I am a Developer, Open Source & AI Enthusiast, Leader and a passionate Community Builder. As the Creator & Lead of Script Winter of Code (SWOC), I built a platform that empowers developers to contribute meaningfully to open source. Today, SWOC has grown into a thriving ecosystem with 60,000+ contributors and developers, serving as a launchpad for future tech talent and open-source innovation.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing my insights at several prestigious platforms, including Google DevFests (Ahmedabad, Kochi, Vizag), Google Cloud Events (CCDN Nagpur), Open Source AI Summit India, IIT Madras, multiple Google Developer Student Clubs, and top tech universities — where I emphasize the importance of building a sustainable and collaborative Open Source & AI ecosystem.

Recently, I was also part of a Road to GDE (Google Developer Expert) Graduate 2025 program, marking another milestone in my journey of blending technical expertise with a passion for community-driven innovation.

I am a Developer, Open Source & AI Enthusiast, Leader and a passionate Community Builder. As the Creator & Lead of Script Winter of Code (SWOC), I built a platform that empowers developers to contribute meaningfully to open source. Today, SWOC has gr... 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

Dr. Neda Maria Kaizumi, A Norwegian citizen who is a distinguished technology expert at the intersection of AI development, global compliance, and international regulations. With a doctorate in Organizational Behaviour. She combines a rich academic foundation with practical insights. She has further honed her expertise through the Business Analytics and Data Science executive program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Kaizumi is ISO standards committee member, and she shapes AI governance and compliance frameworks, advocating ethical AI aligned with global standards like the EU AI Act and beyond.

An accomplished author, public speaker, and advocate for ethical AI development, Dr. Kaizumi integrates her technical acumen and business expertise to empower organizations navigating the complex global landscape of AI governance. With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and their impact on technology, Dr. Kaizumi is a leading voice in fostering innovation that aligns with compliance and sustainability.

Dr. Neda Maria Kaizumi, A Norwegian citizen who is a distinguished technology expert at the intersection of AI development, global compliance, and international regulations. With a doctorate in Organizational Behaviour. She combines a rich academic f... Show more

Onyi Anyado is an internationally acclaimed Leadership Speaker, Futurist, and Corporate Trainer renowned for his dynamic keynotes and bespoke training programs. With a global footprint that spans Canada, Norway, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Nigeria, Onyi empowers organisations and leaders to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Drawing from his powerful life story and legacy titled 'From Detention to Distinction', Onyi delivers transformative insights on future thinking, leadership development, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. His clients include world-class organisations such as Barclays, EY, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Company.

Whether on stage or in the boardroom, Onyi delivers thought-provoking content with clarity and impact equipping today’s leaders to lead with discipline, distinction and disruption.

Onyi has called 2025 'The Year of Strategic Distinction'.

Onyi Anyado is an internationally acclaimed Leadership Speaker, Futurist, and Corporate Trainer renowned for his dynamic keynotes and bespoke training programs. With a global footprint that spans Canada, Norway, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, a... Show more

Jose Casal is a executive coach, mentor & trainer with extensive experience in Business Agility. He is dedicated to helping organisations embrace modern management concepts including Flow Thinking, Flight Levels, Kanban & Scrum. Strongly motivated towards continuous learning, he is able to help organisations achieve better Agility and create thriving & engaged organisations.

Jose is an international speaker and organises conferences such as ScanAgile in Helsinki, Lean Agile London (LALDN) and Agile Tampere.

He is a Flight Levels Pro (FLPro), Professional Kanban Trainer (PKT), Professional Scrum Trainer (PST), Enterprise Kanban Coach (EKC) & Certified Trainer for Training from the BACK of the Room! (TBR-CT). He is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Jose Casal is a executive coach, mentor & trainer with extensive experience in Business Agility. He is dedicated to helping organisations embrace modern management concepts including Flow Thinking, Flight Levels, Kanban & Scrum. Strongly motivated to... Show more

Boomie is a senior software engineering leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling engineering teams and platforms. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and helping others grow into their fullest potential, while keeping things fun and practical.

