Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. She takes pride in uplifting her community, especially young students and she does this by volunteer organizations and clubs. In her free time, she enjoys working with kids and fostering a passion for STEM within children, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. Sh... Show more

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime !

À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé).
Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier.
Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide les gens à oser passer à l’action avec un cap clair et motivant.

Ah oui, et je suis fan de randonnée, de fromage suisse et… de Taylor Swift ! 🎵🧀🥾

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime ! À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé). Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier. Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide... Show more

Indra Books is a global transformation strategist with over 30 years of experience leading culture change and high-performance turnarounds in complex, high-pressure environments. From finance to fintech, aviation to public safety, she’s worked across 46 countries helping teams unlock trust, alignment, and scalable momentum.

Known for cutting through fluff and fixing the human problems behind delivery breakdowns, Indra brings a deeply practical, story-rich approach to organizational change. Her work doesn’t end with slide decks—it sticks because it’s built on real trust, deep listening, and performance that outlives the program.

Whether guiding skeptical tech teams or supporting leaders in navigating pressure and change, she teaches people to see differently, act with intention, and build cultures that last longer than a keynote.

Her sessions are high-energy, no-fluff, and packed with tools that outlive the event.

Indra Books is a global transformation strategist with over 30 years of experience leading culture change and high-performance turnarounds in complex, high-pressure environments. From finance to fintech, aviation to public safety, she’s worked across... Show more

Technology enthusiast driven by an insatiable curiosity to learn, a commitment to share knowledge, and a passion for building community. He has embraced every opportunity to explore the transformative power of technology and help others harness its potential.

He believes that technology is more than tools and code, it's a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and positive change. His sessions are designed not just to inform but to ignite curiosity, spark ideas, and empower attendees to take their skills and projects to the next level.

Technology enthusiast driven by an insatiable curiosity to learn, a commitment to share knowledge, and a passion for building community. He has embraced every opportunity to explore the transformative power of technology and help others harness its p... Show more

Prof. Dr. Stoyana Natseva is a Bulgarian psychologist, researcher and educator. She is Full Professor (Profesor Titular B) of Psychology and Education at Universidad Azteca and Professor of Practice in Business Psychology at Dunster Business School, Switzerland. She is the founder of Happy Life Academy® and the Happy Life Institute for Direct Change Science, and President of IAPTC®. She created the Internal Autobiographical Map (IAM) framework and the Direct Change Solution® (DCS®) applied system. She is the author of more than twenty books and two scholarly monographs, and has trained over 100,000 students across more than 50 countries.

Prof. Dr. Stoyana Natseva is a Bulgarian psychologist, researcher and educator. She is Full Professor (Profesor Titular B) of Psychology and Education at Universidad Azteca and Professor of Practice in Business Psychology at Dunster Business School, ... Show more

Frank Victory is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience shaping impactful security strategies. Focused on results rather than titles, he has excelled in both technical and leadership roles, bringing deep expertise in defensive and offensive security—spanning blue and red team operations, incident response, and threat & risk management.

Passionate about developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Frank teaches at local community colleges and leads instruction for CU Boulder’s programs in Social Engineering, Ethical Hacking, DFIR, and Threat Hunting. As Vice President of the Denver OWASP chapter, he fosters community engagement through meetups and conferences, including SnowFROC.

Frank also co-hosts the Colorado=Security Podcast, where he interviews local cybersecurity professionals, delving into their journeys, challenges, and insights—always ending with the question: What is the biggest challenge in cybersecurity today?

Frank Victory is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience shaping impactful security strategies. Focused on results rather than titles, he has excelled in both technical and leadership roles, bringing deep expertise in defensi... Show more

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Africa game development program Mr, Ilonga created his own game studio/company called TL Entertainment whereby he created games and was successfully able to import Global Game Jam and Game Jam +, whereby together with the partnership between TL Entertainment and Game Jam+ there was a bridge built between Namibia and Brazil.

With the games that where created not proving to be profitable, Mr Ilonga would take part in a CEP program whereby he would like up with Vaughan, Veronica and Ndamono and together they would form Edu-Game Namibia to create an innovation hub around gaming to ensure that the market because sustainable around gaming and ensure future Namibian generations will be able to profit from it.

