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

Csongor Vogel

Csongor Vogel

I'm a Staff Mobile Software Engineer at talabat, the leading food delivery platform in the MENA region (part of Delivery Hero), and a Google Developer Expert in Flutter & Dart. Based in Dubai and originally from Hungary, I combine engineering leadership with a strong focus on mentorship and developer enablement.

As a developer community organizer (Flutter Abu Dhabi and Dubai ), I'm passionate about helping startups adopt the right technologies early and scale their engineering practices effectively from the beginning.

My current focus is on integrating AI solutions into the Software Developer Life Cycle and building other agentic workflows.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge by speaking at conferences and meetups, as well as teaching students in Hungary's first Flutter University class.

In more details:
- https://github.com/gerfalcon

I'm a Staff Mobile Software Engineer at talabat, the leading food delivery platform in the MENA region (part of Delivery Hero), and a Google Developer Expert in Flutter & Dart. Based in Dubai and originally from Hungary, I combine engineering leaders... Show more

Svitlana Samko

Svitlana Samko

Svitlana Samko is a leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. With her unwavering commitment to guiding and empowering others, she has made a significant impact on the careers and professional growth of numerous individuals.

As a Technical Project Manager at Verizon Connect and CEO of W2business IT Academy, Svitlana has demonstrated her exceptional mentoring skills by inspiring non-technical individuals to pursue and thrive in the IT field. Her dedication to helping others develop the necessary skills to embark on successful IT careers is truly inspiring.

Svitlana's influence extends beyond her professional roles. She serves as the President at Toastmasters, where she fosters an environment of learning and skill development. Additionally, she is the Lead of Circle of Women Association, actively championing gender equality and promoting opportunities for women in technology.

In recognition of her vast knowledge and expertise, Svitlana is actively involved in various mentoring programs and initiatives. She serves as an e-Mentor for EQUALS Tech4Girls, guiding and supporting young women in their pursuit of tech-related careers. In the ICT Skillnet Future in Tech Mentor Programme, she serves as a Mentor and Coach on the Web Developer path, helping aspiring professionals navigate the challenges of the industry.

Svitlana's dedication to community engagement is commendable. As a Co-organizer of Test IT Meetup and Dublin Agile Project Management Meetup, she fosters a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and networking. She is also an active volunteer, contributing her time and expertise to organizations such as Junior Achievement Ireland and CoderDojo, where she mentors and teaches young children the fundamentals of computer programming.

Svitlana's impact reaches even further as she actively shares her knowledge and experiences as a champion and speaker at various IT conferences and panels. She has presented at esteemed events such as Agile Lean Ireland Conference, Browserstack ChatGPT Fireside panel, Google GDG Ireland, SnykCon, and EuropeClouds Summit. Her contributions to these platforms have inspired countless individuals and sparked meaningful discussions on the future of technology.

Svitlana Samko is a leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. With her unwavering commitment to guiding and empowering others, she has made a significant impact on the careers and professional growth of numerous individual... 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

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

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, unter anderem durch ihre Mitarbeit am KI-Sprint.
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

Letícia Barbosa

Letícia Barbosa

Atuo com TI há 24 anos e já trabalhei nas mais diversas áreas.
Estou há mais de 13 anos na Prodesp e trabalho articulando as áreas da empresa, buscando: comunicação entre as áreas, troca de experiência com outras empresas, estudo de novas tecnologias e assuntos para ampliar o repertório, apoio a líderes e liderados com práticas/treinamentos usando o ágil, o Design Thinking e principalmente, a comunicação.
Também atuo na comissão de inovação da Prodesp e na 1a comunidade dse Design Sprint no Brasil!
Atuei como redatora voluntária pelo IBEGESP - Instituto Brasileiro de Educação em Gestão Pública em 2022, com quatro artigos publicados no https://radar.ibegesp.org.br/
Sou uma mulher guerreira, alegre, a filha mais velha de três irmãos, aquela que tinha que dar o exemplo em casa. Tenho 2 filhas e estou num momento de desbravar novos caminhos e ir além, por mim, por minhas filhas e por todos que estão à minha volta. O meu negócio é gente, é promover desenvolvimento humano. Compartilhar conhecimento e sempre ajudar quem eu puder, como puder.
Que sejamos a gotinha no oceano que faz toda a diferença!

