Innovation and Development Engineer and founder of Disrupción, a science communication project. She has participated in discussion panels in Mexico and Latin America, as well as events at NASA. She contributed to the development of a lunar exploration mechanism that was tested on the International Space Station. Currently, she gives conferences and workshops on science, history, and empowerment to inspire girls and women to enter the world of science.

Innovation and Development Engineer and founder of Disrupción, a science communication project. She has participated in discussion panels in Mexico and Latin America, as well as events at NASA. She contributed to the development of a lunar exploratio... Show more

Fabio Correa da Cruz é autor e inventor do framework de inovação em Produtos e Serviços ADesign Startup, é Cofundador da Scaled Innovation Aceleradora, Cofundador da AfirMed TeleMedicina e Bem-estar e SolarOmni Energia Solar, Consultor, Professor, Palestrante e autor do Motor de Inovação e framework Scaled Innovation para estruturar Hubs de Inovação em Negócios, programas de Design Organizacional e Value Stream Transformation que transformaram negócios, empresas grandes com +USD 75B Receita e +100 mil funcionários, além de empresas médias, pequenas e Startups.
Tem em seu legado a construção de MVPs e Produtos digitais que são hoje utilizados por milhões de pessoas no Brasil e no Mundo na área de transportes, sendo do cotidiano de milhões de usuários, além de registros de grandes Marcas, Patentes e Softwares com soluções em TeleMedicina, Telepsicologia, AfirBem Clube de Bem-estar e SolarOmni usinas da energia solar autônomas, consultor para registro de Patentes, Marcas e estruturação de Franquias, com formatação e expansão de modelos de negócios.
Palestrante sobre Cases de Inovação, Lean Portfólio, Agilidade, Business Innovation e Transformação Organizacional
Professor e Oficial Trainer ADesign Startup®, Scrum, Kanban, SAFe®SPC, RTE, LPM, POPM, SASM, SA, VST, EBAS, OKR, M3.0, PMP

Fabio Correa da Cruz é autor e inventor do framework de inovação em Produtos e Serviços ADesign Startup, é Cofundador da Scaled Innovation Aceleradora, Cofundador da AfirMed TeleMedicina e Bem-estar e SolarOmni Energia Solar, Consultor, Professor, Pa... Show more

Sweta Sinha, Director of Data Science at Ascend Learning, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education through cutting-edge AI technologies. Her expertise in strategically deploying AI and ML solutions drives groundbreaking initiatives, significantly enhancing learning outcomes and experiences for healthcare professionals.

She leads the AI Center of Excellence and is instrumental in launching enterprise-grade Machine Learning and generative AI products, Her huge commitment to building AI systems responsibly is demonstrated through her leadership roles on the AI Governance body. Her dedication is not only shaping the future of education technology but also setting the standard for ethical AI development.

Sweta Sinha, Director of Data Science at Ascend Learning, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education through cutting-edge AI technologies. Her expertise in strategically deploying AI and ML solutions drives groundbreaking initiatives, s... Show more

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

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

Melissa Eggleston serves as a user experience researcher and designer for the Digital Service at the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare. Her specialty is applying trauma-informed principles to the design process and products. For more than 15 years, she has improved the user experience of websites, apps, and software for organizations of all sizes, including Lenovo, Duke University, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Teamworks, and many others. In 2023 she won the Service to the Citizen Customer Experience Trailblazer Award for her work on 988 (the U.S. suicide hotline) and related websites. In 2017 she won the Aquent Design for Good grant to apply trauma-informed principles to a domestic violence agency website.

She has helped design specifically for people who have experienced interpersonal violence, human trafficking, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and serious mental illness. In 2009, Melissa received her MA in Communication from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she has taught UX design since 2019. At North Carolina State University now, Melissa is pursuing a doctorate in design, studying the intersection of technology and trauma.

Melissa Eggleston serves as a user experience researcher and designer for the Digital Service at the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare. Her specialty is applying trauma-informed principles to the design process and products. For more than 15 years, s... Show more

Demarra West is an entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience supporting both profit and nonprofit organizations in scaling their businesses.Also, she’s a seasoned wellness and leadership expert, therapist, and author who is deeply committed to creating transformative change. Having experienced firsthand the failures of systems designed to support healing, Demarra was inspired to establish and lead Be Well Beautiful People, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing healing and liberation support to those with the greatest need.

Demarra also founded Be Well Beautiful Woman, a global initiative dedicated to empowering female leaders and entrepreneurs to live life on their own terms through holistic healing and mindset services, such as retreats, coaching, and summits. On top of being a therapist, Demarra is certified in trauma-sensitive yoga, is a Reiki master, a professional certified coach, and trained in various healing modalities, such as forest bathing.

