Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Dr. Noe Lorona

Dr. Noe Lorona

Dr. Noe Lorona is an Army officer currently serving as a platform engineer for the Army where he plans, develops and deploys cloud architecture to support Agile application development. He later transitioned to to become a platform product manager where he leads his team through tactical platform product development. Noe holds a Doctor of Management from Colorado Technical University. He began giving back to the academic community by teaching online courses and publishing articles about software development and general technology topics in several professional magazines. Noe holds several IT, UX, and Project Management certifications.

Dr. Noe Lorona is an Army officer currently serving as a platform engineer for the Army where he plans, develops and deploys cloud architecture to support Agile application development. He later transitioned to to become a platform product manager w... Show more

Tracy Goodhue

Tracy Goodhue

Tracy is an experienced project manager based in South Florida. Hard of hearing since the age of three due to chronic childhood illnesses, she has firsthand knowledge of how technology and remote work can transform careers. To bring awareness to the struggles and hurdles disabled persons often encounter in a technologically diverse world, Tracy founded More Good Solutions. As an accessibility advocate, she is dedicated to improving communication for the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled community.

Tracy recently spoke at the 2023 Women In Agile Conference as part of their Launching New Voices initiative. Her speech highlighted how the pandemic opened doors for disabled workers through advancements in technology and alternative work settings. Currently, she is studying cybersecurity, with a focus on governance, risk, and compliance. Tracy's unique perspective and dedication to accessibility make her a powerful voice in the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in technology and cybersecurity.

Tracy is an experienced project manager based in South Florida. Hard of hearing since the age of three due to chronic childhood illnesses, she has firsthand knowledge of how technology and remote work can transform careers. To bring awareness to the ... Show more

Juan García

Juan García

Diplomado en Ciencias Empresariales y Licenciado en Investigación y Técnicas de Mercado por la Uva. Formador ocupacional acreditado por la Junta de Castilla y León.

12 años de experiencia en el área económico-financiera en empresas de diversos sectores.

Más de 4.000 horas de formación presencial impartidas para empresas y organizaciones como CVE, UPTA, AEMTA, CEOE.

Administración de plataformas de elearning, generación de contenidos y tutorización de cursos online para entidades como Ernest & Young, Radio Televisión Española o la productora, Globomedia, con más de 2.000 horas acreditadas.

Varias participaciones en eventos, cursos y actividades desarrolladas como presentador, conferenciante, organizador y/o dinamizador de actos diversos, entre otros:

- Global Power Platform Bootcamp Valladolid
- PechaKucha Night Valladolid vol.13
- Trainers for the Future ed. 2018. Superpoderes para generar contenidos
- Trainers for the Future ed. 2017. Educación Maker
- InnoBAR EDU Valladolid. Encuentro alternativo de innovación educativa
- InnoBAR EDU Palencia. Encuentro alternativo de innovación educativa
- #Emprendizate. De la idea al negocio. Cámara de Comercio de Ávila

Instructor para el perfeccionamiento y actualización del profesorado de Formación Profesional en el Centro de Formación e Innovación Educativa (CFIE) de la Junta de Castilla de León en “Empresa e iniciativa emprendedora” y "Creatividad y emprendimiento"

Instructor de los espacios CyL Digital para facilitar a PYMES y autónomos su presencia activa en el mundo digital a través de redes sociales: #EstoyenInternet

Diseño y dinamización de Living Lab

Organizador #InnoBAR Valladolid (www.innobar.net)

Lema: No hay preguntas tontas, sólo tont@s que no preguntan

Diplomado en Ciencias Empresariales y Licenciado en Investigación y Técnicas de Mercado por la Uva. Formador ocupacional acreditado por la Junta de Castilla y León. 12 años de experiencia en el área económico-financiera en empresas de diversos sec... Show more

Pavithra Addanki

Pavithra Addanki

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-based learning opportunities. She is Co-Founder for Sri Raagni Organics. A Startup World Cup Mentor and advocate for personal branding, she also works in data analytics and has a LinkedIn community of over 11K followers with 9,05,400 + annual impressions.

