Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Dr. Ewa Antczak is an internationally recognized Behavioral Scientist, psychologist, and AI innovator dedicated to creating safer and more empathetic digital environments. With over two decades of professional experience, she has guided more than 15,000 individuals through her clinical and educational work, with expertise in emotional intelligence, gifted behavior, and youth mental health.
A published author of several books and peer-reviewed papers on behavior and attitude change, she completed her doctorate at the age of 24 while serving as a researcher and lecturer at the Polish Academy of Sciences and University of Social Sciences and Humanities, specializing in personality and the role of narrative mode in behavior change.
She is the founder of Felixa, a pioneering AI-powered platform that proactively detects and transforms harmful behavior in online communities, strengthening trust, collaboration, and inclusion. Her work uniquely bridges behavioral science with advanced technology, setting new standards for how societies can address digital safety and human well-being.
Dr. Antczak also created IdealMe, a personal development system that builds emotional intelligence and resilience in individuals and teams, and Talk2Alex, an app that has supported thousands of young people in regulating emotions and behaviors, particularly during the pandemic. She also serves on the Boards of Resilient Children Canada and the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO).
A frequent speaker at global conferences, Dr. Antczak continues to influence leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human progress.

Dr. Ewa Antczak is an internationally recognized Behavioral Scientist, psychologist, and AI innovator dedicated to creating safer and more empathetic digital environments. With over two decades of professional experience, she has guided more than 15,... Show more

Nandini Harihareswara is a Digital Finance, FinTech, Digital Development and Inclusive Digital Economies expert. She previously served as Senior Advisor on Inclusive Digital Economies, Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment for the UN Capital Development Fund. She also served as the Digital Finance Regional Technical Specialist from 2015-2019, responsible for the creation & implementation of the UNCDF Digital Economy Strategy in Zambia and Malawi. She also helped to author the Inclusive Digital Economies and Gender Equality Playbook, launched in 2021. In these roles, she worked with more 20 FinTechs, Banks, Telcos and e-commerce companies to successfully increase their women customers and partner MSME businesses, and increase their financial return on investment.

She was a founding member of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Digital Development Division. Prior to working for the Digital Development team, Nandini worked as an Investment Officer for the USAID Development Credit Authority Office, and a Presidential Management Fellow at the US Department of Transportation as well as the Urban Transport Division of the World Bank.

She is the author of numerous publications on the intersection of finance, technology and international development. Nandini has an MBA and a Masters in International Trade and Investment Policy from the George Washington University. She also holds a BS in Psychology and a BA in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego.

Nandini Harihareswara is a Digital Finance, FinTech, Digital Development and Inclusive Digital Economies expert. She previously served as Senior Advisor on Inclusive Digital Economies, Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment for the UN Capit... Show more

Amy has enjoyed over 26 years working with people in a number of contexts and sectors.

In the last 13 years, she has founded and grown two companies – Alpha Inclusion Ltd and CHMLN Ltd.

Facilitating a culture change with her established teams at Alpha, she transformed it over two years and enjoys watching it thrive and grow as a truly values-based organisation. Not just words on a wall.

In addition to remaining as owner and Director at AlphaIC, Amy, alongside her team of CHMLN Associates, consults, trains and develops leadership programmes for companies and organisations.

Her clients have included high performing teams in the education, finance and legal sectors and a number in local and central Government, including at No. 10 Downing Street.

Amy has enjoyed over 26 years working with people in a number of contexts and sectors. In the last 13 years, she has founded and grown two companies – Alpha Inclusion Ltd and CHMLN Ltd. Facilitating a culture change with her established teams ... Show more

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintech and crypto payment experiences that power economic freedom. I also lead product at Lovebox Africa, a tech for good platform reimagining community giving. From scaling early concepts into polished, user-centered platforms to overseeing agile product teams, my work reflects a deep commitment to intentional design, cultural relevance, and high-performance product systems. I’m passionate about creating scalable solutions that solve real-world problems while enabling underserved users to thrive.

I’m also an open-source contributor with Women Coding Community, where I volunteer and collaborate on inclusive tech solutions, and a design mentor at Veet, empowering aspiring designers and product owners across the globe. My prior speaking engagements span product strategy, design systems, tech-for-good, and community-led innovation. I bring fresh, global insight into building cross-cultural, impact-driven digital products, and I’m driven to share this knowledge to inspire the next generation of product leaders. Whether on stage or in workshops, I deliver talks that prompt, equip, and empower audiences to build boldly and build products that solve real life problems.