Boomie has shaped and led engineering teams at companies including Accenture, NPR, and Capital One. She currently oversees the engineering organization at a fast-moving technology company. Beyond her day job, Boomie is an active speaker, mentor, and board trustee for organizations that advance leadership development and STEM education.

Her talks bring an energetic, grounded perspective to topics like engineering leadership, team strategy, developer enablement, and building healthy technical cultures.

Recent talks and speaking topics are listed below.

Boomie is available for conferences, webinars, and corporate training sessions focused on engineering leadership, technical strategy, and authentic leadership development.

Boomie is a senior software engineering leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling engineering teams and platforms. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and helping others grow into their fullest pot... Show more

Dennie is Microsoft MVP Developer Technologies and has experience in accessibility with Microsoft technologies. In daily life Dennie is president and developer at DDSoft, a nonprofit that connects IT to People who are less tech-savvy. Dennie invented technical solutions and systems to help people with disabilities to participate in their daily life. Thanks to his autism he's the right man at the right spot to contribute as a volunteer in function of people with disabilities.

Dennie is Microsoft MVP Developer Technologies and has experience in accessibility with Microsoft technologies. In daily life Dennie is president and developer at DDSoft, a nonprofit that connects IT to People who are less tech-savvy. Dennie invented... Show more

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

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

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s passionate about helping others grow in tech. She has mentored over 200+ students and actively contributes to the community as a CNCF Ambassador and organiser of CNCF Gurugram.

Monika is also the founder of TMS: The Monika Rajput Stack, a podcast where she shares stories from the world of data, AI, and cloud, featuring people doing meaningful work in tech. She’s currently serving as a Program Committee Member for KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in China, Japan, and India. Her goal is to make technology more open, relatable, and accessible, especially for those who are just getting started.

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s... Show more

Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and corporations in Australia and India, including Vodafone, Coles, and Charles Darwin University, Basware, Teamlease EdTech, UPES where he specialized in global partnerships, student mobility, business development, sales & marketing, customer experience, relationship building, and many more fields.

As the Founder & CEO of the GORI Foundation, he is driving initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering students, educators, and communities. He actively mentors startups and innovators through the Ministry of Education’s Institution Innovation Council (India), Jagriti Enterprises, and other platforms, helping early-stage ventures shape their growth journey.

Charanpal is a recognized Innovation Ambassador, mentor, and evaluator for the Government of India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and regularly collaborates with universities worldwide to create opportunities for cross-cultural learning, student exchange, and knowledge transfer. He is also well-versed in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and other advanced digital solutions, bringing a tech-driven edge to his expertise. He has hands-on experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, WordPress, and a range of emerging AI tools such as ChatGPT Gamma, etc., leveraging these platforms to drive impact in business, education, and innovation.

A visionary thought leader at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and technology, he is passionate about building global bridges, enabling innovation-driven growth, and creating social impact at scale.

Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and c... Show more

Linda has been navigating the tech landscape for over a decade. She is specialized in Cloud Technologies, IT Process Optimization, and Agile Methodologies. When she is not guiding companies on their cloud journey, she is diving into AI/ML Services and Technologies, and sharing her insights at AWS community events and other tech platforms.

Beyond her professional commitments, Linda is an AWS Community Hero and deeply involved in Women in Tech initiatives, advocating for greater representation and inclusivity. In Vienna, she is the familiar face behind AWS meetups and other community gatherings, creating a welcoming space where every voice is valued and heard. In addition, Linda holds the title of Chairperson for the AWS Community DACH Support Association and is member of the Funding Advisory Board of netidee.

Linda has been navigating the tech landscape for over a decade. She is specialized in Cloud Technologies, IT Process Optimization, and Agile Methodologies. When she is not guiding companies on their cloud journey, she is diving into AI/ML Services an... Show more

Además de ser creadora de contenidos para gente de trabajo, facilito el encuentro entre personas y organizaciones a través de charlas, capacitaciones, búsqueda y selección de personal e incluso asesorías 1a1 habiendo acompañado ya a más de 250 profesionales de los más diversos rubros y senioritys.

