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

Elena Marquetti-Ali

Elena Marquetti-Ali

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

Mauro Bennici

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 Ugoeze Okereke

Helen Ugoeze Okereke

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

Magali Milbergue

Magali Milbergue

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

Lea Hildermeier

Lea Hildermeier

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

Douglas Hubbard

Douglas Hubbard

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

Annabell Bils

Annabell Bils

seit 02/2022: Geschäftsführerin des Zentrums für Lernen und Innovation an der FernUniversität in Hagen.

07/2017-01/2021: Referentin für Hochschulstrategie und Digitalisierung an der Fernuniversität in Hagen.

05/2014-06/2017: Studiengangskoordinatorin an der FernUniversität in Hagen.

10/2011-04/2014: wissenschaftliche Angestellte (Postdoc) an der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Bildungswissenschaften am Lehrstuhl für Mediendidaktik und Wissensmanagement.

10/2010-09/2011: Lehrstuhlvertreterin des Lehrgebiets Bildungstechnologie der FernUniversität in Hagen.

09/2008-09/2010: PostDoc an der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fachbereich Bildungswissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Mediendidaktik und Wissensmanagement.

seit 02/2022: Geschäftsführerin des Zentrums für Lernen und Innovation an der FernUniversität in Hagen. 07/2017-01/2021: Referentin für Hochschulstrategie und Digitalisierung an der Fernuniversität in Hagen. 05/2014-06/2017: Studiengangskoordin... Show more

Mickie Brewer

Mickie Brewer

I am Mickie Brewer owner of 360Cloud, Inc., a Consulting & Training company that specializes in Office 365/Microsoft 365. Since 2010 I have been helping clients learn and implement SharePoint as well as other M365 apps. As a certified Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist, I lead companies into the Modern Workplace by focusing on user adoption and building more efficiencies for teams and individuals, so the organization realize the full potential and ROI of M365.

Over the years I have built specialties in; training, cloud migrations, designing engaging Intranets, planning site and information architecture as well as security and compliance for records management.

I am a leader in user groups that include both M365 focus and Women in tech.

I love to bring back the focus on people in technology. "Work is no longer a place, but the people and culture they foster." ~ Mickie

I am Mickie Brewer owner of 360Cloud, Inc., a Consulting & Training company that specializes in Office 365/Microsoft 365. Since 2010 I have been helping clients learn and implement SharePoint as well as other M365 apps. As a certified Microsoft Servi... Show more

Monika Rajput

Monika Rajput

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

Nathan Sweeney

Nathan Sweeney

Nathan has 15 years of IT experience and has been using Microsoft Azure for the last 9 of those years. Whilst helping build cloud centre of excellences for many MSP's around the world Nathan loves to help business and customers alike accelerate cloud adoption bringing the untold advantages to businesses, especially around the use of AI.

Nathan works for KPMG as the European Microsoft AI Lead advising some of the worlds biggest customers and users of how AI can be leveraged to improve their businesses ranging from financial services organisations to government departments.

Outside of work Nathan has a passion for helping the community and is known for co-founding the South Coast Summit, the South Coast User Group in the UK, speaking at events and being a Microsoft MVP.

Nathan has 15 years of IT experience and has been using Microsoft Azure for the last 9 of those years. Whilst helping build cloud centre of excellences for many MSP's around the world Nathan loves to help business and customers alike accelerate clou... Show more

Máté Benyovszky

Máté Benyovszky

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

Pedram Hayati

Pedram Hayati

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

Monica "Nikki" Flores

Monica "Nikki" Flores

Flores facilitates the development of digital products as a Certified ScrumMaster® and senior technical project manager at Lullabot, a strategy, design, and development agency which supports redevelopment and new rollouts for state government, Fortune 100 brands, higher education, and enterprise technology companies.

Flores led the project that placed 2nd in the country for Government Experience in 2024. Flores is an individual winner of the FutureHack Hack for Good 2021 award and a recipient of the 2018 and 2019 NTENny Award. Her latest re-platforming project ranked 1st out of 1958 peer .gov sites in December 2024 for accessibility and security.

Nikki speaks at conferences and panels on accessibility, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Flores facilitates the development of digital products as a Certified ScrumMaster® and senior technical project manager at Lullabot, a strategy, design, and development agency which supports redevelopment and new rollouts for state government, Fortun... Show more

Candor Dennis

Candor Dennis

Candor Dennis is a Design Thinking Strategist, program manager and innovator who helps brands and business begin to appreciate the benefit of using design thinking to aid their processes.

She started her tech journey in 2019 as a web developer and web tutor and has helped over collectively 700 people get started in tech.
With a mind shift from Front end web development, she has experience using front end web technologies to create interfaces that provide web based solutions.
As a program manager who uses design thinking, she is advancing to building better work culture and bringing projects to life while meeting success.

She is passionate about helping young ones become tech savvy as she volunteers regularly for events and programs that are driven to this cause.She currently serves as an Ambassador at Women Techmakers and the lead for Women Techmakers Aba.