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintec... Show more

I'm a Product Owner of a Cloud Engineering & Enablement team at a Governmental Software company called Wigo4it, which builds Social Security software. I was part of the digital transformation Wigo4it made from a old-fashioned traditional company to a fully focused Cloud and DevOps organization.

With my enthusiasm and creativity, I like to help organizations gain new insights to become more Cloud and DevOps-oriented. I'm fascinated by the fact that people have a fixed mindset and I always try to inspire others in a unique way to be more successful.

I'm a frequent speaker at various conferences. Last year I delivered sessions at events like Techorama, Microsoft Belgium Government Day, International Product owner Day, Azure Meet-ups, and many more. Microsoft often asks me to give customer case presentations about our transformation.

Lately the greening of IT has gained more of my interest. A topic that seems to not be considered while we're all building new software and services. It's time for the World to add the greening of IT to our digital transformations as well.

You can always contact me to talk about subjects like: DevOps, Cloud Computing, Sustainable IT, and Growth Mindset.

I'm a Product Owner of a Cloud Engineering & Enablement team at a Governmental Software company called Wigo4it, which builds Social Security software. I was part of the digital transformation Wigo4it made from a old-fashioned traditional company to a... Show more

Sebastian Brandt is a Senior Cloud Engineer and Lead Online Platform at Tchibo, responsible for the technical backbone of the company's e-commerce platform. Passionate about operational excellence, he leads his team in operating a scalable and secure cloud infrastructure that enables product teams to deliver software quickly and safely. Outside of work, Sebastian serves his community as a volunteer lifeguard and instructor for the DLRG. Speaker sample (2nd): https://youtu.be/hiATPZ067Pc

Sebastian Brandt is a Senior Cloud Engineer and Lead Online Platform at Tchibo, responsible for the technical backbone of the company's e-commerce platform. Passionate about operational excellence, he leads his team in operating a scalable and secure... Show more

Léonce Pidy est chercheuse en informatique à l’Université de Douala, spécialisée dans les réseaux ad hoc véhiculaires (VANETs) et l’application de l’intelligence artificielle à la mobilité urbaine durable dans les pays en développement. Ses recherches portent sur la conception de protocoles de routage intelligents, l’optimisation du contrôle des feux de circulation et l’intégration de l’IA pour améliorer la fluidité, la sécurité et la durabilité des systèmes de transport.

Engagée dans la transmission du savoir, Léonce est également enseignante d'informatique. Elle s’investit activement dans la formation et l’accompagnement des étudiants au sein de l'université de douala et de JFN(hightech university institute), tout en menant ses travaux de recherche au sein du laboratoire ISDM.

En dehors du milieu académique, Léonce est présidente fondatrice de Dare to be Women Tech, une association qui œuvre pour l’autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes à travers les STEM, en lien avec les Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD). Elle est aussi ambassadrice Zindi, Co-organisatrice indabax-Cameroun et directrice des communautés de Kmer-AI, où elle contribue à promouvoir l’IA responsable et inclusive au Cameroun.

Animée par la conviction que l’IA peut transformer la mobilité et l’inclusion sociale en Afrique, Léonce aspire à bâtir des solutions technologiques adaptées aux réalités locales, en conciliant rigueur scientifique, innovation et impact social.

Léonce Pidy est chercheuse en informatique à l’Université de Douala, spécialisée dans les réseaux ad hoc véhiculaires (VANETs) et l’application de l’intelligence artificielle à la mobilité urbaine durable dans les pays en développement. Ses recherche... Show more

Renzo Wouters is enterprise architect bij het Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid in Nederland. Met meer dan 15 jaar ervaring in enterprise architectuur, richt hij zich op het verbeteren van samenwerking binnen het publieke domein — met name binnen de Strafrechtketen. Renzo werkt aan de ontwikkeling van een waardegedreven en interoperabel digitaal ecosysteem dat publieke dienstverlening versterkt en maatschappelijke meerwaarde centraal stelt. Hij combineert conceptuele modellering (zoals DEMO) met visie op publieke waarde en ecosystemisch denken.

Renzo Wouters is enterprise architect bij het Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid in Nederland. Met meer dan 15 jaar ervaring in enterprise architectuur, richt hij zich op het verbeteren van samenwerking binnen het publieke domein — met name binnen... Show more

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads initiatives that explore how AI can be harnessed to enhance humans’ ability to thrive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape Committed to placing humans at the heart of AI, she partners with organizations to help them a create work environments where technology and people work in harmony, driving exceptional results.

