With over 35 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support of inspections and regulatory enforcement, breaking IT silos, and beginning with the Navigable Waters Act Renewal Project (NWAR) in 2017, pioneering Agile development and leveraging Power Platform at the department.

As a direct result of NWAR’s success – including winning the 2020 departmental National Creativity and Transformation Award, Douglas was offered the opportunity to found and lead the Power Apps Centre of Excellence (PACE). Since being formed in summer 2020, PACE has remained at the forefront in successful Power Platform implementation for the Government of Canada. The PACE team built numerous critical systems in response to COVID-19, earned a reputation as *the* team to call upon when a problem needed solving, supported other Professional Developers across government to succeed utilizing the platform, and sponsored then sustained the blossoming of Citizen Development at TC.

In recognition for the team's hard work and success, PACE has received numerous accolades from clients and department leadership, including the Government of Canada’s “Excellence in Innovation” Digital Government Community Award.

With over 35 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support ... Show more

I am Aadil Latif, Founder of TechXNinjas, a community driven initiative focused on empowering learners through mentorship, skill development, and real-world exposure in technology, with a strong emphasis on Cloud, AI, and modern developer tools.
I was also a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador at the Beta levels, where I actively contributed to building tech communities, promoting Microsoft technologies, and strengthening my skills in technical evangelism, public speaking, and leadership across the Microsoft ecosystem.

I am also a Speaker at the AI and Copilot Innovations Summit India 2024, where I delivered a session on Harnessing AI and Copilot on 14th September 2024 in Gurugram. During my talk, I explored how AI, Microsoft Copilot, and automation are transforming healthcare, finance, education, and business, with a focus on productivity, responsible AI, ethical considerations, and real world case studies.

My interests span Cloud computing, Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, and web development, where I combine creativity with logical problem solving to build scalable and impactful solutions. I remain committed to continuous learning, community building, and personal growth, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle through cycling and reading.

I am Aadil Latif, Founder of TechXNinjas, a community driven initiative focused on empowering learners through mentorship, skill development, and real-world exposure in technology, with a strong emphasis on Cloud, AI, and modern developer tools. I w... Show more

Having started my career as a hands-on software engineer, which I never truly enjoyed. I transitioned to working with people who work with technology. I set out on a mission to help organizations create the right environment where their employees can perform to the max of their abilities and grow beyond their current aspirations. A mission I am still pursuing more than a decade later.

Having started my career as a hands-on software engineer, which I never truly enjoyed. I transitioned to working with people who work with technology. I set out on a mission to help organizations create the right environment where their employees can... Show more

Chime is a Microsoft MVP and Senior Power Platform Consultant with a strong focus on helping organisations deliver impactful low-code solutions using Microsoft Power Platform. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), he is passionate about knowledge sharing, enabling rapid learning, and improving team effectiveness.

Beyond consulting, Chime is a Careers Mentor at the University of Greenwich (UK), where he supports students through career guidance and STEM engagement, encouraging the next generation to pursue opportunities in technology.

His commitment to learning, mentorship, and innovation reflects a clear belief in technology as a driver of growth, opportunity, and positive community impact.

Chime is a Microsoft MVP and Senior Power Platform Consultant with a strong focus on helping organisations deliver impactful low-code solutions using Microsoft Power Platform. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), he is passionate about knowledge s... Show more

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them to become effective leaders. Elena is the President of and Lead Consultant with Marquetti Consulting.

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them t... Show more

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the SME Focus Group on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, European Community.

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the ... Show more

Helen Okereke is a distinguished Software and Robotics Engineer from Nigeria with extensive expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT). Formerly a Database Management Specialist at the National Institute of Information Technology, she optimized database systems and enhanced data-driven decision-making.

Helen is passionate about education, having trained university students and professionals in IoT through various programs. She is known for her practical workshops that blend theoretical foundations with hands-on experience.

Her work in robotics and IoT has led to innovative hardware solutions, from smart home systems to industrial automation. Helen’s deep understanding of emerging technologies and her commitment to innovation make her a sought-after speaker and educator in the tech community.