She is a team player and is very collaborative in working with like minds to build solutions to problems using technology

Candor Dennis is a Design Thinking Strategist, program manager and innovator who helps brands and business begin to appreciate the benefit of using design thinking to aid their processes. She started her tech journey in 2019 as a web developer and... Show more

Estephani Rivera Jaramillo

Estephani Rivera Jaramillo

Soy Estephani Rivera Jaramillo, actualmente me desempeño como Senior Data Scientist en Protecta Security, donde lidero proyectos para automatizar tareas, procesos y actividades, permitiendo que una empresa tome decisiones basadas en datos y acompañándola en su camino a convertirse en una empresa data driven. Trabajo con Python, Oracle SQL, Qlik Sense Developer y RStudio. En lo que respecta a entornos cloud, estoy a cargo de la migración a AWS (S3, Glue, Athena). También he desarrollado y capacitado en modelos de ciencia de datos, incluyendo modelos de análisis y modelos predictivos, aplicando técnicas de machine learning (MLOps).

En lo que respecta a la Inteligencia Artificial, he trabajado aplicando Forecast y acompañando el proceso de la implementación de chatbots a través de intenciones. Además, disfruto de usar profesionalmente IA Generativa a través de Canva y otros programas que son muy útiles para acelerar tareas.

En mis tiempos libres, lidero mi comunidad Data Ladies para seguir apoyando en el empoderamiento de más mujeres en tecnología. También comparto información sobre data, analítica y ciencia de datos a través de mis redes sociales (Instagram: stef_9_18 y TikTok: @estephaniriveraja). Actualmente, estoy creando un ambiente dedicado a la consultoría y capacitaciones llamado Number9 y subiendo mis códigos a mi perfil de GitHub.

Soy Estephani Rivera Jaramillo, actualmente me desempeño como Senior Data Scientist en Protecta Security, donde lidero proyectos para automatizar tareas, procesos y actividades, permitiendo que una empresa tome decisiones basadas en datos y acompañán... Show more

Tomasz Osmanowski

Tomasz Osmanowski

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

Profe Matías

Profe Matías

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming languages, Systems Analysis and Design, Databases, AI, Operating Systems, Networks and Free Software. Member of Ubuntu-ar, CaFeLUG, ClementinaOrg and SysArmy, promoter of the use of Free Software in education, organizes and participates in events to disseminate the use of free software and free access to information and knowledge, for which he also develops and share content on your website and social networks. Consultant in migration to Free Software platforms for companies and public or private institutions.

Professor and Technician in Applied Informatics, graduated from the National Higher Institute of Technical Teachers of UTN. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, he currently teaches at a higher level and specializes in programming language... Show more

Benoît Darroux

Benoît 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 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

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

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

Samia Durrani

Samia Durrani

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this by providing mentoring sessions, guest lectures to university courses and helping to lead D&I initiatives.

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this... Show more

Chidi C. Iwuchukwu

Chidi C. Iwuchukwu

Chidi C. Iwuchukwu is the Founder & Executive Director of The Resilient Immigrant Foundation (TRIF) and a Resilience Keynote Speaker & Author. He works with leaders, educators, and organizations navigating pressure, uncertainty, and transition, helping them build mental strength and sustainable performance.
He is the author of Learn to Live Forward, a resilience-centered leadership book shaped by lived experience and practical application. His earlier book, Coming to Canada, reached #1 Hot New Release in Canada Travel Guides on Amazon.ca. Through TRIF and his speaking engagements, Chidi supports individuals and institutions seeking long-term growth through resilience and disciplined self-leadership.

Chidi C. Iwuchukwu is the Founder & Executive Director of The Resilient Immigrant Foundation (TRIF) and a Resilience Keynote Speaker & Author. He works with leaders, educators, and organizations navigating pressure, uncertainty, and transition, helpi... Show more

Sergio Macías

Sergio Macías

I really enjoy helping organizations grow their business with solutions based on more than 12 years of experience. Passionate about helping other professionals and exchanging ideas and practices. Experience in SMEs and business organizations with more than 400 users, presenter in local user groups for Dynamics, founder of Empowering-U, an organization that brings technology to students from different universities with free talks and workshops.

I really enjoy helping organizations grow their business with solutions based on more than 12 years of experience. Passionate about helping other professionals and exchanging ideas and practices. Experience in SMEs and business organizations with mor... Show more

Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson

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

Cortina Caldwell

Cortina Caldwell

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmother’s wings. Nursing, then social work provided a foundation for understanding social health, community development and resource connection, and Cortina ultimately found her home in business as a way to build solutions for local communities from the ground up. Cortina earned her BS in Business, Social Science and Education, and a MA in Business Management & Leadership (MAML)from Liberty University. As a graduate student, Cortina conducted research on “Branding Authenticity”, and armed with new knowledge of the future of business, Cortina founded Visit & Ventureto address gaps between tourism economies and local economies, earning Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and a place in 40 Under Forty by the age of 26. Cortina re-branded the original model several times, evolving with community need and responding to first-party data - Cortina Jenelle Branding Agency(2014-2024), and Brand Evangelist™emerged with the age of AI in 2024. Cortina is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, the Lloyd International Honors College at UNC-Greensboro, and is a Full Stack Web Developer, an ICAgile Certified Pro (Savvy Coders), a Certified Creative Facilitator (PYE Global), and a member of Vantage Ventures & AscendWV, class of 2025. Cortina’s journey reflects a relentless commitment to transform vision into scalable impact through design, technology, and creative strategy, work carried out through the tech-forward approach of Brand Evangelist and its ecosystem. Cortina’s collective body of award-winning work spans decades and ripples throughout Southern Appalachia and abroad, with impact hubs in North Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Austrailia and more soon from West Virginia where she calls home.

