Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Mustafa Olgun is a Resource Development Coordinator at IHH, where he plays a vital role in building strategic partnerships and securing funding to support a wide range of humanitarian initiatives. With a strong focus on resource mobilization, he designs and implements proposals and outreach strategies that effectively engage diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across teams and communities.

He is also the founder of Qarint, an innovative online platform dedicated to providing accessible English language learning opportunities to individuals seeking to improve their skills. Mustafa holds a degree in Communication from Marmara University and is currently pursuing a Marketing Master at Bilgi University, combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience to drive impact in both nonprofit and educational projects.

Through his work, Mustafa is committed to creating sustainable solutions and building meaningful relationships that advance the mission of IHH and Qarint.

Mustafa Olgun is a Resource Development Coordinator at IHH, where he plays a vital role in building strategic partnerships and securing funding to support a wide range of humanitarian initiatives. With a strong focus on resource mobilization, he desi... Show more

Dr. Ewa Antczak is an internationally recognized Behavioral Scientist, psychologist, and AI innovator dedicated to creating safer and more empathetic digital environments. With over two decades of professional experience, she has guided more than 15,000 individuals through her clinical and educational work, with expertise in emotional intelligence, gifted behavior, and youth mental health.
A published author of several books and peer-reviewed papers on behavior and attitude change, she completed her doctorate at the age of 24 while serving as a researcher and lecturer at the Polish Academy of Sciences and University of Social Sciences and Humanities, specializing in personality and the role of narrative mode in behavior change.
She is the founder of Felixa, a pioneering AI-powered platform that proactively detects and transforms harmful behavior in online communities, strengthening trust, collaboration, and inclusion. Her work uniquely bridges behavioral science with advanced technology, setting new standards for how societies can address digital safety and human well-being.
Dr. Antczak also created IdealMe, a personal development system that builds emotional intelligence and resilience in individuals and teams, and Talk2Alex, an app that has supported thousands of young people in regulating emotions and behaviors, particularly during the pandemic. She also serves on the Boards of Resilient Children Canada and the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO).
A frequent speaker at global conferences, Dr. Antczak continues to influence leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human progress.

Dr. Ewa Antczak is an internationally recognized Behavioral Scientist, psychologist, and AI innovator dedicated to creating safer and more empathetic digital environments. With over two decades of professional experience, she has guided more than 15,... 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

Muskaan (Pearl) Juneja is the Founder of Wiseversity, a learning platform connecting mentors and learners for focused, real-world guidance. She is also the author of Unhooked: The Way to Your Higher Self and two other books on career growth and personal development. With a background in data analytics and product strategy, Pearl currently works as a Solutions Delivery Analyst at Holt CAT, combining her expertise in technology, business, and human potential to drive impact. She’s passionate about empowering individuals to grow through data, purpose, and learning.

Muskaan (Pearl) Juneja is the Founder of Wiseversity, a learning platform connecting mentors and learners for focused, real-world guidance. She is also the author of Unhooked: The Way to Your Higher Self and two other books on career growth and perso... Show more

A politician and public speaker, serving as an Executive Director at Cowries Blues Investment Ltd.

A politician and public speaker, serving as an Executive Director at Cowries Blues Investment Ltd. Show more

Teenage Z80 programmer, electronics student, minor&major&PhD in CS. Moved from Formal Methods to HPC to touch real computers. OS, Computer Organization and Parallel Computing teacher. Director of Universidad Nacional de Córdoba HPC Center. Proud CyberCiruja.

Teenage Z80 programmer, electronics student, minor&major&PhD in CS. Moved from Formal Methods to HPC to touch real computers. OS, Computer Organization and Parallel Computing teacher. Director of Universidad Nacional de Córdoba HPC Center. Proud Cybe... 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

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Business Administration with a major in finance and global markets from the prestigious School of Business at Tulane University as well as becoming a Data Scientist from the New York School of Data Flatiron. Jhonathan completed a 15 year career track. In 2017, he became a Global Lead in Data Digital Transformation, and later an Executive Manager in Data Models & Database Reviews, at a global firm based New York City -He has research and published business applications of data sciences and AI in major media outlets. Today he is Chief Data Strategist for Xabios Data, a data analytics| business intelligence and data science firm optimizing businesses.