Helen Okereke is a distinguished Software and Robotics Engineer from Nigeria with extensive expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT). Formerly a Database Management Specialist at the National Institute of Information Technology, she optimized databa... Show more

After a decade in social work, Magali decided to change course and became a web developper. She tries to find a delicate balance between the technical aspects of the job (fun !), the creativity (fun too !) and trying to follow her ethics and change the culture of the industry (the less fun aspects of it anyway) by being an advocate and an activist. She recently chose to specialize in web accessibility by joining Access42.

She is co-founder and president of Compositech, an organization advocating for the inclusion of women and non-binary people in tech. She also is the founder and president of La Première Ligne, a feminist magazine created by tech women and non-binary people. She has a dog, Trufa and talks either way too much about her (according to people) or way not enough (according to herself).

After a decade in social work, Magali decided to change course and became a web developper. She tries to find a delicate balance between the technical aspects of the job (fun !), the creativity (fun too !) and trying to follow her ethics and change t... Show more

Andy Crotty is a TS/SCI-cleared cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in cyber threat detection, incident response, and security engineering across federal, financial, and enterprise environments. He currently serves as a Cyber Network Defense Analyst 3 with Leidos, supporting the Department of Homeland Security in a 24x7x365 NOSC environment. In this role, Andy leads high-impact investigations, develops and optimizes detection logic aligned to MITRE ATT&CK, and mentors junior analysts to strengthen operational readiness and cyber defense capabilities.

A U.S. Army Warrant Officer with over 15 years of military service, Andy has led teams in advanced persistent threat (APT) analysis, cyber threat hunting, and defensive operations for the Department of Defense. His civilian career includes senior roles in security operations for Wells Fargo and the State of Arizona Department of Homeland Security, where he enhanced detection strategies, streamlined incident response workflows, and strengthened enterprise security postures.

Beyond his operational work, Andy is passionate about cybersecurity community engagement and mentorship. At DEFCON 33, he served as a staff member for Noob Village, where he coordinated community-focused activities including volunteer outreach, CTF raffle setup, and securing sponsors to provide prizes. Through his YouTube channel GingerHacker and mentorship initiatives, Andy continues to guide aspiring cybersecurity professionals, sharing practical insights on breaking into the field, building technical skills, and navigating a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Andy Crotty is a TS/SCI-cleared cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in cyber threat detection, incident response, and security engineering across federal, financial, and enterprise environments. He currently serves as a Cyber ... Show more

Lea Hildermeier ist Projektmanagerin im HFD/CHE und dort u.a. für den Think Tank "Well-Being und Mental Health im digitalen Zeitalter an Hochschulen" zuständig. Zuvor studierte sie Anglistik, Erziehungswissenschaft und Psychologie an der Universität Bielefeld.
Als DigitalChangeMaker der Kohorte 2024 engagierte sich Lea in den Bereichen studentische Partizipation, Student Wellbeing und dem Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Hochschulbildung. Seit September 2024 engagiert sich Lea im Common Grounds Forum, damit junge Menschen ihre Stimme in bildungs- und digitalpolitischen Anliegen einbringen können.

Lea Hildermeier ist Projektmanagerin im HFD/CHE und dort u.a. für den Think Tank "Well-Being und Mental Health im digitalen Zeitalter an Hochschulen" zuständig. Zuvor studierte sie Anglistik, Erziehungswissenschaft und Psychologie an der Universität... Show more

Jay James is a nationally recognized technology leader, educator, and speaker working at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and workforce development. His passion is in helping organizations and professionals move faster with confidence by pairing technical insight with responsible decision making.

He currently works across higher education and industry, leading security and AI initiatives while also serving as an educator for universities and global programs such as MITxPro, Purdue University Global, and Auburn University, where his teaching emphasizes applied learning, systems thinking, and career readiness in AI driven environments.

He is a National Leadership Award recipient from EDUCAUSE, was named a Global Achievement Award Winner as Mid-Career Professional of the Year for the Americas by ISC2 and was selected as an international finalist for Community Champion of the Year through the SANS Institute Difference Maker Awards.

He has spoken on national stages including Microsoft Ignite, the EDUCAUSE National Conference, and the SANS New2Cyber Summit, delivering practical, human centered insights on responsible AI adoption, security as a behavioral practice, and career growth in high impact technical roles.