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-bas... Show more

Daniel Schaupner

Daniel Schaupner

Hands-on and executive cybersecurity practitioner. I’ve performed virtually every technical cybersecurity function and domain, managed teams, and supported business growth. While I continue to practice, I also focus on instructional design, development, and delivery. I am currently an adjunct professor teaching coding and special topics in cybersecurity and curate a knowledge library for a prominent regional public cybersecurity range.
My goal is to help strong technical practitioners develop governance capabilities, reflecting both sound science and evolving needs driven by regulation and AI governance. I enjoy teaching, public speaking, writing, and participating in cybersecurity events.
I’ve had the opportunity to deliver cybersecurity services globally across North America, the EU, Asia Pacific, and Australia. I studied at the University of Michigan, earned my MBA from Virginia Tech, and completed a brief residency at Cambridge University in the UK.

Hands-on and executive cybersecurity practitioner. I’ve performed virtually every technical cybersecurity function and domain, managed teams, and supported business growth. While I continue to practice, I also focus on instructional design, developme... Show more

Kenisha Coon

Kenisha Coon

Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and communities to build equitable systems that work for everyone.

As the Founder and CEO of Kenisha Coon Consulting, she partners with government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to implement equity-centered strategies, facilitate transformational coaching, and design sustainable leadership frameworks. Her signature keynote, “Unstoppable: Breaking Barriers & Rebuilding Systems for Lasting Change,” inspires audiences to confront systemic inequities with courage, compassion, and actionable strategies rooted in her PERSIST™ framework.

Kenisha is the Director of Community Engagement for the Eko Vision Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving accessibility and innovation for the blind and low vision community. Diagnosed as legally blind, she uses her lived experience to advocate for inclusive design, equitable technology, and accessibility across industries.

A sought-after speaker and trainer, Kenisha has delivered presentations at national conferences, universities, and leadership summits, sharing her story of resilience from her memoir, And Then She Persisted, and insights from her forthcoming book, Reimagine Equity.

Kenisha holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (Evidence-Based Coaching and Leadership), a Master’s and Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychology, and a DEI in the Workplace Certification. Her work bridges evidence-based research, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling to move audiences from awareness to action.

Popular Topics:

Systems Change and Racial Equity in Child Welfare

Leadership Through Adversity

Accessibility and Inclusive Innovation

The Power of Evidence-Based Coaching

Antiracist Parenting and Cultural Capacity

Learn more or book Kenisha for your next event at www.kenishacoon.com
.

Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and commun... Show more

Chris Boose

Chris Boose

I have a foundation in system development, automation, UX design, and tech consulting. With extensive experience across a wide array of programming languages and platforms, I excel in architecting and delivering innovative, user-centric solutions that drive operational efficiency and business impact.

I have worked with AI-driven systems for clients using tools such as Azure AI, Power Platform's AI, and Copilot Studio, focusing on intelligent automation, adaptive interfaces, and seamless digital experiences. My background includes contributions to customer service, government, and financial sectors, where I've leveraged various technology solutions to streamline complex processes and enhance decision-making.

A proponent of sustainable business practices, I bring a strategic lens to technology implementation—ensuring solutions are not only cutting-edge but also aligned with long-term organizational values. My ability to bridge technical execution with thoughtful design and industry insight makes me a valuable asset in any forward-thinking enterprise.

I have a foundation in system development, automation, UX design, and tech consulting. With extensive experience across a wide array of programming languages and platforms, I excel in architecting and delivering innovative, user-centric solutions tha... Show more

Hallvard Nygård

Hallvard Nygård

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account.

Some previous presentations:
- BSides Oslo 2024 - Keynote - Exploring the World of Ethical Hacking: From Web Vulnerabilities to Election Security (partial recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwWPzRceCgs)
- HelloStavanger 2024 - 5 sikkerhetsfeil hos Storebrand (not recorded)
- Javazone 2020 - Overvåke gata eller finne korrupsjon Norges data er ferdig indeksert, https://vimeo.com/showcase/7568031/video/459871711
- ISF Høstkonferansen 2018 + Meetups 2018 (OWASP Oslo / Javabin Sørlandet) - Walk-through of responsible disclosures I've done
- Javazone 2017 - Lightning talk - Æ fant data, https://2017.javazone.no/program/a181ba49a1e1450c9a37d0d793a3e4ec

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account... Show more

Sidd Ahmed

Sidd Ahmed

Sidd Ahmed is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of VDart Group, a global technology and talent solutions company built on the philosophy of people, purpose, and planet. With no traditional corporate background, Sidd founded VDart and scaled it into a USD 240+ million enterprise, employing 4,000+ professionals across 12 countries and serving industries including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and financial services.

