Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills.

On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tutorials, coding challenges, and practical tips. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into Python or an experienced developer diving into machine learning, I’ve got you covered.

Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills. On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tut... Show more

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems.

My journey blends hands-on engineering with a love for sharing knowledge. As a community leader, I’ve had the privilege of delivering sessions, leading hackathons, and mentoring students and developers across India. I’ve also been part of organizing flagship events like Google I/O Extended, DevFest, Azure AI Influencer Day, and the IEEE CIS Summer School.

I actively contribute to communities through leadership roles in Google Developer Groups, IEEE, and more, believing strongly in the power of collaboration, mentorship, and building inclusive tech ecosystems.

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems. My journey blends hands... Show more

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Devin's engaging and compassionate coaching style empowers individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically. Devin's relatability, quick wit, and background in dramatic arts from prestigious institutions like the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The British-American Dramatic Academy at Oxford allow her to transform complex ideas into inspiring, meaningful experiences. But Devin's impact goes beyond mere entertainment. Her commanding presence and empathetic approach empower audiences to see things from new perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and tap into their potential. Whether speaking to thousands or coaching one-on-one, she creates a safe space for growth, laughter, and transformation. More than just a keynote speaker or coach, Devin Sarno is a catalyst for change - a weaver of stories and a reminder of the power of the human voice.

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Dev... Show more

Paul Bellows is a 30-yr practitioner of digital transformation for public service organizations. Paul is the host of The 311 Podcast, a member of Canada's Digital Governance Council and a senior advisor to one of Canada's largest public service focussed digital teams. Paul was CEO of Yellow Pencil, a Canadian leader in public service digital transformation until his merger with Northern in 2024 where he advises the CEO on public service strategy. Paul sits on the advisory board on open source for Canada's CTO, is a former member of the Council of Canadian Innovators, and the former VP of Digital Alberta. Paul has been part of the Drupal community since 2011.

Paul Bellows is a 30-yr practitioner of digital transformation for public service organizations. Paul is the host of The 311 Podcast, a member of Canada's Digital Governance Council and a senior advisor to one of Canada's largest public service focus... Show more

Ex-ML Intern at Ministry of Defense

Ex-ML Intern at Ministry of Defense Show more

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on social-emotional learning curriculum across the country, presented at multiple conferences, and provided training of researchers at a government contractor. Her experience includes training interpreters, registration staff, law students, and other participants on federal programs.

The premise of her first book Accountability in the Classroom: Using Social-Emotional Learning to Guide School Improvement came from her dissertation topic, and it was published in 2021. The idea behind her second book Kids Before Content: An Educator's Guide on Social-Emotional Learning Competencies came from both her dissertation and her experiences with recommending a pilot social-emotional learning program.

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on... 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

seit 2023: Vertretung der Professur für Quantitative Forschungsmethoden im Kontext Sozialer Arbeit an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
seit 2017: Leitung des Methodenzentrums Sozialwissenschaften an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt
2014 – 2016: Referentin für Qualitätssicherung in Studium und Lehre an der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
2013: Abschluss des Promotionsverfahrens (magna cum laude)
2012 – 2014: Hochschulreferentin für Evaluation an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Heidelberg
2010 – 2012: Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der Universität Hamburg
2010: Gastdozentur an der Universität Nowgorod (RU)
2008 – 2011: Lehrkraft für besondere Aufgaben an der Universität Hildesheim
2007 – 2008: Mitarbeiterin beim Caritasverband Mannheim
2003 – 2007: Studium der Erziehungswissenschaft und Soziologie an der Universität Mannheim (Abschluss Magistra Artium)

seit 2023: Vertretung der Professur für Quantitative Forschungsmethoden im Kontext Sozialer Arbeit an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences seit 2017: Leitung des Methodenzentrums Sozialwissenschaften an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt 2014... 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

Professur für Informatik

Senior-Fellowship der DATEV-Stiftung Zukunft

Professur für Informatik Senior-Fellowship der DATEV-Stiftung Zukunft Show more

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. She earned an M.Ed. in Multicultural Education in 2008.

In early 2020, Stefanie launched WNY People Development. In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer, she provides leadership training, coaching, and keynote presentations to grow the next generation of leaders. Her main areas of expertise are building high impact teams, first time/front line manager development, and engaging multigenerational workforces with a focus on millennial and Gen Z employees. Her facilitation style is interactive, full of movement, laughter, learning, and occasionally includes pom poms.

