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

Kari Adams

Kari Adams

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leaders, partnering with school administrators to develop inclusive systems that center students with disabilities, particularly those most marginalized. With nearly two decades of experience, Kari’s work has focused on dismantling barriers, building educator capacity, and improving outcomes for diverse learners. Her previous role as a special education coordinator at Newport-Mesa Unified School District involved district-wide initiatives in inclusion, literacy, and leadership development. Kari’s expertise lies in aligning systems for meaningful change, fostering safe and supportive school environments, and amplifying the voices of students often pushed to the margins. She currently serves as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17, continuing her mission to advance equitable opportunities for all students.

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leade... Show more

Emily van Putten

Emily van Putten

Emily van Putten is an experienced IT professional with nearly 18 years of expertise in technology and digital transformation. She combines her technical knowledge – recognized with four consecutive Microsoft MVP awards – with a passion for diversity, inclusion, and human-centered innovation. As a board member of Dutch Women in Tech and a passionate speaker, Emily brings technology to life by connecting it to societal themes such as ethics, authenticity, and inclusion.

Beyond her work in IT, Emily shares her unique perspectives and insights through podcasts and publications. She explores technology from unexpected angles, offering sharp analyses of how IT solutions shape our world – and how they can become more inclusive. Her publications are known for their personal touch and their ability to make challenging topics accessible and relevant to a wide audience.

What sets Emily apart is her ability to combine vulnerability and authenticity with technical depth. In her sessions, she challenges participants to think beyond technical possibilities and view technology as a tool to address societal challenges. With an interactive and inspiring approach, she motivates professionals and organizations to use technology as a force for positive change.

Emily van Putten is an experienced IT professional with nearly 18 years of expertise in technology and digital transformation. She combines her technical knowledge – recognized with four consecutive Microsoft MVP awards – with a passion for diversity... Show more

Tamara Lechner

Tamara Lechner

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads initiatives that explore how AI can be harnessed to enhance humans’ ability to thrive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape Committed to placing humans at the heart of AI, she partners with organizations to help them a create work environments where technology and people work in harmony, driving exceptional results.

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads in... Show more

Ashley Bodnar

Ashley Bodnar

Ashley Bodnar is an experienced educator from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is passionate about innovative teaching and learning practices. With over ten years of experience in the field of education, Ashley holds a Masters in Administration and Leadership. She was recently awarded the 2023 Prime Minister's Teaching Excellence Award: Certificate of Achievement for her work in implementing inquiry-based learning, collaborative learning, mindfulness, and core competency practices in her classroom.

Ashley Bodnar is an experienced educator from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is passionate about innovative teaching and learning practices. With over ten years of experience in the field of education, Ashley holds a Masters in Administration and Leaders... Show more

Bobby Davis, Jr.

Bobby Davis, Jr.

Bobby Davis, Jr. is the CEO and Co-Founder of Coder Foundry, a leading coding bootcamp that has helped countless aspiring developers launch successful careers as professional software engineers. With over 25 years of experience in software development, Bobby is passionate about technology and education. Under his leadership, the Coder Foundry YouTube channel has grown to over 100,000 subscribers, providing millions with accessible coding tutorials and career advice worldwide.

Bobby Davis, Jr. is the CEO and Co-Founder of Coder Foundry, a leading coding bootcamp that has helped countless aspiring developers launch successful careers as professional software engineers. With over 25 years of experience in software developmen... Show more

Michelle Elliott

Michelle Elliott

Michelle Elliott is a passionate advocate for authentic leadership, with over 28 years of experience in education. Known for her empowering presence, and deep belief in the power of vulnerability, she helps women embrace leadership without compromising their values or voice.

Currently serving as the hiring manager at San José Unified School District, her work focuses on creating welcoming spaces where women and other staff can show up fully—and lead with both strength and humanity.

Michelle brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to lead as a woman today: not by hiding vulnerability, but by using it to connect, inspire, and drive meaningful change.