As Group CEO, Sidd also leads multiple ventures, VDart Digital, VDart BPM, Vouch, BeRecognized, Hidden Curve, and Verified ID ,driving expansion across key global markets such as Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and the UAE.

Under his leadership, VDart has earned consistent global recognition, including eight consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in the U.S. list, NMSDC National Supplier of the Year (2023), Toyota Diverse Supplier of the Year, Great Place to Work® Certification, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award.

Sidd’s individual honors include "Trailblazer of the Year – GMSDC (2025), Most Admired CEO – Atlanta Business Chronicle (2025), Leader of Change – Times of India, and the Global Entrepreneur Award – CII-Yi.

Beyond business, Sidd is the founder of Project Sidd, through which he has inspired 150,000+ students in person and built a global digital community of over 3 million followers. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Education Foundation, contributing to education and workforce development initiatives.

A purpose-driven leader and compelling speaker, Sidd Ahmed is widely recognized for transforming business success into meaningful, scalable impact.
Note : He requires an honorarium for conference speaking engagements , negotiable based on scope and travel.

Sidd Ahmed is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of VDart Group, a global technology and talent solutions company built on the philosophy of people, purpose, and planet. With no traditional corporate background, Sidd founded VDart and scaled it in... Show more

Astrid Ruppin

Astrid Ruppin

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin
2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin
Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin
- Projektteam Einführung eines Social Intranets
- Interne Kommunikation
- Projektleitung Einführung Microsoft 365 im Unternehmen
- Microsoft 365 Cloud Navigator
- SO SharePoint, Teams, Viva Engage u.a. M365-Tools

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin 2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin - Projektteam Einführung ein... Show more

Lolu Olufemi

Lolu Olufemi

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity.

Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived in seven different cities, Lolu has experienced first-hand the complexities of personal and professional transitions. Her journey from finance to change management consulting has taught her one crucial lesson: change is about people.

With an MBA from Imperial College London and 18+ years of experience in the Big 4 leading teams and working with multi-national clients, Lolu brings hands-on expertise in people-centred change management. Her practical, jargon-free approach has helped organisations across finance, retail, government, and media navigate change successfully by putting people at the heart of change.

Known for her engaging #LoluLessons across social media, Lolu makes change management accessible, actionable, and human.

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity. Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived ... Show more

Mohannad Tazi

Mohannad Tazi

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and international tech events. He has trained and coached 500+ students in AI and Data Science, and focuses on making complex AI concepts accessible to Moroccan developers in Darija.

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and intern... Show more

Necer Ashraf

Necer Ashraf

Necer Ashraf is an accomplished technology trainer, consultant, and facilitator with more than 14 years of experience spanning training, IT consulting, and business enablement. Renowned for his engaging style and ability to simplify complex concepts, he has successfully guided professionals, students, and organizations across India and the Middle East.

He began his career as an MCSE trainer and rose to become Domain Lead at the ICT Academy of Kerala, a role he will serve until January 2025. Alongside his leadership responsibilities, he continues to work as a trainer and consultant, specializing in Generative AI, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, and Soft Skills.

Necer holds an MTech in Electronics and Communications and has earned numerous professional certifications, including:

Security System Engineer, Dubai Police Academy
Certified Blockchain Associate, Kerala Blockchain Academy
Diploma in Cyber Law & Internet Crime Investigation, Asian School of Cyber Law
Diploma in Life Skills, National Institute for Training and Educational Research

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Necer has also pursued advanced certifications in Full Stack Development, Ethereum Development, Cloud Computing, International Law on E-Commerce, Digital Forensics, Data Science, Analytics, and Gen AI Tools.