Stefanie has worked as an organizational consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Education (Baltimore, MD), and served as the Director of Customized Training for Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC). Before starting her own company, she led the corporate training function at CastleBranch (Wilmington, NC).

Through WNY People Development, Stefanie has developed and facilitated leadership solutions for clients in varied industries including construction, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, municipalities, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and non-profit management. Her clients include Association Executives of NC, City of Wilmington (NC), Embassy Suites, HC Beauty, New Hanover County Schools, NC Realtors Association, NC SHRM, Port City Java, Resilience, UNCW, and Waffle House.

Her professional affiliations include SHRM, the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association, the Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC and she was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2022 for her service as School Board Chair during the covid pandemic.

In her personal life, Stefanie's days are fueled by coffee, chocolate, yoga, new challenges, and building relationships; her passions are developing others, serving the community, the beach, Philly sports, travel, managing the chaos that comes with life, and kitchen dancing.

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 year... Show more

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

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

Heather Wilde is CTO of TheDifference and is also known as the Unicorn Whisperer because of her special focus on entrepreneurs. She is a professional growth expert, executive coach, best-selling author, and speaker. One of the founding team of Evernote, and co-founder of TWIP, she has won multiple awards for her writing, technology, coaching, and mentorship, including the 2020 International Impact Award for her latest book, "Birth of a Unicorn".

Both a patent inventor and game designer, she is trailblazing the way for other women to do the same.
She has appeared on Huffpost Live and ABC News, and has appeared in Mashable, BBC News, Huffington Post, and in the Wall Street Journal as well as many other industry publications. Her clients cover North America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East and she offers training internationally on tech topics such as Cybersecurity, Anticipatory Design, and the Dangers of Overwork.

Wilde's popular Inc and Forbes columns span social media, entrepreneurialism, startups, leadership, fundraising, and diversity issues. She lives in Las Vegas.

Heather Wilde is CTO of TheDifference and is also known as the Unicorn Whisperer because of her special focus on entrepreneurs. She is a professional growth expert, executive coach, best-selling author, and speaker. One of the founding team of Everno... Show more

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive, and fun. She helps clients tailor their professional life to their unique brains, allowing their talents and genius to shine. Following a 17+ year legal career and certifications in ICF-accredited executive, ADHD, and career coaching, Elle founded Interlace Solutions, a coaching firm that taps into clients' potential to accelerate their achievement. Her team coaches executives, executive teams, and professionals with a subspecialty in ADHD coaching.

Elle is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator who consistently draws large crowds. Her goal is for participants to walk away with meaty new learning for practical application. Elle has been published in national and international outlets and speaks on productivity, professional motivation, creating ADHD-friendly environments, and innovations to support mental health, among other topics. Elle is a subject matter expert on international agricultural trade, which doesn’t come up a lot. She lives in Washington, DC, with her dog Penny, the most beautiful dog in the world. And a great family, but the dog is hard to beat.

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive,... Show more

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. A serial founder whose previous organizations have included Vote.org (2016), ElectionDay.org (2018), Long Distance Voter (2008), and Swing the State (2004), she's been working at the intersection of technology and democracy since 2004, several years before “civic tech” and “online organization” entered the cultural lexicon. Her various organizations have collectively registered over 4 million people, conducted mass marketing campaigns reaching tens of millions, and pioneered tactics now considered industry standards. She is an alumna of Pomona College and Y Combinator, a former Draper Richards Kaplan Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship. She frequently speaks on issues impacting voter turnout and digital innovations to increase access to the polls, with appearances at events such as SXSW, Netroots Nation, Harvard Law, the Harvard School of Government, University of Michigan, SUMMIT Ideas Festival, Lesbians Who Tech, and Accelerate Good Global.

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. ... Show more

I'm Miwok, with ancestral homelands surrounding Sacramento, California. Our stories and sovereignty are not relics of the past — they are the foundation for powerful futures. I believe technology should serve Native communities, not define us. My work focuses on using tech thoughtfully to amplify Indigenous knowledge, voices, and resilience.

Currently, I serve as President of Natives in Tech, a national nonprofit where I lead efforts to connect Native communities to technology through mentorship, education, and culturally-rooted innovation. I also work as a Cultural Technologist for a Federally Recognized Tribe, designing and implementing STEAM education initiatives, digital storytelling projects, and grant-funded programs that expand youth access to Tribal knowledge systems.