Notably, JD was featured on an international article for Grant Thornton International in Data Monetization. Hi research reached more than 15,000 followers - He has spoken at more than 13 conferences in the USA and LATAM- He founded a non-profit in LATAM that helps limited-resources entrepreneurs with micro-lending and educational resources. These recognitions, along with his Top 5 Awards in Leadership reflect his dedication and impact in industry and to people.

Jhon enjoyes being called to speak at the National and International Conferences to speak about real world experiences in the world of AI , Data Analytics & Data Science. Highlights include: the State of Mexico Business Association, in Mexico City, the Data Science Panels at the S&P 500 Building in Wall street for Data Science Salon, and at the The University of Houston College of Technology. Jhonathan makes complex topics, easy to understand to non-technical audiences, and makes technical audiences understand the world and language of business.

Experience for yourself as Jhonathan speaks to businesses leaders, management groups, professionals, scientist and students about real world applications of data sciences, from real life experiences. As he speaks the language of business and science, learned through his management of global teams in real-life projects, working with the leadership of top institutions, he shares his previous and ongoing client business experiences and what's happening in the world of data science.

His expertise topics include themes around : Data Science in a Business Context, Project Experiences, Data Modeling, and Financial Education.

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Busines... Show more

Enterprise Agile Coach

Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-driven Agile, and Organizational Development. With over 15 years of experience, Toby helps organizations address today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) challenges by guiding leaders and teams to understand, apply, and evangelize Lean and Agile practices.

Toby is an ICF-Credentialed Coach, an IC-Agile Accredited Trainer, a Certified Executive Coach and holds several top Agile certifications from Scrum Alliance and ICAgile. He also has certifications in AI, including AI for Product Management (IBM/Pendo.io), Generative AI Fundamentals (Academy Accreditation from Databricks), and AI & Agility (Scrum Alliance).

He is passionate about developing people’s capabilities through coaching, consulting, training, and mentoring. A dedicated advocate for the Agile community, Toby co-founded the A20 Agile Conference in 2020 and leads the Loudoun Agile Network (LAN), a vibrant community of over 2,000 members in the Washington DC Metro area. He frequently speaks at Agile conferences and industry events worldwide.

As an early adopter of AI, Toby uses AI tools extensively as an Enterprise Coach, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. He has hosted six AI-related presentations at LAN, and is invested in continuously expanding his AI knowledge.

LinkedIn: Toby Rao

Enterprise Agile Coach Toby Rao is an Agile leader, speaker, coach, and community builder based in the Washington DC Metro area. He specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, Leadership Development, AI-dr... Show more

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, technology, and business innovation, Darya is a driving force in digital transformation, AI, and future workforce development.

As a C-level executive, entrepreneur, and mentor, Darya has shaped the success of enterprises, startups, and global initiatives by integrating emerging technologies with strategic growth frameworks. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work, addressing audiences at major global conferences, corporate summits, and executive retreats.

A passionate advocate for future-ready leadership, Darya believes that true innovation begins with a bold vision and the courage to challenge the status quo. She inspires business leaders to embrace AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, unlock new opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Impact & Achievements:
✅ Executive & Board Leadership: C-Level strategist with expertise in business transformation, revenue operations (RevOps), and strategic growth across global markets. Advisor to enterprises, government bodies, and tech innovators.
✅ Digital Transformation & AI Thought Leader: Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in AR/VR, AI, and Digital Transformation by Thinkers 360, shaping the dialogue on the future of business and technology.
✅ Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Speaker: Winner of the Global Female Leader Award in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader (#EYL40), Women in IT, and featured in Forbes, Inc.com, Business & Finance, and Irish Times.
✅ Future Workforce & EdTech Visionary: Led transformative EdTech initiatives, including EU-backed projects on AI and AR in education, impacting thousands of students across Europe.
✅ Women in Leadership & DEI Advocate: A strong voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mentoring female founders, startup leaders, and executives to break barriers in tech and business.

