Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this role, Esmeralda leads the development of innovative digital solutions, emphasizing the integration of open-source methodologies to enhance collaboration and efficiency across government platforms.

An active member of the Drupal open-source community, Esmeralda was honored with the Women in Drupal award in 2024, recognizing her significant contributions and leadership. Her involvement in the community underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Esmeralda is board member of the Dutch Drupal Association and started the Network of European Drupal Associations.

Esmeralda’s professional journey reflects a dedication to leveraging open-source principles not only in software development but also in organizational practices. She advocates for transparent communication, collaborative decision-making, and empowering teams by harnessing individual talents. Her work exemplifies how adopting an open-source mindset can drive innovation and create more inclusive work environments.

Through her work at DICTU and active participation in the Drupal community, Esmeralda continues to influence the adoption of open-source strategies within the public sector, promoting sustainable and inclusive technological advancements.

Esmeralda delivers talks and workshops, and can act as panel leader.

Esmeralda Tijhoff is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in open-source technologies and government digital services. She currently serves as a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at DICTU, a service provider within the Dutch Min... Show more

Ulf is founder of mindful-leaders.net, serial entrepreneur, and full Professor for Educational Management and Lifelong Learning at the Baden-Wurttemberg Cooperative State University. In 2011 the Ministry of Higher Education called him to spearhead the launch of Germany’s first Cooperative University as Vice-President, a large scale initiative, with today 35 thousand students. In 2017, he launched NextEducation, an international boutique-research group focussing on Future Skills, Microcredentials & digital transformation in higher education. Just recently he was appointed as Scientific Director at the Future Learning Laboratory at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Ulf is founder of mindful-leaders.net, serial entrepreneur, and full Professor for Educational Management and Lifelong Learning at the Baden-Wurttemberg Cooperative State University. In 2011 the Ministry of Higher Education called him to spearhead th... Show more

Ghassan Benchiheb is a digital strategist, AI enthusiast, and social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, public policy, and social impact. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Social Plus, a digital consultancy that helps brands and organizations across Morocco and beyond harness the power of social media and AI to grow, engage, and drive real-world results.

Ghassan is also the founder of Tahaqaq, Morocco’s first fact-checking platform. His leadership in this space earned him national recognition and the Dominique Benbrahim Alumni Impact Award, presented by the U.S. Embassy and the Moroccan Web Awards.

In addition to his work in digital innovation, Ghassan has served in high-level public policy roles, including as Advisor to the Minister of Environment, Advisor to the Minister of Labor, and as part of the team of the former Head of Government in Morocco. These experiences deepened his understanding of how policy, technology, and communication can work together to shape better futures.

Ghassan is also the president of the DIAA Foundation, an initiative that empowers youth and communities through digital literacy, civic engagement, and sustainable development. As an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), he has exchanged insights with global tech leaders at Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, and more.

Recognized as one of Morocco’s most influential digital voices, Ghassan speaks regularly about AI, digital communication/Marketing, Fact-Checking and the future of media in the Age of AI—bringing a unique perspective that blends strategy, storytelling, and civic responsibility.

Ghassan Benchiheb is a digital strategist, AI enthusiast, and social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, public policy, and social impact. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Social Plus, a digital ... Show more

Rohit Naidu S. is a globally recognized business leader, sustainability strategist, and CEO of IFortis Worldwide—a pioneering firm at the forefront of sustainability, tech solutions, and corporate innovation. With a career spanning multiple sectors including technology, staffing, corporate training, and environmental sustainability, he has built a reputation for driving large-scale transformation while aligning profitability with purpose.

Named India’s Impactful CEO 2024 by The Economic Times, Rohit is widely known for his leadership in integrating renewable energy, sustainable business practices, and social impact into core corporate strategy. Through initiatives like the #MakingWomenSelfReliant program and Mission Sustainable India, he has empowered over 100,000 women and youth globally, championing inclusive entrepreneurship and workforce development.

