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

Elsa Iguedjtal

Elsa Iguedjtal

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon expérience au service de ceux qui partagent mon quotidien, mais j'essaye avant tout de leur faire révéler leur propre potentiel, parfois des pépites qu'ils ignorent d'eux-mêmes...

Maman de 3 enfants, neuroatypique, féministe et fresqueuse du climat.

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon ... Show more

Yunseong Choi

Yunseong Choi

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in software supply chain security and SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) policy and standardization. With extensive experience as the chief executive of 20 e-government security projects, he possesses a deep understanding of national infrastructure security. He played a pivotal role in cultivating top-tier white-hat hacker talent at the national level, successfully launching the 'Best of the Best (BoB)' program. As a pioneer in OT/ICS (Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems) convergence security, he spearheaded the establishment of graduate programs and delivers influential lectures, contributing to the future development of industrial security.

- Member of Presidential Council on National AI Strategy (Special Committee on Security)
- WG Leader, Government-wide ‘SW Supply Chain Security TF’
- WG Chair, MSIT's ‘SW Supply Chain Security Forum’ (Policy)
- Member, Financial Security Advisory Committee
- Member, US CISA's SBOM Community Working Group
- Member, OpenSSF's Community Day Program Committee

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in ... Show more

Jordan Kasper

Jordan Kasper

Jordan started programming in 1993 and has developed systems on platforms ranging from IBM mainframes to TI calculators and everything in between. Jordan's experience includes software development, instruction, mentorship, and technical leadership at startups, Fortune 100 companies, universities, and state and federal governments. He is an open source maintainer and regular conference speaker. Outside of work Jordan is a community organizer, board game enthusiast, and aspiring author.

Jordan started programming in 1993 and has developed systems on platforms ranging from IBM mainframes to TI calculators and everything in between. Jordan's experience includes software development, instruction, mentorship, and technical leadership at... Show more

Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel

Meet Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fathers and families through support, education, and advocacy.

With over two decades of service, Samuel has established himself as a licensed substance abuse counselor, Certified Lactation Education Counselor, author, court-appointed gang culture expert, motivational speaker, and community advocate. He is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations—Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization (MOJO) and Distinguished Outreach Services—both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Merced County residents with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, prevention, and fatherhood initiatives.

Samuel’s work extends beyond titles. He is widely recognized for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often using his own experiences to inspire others. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the struggles many in his community face today. His story of resilience fuels his mission: to help individuals break cycles of hardship and to create pathways toward healthier families and stronger communities.

Outside of his professional and nonprofit leadership, Samuel has lived a dynamic and inspiring life. He is a former MMA coach and fighter, a recording artist with seven albums, and a five-time competitive BBQ rib champion. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in discipline, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fully.

His passion and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including Safeway’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognition as Hispanic Man of the Year by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber, and formal accommodations from both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also the profound impact he continues to make on families, youth, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Samuel remains committed to expanding his work in advocacy, mentorship, and fatherhood education. His vision is to see every father equipped with the tools to lead with love, responsibility, and purpose—because stronger fathers create stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities.

Samuel often shares this guiding belief:

“You can spend a lifetime looking for your purpose, but when you find your passion, you begin to live.”

Meet Samuel Rangel Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fa... Show more

Shirley Madeley Sosa Muro

Shirley Madeley Sosa Muro

UX Conversational Designer especializada en Responsible AI por la Universidad de Michigan, con más de 5 años de experiencia en diseño de experiencias digitales y liderazgo de producto.
Graduada en Marketing e Innovación y egresada de Laboratoria.

Ha sido consultora de diseño en el sector educativo del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo por más de 3 años, liderando proyectos en la intersección entre tecnología, innovación y experiencia de usuario. Actualmente se desempeña como UX Conversational Designer en Laureate Education.

Fundadora de Juntas Comunidad, una comunidad que impulsa a mujeres en IA desde el desarrollo, el diseño y el liderazgo. Desde 2023 es embajadora de Women Techmakers, con eventos que han impactado a más de 4,500 mujeres en el ecosistema STEM.

Siempre en la frontera entre el diseño y la tecnología emergente.