With a proven ability to merge technical expertise with life skills, Necer equips learners with practical, future-ready knowledge while inspiring them to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Necer Ashraf is an accomplished technology trainer, consultant, and facilitator with more than 14 years of experience spanning training, IT consulting, and business enablement. Renowned for his engaging style and ability to simplify complex concepts,... Show more

Tom Graham

Tom Graham

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

Rashonda Harris

Rashonda Harris

Rashonda Harris is an executive advisor, speaker, and founder of Purple Sheep Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience in research administration, compliance, and institutional leadership.

She has served in senior and interim leadership roles across higher education and healthcare research environments, guiding organizations through audit readiness, operational redesign, workforce development, and complex change initiatives.

Rashonda’s work centers on strengthening systems that are often overlooked—departmental research administration, post-award operations, and leadership pipelines—while helping institutions reduce risk and build sustainable practices.

Known for her clear, practical, and human-centered approach, she speaks on leadership, compliance, mentorship, and the unseen dynamics that shape professional advancement. Rashonda brings both strategic rigor and lived experience to every room she enters.

Rashonda Harris is an executive advisor, speaker, and founder of Purple Sheep Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience in research administration, compliance, and institutional leadership. She has served in senior and interim leadership r... Show more

Tyrone Grandison

Tyrone Grandison

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through data. A White House Presidential Innovation Fellow and co-creator of groundbreaking initiatives.

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through... Show more

Aisha Rashid

Aisha Rashid

I am Aisha Rashid, a purpose-driven technologist blending code, creativity, and community impact. As the Founder and General Director of Tech Mtaani, I lead a grassroots tech movement committed to equipping underserved communities, especially girls and youth, with digital skills to power their futures. From building websites for CBOs to leading digital safety conversations, I sit at the intersection of innovation and inclusion.

With a strong focus on human-centered design, I help social impact organizations transform their presence and systems through intuitive tech solutions. I bring deep experience in web development, UI/UX design, and the strategic use of technology to amplify voices, drive equity, and foster resilience.

Let’s build tech that serves humanity — intentionally, ethically, and boldly.

I am Aisha Rashid, a purpose-driven technologist blending code, creativity, and community impact. As the Founder and General Director of Tech Mtaani, I lead a grassroots tech movement committed to equipping underserved communities, especially girls a... Show more

Prateek Dubey

Prateek Dubey

Prateek is a nationally recognized Cyber Defence Strategist and Cyber Forensics Expert with over 16 years of hands-on experience protecting digital ecosystems at scale. Currently serving as the Head of Operations for the Control and Command Centre & Cyber Forensics and Centre of Excellence at Maharashtra Cyber, he operates at the intersection of technology, governance, and national security, driving mission-critical cybersecurity initiatives for one of India’s largest states.

At the helm of ₹8.5 billion statewide cybersecurity transformation, Prateek directly oversees 75% of operational execution and resources, ensuring that strategy translates into real-world impact. His leadership spans the complete lifecycle of complex programs—from architecture design and risk analysis to multi-stakeholder coordination and compliance-driven delivery.

Renowned for his deep operational expertise, Prateek has led statewide cyber defence, safety, and forensic operations, assessed emerging advanced cyber threats, and various conducted search, seizure and arrest exercises to strengthen proactive security postures. His work consistently bridges the gap between cutting-edge cyber technology and ground-level enforcement, enabling faster, smarter, and more resilient responses to cybercrime. A defining milestone in his career is the conceptualization and execution of India’s first citizen-facing, fully automated cybercrime response system, powered by AI/ML and blockchain technologies—a pioneering initiative inaugurated and appreciated by the Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Maharashtra. This platform has redefined how citizens, law enforcement, and technology converge to combat cybercrime at scale.

For nearly two decades, Prateek has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with some of India’s most critical institutions, including the Maharashtra State Cyber Department, Indian Army Intelligence, UP Police Special Task Force, Special Investigation Teams, Income Tax
Department, and multiple Cyber Crime Police Stations. His influence extends beyond operations into mentorship and academia, where he actively shapes the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

A trusted media voice, Prateek is frequently invited as an expert commentator and panellist on leading national platforms such as NDTV, ET Now, News18, Zee News, Times Now, Times of India, India Today etc., offering clarity on complex cyber incidents, national security concerns, and emerging digital threats.

