with research focused on developing tools and strategies that promote social-emotional development and emotional competence in young children.
He currently serves as Professor at Pacific Oaks College, where he prepares students for leadership roles in child development and education. In addition, he teaches Child Development courses at California State University, Los Angeles and at East Los Angeles College, where he supports students pursuing the Early Childhood Education field.
As a mentor with the California Early Childhood Mentor Program, Jorge guides students from ELAC, CSULA, USC, Rio Hondo College, and CSU Fullerton, offering professional mentorship and strategies for success in the field. His teaching and research are centered on advocacy, equity, and supporting the holistic development of all children.
Jorge believes that by equipping educators with knowledge, compassion, and practical strategies for social change and empower communities for all children.

Jorge O. Ramirez has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, working across a wide range of programs including Pacific Oaks Children’s School, Head Start, state preschool, Preschool Collaborative Classrooms (special education), dist... Show more

As an Engineering Manager at The Times, I oversee and manage all engineering teams in Times Media, across three different domains: web, mobile, and platform. With over 18 years of experience in the tech industry, I have developed and implemented career development plans, revamped the interview process, and provided regular feedback and coaching to engineers, helping them grow their skills and careers.
I am also passionate about the community aspect in tech and actively involved in several initiatives that aim to empower and inspire diverse and inclusive audiences. I am the Lead Organizer of GDG Cloud London, where we host events, workshops, and talks on cloud technologies and best practices. I am also the Founder and Mentor of GDG Academy, a mentorship program that pairs university students from prestigious institutions with experienced mentors in the tech industry, and offers them internship opportunities. Additionally, I am the Founder of ChatGDG, a weekly podcast where we talk about tech and community along with doing full coverage of tech events and conferences.

As an Engineering Manager at The Times, I oversee and manage all engineering teams in Times Media, across three different domains: web, mobile, and platform. With over 18 years of experience in the tech industry, I have developed and implemented care... Show more

My work is spreading agile and lean culture, helping people with theory and practice, mentoring, facilitating and supporting them. I also coach teams, managers and executives (CTOs, CEOs) in order to help them grow strong in applying Agile methodologies to their work.

My work is spreading agile and lean culture, helping people with theory and practice, mentoring, facilitating and supporting them. I also coach teams, managers and executives (CTOs, CEOs) in order to help them grow strong in applying Agile methodolog... Show more

I'm a Manager of Education Design at the University of Adelaide and, for the past 5 years, have been overseeing the design and development of fully online MOOCs, undergraduate and postgraduate programs. I have worked extensively on developing strategic initiatives and innovations in the online education, focusing on improving the student experience through learning design, effective teaching practices and the development and deployment of new technology. I have managed the roll-out, piloting and innovation development in educational technology at both the small-scale and institutional levels. My current focus is on developing sustainable and effective learning design practices and exploring the idea of creating a Learning Design System within our team.

I'm a Manager of Education Design at the University of Adelaide and, for the past 5 years, have been overseeing the design and development of fully online MOOCs, undergraduate and postgraduate programs. I have worked extensively on developing strateg... Show more

Garth Gilmour was a full time developer for 5 years and then an educator / mentor / advocate for 20. Currently he's a Learning Consultant at Liberty IT. He's taught well over 1000 courses and workshops - using everything from CORBA to Kotlin. Garth is a prolific speaker, writer and co-organiser of several conferences and meetups. When not at the whiteboard he coaches Krav Maga, lifts heavy weights and fights nerf wars with his kids.

Garth Gilmour was a full time developer for 5 years and then an educator / mentor / advocate for 20. Currently he's a Learning Consultant at Liberty IT. He's taught well over 1000 courses and workshops - using everything from CORBA to Kotlin. Garth i... Show more

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid).
Has been practising Agile since the 90s.