Jay James is a nationally recognized technology leader, educator, and speaker working at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and workforce development. His passion is in helping organizations and professionals move faster with... Show more

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s passionate about helping others grow in tech. She has mentored over 200+ students and actively contributes to the community as a CNCF Ambassador and organiser of CNCF Gurugram.

Monika is also the founder of TMS: The Monika Rajput Stack, a podcast where she shares stories from the world of data, AI, and cloud, featuring people doing meaningful work in tech. She’s currently serving as a Program Committee Member for KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in China, Japan, and India. Her goal is to make technology more open, relatable, and accessible, especially for those who are just getting started.

Monika Rajput is a Senior Technical Consultant at Ahead, where she helps build real-world data and cloud solutions. Over the years, she’s worked with four early-stage startups, shaping products from idea to launch. Alongside her technical work, she’s... Show more

Sweta Sinha is the Director of AI Engineering where she leads the design and delivery of enterprise-grade machine learning, generative AI, and agentic systems across large-scale healthcare and education platforms. She heads the AI Center of Excellence and guides teams through end-to-end AI initiatives, from early experimentation to production-ready AI systems, with a strong focus on reliability, evaluation, and governance.

Her work spans AI-native product development, agentic workflows, and platform architecture, with an emphasis on translating emerging AI technologies into scalable, repeatable engineering practices. Sweta also plays a key role in shaping AI governance across the organization, ensuring autonomy, safety, and accountability are enforced through concrete technical controls.

She focuses on helping teams move beyond experimentation to build trustworthy, AI-native systems that deliver real-world impact.

Sweta Sinha is the Director of AI Engineering where she leads the design and delivery of enterprise-grade machine learning, generative AI, and agentic systems across large-scale healthcare and education platforms. She heads the AI Center of Excellenc... Show more

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a trainer and finally as a coach, I'm working to ensure that modern Agile models are used less strictly and more respectfully of people.

You can find my work in my book: https://tinyurl.com/darroux

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a t... Show more

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and maintenance phases. My experience spans various business sectors, including retail, legal, and defense, and encompasses frameworks such as .NET, Angular, React, and SQL, as well as platforms like Azure, AWS, and Kubernetes (K8s).

I am a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft MCT. I mentor students from high school and up through an education program I created myself, with its products now thriving independently thanks to collaboration within our TechMentoringPL group. I strongly believe in the benefits of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge, aiming to make IT less intimidating for young adults, future tech leaders - this is the goal of the TechMentoringPL group. To keep my skills sharp, I am currently pursuing the Executive Education program at UC Berkeley Haas.

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and mai... Show more

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience across application support, database administration, business intelligence, and cloud modernization, Josh helps organizations across industries—including higher education, consulting, manufacturing, and software development—design and migrate complex analytics workloads to Microsoft Azure with confidence and agility. A recognized voice in the data community, he regularly speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite, Live! 360, PASS Summit, SQLSaturday, and other technical conferences, and co-hosts the technical series Tales from the Field, where he explores real-world patterns and best practices with peers. His work blends deep technical expertise with practical insights that empower teams to harness the full value of cloud-native data platforms, analytics, and governance in pursuit of measurable business outcomes.

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience... Show more

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not writing queries, I enjoy mentoring, coaching, woodworking, and hiking in our National Parks.

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not wr... Show more

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, preventative screenings, and value-based care. She has worked as a family nurse practitioner, providing comprehensive care across the lifespan, and has also served at Tandigm Health, where she focused on innovative healthcare delivery models to enhance quality and efficiency in primary care.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Sibel is a faculty member at Chamberlain University, where she educates future healthcare leaders on the implementation of strategies to drive policy change and improve healthcare quality metrics such as HEDIS measures. A seasoned speaker, she has presented on a range of critical healthcare topics, including deprescribing strategies, hospital-at-home models, and the integration of pharmacologic therapy in weight management.