With 7 Years’ experience in Gaming Mr Ilonga has won a few awards and also became the flag career for Gaming especially at the Forbes where he and Vaughan would help Edu-Game Namibia make it to the top 3 pitch battle final. Currently Mr Ilonga together with Edu-Game are working on a curriculum to gamify the education system.

List of Achievements
Forbes 30 Under 30 Top 3 Pitch Battle Finalist 2024
Boost Up Pitch Winner 2023
Xbox Games Camp Alumni 2023
Sanlam Bridge Beneficiary 2023
CEP WINNER 2022
Game Industry Africa Awards Winner 2022
Class of 2022 Game Developers Conference SCHOLARS:

Events/Interviews I have Spoken At
Xbox Games Camp - Topic - Why Africa Is The Best Place To Invest When It Comes To Gaming
Africa Partnership For Growth Symposium - Topic - Why Investing In Gaming is Profitable
PathfindinGS -Topic - Gamifying the Namibian Education System
Africa Comicade Topic -Getting Local Businesses to Invest in Game Development
Game Jam Plus Topic -Importance of Game Jam In The Local Ecosystem
African Creative Meeting Topic -E-Sports In Africa
ESQUENTA Topic - Importance of GJ + For the Local Ecosystem
BBC World Service TV Topic - CES 2020: What’s in it for Africa?

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Afri... Show more

Marcel Schade studied chemical engineering at TU Dortmund University and is a research associate at TU Dortmund University as well as an external PhD student at the University of Wuppertal.
He is currently working on the JuModel and Access@DigitalLabs projects, funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education. His work focuses on digital teaching, particularly in cross-reality laboratories, engineering education and accessibility.

Marcel Schade studied chemical engineering at TU Dortmund University and is a research associate at TU Dortmund University as well as an external PhD student at the University of Wuppertal. He is currently working on the JuModel and Access@DigitalLa... Show more

Con más de una década en desarrollo y QA Automation, he liderado equipos en sectores como retail, banca y gobierno. Mi expertise abarca Python, JavaScript, Selenium, Playwright, Postman, entre otros. Me apasiona compartir conocimientos sobre lenguajes de programación y pruebas de software para potenciar equipos y fomentar el crecimiento colectivo.

Con más de una década en desarrollo y QA Automation, he liderado equipos en sectores como retail, banca y gobierno. Mi expertise abarca Python, JavaScript, Selenium, Playwright, Postman, entre otros. Me apasiona compartir conocimientos sobre lenguaje... Show more

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both interaction with the audience and personal reflection time.

In her interactive workshops and keynote addresses, Caitlin quickly quells the, “I could never do improv!” fear and makes accessible, the principles professional actors use, to be better communicators, teammates, and leaders.
Disarming and energetic, Caitlin opens up the most skeptical attendees, allowing them to learn through applying the Improv Approach, and even crack a smile along the way.

Caitlin Drago’s mission is to create cultures of empathy, creativity, and trust, beginning with how people communicate and connect.

She is an LA-based actor turned upstate NY-based certified leadership coach, trainer, facilitator, and author of Approaching Improv – Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond. Acting taught her to be present, self-aware, empathetic and to prioritize connection with others. Improv taught her to listen, trust her gut and deal with the unexpected in a positive and creative way. She currently works with leaders and teams to help them to listen to one another, communicate and connect, using improvisation as a platform for interactive learning.

Caitlin spent ten years studying improv at places like the nationally accredited Upright Citizen’s Brigade and has spent the last nine years working with leaders and their teams across industries, including, but not limited to higher education, hospitality, tech, marketing, healthcare and real estate. She’s been featured in Medium’s Authority Magazine, Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle, a variety of podcasts and has spoken at various conferences, including the Talent Development Think Tank, the International TWA Conference, CNY SHRM, and DisruptHR Rochester.

Past clients include:
Gartner
Rochester Regional Health System
Starbucks
Fee Brothers

Testimonials:

“Caitlin's energy, enthusiasm, and sprinkling of humor eased the tensions in our group and the entire experience was packed with valuable team collaboration insights. We found ourselves using this technique the very same day we learned it.”