As a trusted advisor to organizations across the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and India, Rohit also serves on the boards of several companies, including GIOSTAR USA, Instape, and AAVTR ASIA. A sought-after international speaker and G20 delegate, he brings powerful insights on the future of work, climate action, and ethical leadership—helping organizations and individuals alike become drivers of sustainable, scalable change.

Rohit Naidu S. is a globally recognized business leader, sustainability strategist, and CEO of IFortis Worldwide—a pioneering firm at the forefront of sustainability, tech solutions, and corporate innovation. With a career spanning multiple sectors i... Show more

My name is David Emenyi. I am one of Africa's top Business Strategists & Consultants, as well as "West Africa’s first and currently only official Grant Cardone Licensee".

I am a strategist, creative thinker, coach, keynote speaker and highly passionate about making a difference in the lives of people via the various training platforms I engage.

I currently serve as Head of Business Services & New Product Experimentation at Start Innovation Hub, Lead Strategist for The Deliberate CEO International and I'm a choice consultant for various brands on brand strategy, effective sales/product development/training, and digital marketing strategy.

My superpower is developing "10X Strategies" tailor-made for you so you can begin producing 10X results. I simply won’t rest, stop or quit until we get the desired results!!! This is my commitment to the world.

My name is David Emenyi. I am one of Africa's top Business Strategists & Consultants, as well as "West Africa’s first and currently only official Grant Cardone Licensee". I am a strategist, creative thinker, coach, keynote speaker and highly passi... Show more

Karen’s mission is to create an environment where differences are expected rather than the exception. Her understanding of the neurochemistry of behaviour has allowed the participants of her sessions to make a plan and MoveON from whatever stressors they are experiencing. Karen has been an invited speaker and presenter at the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorder’s National Conference as well as the Moracle Foundation in England. Karen is the author of the children’s book Different is Just… Different as well as Purple Stew (a parenting guide). She has facilitated workshops for international conferences and several universities and teacher conferences. She has also served as a sessional instructor at the University of Windsor in the Faculty of Education.

Karen’s mission is to create an environment where differences are expected rather than the exception. Her understanding of the neurochemistry of behaviour has allowed the participants of her sessions to make a plan and MoveON from whatever stressors ... Show more

Enterprise Agile Coach

Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-driven Agile, and Organizational Development. With over 15 years of experience, Toby helps organizations address today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) challenges by guiding leaders and teams to understand, apply, and evangelize Lean and Agile practices.

Toby is an ICF-Credentialed Coach, an IC-Agile Accredited Trainer, a Certified Executive Coach and holds several top Agile certifications from Scrum Alliance and ICAgile. He also has certifications in AI, including AI for Product Management (IBM/Pendo.io), Generative AI Fundamentals (Academy Accreditation from Databricks), and AI & Agility (Scrum Alliance).

He is passionate about developing people’s capabilities through coaching, consulting, training, and mentoring. A dedicated advocate for the Agile community, Toby co-founded the A20 Agile Conference in 2020 and leads the Loudoun Agile Network (LAN), a vibrant community of over 2,000 members in the Washington DC Metro area. He frequently speaks at Agile conferences and industry events worldwide.

As an early adopter of AI, Toby uses AI tools extensively as an Enterprise Coach, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. He has hosted six AI-related presentations at LAN, and is invested in continuously expanding his AI knowledge.

LinkedIn: Toby Rao

Enterprise Agile Coach Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-dr... Show more

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, technology, and business innovation, Darya is a driving force in digital transformation, AI, and future workforce development.

As a C-level executive, entrepreneur, and mentor, Darya has shaped the success of enterprises, startups, and global initiatives by integrating emerging technologies with strategic growth frameworks. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work, addressing audiences at major global conferences, corporate summits, and executive retreats.