🔹 Core Values: Indigenous self-determination, ethical storytelling, cultural preservation, and community-driven innovation.
🔹 Key Strengths: Program development, digital education strategy, grant writing, cross-sector partnerships, cultural technology leadership, instructional design, eLearning technical development, learning management system integration, professional voice over coordination, evaluation and assessment, multimedia and document design

I am passionate about growing projects where Indigenous sovereignty, education, and technology converge. I’m seeking opportunities to scale my impact — leading broader initiatives that strengthen community agency, uplift Native voices, and build future-ready infrastructure for the next generations.

In my day job I am a Cultural Technologist with 15+ years of experience bridging journalism, technology, and Indigenous community leadership. My work lives where cultural preservation meets innovation: building pathways for Indigenous self-determination through education, storytelling, and digital solutions.

I'm Miwok, with ancestral homelands surrounding Sacramento, California. Our stories and sovereignty are not relics of the past — they are the foundation for powerful futures. I believe technology should serve Native communities, not define us. My wor... Show more

Aliu Toheeb Olaitan is a Tech Educator, Innovator, and the Lead Partner at Bravpuls Technologies. With expertise in Blockchain, AI, and Web Development, he is passionate about emerging technologies and their intersection with education and community development, empowering individuals to embrace tech-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Aliu Toheeb Olaitan is a Tech Educator, Innovator, and the Lead Partner at Bravpuls Technologies. With expertise in Blockchain, AI, and Web Development, he is passionate about emerging technologies and their intersection with education and community ... Show more

Tim Moore’s career traversed institutions including the University of Louisville, Southern Methodist University, Dartmouth College, the University of Nebraska, Idaho State University, and Southwest Minnesota State University. Retiring from full-time roles in April 2023 after 42 years in student affairs, campus activities, and union administration, Tim has left an indelible mark on the profession. He has been honored with the Lifetime Membership Award from NACA and the Emeritus Award from ACUI. Tim remains active, presenting at professional association conferences and serving on project committees including the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS), the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), and the Association of College Unions-International (ACUI). Additionally, he provides consultation for institutions, coaches professionals, and publishes articles. His current intellectual pursuits focus on campus expression, design thinking, innovation, brand development, service, experience creation, event management, organizational development, and the future of work.

Tim's extensive career centered on creative endeavors and impactful contributions, leading more than 175 educational sessions. The consistently high ratings in participant evaluations serve as a testament to the exceptional quality and profound impact of these sessions. Comments from participants have included:
Tim Moore's delivery is outstanding.
Fun, high-energy, great visuals
Excellent presentation that covered the why's how's and how-to's.
Mr. Moore's content was relevant, timely, and very up-to-date (within just a few days! Impressive!)
Great presenter who was engaging for the entire 2 hours.
Really liked the way Tim engaged with the audience and was very informative. 10/10!
Loved listening, very unique way of presenting and made learning fun.
Fantastic presenter. Engaging and obviously passionate about the work.
A professional at his craft, the material provided so much knowledge and insight into the strength of a brand.
It was a perfect kick off to the topic.

Feel free to follow Tim as he posts daily at https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpmoore/.

Tim Moore’s career traversed institutions including the University of Louisville, Southern Methodist University, Dartmouth College, the University of Nebraska, Idaho State University, and Southwest Minnesota State University. Retiring from full-time ... Show more

Community architect, Open Source, and DI&B advocate

Community architect, Open Source, and DI&B advocate Show more

Hey! I'm Arjun. I'm a 13-year old Austinite, author, speaker, world record holder, and programmer with over seven years of experience. I am also the Executive Director of TLEEM, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping 4,000+ K-12 students and young adults network.

Hey! I'm Arjun. I'm a 13-year old Austinite, author, speaker, world record holder, and programmer with over seven years of experience. I am also the Executive Director of TLEEM, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping 4,000+ K-12 students and you... Show more

Mason Tanaka is a seasoned information technology executive with more than 40 years of experience spanning military service, private industry, and state government. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and public service.
Mr. Tanaka served 20 years in the United States Air Force, followed by 12 years in the commercial IT sector, before joining the State of Alabama in 2013. Since then, he has held several state-level executive leadership roles, including Director of IT Strategic Planning and Policy, Director of the Information Services Division, Assistant Secretary of IT, and Chief Information Security Officer.
Appointed Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer of the Alabama Medicaid Agency in 2017, Mr. Tanaka leads a broad portfolio of enterprise initiatives and programs. These include Medicaid Enterprise System (MES) modernization, legacy MMIS operations, Health Information Exchange (HIE), Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) systems, cybersecurity, project and data governance, IT operations, infrastructure management, and application development.
Under his leadership, Alabama Medicaid has advanced a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, aligning technology investments with mission-critical goals to enhance service delivery, strengthen operational resilience, and improve stakeholder engagement.