UX Conversational Designer especializada en Responsible AI por la Universidad de Michigan, con más de 5 años de experiencia en diseño de experiencias digitales y liderazgo de producto. Graduada en Marketing e Innovación y egresada de Laboratoria. ... Show more

Ruth Bolo

Ruth Bolo

Ruth Anyango Bolo is a distinguished leader and governance expert who has dedicated nearly a decade to dismantling barriers for women and youth in the socio-political landscape of Africa. With over eight years of experience in governance, democracy, and leadership, Ruth has established herself as a formidable force in embedding feminist principles within political structures. Her work is defined by a commitment to creating a level playing field where marginalized groups can exercise their agency and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
Ruth’s work increasingly intersects with the digital frontier. In November 2024, she presented a paper for the Nordic Africa Institute focusing on Gendered Electoral Violence, specifically examining Emotional Violence and the role of Technology. This research highlights her understanding of how digital spaces can be weaponized against women in politics and the urgent need for inclusive digital rights frameworks to protect female participants in the democratic process.
As a seasoned moderator and public speaker, Ruth frequently leads high-level dialogues on femicide legislative frameworks, resilient democratic structures, and the restructuring of equity for young women in the political space. Her unique blend of policy expertise, grassroots experience, and focus on the digital dimensions of political participation makes her a vital voice in the conversation on Bridging the Enforcement Gap in TFGBV in Kenya.

Ruth Anyango Bolo is a distinguished leader and governance expert who has dedicated nearly a decade to dismantling barriers for women and youth in the socio-political landscape of Africa. With over eight years of experience in governance, democracy, ... Show more

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Most organizations don’t fail because of poor leadership or lack of talent. They fail because their systems quietly work against their intentions.

I’m a Ph.D.-trained organizational systems expert and founder of a successful operating company. I work with senior leaders when strategy is clear, people are capable, and execution still isn’t happening.

My keynotes help organizations:
-Understand why execution breaks down even in high-performing cultures
-Replace blame and burnout with system-level clarity
-Build human-centered structures that actually support follow-through
-Leaders bring me in when initiatives stall, transformations lose momentum, or “alignment” hasn’t translated into results. I translate complexity into shared language teams can use immediately—without oversimplifying or shaming.
-Audiences include executive teams, leadership cohorts, government agencies, and professional associations navigating complex change.

Typical outcomes: Greater clarity around where work gets stuck, a shared framework for diagnosing execution problems, and practical next steps leaders can act on after the event—not just inspiration that fades by Monday.

Most organizations don’t fail because of poor leadership or lack of talent. They fail because their systems quietly work against their intentions. I’m a Ph.D.-trained organizational systems expert and founder of a successful operating company. I w... Show more

Katyayani Nath

Katyayani Nath

I currently work as a Marketing and Communications Specialist at MathWorks, where my role focuses on education marketing across India. I work extensively with institutions and stakeholders including students, faculty, and academic leadership, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams at MathWorks to streamline processes, build communities, and scale impact.

My work involves building and managing MATLAB student communities and chapters, partnering with consortiums such as IEEE and ICT Academy, conducting seminars and community days, and leading initiatives like Smart India Hackathon and key tradeshow participations to drive brand awareness and reach. I also contribute to social media and event marketing strategies for large-scale MathWorks India events.

I joined MathWorks as an intern in 2022 after completing my MBA and converted to a full-time role. I am proud to be the first intern hired in India and one of the youngest hires globally in the Marketing vertical.

Prior to this, I completed 14+ internships across brands and institutions including Burger King, IIM Bangalore, DCM Shriram, Woovly, and multiple startups. My experience spans sales, marketing, market research, brand, growth, and digital engagements, where I contributed to revenue and business growth. During this phase, I led content and marketing teams and worked closely in Founder’s Office roles, gaining hands-on exposure to building and scaling businesses.

Over the years, I have been invited to speak to students, professionals, and startup founders on topics such as AI and Generative AI for marketers, career and internship strategy, LinkedIn optimization, resume building, and transitioning from college to corporate life. I have conducted sessions for 5,000+ learners, collaborating with organizations like Katalyst India, Delhi University and have served as a jury member for hackathons at Atria College, BMSCE Bangalore, NPS HSR, and other institutions.