Algunos de los temas que desarrollo:
➡️ Empleabilidad
➡️ Networking
➡️ Armado de CV
➡️ Uso de LinkedIn
➡️ Marca personal y redes sociales

Enseñar sobre empleabilidad es una tarea fundamental para avanzar en pos de lograr varios de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible: en Argentina solo 3 de cada 10 personas en edad laboral recibió información sobre empleabilidad durante la educación formal.

Participé en:
🧪 LABURAtorio (evento presencial organizado por Fundación Banco Nación)
🚀 CoderCamp by Coderhouse 3era Temporada.
☁️ AWS Community Day Argentina 2024 (evento presencial realizado en UADE).
▶️ Work Festival 2024 (evento presencial organizado por Takenos)

Confiaron en mi para brindar este conocimiento a sus alumnos:
📚 Dirección de Educación Técnica de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
🖱 Potrero Digital
🌱 Escuela Técnica de Jardinería Cristobal Hicken
🚪 Puerta 18
💻 Digital NAO By TecMilenio
💻 Hackademy & HackWomen

Colaboro también con diferentes comunidades profesionales que buscan potenciar el desarrollo de sus integrantes:
💻 Sin Jr No Hay Sr
🌿 Clorofila
🔎 On Empleo
💼 CIMA Academy
💻 Share IT

Además de ser creadora de contenidos para gente de trabajo, facilito el encuentro entre personas y organizaciones a través de charlas, capacitaciones, búsqueda y selección de personal e incluso asesorías 1a1 habiendo acompañado ya a más de 250 profes... Show more

Candor Dennis is a Design Thinking Strategist, program manager and innovator who helps brands and business begin to appreciate the benefit of using design thinking to aid their processes.

She started her tech journey in 2019 as a web developer and web tutor and has helped over collectively 700 people get started in tech.
With a mind shift from Front end web development, she has experience using front end web technologies to create interfaces that provide web based solutions.
As a program manager who uses design thinking, she is advancing to building better work culture and bringing projects to life while meeting success.

She is passionate about helping young ones become tech savvy as she volunteers regularly for events and programs that are driven to this cause.She currently serves as an Ambassador at Women Techmakers and the lead for Women Techmakers Aba.

She is a team player and is very collaborative in working with like minds to build solutions to problems using technology

Candor Dennis is a Design Thinking Strategist, program manager and innovator who helps brands and business begin to appreciate the benefit of using design thinking to aid their processes. She started her tech journey in 2019 as a web developer and... Show more

I'm a CISO, University Professor and ex. Dean. Professionally engaged in the areas of information security, privacy, forensic analysis and database systems for the last 20+ years. Currently leading the defensive security department within the HTEC Group. Author of the books: Writing T-SQL Queries for Beginners Using Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Securing SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server on Linux. Microsoft Security MVP and speaker on many IT conferences, events, and panels with more then 150 speaking engagements in the last 15 years.

I'm a CISO, University Professor and ex. Dean. Professionally engaged in the areas of information security, privacy, forensic analysis and database systems for the last 20+ years. Currently leading the defensive security department within the HTEC Gr... Show more

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them to become effective leaders. Elena is the President of and Lead Consultant with Marquetti Consulting.

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them t... Show more

Natalie Johnson is a renowned consultant, performance coach, and business motivational speaker with over three decades of experience transforming cultures worldwide. As the Co-founder and Chief Visionary of Vidl Work, Natalie specializes in optimizing organizational performance by increasing energy, fostering team connections, and developing courageous leaders.

With a background in human performance, including psychology, physiology, and resilience, Natalie is a sought-after speaker and trainer, known for her engaging, high-energy presentations. Her impactful work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Enterprising Women of the Year Award, Champion of Healthcare, and Business Leader Woman Extraordinaire.

Natalie's dynamic speaking style and expertise in topics such as intentional culture, leadership development, and effective communication have made her a respected figure in the business world. Her ability to inspire and empower audiences to achieve their full potential has made her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Natalie Johnson is a renowned consultant, performance coach, and business motivational speaker with over three decades of experience transforming cultures worldwide. As the Co-founder and Chief Visionary of Vidl Work, Natalie specializes in optimizin... Show more

Lucky is an Executive and the Head of Specialised Consulting, Research and Development at BBD - a global bespoke software solutions firm. As a software engineer, he has experience in building and maintaining enterprise software in the banking, insurance, telecommunications and education sectors with varying tech-stacks; from VB6 and .Net to web and cloud technologies.
Lucky is an educator, teaching Game Design and Computer Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and is the co-organiser of the Johannesburg-based JavaScript-focused meetup: Jozi.JS.

