Andrew is equal parts tech enthusiast, educator, and the kind of person who can’t resist pressing buttons just to see what happens (sometimes even twice). A former classroom teacher with nearly a decade of experience crafting learning experiences for techies of all ages, he traded chalkboards for the keyboards of the tech industry in 2020 and hasn’t looked back. Since then, he’s worn many hats—Community Manager, Developer Advocate, and now Developer Educator at Twilio—where he helps developers connect the dots between imagination and implementation. When he’s not building (or breaking :sweat_smile:) things with tech, you’ll find Andrew soaking up the west coast vibes on Vancouver Island, Canada—where he tries (and often fails) to look outdoorsy.

Andrew is equal parts tech enthusiast, educator, and the kind of person who can’t resist pressing buttons just to see what happens (sometimes even twice). A former classroom teacher with nearly a decade of experience crafting learning experiences for... Show more

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State, Emmanuel is the first born in a family of six, who faced early adversity with the loss of three siblings and his mother. Despite these challenges, his passion for technology was ignited at a young age when he assisted his aunt, a teacher, with tasks involving PowerPoint and MS Word, laying the foundation for his future in tech.
Initially pursuing a career as a teacher, Emmanuel's curiosity and drive led him to learn coding seven years ago. Recognizing the exponential growth of the tech industry and the scarcity of skilled manpower in his region (Nigeria), he founded Techstars Hub. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in tech education in underserved communities, particularly where access to technology is limited. Under his leadership, Techstars Hub has grown from a small group of five students to a thriving community that now impacts numerous young minds.
By leveraging open source tools and resources, Emmanuel has overcome significant barriers—such as limited access to laptops, unreliable electricity, and the challenge of balancing tech classes with regular schoolwork—to provide high-quality education in areas like cybersecurity, graphics designing, frontend and backend development, and more. His work not only makes tech education accessible but also aligns with the principles of open source: collaboration, accessibility, and community building.
In his presentation, Emmanuel will share his journey and the transformative power of open source in education, joined by some of his students who will testify to how these initiatives have shaped their aspirations and careers in tech. A married father of two, Emmanuel continues to be a beacon of hope and innovation, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can turn adversity into opportunity.

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State,... Show more

Analista de TI do Prodest desde 2011 e atualmente atuo como Gerente de Sistemas, liderando quatro supervisões técnicas e dez times de desenvolvimento, totalizando cerca de 70 profissionais. Tenho ampla experiência em desenvolvimento de soluções Web com .Net e C#, gestão de produtos, liderança de projetos estratégicos e coordenação de equipes de sustentação e desenvolvimento de software voltados à gestão pública.

Ao longo de mais de 20 anos na área de TI, atuei tanto no setor público quanto na iniciativa privada, adquirindo experiência em diversas tecnologias, áreas de negócio e perfis de clientes. Também contribui para a formação de novos profissionais como professor presencial e tutor em cursos de Educação a Distância.

Sou graduado em Sistemas de Informação e especialista em Desenvolvimento Web, com pós-graduação na área.

Analista de TI do Prodest desde 2011 e atualmente atuo como Gerente de Sistemas, liderando quatro supervisões técnicas e dez times de desenvolvimento, totalizando cerca de 70 profissionais. Tenho ampla experiência em desenvolvimento de soluções Web c... Show more

Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Her career spans public and private sectors, particularly excelling in cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, she held a leadership role in local government, where she spearheaded a county’s cybersecurity program. There, she led and organized significant cybersecurity projects and assisted smaller government offices with their cybersecurity programs. While in this role, employees often told her that cybersecurity was “only IT’s problem” and “too difficult to understand.” Since then, she has made it her mission to show people how critical cybersecurity is in the current digital age and make it accessible and easy to understand. Before working for the Center, she worked for Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), where she traveled across the U.S. and its territories, training IT departments, emergency management, first responders, and average citizens in cybersecurity and cyber preparedness. Beyond her professional achievements, Connar actively works to empower and promote other IT and cybersecurity professionals, participating in international organizations such as ISACA and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). She holds a B.A.S. in Cybersecurity from Pensacola State College and an M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity with a specialization in Network Defense from Capella University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit IT Gulf Coast and is the Social Media Coordinator for the WiCyS Florida Affiliate.

Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Her career spans public and private sectors, particularly excelling in cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, sh... Show more

Roni Habib is a speaker, author, and expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, more connected to their purpose, and more playful. The founder of EQ Schools, he speaks and leads workshops in organizations nationally and abroad. His dynamic keynotes leave audiences laughing, insightful, elevated, and inspired to take action.

Early in his career, Roni struggled with the high stresses and demands of teaching, even losing touch with why he wanted to be a teacher in the first place. It was so painful that he finally discovered the power of integrating improv, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology in his own life as well as at work and felt called to share this new approach with the world.

In the last decade with EQ Schools, Roni has taught and inspired thousands of Teachers, Principals, Superintendents, Administrators, Business Leaders, and Parents.

Prior to earning his Masters of Education and teaching credential at Harvard University, he lived in Israel and Belgium. Most importantly though, Roni has a huge heart and loves helping people.

Roni Habib is a speaker, author, and expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, more connected to their purpose, and more playful. The founder of EQ Schools, he speaks and leads workshops in organizations nation... Show more

Anuradha Tibile is a powerhouse of creativity and passion, with a voice that can captivate any audience. She has not just mastered the art of storytelling with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, but has also been an amazing keynote speaker at various GDG events.

She's a skilled orator who has held audiences spellbound with her speeches, and her knack for crafting visually compelling communication materials shines through in everything she does.

Anuradha is a true changemaker, driven by a desire to use her skills to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it's through her oratory, her leadership, or her creative communication skills, she's constantly pushing boundaries and inspiring others.

Sparked by a passion for technology, she embarked on her professional journey by joining Google Women Techmakers on April 24, 2023. Since then, she has blossomed within the industry, actively contributing to the prestigious Tensor Flow group & Google Developer Groups.

Anuradha Tibile is a powerhouse of creativity and passion, with a voice that can captivate any audience. She has not just mastered the art of storytelling with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, but has also been an amazing keynote speaker ... Show more

Erin Mikail Staples is a very online individual passionate about facilitating better connections online and off. She’s forever thinking about how we can communicate, educate and elevate others through collaborative experiences.

Currently, Erin is a Senior Developer Community Advocate at Label Studio. At Label Studio — she empowers the open source community through education and advocacy efforts. Outside of her day job, Erin is a comedian, graduate technical advisor, content creator, triathlete, avid reader, and dog parent.

Most importantly, she believes in the power of being unabashedly "into things" and works to help friends, strangers, colleagues, community builders, students, and whoever else might cross her path find their thing.

Erin Mikail Staples is a very online individual passionate about facilitating better connections online and off. She’s forever thinking about how we can communicate, educate and elevate others through collaborative experiences. Currently, Erin is ... Show more

Nathan is a Project Manager at WebFirst, specializing in Drupal development for federal agencies like NIH, HHS, DHS, and DOL. Passionate about USWDS compliance, digital modernization, and AI tools, Nathan brings his experience in higher-ed tech, and government sectors building Drupal, WordPress, and cloud solutions. He holds a Master’s in Technology Management from Georgetown University and is a board member at WPCampus.

Nathan is a Project Manager at WebFirst, specializing in Drupal development for federal agencies like NIH, HHS, DHS, and DOL. Passionate about USWDS compliance, digital modernization, and AI tools, Nathan brings his experience in higher-ed tech, and ... Show more

Richard Lewington is an award-winning communications consultant, University of Cambridge English Examiner, and international keynote speaker with over 20 years’ experience spanning education, disruptive technologies (AI, AR/MR), international relations, and political affairs.

Currently a Senior Consultant at Globizant and AI Language Consultant for Preply, Richard has advised governments, corporations, and NGOs on digital strategy, public affairs, and cross-cultural engagement. His career includes roles as Global Corporatel Communications & PR Manager at Ria Money Transfer, Political Advisor to the Comunidad de Madrid, and Global Strategic Communications Manager at Blockchain International Training.

A Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Richard is a recognised advocate for educational technology, specialising in augmented/mixed reality, AI adoption, and blockchain/fintech innovation.

Richard has been featured in The Times, BBC, El País, El Correo, El Debate, ABS-CBN, Espejo Público and has bylines in El País, National Geographic, NASDAQ, The Sun.

He has delivered keynote sessions at high-profile events including:

Codemotion – Rome, Italy
VRX Europe – Amsterdam, Netherlands
DevConf Poland – Krakow, Poland
Google GDG DevFest LA – Los Angeles, USA
Stretch Leadership Conference – Budapest, Hungary
B.I.T. Blockchain – Berlin, Germany
IRCEELT – Tbilisi, Georgia
The Holography Conference – Minsk, Belarus
Global AI/MR Bootcamp – Madrid, Spain
Secure ID – Riga, Latvia

…plus engagements in Greece, Japan, Portugal, and Ukraine.

Richard’s work blends strategic communication expertise with a deep understanding of how emerging technologies can transform learning, governance, and international collaboration.

Richard Lewington is an award-winning communications consultant, University of Cambridge English Examiner, and international keynote speaker with over 20 years’ experience spanning education, disruptive technologies (AI, AR/MR), international relatio... Show more

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterprise-grade web applications for clients in Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom. Expertise in React, Node.js, Python Flask, and cloud platforms. Proven ability to analyze customer needs, build high-quality software, and empower businesses. Active community advocate, passionate about tech education.

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterpris... Show more

Todd Fletcher is a cybersecurity consultant and PhD student with over 25 years of experience in IT leadership, network, application, public government IT leadership, and security engineering. He currently works as a Professional Services Principal Consultant at CrowdStrike, a leading provider of cloud-native endpoint and workload protection solutions.

As a consultant, he assists information security teams from various sectors to assess their security posture, and develop plans to close security gaps while achieving technical and executive success. He is skilled in agile project management, systems automation, SIEM, SOAR, penetration tools, and security program development based on the NIST framework. He also conducts cloud security and automation with Azure DevSecOps.

In addition to his consulting role, he is pursuing a PhD in cyberpsychology, where he explores the psychological aspects of cybersecurity, such as user behavior, motivation, trust, and risk perception. He is passionate about pushing the boundaries of how to drive successful security initiatives from both a technical and psychological perspective with organizations across many industries.

Todd Fletcher is a cybersecurity consultant and PhD student with over 25 years of experience in IT leadership, network, application, public government IT leadership, and security engineering. He currently works as a Professional Services Principal Co... Show more

Marion Jones is a global voice for resilience, reinvention, and radical truth. Once an Olympic champion, her story took a sharp turn after public failure and personal loss. Rather than disappear, she chose to rise — not for applause, but for alignment.

Today, she shares her journey to help others reclaim their truth, rebuild self-worth, and lead with authenticity. She’s been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, GMA, The Today Show, and Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Marion speaks at leadership summits, colleges, DEI events, and healing spaces with powerful presence and practical tools.

Marion Jones is a global voice for resilience, reinvention, and radical truth. Once an Olympic champion, her story took a sharp turn after public failure and personal loss. Rather than disappear, she chose to rise — not for applause, but for alignmen... Show more

Shubhangi is a Product and DevRel person who has built a mental health startup and leads a community of 27000+ techies.

She has been leading diversity initiatives in India since 2018 wherein she has empowered underrepresented groups through active mentorship. She leads Google Developer Groups Noida and Women Techmakers Delhi. She is a GitHub Campus Expert who was invited to attend GitHub Universe 2024. She has given 20+ talks including D&I talks at Google DevFest and MLH Hackcon.

She believes technology has the power to reach an equitable world, her communities focus on going Beyond The Binary. Google Developer Groups Noida is the first community to have an equitable diversity ratio in all meetups and events. She also works on inclusion of the queer community in technical spaces.
When she's not at a meetup, she leads support groups and photo walks around Delhi!