I hold an integrated BTech (Computer Science) + MBA (Marketing) degree from NMIMS Mumbai, with a minor in Business Analytics. During my academic journey, I was actively involved with ACM, IEC and I am a recipient of the Meritorious Student Award, recognizing the top 1% of students at NMIMS.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and learning through experiences. I love reading books, decoding the human brain through research papers, listening to podcasts, and mentoring students and professionals on career growth and marketing strategy.

I currently work as a Marketing and Communications Specialist at MathWorks, where my role focuses on education marketing across India. I work extensively with institutions and stakeholders including students, faculty, and academic leadership, while c... Show more

Joanna White

Joanna White

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaboration. The Coalition drives local innovation by funding the gener8tor Huntsville tech accelerator and supporting a product development program for student engineers, and by encouraging community connection through its signature events in Huntsville’s MidCity District.

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaborati... Show more

Dr. Walter Copeland II

Dr. Walter Copeland II

Dr. Walter E. Copeland II is an AI strategist, professor, and public health leader who holds a Doctor of Medical Science and specializes in AI applications in business and health sciences. He helps organizations translate emerging technologies into practical strategies that improve decision-making, performance, and real-world outcomes.

With a multidisciplinary perspective spanning AI, leadership, healthcare, and business, he is known for connecting innovation to execution. As founder of Health is Wealth Coaching Group, he speaks on AI, leadership, and innovation, helping organizations turn emerging ideas into practical action.

Dr. Walter E. Copeland II is an AI strategist, professor, and public health leader who holds a Doctor of Medical Science and specializes in AI applications in business and health sciences. He helps organizations translate emerging technologies into p... Show more

Florencia Gabriele

Florencia Gabriele

Florencia Gabriele, PhD, is an economics professor, instructional designer, and speaker specializing in artificial intelligence in education, inclusive teaching, authentic assessment, and faculty development. She teaches economics and personal finance and works with educators across disciplines to design more engaging, accessible, and student-centered learning experiences.

Her work focuses on helping faculty and institutions use AI in practical, thoughtful ways to improve teaching, support diverse learners, and strengthen course design. She is especially interested in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and the role of AI in creating more flexible and equitable educational environments.

Florencia has presented on topics including AI-powered teaching, assessment in the age of AI, economics and personal finance education, and AI-supported inclusive course design. She works with educators, schools, and organizations in both English- and Spanish-speaking contexts, bringing an international and interdisciplinary perspective to her sessions.

Her presentations are known for being practical, engaging, and immediately useful, with strategies participants can apply right away in their own classrooms and programs.

Florencia Gabriele, PhD, is an economics professor, instructional designer, and speaker specializing in artificial intelligence in education, inclusive teaching, authentic assessment, and faculty development. She teaches economics and personal financ... Show more

Sonya Andrew

Sonya Andrew

Dr. Sonya Andrew is a public administration scholar, researcher, and speaker whose work sits at a critical and largely unexplored intersection: how media shapes and distorts the delivery of public policy, particularly for Black and marginalized communities.

Drawing on her doctoral dissertation at the University of Southern California, Dr. Andrew makes the case that public policy has a media problem — and the field has been slow to recognize it. Her research traces how media narratives have historically undermined equitable policy implementation, from Jim Crow-era rhetoric to present-day communications failures in government institutions.

Her presentations challenge practitioners, academics, and policymakers to confront two urgent realities: the field needs rigorous research into how media influence public policy outcomes, and public agencies must build their own independent, well-resourced media arms if they want their work to reach and serve the people who need it most.

Dr. Andrew has delivered paid presentations for institutions, including California State University, Long Beach. She brings a rare combination of scholarly rigor, lived perspective, and actionable insight, making her a compelling voice for conferences, academic programs, government agencies, and policy organizations.