A passionate advocate for future-ready leadership, Darya believes that true innovation begins with a bold vision and the courage to challenge the status quo. She inspires business leaders to embrace AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, unlock new opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Impact & Achievements:
✅ Executive & Board Leadership: C-Level strategist with expertise in business transformation, revenue operations (RevOps), and strategic growth across global markets. Advisor to enterprises, government bodies, and tech innovators.
✅ Digital Transformation & AI Thought Leader: Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in AR/VR, AI, and Digital Transformation by Thinkers 360, shaping the dialogue on the future of business and technology.
✅ Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Speaker: Winner of the Global Female Leader Award in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader (#EYL40), Women in IT, and featured in Forbes, Inc.com, Business & Finance, and Irish Times.
✅ Future Workforce & EdTech Visionary: Led transformative EdTech initiatives, including EU-backed projects on AI and AR in education, impacting thousands of students across Europe.
✅ Women in Leadership & DEI Advocate: A strong voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mentoring female founders, startup leaders, and executives to break barriers in tech and business.

Speaking & Expertise:
🔹 Leadership in the Age of AI & Digital Disruption
🔹 The Future of Work: Skills, Adaptability & Innovation
🔹 Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies
🔹 Strategic Growth & Business Transformation
🔹 Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose & Resilience

Darya’s leadership journey, from entrepreneurial success to executive impact, serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and human-centric leadership, making her a powerful voice in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

🚀 Inspire. Lead. Transform. 🚀

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection... Show more

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。
社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理システム）」座長、三重県デジタル推進フェロー、一般社団法人オープン・ナレッジ・ファウンデーション・ジャパン代表理事なども務めている。

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。 社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理シ... Show more

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of public service.

Carrie has her Bachelors of Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Information Assurance and Digital Forensics, and she is a co-founder of BSides Oklahoma and a founding member of Techlahoma.

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of publi... Show more

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming languages, Systems Analysis and Design, Databases, AI, Operating Systems, Networks and Free Software. Member of Ubuntu-ar, CaFeLUG, ClementinaOrg and SysArmy, promoter of the use of Free Software in education, organizes and participates in events to disseminate the use of free software and free access to information and knowledge, for which he also develops and share content on your website and social networks. Consultant in migration to Free Software platforms for companies and public or private institutions.

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming language... Show more

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not writing queries, I enjoy coaching, woodworking, and hiking in our Nation Parks.

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not wr... Show more

J'ai toujours cultivé une certaine polyvalence dont les différentes facettes s'enrichissent mutuellement.
Coach professionnel et agiliste, j'écoute et je questionne individus et organisations pour les aider à clarifier leurs problématiques et à construire leurs propres solutions.

J'ai toujours cultivé une certaine polyvalence dont les différentes facettes s'enrichissent mutuellement. Coach professionnel et agiliste, j'écoute et je questionne individus et organisations pour les aider à clarifier leurs problématiques et à cons... Show more

Roman is a cybersecurity expert, engineer, and leader with over 17 years of hands-on experience securing complex systems and products at scale. Currently Principal Architect at Red Hat, he leads open-source security strategy, upstream collaboration, and cross-industry initiatives focused on building trusted software ecosystems. He has built and scaled programs across security architecture, threat modeling, secure development, vulnerability management, incident response, and security education - for both engineers and senior leadership. His work spans trusted AI, privacy, compliance, and secure software supply chains. Previously, Roman led Product Security & Privacy for Data Center and AI software at Intel. He is a Security Champion for several open-source projects and an active contributor to working groups under the OpenSSF, Eclipse Foundation, and other global initiatives. Roman is also a university lecturer, startup advisor, and mentor - advocating for a practical, collaborative, and responsible approach to open-source and cybersecurity. He is an official member of CEN/CLC and ETSI standardization working groups, contributing directly to the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

Roman is a cybersecurity expert, engineer, and leader with over 17 years of hands-on experience securing complex systems and products at scale. Currently Principal Architect at Red Hat, he leads open-source security strategy, upstream collaboration, ... Show more

She is a result-driven tech lover, passionate about community building, advocate for women in Information Technology, promoter of gender equality in STEM, Google cloud enthusiast, Program Manager who enjoys traveling and meeting new people, developer advocate in the making and hey! She is a music LOVER.

