Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, technology, and business innovation, Darya is a driving force in digital transformation, AI, and future workforce development.

As a C-level executive, entrepreneur, and mentor, Darya has shaped the success of enterprises, startups, and global initiatives by integrating emerging technologies with strategic growth frameworks. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work, addressing audiences at major global conferences, corporate summits, and executive retreats.

A passionate advocate for future-ready leadership, Darya believes that true innovation begins with a bold vision and the courage to challenge the status quo. She inspires business leaders to embrace AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, unlock new opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Impact & Achievements:
✅ Executive & Board Leadership: C-Level strategist with expertise in business transformation, revenue operations (RevOps), and strategic growth across global markets. Advisor to enterprises, government bodies, and tech innovators.
✅ Digital Transformation & AI Thought Leader: Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in AR/VR, AI, and Digital Transformation by Thinkers 360, shaping the dialogue on the future of business and technology.
✅ Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Speaker: Winner of the Global Female Leader Award in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader (#EYL40), Women in IT, and featured in Forbes, Inc.com, Business & Finance, and Irish Times.
✅ Future Workforce & EdTech Visionary: Led transformative EdTech initiatives, including EU-backed projects on AI and AR in education, impacting thousands of students across Europe.
✅ Women in Leadership & DEI Advocate: A strong voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mentoring female founders, startup leaders, and executives to break barriers in tech and business.

Speaking & Expertise:
🔹 Leadership in the Age of AI & Digital Disruption
🔹 The Future of Work: Skills, Adaptability & Innovation
🔹 Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies
🔹 Strategic Growth & Business Transformation
🔹 Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose & Resilience

Darya’s leadership journey, from entrepreneurial success to executive impact, serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and human-centric leadership, making her a powerful voice in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

🚀 Inspire. Lead. Transform. 🚀

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection... Show more

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human capital, and organizational growth. As a Leadership Psychology Architect and Transformation Facilitator, Elizabeth empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential through tailored business solutions, cutting-edge training, and strategic insights. Elizabeth’s passion for helping others grow is the driving force behind her career. She specializes in developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence and resilience. Through learning assessments, leadership training, or strategic business solutions, Elizabeth’s work empowers others with the skills they need to succeed. Elizabeth is not just a scholar-practitioner—she is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring leaders to reach new heights and organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human ... Show more

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of public service.

Carrie has her Bachelors of Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Information Assurance and Digital Forensics, and she is a co-founder of BSides Oklahoma and a founding member of Techlahoma.

Carrie Randolph is a CISSP-certified cybersecurity leader and international speaker with fourteen years of experience. Prior to joining the private sector, Carrie was the CIO for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, with over a decade of publi... Show more

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive, and fun. She helps clients tailor their professional life to their unique brains, allowing their talents and genius to shine. Following a 17+ year legal career and certifications in ICF-accredited executive, ADHD, and career coaching, Elle founded Interlace Solutions, a coaching firm that taps into clients' potential to accelerate their achievement. Her team coaches executives, executive teams, and professionals with a subspecialty in ADHD coaching.

Elle is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator who consistently draws large crowds. Her goal is for participants to walk away with meaty new learning for practical application. Elle has been published in national and international outlets and speaks on productivity, professional motivation, creating ADHD-friendly environments, and innovations to support mental health, among other topics. Elle is a subject matter expert on international agricultural trade, which doesn’t come up a lot. She lives in Washington, DC, with her dog Penny, the most beautiful dog in the world. And a great family, but the dog is hard to beat.

Engaging and funny, performance strategist and workplace satisfaction leader Elle O'Flaherty delivers game-changing messages that interweave real-world examples and cutting-edge research. Elle's presentations are full of insights, highly interactive,... Show more

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. A serial founder whose previous organizations have included Vote.org (2016), ElectionDay.org (2018), Long Distance Voter (2008), and Swing the State (2004), she's been working at the intersection of technology and democracy since 2004, several years before “civic tech” and “online organization” entered the cultural lexicon. Her various organizations have collectively registered over 4 million people, conducted mass marketing campaigns reaching tens of millions, and pioneered tactics now considered industry standards. She is an alumna of Pomona College and Y Combinator, a former Draper Richards Kaplan Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship. She frequently speaks on issues impacting voter turnout and digital innovations to increase access to the polls, with appearances at events such as SXSW, Netroots Nation, Harvard Law, the Harvard School of Government, University of Michigan, SUMMIT Ideas Festival, Lesbians Who Tech, and Accelerate Good Global.