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evide... Show more

Dr Pedram Hayati is the founder and CEO of SecDim, where he helps developers to balance engineering velocity with application security rigor. As a researcher across both offensive security and application security, Pedram has:

* Published 25 + zero-day advisories since 2005
* Reported thousands of vulnerabilities to Fortune 500 companies
* Led the global penetration-testing unit at the world’s second-largest defence contractor

Holding a PhD in Information Security & Machine Learning, Pedram lectures postgraduate cyber-security at the University of New South Wales – Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW ADFA) and founded SecTalks.org, a multinational non-profit security community with more than 25,000 members. His research regularly features on the global stage at Black Hat, DEF CON, FIRSTCon, NDC, and OWASP AppSec.

Dr Pedram Hayati is the founder and CEO of SecDim, where he helps developers to balance engineering velocity with application security rigor. As a researcher across both offensive security and application security, Pedram has: * Published 25 + zer... Show more

Moisés Jauregui-Sanchez is a researcher and analyst who believes technology should work for everyone, regardless of age. As the creator of "El Gerontogamificador"—a newsletter read by over 22,000 professionals—and ranked #1 EdTech voice in Mexico by Favikon, he has become a leading voice in the Spanish-speaking world for educational gerontechnology, exploring how digital tools can empower older adults and transform learning.

With a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and a PhD in progress at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Moisés is designing serious games to stimulate cognitive health. His approach combines rigorous academic research with practical classroom experience, having taught web development, AI integration, and software engineering at universities across Mexico.

A masterclass speaker and Perplexity AI Business Fellow, Moisés has shared his vision with audiences at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and beyond. His talks bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and the deeply human need for inclusive, accessible education and technology.

Moisés Jauregui-Sanchez is a researcher and analyst who believes technology should work for everyone, regardless of age. As the creator of "El Gerontogamificador"—a newsletter read by over 22,000 professionals—and ranked #1 EdTech voice in Mexico by ... Show more

Máté Benyovszky is the Head of IT Development and AI at the Hungarian Integrity Authority, supporting the agency's work through the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies. He has over 15 years of experience in the IT sector, with a background that includes roles as a project manager, business analyst, and presales specialist in the development field.

Máté is also the founder and co-President of the Hungarian Robotics Association.

He has a passion for finding innovative solutions, whether for future strategies, efficient processes, or new applications. His professional approach is centered on solving problems and supporting people. He is also a dedicated tech enthusiast with a love for future and green technologies, always looking for opportunities to evolve and improve.

He earned his MSc in IT Engineering from Pázmány Péter Catholic University, followed by postgraduate specializations in E-commerce and Bionic Computing. He also pursued PhD studies in Cognitive Science at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME).

A PMP-certified project manager and an expert in several Microsoft technologies, Máté actively follows the latest trends and developments. In his presentations and publications, he showcases the practical applications of AI and robotics, particularly for business process optimization and enhancing efficiency. His work contributes to ensuring that artificial intelligence is used more widely to create tangible value.

Máté Benyovszky is the Head of IT Development and AI at the Hungarian Integrity Authority, supporting the agency's work through the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies. He has over 15 years of experience in the IT sector, with a backgroun... Show more

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team.

During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invents and dozens of other AWS and 3rd party events, covering a range of topics including: networking, DNS, cost optimisation, and the Amazon Culture of Innovation.

Now as CEO of Rayo (an AWS Advanced Partner), Matt continues to help customers make use of cloud to deliver great outcomes for the public sector and beyond.

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team. During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invent... Show more

Sven Seiler holds the position of Managing Director at Storm Reply GmbH, a trailblazer in the field of cloud software development and strategic cloud consulting. Built upon a solid academic foundation, he has spent several years delving deep into cloud computing, Internet of Things, and mobility technologies.

As the Managing Director of Storm Reply, he leads an array of teams that tackle various facets of software development and modernization, cloud migrations, and cloud consulting - all grounded in Amazon Web Services.

Outside of work, Sven is not only a co-founder and active participant in the AWS User Groups in Dortmund and Düsseldorf, but he also co-organizes the AWS Community Day DACH. In these communities, he enthusiastically shares his expertise and experiences with like-minded individuals. Moreover, he regularly participates in hackathons to evaluate and explore new technologies and forward-thinking topics, initiatives he organizes alongside his colleagues.