Atuo com TI há 24 anos e já trabalhei nas mais diversas áreas. Estou há mais de 13 anos na Prodesp e trabalho articulando as áreas da empresa, buscando: comunicação entre as áreas, troca de experiência com outras empresas, estudo de novas tecnologia... Show more

Onyi Anyado

Onyi Anyado

Onyi Anyado is an internationally acclaimed Leadership Speaker, Futurist, and Corporate Trainer renowned for his dynamic keynotes and bespoke training programs. With a global footprint that spans Canada, Norway, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Nigeria, Onyi empowers organisations and leaders to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Drawing from his powerful life story and legacy titled 'From Detention to Distinction', Onyi delivers transformative insights on future thinking, leadership development, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. His clients include world-class organisations such as Barclays, EY, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Company.

Whether on stage or in the boardroom, Onyi delivers thought-provoking content with clarity and impact equipping today’s leaders to lead with discipline, distinction and disruption.

Onyi has called 2025 'The Year of Strategic Distinction'.

Onyi Anyado is an internationally acclaimed Leadership Speaker, Futurist, and Corporate Trainer renowned for his dynamic keynotes and bespoke training programs. With a global footprint that spans Canada, Norway, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, a... Show more

Aubrey Wade

Aubrey Wade

Aubrey Wade is a seasoned consulting professional, speaker, coach, and blogger with a passion for transforming workplace relationships and driving positive change. Based in Memphis, TN, she specializes in helping organizations improve processes, build strong teams, and guide C-suite leaders in driving company-wide transformation. With a hands-on, results-driven approach, Aubrey isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo to help companies reach their full potential.

Armed with a degree in Psychology and over 20 years of experience in technology, Aubrey has successfully partnered with multiple Fortune 300 companies to enhance team dynamics, streamline processes, and deliver consistent, successful releases. Her expertise spans organizational transformation, enterprise reporting, and optimizing performance at all levels.

Outside of her consulting work, Aubrey is a devoted wife, sister, and mother to three daughters, and she enjoys speaking and teaching across the country. Her greatest passion is helping people grow — starting with herself — through personal development, professional coaching, and leadership guidance.

Aubrey Wade is a seasoned consulting professional, speaker, coach, and blogger with a passion for transforming workplace relationships and driving positive change. Based in Memphis, TN, she specializes in helping organizations improve processes, buil... Show more

Aanvi Dogra

Aanvi Dogra

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. She takes pride in uplifting her community, especially young students and she does this by volunteer organizations and clubs. In her free time, she enjoys working with kids and fostering a passion for STEM within children, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. Sh... Show more

Brigitte Bergery

Brigitte Bergery

Además de ser creadora de contenidos para gente de trabajo, facilito el encuentro entre personas y organizaciones a través de charlas, capacitaciones, búsqueda y selección de personal e incluso asesorías 1a1 habiendo acompañado ya a más de 250 profesionales de los más diversos rubros y senioritys.

Algunos de los temas que desarrollo:
➡️ Empleabilidad
➡️ Networking
➡️ Armado de CV
➡️ Uso de LinkedIn
➡️ Marca personal y redes sociales

Enseñar sobre empleabilidad es una tarea fundamental para avanzar en pos de lograr varios de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible: en Argentina solo 3 de cada 10 personas en edad laboral recibió información sobre empleabilidad durante la educación formal.

Participé en:
🧪 LABURAtorio (evento presencial organizado por Fundación Banco Nación)
🚀 CoderCamp by Coderhouse 3era Temporada.
☁️ AWS Community Day Argentina 2024 (evento presencial realizado en UADE).
▶️ Work Festival 2024 (evento presencial organizado por Takenos)

Confiaron en mi para brindar este conocimiento a sus alumnos:
📚 Dirección de Educación Técnica de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
🖱 Potrero Digital
🌱 Escuela Técnica de Jardinería Cristobal Hicken
🚪 Puerta 18
💻 Digital NAO By TecMilenio
💻 Hackademy & HackWomen

Colaboro también con diferentes comunidades profesionales que buscan potenciar el desarrollo de sus integrantes:
💻 Sin Jr No Hay Sr
🌿 Clorofila
🔎 On Empleo
💼 CIMA Academy
💻 Share IT

Además de ser creadora de contenidos para gente de trabajo, facilito el encuentro entre personas y organizaciones a través de charlas, capacitaciones, búsqueda y selección de personal e incluso asesorías 1a1 habiendo acompañado ya a más de 250 profes... Show more

Boomie Odumade

Boomie Odumade

Boomie is a senior software engineering leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling engineering teams and platforms. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and helping others grow into their fullest potential, while keeping things fun and practical.