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. ... Show more

Maman Lourwana Issaka is a telecommunications systems engineer, AI and digital innovation expert, founder of Digital Niger, and Coordinator of the Niger Internet Governance Forum (IGF Niger). His work empowers young people, entrepreneurs, and institutions to harness technology and help shape the decisions that define their digital future. Through Digital Niger and initiatives such as Niger Digital Day, he develops training programmes, mobilises communities, and supports locally relevant digital ventures. His work places particular emphasis on youth and women’s inclusion and expanding access to digital skills across Niger’s regions.
A fellow of the West Africa School on Internet Governance (WASIG) and the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG), he connects grassroots experience with policy discussions on internet governance, artificial intelligence, digital trust, and Africa’s digital sovereignty. As a speaker and trainer, Lourwana makes complex technological issues accessible and translates them into practical action. His talks combine technical expertise, community experience, and an understanding of African digital ecosystems, guided by a clear conviction: Africa must be able to develop its own solutions and actively shape the rules of the digital world.

Maman Lourwana Issaka is a telecommunications systems engineer, AI and digital innovation expert, founder of Digital Niger, and Coordinator of the Niger Internet Governance Forum (IGF Niger). His work empowers young people, entrepreneurs, and institu... Show more

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additionally, he teaches courses in HR, Management, & Technology at the college level. Patrick earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Kennesaw State University, a master’s in business administration from Troy University, and recently earned a doctorate in business administration at the Florida Institute of Technology. He holds both the SPHR & SHRM-SCP certifications.

Patrick Henley has served as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management with the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for more than seven years. He has worked in various HR and Risk Management leadership roles for more than 20 years. Additio... Show more

Dr. Terza Lima-Neves is a scholar, author, and community advocate. She is professor of political science at Johnson C. Smith University. Her research interests focus on African diasporas, gender and community building. Lima-Neves has published 2 edited volumes focused on Cabo Verde, gender, and diaspora relations. Terza is also the cofounder and executive director of Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean women. She lives in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Terza Lima-Neves is a scholar, author, and community advocate. She is professor of political science at Johnson C. Smith University. Her research interests focus on African diasporas, gender and community building. Lima-Neves has published 2 edit... Show more

Chris Hidalgo is an Information Security professional with 10 years of academic service experience and 6 years working with information systems. Having completed degrees in Economics and Information Science, Chris' career trajectory has focused on understanding how people decide, evaluate, and trust solutions in their business
operations. In his free time, Chris enjoys gaming, wrangling cats, and doting with his
wife over their son.

Chris has presented talks for the 2022 Tandem KEYS conference, the 2024 BSides
Austin conference, and two talks for the StudyGRC Youtube channel. He also
volunteers as co-lead for the Public Speaking Masters group in the Simply Cyber
Community.

Chris Hidalgo is an Information Security professional with 10 years of academic service experience and 6 years working with information systems. Having completed degrees in Economics and Information Science, Chris' career trajectory has focused on un... Show more

Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, docente y consultor con más de 10 años de experiencia en tecnología y formación profesional. Ha desarrollado su labor académica en instituciones como INACAP, DUOC UC y CIISA, impartiendo asignaturas relacionadas con Python, programación, ciberseguridad, redes, Big Data, ciencia de datos e IoT.
En el ámbito profesional ha participado en proyectos y consultorías para empresas en ciberseguridad, infraestructura tecnológica y desarrollo de soluciones digitales, incluyendo diseño e implementación de sitios web. Cuenta además con formación y certificaciones en ciberseguridad, seguridad de la información y tecnologías de redes.
Su enfoque se basa en aprender haciendo: transformar conceptos técnicos complejos en experiencias prácticas, cercanas y accesibles, utilizando la programación, la experimentación y la resolución de problemas reales como herramientas de aprendizaje.