Dr. Sonya Andrew is a public administration scholar, researcher, and speaker whose work sits at a critical and largely unexplored intersection: how media shapes and distorts the delivery of public policy, particularly for Black and marginalized commu... Show more

Mister Brown

Mister Brown

Mister Brown helps students make better choices so they can live better lives — and equips parents and educators to intentionally build cultures where respect, responsibility, and connection flourish.
With over 30 years of experience in schools and youth development, he teaches that culture is not created by rules alone, but by relationships, consistency, and daily choices. His message challenges communities to move beyond managing behavior and toward building environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
His impact has reached millions of elementary, junior high, and high school students — as well as the adults who support them — through school partnerships, classroom video curriculum, and widely viewed YouTube content for students, parents, and educators around the world. In addition, Mister Brown has developed practical resources and professional development experiences that help teachers strengthen classroom culture, help parents reinforce positive habits at home, and help entire school communities grow more connected and aligned.

Mister Brown helps students make better choices so they can live better lives — and equips parents and educators to intentionally build cultures where respect, responsibility, and connection flourish. With over 30 years of experience in schools and ... Show more

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to leaders who care about a more effective approach.

As a qualified coach, and a team dynamics & systemic interventions consultant with more than a decade of hands-on experience working with senior leadership teams in government, large multinational private and public organisations and fledgling start-ups, Ceri is at her best when she's helping you and your people find some calm in the chaos.

Tea in hand, Ceri works globally and is continually delighted to speak with audiences worldwide, mostly about the beautiful intermingling of behavioural science and hopeful future-focused transformation.

She also loves researching and talking about brains - because once a nerd, always a nerd...

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to lead... Show more

John Mead

John Mead

John Mead is a youth development speaker and entrepreneur dedicated to helping young people recognize their potential and change the trajectory of their lives. For 15 years, John worked inside a juvenile detention center, where he witnessed firsthand how environment, mindset, and opportunity shape the choices young people make.

Those experiences transformed his perspective and inspired him to build a mission focused on empowering youth through empathy, accountability, and growth mindset. Today, John is the founder of MVA Wellness, where he delivers workshops and talks that help students develop self-awareness, resilience, and self-efficacy.

Through powerful storytelling and real-life lessons from working with justice-involved youth, John helps students challenge limiting beliefs and recognize the power they have to rewrite their future. His work focuses on leadership, personal responsibility, and helping young people believe in what is truly possible for their lives.

John Mead is a youth development speaker and entrepreneur dedicated to helping young people recognize their potential and change the trajectory of their lives. For 15 years, John worked inside a juvenile detention center, where he witnessed firsthand... Show more

Samia Durrani

Samia Durrani

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this by providing mentoring sessions, guest lectures to university courses and helping to lead D&I initiatives.

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this... Show more

Kurtis Minder

Kurtis Minder

Kurtis’ book, “Cyber Recon: My Life in Cyber Espionage and Ransomware Negotiation” (Wiley, 2025), is an exposé of the private cyber espionage industry and the economic impact of cyberattacks on the US economy.

Kurtis Minder is the founder of GroupSense, a leading provider of digital risk solutions. He built a robust cyber reconnaissance operation that protects some of the world’s largest enterprises and government organizations. Having exited GroupSense in 2025, he now consults for cybersecurity technology companies and serves as a cyber board advisor.

Kurtis is a recognized expert in ransomware response, having served as the lead negotiator in some of the largest ransomware, breach, and data extortion cases globally. His experiences and insights are captured in his book, Cyber Recon, which explores the high-stakes world of cyber threat actor engagement and ransomware response.

He holds a FEMA certification in Critical Infrastructure Protection and actively contributes to public good projects. He is the program lead for RAPIDS, a regional initiative based in Grand Junction, Colorado, focused on measuring and managing the health of the Colorado River through innovative technology and data collaboration.

Kurtis is consistently tapped to lead discussions and keynotes for enterprises and organizations like Wired, the New York Independent Bankers Association, The International Bar Association. Trellix, The State of California, The State of Pennsylvania, RSA Conference, DEFCON, and many others.

Kurtis’s work has been featured in major media outlets, including The New Yorker, Fortune, VICE, WIRED, CNN, and Good Morning America, among others.

Kurtis’ book, “Cyber Recon: My Life in Cyber Espionage and Ransomware Negotiation” (Wiley, 2025), is an exposé of the private cyber espionage industry and the economic impact of cyberattacks on the US economy. Kurtis Minder is the founder of Group... Show more

Jacqui Muller

Jacqui Muller

Changing the world, one solution at a time!