Lucky is an Executive and the Head of Specialised Consulting, Research and Development at BBD - a global bespoke software solutions firm. As a software engineer, he has experience in building and maintaining enterprise software in the banking, insura... Show more

I am Mickie Brewer owner of 360Cloud, Inc., a Consulting & Training company that specializes in Office 365/Microsoft 365. Since 2010 I have been helping clients learn and implement SharePoint as well as other M365 apps. As a certified Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist, I lead companies into the Modern Workplace by focusing on user adoption and building more efficiencies for teams and individuals, so the organization realize the full potential and ROI of M365.

Over the years I have built specialties in; training, cloud migrations, designing engaging Intranets, planning site and information architecture as well as security and compliance for records management.

I am a leader in user groups that include both M365 focus and Women in tech.

I love to bring back the focus on people in technology. "Work is no longer a place, but the people and culture they foster." ~ Mickie

I am Mickie Brewer owner of 360Cloud, Inc., a Consulting & Training company that specializes in Office 365/Microsoft 365. Since 2010 I have been helping clients learn and implement SharePoint as well as other M365 apps. As a certified Microsoft Servi... Show more

Kristen holds an M.Ed, a mini-MBA in Lean Six Sigma, is a Prosci certified Change Management Specialist, and certified Scrum Master. As a change and adoption specialist she uses change management and learning best practices to help organizations achieve successful adoption of their software deployment. As a thought leader, she also has several years' experience in leadership development and providing professional development workshops. Her book, The Impossible Box, will help you change your own behaviors to develop the habits you need to achieve your biggest goals.

Kristen holds an M.Ed, a mini-MBA in Lean Six Sigma, is a Prosci certified Change Management Specialist, and certified Scrum Master. As a change and adoption specialist she uses change management and learning best practices to help organizations achi... Show more

Courtney Yatteau is a Developer Advocate on Esri's Developer Experience Team, where she focuses on helping developers enhance web applications through a variety of tools, libraries, and technologies, including mapping solutions. Before Esri, Courtney worked in the secondary education field, teaching computer science and mathematics.

Courtney Yatteau is a Developer Advocate on Esri's Developer Experience Team, where she focuses on helping developers enhance web applications through a variety of tools, libraries, and technologies, including mapping solutions. Before Esri, Courtney... Show more

I am passionate about empowering Women in Technology, a champion of Neurodiversity, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and improving culture in the workplace. I love supporting women in technology and working towards creating impact and giving back to their communities in a small way.

I am passionate about empowering Women in Technology, a champion of Neurodiversity, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and improving culture in the workplace. I love supporting women in technology and working towards creating impact and gi... Show more

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a trainer and finally as a coach, I'm working to ensure that modern Agile models are used less strictly and more respectfully of people.

You can find my work in my book: https://tinyurl.com/darroux

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a t... Show more

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working with Boy Scouts, local schools, leadership development programs, and a variety of other local youth programs Jeremy strives to interact in ways that will push these great thinkers to achieve their dream.

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working... Show more

Dr Pedram Hayati is the founder and CEO of SecDim, where he helps developers to balance engineering velocity with application security rigor. As a researcher across both offensive security and application security, Pedram has:

* Published 25 + zero-day advisories since 2005
* Reported thousands of vulnerabilities to Fortune 500 companies
* Led the global penetration-testing unit at the world’s second-largest defence contractor

Holding a PhD in Information Security & Machine Learning, Pedram lectures postgraduate cyber-security at the University of New South Wales – Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW ADFA) and founded SecTalks.org, a multinational non-profit security community with more than 25,000 members. His research regularly features on the global stage at Black Hat, DEF CON, FIRSTCon, NDC, and OWASP AppSec.