Today, she is living her absolute best life in Detroit, Michigan and working passionately to ensure healing & liberation is accessible to us all, starting of course, with her own healing.

Demarra West is an entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience supporting both profit and nonprofit organizations in scaling their businesses.Also, she’s a seasoned wellness and leadership expert, therapist, and author who is deeply committed to cr... Show more

For over three decades, Sonia Williams-Lewis has been on a mission of re-imagining equity and humanity, intending to reclaim all of the things lost and denied to the Black community by way of laws, policies, and cultural norms that intentionally and unintentionally perpetuate white supremacy, racism, and implicit biases. Her professional career has prompted efforts to address the issue of racialized norms, as a matter of curating a safe and brave space to have courageous conversations about race and belonging whilst normalizing an anti-racist, humanity-driven future. As the Founder/CEO of ASCRIBE Educational Consulting, LLC and EDIFIY Humanity 501c3, our work is rooted in challenging the norm and fostering a growth mindset where everyone matters and wins.

Sonia Williams-Lewis is a former high school/secondary educator, with degrees in History and Psychology from Spelman College, as well as a Master's Degree in Education and Secondary Teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Building the legacy of ASCRIBE and EDIFY prioritizes the marrying of equity and social justice, with an emphasis on how socio-economic factors impact family dynamics, community stratification, and the marginalized outcomes of vulnerable groups. If we focus on the margins of the margins, the result is our whole society reaping benefits that really matter. It's the development of our whole selves coupled with the development of our whole community that fosters a willingness to address all of our needs and not the deficit of what we can't accomplish together. It was after giving birth to 6 beautiful Black boys, that Sonia realized her lived experiences offer a unique perspective on tackling the problems associated with equity, belonging, and humanity, like but not limited to denied medical resources, lack of access to educational resources, unwarranted touches with the criminal justice system based on racialized norms and policies, and inner-communal violence. Said lived experiences, also known as "adverse childhood experiences" (ACEs) have not only led to a reliance on the resource-richness and resolve of the Black community but also how the Black community contributes to the whole of who we are as a society. Let's imagine together, a future where the next generation won't need to deal with or heal from racialized trauma....PERIOD.

For over three decades, Sonia Williams-Lewis has been on a mission of re-imagining equity and humanity, intending to reclaim all of the things lost and denied to the Black community by way of laws, policies, and cultural norms that intentionally and ... Show more

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich background in technology consulting and a passion for making complex concepts accessible to all, Tim is a beacon for those seeking to understand the future of technology and its impact on our lives.

As a seasoned speaker, Tim has a knack for demystifying AI for non-technical audiences, elucidating its significance in everyday life and the pivotal role it plays in shaping our future. He dives deep into the heart of how AI can revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and think about education, highlighting practical applications that can address the challenges faced by today's schools and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Drawing from his experience as a technology leader and IT mentor, Tim Goree provides invaluable insights into IT leadership in the digital age. He believes in leadership that is not just about managing technology but inspiring teams and keeping them accountable to big visions. His talks offer a roadmap for IT professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills and for organizations striving to cultivate a forward-thinking IT culture.

Beyond the podium, Tim is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technology leaders, emphasizing the importance of women in tech and advocating for diversity of thought in technical fields. He champions the idea that a successful technology career is accessible to everyone, with the right guidance and opportunities.

Speaking Topics:
- AI Made Simple: Unraveling Artificial Intelligence for Non-Technical Audiences
- The Future of Learning: How AI is Transforming Education and School Culture
- What's Wrong with Schools and How to Fix It: The Disconnect Between What Schools Say and What They Do
- Leading in IT: Essential Leadership Skills for the Digital Age
- Mentorship Programs: The Key to Growth and Diversity in the Technology Field

With a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm, Tim Goree invites you to join him on a journey to explore the intersections of education, business, technology, and leadership. Whether you're an educator looking to innovate, an IT professional seeking to lead, or simply curious about the future of technology, Tim's sessions are a beacon of knowledge and inspiration.

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich backgrou... Show more

Angel Mary is a motivational leadership speaker and is the Founder of the Fellowship of Global Women Leaders as well as the CEO of Star Trak Investments LLC, a leadership development consulting agency. You may have seen her speak at large elite organizations like Vassar College, Aetna, and Northwell Health.