Passionate about automation and building a business to support clients on their digitisation/optimisation journeys while working with the youth in preparation for their entry into industry.

Enjoys dabbling in software development, automation, IOT, advanced analytics, data engineering and business intelligence while currently working towards completing a PhD that focuses on automation. Currently focusing on learning how businesses are formed and how the longevity of business functions are maintained.

Competencies include a high level of computer literacy, programming in various languages with newly acquired sales and business acumen.

Changing the world, one solution at a time! Passionate about automation and building a business to support clients on their digitisation/optimisation journeys while working with the youth in preparation for their entry into industry. Enjoys da... Show more

Linda Bartholme

Linda Bartholme

Linda Bartholme is a Certified Heroic Performance Coach, Mental Fitness Trainer with Positive Intelligence®, and former French Immersion middle years teacher who understands firsthand what educators face. With Master's degrees in Kinesiology and French Language & Literature, she blends research-based tools with compassion, humour, and lived experience as a teacher, mother, immigrant, and coach.
Through her coaching and consulting practice, Linda delivers interactive workshops helping teams and educators build resilient mindsets and sustainable routines. She has facilitated sessions for SD71, CSF, Athena Collective, the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, CFB Comox, Réseau-Femmes C.-B., and the SDE. She is known for making mindset tools practical and immediately usable.
Curious what others are saying? Her Google Business Profile (https://share.google/4H6zat05iLfPfcdqD) includes reviews and stories from those she has supported.
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bethrivingmomstoday

Linda Bartholme is a Certified Heroic Performance Coach, Mental Fitness Trainer with Positive Intelligence®, and former French Immersion middle years teacher who understands firsthand what educators face. With Master's degrees in Kinesiology and Fren... Show more

Rajesh Pandit

Rajesh Pandit

Rajesh Pandit is a law enforcement Officer and Harvard Kennedy School graduate with expertise in public policy, investigations, Disaster Management and human rights–centered policing. As a Police Officer, he has led complex investigations while advancing institutional accountability, community engagement, and the protection of vulnerable populations. His work bridges frontline policing with policy reform, focusing on building secure, just, and equitable public institutions.

Rajesh Pandit is a law enforcement Officer and Harvard Kennedy School graduate with expertise in public policy, investigations, Disaster Management and human rights–centered policing. As a Police Officer, he has led complex investigations while adva... Show more

Alberto Castillo

Alberto Castillo

Alberto Castillo Aroca has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the global AI landscape, particularly in the niche of Humanitarian AI. As an Economist with a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, he sits at the unique intersection of complex data science, social impact, and technology policy.

​Currently, he serves as the Product Manager for ANTICIPA at the French NGO 3iS. Under his leadership, the platform was recently selected by Google.org as one of only 20 initiatives globally—out of over 3,000 proposals—to win the Generative AI Impact Challenge.

​Unlike many AI experts who focus solely on commercial software, Alberto leads engineering projects that are actively saving lives in Colombia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Amazon. His work utilizes advanced architectures involving Gemini, Mastra AI, and GraphRAG to help vulnerable communities manage environmental risks and disasters through accessible interfaces like WhatsApp.

​He is a recognized expert in bridging the gap between advanced Enterprise AI architectures and real-world deployment in low-connectivity environments. Beyond his technical work, Alberto is deeply involved in tech governance, having recently presented formal AI regulation proposals to the Senate of the Dominican Republic. He is currently one of the strongest voices advocating for the use of Agentic Systems to solve complex, systemic crises in the Global South.

Alberto Castillo Aroca has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the global AI landscape, particularly in the niche of Humanitarian AI. As an Economist with a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, he sits at the unique inters... Show more

Charlene Holmes

Charlene Holmes

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth.

Drawing from trauma-informed principles, psychology research, and lived experience, Char teaches leaders how the brain’s survival systems influence decision-making, leadership style, workplace culture, and long-term performance.

Her work focuses on helping professionals recognize when they are operating from “survival mode” and equipping them with practical strategies to shift into what she calls SurThrival Mode — a leadership framework centered on awareness, resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable impact.

Char’s work has resonated across leadership, wellness, and transformation spaces, where she speaks on topics including trauma-informed leadership, mindset transformation, resilience under pressure, and creating psychologically safe environments that allow people and organizations to thrive.