Michelle Elliott is a passionate advocate for authentic leadership, with over 28 years of experience in education. Known for her empowering presence, and deep belief in the power of vulnerability, she helps women embrace leadership without compromis... Show more

David Suson

David Suson

David studies the root causes or keystones for success and achievement in the areas of Leadership, Personal Performance, Sales and Communication. He studied over 3,000 top performers to find what the best performing employees do, what the best leaders do, what the best communicators do, and what the best salespeople do. And more importantly, he discovered the roadblocks that hold people back. His analytical skills come from his degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and his work at IBM, other tech companies, and working with clients in technology, banking, communications, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution and others. He is an expert in leadership, sales and personal development and brings his insights to you to create breakthrough solutions.

David presents over 140 times/year, has spoken to over 200,000 people in 49 states and internationally. He delivers engaging, inspiring and energetic presentations.

David studies the root causes or keystones for success and achievement in the areas of Leadership, Personal Performance, Sales and Communication. He studied over 3,000 top performers to find what the best performing employees do, what the best leade... Show more

Viviane Morelle

Viviane Morelle

Being a Team Coach and a Facilitator gives me the opportunity to help teams discover new ways of working, introducing well-being, happiness, visual management, leadership at all levels, team self-organization, collaborative management, remote work and empowerment.

Being a Team Coach and a Facilitator gives me the opportunity to help teams discover new ways of working, introducing well-being, happiness, visual management, leadership at all levels, team self-organization, collaborative management, remote work an... Show more

Stefano Le Pera

Stefano Le Pera

As an Engineering Manager at The Times, I oversee and manage all engineering teams in Times Media, across three different domains: web, mobile, and platform. With over 18 years of experience in the tech industry, I have developed and implemented career development plans, revamped the interview process, and provided regular feedback and coaching to engineers, helping them grow their skills and careers.
I am also passionate about the community aspect in tech and actively involved in several initiatives that aim to empower and inspire diverse and inclusive audiences. I am the Lead Organizer of GDG Cloud London, where we host events, workshops, and talks on cloud technologies and best practices. I am also the Founder and Mentor of GDG Academy, a mentorship program that pairs university students from prestigious institutions with experienced mentors in the tech industry, and offers them internship opportunities. Additionally, I am the Founder of ChatGDG, a weekly podcast where we talk about tech and community along with doing full coverage of tech events and conferences.

As an Engineering Manager at The Times, I oversee and manage all engineering teams in Times Media, across three different domains: web, mobile, and platform. With over 18 years of experience in the tech industry, I have developed and implemented care... Show more

Megan Hsu

Megan Hsu

Megan is a Special Education Administrator at Sunnyvale School District with a deep love for both the data and the people sides of education. She is the founder of Edumated, a platform that empowers educators to harness AI and automation to streamline their work, improve instruction, and reclaim their time. She also co-founded BetterAAC, a project focused on building more inclusive, AI-powered tools to support communication for nonspeaking students. Megan’s work centers on using emerging technology to simplify complex systems and help educators make data-informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for all learners. Her greatest joy comes from 1:1 conversations with teachers and service providers, and time spent inside classrooms, learning from students themselves.

Megan is a Special Education Administrator at Sunnyvale School District with a deep love for both the data and the people sides of education. She is the founder of Edumated, a platform that empowers educators to harness AI and automation to streamlin... Show more

Wachiou Bouraima

Wachiou Bouraima

Advocate & Contributor | Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador | Co-founder @PythonTogo | PyCon Africa IOC | Chair, PyCon Togo 2025

Advocate & Contributor | Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador | Co-founder @PythonTogo | PyCon Africa IOC | Chair, PyCon Togo 2025 Show more

Matteo Carella

Matteo Carella

My work is spreading agile and lean culture, helping people with theory and practice, mentoring, facilitating and supporting them. I also coach teams, managers and executives (CTOs, CEOs) in order to help them grow strong in applying Agile methodologies to their work.

My work is spreading agile and lean culture, helping people with theory and practice, mentoring, facilitating and supporting them. I also coach teams, managers and executives (CTOs, CEOs) in order to help them grow strong in applying Agile methodolog... Show more

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After previously working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at the Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Studies of the University of Cologne. He is currently also pursuing his Ph.D. at the intersection of corpus/computational linguistics and foreign language teaching.