With a strong and long academic foundation spanning Engineering, Law, Data Protection and Social Work, Prateek brings a uniquely holistic perspective to the Cyber World - one that balances Technology, Law, Policy Making and most importantly Humanity.

As a speaker, Prateek is known for delivering insight-rich, real-world narratives drawn directly from frontline experience. His sessions challenge conventional thinking, inspire action, and equip audiences with practical frameworks to navigate today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

Signature Speaking Topics
➢ Transforming cybersecurity at a national and state scale
➢ AI/ML-driven cybercrime detection and response
➢ Digital forensics in the age of sophisticated threat actors
➢ Building effective public–private cybersecurity partnerships
➢ Threat intelligence, red teaming, and proactive defence
➢ Cyber law, regulation, and governance in a digital-first world
➢ Entrepreneurship
➢ Digital Transformation

Prateek is a nationally recognized Cyber Defence Strategist and Cyber Forensics Expert with over 16 years of hands-on experience protecting digital ecosystems at scale. Currently serving as the Head of Operations for the Control and Command Centre & ... Show more

Jennifer Hyppolite

Jennifer Hyppolite

Jennifer Hyppolite is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, educator, and speaker specializing in culturally responsive and ethically grounded care for immigrant and second-generation communities. She works in private practice, where she supports individuals navigating identity development, attachment wounds, intergenerational trauma, and the psychological impact of migration and cultural transition. Her clinical work is informed by a deep understanding of how culture, power, and systemic inequities shape mental health experiences and access to care.

Jennifer Hyppolite is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, educator, and speaker specializing in culturally responsive and ethically grounded care for immigrant and second-generation communities. She works in private practice, where she supports indiv... Show more

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation.

With a background spanning college athletics, military service in the U.S. Navy, organizational leadership, and executive coaching, Samuel brings a rare depth of lived experience to every stage he steps on. His journey—from losing a basketball scholarship, to global military service, to navigating homelessness and identity loss—became the catalyst for his life’s work: helping individuals and organizations close the gap between who they are and who they’re called to become.

Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, with advanced training in leadership coaching, mentoring, and organizational change. He is also the author of Potential to Purpose: The Power of Intentional Thinking, a transformational work that explores how belief systems, identity, and internal alignment shape performance, culture, and outcomes.

Through proprietary frameworks such as the Thought Seeking Model (TSM) and the Move & SOAR (MV-SOAR) Model, Samuel equips leaders, students, and organizations to move beyond surface-level motivation into sustainable, identity-rooted growth. His work has been delivered across universities, schools, workforce programs, faith-based organizations, and corporate environments.

Samuel is known for a speaking style that is honest, structured, and disruptive—in the best way. He doesn’t inspire people to try harder; he helps them think differently so leadership, confidence, and clarity emerge naturally.

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation. With a background spanning college athletics, military service... Show more

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "fix", but something to tend, honor, and integrate, her work invites more honest conversations about loss and life after it.

The GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast has surpassed 100 episodes and has received multiple recognitions, including Ear Worthy’s Best Independent Podcasts of 2026 (“Best Life Lessons”), TalkDeath’s Best of 2025 (Readers’ Choice, Best Podcast), a Women Who Podcast Award (2025), and a Women Podcasters Award nomination (2026).

An experienced and sought-after speaker, Nina presents on grief, grief literacy, resilience, sibling loss, and post-traumatic growth. She has spoken at the University of Miami, the Latinas in Podcasting Virtual Summit (2025), and at events co-created with Reimagine, including a three-part series exploring sibling loss, grief and podcasting, and accessible pathways to grief support. Her talks are known for blending emotional depth with practical insight, cultural fluency, and an unwavering respect for lived experience.

Nina’s work is deeply personal. After the sudden and unexpected death of her only sibling, Yosef, in 2019, she launched GRIEF AND LIGHT in 2023 as an honest exploration of grief, meaning-making, and growth after loss. Today, she serves as a grief-informed guide and space-holder, committed to helping individuals and communities live more fully in the “and”, where grief and joy coexist.