She is a result-driven tech lover, passionate about community building, advocate for women in Information Technology, promoter of gender equality in STEM, Google cloud enthusiast, Program Manager who enjoys traveling and meeting new people, developer... Show more

Ben Linders is an Independent Consultant in Agile, Lean, Quality, and Continuous Improvement, based in The Netherlands. Author of Getting Value out of Agile Retrospectives, Waardevolle Agile Retrospectives, What Drives Quality and Continuous Improvement. Creator of the Agile Self-assessment Game.

As an adviser, coach and trainer he helps organizations with deploying effective software development and management practices. He focuses on continuous improvement, collaboration and communication, and professional development, to deliver business value to customers.

Ben is an active member of networks on Agile, Lean, and Quality, and a well-known speaker and author. He shares his experiences in a bilingual blog (Dutch and English), as an editor for Culture and Methods at InfoQ, and as an expert in communities like Computable, Quora, DZone, and TechTarget. Follow him on twitter: @BenLinders.

For an overview of the presentation and mini-workshops that I have given, visit https://www.benlinders.com/presentations/

Ben Linders is an Independent Consultant in Agile, Lean, Quality, and Continuous Improvement, based in The Netherlands. Author of Getting Value out of Agile Retrospectives, Waardevolle Agile Retrospectives, What Drives Quality and Continuous Improvem... Show more

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for both their communication and project management skills. Their data science expertise and passion lie primarily in data literacy, visualization, and storytelling. Joy has a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Master’s degree from American University.

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for bot... Show more

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference.

Emerald's tech odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early involvement in SWENext kindled her love for the field, setting the stage for an incredible transformation. From these roots, she ascended to become a Collegiate Member and a Collegiate Club Lead, championing inclusivity in STEM.

Emerald's accomplishments in the SWE Recruitment Challenge, where she clinched top positions multiple times, speak volumes about her zeal for SWE's mission and the advancement of women in tech. She believes that innovation thrives in diversity, and she's a living testament to this ideology.

But her journey didn't stop there. Emerald's commitment transcends borders; she proudly serves as a SWE Global Ambassador, amplifying the organization's impact and values globally. She's passionate about fostering a global community that empowers women to thrive in the tech universe.

As the newly appointed GDSC Lead at BAZE University, Emerald is poised to make an indelible mark. Her leadership and dedication are set to empower a new generation of tech enthusiasts.

Emerald's story is a testament to the incredible potential that emerges when passion meets dedication. She's breaking barriers, paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech, and proving that age is no limit when it comes to making waves in the world of technology.

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference. Emerald's... Show more

Joy Marie Curtis started her career as a Kindergarten teacher. Today, she is a senior project manager implementing AI solutions for governments, hospitals, insurance companies, and beyond. If you think it was a jump from Kindergarten to Senior Project manager, think again because good project management should be as simple as the ABCs. Joy thinks too many AI companies overcomplicate implementation. She wants to simplify the landscape by guiding organizations through metacognitive strategies—thinking about our thinking on AI—to get down to the basics of what AI is. She is not afraid to highlight her project successes and failures because the goal is to move AI from the imaginary into impact.

Joy Marie Curtis started her career as a Kindergarten teacher. Today, she is a senior project manager implementing AI solutions for governments, hospitals, insurance companies, and beyond. If you think it was a jump from Kindergarten to Senior Projec... Show more

Priti is an instructor teaching courses like public speaking and information systems, leveraging microlearning to break down complex topics into manageable, impactful lessons while enhancing her own expertise. She actively experiments with AI and ML in areas such as accessibility and developer productivity. As a Computer Vision Research Lead at Women in AI Canada, she also leads a Google Developer Group, driving key initiatives in AI and ML.

