Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Laura Wissiak

Laura Wissiak

Interviewing persons with low vision for her day job at an Assistive Tech Development company, Laura is learning more about barriers every day. And enthusiastic about sharing it! With a special interest in all things accessibility (both online and offline) she's enthusiastic to talk about braille keyboards, trashcans and bad urban planning, how blindness is a spectum, and most importandly: That web accessibility is a tool to build an inclusive society.

Interviewing persons with low vision for her day job at an Assistive Tech Development company, Laura is learning more about barriers every day. And enthusiastic about sharing it! With a special interest in all things accessibility (both online and of... Show more

Isabella Johnston

Isabella Johnston

Isabella Johnston is an AI Workforce Architect and Founder redefining hiring through measurable alignment, ethical AI, and accelerated learning. As Founder & CEO of Employers 4 Change (E4C), she has built an AI-enabled platform that aligns talent to mission, values, and cognitive skill requirements—shifting hiring from subjective decisions to validated, data-driven outcomes.

With over 20 years of experience across education, workforce development, and leadership, Isabella focuses on solving one of the most persistent challenges in business: how to identify and develop the right talent in an AI-driven economy. Her work introduces alignment scoring models that measure what actually drives success, helping organizations reduce bias, improve quality of hire, and accelerate workforce readiness.

A sought-after speaker on ethical AI and the future of work, Isabella is known for translating complex systems into practical, actionable strategies for leaders, technologists, and educators.

Isabella Johnston is an AI Workforce Architect and Founder redefining hiring through measurable alignment, ethical AI, and accelerated learning. As Founder & CEO of Employers 4 Change (E4C), she has built an AI-enabled platform that aligns talent to ... Show more

Udokaku Ugochukwu Technology Adoption Lead

Udokaku Ugochukwu Technology Adoption Lead

Udokaku Ugochukwu pronounced as uh-duo-kah-kuh , is a Technology Adoption and Value Lead spearheading Technology Adoption for M365,SAP,EC and workplace technologies. She is a conscientious lady with a career in Digital transformation and currently venturing into cybersecurity.

A public speaker, child health Advocate, who has served in various leadership roles.

She is a passionate about creating enriching and inclusive experiences that enables the growth and success of individuals and groups.

Udokaku Ugochukwu pronounced as uh-duo-kah-kuh , is a Technology Adoption and Value Lead spearheading Technology Adoption for M365,SAP,EC and workplace technologies. She is a conscientious lady with a career in Digital transformation and currently ve... Show more

Dr. Roderick Logan, DPTh, DAAETS

Dr. Roderick Logan, DPTh, DAAETS

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after spiritual harm. His work is grounded in a salutogenic orientation that focuses on the origins of health and resilience, and it is shaped by a companion stance: he does not rush people toward false arrival. He dwells in the third space with them and helps them name what others have missed or dismissed.

Dr. Logan holds a Doctorate in Practical Theology and a Master’s in Counseling. He is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. With more than four decades of experience in trauma-informed care and resilience building, he has been recognized with the Arizona Aging Services Star Award for Innovation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

He is the author of "I Was Loved: 10 Statements I Hope My Child Can Say About Their Childhood" and "Finding Everland: Voyage Beyond Religious Trauma: A Psalm-Guided Journey to Resiliency." Dr. Logan and his wife, Melody, have been married for 46 years. They share a family legacy of three children and eight grandchildren, alongside a professional legacy of helping others restore dignity, agency, and a sustainable path forward.

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after s... Show more

Tina Mirro

Tina Mirro

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career around transforming complex business challenges into scalable, human‑centered digital systems. Her work spans consulting, solution strategy, and hands‑on platform innovation, including contributions to community‑driven tools that expand Dynamics 365 capabilities.

A long‑time advocate for women in technology and a proud member of the Microsoft Federal Government ecosystem, Tina brings a blend of technical mastery, empathy, and real‑world implementation insight to every stage of digital transformation. Her background includes leadership in anti‑trafficking advocacy and accessibility‑focused volunteer work, reflecting her commitment to technology that empowers people.

Recognized for her passion, clarity, and ability to demystify complex systems, Tina is a dynamic speaker who inspires audiences to embrace modern business applications, rethink customer engagement, and unlock the full potential of the Power Platform.

