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

Erin Mikail Staples

Erin Mikail Staples

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

Richard Lewington

Richard Lewington

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

Oluwabusola Adeleke

Oluwabusola Adeleke

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

Todd Fletcher

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

Prajakta Kadam

Prajakta Kadam

Prajakta is a passionate advocate for open source, education, and community empowerment. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth, she has dedicated herself to mentoring and teaching individuals across India, both online and in-person. Prajakta’s work is centered around creating inclusive platforms that allow others to learn, grow, and thrive in the tech ecosystem.

She is the co-founder of Techvalley, a dynamic initiative focused on building a thriving community of tech enthusiasts. As an active mentor and judge, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of tech talent by guiding students through hackathons and pitching events. Her dedication to education and skill development has also led her to serve as a National Skill Development Corporation mentor, where she helps bridge the gap between education and industry.

Prajakta’s community-building efforts extend to various global and local initiatives. She is a former AngelHack Ambassador, a core member of FOSS United Pune, and a Girlscript Ambassador, where she champions diversity and inclusion in tech. She has also made significant contributions to the blockchain and decentralised tech community as a core member of Dapps.co and Hackers Meet-up.

At her university, Prajakta took the initiative to start Co-Dev, a technical community dedicated to collaboration and growth. She has been an active Microsoft Student Ambassador, connecting students with opportunities and resources, and her leadership in fostering open-source culture has left a lasting impact.

Driven by a passion for empowering others through education, mentoring, and hands-on experience, Prajakta is committed to creating a future where technology is accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.

Prajakta is a passionate advocate for open source, education, and community empowerment. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth, she has dedicated herself to mentoring and teaching individuals across India, both online and in-perso... Show more

Marion Jones

Marion Jones

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 Gupta

Shubhangi Gupta

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

Christian Taylor

Christian Taylor

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

Adriana Eileen Paz Rivas

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

Luz Eneida Delgado

Luz Eneida Delgado

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design.

My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong interest in health-related topics, especially those involving patient experience and the organizational transformation of hospitals, as well as subjects related to public innovation and their impact on citizens' everyday lives.

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design. My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong inte... Show more

Breno Heleno Ferreira

Breno Heleno Ferreira

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

Priti Yadav

Priti Yadav

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

Aleja Henao Espitia

Aleja Henao Espitia

Aleja es una profesional multidisciplinaria con formación en desarrollo web y emprendimiento en startups. En sus 5 años de experiencia, ha demostrado su capacidad para adaptarse a nuevos desafíos y liderar equipos de alto rendimiento desde Growth Marketing hasta Inteligencia Artificial. Como mentora y conferencista, comparte su conocimiento para empoderar a emprendedores tecnológicos y acelerar la adopción de la IA. Es una activa líder y embajadora de comunidades como GOYN Bogotá, AWS Women Colombia, Women TechMakers y Notion Colombia; también disfruta de viajar, crear contenido y conectar con su comunidad.

Aleja es una profesional multidisciplinaria con formación en desarrollo web y emprendimiento en startups. En sus 5 años de experiencia, ha demostrado su capacidad para adaptarse a nuevos desafíos y liderar equipos de alto rendimiento desde Growth Mar... Show more

Rafael Tizzani

Rafael Tizzani

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

Cynthia Dionne

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 Plambeck

Nora Plambeck

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

Jack Ridge

Jack Ridge

I'm Jack - I'm currently a Team Topologies Advocate and an Associate Principal at Conflux.. I also have my own venture as a delivery management consultant via Refactor, my own business. I've been working in delivery management for the 10 years having had a career in the armed forces before that. I love being involved in team dynamics, interactions and helping people deliver better and be happier for it.

I'm a big fan of Team Topologies and draw in many parallels through my experience in the past - some of which are a bit obscure but something nonetheless quite interesting.

I'm Jack - I'm currently a Team Topologies Advocate and an Associate Principal at Conflux.. I also have my own venture as a delivery management consultant via Refactor, my own business. I've been working in delivery management for the 10 years having... Show more

Jordy Dickey

Jordy Dickey

With 15 years of experience at Baylor University, Jordy Dickey currently serves as the Director of Student Activities. Her involvement with ACUI began in 2016 when she became the Web & Social Media Coordinator for Region II, a role she held until 2018. Since then, she has taken on several leadership roles, including Ed Session Co-Chair for the 2020 Atlanta Conference Program Team (2017–2020), Co-Leader for the Sustainability Community of Practice (2019–2021), and Board of Trustees At-Large Member (2020–2022). She currently contributes as a Member of the Education and Research Fund and as a Digital Badge Instructor for Inclusive Spaces.