Additionally, Angel Mary's background has spanned her career through various sectors such as government, finance, food service, real estate, and finally healthcare, where she fast-tracked climbing the corporate ladder from entry-level to C-Suite in under 5 years. Stepping into her own business, Angel is keen on supporting strategic change initiatives enterprise-wide with improved team dynamics to prevent turnover. Angel seeks to bridge the gap between the people and the processes needed for success by teaching effective communication skills, and mentoring senior leaders and business owners as they forge their own path forward.

Motivated to share her success and challenges through her career, Angel also started the Career Path Angel Show, an inspiring podcast dedicated to sharing diverse experiences, tips, and lessons for the next generation of young professionals as they decide on their own future career moves.

Angel Mary is a motivational leadership speaker and is the Founder of the Fellowship of Global Women Leaders as well as the CEO of Star Trak Investments LLC, a leadership development consulting agency. You may have seen her speak at large elite organ... Show more

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where teaches chemistry and physics content and methods to educators with a focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a social justice tool. She is a passionate advocate for STEM equity and effective engineering education and frequent speaker on why accessibility matters to all of us.

A disabled engineer, K-12 and Higher Ed STEM educator, Sara seeks to raise awareness of disability as a valued form of diversity and the challenges of disability disclosure. She is a 2024 Teach Access Fellow and frequent presenter on equitable access in STEM, math accessibility, and inclusive teaching. Challenged by another engineering faculty to own her disability story, she seeks to be a role model empowering STEM colleagues and students as advocates and allies in disability inclusion. An inclusive mindset in STEM and Medicine begins with an inclusive education! Grounded in research - equitable by design.

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where ... Show more

Dr. Anna Marie is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in human health and mindset. She holds a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, is certified as a Brain Health Professional, and has expertise in naturopathy and herbalism. She is a published author of the personal growth book, STOP BULLYING YOURSELF. She is also the host of the HAPPY WHOLE YOU Podcast. As the founder of Happy Whole You, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim their psychological and physical well-being naturally. Her personal healing journey has enhanced her professional prowess, and she continues to seek ways to inspire others to pursue their dreams and live well-rounded lives. Driven by her passion to unlock her clients' full potential, Dr. Anna Marie is actively accepting speaking engagements, workshops, and podcast guest appearances for 2025. Connect with her virtually or in person and follow her on social media. For more information, email Admin@HappyWholeYou.com

Dr. Anna Marie is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in human health and mindset. She holds a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, is certified as a Brain Health Professional, and has expertise in naturopathy and herbalism. She... Show more

Dr. Vaneeta Aggarwal, founder of Bizemag Advisors is an award winning Woman Entrepreneur, author & speaker, former Educationist from Delhi University, India with PhD in Semiconductors. With experience of 29 years, she is advocate of workplace diversity & inclusion and work life balance irrespective of gender bias. She has been invited Jury Member at Prestigious Stevie Business Awards 2022-2024.
Bizemag is a digital marketing & PR solutions firm along with deep insights on skill based education.

Dr. Vaneeta Aggarwal, founder of Bizemag Advisors is an award winning Woman Entrepreneur, author & speaker, former Educationist from Delhi University, India with PhD in Semiconductors. With experience of 29 years, she is advocate of workplace divers... Show more

Carol is a PhD candidate in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph, Canada. Her research focuses on the owner-companion rabbit relationship, and companion rabbit care and welfare. Specifically, she is exploring the validity and reliability of established human-animal relationship scales for use with companion rabbit owners, rabbit owners’ favourite rabbit behaviours and why they are so, ownership challenges, risk factors for thoughts of giving rabbits away or letting them loose outside, and rabbit intakes and management practices at Canadian and American shelters and rabbit rescues. Vespa, an extraordinary, lop-eared rabbit inspired her research.

Prior to the PhD program, Carol completed a Masters in Population Medicine at the OVC where her research focused on veterinary technical and professional skills in student veterinarians and recent graduates. She currently shares her home with a bonded pair of free-range, up-eared rabbits, Ellie and Coco. The duo, affectionately known as “the hooligans,” came to her from a foster family who took them in after they had been turned loose outside by their previous owners.

Carol is a PhD candidate in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph, Canada. Her research focuses on the owner-companion rabbit relationship, and companion rabbit care and welfare. Spe... Show more

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany Show more

Meredith (Merry) McCarron is a Co-Founder at MK Analytics, a 100% woman-owned, women-led data mining and analytics firm. Merry has nearly 10 years of experience providing creative analytics for government, non-profit, and litigation clients. Before her time in the private sector, Merry was a Data Scientist at the New York Attorney General's Office, where she received the Innovation in Law Enforcement Award for her work on gun trafficking investigation and policy.