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career aroun... Show more

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovation and operational excellence for diverse organizations. At the City of Seattle, he modernized various services, enhancing collaboration and automating workflows for a workforce of over 10,000 employees.

Dan’s expertise lies in leading impactful teams, crafting transformative strategies, and delivering innovative technology solutions that align with business goals. He speaks on topics such as Digital Transformation Strategy, Leadership in Technology, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, Emerging Technology Adoption, IT Governance Best Practices, and AI Governance.

Passionate about helping customers solve real-world challenges through technology, Dan combines deep technical expertise with a focus on positive outcomes for people. When he’s not transforming organizations, Dan enjoys gaming, hosting digital transformation talks, and connecting with audiences on Twitch and LinkedIn.

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovatio... Show more

Kazuki Imamura

Kazuki Imamura

Born in 1974. Leads Japan's open-source promotions. I started my current job in March 2024. Prior to that, I worked in web development for 13 years. I started activities as a civic tech contributor in 2018.

Born in 1974. Leads Japan's open-source promotions. I started my current job in March 2024. Prior to that, I worked in web development for 13 years. I started activities as a civic tech contributor in 2018. Show more

David Agbolade

David Agbolade

David is a Senior Data Scientist working in UK Government, where he applies AI and machine learning to real-world public sector challenges. He holds an MSc in AI & Data Science (Distinction) and BSc in Software Engineering.

His research on deploying deep learning for automated radiology reports was published in the Journal of Informatics and Web Engineering (JIWE) and earned Best Presenter Award at NexSymp 2025 in Malaysia. Beyond government work, he founded SheerFit, an AI-powered wellness platform serving users across communities.

David's work focuses on building production AI systems that actually work in resource-constrained environments, not just in labs. He's passionate about honest conversations about what it really takes to deploy AI in the real world: the failures, the compromises, and the unglamorous solutions that actually ship.

David is a Senior Data Scientist working in UK Government, where he applies AI and machine learning to real-world public sector challenges. He holds an MSc in AI & Data Science (Distinction) and BSc in Software Engineering. His research on deployi... Show more

Josh Luedeman

Josh Luedeman

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience across application support, database administration, business intelligence, and cloud modernization, Josh helps organizations across industries—including higher education, consulting, manufacturing, and software development—design and migrate complex analytics workloads to Microsoft Azure with confidence and agility. A recognized voice in the data community, he regularly speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite, Live! 360, PASS Summit, SQLSaturday, and other technical conferences, and co-hosts the technical series Tales from the Field, where he explores real-world patterns and best practices with peers. His work blends deep technical expertise with practical insights that empower teams to harness the full value of cloud-native data platforms, analytics, and governance in pursuit of measurable business outcomes.

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience... Show more

Thomas Chopin

Thomas Chopin

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadership et à structurer leur gouvernance en s’appuyant sur des outils agiles concrets et une prise de décision éclairée.
Je place l’humain au cœur des transformations, convaincu que l’amélioration continue est une opportunité pour chacun. J’encourage un apprentissage permanent et le développement de l’esprit critique, indispensables pour naviguer dans un monde en constante évolution. Mon rôle est d’ouvrir des perspectives, de challenger les certitudes et de créer des environnements propices à l’expérimentation et à l’adaptabilité.

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadersh... Show more

María López Martínez

María López Martínez

Soy ingeniera informática y consultora de Power Platform. Mi experiencia principal está en soluciones low-code con Power Apps, Power Automate y SharePoint, y actualmente estoy especializándome en Data, Microsoft Fabric y Power BI.

Además de mi trabajo técnico, participo activamente en formación, comunidades tecnológicas y asociacionismo juvenil. Soy Directora de Formación en #MurciaTIP, coordinadora del programa #PowerUS, presidenta de INFOMUN y Secretaria General de la Federación de Junior Empresas de la Región de Murcia (FEJERM).

Como ponente, me gusta compartir conocimiento desde un enfoque claro, práctico y cercano, conectando tecnología, datos y personas.