S.M. Digitronik Labs

“We focused on communication in a completely different way. Not a seminar-feel, but a fun, engaging way to demonstrate the importance of being open and positive. I stepped
outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, the idea of improv was horrifying. But it was fun!”

J.G., VWR

"Caitlin did an excellent job facilitating a workshop for my team. From the time we first met to preparation and the actual workshop, she was helpful and engaging and was highly focused on ensuring my workshop went the way I had envisioned. My team had excellent feedback afterwards and I can say it had an immediate positive impact on how my team interacted and felt about communication."

I.G., Gartner

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both intera... Show more

Christopher Burpee is the Director of Student Centers at University of Chicago. Chris previously worked at both Northwestern University and Northeastern Illinois University. Chris served on the Conference Program Team for the 2022 Annual Conference in Chicago. He has a Masters in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University, and a BFA from DePaul University.

Christopher Burpee is the Director of Student Centers at University of Chicago. Chris previously worked at both Northwestern University and Northeastern Illinois University. Chris served on the Conference Program Team for the 2022 Annual Conference... Show more

Susan Payment is an adjunct faculty member in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. An honorary member of ACUI, she spent fourteen years in a number of roles within the division of Student Affairs at the University of San Diego and thirteen years at the College of Charleston, retiring as the Director of Student Life in April of 2017. Her volunteer involvement with ACUI has included serving as an at-large member of the Board of Trustees, conference program team chair for the 2017 annual conference and regional director for Region 15 (now Region I). Susan enjoys remaining engaged with the Association while exploring new ways to create community on our campuses and providing support to colleagues and emerging professionals.

Susan Payment is an adjunct faculty member in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. An honorary member of ACUI, she spent fourteen years in a number of roles within the division of Student Affairs at th... Show more

Jodie Levy was a founding member of the UK AI Security Institute and is a Visiting Fellow at Constellation. She works at the intersection of frontier AI security, misuse and technical governance, with research spanning multi-step misuse, agentic risk and enforceable safety controls. She has advised and engaged governments and international stakeholders on frontier AI risk, security and governance.

Jodie Levy was a founding member of the UK AI Security Institute and is a Visiting Fellow at Constellation. She works at the intersection of frontier AI security, misuse and technical governance, with research spanning multi-step misuse, agentic risk... Show more

Hi 👋🏾 ! I'm Edmond Ghislain MAKOLLE EBONGUE NDJOH, Software Engineer and Python Programming Instructor . I am originally from the LITTORAL in CAMEROON 🇨🇲 .

I work most often in Python (if not always) with technologies such as Django and FastAPI to build backend applications and Rest or Graph APIs.

I am involved in certain communities in my city and even in my country, because I am for those who give back what the community has given them. So I often organize and participate in community-organized events.

Hi 👋🏾 ! I'm Edmond Ghislain MAKOLLE EBONGUE NDJOH, Software Engineer and Python Programming Instructor . I am originally from the LITTORAL in CAMEROON 🇨🇲 . I work most often in Python (if not always) with technologies such as Django and FastAP... Show more

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection.

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection. Show more

Larissa Barth ist Künstlerin, Fotografin und Lernenthusiastin. An der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar gestaltet sie in der Universitätsentwicklung Unterstützungsformate rund um Lehren und Lernen, studentische Partizipation, künstliche Intelligenz und wissenschaftliches Schreiben.

Larissa Barth ist Künstlerin, Fotografin und Lernenthusiastin. An der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar gestaltet sie in der Universitätsentwicklung Unterstützungsformate rund um Lehren und Lernen, studentische Partizipation, künstliche Intelligenz und wiss... Show more

Marina Sukhomlinova is the Founder & President of Womafreesm, a U.S. 501(c)(3) Public Charity and a global infrastructure for women’s influence. She designs systems that turn women’s lived experiences into data and evidence that can shape new rules, laws, standards, technologies and institutional decisions.