Priti is an instructor teaching courses like public speaking and information systems, leveraging microlearning to break down complex topics into manageable, impactful lessons while enhancing her own expertise. She actively experiments with AI and ML ... Show more

Soorya Narayan Satheesh is a distinguished technology leader and former Indian Forest Service Officer who combines extensive public service experience with cutting-edge technical expertise. A graduate of UC Berkeley's Information Management Systems program and recipient of the prestigious James R. Chen Award, Soorya brings over six years of experience in developing innovative information systems. As Deputy Conservator of Forests (Information Technology & Statistics), he earned a prestigious state-level award from the Government of Tripura for developing cutting-edge information systems that transformed forest management practices. His expertise spans full-stack development, data engineering, and machine learning, with a proven track record of developing award-winning solutions that bridge the gap between environmental management and digital transformation.

Soorya Narayan Satheesh is a distinguished technology leader and former Indian Forest Service Officer who combines extensive public service experience with cutting-edge technical expertise. A graduate of UC Berkeley's Information Management Systems p... Show more

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additionally, he teaches courses in HR, Management, & Technology at the college level. Patrick earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Kennesaw State University, a master’s in business administration from Troy University, and recently earned a doctorate in business administration at the Florida Institute of Technology. He holds both the SPHR & SHRM-SCP certifications.

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additio... Show more

Dr. Don Barden is an internationally recognized behavioral economist, author, and corporate strategist with more than 30 years of transformative leadership experience. Named one of North America’s Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders by John Maxwell and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Dr. Barden has built billion-dollar sales teams and reshaped organizational cultures across the globe.

His Wall Street–backed research, The Perfect Plan, uncovered the behavioral patterns that drive elite leadership performance. His latest doctoral study, Here Come the Girls, reveals the next global paradigm shift in leadership—forecasting that between 2028 and 2032, women’s rise to power will redefine how organizations grow, innovate, and lead. Dr. Barden’s message equips leaders to adapt, embrace inclusive collaboration, and prepare for the future of business through measurable 3× impact in growth, profit, and retention.

Dr. Don Barden is an internationally recognized behavioral economist, author, and corporate strategist with more than 30 years of transformative leadership experience. Named one of North America’s Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders by John Maxwell ... Show more

Alessandra Kenner ist seit 2012 als Hochschuldidaktikerin an der FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg tätig. Sie beschäftigt sie sich theoretisch und praktisch mit den Themen gute, innovative Lehrkonzepte, Tutoring und Mentoring im Hochschulkontext und der Etablierung einer Feedbackkultur. Darüber hinaus ist sie als freiberufliche Trainerin tätig.

Alessandra Kenner ist seit 2012 als Hochschuldidaktikerin an der FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg tätig. Sie beschäftigt sie sich theoretisch und praktisch mit den Themen gute, innovative Lehrkonzepte, Tutoring und Mentoring im Hochschulkontext und der Etablier... Show more

Aliu Toheeb Olaitan is a Tech Educator, Innovator, and the Lead Partner at Bravpuls Technologies. With expertise in Blockchain, AI, and Web Development, he is passionate about emerging technologies and their intersection with education and community development, empowering individuals to embrace tech-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Aliu Toheeb Olaitan is a Tech Educator, Innovator, and the Lead Partner at Bravpuls Technologies. With expertise in Blockchain, AI, and Web Development, he is passionate about emerging technologies and their intersection with education and community ... Show more

Zoey Mills is a Manager of Adult Services at Worcester Public Library. In 2022, she moved from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA. Zoey has been a librarian for almost 10 years, having spent a majority of her time in Southeastern Pennsylvania libraries. Now, she considers herself a Massachusetts Librarian (as she tends to sprinkle “wicked” into her vernacular). In her spare time, she likes to explore restaurants and breweries with her girlfriend and spends way too much time and money on paper crafts.

