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 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

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

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has received the Microsoft MVP award for data platforms for the last decade and continues to play a critical role in the building of technology communities across Africa and mentoring young professionals.

When he is not solving real world problems, he spends his free time doing CrossFit or mountain biking.

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has rec... 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

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadership et à structurer leur gouvernance en s’appuyant sur des outils agiles concrets et une prise de décision éclairée.
Je place l’humain au cœur des transformations, convaincu que l’amélioration continue est une opportunité pour chacun. J’encourage un apprentissage permanent et le développement de l’esprit critique, indispensables pour naviguer dans un monde en constante évolution. Mon rôle est d’ouvrir des perspectives, de challenger les certitudes et de créer des environnements propices à l’expérimentation et à l’adaptabilité.

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadersh... Show more

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

Interviewing persons with low vision for her day job at an Assistive Tech Development company, Laura is learning more about barriers every day. And enthusiastic about sharing it! With a special interest in all things accessibility (both online and offline) she's enthusiastic to talk about braille keyboards, trashcans and bad urban planning, how blindness is a spectum, and most importandly: That web accessibility is a tool to build an inclusive society.

Interviewing persons with low vision for her day job at an Assistive Tech Development company, Laura is learning more about barriers every day. And enthusiastic about sharing it! With a special interest in all things accessibility (both online and of... Show more

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

Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and corporations in Australia and India, including Vodafone, Coles, and Charles Darwin University, Basware, Teamlease EdTech, UPES where he specialized in global partnerships, student mobility, business development, sales & marketing, customer experience, relationship building, and many more fields.

As the Founder & CEO of the GORI Foundation, he is driving initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering students, educators, and communities. He actively mentors startups and innovators through the Ministry of Education’s Institution Innovation Council (India), Jagriti Enterprises, and other platforms, helping early-stage ventures shape their growth journey.

Charanpal is a recognized Innovation Ambassador, mentor, and evaluator for the Government of India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and regularly collaborates with universities worldwide to create opportunities for cross-cultural learning, student exchange, and knowledge transfer. He is also well-versed in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and other advanced digital solutions, bringing a tech-driven edge to his expertise. He has hands-on experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, WordPress, and a range of emerging AI tools such as ChatGPT Gamma, etc., leveraging these platforms to drive impact in business, education, and innovation.

A visionary thought leader at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and technology, he is passionate about building global bridges, enabling innovation-driven growth, and creating social impact at scale.

Charanpal Singh is a global strategist, mentor, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in international relations, business development, Social Activities, Entrepreneurship and innovation. He has worked with leading institutions and c... Show more

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 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

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 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

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

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

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strategic approach to measuring cybersecurity effectiveness in operational environments. Paul has guided top institutions including DARPA, the U.S. Navy, Deutsche Bank, and the IMF. His insights have appeared in Forbes, Financial Times, CNBC, and ABC News. He holds CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, and NSA IAM certifications and completed executive programs at Cambridge, IMD, and Edinburgh Business School. He also chairs White Hat USA, supporting Children’s National Medical Center.

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strateg... Show more

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Kieran supports organisations through digital transformation and the adoption of new Microsoft technologies, including AI-powered business applications and agents.

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, K... Show more

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

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

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

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

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, 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

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizations. His work focuses on helping organizations and governments understand, prepare for, and respond to complex cyber risk shaped by geopolitical dynamics, operational constraints, and real-world consequences.

Josh currently serves as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) within a large U.S. healthcare organization, where he aligns cybersecurity strategy with business growth, regulatory requirements, and patient care operations. In this role, he translates technical risk into executive-level decision-making, enables secure expansion, and embeds cybersecurity into enterprise transformation initiatives.

In parallel, Josh supports international cyber capacity-building efforts as a senior cybersecurity advisor to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and its Cyber Defense Center. His contributions include developing incident response frameworks, defining organizational structures, building sustainable cyber workforce pipelines, designing and delivering large-scale exercises, and advising senior leaders on governance, metrics, and long-term operational resilience aligned with NATO and EUCOM objectives.

Josh also serves as an officer in the U.S. Air National Guard, specializing in cyberspace operations and international security advising. In this capacity, he contributes to operational planning, training, and leadership development, with experience integrating cyber considerations into joint and multi-domain environments.

Across government, military, and private-sector roles, Josh has designed and delivered tabletop exercises, crisis simulations, and decision-focused training for executive leaders, technical teams, and policymakers. These engagements emphasize risk-based thinking, mission impact, and leadership decision-making under uncertainty rather than purely technical response.

His professional background includes leadership in incident response, security governance, vulnerability management, application security, regulatory compliance, and metrics-driven security programs. He has worked across frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and NATO-aligned models, with an emphasis on practicality, repeatability, and measurable outcomes.

Josh’s work consistently operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and organizational leadership—helping leaders understand not only what could happen, but why it matters, when decisions must be made, and how to act effectively in complex environments.

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizatio... Show more

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

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-based learning opportunities. She is Co-Founder for Sri Raagni Organics. A Startup World Cup Mentor and advocate for personal branding, she also works in data analytics and has a LinkedIn community of over 11K followers with 9,05,400 + annual impressions.

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-bas... Show more

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account.

Some previous presentations:
- BSides Oslo 2024 - Keynote - Exploring the World of Ethical Hacking: From Web Vulnerabilities to Election Security (partial recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwWPzRceCgs)
- HelloStavanger 2024 - 5 sikkerhetsfeil hos Storebrand (not recorded)
- Javazone 2020 - Overvåke gata eller finne korrupsjon Norges data er ferdig indeksert, https://vimeo.com/showcase/7568031/video/459871711
- ISF Høstkonferansen 2018 + Meetups 2018 (OWASP Oslo / Javabin Sørlandet) - Walk-through of responsible disclosures I've done
- Javazone 2017 - Lightning talk - Æ fant data, https://2017.javazone.no/program/a181ba49a1e1450c9a37d0d793a3e4ec

Architect at Storebrand by day. Making a better society by night. Transparency, openness, and evaluating security and privacy in various systems. Managing Norway's largest database of public records, covering 686 authorities. Holding power to account... Show more

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