Soy ingeniera informática y consultora de Power Platform. Mi experiencia principal está en soluciones low-code con Power Apps, Power Automate y SharePoint, y actualmente estoy especializándome en Data, Microsoft Fabric y Power BI. Además de mi tra... Show more

Sara Hoshooley

Sara Hoshooley

Sara Hoshooley is a fundraising consultant and coach who LOVES working with small fundraising teams to create customized strategies that raise more money.

As a former small charity Executive Director she understands the challenges and opportunities facing small but mighty nonprofits and teams. She is the founder of Charity Shift, a Toronto based company that offers customized fundraising plans, strategy and coaching to organizations in Canada and internationally

Sara Hoshooley is a fundraising consultant and coach who LOVES working with small fundraising teams to create customized strategies that raise more money. As a former small charity Executive Director she understands the challenges and opportunitie... Show more

Oluwafemi Olawoyin

Oluwafemi Olawoyin

Femi is a Data & AI Engineer and open-source contributor. He builds data platforms in regulated settings like healthcare and education, and makes local-first, open-source AI tools built on restraint: empathySync, a local assistant designed to reduce dependency rather than create it, and intentKeeper, a filter that surfaces manipulation in social feeds. He also writes about running AI on your own hardware.

Femi is a Data & AI Engineer and open-source contributor. He builds data platforms in regulated settings like healthcare and education, and makes local-first, open-source AI tools built on restraint: empathySync, a local assistant designed to reduce ... Show more

Chanel Power

Chanel Power

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to.

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of technical excellence and global access. She has shipped production ML systems, advised 30+ early-stage AI product teams annually, and built a global technical institute serving 40K+ developers across 120+ countries, generating $45M+ in career outcomes for 600+ first-generation technologists.

Mentor Me Collective is a Google for Startups partner, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center alumni, and by every measure, a developer relations program at true scale, with enablement programs running at 3x industry engagement benchmarks and partnerships spanning Google Cloud, IBM, and Grow with Google.

Her technical range is matched by her ability to translate it across engineering rooms, executive briefings, and communities the industry too often overlooks.

Chanel works at the frontier of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and accelerated computing. She builds fast, speaks plain, and closes the gap between what's possible and who gets to build it.

She is not building toward legacy. She is already living it.

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to. A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of techn... Show more

Louise Humpington

Louise Humpington

Louise Humpington brings nearly three decades of experience across commercial law (Financial Services Litigation), international development, human rights, and AI ethics and governance. She has worked in some of the world's most demanding governance environments, including as Country Director for Oxfam in Papua New Guinea and as a Non-Executive Director of Amnesty International UK. Her work focuses on applying those legal, regulatory and human impact lenses to the design, development, and deployment of AI and in interrogating the principles of fairness and accountability to that live within their datasets. She argues that governance must be viewed as a mycelium network and that ethical considerations are no longer a cultural nicety. They are foundational to mitigate risk, avoid legal and bottom line liability, and ensuring that real world harms are caught before damage is done. Governance must be preventative, not a mop up exercise.

Louise Humpington brings nearly three decades of experience across commercial law (Financial Services Litigation), international development, human rights, and AI ethics and governance. She has worked in some of the world's most demanding governance ... Show more

Dahvid Schloss

Dahvid Schloss

Dahvid is the COO at Suzu Labs with over 15 years of experience in cyberattacks and defense. A former Special Operations communicator and offensive cyber operator, he transitioned from the military to leading international Red Teams for a Big 4 firm. In his subsequent leadership and executive roles, he specialized in enhancing security resilience and maturity across more than 100 clients globally. A DEFCON Black Badge holder and inaugural trainer, Dahvid is a recognized expert in logical, social, and physical infiltration and exploitation, as well as custom malware development. Teaching his clients how to "train how they fight". Grounded in the philosophy that "Leaders Eat Last", he focuses on bridging the gap between high-level business strategy and bespoke, high-value services to build truly resilient organizations.

Dahvid is the COO at Suzu Labs with over 15 years of experience in cyberattacks and defense. A former Special Operations communicator and offensive cyber operator, he transitioned from the military to leading international Red Teams for a Big 4 firm.... Show more

Varsha Verma

Varsha Verma

With a rich background of over 6+ years in the industry, I personally take charge of steering global Cloud. Currently, I'm hands-on, managing end-to-end responsibilities while prioritizing best practices.