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After previously working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Techn... Show more

Jason Levy

Jason Levy

Jason spent more than 20 years working on campus in various Student Union/Student Center operations and management roles including 15+ years at Temple University. He managed projects, budgets, programs, and services, with facility operations and event management as primary functional areas. Serving as the primary Account Manager with RecRe and our 70+ campus partners, he manages campus relationships and creates lasting partners with Student Union, Recreation, Housing/Res Life and academic departments. He is a self-described tech and car junkie with a love of audio, and vehicles of all types. His partner is also in student affairs and they share 2 wonderful kitties at home.

Jason spent more than 20 years working on campus in various Student Union/Student Center operations and management roles including 15+ years at Temple University. He managed projects, budgets, programs, and services, with facility operations and eve... Show more

Gotham Sharma

Gotham Sharma

Gotham Sharma is the Executive Director at AccessCyber, a cybersecurity education and workforce think tank. Previously he served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Exeltek. His various roles across security engineering, recruiting, and cyber journalism, have provided him a unique, holistic view of the industry.

Gotham Sharma is the Executive Director at AccessCyber, a cybersecurity education and workforce think tank. Previously he served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Exeltek. His various roles across security engineering, recruiting, and cybe... Show more

Tim Klapdor

Tim Klapdor

I'm a Manager of Education Design at the University of Adelaide and, for the past 5 years, have been overseeing the design and development of fully online MOOCs, undergraduate and postgraduate programs. I have worked extensively on developing strategic initiatives and innovations in the online education, focusing on improving the student experience through learning design, effective teaching practices and the development and deployment of new technology. I have managed the roll-out, piloting and innovation development in educational technology at both the small-scale and institutional levels. My current focus is on developing sustainable and effective learning design practices and exploring the idea of creating a Learning Design System within our team.

I'm a Manager of Education Design at the University of Adelaide and, for the past 5 years, have been overseeing the design and development of fully online MOOCs, undergraduate and postgraduate programs. I have worked extensively on developing strateg... Show more

Garth Gilmour

Garth Gilmour

Garth Gilmour was a full time developer for 5 years and then an educator / mentor / advocate for 20. Currently he's a Learning Consultant at Liberty IT. He's taught well over 1000 courses and workshops - using everything from CORBA to Kotlin. Garth is a prolific speaker, writer and co-organiser of several conferences and meetups. When not at the whiteboard he coaches Krav Maga, lifts heavy weights and fights nerf wars with his kids.

Garth Gilmour was a full time developer for 5 years and then an educator / mentor / advocate for 20. Currently he's a Learning Consultant at Liberty IT. He's taught well over 1000 courses and workshops - using everything from CORBA to Kotlin. Garth i... Show more

Thierry Secqueville

Thierry Secqueville

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid).
Has been practising Agile since the 90s.

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid). Has been practising Agile since the 90s. Show more

Michalina Rajczyk

Michalina Rajczyk

Polish soul, living in Berlin since 2018.

Senior Product Owner for IoT Platform at Kieback&Peter for https://brix2bytes.io/en/ . Former MBitioner delivering Connected Services (in example Apple Music or Dolby Atmos sound quality) for the newest Mercedes-Benz cars.

Worked for:
- Mercedes-Benz Software Hub: MBition,
- Swedish IoT Design and Development house: Sigma Connectivity,
- award-winning Polish startup Inteliclinic,
- ...and more.

Graduated from Embedded Electronics.

Lived in Poland, The Netherlands and Denmark,

Exceptionally tall, yoga and wine lover.

Polish soul, living in Berlin since 2018. Senior Product Owner for IoT Platform at Kieback&Peter for https://brix2bytes.io/en/ . Former MBitioner delivering Connected Services (in example Apple Music or Dolby Atmos sound quality) for the newest Me... Show more

Miłosz Gaczkowski

Miłosz Gaczkowski

Miłosz is a mobile security specialist at WithSecure, having previously spent entirely too much time working in academia. Outside of technical work, his primary interests are in education and the culture of education.