She leads the development of the Women’s Life-Cycle Economy Index, a global research programme examining where economies, healthcare, labour markets, law and AI rely on incomplete models of human life that overlook women’s real life cycles. This work provides the research foundation for the Equal Consideration Standard, a practical framework for assessing whether policies, technologies, medical protocols and workplace systems account for women’s lives.

Her current work also examines age and gender bias in AI, recruitment and marketing, with a focus on women aged 45-64. Marina speaks about women’s institutional influence, women’s life-cycle economics, AI bias, evidence-led policy and the design of systems that reflect women’s lived reality.

Marina Sukhomlinova is the Founder & President of Womafreesm, a U.S. 501(c)(3) Public Charity and a global infrastructure for women’s influence. She designs systems that turn women’s lived experiences into data and evidence that can shape new rules, ... Show more

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed p... Show more

Sandeep kumar Chittimalli is a Senior Data Scientist and AI/ML Expert specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, and Satellite Image Processing, with more than a decade of experience driving innovation across federal, scientific, and academic research domains. He currently serves as Chair of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), East North Carolina Section (ENCS) and is a Senior Member of IEEE GRSS, Board Member of GCSAYN, and Chair of the GCSAYN Research Committee Advisory Group, while also serving as an IET Advisor and AI Collective Research Triangle Chapter Lead. He currently leads AI/ML and data science initiatives at Synectics supporting a large federal organization in the United States and has a long-standing history of supporting high-impact federal research projects. His past contributions encompass prestigious organizations including NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Image Processing Laboratories. With dual master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Sandeep excels in architecting scalable data science environments, automating complex workflows, processing and analyzing satellite imagery, and delivering actionable insights through advanced AI/ML model development and deployment. He brings deep expertise in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning across a wide range of scientific, technical, and operational applications, enabling data-driven solutions and enhancing mission-critical decision-making in federal and research domains. Sandeep has extensive experience working with both federal and academic research projects, successfully translating complex scientific and operational goals into innovative, scalable, and data-driven solutions. His multidisciplinary expertise enables him to bridge advanced AI/ML methodologies with Earth science, remote sensing, satellite image processing, image analysis, and scientific computing, addressing complex challenges involving large-scale and high-dimensional datasets. As an active contributor and recognized expert within the technical and research community, Sandeep has served as a judge and reviewer for numerous research, technology, and innovation events, as well as for well-known national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Through these roles, he has contributed to the evaluation of research and emerging technologies across diverse areas of science, engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. He is known for providing constructive, timely, and rigorous evaluations and for supporting the recognition, advancement, and dissemination of high-quality research and innovative ideas. Through his professional leadership and community engagement, Sandeep is committed to advancing the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and intelligent systems. He remains passionate about staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and continuously exploring new ways to apply AI and data-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems. Through technical leadership, research, mentorship, professional service, and collaboration, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with intelligent systems while contributing to the growth of the broader scientific, engineering, and AI communities.

Sandeep kumar Chittimalli is a Senior Data Scientist and AI/ML Expert specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, and Satellite Image Processing, with more than a decade of experience drivin... Show more

Catherine Okonkwo is a Nigerian writer, researcher, speaker and media creator, and the founder of Still Becoming™. Her work explores youth development, identity, personal growth, education and social impact. She is an active committee member of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Research (ICAIR) since 2024, where she has contributed to academic research review and served as a Keynote Chair/Track Chair.

Catherine is also the author of five books: Still Becoming, Unrushed: The Art of Growing at Your Own Pace, Seven Days Emotional Guide to Step into Your Becoming, The Anatomy of a Changemaker, and Paradox. She has published 15+ articles and has experience in public speaking, research, writing, podcasting and youth-focused media. Through her work, she creates conversations that encourage young people to develop self-awareness, think critically, discover purpose and participate meaningfully in society.

Catherine Okonkwo is a Nigerian writer, researcher, speaker and media creator, and the founder of Still Becoming™. Her work explores youth development, identity, personal growth, education and social impact. She is an active committee member of the I... Show more

Lilia Gargouri stands for sustainable, scalable, and efficient quality assurance in complex eGovernment projects. She is committed to accessibility, trains career changers, and passionately advocates for greater visibility and equal opportunities for women in IT. As the inventor of a model-based, low-code test automation tool, she has significantly simplified and accelerated quality assurance in critical eGovernment projects. As ISTQB® Glossary Chair and member of the German Testing Board, she actively drives the development of industry quality standards.