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid). Has been practising Agile since the 90s. Show more

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State, Emmanuel is the first born in a family of six, who faced early adversity with the loss of three siblings and his mother. Despite these challenges, his passion for technology was ignited at a young age when he assisted his aunt, a teacher, with tasks involving PowerPoint and MS Word, laying the foundation for his future in tech.
Initially pursuing a career as a teacher, Emmanuel's curiosity and drive led him to learn coding seven years ago. Recognizing the exponential growth of the tech industry and the scarcity of skilled manpower in his region (Nigeria), he founded Techstars Hub. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in tech education in underserved communities, particularly where access to technology is limited. Under his leadership, Techstars Hub has grown from a small group of five students to a thriving community that now impacts numerous young minds.
By leveraging open source tools and resources, Emmanuel has overcome significant barriers—such as limited access to laptops, unreliable electricity, and the challenge of balancing tech classes with regular schoolwork—to provide high-quality education in areas like cybersecurity, graphics designing, frontend and backend development, and more. His work not only makes tech education accessible but also aligns with the principles of open source: collaboration, accessibility, and community building.
In his presentation, Emmanuel will share his journey and the transformative power of open source in education, joined by some of his students who will testify to how these initiatives have shaped their aspirations and careers in tech. A married father of two, Emmanuel continues to be a beacon of hope and innovation, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can turn adversity into opportunity.

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State,... Show more

Analista de TI do Prodest desde 2011 e atualmente atuo como Gerente de Sistemas, liderando quatro supervisões técnicas e dez times de desenvolvimento, totalizando cerca de 70 profissionais. Tenho ampla experiência em desenvolvimento de soluções Web com .Net e C#, gestão de produtos, liderança de projetos estratégicos e coordenação de equipes de sustentação e desenvolvimento de software voltados à gestão pública.

Ao longo de mais de 20 anos na área de TI, atuei tanto no setor público quanto na iniciativa privada, adquirindo experiência em diversas tecnologias, áreas de negócio e perfis de clientes. Também contribui para a formação de novos profissionais como professor presencial e tutor em cursos de Educação a Distância.

Sou graduado em Sistemas de Informação e especialista em Desenvolvimento Web, com pós-graduação na área.

Analista de TI do Prodest desde 2011 e atualmente atuo como Gerente de Sistemas, liderando quatro supervisões técnicas e dez times de desenvolvimento, totalizando cerca de 70 profissionais. Tenho ampla experiência em desenvolvimento de soluções Web c... Show more

Erin Mikail Staples is a very online individual passionate about facilitating better connections online and off. She’s forever thinking about how we can communicate, educate and elevate others through collaborative experiences.

Currently, Erin is a Senior Developer Community Advocate at Label Studio. At Label Studio — she empowers the open source community through education and advocacy efforts. Outside of her day job, Erin is a comedian, graduate technical advisor, content creator, triathlete, avid reader, and dog parent.

Most importantly, she believes in the power of being unabashedly "into things" and works to help friends, strangers, colleagues, community builders, students, and whoever else might cross her path find their thing.

Erin Mikail Staples is a very online individual passionate about facilitating better connections online and off. She’s forever thinking about how we can communicate, educate and elevate others through collaborative experiences. Currently, Erin is ... Show more

Richard Lewington is an award-winning communications consultant, University of Cambridge English Examiner, and international keynote speaker with over 20 years’ experience spanning education, disruptive technologies (AI, AR/MR), international relations, and political affairs.

Currently a Senior Consultant at Globizant and AI Language Consultant for Preply, Richard has advised governments, corporations, and NGOs on digital strategy, public affairs, and cross-cultural engagement. His career includes roles as Global Corporatel Communications & PR Manager at Ria Money Transfer, Political Advisor to the Comunidad de Madrid, and Global Strategic Communications Manager at Blockchain International Training.

A Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Richard is a recognised advocate for educational technology, specialising in augmented/mixed reality, AI adoption, and blockchain/fintech innovation.

Richard has been featured in The Times, BBC, El País, El Correo, El Debate, ABS-CBN, Espejo Público and has bylines in El País, National Geographic, NASDAQ, The Sun.

He has delivered keynote sessions at high-profile events including:

Codemotion – Rome, Italy
VRX Europe – Amsterdam, Netherlands
DevConf Poland – Krakow, Poland
Google GDG DevFest LA – Los Angeles, USA
Stretch Leadership Conference – Budapest, Hungary
B.I.T. Blockchain – Berlin, Germany
IRCEELT – Tbilisi, Georgia
The Holography Conference – Minsk, Belarus
Global AI/MR Bootcamp – Madrid, Spain
Secure ID – Riga, Latvia

…plus engagements in Greece, Japan, Portugal, and Ukraine.

Richard’s work blends strategic communication expertise with a deep understanding of how emerging technologies can transform learning, governance, and international collaboration.