Mason Tanaka is a seasoned information technology executive with more than 40 years of experience spanning military service, private industry, and state government. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and public... Show more

Maria Betancourt Thompson, Ed.D., is a distinguished expert in transformational leadership, instructional equity, and school culture. Her journey from homelessness and trauma due to domestic abuse and family mental illness has profoundly shaped her mission. Maria's "True North" is child-centered, dedicated to ensuring that the educational system serves every child, regardless of their challenges. Her inspiring "First Generation" story, from school custodian to district director, reflects her resilience and dedication. As a child, Maria helped her hard-working immigrant parents clean the school she attended, contributing to the family's livelihood and influencing her drive and work ethic.

Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Maria has an extensive background in education, having served as a classroom teacher, dean, assistant principal, school principal, and district director. She currently holds the position of State Leadership Development Chair for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Maria is a prolific author and creator, with numerous published articles, photographs, presentations, and over $13 million in successful grant writing to her credit.

Maria is renowned for her ability to help school and district leaders discover their “why” and apply it to their work, combining heart and humor to engage and inspire. She is passionate about transforming educational environments and is unafraid to challenge the status quo to remove barriers and ensure access for all students. Her focus is on maximizing educator talent to achieve grade-level or better learning outcomes for every student.

An avid hiker, photographer, and traveler, Maria enjoys creating lasting memories with family and friends. She currently works for the Charter Oak Unified School District and resides in the San Gabriel Valley with her husband Mark, son Michael, and cherished pets, Daisy the Cattle Dog and Winnie-Pooh the Adventure Pug.

Maria Betancourt Thompson, Ed.D., is a distinguished expert in transformational leadership, instructional equity, and school culture. Her journey from homelessness and trauma due to domestic abuse and family mental illness has profoundly shaped her m... Show more

Mr. Quinn, an active member in the Space Systems and Security Working Group at the FBI, is a senior cybersecurity strategist and operations lead for the Bureau’s Cyber Division - where he oversees threat intelligence, incident response, and modernization efforts across federal infrastructure. As the Enterprise Cybersecurity Incident Response Commander for the FBI, he led all major incident response activities - while managing a $30M portfolio and over 100 staff. As the Senior FBI Cybersecurity Representative to the U.S. Intelligence Community, he served on the Cyber Response Group within the National Security Council - supporting executive level cross-agency cyber coordination activities. Currently, Mr. Quinn serves as a mentor for the U.S. Cyber Games - and in addition to having been recognized with the ISC2 Cybersecurity Leadership Award - he has earned a master’s degree in cybersecurity, his CISSP certification, and graduate certificates in AI and Incident Response.

Mr. Quinn, an active member in the Space Systems and Security Working Group at the FBI, is a senior cybersecurity strategist and operations lead for the Bureau’s Cyber Division - where he oversees threat intelligence, incident response, and moderniza... Show more

Cassandra Chin is a keynote speaker, book author, podcast host, children's workshop instructor, and a computer science student. She has been teaching technology kids workshops at international conferences since she was 13 years old and is passionate about helping allow women, minorities, and underprivileged students to learn about technology. Her books have been featured at international events like Kubecon + CloudNativeCon and in popular technology shows like theCUBE and Techstrong TV.

Cassandra Chin is a keynote speaker, book author, podcast host, children's workshop instructor, and a computer science student. She has been teaching technology kids workshops at international conferences since she was 13 years old and is passionate ... Show more

Leadership strategist with 10+ years in education and nonprofit sectors. TEDx speaker and podcast host focused on culture, learning, and development.

Leadership strategist with 10+ years in education and nonprofit sectors. TEDx speaker and podcast host focused on culture, learning, and development. Show more

Dr. Jennie Khun serves as the CIO and OIT Director within the Office of the Director/Executive Office at the National Institutes of Health. Jennie has been teaching for Purdue Global University’s Master's Cybersecurity program since 2021.