Shubhangi is a Product and DevRel person who has built a mental health startup and leads a community of 27000+ techies. She has been leading diversity initiatives in India since 2018 wherein she has empowered underrepresented groups through active... Show more

Head of the Open Source Office and Incubation at Intersect
"The Open Source Guy"

Head of the Open Source Office and Incubation at Intersect "The Open Source Guy" Show more

Adriana Eileen Paz Rivas es Ingeniera Electromecánica, educadora STEAM y violinista certificada en el método Suzuki, con experiencia pedagógica desde 2018. Es fundadora y CEO de una escuela que fusiona arte, ciencia y tecnología, promoviendo el aprendizaje creativo y sostenible desde la infancia.

Se especializa en programación creativa con herramientas como Sonic Pi, acercando a niños y niñas al mundo de la tecnología a través de la música. Es creadora de contenido educativo, enfocada en inspirar a personas multipotenciales a desarrollar su marca personal y a emprendedores a crear contenido con impacto usando herramientas de IA y estrategias accesibles. Participa activamente como en eventos tecnológicos y hackatones, incluyendo el NASA Space Apps Challenge, Build with AI de Google y Women Game Jam Bolivia, compartiendo su experiencia en creación de contenido, educación y tecnología. Además, colabora generando contenido para comunidades como GDG La Paz y Women Techmakers, enfocándose en el impulso de la participación femenina en tecnología.

Actualmente, continúa su formación profesional en Buenos Aires, profundizando en áreas como energías renovables, automatización y diseño UX/UI, manteniendo siempre una visión creativa, inclusiva y sostenible en cada uno de sus proyectos.

Adriana Eileen Paz Rivas es Ingeniera Electromecánica, educadora STEAM y violinista certificada en el método Suzuki, con experiencia pedagógica desde 2018. Es fundadora y CEO de una escuela que fusiona arte, ciencia y tecnología, promoviendo el apren... Show more

I’m passionate about remixing education and technology to create digital solutions that transform learning and expand the reach of educational institutions. I have experience in product strategy, user-centered design, and data analysis, with a focus on developing experiences that engage students and educators while fostering educational innovation.

My work is driven by a forward-looking vision, aiming to anticipate trends and explore the use of artificial intelligence and design to enhance the educational experience. I believe in the transformative power of education and am dedicated to creating products that connect people to new learning opportunities.

I’m passionate about remixing education and technology to create digital solutions that transform learning and expand the reach of educational institutions. I have experience in product strategy, user-centered design, and data analysis, with a focus ... Show more

I am a developer and AI/ML specialist and educator with expertise in machine learning applications and a strong interest in image processing and analysis. Leading AI-focused initiatives like ML paper reading and writing clubs, I emphasize collaborative learning and open-source practices. Passionate about interdisciplinary AI applications, my work explores accessibility, productivity, and sustainability. I actively contribute to community-driven AI/ML events.

I am a developer and AI/ML specialist and educator with expertise in machine learning applications and a strong interest in image processing and analysis. Leading AI-focused initiatives like ML paper reading and writing clubs, I emphasize collaborati... Show more

En sus inicios lideró la guerra de las colas de los 90, reposicionando en el liderazgo a la hasta entonces desaparecida Pepsi. Este logro fue resultado de aplicar creatividad y esfuerzos comerciales que revolucionaron las técnicas de promoción y venta en nuestro país.

Luego impulsó los cambios en Bieckert, tomando más de 20 puntos de participación del líder del mercado. En esta ocasión la segmentación y los cambios en la distribución fueron las claves para lograr el éxito.

Cerrando el ciclo de bebidas recaló en IVESS dónde la necesidad era “un cambio total”, pasar de una cultura de reparto y monoproducto a una de venta profesional multiproducto, logrando vencer las barreras del cambio que colocan las personas cuando están en un negocio rentable con una marca líder.

El siguiente paso fue desarrollar planes comerciales innovadores en Arcor directamente desde el área de RRHH comercial, la función era desarrollar la máxima potencialidad a través de planes de seguimiento que involucraban la capacitación y mejora continua...