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmot... Show more

Elsa Iguedjtal

Elsa Iguedjtal

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon expérience au service de ceux qui partagent mon quotidien, mais j'essaye avant tout de leur faire révéler leur propre potentiel, parfois des pépites qu'ils ignorent d'eux-mêmes...

Maman de 3 enfants, neuroatypique, féministe et fresqueuse du climat.

Agiliste convaincue, motivée par les petites victoires quotidiennes, émerveillée par la vie, et habitée par les valeurs du manifeste agile centrées sur l'humain, le respect, la bienveillance et l'amélioration continue. Je mets mes compétences et mon ... Show more

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist with a background in Public Policy, focused on building AI and data systems that work inside complex institutional environments.

Operating within government structures for over a decade, he explores how artificial intelligence, data governance and automation can strengthen — or destabilize — public decision-making systems.

Through his consulting firm Thinking OUT!, he designs practical frameworks for AI adoption, institutional resilience and digital transition in emerging economies.

His work combines technical experimentation, systems thinking and political awareness to transform AI from hype into structured implementation.

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist with a background in Public Policy, focused on building AI and data systems that work inside complex institutional environments. Operating within government structures for over a decade, he explores how artificia... Show more

Anna Lill

Anna Lill

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dissertation, Healing the Root Cause: Classic Psychedelics as Prevention Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder, addressed a previously unexamined gap in the prevention science literature by introducing the first formal exploration of the potential for psychedelic assisted prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder. She also holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in human services and behavioral science. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral health, addiction recovery, and education, Dr. Lill integrates research, teaching, and advocacy to advance health equity and harm reduction. As a licensed educator and Co-Owner of TE Recovery Homes, she is deeply committed to bridging science and compassion to transform prevention and public health by advancing evidence-informed, equity-centered approaches that address root causes of suffering, strengthen protective factors, and expand ethical pathways to care across education, treatment, and community systems.

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dissertation, Heal... Show more

Roksana Inga Rybicka

Roksana Inga Rybicka

Studentin an der EUV, Peer Tutorin für wissenschaftliche Schreiben & Lernen, Directorin für IT bei ELSA

Roksana ist eine leidenschaftliche Studentin im Bereich Rechtswissenschaften und steht kurz vor dem Abschluss ihres Studiums. Neben ihrem Engagement in der akademischen Welt ist sie auch eine begeisterte Webdesignerin und Programmiererin, mit einem besonderen Interesse an den Schnittstellen von Technologie und Recht. Als Peer Tutorin und Director für IT bei ELSA kombiniert sie ihre Liebe zu digitalen Innovationen mit ihrer Expertise im Bereich Bildung und Lehre. Sie engagiert sich zudem in internationalen Netzwerken und hat sich auf die Förderung von Zugänglichkeit und Empowerment spezialisiert.Sie liebt es, kreative Methoden wie Gamification in der Lehre zu integrieren, um Studierende aktiv in ihre Lernprozesse einzubinden und auf die Herausforderungen der digitalen Zukunft vorzubereiten.

Studentin an der EUV, Peer Tutorin für wissenschaftliche Schreiben & Lernen, Directorin für IT bei ELSA Roksana ist eine leidenschaftliche Studentin im Bereich Rechtswissenschaften und steht kurz vor dem Abschluss ihres Studiums. Neben ihrem Engag... Show more

Camila Hinojosa Añez

Camila Hinojosa Añez

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en entornos de realidad virtual y en proyectos de seguridad para microemprendedores en comercio electrónico. Me motiva contribuir, enseñar y apoyar a la comunidad tecnológica.

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en ent... Show more

Ben Dumke

Ben Dumke

Ben Dumke is the Senior Network & Systems Manager at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he leads the Operations Team supporting faculty, staff, and students. Prior to transitioning to higher education, Ben spent more than 20 years in K–12 IT, managing Microsoft technologies, infrastructure, and district-wide systems while navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape in schools.
He has contributed to national K–12 cybersecurity initiatives through his work with K12SIX, helping develop their Incident Response Runbook and Essential Cybersecurity Protections guidance. Ben serves on the boards of WiscNet and AITP - Wisconsin, and volunteers as an Incident Response Lead with the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team. He has presented at BrainStormK20, WiscNet events, the Wisconsin Governor’s Cybersecurity Summit, and the Midwest Management Summit.

Ben Dumke is the Senior Network & Systems Manager at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he leads the Operations Team supporting faculty, staff, and students. Prior to transitioning to higher education, Ben spent more than 20 years in K... Show more

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