She leads the Get Griefy Small Business Collective Podcasters Network, supporting independent creators in building sustainable, grief-informed platforms, and has hosted Reimagine’s Room for Grief gathering on multiple occasions. Nina is also a member of RedBoxMe, a collaborative platform with Cartier at the intersection of philanthropy, art, leadership, and culture, where she brings grief literacy as a lens for connection, empathy, and dialogue.

Nina is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine, writes the Substack Resting Grief Face by Grief and Light, and is a co-author of Resilient A.F., Vol. 2: Stories of Resilience (2025). She is a graduate of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.

In addition to her grief-focused work, Nina brings over a decade of experience in communications, strategy, and sales across fintech, real estate, and higher education, infusing professionalism, empathy, and clarity into every room she enters.

Based in Southeast Florida, Nina welcomes aligned speaking engagements, collaborations, and conversations, virtually and in person.

Learn more via griefandlight.com

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "f... Show more

Nikki Porcher

Nikki Porcher

Nikki Porcher is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, a national nonprofit that supports Black women business owners.

Through her work, Nikki has supported over 700 business owners, providing funding, training, and certification pathways that help them grow and hire within their communities. Her work has generated more than $6.2 million in documented economic impact and earned multiple Stevie Awards, including Woman of the Year Government or Nonprofit, Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion, Social Activist of the Year, and Event of the Year.

She is now running for Georgia Labor Commissioner to modernize the state's labor systems and ensure every worker in every county has access to opportunity, stability, and support.

Nikki Porcher is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, a national nonprofit that supports Black women business owners. Through her work, Nikki has supported over 700 business owners, provid... Show more

Ronny Hendriks

Ronny Hendriks

Ronny is an Accessibility Expert and owner at Accessible Online, where he's leading accessibility strategy, assessments, and training for organisations across Europe. With over 20 years in the field, he's seen every way accessibility can succeed and fail.
His stance? Accessibility stalls because organisations treat it as nice-to-have advocacy rather than non-negotiable governance. His talks focus on what actually creates lasting change, from mandate and ownership structures to embedding accessibility across design, development, and content teams.

Ronny works across sectors including government, e-commerce, financial services, and telecoms. He's helps organisations navigate the European Accessibility Act, build accessibility maturity programmes, and move beyond audit-driven compliance toward sustainable practices.
He brings both technical depth in WCAG, EN 301 549, and assistive technology testing, along with a wealth of practical experience in organisational transformation. As someone living with hidden disabilities including chronic pain, hearing loss, and ADD, he understands accessibility from multiple angles.

His sessions are practical, honest, and focused on giving attendees something they can put into practice that same day.

Speaking topics: European Accessibility Act readiness, accessibility governance and maturity, accessibility legislation, user research, shifting left in the SDLC, Taking WCAG beyond checklists, building accessibility capability in teams.

Ronny is an Accessibility Expert and owner at Accessible Online, where he's leading accessibility strategy, assessments, and training for organisations across Europe. With over 20 years in the field, he's seen every way accessibility can succeed and ... Show more

Kylie Bragdon

Kylie Bragdon

Dr. Kylie Bragdon, Ed.D., is a transformational leadership expert and workforce strategist committed to solving one of today’s most pressing challenges: 75% of businesses are struggling to find employees with the right skills. Drawing on her background as an educator and executive leader, Dr. Bragdon empowers organizations to close the talent gap by building innovative, future-ready training solutions.

She is widely recognized for her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable strategies, blending real-world leadership experience with cutting-edge approaches to workforce development. With deep expertise in upskilling, organizational change, and talent pipeline design, she equips leaders with the tools to foster resilience, cultivate high-performing teams, and drive sustainable growth.

Dr. Bragdon’s work is rooted in the belief that the future of work will be built, not found. Her mission is to change the world with kindness by helping organizations create environments where people and performance thrive together.