Ingeniero en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, docente y consultor con más de 10 años de experiencia en tecnología y formación profesional. Ha desarrollado su labor académica en instituciones como INACAP, DUOC UC y CIISA, impartiendo as... Show more

Tina Johnson is a professional speaker, domestic violence educator, and Director of Community Engagement at Hope House. Through education, storytelling, strategic outreach, and advocacy-centered podcasting, she empowers survivors, promotes prevention, and helps communities build healthier relationships.

Tina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mediated Communication from the University of Missouri, with a minor in Public Administration & Policy and a Professional Communication Certificate. She is a 2027 MPA Candidate at the University of Missouri, where she is expanding her expertise in public service, nonprofit leadership, and community impact.

Tina partners with businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver engaging presentations on healthy relationships, workplace well-being, boundaries, domestic violence prevention, and leadership. She is passionate about equipping individuals and organizations with practical tools that inspire lasting change, strengthen communities, and foster hope.

Tina Johnson is a professional speaker, domestic violence educator, and Director of Community Engagement at Hope House. Through education, storytelling, strategic outreach, and advocacy-centered podcasting, she empowers survivors, promotes prevention... Show more

Dr. Jacklyn Sanders is an Assistant Professor of the Practice and Extension Specialist at Prairie View A&M University, where her work focuses on student success, mentorship, leadership development, and community health education. She previously served as Interim Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

Dr. Sanders coordinates mentoring initiatives designed to support students across critical stages of their collegiate experience, including first-year transition, peer mentoring, career development, and preparation for life beyond college. Her work includes leadership with the PAWS Mentoring Program and CAFNR’s Mentor Collective initiatives, where she develops mentor training, engagement strategies, and structured opportunities that strengthen students’ sense of belonging, confidence, professional development, and academic success.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Sanders is committed to creating intentional pathways that inform, empower, and elevate students while preparing them to lead, serve, and succeed in their educational and professional pursuits.

Dr. Jacklyn Sanders is an Assistant Professor of the Practice and Extension Specialist at Prairie View A&M University, where her work focuses on student success, mentorship, leadership development, and community health education. She previously serve... Show more

Sean Martin serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for Folsom Cordova Unified School District and is the current President of the ACSA State Business Services Council. A CASBO Certified Chief Business Official, he brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in public education.

His experience spans Basic Aid and LCFF-funded districts, county office of education leadership, and service as an elected school board member. Sean has supported educational programs serving preschool, TK-12, and Adult Education students in organizations ranging from a six-student school district to his current role serving more than 22,000 students. Prior to entering public education, he spent 10 years in the financial services industry.

Sean is passionate about improving outcomes for students and working collaboratively to align resources and systems in ways that create lasting change for those who need it most.

Sean Martin serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for Folsom Cordova Unified School District and is the current President of the ACSA State Business Services Council. A CASBO Certified Chief Business Official, he brings mo... Show more

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference.

Emerald's tech odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early involvement in SWENext kindled her love for the field, setting the stage for an incredible transformation. From these roots, she ascended to become a Collegiate Member and a Collegiate Club Lead, championing inclusivity in STEM.

Emerald's accomplishments in the SWE Recruitment Challenge, where she clinched top positions multiple times, speak volumes about her zeal for SWE's mission and the advancement of women in tech. She believes that innovation thrives in diversity, and she's a living testament to this ideology.

But her journey didn't stop there. Emerald's commitment transcends borders; she proudly serves as a SWE Global Ambassador, amplifying the organization's impact and values globally. She's passionate about fostering a global community that empowers women to thrive in the tech universe.

As the newly appointed GDSC Lead at BAZE University, Emerald is poised to make an indelible mark. Her leadership and dedication are set to empower a new generation of tech enthusiasts.

Emerald's story is a testament to the incredible potential that emerges when passion meets dedication. She's breaking barriers, paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech, and proving that age is no limit when it comes to making waves in the world of technology.