Through her speaking, coaching, and media platform, Char continues to lead transformative conversations that reshape leadership from the inside out.

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth. Drawing from trauma-info... Show more

Amber Vanderburg

Amber Vanderburg

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning journeys. Amber's history in talent development includes authoring top-reviewed online learning courses for platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Lecturio, and PluralSight, acting as Director of a national education leadership company, and coaching with professional sports team academies in Asia. In 2022, she published her first business adventure book "Uniquely Better" about building higher team performance.

Speaking engagements:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMNcx7Jwk9Sp6WxuvrfOOBqdP9440SKl0

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning... Show more

Sam Jenkins

Sam Jenkins

Sam Jenkins is a community strategist, facilitator, and inclusive event design expert with over a decade of experience leading large-scale public programs, workforce initiatives, and cultural events. She currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator in local government while also running Empowering Communities, a consulting practice focused on helping organizations move beyond performative efforts and into practical, people-centered action.

Sam’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, culture, and lived experience. She specializes in supporting front-line staff, building psychologically safe teams, and designing events and initiatives that actually reflect the communities they serve. Her background in parks and recreation, combined with her systems-level DEI work, gives her a rare perspective that resonates with both leadership and on-the-ground staff.

Known for her engaging, honest, and highly interactive style, Sam blends real-world scenarios, storytelling, and actionable tools participants can use immediately. She does not shy away from hard conversations, but she always grounds them in compassion, clarity, and practicality.

Sam has facilitated workshops, panels, and trainings for government agencies, nonprofits, and professional associations, and she consistently receives feedback for creating spaces that feel both challenging and supportive. Her sessions are especially impactful for audiences navigating burnout, change fatigue, and the pressure to “get it right” without enough guidance or support.

Sam Jenkins is a community strategist, facilitator, and inclusive event design expert with over a decade of experience leading large-scale public programs, workforce initiatives, and cultural events. She currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and I... Show more

Yi Zhang, Ed.D.

Yi Zhang, Ed.D.

Dr. Yi Zhang is a global learning strategist, TEDx speaker, SXSW London speaker (incoming), and founder who stands at the intersection of human development and technology shifts. With a 15-year career partnering with C-suite and senior leaders, Yi has spearheaded workforce capability initiatives that have positively impacted over 120,000 people at Fortune 100 giants, including Microsoft, Walmart, and United Airlines.

With a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, Yi helps people-centric organizations break through the AI overwhelm and rediscover their humanity and what they’re called to build. Whether addressing large conferences or leadership circles, Yi is known for making an emotional connection with the audience and bringing bold truths about AI and human behaviors that ignites change.

I offer two (2) signature talks:

1. Humanity & Well-Being: The AI Age Survival Guide

As AI reshapes the workplace, organizations face a hidden crisis of burnout and culture drift. This talk blends the nature of AI, human development, and change to help corporate leaders and teams navigate the overwhelm of AI acceleration without losing their humanity.

2. AI & the Human Debt: How HR & People Teams Win the AI Race

Is your HR/people team a passive observer or a strategic architect of the AI revolution? This talk unpacks the failed AI initiatives and provides proprietary guidance for CHROs and people leaders. It reclaims their seat at the table by bridging the gap between technological acceleration and human capability.

“Yi speaks from a place of extraordinary experience and genuine passion. What makes her remarkable on stage is her ability to take complex, forward-looking topics like AI, technology shifts, and workforce transformation and make them accessible, relatable, and deeply personal. That sets her apart as a speaker and as a thought leader.” — Berthine Crèvecoeur West, CEO, Westbridge Solutions"

Visit my speaker kit here for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EfIzdWtvkTL8h5FgjOeNQqdZFKgj99O4/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Yi Zhang is a global learning strategist, TEDx speaker, SXSW London speaker (incoming), and founder who stands at the intersection of human development and technology shifts. With a 15-year career partnering with C-suite and senior leaders, Yi ha... Show more

Muhammed Bello Buhari

Muhammed Bello Buhari

Muhammed Bello Buhari is a digital rights practitioner and programme specialist working at the intersection of law, technology, and civic space, with a specific focus on internet shutdowns, digital infrastructure, and digital democracy in conflict-affected and politically fragile contexts.