Lilia Gargouri stands for sustainable, scalable, and efficient quality assurance in complex eGovernment projects. She is committed to accessibility, trains career changers, and passionately advocates for greater visibility and equal opportunities for... Show more

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

Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. He currently serves as a Senior AI/ML Consultant at Onyx Data, specializing in Microsoft AI and cloud technologies to drive business innovation.

Passionate about technology and education, Abdulrafiu actively shares insights with the global tech community. His expertise spans AI research, cloud computing, and developer tools, making him a sought-after speaker and mentor. Recognized for his contributions to AI accessibility and inclusive learning, he continues to push boundaries in the intersection of AI, education, and social impact.

Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. H... Show more

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and Human Resources Manager, reflecting adaptability across industries including healthcare, food, automotive, and oil.

An entrepreneurial spirit, Tom builds and manages multiple ventures alongside consulting. His portfolio includes software platforms for nonprofits, education, and event management, along with hands-on projects in IoT, AI, and disaster readiness.

Outside of technology, Tom is a storm chaser and community volunteer. He contributes to disaster relief efforts, teaches STEM outreach, and speaks at conferences, colleges, schools, and museums. His passions extend to vintage technology, restoring antique cars and radios, and advancing communication tools through amateur radio.

Tom is an active member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, Spotter Network, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services. Through speaking and consulting, he shares hard-earned lessons in resilience, innovation, and building solutions that matter.

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and ... Show more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Maria Rudneva is an Innovation Manager at TU Delft, PMP-certified project professional and Certified AI Compliance Officer (CAICO) working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation. She is also a compliance assessor at ExplorAI (CAB in formation) for high risk AI systems under EU AI Act
She specialises in the practical application of the EU AI Act, with expertise in AI system classification, intended purpose, provider and deployer responsibilities, and AI Act obligations.
Her work focuses on helping organisations understand how regulatory requirements translate into real-world AI systems, particularly when AI tools are modified, integrated into larger solutions, or used beyond their original intended purpose, bridging the gap between AI adoption and practical compliance under the EU AI Act.

Dr Maria Rudneva is an Innovation Manager at TU Delft, PMP-certified project professional and Certified AI Compliance Officer (CAICO) working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation. She is also a complia... Show more

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administrativa e governança pública. Sua formação académica inclui pós-graduações em Gestão Pública, Auditoria e Perícia Contábil. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência na área de tecnologia, é autor dos livros "Excel do Básico ao Dashboard" e "Governança na Prática: Como Estruturas Públicas Enxutas Podem Alcançar Alta Eficiência". Como educador e criador de conteúdo, acumula mais de 160 mil visualizações em seu canal no YouTube, onde promove a interseção entre tecnologia, gestão e agilidade.

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administra... Show more

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida

New professional in the New Student & Family Programs office at The University of Florida Show more

Rasheed Mudasiru builds infrastructure and developer tools, then explains how they work. A Google Developer Expert in Cloud, he spent four years as the sole infrastructure engineer at a production SaaS company while simultaneously founding two developer communities in Nigeria, speaking at AWS Summit Johannesburg, GopherCon Africa, OSCAFEST, UbuCon Africa, DjangoCon Africa etc and shipping open source tooling including a GitOps controller and an AI agent debugger. He mentors engineers across Africa through the Linux Foundation Kubernetes programme.

Rasheed Mudasiru builds infrastructure and developer tools, then explains how they work. A Google Developer Expert in Cloud, he spent four years as the sole infrastructure engineer at a production SaaS company while simultaneously founding two develo... Show more

I build teams that thrive. I’m an impact-driven leader, blending innovation, creativity and agile leadership to create inclusive cultures centred on learning and delivering - and having fun doing it.

I build teams that thrive. I’m an impact-driven leader, blending innovation, creativity and agile leadership to create inclusive cultures centred on learning and delivering - and having fun doing it. Show more