Dr. Kylie Bragdon, Ed.D., is a transformational leadership expert and workforce strategist committed to solving one of today’s most pressing challenges: 75% of businesses are struggling to find employees with the right skills. Drawing on her backgr... Show more

Jacques Balolage

Jacques Balolage

I am a Deaf leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, working at the intersection of ethical finance, disability inclusion, sustainable development, and climate justice.
As a Senior Financial Analyst and Junior Accountant, I support schools, organizations, and businesses in strengthening financial transparency and accountability.
As the Executive Director of EAI, I lead inclusive programs that amplify the voices and talents of Deaf and disabled people, centering sign language access and intersectional inclusion in leadership.
I also serve as National Coordinator of Rise for Impact (DRC), empowering youth leadership and civic engagement across Central and East Africa.
A former Youth4Climate participant, I advocate for integrating accessibility and resilience into climate action.
Certified in DEI and Leadership, I’m passionate about digital accessibility and building technology that is equitable and inclusive for all.

I am a Deaf leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, working at the intersection of ethical finance, disability inclusion, sustainable development, and climate justice. As a Senior Financial Analyst and Junior Accountant, I support schools, org... Show more

Trish Ahjel Roberts

Trish Ahjel Roberts

Trish Ahjel Roberts is a transformational leadership coach, keynote speaker, and corporate well-being strategist who helps organizations reduce burnout, strengthen emotional intelligence, and build resilient, high-performing teams. She is the founder of the Mind-Blowing Happiness® professional development brand and is best known for her signature conference talk, "Unlocking the Secrets to Mind-Blowing Happiness®," which she customizes with audience-specific subtitles for leaders, women professionals, and high-stress organizations.

With over two decades of corporate experience in account management and leadership roles at organizations such as Verizon, JP Morgan, and Merrill Lynch, Trish understands the pressures leaders face from the inside out. Today, she translates insights from positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness into practical tools leaders can apply immediately to navigate fast-paced, high-stress environments with greater clarity and confidence.

Trish is the author of four books, including the bestselling "12 Steps to Mind‑Blowing Happiness," endorsed by Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff, and Iyanla Vanzant, and her critically acclaimed book "The Anger Myth: Understanding and Overcoming the Mental Habits That Steal Your Joy," which features a foreword by Jack Canfield and was praised by Library Journal and Booklist. Her work explores how unresolved stress, suppressed emotions, and fragmentation quietly undermine leadership effectiveness—and how integration restores clarity, confidence, and joy.

A sought-after speaker for conferences, leadership summits, and professional associations, Trish blends evidence-based insights with warmth, storytelling, and embodied practices that engage both the intellect and the nervous system. Audiences walk away feeling grounded, energized, and equipped with tools to lead more authentically in an increasingly complex world.

Trish holds an MBA, ACC, and RYT-200, with advanced credentials in executive coaching, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Her work has been featured on CBS46-TV Atlanta, WBLS-FM New York, and V103-FM Atlanta.

Trish Ahjel Roberts is a transformational leadership coach, keynote speaker, and corporate well-being strategist who helps organizations reduce burnout, strengthen emotional intelligence, and build resilient, high-performing teams. She is the founder... Show more

Finlay Harris

Finlay Harris

Finlay Harris is an Engineering & Entrepreneurship student at the University of Exeter and formerly one of the youngest maths teachers in the UK. He leads research for ExCode, a large-scale Python bootcamp, studying how AI and identity-centred personalisation can actually change the way beginners learn to code. His work sits at the intersection of learning science, data, and real classrooms, with a focus on guard railed, field-ready AI. Alongside ExCode, he’s exploring Elly, an early-stage skills platform for schools focused on tracking student skills and reducing teacher workload.