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads in... Show more

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

Matt has worked with Oracle technology since joining Oracle UK as a consultant in 1998, working as a bespoke developer, then moving into technical and functional consultancy within eBusiness Suite, and now works with Oracle Fusion Applications across all streams.

Matt currently serves on the Board of the UK Oracle User Group as a non executive Director and member advocate for Oracle Applications (both Applications Unlimited and Oracle Fusion Applications).

Away from the Oracle world, Matt is an experienced non executive Director, primarily within the not-for-profit / membership body space. Matt served on the Board of The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (the UK's voice of modern work, and memcom Membership Body of the Year 2021) between 2015 and 2021, twice serving as Deputy Chair of the Board and became Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic as the self-employed faced unprecedented challenges. As part of this role, Matt joined the Business Action Council, which united the UK's leading entrepreneurship organisations together as part of an emergency response to the pandemic, streamlining the voices of more than 500,000 businesses across every sector and region within the United Kingdom to provide Government with a coherent perspective of expert, holistic advice to protect business resilience and restore confidence. Matt has been interviewed for the Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Freelancing Matters magazine, as well as on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 4, and on Sky News.

Matt has worked with Oracle technology since joining Oracle UK as a consultant in 1998, working as a bespoke developer, then moving into technical and functional consultancy within eBusiness Suite, and now works with Oracle Fusion Applications across... 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

Josh Universe is a scientist-astronaut candidate, science communicator, biohacker, and CEO of Astrochain. Josh Universe is a sophomore at Florida Institute of Technology studying a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Additionally, Josh Universe is taking graduate classes in Commercial Enterprise in Space at Florida Institute of Technology. Josh Universe is also pursing Applied Astronautics at the International Institute of Astronautical science. Josh Universe's primary interests are in astronomy, astrophysics, space law(mainly DAO applications for space law), and human spaceflight exploration. You can reach Josh Universe on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/univ/

Josh Universe is a scientist-astronaut candidate, science communicator, biohacker, and CEO of Astrochain. Josh Universe is a sophomore at Florida Institute of Technology studying a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Additionally, Josh... 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

A politician and public speaker, serving as an Executive Director at Cowries Blues Investment Ltd.

A politician and public speaker, serving as an Executive Director at Cowries Blues Investment Ltd. Show more

Cynthia Dionne, is a coach, trainer, and consultant. She is best known as “The DRDP Lady,” after extensive work as a lead trainer with the Desired Results Project – an innovative early childhood assessment system designed by California and used throughout the country. Cynthia brings almost thirty years of experience in early childhood education. As a preschool teacher, director, online instructor, and trainer of trainers – she offers a widespread understanding of all facets of early childhood. Currently, she advises on program enhancement and compliance through an array of training and coaching services. When she’s not training or coaching, Cynthia stays busy tending her garden and doing all she can to keep the squirrels out! Check out her website at www.simplysupport4ece.weebly.com.

Cynthia Dionne, is a coach, trainer, and consultant. She is best known as “The DRDP Lady,” after extensive work as a lead trainer with the Desired Results Project – an innovative early childhood assessment system designed by California and used throu... Show more

Teenage Z80 programmer, electronics student, minor&major&PhD in CS. Moved from Formal Methods to HPC to touch real computers. OS, Computer Organization and Parallel Computing teacher. Director of Universidad Nacional de Córdoba HPC Center. Proud CyberCiruja.

Teenage Z80 programmer, electronics student, minor&major&PhD in CS. Moved from Formal Methods to HPC to touch real computers. OS, Computer Organization and Parallel Computing teacher. Director of Universidad Nacional de Córdoba HPC Center. Proud Cybe... 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

Founder of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaboration and ITIL, DR, BCM, and SLA.

Love licensing stuff. Microsoft Certified Trainer, freelancer, and consultant. Subject Matter Expert at Microsoft. Member of Microsoft Terminology Community, Friends of RedGate PLUS, PASS, ISSA, ACM and several communities in the world. Since 1st July 2010 Data Platform MVP.

Former President of the Polish SQL Server User Group. Creator of SQL DAY Conference and Conference CEO 2009-2011. Co-Leader of PASS East Midlands Group. Speaker at group meetings and conferences. STEM Ambassador. After hours cyclist, traveller, and photographer. Coffee Addicted.

Founder of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaborati... 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

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