El punto en común de esta primera etapa era enseñar a las compañías de consumo masivo a brindar servicio y potenciar los procesos de calidad. En la segunda la misión fue despertar a las empresas de servicios hacia la necesidad del consumo masivo, adaptación al cambio y creatividad.

Así fueron Hartford Life, Liberty, BNL, Lloyds Bank, Banco Galicia, AFJP Prorenta y Citibank, los primeros beneficiados a través de los servicios de consultoría y capacitación.

Han pasado más de veinte años y con servicios de excelencia acompañó importantes emprendimientos de capacitación a empresas como: Sancor Seguros, Neoris, Automóvil Club, AGFA, Telecom, Calsa, AUDI, Carrefour, VW, Philis Morris, DHL, YPF, Exxon Mobil, Du Pont Pionner, John Deere, Manpower, Fibertel, Toyota, Peugeot, Novartis, Unilever, Accenture, ACARA, Energía San Juan, Shell, San Cristóbal y muchas más.

También trabaja con empresas en el exterior y acreditó experiencia como profesor de la UBA y USAL en Negociación, Ventas, Liderazgo, Coaching y Creatividad.

En sus inicios lideró la guerra de las colas de los 90, reposicionando en el liderazgo a la hasta entonces desaparecida Pepsi. Este logro fue resultado de aplicar creatividad y esfuerzos comerciales que revolucionaron las técnicas de promoción y vent... Show more

Cynthia Dionne, is a coach, trainer, and consultant. She is best known as “The DRDP Lady,” after extensive work as a lead trainer with the Desired Results Project – an innovative early childhood assessment system designed by California and used throughout the country. Cynthia brings almost thirty years of experience in early childhood education. As a preschool teacher, director, online instructor, and trainer of trainers – she offers a widespread understanding of all facets of early childhood. Currently, she advises on program enhancement and compliance through an array of training and coaching services. When she’s not training or coaching, Cynthia stays busy tending her garden and doing all she can to keep the squirrels out! Check out her website at www.simplysupport4ece.weebly.com.

Cynthia Dionne, is a coach, trainer, and consultant. She is best known as “The DRDP Lady,” after extensive work as a lead trainer with the Desired Results Project – an innovative early childhood assessment system designed by California and used throu... Show more

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and parenting a teenager with ADHD, as well as over 15 years of strategic coaching helping organizations cultivate cultures of empowered teams. She leverages various strength-based models and principles of positive psychology to empower individuals to thrive and advocate for themselves and others in their own unique way

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and par... Show more

Rakia Finley is a 20-year tech veteran, product architect, and the visionary Founder & Managing Partner of Copper & Vine Studio, a digital innovation firm specializing in ethical, enterprise-ready platforms. As one of the first Black women in North America to lead a private AI software firm, Rakia brings an unmatched perspective to the intersection of equity, systems, and technology.

She has architected platforms for the White House, Apple, and NASA’s Space Apps, and currently serves as Fractional CTO for high-growth startups and social impact ventures around the globe. Rakia was recently inducted into the Salesforce Hall of Fame for her leadership in inclusive technology and equity-centered product design.

A sought-after strategist and speaker, Rakia is known for helping founders, brands, and institutions build systems that scale, not just with speed, but with soul.

Rakia Finley is a 20-year tech veteran, product architect, and the visionary Founder & Managing Partner of Copper & Vine Studio, a digital innovation firm specializing in ethical, enterprise-ready platforms. As one of the first Black women in North A... Show more

sd@st:~$ cat linda.fernandez

Analista de Seguridad Digital. Profesional en Ingeniería en Informática por el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), con experiencia en administración de infraestructura y sistemas.
Se ha desempeñado como responsable de la administración de la infraestructura tecnológica en SocialTIC, destacándose por su enfoque en la optimización y seguridad de sistemas. Su especialidad como Analista de Seguridad Digital está orientada principalmente a la seguridad de servicios, garantizando entornos más seguros y resilientes. Brinda soporte técnico y respuesta de emergencia ante ataques a la infraestructura y sitios web y realiza análisis forense de dispositivos, redes y sistemas para diagnosticar ataques digitales.
Además, ha sido promotora de iniciativas para el desarrollo de infraestructura autónoma, impulsando el uso de tecnologías libres y accesibles en diversos proyectos.