But it's more than just Cloud, Devops, build and Operations for me. I'm here to share my expertise on a personal level. I want to coach individuals guiding them toward becoming not just job-ready, but corporate-ready with all my experiences and learnings. Let's embark on this journey together with a sprinkle of my expertise☺️.

Conducted Online and offline sessions for IT enthusiasts and Working Professionals.
✅AWS Community Builder

I was speaker in below events:
🏆AWS Community Event
🏆 Women In Tech India
🏆 All Day DevOps
🏆Lunch & Learn
🏆Engineer HUB

🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice for Cloud Computing
🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice for DevOps

✅Technical Content Writer at Hashnode👩‍💻

With a rich background of over 6+ years in the industry, I personally take charge of steering global Cloud. Currently, I'm hands-on, managing end-to-end responsibilities while prioritizing best practices. But it's more than just Cloud, Devops, bui... Show more

Clementine Gribble

Clementine Gribble

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our development office during her university placement. Today, she is the backbone of our customer success in EMEA, championing impactful learning experiences that drive organisational success and professional growth. With a proven track record of driving skills development for organisations of all sizes, she brings a passion for education to every workplace she interacts with. She has a deep understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS), learning analytics, and the IBM mainframe, enabling her to provide strategic guidance and support to clients. Recognising the need for practical learning solutions, she helps clients balance corporate objectives of efficiency and value with educational solutions that inspire and educate.

Clementine thrives at the intersection of technology, professional development, and customer engagement. Outside of work, Clementine is an avid SCUBA diver who loves exploring the wonderful waters of Britain and beyond.

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our developmen... Show more

Blair Lee

Blair Lee

Blair Lee is International Education Partnerships Manager at Team Monolith, a Korea-based EdTech company developing Codle, an AI-powered classroom learning platform. Her role focuses on helping international schools explore how AI can be introduced into teaching and learning in a practical and curriculum-aligned way.

Before working on global education projects, Blair built her foundation in education through Korean language teaching and classroom support. Her experience in developing learning materials and giving student feedback shaped her understanding of what teachers need to make learning work in real classrooms.

At Team Monolith, she supports international school partnerships and AI education implementation across global education markets, including the Middle East. She also works on teacher training initiatives that help schools move beyond standalone AI tools and build structured learning workflows.

At GESS Dubai 2026, she will share a strategic framework for helping international schools turn AI investment into measurable learning impact through curriculum integration, teacher-led implementation, and verifiable learning evidence.

Blair Lee is International Education Partnerships Manager at Team Monolith, a Korea-based EdTech company developing Codle, an AI-powered classroom learning platform. Her role focuses on helping international schools explore how AI can be introduced i... Show more

Valerija Strutinskaja

Valerija Strutinskaja

Valerija je inženjerka tekstilne tehnologije. Čita SF i fantasy oduvijek i jedan od hobija je obilazak konvencija po Hrvatskoj i svijetu.
Kreativne radionice održava s ciljem upoznavanje djece i odraslih sa novim materijalima i ostalim zanimljivostima iz područja hobija i likovnosti.

Valerija je inženjerka tekstilne tehnologije. Čita SF i fantasy oduvijek i jedan od hobija je obilazak konvencija po Hrvatskoj i svijetu. Kreativne radionice održava s ciljem upoznavanje djece i odraslih sa novim materijalima i ostalim zanimljivost... Show more

Katelyn Jones

Katelyn Jones

Katelyn Jones, PhD, is the founder of Noetic, a decision strategy and AI advisory practice for C-suite and senior leaders. She works with executives who are making significant investments in strategic initiatives and AI but can't clearly connect those investments to outcomes their boards, investors, or funders care about — helping them build the decision infrastructure that closes that gap.

Her background spans academic research, executive leadership, and teaching. Trained as a political scientist, her doctoral work examined how decisions are made in international organizations and how those choices play out on the ground. A growing focus of her work is on supporting leaders in navigating AI adoption beyond efficiency and compliance, helping them deploy AI in ways that have meaningful outcomes, specific impact goals, and ultimately do more good than harm.

She teaches Decision Strategy to MBA students at Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business, serves as Board Chair of Joel Hall Dancers & Center, and has keynoted events including the PMI Chicagoland Leadership Forum and Compass Connect. Her work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business.