With 15 years of experience at Baylor University, Jordy Dickey currently serves as the Director of Student Activities. Her involvement with ACUI began in 2016 when she became the Web & Social Media Coordinator for Region II, a role she held until 201... Show more

Emily Selim

Emily Selim

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study program designer and leader, charter school administrator. I’ve worked in district office administration, and most recently as a county office specialist serving Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. I also serve as a coach for 21CSLA and have coached teachers and leaders in many capacities for 15 years. I am trained as a Resilience Coach with Dovetail Learning, and as a trainer for Mental Health First Aid. I am a professional photographer and laser maker, and in my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking nutritious food, and traveling to new places.

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study progra... Show more

Tabah Baridule

Tabah Baridule

The past 5 years of my career in the Information Technology Industry, following my background as a graduate of Computer Science and experience working as a Technical writer in some amazing Companies. Sync with teams to gather information needed to create documents that guide users on how to use the products, technical blogs, open source documentation, developer documentation, and portal.

The past 5 years of my career in the Information Technology Industry, following my background as a graduate of Computer Science and experience working as a Technical writer in some amazing Companies. Sync with teams to gather information needed to cr... Show more

Dr Karissa Thomas

Dr Karissa Thomas

Dr. Karissa Thomas is a global strategist, author, and leadership expert known for her transformative work at the intersection of emotional intelligence, identity, and inclusive leadership. With over 20 years of experience across corporate America, international education, and humanitarian leadership, she equips professionals to lead with emotional integrity, cultural fluency, and presence under pressure.

As the creator of the Mosaic Intelligence Method™, Dr. Thomas helps organizations and individuals navigate identity shifts, leadership fatigue, and systemic disruption with clarity and confidence. She has spoken at leadership summits, disaster response conferences, school districts, and global forums—offering deeply reflective and practical guidance on how to lead in uncertain times.

Whether she is addressing high-stakes communication in emergency response teams, building emotionally intelligent cultures in schools, or guiding executives through identity realignment, Dr. Thomas is known for her grounded, emotionally rich, and actionable style. Her talks are not just motivational—they are movemental.

Dr. Karissa Thomas is a global strategist, author, and leadership expert known for her transformative work at the intersection of emotional intelligence, identity, and inclusive leadership. With over 20 years of experience across corporate America, i... Show more

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitalize on disparate data & information to deliver tactical, operational, & strategic intelligence to protect personnel, facilities, data, & information systems.

While in the government sector, A.J.'s work was often delivered to military & government decision-makers, including the U.S. Secretary of State, Congress, & the White House. Since moving to the private sector, A.J. has spoken at conferences & events globally, contributed to online & print publications, podcasts - including his award-winning Unspoken Security podcast - webinars, & other new & traditional media.

A.J. holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College & both a Graduate Certificate in Servant Leadership & an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitali... Show more

David Odepidan

David Odepidan

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations. My passion for enhancing user experiences and optimizing processes through rigorous product research and business analysis has driven my career. I possess a proven track record in digital transformation, requirements engineering, data management, and process improvement across various industries and countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. My expertise extends to requirements engineering, business process improvement, SAAS, CRM, ERP systems, and driving organizational change within the retail, finance, education, e-commerce, healthcare, and information technology sectors.
As the Founder of the David Odepidan Business Analysis Community (DOBAC), a non-profit organization, I have fostered a global network of business analysis professionals. Our community comprises members from Canada, Ireland, Malawi, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States, and other countries.
In addition to my community leadership, I have served as a peer reviewer for the IIBA Head Office.
He is a full member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a Member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) The Chartered Institute for IT, and He is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations... Show more

Derek Scheller

Derek Scheller

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security

Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and strategic consulting. A U.S. Army and Air National Guard veteran, Derek now serves as the Practice Manager of Security Engineering at Stratascale, where he leads high-performing teams in delivering cutting-edge cloud and hybrid security solutions.

His career journey—from tactical military operations to corporate cybersecurity leadership—has shaped his mission-driven approach to technology, leadership, and resilience. Derek holds top industry certifications, including CISSP, OSCP, and multiple SANS designations (GREM, GPYC, GCIH, GCED, GSEC), and specializes in vulnerability management, red/purple teaming, SIEM optimization, and security program development.