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Computer Engineering professional from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), with experience in infrastructure and systems administration.
She has worked managing technology infrastructure at SocialTIC, focusing on improving system performance and strengthening security. As a Digital Security Analyst, her work is mainly centered on protecting digital services and helping create safer, more resilient environments. She provides technical support and responds to emergencies involving infrastructure or website attacks, and also performs forensic analysis of devices, networks, and systems to better understand and respond to digital threats.
She’s also been an advocate for building autonomous infrastructure and promotes the use of free and accessible technologies in various projects.

sd@st:~$ cat linda.fernandez Analista de Seguridad Digital. Profesional en Ingeniería en Informática por el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), con experiencia en administración de infraestructura y sistemas. Se ha desempeñado como responsabl... Show more

Doutora em Educação Tecnológica (UFPE/2024), pesquisadora de processos de inovação na educação e de cenarização de futuros para a educação; atua há 17 anos no ecossistema do Porto Digital e há quase 7 no CESAR. Professora de especializações (CESAR School e UNIFAFIRE) em temas como aprendizagem organizacional e o uso de novas tecnologias digitais na sala de aula. Atua no desenvolvimento de cursos online, estruturação de universidades corporativas e formação docente.

Doutora em Educação Tecnológica (UFPE/2024), pesquisadora de processos de inovação na educação e de cenarização de futuros para a educação; atua há 17 anos no ecossistema do Porto Digital e há quase 7 no CESAR. Professora de especializações (CESAR Sc... Show more

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. In a society where fathers are often unseen or undervalued in the parenting equation, Dr. Borland aims to spark a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting fathers in their parenting roles. She is also a published author and writer, where she has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print.

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and sup... Show more

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, sustainable change. Drawing on her deep roots in community organizing and advocacy, she serves as a trusted advisor, helping to design inclusive, community-led policies while equipping people with the tools and inspiration to lead. Grounded in the belief that healing is essential to meaningful transformation, Cresielda addresses the toll of systemic oppression—acknowledging how trauma, burnout, and emotional exhaustion can erode resilience and obstruct progress. Her whole-person and systems approach fosters stronger, healthier communities built on mutual support, collective growth, and lasting impact.

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, s... Show more

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder and Spokesperson of the Future Skills expert committee in the German Society for Key Competencies. Since 2021 Advisory board member of the SAGSAGA (Serious Games Association). Since 2023 leader of the task 2.3 in the european university alliance SEA-EU on microcredentials (for Future Skills and Sustainability). Member of the advisory board of the Future Skills Journey of the Stifterverband in 2024. Co-leader of the Task Force Future Skills Framework 2030 at the Stifterverband in 2025.

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder an... Show more

Chelsea Tate, a distinguished Women TechMakers ambassador and former Googler, has been honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient and holds multiple Google Career Certificates. She is dedicated to empowering women in technology, aiding them in building confidence and strengthening their mental resilience to help them succeed in their professional endeavors.

Chelsea Tate, a distinguished Women TechMakers ambassador and former Googler, has been honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient and holds multiple Google Career Certificates. She is dedicated to empowering women in technology, aiding them in building confi... Show more

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a unique ability to lead through innovative worship services and educational programming. As the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has revolutionized prayer services, fostering strong membership engagement and forming deep connections within local and broader Jewish communities.

Raised in a suburban Detroit home, Rabbi Ranon grew up immersed in the practices and values of Orthodox Judaism as the second of three children. His early education occurred at Orthodox Day School, followed by Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago. After completing high school, he moved to Israel, where he studied at an Orthodox yeshiva and dove into advanced Talmudic study, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred text. However, as he progressed in his studies, he began questioning the Orthodox practices he had grown up with, leading him to seek a deeper understanding of Judaism that would better align with his evolving spiritual identity.