Speaking & Expertise:
🔹 Leadership in the Age of AI & Digital Disruption
🔹 The Future of Work: Skills, Adaptability & Innovation
🔹 Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies
🔹 Strategic Growth & Business Transformation
🔹 Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose & Resilience

Darya’s leadership journey, from entrepreneurial success to executive impact, serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and human-centric leadership, making her a powerful voice in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

🚀 Inspire. Lead. Transform. 🚀

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection... Show more

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。
社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理システム）」座長、三重県デジタル推進フェロー、一般社団法人オープン・ナレッジ・ファウンデーション・ジャパン代表理事なども務めている。

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。 社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理シ... Show more

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human capital, and organizational growth. As a Leadership Psychology Architect and Transformation Facilitator, Elizabeth empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential through tailored business solutions, cutting-edge training, and strategic insights. Elizabeth’s passion for helping others grow is the driving force behind her career. She specializes in developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence and resilience. Through learning assessments, leadership training, or strategic business solutions, Elizabeth’s work empowers others with the skills they need to succeed. Elizabeth is not just a scholar-practitioner—she is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring leaders to reach new heights and organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human ... Show more

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology, governance, and social impact to build robust ethical AI governance that takes a human-first approach. Currently, her focus is on merging customer success and AI governance in the federal space.

In her spare time, she serves as the Non-Technical Lead for the DC Chapter of Black Girls CODE and the Technology Committee Co-chair and Webmistress for the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When she isn’t doing those things, she is a mentor to women at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Her mission is to inspire, empower, & impact underrepresented individuals and protect the data associated with them. For a full bio, please find it here: www.eveal.ai.

As an ethical AI advocate, she focuses on proactively driving organizational change in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to ensure ethical AI is at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Her current collaborations intersect technology... Show more

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of public service.

Carrie has her Bachelors of Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Information Assurance and Digital Forensics, and she is a co-founder of BSides Oklahoma and a founding member of Techlahoma.

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of publi... Show more

Colette Grail is a Big Data advocate and author of The Fallacy of Laying Flat - the Fuzzy, Hairy Truth about Data Decision Making. She authors work on emerging technology, data concepts, leadership, and inspiration. Her 25+ years in the US Navy include five major commands working policy, strategy and program management. She currently works for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leading strategy development for the Emergency Communications Division. Her mission is reporting on the opportunities and challenges of the Big Data world and how Big Data is solving Big Problems.

Colette Grail is a Big Data advocate and author of The Fallacy of Laying Flat - the Fuzzy, Hairy Truth about Data Decision Making. She authors work on emerging technology, data concepts, leadership, and inspiration. Her 25+ years in the US Navy inc... Show more

Scientist and teacher by vocation
I arrived in the Power Platform world 4 years ago and I was captured by it. I believe in continuous improvement and learning.

"To excellence you have to go and knock on the door, it is an everyday job".

Scientist and teacher by vocation I arrived in the Power Platform world 4 years ago and I was captured by it. I believe in continuous improvement and learning. "To excellence you have to go and knock on the door, it is an everyday job". 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

Priyal is the Founder of Hirednex and a seasoned HR professional turned Employability Skills Trainer. With a solid background in Human Resources, Priyal brings deep insights into what employers seek in candidates beyond technical knowledge. As part of CSR initiatives like UN Women, Priyal has led impactful job fairs and soft skills training sessions across educational institutions. Currently championing the use of Microsoft Copilot in soft skills development, Priyal combines HR acumen with AI-powered tools to empower students and job seekers with essential, real-world workplace competencies.

Priyal is the Founder of Hirednex and a seasoned HR professional turned Employability Skills Trainer. With a solid background in Human Resources, Priyal brings deep insights into what employers seek in candidates beyond technical knowledge. As part o... Show more

Dara Melnyk specializes in innovative university models and change management. She writes the "Global Innovators", a regular column for University World News, co-hosts the "Innovative Universities" webinar, and is working on a book about innovative higher education.

Previously, Dara served as Head of the Research Group at the Skolkovo Education Development Centre (SEDeC), Moscow School of Management Skolovo. After leaving Russia in 2022, Dara worked as an independent advisor in Central Asia. There, she ran executive programs for university leaders and strategy sessions for universities and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.

Dara holds a PhD from Maastricht University, with her doctoral thesis titled "Success Factors of Innovative Universities".

Dara Melnyk specializes in innovative university models and change management. She writes the "Global Innovators", a regular column for University World News, co-hosts the "Innovative Universities" webinar, and is working on a book about innovative h... Show more

Austin Blair serves as Dean of Admission & Marketing for the OSF HealthCare Colleges of Nursing, overseeing strategic enrollment management for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria and Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford. With over a decade of experience in higher education leadership, Austin has led digital transformations, mission-driven campaigns, and CRM innovation that produced record enrollment and retention growth across multiple campuses.