Beyond his technical expertise, Derek is a passionate educator and mentor. He hosts two widely respected podcasts—"Security Happy Hour" and "Walk With Me"—aimed at guiding newcomers into cybersecurity and inspiring personal growth. He also collaborates with schools to bring cybersecurity education to the next generation.

A compelling and relatable speaker, Derek brings authenticity, practical insight, and a deep sense of purpose to every engagement. Whether he's discussing threat detection, burnout in security teams, or the human side of cyber leadership, Derek connects with audiences through his real-world experience and passion for making security a force for good.

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and stra... Show more

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace resilience, and cultivate success-driven thinking.

Her journey—one of perseverance, loss, and profound transformation—led to a defining realization: True empowerment begins within. As a dedicated single mother and accomplished business owner, Rakhi spent years building her career, only to face an unexpected turning point in 2021 that challenged everything she knew. In losing her business, trust in others, and belief in herself, she uncovered the most powerful lesson of all—To take care of others, you must be able to take care of you first, and success is not about doing more, but about being yourself.

Determined to rebuild, Rakhi mastered mind-transforming techniques that restored her confidence and propelled her to achieve more success than ever before. Now, she shares these strategies, along with the most critical life lessons she learned over two decades, with individuals ready for meaningful growth, guiding them to release old patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and realign their mindset with their purpose.

As an empathetic leader and relationship strategist, Rakhi bridges the gap between personal fulfillment and career success, helping others step into their highest potential. Through her transformational approach, she teaches resilience, belief-building, and self-discovery—showing that when we elevate our inner world, life itself becomes effortless.

"If there’s one thing that can change everything around you, it’s to focus on YOU."

With her unique insights, storytelling, and unwavering commitment to growth, Rakhi inspires individuals to step into their power, embrace their purpose, and create lasting impact in every aspect of life.

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals... Show more

Valentina Vasilov

Valentina Vasilov

Valentina Vasilov is certified research integrity trainer, personcentered-integrative coach (DACB, GwG, RTC) as well as facilitator in areas of career development and communication. She has many years of professional experience in doctoral education as well as working experience in diversity management in the academic field. As a member of the GC Plus Team she offers counselling to early career researchers and designs programmes and trainings for the development of transferable skills.

Valentina Vasilov is certified research integrity trainer, personcentered-integrative coach (DACB, GwG, RTC) as well as facilitator in areas of career development and communication. She has many years of professional experience in doctoral education ... Show more

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovation and operational excellence for diverse organizations. At the City of Seattle, he modernized various services, enhancing collaboration and automating workflows for a workforce of over 10,000 employees.

Dan’s expertise lies in leading impactful teams, crafting transformative strategies, and delivering innovative technology solutions that align with business goals. He speaks on topics such as Digital Transformation Strategy, Leadership in Technology, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, Emerging Technology Adoption, IT Governance Best Practices, and AI Governance.

Passionate about helping customers solve real-world challenges through technology, Dan combines deep technical expertise with a focus on positive outcomes for people. When he’s not transforming organizations, Dan enjoys gaming, hosting digital transformation talks, and connecting with audiences on Twitch and LinkedIn.

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovatio... Show more

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her unique blend of economic analysis, communications expertise, and social work practice, Aruna brings a comprehensive perspective to addressing complex challenges in early learning systems.
Aruna holds a Master of Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Economics, Communications, and Journalism. This interdisciplinary background enables her to approach early childhood policy through multiple lenses—understanding both the economic implications of early learning investments and the communication strategies needed to build support for children and families.
In her role at the Early Learning Coalition, Aruna oversees program implementation, policy analysis, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the early learning infrastructure in Palm Beach County. Her work focuses on ensuring equitable access to quality early education programs and developing evidence-based approaches to support children’s developmental outcomes.
Aruna is passionate about translating research into actionable policy and sharing insights on how communities can build more effective early learning systems that serve all children and families.

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her uniq... Show more

Brooke Deuson

Brooke Deuson

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch.

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch. Show more

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things (IoT), computer networking, wireless and mobile networks (including 5G/6G), and machine learning for sensor systems. She is also the Chair and a founding member of the ACM Women UK Chapter.

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things ... Show more

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