1996, Rabbi Teller returned to Israel to explore alternative Jewish spirituality and practice. He became particularly drawn to contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which helped him connect with Jewish traditions in new and meaningful ways. During this time, he audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive Jewish education program. These experiences led him to a profound realization that his calling was to pursue Jewish leadership, prompting him to return to the United States in 1998 to further his studies and become a rabbi.

Upon returning to the United States, Rabbi Ranon enrolled at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) in Los Angeles, where he focused on Jewish education and rabbinic ordination. His dedication to his studies and growing love for Jewish learning were evident as he excelled in his coursework, culminating in an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2022. Exceptional achievements, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies, marked his academic journey.

In 2002, Ranon Teller was ordained as a rabbi and began his rabbinic career as the associate rabbi at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served until 2005. During his time there, the congregation faced a period of senior leadership turnover, and he was called upon to provide vision and stability. He successfully engaged young families and introduced innovative, interactive prayer services, further solidifying his role as a dynamic and compassionate leader. This experience helped shape his approach to leadership, which would prove invaluable in the future.

In 2005, Rabbi Teller moved to Houston to become the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom. His soulful, personable, and diplomatic approach to leadership quickly led to congregational growth and revitalization. During his two decades at Brith Shalom, he introduced innovative musical prayer services that united congregants and community members, making services more engaging and spiritually enriching. He also played a key role in securing a $1.5 million endowment for the synagogue and a $5 million contribution toward a building renovation campaign, helping ensure the synagogue's long-term stability and success.

Rabbi Ranon's impact extends far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He is deeply involved in the Houston Jewish community, actively collaborating with and volunteering for organizations such as the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Food and Faith Collaborative. In addition, he works closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Alexander Jewish Family Service to support those in need, further reflecting his commitment to tikkun olam, the Jewish principle of repairing the world.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Ranon Teller enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests that further enrich his life. He continues to play blues and folk guitar and remains passionate about song-leading, bringing joy and spirituality through music. Reading non-fiction, particularly biographies and books on human nature, is another of his favorite activities. He also enjoys juggling, magic, and backpacking, often finding spiritual fulfillment in the natural world. He has written for Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He co-authored the book, Peaceful Bones, sharing his insights and experiences with a broader audience.

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a ... Show more

Lorraine Williams is a credentialed coach, facilitator, and resilience speaker for Vidl Work, a culture transformation firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance. Lorraine is committed to guiding others to connect with themselves, find purpose and to stand in their worth. With her powerful presence she motivates audiences to embrace change. She has received many accolades including the honor of standing on the TEDx stage to share how to implement personal power and achieve high-impact solutions. She is certified through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the College of Executive Coaching and The Institute of Neuroleadership.

With an extensive career in IT and leadership, Lorraine’s career spans government and corporate America. During her previous role as Executive Director of Information Technology for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in the state of Florida, Lorraine established a Leadership Coaching program within her agency that was endorsed and promoted by the Sheriff. This program is based on leadership values, principles and emotional intelligence. Noteworthy professional endeavors in the United States more broadly include serving in guidance roles for the Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin. Globally, Lorraine has worked with employer groups in the UK and Germany, offering coaching, mentoring and facilitation services. As a proven team builder, Lorraine’s technique focuses on process, performance optimization, and most importantly, leadership development. She feels strongly that leadership is the cornerstone to success, regardless of one’s station in life.

Lorraine Williams is a credentialed coach, facilitator, and resilience speaker for Vidl Work, a culture transformation firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance. Lorraine is committed to guiding others to connect with themselves, find p... Show more

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in dual degree medical programs. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students across the globe—from East Asia and the UAE to the USA and Canada.

Originally from The Gambia, I moved to the USA at the age of five. My own educational journey, coupled with the incredible mentorship I received, deeply influenced my decision to launch Pembroke Admissions. I understand how transformative guidance and support can be, which is why I’m passionate about breaking down financial barriers for students.

My work is driven by a belief that no student should be held back by financial
constraints, and I’m dedicated to leveling
the playing field in the college admissions
process

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in... Show more