Finlay Harris is an Engineering & Entrepreneurship student at the University of Exeter and formerly one of the youngest maths teachers in the UK. He leads research for ExCode, a large-scale Python bootcamp, studying how AI and identity-centred person... Show more

Fatima Kabir Umar

Fatima Kabir Umar

Fatima is a dedicated development practitioner, microbiologist, and emerging innovator committed to advancing education, youth empowerment, and community development across Northern Nigeria. Born in Jos and originally from Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, and has completed the National Youth Service Corps (2022). She further expanded her professional capabilities through the 3MTT Learning Program, with Quality Assurance track Course . which was very transformative through learning technical Skills and enhancement in problem solving abilities which leads to Career development through research especially bieing passionate about identifying, supporting, and celebrating children with technical talents, whom she describes as “treasures"with the potential to transform the future.” She advocates for early talent discovery,
Fatima’s career reflects a growing portfolio of impact-driven work. She gained hands-on experience through participated in the African Deep Tech Challenge, an experience that strengthened her interest in technology, innovation, and the future of digital skills in Africa. This exposure has shaped her current mission: helping children discover and refine their unique technical abilities, which she believes are treasures that can shape the future.

Fatima champions early talent identification, foundational learning, and inclusive educational practices. She advocates for creating spaces where children—especially those in underserved communities can explore creativity, build confidence, and gain exposure to digital and technical skills. Her awareness work emphasizes the importance of recognizing children’s talents early, preventing stigma and impulsment on child Career and promoting respectful, supportive learning environments to kids with gifted unique Abilities.

Known for her strong work ethic, fluency in English and Hausa, and her passion for research and problem-solving, Fatima is committed to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s educational and technological development landscape. She continues to refine her expertise as she works towards becoming a leading voice in innovative learning, talent discovery, and ( TTkids) tech Talented kids centered development initiatives.

Fatima is a dedicated development practitioner, microbiologist, and emerging innovator committed to advancing education, youth empowerment, and community development across Northern Nigeria. Born in Jos and originally from Gamawa Local Government Ar... Show more

Monica "moe" Anderson, DDS, DBA, FICD

Monica "moe" Anderson, DDS, DBA, FICD

Dr. Monica “mOe” Anderson, DDS, DBA is a dentist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning podcast host who has been inspiring audiences for more than three decades. Known for her top-ranked TEDx Talk on Unconscious Bias, she blends humor, heart, and hard data to ignite conversations about communication, leadership, and health equity.

She has delivered high-impact keynotes and workshops to organizations such as Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Aetna, National Network for Oral Health Access, American Academy of Dental Group Practice, the University of Minnesota, the American Association of Dental Consultants, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Association of Purchasing Management, LSU, TCU, Girl Scouts, OKC Urban League, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, Americredit Corporation, U.S. Department of Justice, American Association of Dental Consultants and Rotary International.

A licensed dentist and Senior Dental Consultant for a global Fortune 500 financial services organization, Dr. mOe brings lived experience and rare insight into how systems, stories, and social determinants intersect in healthcare. Her career spans private practice, corporate leadership, and community advocacy, including founding the nonprofit Drop the Drugs, Inc., which promotes safe medication disposal.

The bestselling author of eight books and host of the globally ranked podcast Perpetual mOetion with Dr. mOe Anderson, she has been featured in national magazines and media outlets, testified on access to care before legislative bodies, and given workshops on global stages. Whether delivering a keynote on inclusive leadership and cross generational communication or moderating a panel on resilience and life balance, Dr. mOe’s mix of expertise and authenticity transforms audiences long after the applause.

Available for keynotes, workshops, panels, and SME interviews. Reach out to book or collaborate.

Dr. Monica “mOe” Anderson, DDS, DBA is a dentist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning podcast host who has been inspiring audiences for more than three decades. Known for her top-ranked TEDx Talk on Unconscious Bias, she blends humor, heart, and hard dat... Show more

Grace Idiare

Grace Idiare

Grace is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a deep passion for learning and growth. She’s charted her own path in entrepreneurship by diving headfirst into challenges and taking pride in her ability to learn quickly and adapt.

With over three years of experience in the education industry, Grace is dedicated to increasing access to quality online education across Africa. She is currently building VarsityScape, an edtech startup that empowers organizations and institutions to create group-based learning programs designed to upskill the workforce of tomorrow.

Beyond her work in tech, Grace is committed to social impact. She actively volunteers to promote education in rural communities and champions digital inclusion initiatives —especially for girls and young women.

Grace is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a deep passion for learning and growth. She’s charted her own path in entrepreneurship by diving headfirst into challenges and taking pride in her ability to learn quickly and adapt. With over three years... Show more

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