Boomie has shaped and led engineering teams at companies including Accenture, NPR, and Capital One. She currently oversees the engineering organization at a fast-moving technology company. Beyond her day job, Boomie is an active speaker, mentor, and board trustee for organizations that advance leadership development and STEM education.

Her talks bring an energetic, grounded perspective to topics like engineering leadership, team strategy, developer enablement, and building healthy technical cultures.

Recent talks and speaking topics are listed below.

Boomie is available for conferences, webinars, and corporate training sessions focused on engineering leadership, technical strategy, and authentic leadership development.

Boomie is a senior software engineering leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling engineering teams and platforms. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and helping others grow into their fullest pot... 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

Tom Overton

Tom Overton

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

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

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

Adina Cristocea

Adina Cristocea

Adina Cristocea, M.A., Trainer for Diversity and Inclusion and Participation Peer Counselor at EUTB® (Complementary independent participation counselling), combines her background in psychology of excellence, coaching and instructional design to discuss strategies for building inclusive digital products. Her personal and professional experience in participation policies and programs informs her approach to creating accessible and engaging digital experiences for neurodiverse users.

Adina Cristocea, M.A., Trainer for Diversity and Inclusion and Participation Peer Counselor at EUTB® (Complementary independent participation counselling), combines her background in psychology of excellence, coaching and instructional design to disc... 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
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

“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.”

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

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

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more

Astrid Ruppin

Astrid Ruppin

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin
2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin
Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin
- Projektteam Einführung eines Social Intranets
- Interne Kommunikation
- Projektleitung Einführung Microsoft 365 im Unternehmen
- Microsoft 365 Cloud Navigator
- SO SharePoint, Teams, Viva Engage u.a. M365-Tools

Diplom-Soziologin und Betriebsinformatikerin 2002 - 2014: Consultant für die Bereitstellung von Websites und die Einführung von Intranets und IT-Trainerin Seit April 2014 bei WBS GRUPPE als Digital Experience Managerin - Projektteam Einführung ein... Show more

Joakim von Prónay

Joakim von Prónay

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

Lolu Olufemi

Lolu Olufemi

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity.

Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived in seven different cities, Lolu has experienced first-hand the complexities of personal and professional transitions. Her journey from finance to change management consulting has taught her one crucial lesson: change is about people.

With an MBA from Imperial College London and 18+ years of experience in the Big 4 leading teams and working with multi-national clients, Lolu brings hands-on expertise in people-centred change management. Her practical, jargon-free approach has helped organisations across finance, retail, government, and media navigate change successfully by putting people at the heart of change.

Known for her engaging #LoluLessons across social media, Lolu makes change management accessible, actionable, and human.

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity. Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived ... 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

Andrew Paul

Andrew Paul

Was a developer, then a teacher, then a lecturer and now a trainer at Instil. Having completed the circle, he very much wants to ensure that the circle joins, flows and radiates for current and future industry professionals.

Was a developer, then a teacher, then a lecturer and now a trainer at Instil. Having completed the circle, he very much wants to ensure that the circle joins, flows and radiates for current and future industry professionals. 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

Shawn Oden

Shawn Oden

Back in the olden days, before that thing we call Y2K, I was a pilot, but then I accidentally became a programmer. And now I'm a data monkey. Nearly all of my career has been spent working in Background Screening, Healthcare, Insurance, Government or Military, where cybersecurity has played a fairly heavy role. I've learned quite a bit about quite a lot, and my interest has been piqued in more topics than I can ever hope to master.

On the current step of my adventure, I find myself on the path as a DBA for the U.S. Army.

And I'm still more curious than is probably good for me.

Back in the olden days, before that thing we call Y2K, I was a pilot, but then I accidentally became a programmer. And now I'm a data monkey. Nearly all of my career has been spent working in Background Screening, Healthcare, Insurance, Government or... Show more

Mohannad Tazi

Mohannad Tazi

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and international tech events. He has trained and coached 500+ students in AI and Data Science, and focuses on making complex AI concepts accessible to Moroccan developers in Darija.