Austin Blair serves as Dean of Admission & Marketing for the OSF HealthCare Colleges of Nursing, overseeing strategic enrollment management for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria and Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford... Show more

Dr. White is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, with secondary appointments in Psychology, Public Health Sciences, and Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester (UR). In her university faculty roles, she leads change initiatives to deepen community engagement and public health approaches to health promotion as well as child development via service, education and research. From 2004-19, she also directed the Office of Mental Health Promotion (OMHP), prior to leading a nonprofit for five years beginning in 2019. OMHP oversaw community, consumer and diversity affairs for Psychiatry faculty and staff. Dr. White directs collaborative and participatory research. She promotes mental health supporting behaviors, services utilization, injury prevention as well as child and family development strategies within community-based settings. Her research applies system and data science methods in community engaged research, mental health promotion, and injury prevention systems. Her years of research and administrative experiences in developmental psychology emphasize the role of community settings such as childcare, arts centers and after-school programs in child development.

Upon completion of her doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard's Graduate School of Education, she was an AAAS/SRCD fellow in the U.S. Senate and the National Institutes of Health. She was a visiting scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017 to foster the implementation of systems science approaches to state suicide prevention.

Dr. White is currently an elected member and chair of UR’s Research Policy Committee, and currently co-chair of the Faculty Senate. She has been a member of Faculty Senate since 2019. Her interests include promoting community engagement in all mission areas and promoting a campus climate centered on inclusion, equity, well-being, and families.

Dr. White is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, with secondary appointments in Psychology, Public Health Sciences, and Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester (UR). In her university faculty roles, she leads change initiati... Show more

Mr. Cruz is an associate who provides planning and strategic services to colleges and universities. Mr. Cruz brings a diverse range of experiences from across the entire education sector, with expertise in business operations and information technology management. A strong collaborator and relationship developer, Mr. Cruz is driven toward identifying solutions that create a bridge between institutional knowledge, strategic partnership, and operational success.

Mr. Cruz is an associate who provides planning and strategic services to colleges and universities. Mr. Cruz brings a diverse range of experiences from across the entire education sector, with expertise in business operations and information technolo... Show more

Kelly Briggs is a middle school principal with over 15 years of experience in education and six years in administrative leadership. She specializes in building aligned, data-driven systems that improve student engagement, attendance, and school culture. Kelly has led the development and implementation of comprehensive frameworks that connect behavior, academics, and attendance to create clear expectations, increase consistency, and reduce bias.

Her work focuses on using data to drive equitable practices, ensuring all students have transparent pathways to access, participation, and success. She has experience leading systems across both middle and high school settings, supporting staff alignment, and improving outcomes through structured, student-centered approaches.

Kelly was named the ACSA Region 4 Sonoma Charter nominee for Middle Grades Administrator of the Year. She is passionate about helping school leaders move beyond fragmented initiatives to cohesive systems that are practical, scalable, and grounded in equity.

See her consulting website at https://www.kbconsults.org/

Kelly Briggs is a middle school principal with over 15 years of experience in education and six years in administrative leadership. She specializes in building aligned, data-driven systems that improve student engagement, attendance, and school cultu... Show more

Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP, founded Seriema Consulting, an advisory firm helping institutions
achieve organizational transformation through change management, people analytics, and
strategic planning. He provides C-suite executives with consulting support in aligning talent management objectives and processes to value-accretive outcomes.

Specific to inclusion work, Brian designed and launched a DE&I function at one employer that encompassed ERGs, mentorship, and community outreach. His expertise in this area extends internationally, where he has operated in business development and internal consulting roles across 20 countries.

Brian earned his BA from New York University and his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School
of Management. In addition, he holds Prosci and PMP certifications. He resides in St Petersburg, Florida, where he serves as VP of Membership for SHRM’s affiliate chapter in Pinellas County.

Brian J. Fitzpatrick, SHRM-SCP, founded Seriema Consulting, an advisory firm helping institutions achieve organizational transformation through change management, people analytics, and strategic planning. He provides C-suite executives with consult... Show more

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of student activism and key grassroots community organizations. Her current work documents the legislative and political battles that threaten academic freedom and critical pedagogy. She maintains a scholarly focus on U.S.-based Filipinxs and their organizing history in the long struggle for Ethnic Studies curriculum.

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of s... Show more