Meredith (Merry) McCarron is a Co-Founder at MK Analytics, a 100% woman-owned, women-led data mining and analytics firm. Merry has nearly 10 years of experience providing creative analytics for government, non-profit, and litigation clients. Before h... Show more

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He volunteers as the lead of MidCamp and on the Event Organizer Working Group Board. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal implementations for high-ed and non-profits.

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He volunteers as the lead of MidCamp and on the Event Organizer Working Group Board. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal implementations for high-ed and non-profits. Show more

Heather Wilde is CTO of TheDifference and is also known as the Unicorn Whisperer because of her special focus on entrepreneurs. She is a professional growth expert, executive coach, best-selling author, and speaker. One of the founding team of Evernote, and co-founder of TWIP, she has won multiple awards for her writing, technology, coaching, and mentorship, including the 2020 International Impact Award for her latest book, "Birth of a Unicorn".

Both a patent inventor and game designer, she is trailblazing the way for other women to do the same.
She has appeared on Huffpost Live and ABC News, and has appeared in Mashable, BBC News, Huffington Post, and in the Wall Street Journal as well as many other industry publications. Her clients cover North America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East and she offers training internationally on tech topics such as Cybersecurity, Anticipatory Design, and the Dangers of Overwork.

Wilde's popular Inc and Forbes columns span social media, entrepreneurialism, startups, leadership, fundraising, and diversity issues. She lives in Las Vegas.

Heather Wilde is CTO of TheDifference and is also known as the Unicorn Whisperer because of her special focus on entrepreneurs. She is a professional growth expert, executive coach, best-selling author, and speaker. One of the founding team of Everno... Show more

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive, and fun. She helps clients tailor their professional life to their unique brains, allowing their talents and genius to shine. Following a 17+ year legal career and certifications in ICF-accredited executive, ADHD, and career coaching, Elle founded Interlace Solutions, a coaching firm that taps into clients' potential to accelerate their achievement. Her team coaches executives, executive teams, and professionals with a subspecialty in ADHD coaching.

Elle is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator who consistently draws large crowds. Her goal is for participants to walk away with meaty new learning for practical application. Elle has been published in national and international outlets and speaks on productivity, professional motivation, creating ADHD-friendly environments, and innovations to support mental health, among other topics. Elle is a subject matter expert on international agricultural trade, which doesn’t come up a lot. She lives in Washington, DC, with her dog Penny, the most beautiful dog in the world. And a great family, but the dog is hard to beat.

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive,... Show more

Ashley Bodnar is an experienced educator from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is passionate about innovative teaching and learning practices. With over ten years of experience in the field of education, Ashley holds a Masters in Administration and Leadership. She was recently awarded the 2023 Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Award: Certificate of Achievement for her work in implementing inquiry-based learning, collaborative learning, mindfulness, and core competency practices in her classroom.

Ashley Bodnar is an experienced educator from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is passionate about innovative teaching and learning practices. With over ten years of experience in the field of education, Ashley holds a Masters in Administration and Leaders... Show more

Dipl. Polikwissenschaftlerin und Betriebswirtin. 2007 Einstieg ins Zentrum für Schlüsselqualifikationen der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Lehre für Entrepreneurship als Schlüsselkompetenz. 2015 Veröffentlichung des Buches „Schlüsselkompetenzen im Hochschulstudium" zusammen mit weiteren Autor*innen. 2015 Übernahme der Geschäftsführung und Leitung ZfS-Schlüsselkompetenzen.
2017 LehrehochN-Fellow, 2022 Sprecherin des Fachausschusses Future Skills in der Gesellschaft für Schlüsselkompetenzen, 2022 Civic-Innovation Award des BMAS für die Entwicklung des „Kompetenzboosters", gemeinsam mit dem Kieler Start-Up DayOff. Beirätin der Future Skills Journey des Stifterverbands, der SAGSAGA und des Zentrums für Lehren und Lernen der HS RheinMain.

Dipl. Polikwissenschaftlerin und Betriebswirtin. 2007 Einstieg ins Zentrum für Schlüsselqualifikationen der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Lehre für Entrepreneurship als Schlüsselkompetenz. 2015 Veröffentlichung des Buches „Schlüsselkompete... Show more

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuses on the intersection of Queer Theory and Ethnic Studies. Their current role as a neurodivergent special education teacher has helped shape their understanding of disability in education.

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuse... Show more

Lia Fuziy
Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como organizadora e palestrante em eventos.

Lia Fuziy Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como... Show more

Kaelyn Hannah is the Student Program Coordinator for the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs at Wichita State University. With four years of orientation experience and a year and a half in a professional capacity, Kaelyn oversees orientation leaders and first-year programming, fostering a smooth transition for incoming students.