Currently, he serves as the Programmes Officer (Anglophone West Africa) at Paradigm Initiative (PIN), where he leads strategic advocacy, digital rights and inclusion programs, and policy interventions in the region. His experience spans programme coordination, donor-funded project management, and high-level partner engagement. He has a track record of managing EU- and foundation-funded initiatives across multi-country settings, ensuring strict compliance and impact. Prior to PIN, Muhammed Bello held roles at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation (Digital Democracy Initiative), Digital Grassroots, and Call A Lawyer Nigeria, where he coordinated advocacy campaigns, led research, and managed sub-grant processes.

Muhammed Bello is particularly interested in how state power, insecurity, and digital infrastructure intersect to shape access to rights. His work has been supported through competitive fellowships and residencies, including the TechForward Policy Fellowship (African Centre for Digital Transformation), the International Republican Institute’s Fortifying Internet Freedom & Digital Security Fellowship, the Advocacy Assembly Internet Shutdown Advocacy Fellowship, the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Fellowship at Lagos Business School, and the Internet Society Youth Ambassador Programme.

Muhammed Bello Buhari is a digital rights practitioner and programme specialist working at the intersection of law, technology, and civic space, with a specific focus on internet shutdowns, digital infrastructure, and digital democracy in conflict-af... Show more

Sam Naji

Sam Naji

Sam Naji is CTO of UniqLearn, where he built VCOS — a 5-layer agentic development system that cut bug escape rates from 25% to under 5%. He's shipped production AI across four countries and now builds AI-powered personalized learning for K-12 from NYC.

Sam Naji is CTO of UniqLearn, where he built VCOS — a 5-layer agentic development system that cut bug escape rates from 25% to under 5%. He's shipped production AI across four countries and now builds AI-powered personalized learning for K-12 from NY... Show more

Camila Hinojosa Añez

Camila Hinojosa Añez

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en entornos de realidad virtual y en proyectos de seguridad para microemprendedores en comercio electrónico. Me motiva contribuir, enseñar y apoyar a la comunidad tecnológica.

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en ent... Show more

Dr. Mansur Hasib

Dr. Mansur Hasib

Dr. Mansur Hasib is passionate about bringing out the inner greatness that exists in everyone. In 2017 at a ceremony in Austin, TX, (ISC)2 named him a “Rock Star” of cybersecurity for leading the implementation of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program to serve almost 4,800 students globally. In 2018 the Global Cybersecurity Observatory based in Europe inducted Dr. Hasib into the Hall of Fame. In 2018 and 2019 SC Magazine awarded Dr. Hasib's program Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program award. He also won the 2020 and 2017 Cybersecurity People’s Choice Award and the 2020 Cybersecurity Champion of the Year Award. In 2024 Dr. Hasib was a semifinalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking. He has 30 years of experience leading organizational transformations through digital leadership and cybersecurity strategy in healthcare, biotechnology, education, and energy. He served as Chief Information Officer for 12 years and has written the books Bring Inner Greatness Out: Personal Brand and Cybersecurity Leadership. His YouTube channel has 200+ videos and is free to Subscribe. Dr. Hasib enjoys bridge, table tennis, comedy, and travel and has been to all 50 states of the USA.

Dr. Mansur Hasib is passionate about bringing out the inner greatness that exists in everyone. In 2017 at a ceremony in Austin, TX, (ISC)2 named him a “Rock Star” of cybersecurity for leading the implementation of the Master of Science in Cybersecuri... Show more

Hela Chhayder

Hela Chhayder

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and private sector organizations across the MENA region, specializing in AI-driven transformation, data strategy frameworks, and advanced analytics.

As the founder of STEP INSIGHT, she has advised multinational clients on AI Strategy, Governance, and upskilling activation. As the director of AI strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, Hela runs multiple training sessions and projects for governmental entities across the UAE and Qatar on govtech, digital transformation, Data strategy, and the importance of Data in the governmental sector.

Hela holds an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School and an engineering degree in statistics and data analysis from Carthage University.

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and... Show more

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