Dr Pedram Hayati is the founder and CEO of SecDim, where he helps developers to balance engineering velocity with application security rigor. As a researcher across both offensive security and application security, Pedram has: * Published 25 + zer... Show more

Dr. Angela Trego, PE, PMP inspires, creates, and fosters confidence through her speaking and training, focusing on imposter syndrome and soft-skills development. As a highly successful engineer, Angela held technical and senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries and around the globe. An award-winning teacher and mentor, Dr. Trego serves on several technical, non-profit, and executive boards. Angela’s technical expertise combined with leadership experiences offer unique insights to enhance your organization's potential. Above all, Angela is passionate about empowering others with vital skills to help them become more successful. Discover more at: angelatrego.com.

Dr. Angela Trego, PE, PMP inspires, creates, and fosters confidence through her speaking and training, focusing on imposter syndrome and soft-skills development. As a highly successful engineer, Angela held technical and senior leadership roles at Fo... Show more

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and maintenance phases. My experience spans various business sectors, including retail, legal, and defense, and encompasses frameworks such as .NET, Angular, React, and SQL, as well as platforms like Azure, AWS, and Kubernetes (K8s).

I am a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft MCT. I mentor students from high school and up through an education program I created myself, with its products now thriving independently thanks to collaboration within our TechMentoringPL group. I strongly believe in the benefits of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge, aiming to make IT less intimidating for young adults, future tech leaders - this is the goal of the TechMentoringPL group. To keep my skills sharp, I am currently pursuing the Executive Education program at UC Berkeley Haas.

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and mai... Show more

Professor. Techie. Ice cream fan (dulce de leche). My favorite phrase: "Todos los días pueden no ser buenos ... pero hay algo bueno en todos los días".

Currently I´m Engineering Director at MODO (http://modo.com.ar), the payment solution that allows you to connect your money and your world to simplify everyday life. Modo is a payment solution in which you can send, order and pay from your mobile device in the safest, most practical and convenient way.

I am the founder of "ConoSurTech" (https://conosur.tech), a non-profit initiative that connect technology communities & train for free people around the world in technology.

I am Director & Instructor in "Aprender IT" (https://aprender.it), a project that create educational experiences that help overcome professional challenges related to technology.

I´m also Director of "PuertoTec" (https://puertotec.com), an organization that provides consulting services in Microsoft solutions, and hosting services for web applications based on WordPress.

I am from Berazategui City, Buenos Aires, Argentina [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partido_de_Berazategui]. When I was 16 years old, I started learning how to manage servers and create software with (very very old) several technologies. I am a Systems Analyst and Physical Education Teacher. I enjoy educational & technological talks and a good beer. If you want to talk with me, write me to pablodiloreto@hotmail.com or visit my website at https://pablodiloreto.com/.

Professor. Techie. Ice cream fan (dulce de leche). My favorite phrase: "Todos los días pueden no ser buenos ... pero hay algo bueno en todos los días". Currently I´m Engineering Director at MODO (http://modo.com.ar), the payment solution that allo... Show more

Foyin Olajide-Bello is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in Microsoft AI, the Power Platform, and Modern Workplace solutions. In the last 16 years, she has helped organisations harness AI-driven innovation to enhance productivity and automation. Passionate about simplifying complex technology decisions, Foyin empowers businesses to strategically adopt cutting edge technologies to drive tangible business outcomes. Foyin has a deep "love" for Microsoft's Power Platform and she has a wide experience structuring and implementing impactful organizational projects with these tools. She is passionate about this because it empowers people to do MORE with less.

She strongly believes in knowledge sharing, and is an active member of technology communities like Power Platform user group in Ireland and Nigeria. She is also an advocate of women empowerment through Information Technology and cofounded TechStylers – a community to upskill women and is a member of Women in AI, Connecting Women in Tech Ireland. She speaks frequently at global events and is an active member in similar international groups.

Foyin Olajide-Bello is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in Microsoft AI, the Power Platform, and Modern Workplace solutions. In the last 16 years, she has helped organisations harness AI-driven innovation to enhance productivity and a... Show more

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the SME Focus Group on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, European Community.

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the ... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

“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.”

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

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

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more