Katelyn speaks on decision strategy and leveraging AI for maximum impact. Her recent talks include the keynote "Measuring What Matters: AI's Social Impact" and the workshop "Decision Strategy: Building a Toolkit for Your Leadership Team and Board."

Katelyn Jones, PhD, is the founder of Noetic, a decision strategy and AI advisory practice for C-suite and senior leaders. She works with executives who are making significant investments in strategic initiatives and AI but can't clearly connect thos... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more

Lindsay Lee

Lindsay Lee

Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist, researcher, educator, and consultant specializing in gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and educational technology. She serves as a faculty member at Elmbridge University and is the Founder and Director of Advanced Learning Research & Consulting, LLC. Dr. Lee's work explores the intersection of gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and human-centered technology integration, with a focus on expanding access, opportunity, and talent development through strengths-based learning design. She has published research in leading gifted education and creativity journals, serves as Chair-Elect of the National Association for Gifted Children's Research & Evaluation Network, and collaborates with schools, universities, and educational organizations on research, program evaluation, and professional learning initiatives.

Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist, researcher, educator, and consultant specializing in gifted education, neurodiversity, creativity, and educational technology. She serves as a faculty member at Elmbridge University and is the... Show more

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho is an Enterprise AI Delivery Leader, institution builder, and TEDx speaker who works across enterprise transformation, leadership development, and economic mobility.

At Red Hat, Stella leads the Release Train Engineers supporting the Data & AI organization, helping translate strategy into coordinated delivery across teams and initiatives. Her work focuses on AI-enabled operating models, enterprise agility, leadership alignment, and the systems organizations need to deliver value in an era of rapid technological change.

Beyond the enterprise, Stella builds institutions that expand access and advancement. She serves as Chief Operating Officer of the African Immigrant Collective, a global leadership ecosystem helping African immigrants thrive professionally, economically, and civically. She is also Co-Founder and Agile Faculty Lead at NSTAR Technologies, where she helps professionals reposition their experience, develop market-relevant capabilities, and advance into higher-impact careers.

A Nigerian-born, first-generation immigrant, Stella brings a distinctive perspective on leadership, reinvention, and building pathways where none previously existed. Her speaking integrates enterprise AI delivery, the future of work, leadership, career mobility, and the African immigrant experience.

Stella is a 2026 Women in Technology Woman to Watch Honoree, a TEDx speaker, and a contributor to global conversations on Agile leadership and enterprise transformation. Her central message is clear: leadership is not only about finding your place within existing systems—it is also about building better systems that allow others to advance.

Stella Ihenacho is an Enterprise AI Delivery Leader, institution builder, and TEDx speaker who works across enterprise transformation, leadership development, and economic mobility. At Red Hat, Stella leads the Release Train Engineers supporting t... Show more

Jérôme Floury

Jérôme Floury

Jérôme FLOURY is a seasoned IT leader and CDO in Ploufragan, France, with a passion for transforming data platforms into operational engines. Certified as a Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300), Fabric Analytics Engineer (DP-600), and Fabric Data Engineer (DP-700), Jérôme brings a deep and practical understanding of Microsoft’s modern data stack. His work focuses on bridging the gap between analytics and operations—leveraging Microsoft Fabric not just for insights, but for real-world automation, orchestration, and decision-making. Jérôme offers a fresh perspective on how Fabric can empower users beyond dashboards and AI hype, with practical solutions that drive business value.

Jérôme FLOURY is a seasoned IT leader and CDO in Ploufragan, France, with a passion for transforming data platforms into operational engines. Certified as a Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300), Fabric Analytics Engineer (DP-600), and Fabric Data... Show more

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid studiert Politikwissenschaft und Volkswirtschaftslehre an der Universität Regensburg. Seit April 2026 ist er Sprecher des Bayerischen Landesstudierendenrats und vertritt die über 400.000 Studierenden in Bayern. In dieser Funktion sind seine Schwerpunkte Künstliche Intelligenz, Nachhaltigkeit und die Zukunft der Lehre.

Moritz Schmid studiert Politikwissenschaft und Volkswirtschaftslehre an der Universität Regensburg. Seit April 2026 ist er Sprecher des Bayerischen Landesstudierendenrats und vertritt die über 400.000 Studierenden in Bayern. In dieser Funktion sind s... Show more

Arjun Sharda

Arjun Sharda

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for over seven years and has written for outlets such as the Washington Post and the Austin-American Statesman. He has received recognition from Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Board of Education.