Richard Lewington is an award-winning communications consultant, University of Cambridge English Examiner, and international keynote speaker with over 20 years’ experience spanning education, disruptive technologies (AI, AR/MR), international relatio... Show more

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterprise-grade web applications for clients in Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom. Expertise in React, Node.js, Python Flask, and cloud platforms. Proven ability to analyze customer needs, build high-quality software, and empower businesses. Active community advocate, passionate about tech education.

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterpris... Show more

Marion Jones is a global voice for resilience, reinvention, and radical truth. Once an Olympic champion, her story took a sharp turn after public failure and personal loss. Rather than disappear, she chose to rise — not for applause, but for alignment.

Today, she shares her journey to help others reclaim their truth, rebuild self-worth, and lead with authenticity. She’s been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, GMA, The Today Show, and Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Marion speaks at leadership summits, colleges, DEI events, and healing spaces with powerful presence and practical tools.

Marion Jones is a global voice for resilience, reinvention, and radical truth. Once an Olympic champion, her story took a sharp turn after public failure and personal loss. Rather than disappear, she chose to rise — not for applause, but for alignmen... Show more

Head of the Open Source Office and Incubation at Intersect
"The Open Source Guy"

Head of the Open Source Office and Incubation at Intersect "The Open Source Guy" Show more

I’m passionate about remixing education and technology to create digital solutions that transform learning and expand the reach of educational institutions. I have experience in product strategy, user-centered design, and data analysis, with a focus on developing experiences that engage students and educators while fostering educational innovation.

My work is driven by a forward-looking vision, aiming to anticipate trends and explore the use of artificial intelligence and design to enhance the educational experience. I believe in the transformative power of education and am dedicated to creating products that connect people to new learning opportunities.

I’m passionate about remixing education and technology to create digital solutions that transform learning and expand the reach of educational institutions. I have experience in product strategy, user-centered design, and data analysis, with a focus ... Show more

I am a developer and AI/ML specialist and educator with expertise in machine learning applications and a strong interest in image processing and analysis. Leading AI-focused initiatives like ML paper reading and writing clubs, I emphasize collaborative learning and open-source practices. Passionate about interdisciplinary AI applications, my work explores accessibility, productivity, and sustainability. I actively contribute to community-driven AI/ML events.

I am a developer and AI/ML specialist and educator with expertise in machine learning applications and a strong interest in image processing and analysis. Leading AI-focused initiatives like ML paper reading and writing clubs, I emphasize collaborati... Show more

Dr. Anika Davis is CEO of Winning Results, an organizational development firm. In addition, she is the COO/CoFounder of QoreInsights, an education technology company that uses AI to improve teacher effectiveness. Dr. Davis has a proven track record of growing organizations and developing individuals to achieve record breaking, award-winning results.
As an organizational psychologist, Dr. Davis has held executive leadership roles in financial services, operations, sales/marketing, and human resources. She is an expert at leveraging corporate culture to create and improve employee engagement, productivity, and team collaboration. She holds an EdD (Vanderbilt University) and is a certified KAI practitioner.

Dr. Anika Davis is CEO of Winning Results, an organizational development firm. In addition, she is the COO/CoFounder of QoreInsights, an education technology company that uses AI to improve teacher effectiveness. Dr. Davis has a proven track record o... Show more

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and parenting a teenager with ADHD, as well as over 15 years of strategic coaching helping organizations cultivate cultures of empowered teams. She leverages various strength-based models and principles of positive psychology to empower individuals to thrive and advocate for themselves and others in their own unique way

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and par... Show more

sd@st:~$ cat linda.fernandez

Analista de Seguridad Digital. Profesional en Ingeniería en Informática por el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), con experiencia en administración de infraestructura y sistemas.
Se ha desempeñado como responsable de la administración de la infraestructura tecnológica en SocialTIC, destacándose por su enfoque en la optimización y seguridad de sistemas. Su especialidad como Analista de Seguridad Digital está orientada principalmente a la seguridad de servicios, garantizando entornos más seguros y resilientes. Brinda soporte técnico y respuesta de emergencia ante ataques a la infraestructura y sitios web y realiza análisis forense de dispositivos, redes y sistemas para diagnosticar ataques digitales.
Además, ha sido promotora de iniciativas para el desarrollo de infraestructura autónoma, impulsando el uso de tecnologías libres y accesibles en diversos proyectos.