Within NODA, she serves as one of two co-chairs for the communication committee for NODAC 2025 and was part of the 2024 Emerging Leaders Program. Kaelyn is also actively involved in the membership engagement committee and was recently selected to join the marketing and technology committee for the 2025 NODA Region III and IV Conference.

Kaelyn is currently pursuing a master’s degree in communication and is conducting thesis research focused on using social media to reduce uncertainty among first-year students. She anticipates graduating in May 2025.

Kaelyn Hannah is the Student Program Coordinator for the Office of Student Success: First-Year Programs at Wichita State University. With four years of orientation experience and a year and a half in a professional capacity, Kaelyn oversees orientati... Show more

Darrel is currently the Orion Flight Software System Manager at NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 40 years experience in Commercial, Department of Defense, and NASA aircraft/spacecraft software. He has worked on software for the F-16, OV-1, AHIP, Space Station, Space Shuttle, and the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (Orion). He has worked with embedded software control systems his whole career.

Darrel is currently the Orion Flight Software System Manager at NASA, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 40 years experience in Commercial, Department of Defense, and NASA aircraft/spacecraft software. He has worked on software for t... Show more

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

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboarded to OMBI Group, Chelsea has gained valuable experience in entertainment law. Her passion for advocacy also led her to become the co-chair of the Partnerships Committee for the Sports Business Conference at Spelman College, where she helped secure over $20,000 in sponsorships from major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and more. A political science major at Spelman College, Chelsea’s work at the White House further solidified her commitment to advocacy. Through her Symposium, she merges her legal expertise with digital tools to help creatives navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection, empowering them to safeguard their work in the digital age.

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboard... Show more

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like social anxiety, technology addiction, and workplace silos, creating spaces where meaningful relationships and collaboration can thrive.

A TEDx Speaker and co-author, Richard has shared his expertise on the power of human connection with audiences around the world. He has spoken at conferences, delivered workshops, and appeared on podcasts to inspire leaders and teams to prioritize connection in their personal and professional lives.

Richard is a faculty member at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Rhodes Wellness College, where he integrates connection-building strategies into learning environments. His work in higher education emphasizes improving student success, staff collaboration, and institutional culture.

Certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) and as a Trust at Work® Practitioner, Richard blends research-backed insights with actionable strategies to help people foster trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Through his work, Richard empowers individuals and organizations to unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and build thriving communities.

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like socia... Show more

Estudió la licenciatura en matemáticas en la Universidad de Guadalajara, después ingresó a la maestría en ciencias de la computación en el Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) unidad Guadalajara, en donde también realizó su doctorado en ciencias con especialidad en robótica y visión computacional.

Actualmente esta trabajando en la empresa Intel en la habilitación de características de procesadores Intel en diferentes distribuciones de Linux. También es docente del Instituto Tecnológico de Jalisco unidad académica de Zapopan.

Por su afición a Linux sus compañeros lo conocen como miguelinux.

Estudió la licenciatura en matemáticas en la Universidad de Guadalajara, después ingresó a la maestría en ciencias de la computación en el Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) unidad Guadalajara, en donde también realiz... Show more

Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP, founded Seriema Consulting, an advisory firm helping institutions
achieve organizational transformation through change management, people analytics, and
strategic planning. He provides C-suite executives with consulting support in aligning talent management objectives and processes to value-accretive outcomes.

Specific to inclusion work, Brian designed and launched a DE&I function at one employer that encompassed ERGs, mentorship, and community outreach. His expertise in this area extends internationally, where he has operated in business development and internal consulting roles across 20 countries.

Brian earned his BA from New York University and his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School
of Management. In addition, he holds Prosci and PMP certifications. He resides in St Petersburg, Florida, where he serves as VP of Membership for SHRM’s affiliate chapter in Pinellas County.

Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP, founded Seriema Consulting, an advisory firm helping institutions achieve organizational transformation through change management, people analytics, and strategic planning. He provides C-suite executives with consult... Show more

As educational visionary and digital strategist Bettina designs curricula in Higher Education in Australia. Engagements at Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney were steppingstones in Bettina's career over the last 10 years. Combing her Executive TV Producer knowledge with the experience as educator in the Higher Education landscape Bettina also founded the Digital Dolphins, teaching digital storytelling for emerging leaders online with the digitaldolphins.com.au .Her research area is how to overcome #Technophabia in Academia, supporting lifelong learning for academics.

As educational visionary and digital strategist Bettina designs curricula in Higher Education in Australia. Engagements at Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney were steppingstones in Bett... Show more