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for ov... Show more

Birjan Crispin

Birjan Crispin

Birjan D. Crispin is a bold, compelling and convciting speaker who looks forward to serving your audience. He currently serves as an econominc development consultant in Indianapolis, IN. From 2023 to 2025, Birjan served in the Indiana House of Representatives as a legislative aide for the House Republican Caucus. In this role, he staffed the Indiana C.H.O.I.C.E. Board and the Commerce, Small Business & Economic Development Committee, contributing to policy development in economic and community-focused areas.

Birjan holds a B.A. in Finance and Political Science from Hope College. He is a graduate of The Heritage Foundation's Leadership Fellowship (as a fiscal and monetary policy fellow), The Leadership Institute's Young Leaders Program, and Indiana Family Institute's Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024.

A sought-after voice in public discourse, Birjan is a regular guest on podcasts nationwide and has spoken at conferences across the country. He shares his compelling personal journey—from Orphan to Advocate—while addressing faith-centered formation, legislative initiatives for child and family protection, parental righs, economic & fiscal policy.

Before entering public service, Birjan worked in corporate finance in Chicago, specializing in portfolio risk analysis and business management.
Birjan resides in Anderson, Indiana, with his wife Brooke and their daughter Abigail. The family is deeply engaged in their local community and are active members of Grace Baptist Church in Anderson.

In his personal time, Birjan is a classical violinist and an avid golfer.

Birjan D. Crispin is a bold, compelling and convciting speaker who looks forward to serving your audience. He currently serves as an econominc development consultant in Indianapolis, IN. From 2023 to 2025, Birjan served in the Indiana House of Repres... Show more

Nyah Macklin

Nyah Macklin

Nyah Macklin is a seasoned researcher and speaker on topics around AI, ML, Ethics, Governance, and Responsibility. Nyah serves as a Senior Developer Advocate for Artificial Intelligence at Neo4j, specializing in context engineering, knowledge graphs, and AI-driven developer tooling where Nyah has built high-impact technical communities and led initiatives that advance a critical understanding of AI and its use cases. They are also the Founder & CTO of Afros in AI, a technical community dedicated to showcasing the multifaceted nature of artificial intelligence. Beyond Nyah's technical expertise, Nyah has a background in government leadership and technology policy, having served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. state government, where they helped shape tech-driven legislative initiatives and equity-driven legislation. When not immersed in their work, Nyah cares about empowering, teaching, and tutoring engineers, live-streaming technical deep dives, and building open-source tools that make software more accessible, explainable, and community-driven.

Nyah Macklin is a seasoned researcher and speaker on topics around AI, ML, Ethics, Governance, and Responsibility. Nyah serves as a Senior Developer Advocate for Artificial Intelligence at Neo4j, specializing in context engineering, knowledge graphs,... Show more

Norah Schrum

Norah Schrum

Meet a seasoned professional known in the digital realm as @tekNorah. With over 15+ years of experience in software development and continuous process improvement, they are a strategic technical leader in the digital agency space. Hailing from Mokena, IL, @tekNorah brings a wealth of expertise primarily serving the education, government, and legal industries.

As a seasoned community leader, @tekNorah is deeply ingrained in the tech community, contributing to Drupal and Open Source Software, and serving on the leadership team for MidCamp. Their knack for organic collaboration and ideation has led to significant organizational performance improvements, making them a sought-after figure in the industry.

With a passion for innovation and a commitment to best practices, @tekNorah’s approach to systems design and change management is both meticulous and forward-thinking. Whether it's crafting tailor-designed solutions from concept to launch or coordinating intern and onboarding programs, their dedication to excellence shines through in every endeavor.

Connect with @tekNorah to tap into their expertise and collaborate on your next project. Driving innovation and efficiency gains, @tekNorah is your go-to partner for transformative solutions in the digital landscape.

Meet a seasoned professional known in the digital realm as @tekNorah. With over 15+ years of experience in software development and continuous process improvement, they are a strategic technical leader in the digital agency space. Hailing from Mokena... Show more

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