Miłosz is a mobile security specialist at WithSecure, having previously spent entirely too much time working in academia. Outside of technical work, his primary interests are in education and the culture of education. Show more

Roni Habib

Roni Habib

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

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

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

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

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

Elijah Wickline

Elijah Wickline

Elijah Wickline (he/him) is the Refugee Systems of Care Coordinator at the Center for Quality Family Support. In this role, Elijah provides critical supports to the home visiting system in Michigan as it adjusts to better meet the needs of unique refugee populations in the state and inform the development of the Home Visiting and Refugee Families Connection project. Elijah is enthusiastic about supporting the journeys of the most vulnerable through his work by fostering authentic relationships and adapting services to meet the needs of displaced populations. He has worked on several projects serving displaced families and children, including housing security for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors, public school integration for Unaccompanied Children and resettlement and family self-sufficiency for Refugee Families. Inspired by his extensive work with displaced populations, Elijah informs system-level change that impacts the health and wellness of refugee communities in Michigan. He studied at Kalamazoo College where he earned his BA in International and Area Studies, focusing on French language and Francophone area studies. He completed his thesis on the topic of language access for asylum seekers in the United States.

Elijah Wickline (he/him) is the Refugee Systems of Care Coordinator at the Center for Quality Family Support. In this role, Elijah provides critical supports to the home visiting system in Michigan as it adjusts to better meet the needs of unique ref... Show more

Luanna Melo

Luanna Melo

Doutora em Ciência da Informação pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Mestra em Ciência da Informação pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Especialista em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente pelo Centro Universitário de João Pessoa. Graduada em Licenciatura Plena em Pedagogia pela Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Professora do Curso de Biblioteconomia da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Atua nos campos da Ciência da Informação, com ênfase em Gestão, Tecnologia da Informação, Inteligência Artificial e Gênero.

Doutora em Ciência da Informação pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Mestra em Ciência da Informação pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Especialista em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente pelo Centro Universitário de João Pessoa. Graduada em Licenci... Show more

Vivian Otabor

Vivian Otabor

Vivian Otabor, a visionary leader and immigrant advocate, is the founder of Resilient Immigrant and CEO of Agile Career Consulting. With over 15 years of international experience, including work with global titans like Coca-Cola, JPMorgan, and McKinsey, Vivian excels in leadership, career development, and community engagement. Her dedication to empowering Africans is evident through her work, a beacon of hope offering educational workshops, mentorship, career coaching, and impactful initiatives. Vivian's achievements exemplify and represents the potential of Africans with the right resources and support.

Vivian Otabor, a visionary leader and immigrant advocate, is the founder of Resilient Immigrant and CEO of Agile Career Consulting. With over 15 years of international experience, including work with global titans like Coca-Cola, JPMorgan, and McKins... Show more

Ellie McGowan

Ellie McGowan

Ellie McGowan is an experienced Scrum Master with a passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals in the tech industry. A late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional, Ellie brings a unique perspective to agile practices, combining her deep understanding of neurodiversity with years of coaching expertise. She is a strong advocate for creating inclusive, supportive environments where neurodivergent teams can thrive. With a personal journey shaped by the challenges of burnout, misdiagnosis, and resilience, Ellie's talks offer actionable insights for leaders and organisations aiming to foster innovation through diversity.

Ellie McGowan is an experienced Scrum Master with a passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals in the tech industry. A late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional, Ellie brings a unique perspective to agile practices, combining her deep unde... Show more

Hamna Khalil

Hamna Khalil

I am Hamna Khalil, a software engineer with a proven track record of leadership and technical expertise. I am honored to have received a merit scholarship for my academic excellence, which highlights my dedication to continuous learning and growth.

For the past three years, I have been actively contributing to leading technical communities, including Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA), Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). My involvement in these organizations reflects my commitment to advancing technology and fostering innovation within the community.

In addition to my technical pursuits, I am an accomplished writer and public speaker. I have had the privilege of representing Pakistan on both national and international platforms through my literary contributions and speaking engagements.

Driven by a strong passion for technology and effective communication, I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the tech industry. I am eager to explore opportunities that promote innovation and community growth.

I am Hamna Khalil, a software engineer with a proven track record of leadership and technical expertise. I am honored to have received a merit scholarship for my academic excellence, which highlights my dedication to continuous learning and growth. ... 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

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