Zoey Mills is a Manager of Adult Services at Worcester Public Library. In 2022, she moved from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA. Zoey has been a librarian for almost 10 years, having spent a majority of her time in Southeastern Pennsylvania libraries. ... Show more

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2010 with the mission: “Giving Everyone A New Start.” Horizon Outreach provides employment, workforce development, reentry services, housing assistance, and fatherhood/parenting education to strengthen families and support economic mobility.

Ms. Johnson is a United States Air Force Veteran and a 2008 Executive MBA graduate of Auburn University. She has over 35 years of combined corporate and nonprofit experience, including overseeing $320 million in corporate finance portfolios and leading high-quality fatherhood programming. She is a sought-after keynote speaker for college commencement ceremonies and local graduations throughout the Houston region, delivering motivational messages that inspire future leaders.

Ms. Johnson has over 35 years of combined corporate and nonprofit experience, overseeing $320 million in corporate accounts and leading high-quality fatherhood programming. Under her leadership, Horizon Outreach has secured and successfully managed more than $15 million in federal and private funding, serving over 12,500 families and individuals, including more than 9,000 fathers and 3,500 veterans. She has also been sought out by federal grantors to provide technical assistance to other grantees to strengthen workforce development programming.

Horizon Outreach provides reentry services and workforce development support to fathers throughout the Houston area. Horizon Outreach provides fathers in Houston, Texas with a “New Start” through fatherhood education, workforce training, and industry-recognized credentials—including Forklift, Flagger, Commercial Truck Driving, and TWIC—supporting sustainable employment and strengthening long-term family stability.

Horizon Outreach has been recognized for reducing recidivism among reentry fathers, reducing homelessness among veteran families, and increasing access to permanent affordable housing for vulnerable populations. Accolades include a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, two City of Houston designations (Horizon Eagle Day & Horizon Outreach Day), and Mayoral recognition for reducing veteran homelessness. Nationally, Horizon Outreach received the “Earkle Award” for Elevated Session Attendance.

Ms. Johnson has also served as Team Captain for Houston’s Annual Homeless Count, supervising over 500 volunteers to identify and provide resource access to homeless veterans, families, and children. She enjoys serving others, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA Founder & Chief Executive Officer Horizon Outreach Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2010 with the mission: “Giving Everyone A... Show more

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it takes to deliver the end-to-end product that revolutionizes their workflows. Mounir is an active community builder; she founded an award-winning data science school at her IEEE branch, and most recently, co-hosted Egypt's first GenAI agent hackathon. A global thinker, Mounir travels across Africa, Europe, the US, and Japan to work with and learn from their data communities.

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it... Show more

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs, tech startups, and tech innovation. She is the lead organizer for STL TechWeek.

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs... Show more

Ben Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of Data Literacy, a training and education company that's on a mission to help people learn the language of data and AI.

Ben is the author of ten books on data and AI, including AI Literacy Fundamentals (Data Literacy Press, 2024), Avoiding Data Pitfalls (Wiley, 2019), Data Literacy Fundamentals (DLP, 2020) and Leading in the Age of Data (DLP, 2023).

Ben also teaches data visualization at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, and has presented to, trained or worked with companies, nonprofits, and government agencies around the world, including at the highest level of the US Intelligence Community.

While leading the popular Tableau Public Platform for several years, Ben recognized the large gap between people’s knowledge of data and what needed to know in order to do their job successfully. He started Data Literacy to help address this urgent need. You can read more about his founder’s story in his published journal, The Introspective Entrepreneur.

To balance out the digital side of life, Ben loves hiking and backpacking on the beautiful trails of the Pacific Northwest. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA (2000) and an MBA from California Lutheran University (2011).

Ben Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of Data Literacy, a training and education company that's on a mission to help people learn the language of data and AI. Ben is the author of ten books on data and AI, including AI Literacy Fundamentals (Data L... Show more