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Computer Engineering professional from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), with experience in infrastructure and systems administration.
She has worked managing technology infrastructure at SocialTIC, focusing on improving system performance and strengthening security. As a Digital Security Analyst, her work is mainly centered on protecting digital services and helping create safer, more resilient environments. She provides technical support and responds to emergencies involving infrastructure or website attacks, and also performs forensic analysis of devices, networks, and systems to better understand and respond to digital threats.
She’s also been an advocate for building autonomous infrastructure and promotes the use of free and accessible technologies in various projects.

sd@st:~$ cat linda.fernandez Analista de Seguridad Digital. Profesional en Ingeniería en Informática por el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), con experiencia en administración de infraestructura y sistemas. Se ha desempeñado como responsabl... Show more

Doutora em Educação Tecnológica (UFPE/2024), pesquisadora de processos de inovação na educação e de cenarização de futuros para a educação; atua há 17 anos no ecossistema do Porto Digital e há quase 7 no CESAR. Professora de especializações (CESAR School e UNIFAFIRE) em temas como aprendizagem organizacional e o uso de novas tecnologias digitais na sala de aula. Atua no desenvolvimento de cursos online, estruturação de universidades corporativas e formação docente.

Doutora em Educação Tecnológica (UFPE/2024), pesquisadora de processos de inovação na educação e de cenarização de futuros para a educação; atua há 17 anos no ecossistema do Porto Digital e há quase 7 no CESAR. Professora de especializações (CESAR Sc... Show more

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, sustainable change. Drawing on her deep roots in community organizing and advocacy, she serves as a trusted advisor, helping to design inclusive, community-led policies while equipping people with the tools and inspiration to lead. Grounded in the belief that healing is essential to meaningful transformation, Cresielda addresses the toll of systemic oppression—acknowledging how trauma, burnout, and emotional exhaustion can erode resilience and obstruct progress. Her whole-person and systems approach fosters stronger, healthier communities built on mutual support, collective growth, and lasting impact.

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, s... Show more

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder and Spokesperson of the Future Skills expert committee in the German Society for Key Competencies. Since 2021 Advisory board member of the SAGSAGA (Serious Games Association). Since 2023 leader of the task 2.3 in the european university alliance SEA-EU on microcredentials (for Future Skills and Sustainability). Member of the advisory board of the Future Skills Journey of the Stifterverband in 2024. Co-leader of the Task Force Future Skills Framework 2030 at the Stifterverband in 2025.

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder an... Show more

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on social-emotional learning curriculum across the country, presented at multiple conferences, and provided training of researchers at a government contractor. Her experience includes training interpreters, registration staff, law students, and other participants on federal programs.

The premise of her first book Accountability in the Classroom: Using Social-Emotional Learning to Guide School Improvement came from her dissertation topic, and it was published in 2021. The idea behind her second book Kids Before Content: An Educator's Guide on Social-Emotional Learning Competencies came from both her dissertation and her experiences with recommending a pilot social-emotional learning program.

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on... Show more

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of two adopted daughters and the husband of a teacher, he quickly recognized the absence of other dads participating in family engagement activities at the local school. He also noticed that there were few, if any male role models among school staff members.
After initially being turned away from the PTA, he learned about the Watch D.O.G.S. program and proposed it to the principal of his local school. He quickly became a leader in father engagement at the local, and then state and national level. He served for ten years as a National Family and Community Engagement Coordinator with the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) organization. This was done while simultaneously serving as a senior captain with the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department. Upon his retirement from Atlanta Fire-Rescue in 2019, he began serving full-time with the All Pro Dad Chapters program and did so for four and a half years.
In these roles, Keith has spoken at hundreds of state and national conferences including the American Association of School Administrators, National PTA, American School Counselors Association and the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement. Keith has literally worked with hundreds of local schools and school districts in overcoming the traditional stereotypes of fathers and perceived their lack of engagement in local schools.
In 2023, Keith launched The National Alliance for Father Friendly Schools. This nonprofit organization serves as a resource for training and information on father friendly practices and programs for local schools and school districts. NAFFS can direct school administrators in more actively engaging all family members but, especially being inclusive of fathers and father figures.
Keith is working to create a culture and environment in which schools provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where fathers regularly engage and participate in the daily activities of local schools. This includes supporting students who do not have an easily recognizable father figure in their life as well.
As a national leader, Keith’s goal is to give every child an opportunity to have strong positive role models leading them to the greatest success possible.

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of tw... 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