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and intern... Show more

Ursula Spencer

Ursula Spencer

Ursula Spencer is an eDiscovery and information governance SME with deep roots in enterprise Microsoft ecosystems. She pioneered and led the Federal Reserve System’s eDiscovery function following the 2008 financial crisis, designing defensible data collection and review workflows across 12 Reserve Banks. Her work supported Congressional investigations, regulatory audits, and high risk litigation, reducing manual processing by over 80 percent while maintaining NIST and FISMA aligned audit readiness. She has since led system wide migrations to Microsoft 365, designed governance ready collaboration environments, and advised public and private sector organizations on secure, people centered M365 adoption.

Today, Ursula designs secure, people centered adoption strategies for public sector, education, and enterprise organizations. She specializes in translating emerging technologies including AI, XR, VR, and AR into governed, scalable solutions that accelerate transformation while protecting data and compliance posture. Her approach blends deep technical expertise with change leadership, helping organizations safely navigate AI’s inflection point.

An award winning technologist, she has spoken at Politico LIVE, Microsoft Elevate and Innovate, BaddieCon, CIAA Tech Summit House, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where she shares practical frameworks for AI readiness, collaboration at scale, and career reinvention in emerging tech.

Ursula Spencer is an eDiscovery and information governance SME with deep roots in enterprise Microsoft ecosystems. She pioneered and led the Federal Reserve System’s eDiscovery function following the 2008 financial crisis, designing defensible data c... 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

Israel Odeajo

Israel Odeajo

Israel Odeajo is an accomplished professional with over ten years of diverse experience in technology and data science. Currently, he serves as an AI Engineer and Data Coach at Join Momentum in the United Kingdom and as a Machine Learning Engineer at BTC Creative Labs in Germany. His career spans key roles including software engineer, database administrator, team lead, data analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and AI engineer—across multiple sectors such as education, politics, energy, law, fintech, and NGOs.

Israel’s expertise extends to academic contributions, having published approximately five research papers and presented at renowned conferences, including Deep Learning Indaba, ICLR, Data Science Africa, and Data Science Nigeria. As an invited speaker and faculty member, he has shared his insights at various international forums in Africa, Europe, Asia, and America.

In addition to his technical and academic achievements, Israel has served as a facilitator with Techskill, UK, and as a teaching assistant with Neuroscience Academy, where he imparts advanced knowledge in deep learning. His influence in the technology space is further recognized through his ambassadorial roles with Zindi Africa and Data Dev Ambassador for Tableau. Israel is also a certified data trainer with Atlan Turing College, UK, following an intensive eight-week training program.

His professional certifications include credentials as a Google IT Specialist, Google Web/Mobile Specialist, Microsoft Data Scientist, and Microsoft AI Responsible Certified professional, among others. This diverse blend of experience and expertise underscores his commitment to advancing technology and data innovation on a global scale.

Israel Odeajo is an accomplished professional with over ten years of diverse experience in technology and data science. Currently, he serves as an AI Engineer and Data Coach at Join Momentum in the United Kingdom and as a Machine Learning Engineer at... Show more

Necer Ashraf

Necer Ashraf

Necer Ashraf is an accomplished technology trainer, consultant, and facilitator with more than 14 years of experience spanning training, IT consulting, and business enablement. Renowned for his engaging style and ability to simplify complex concepts, he has successfully guided professionals, students, and organizations across India and the Middle East.

He began his career as an MCSE trainer and rose to become Domain Lead at the ICT Academy of Kerala, a role he will serve until January 2025. Alongside his leadership responsibilities, he continues to work as a trainer and consultant, specializing in Generative AI, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, and Soft Skills.

Necer holds an MTech in Electronics and Communications and has earned numerous professional certifications, including:

Security System Engineer, Dubai Police Academy
Certified Blockchain Associate, Kerala Blockchain Academy
Diploma in Cyber Law & Internet Crime Investigation, Asian School of Cyber Law
Diploma in Life Skills, National Institute for Training and Educational Research

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Necer has also pursued advanced certifications in Full Stack Development, Ethereum Development, Cloud Computing, International Law on E-Commerce, Digital Forensics, Data Science, Analytics, and Gen AI Tools.

With a proven ability to merge technical expertise with life skills, Necer equips learners with practical, future-ready knowledge while inspiring them to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Necer Ashraf is an accomplished technology trainer, consultant, and facilitator with more than 14 years of experience spanning training, IT consulting, and business enablement. Renowned for his engaging style and ability to simplify complex concepts,... Show more

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