Furthermore, Sven is passionate about integrating cloud computing more effectively into academic education. He frequently supervises academic work on the subject and, in collaboration with Bochum University, organizes a "Cloud School." Through these efforts, he aims to shape the next generation of cloud experts and raise awareness for this pivotal technology.

Sven Seiler holds the position of Managing Director at Storm Reply GmbH, a trailblazer in the field of cloud software development and strategic cloud consulting. Built upon a solid academic foundation, he has spent several years delving deep into clo... Show more

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty.

Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. With a background as a former Fortune 100 Vice President of Automation Transformation and Certified Public Accountant, she brings rare executive credibility to the human side of leadership.

Through neuroscience-backed, multisensory experiences — integrating music, movement, mindfulness, and storytelling — Shawntà teaches leaders the bio hacks of presence, regulation, and influence. Her work reveals what’s felt but rarely named in modern organizations: how overstimulation, unregulated pressure, and emotional misalignment quietly erode performance, trust, and decision-making.

She is the founder of The Clarity Lab™ and creator of the Catch → Convert → Create™ system of nervous system regulation.

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty. Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. ... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more

I’m a strategist and systems thinker who helps organizations rethink how they build and live with technology, bridging the gap between innovation and execution with clarity, purpose, and just enough rebellion. My work focuses less on tools and more on how people and organizations think, especially as AI reshapes how work gets done.

I’ve led digital transformation and AI initiatives across government, healthcare, education, and enterprise environments, often in moments of ambiguity, constraint, and rapid change. I specialize in untangling complexity, surfacing hidden assumptions, and helping organizations design systems that can adapt, rather than break, the moment priorities shift.

In my talks, I blend systems strategy, organizational insight, and storytelling to challenge how we define “future-ready” technology. Because the real challenge with AI isn’t capability, it’s whether the systems we build can move with change, and whether humans are still allowed room for judgment, context, and evolution inside them.

I’m a strategist and systems thinker who helps organizations rethink how they build and live with technology, bridging the gap between innovation and execution with clarity, purpose, and just enough rebellion. My work focuses less on tools and more o... Show more

Manuel Dolderer is an economist, edupreneur, and advocate for transformative learning. He co-founded CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin in 2017 and served as its founding president until 2023, building an innovative learning environment based on curiosity-driven, project-based education.
Manuel studied economics, philosophy, and cultural studies at Witten/Herdecke University, and has now returned to his Alma Mater as project lead transformation.
As a keynote speaker, advisor and entrepreneur he is dedicated to redesigning learning for human agency in the age of AI.

Manuel Dolderer is an economist, edupreneur, and advocate for transformative learning. He co-founded CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin in 2017 and served as its founding president until 2023, building an innovative learning environment ba... Show more

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career around transforming complex business challenges into scalable, human‑centered digital systems. Her work spans consulting, solution strategy, and hands‑on platform innovation, including contributions to community‑driven tools that expand Dynamics 365 capabilities.

A long‑time advocate for women in technology and a proud member of the Microsoft Federal Government ecosystem, Tina brings a blend of technical mastery, empathy, and real‑world implementation insight to every stage of digital transformation. Her background includes leadership in anti‑trafficking advocacy and accessibility‑focused volunteer work, reflecting her commitment to technology that empowers people.

Recognized for her passion, clarity, and ability to demystify complex systems, Tina is a dynamic speaker who inspires audiences to embrace modern business applications, rethink customer engagement, and unlock the full potential of the Power Platform.

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career aroun... Show more

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He has previously worked as the lead of MidCamp and the Drupal Event Organizer Working Group and is now on the board of Midwest Open Source Alliance. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal implementations for high-ed and non-profits.

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He has previously worked as the lead of MidCamp and the Drupal Event Organizer Working Group and is now on the board of Midwest Open Source Alliance. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal imp... Show more

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and digitalization.

With his extensive experience in research and practice, he has designed numerous projects, publications, and interactive workshops that present complex topics such as digital transformation in an accessible and practical way. His combination of academia, practice, and creativity inspires others to actively transform education.

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and d... Show more