Jennie received her Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Kaplan University (now Purdue Global), a Master of Business Administration from Shepherd University where she received the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Award, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with distinction from Liberty University. She holds Certified Information System Security Professional, Project Management Professional, Agile Certified Practioner, and ITIL certifications.

She has supported a variety of IT areas including enterprise level applications, governance, strategic planning, security, and other technology portfolio assets. She's been responsible for multiple large-scale technology implementations throughout her career.

She has published textbook chapters on a variety of topics including ethics and leadership for IT students and building culture to sustain IT governance.

Jennie's unique blend of leadership, IT experience, and passion for cybersecurity position her well to present on a variety of topics and industries.

Dr. Jennie Khun serves as the CIO and OIT Director within the Office of the Director/Executive Office at the National Institutes of Health. Jennie has been teaching for Purdue Global University’s Master's Cybersecurity program since 2021. Jennie r... Show more

Sky Bell is a seasoned AI Practitioner and Legal Technologist with over 14 years of experience in integrating emerging technology and cybersecurity solutions within government agencies. As a leader in technology integration, innovation, and AI, she spearheads AI-driven initiatives and develops comprehensive AI deployment guidelines. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech and a former Genius at Apple, Sky is passionate about bridging human insight with emerging technologies. Her unwavering dedication to continuous learning and problem-solving drives her exploration of AI, cybersecurity, and public policy.

Sky is the founder of Capital Region AI Catalyst, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation, upskilling, and community growth in the AI sector. Capital Region AI Catalyst aims to democratize AI knowledge, cultivate a skilled local workforce, support the ethical adoption of AI by businesses and public, and foster a vibrant, collaborative AI ecosystem throughout the region. Sky’s vision for CapAI is to position the Capital Region, New York as a leader in human-centered AI application and promote equitable access to technology education.

Committed to fostering responsible AI innovation, Sky navigates the evolving landscape of humans and technology with confidence and expertise. Her passion for this nonprofit is rooted in her belief in the power of collective action to build an inclusive, innovative, and AI-powered future.

Sky Bell is a seasoned AI Practitioner and Legal Technologist with over 14 years of experience in integrating emerging technology and cybersecurity solutions within government agencies. As a leader in technology integration, innovation, and AI, she s... Show more

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar platforms, or supporting charitable initiatives, he has always emphasized systems that strengthen people's lives and leave a lasting legacy.

In 2022, Jason founded Nolos Cabinet Multidisciplinaire Inc., serving as Founder & CEO. Nolos was created to integrate FinTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech under a single platform. This venture aims to democratize financial and legal services, particularly for middle-class families. The company combines a Quebec-based legal firm, a notarial study, and a national financial MGA distributing solutions from Canada's leading institutions. With his leadership, Nolos has expanded through acquisitions and new partnerships. Among these was the acquisition of Skylegal in 2022, followed by creating a charitable foundation in 2023 to help families access justice and financial protection during estate and legacy planning. More recently, Jason acquired a technology firm that builds software for public and private organizations, further enhancing the B2B reach of the Nolos platform.

Before establishing Nolos, Ghassan gained experience as a Strategic Senior Consultant, working with Chubb Insurance and other major industry players. From 2003 to 2021, he was President and Principal Officer with AMF of La Capitale Services Conseils, where he grew assets under management from $300 million to over $3 billion, serving public sector employees with specialized solutions. In 2017, he became President of La Capitale Financial Security, where he expanded national operations for disability and personal finance services, redesigned compensation structures, and created an inclusive and high-performance culture. He also served as President of SSQ Financial Group Distribution, where he modernized retirement planning, oversaw post-merger alignment, and improved client experience and compliance.

Philanthropy has been a central part of Jason Barakat's life for over two decades. He has supported the Guignolet de Saint-Vincent de Paul tradition and contributed to various charitable efforts connected to public institutions and retirement planning. In 2021, he partnered with Peartree Canada to advance philanthropic planning for organizations and families. He later launched the Nolos Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding access to Justice & Family Legacy Planning. Jason is also a volunteer leader for nonprofit boards and interfaith humanitarian initiatives.

Jason studied at Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, focusing on finance, business law, and theology. He has also completed studies in securities, investments, estate planning, insurance, venture capital, and strategic philanthropy, earning certifications in these areas.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Ghassan Barakat is a devoted husband and father of two. His family provides daily motivation and guides his values of love, faith, and responsibility, shaping his personal and professional life. With empathy, service, and humility, he remains committed to leaving a legacy for his children, his community, and future generations.

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar pla... Show more