Emerald Akhaumere, a 22-year-old Nigerian trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative in the world of technology. Her journey began at the age of 15, fueled by an unquenchable passion for tech and a fierce determination to make a difference. Emerald's... Show more

Mari Anne’s housing career began in 1999 as a resident advisor for a privately-owned residence hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. She joined University Housing in 2004 and has held a variety of roles with an eye toward student service during her 22 year tenure. As the director of Housing Information & Marketing, she leads residence hall occupancy management, marketing, communications, and assessment. In addition, Mari Anne champions strategic initiatives to support both students and staff who call University Housing home. Most recently she partnered with other housing executives to implement a culture & climate action plan focusing on staff support structures and developing the next level of strategic leaders in University Housing. Mari Anne received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication & Political Science and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Leadership: Training & Development from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Mari Anne has served as an external consultant on occupancy management and assignment operations, is a certified facilitator for Crucial Conversations and regularly collaborates to train others in providing excellent customer service within the campus community.

Mari Anne’s housing career began in 1999 as a resident advisor for a privately-owned residence hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. She joined University Housing in 2004 and has held a variety of roles with an eye toward studen... Show more

Camilo Mussi iniciou sua trajetória como piloto de caça da Força Aérea Brasileira e construiu, ao longo de 47 anos de serviço público, uma carreira marcada pela liderança de transformações complexas.

Como CIO do INEP, liderou a implantação do ENEM Digital, realizado simultaneamente em 101 cidades, em um contexto de prazo inadiável, pandemia e ausência de precedentes.

Atualmente, é Subsecretário de Tecnologia da Informação Digital do Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, onde lidera iniciativas de transformação digital, inteligência artificial, cibersegurança e modernização de serviços estratégicos para o agronegócio brasileiro. Em um único mandato, sua gestão entregou 30 sistemas digitais, entre eles o e-Phyto, que transformou a certificação fitossanitária para exportação.

Atuou também na FAB, no Banco Central, na ANVISA, na ANTAQ e no MDS. É mestre em Computação Aplicada, professor universitário há 22 anos e advogado.

Foi eleito CIO – Personalidade Mais Influente na área de TI, em 2023 e 2025; CIO Destaque da Educação, em 2020; e selecionado entre os líderes de transformação digital do governo federal pela ENAP e pelo Ministério da Economia, em 2019.

É autor do livro “Liderar é Servir”, porque, para ele, liderança nunca foi sobre o posto, mas sobre propósito, serviço e legado.

Camilo Mussi iniciou sua trajetória como piloto de caça da Força Aérea Brasileira e construiu, ao longo de 47 anos de serviço público, uma carreira marcada pela liderança de transformações complexas. Como CIO do INEP, liderou a implantação do ENEM... Show more

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est une organisation de jeunes et de femmes orientée sur les questions de promotion de l’engagement citoyen, de défenses des droits humains notamment des droits numériques et sur le développement de projets/programmes à fort impact social le tout avec la technologie comme principal vecteur. Notre organisation est convaincue de la nécessité de tirer profit de tout ce que le numérique nous offre pour développer notre capitale humain.

Basée au Sénégal, notre association est membre fondateur la coalition Tournons La Page – Section Sénégal et initiatrice du Centre d’Innovation sociale et environnementale de Mbour.
Militante féministe, je me suis formée en cybersécurité et promeut les actions de lutte contre les violences sur le genre en ligne.

En parallèle, je suis consultante, experte Genre Inclusion et formatrice en médias sociaux comme outils de plaidoyer.

Journaliste, je suis aussi activiste et défenseure des droits humains avec une quinzaine d’années de militantisme dans les mouvements citoyens au Sénégal et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Actuellement je suis la présidente de l’association Wa Mbedmi qui est ... Show more

Abdullah fatimah is a passionate technology professional and data enthusiast dedicated to driving innovation and empowering the next generation of women in tech. With experience in data analytics, community engagement, and technology advocacy, she focuses on using data as a tool for problem solving and inclusive growth She has contributed to several technology communities and initiatives, where she mentors and supports young talents, particularly women, to break barriers and embrace opportunities in STEM. Her work bridges the gap between technical expertise and social impact, making her a strong voice for diversity and inclusion in Africa’s growing digital economy.

Abdullah fatimah is a passionate technology professional and data enthusiast dedicated to driving innovation and empowering the next generation of women in tech. With experience in data analytics, community engagement, and technology advocacy, she fo... Show more

Kylah Seltzer Johnston works for the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County. Kylah has an extensive background working in community and political organizing, with an emphasis on campaigns related to climate change and environmental justice. She has also collaborated with a number of coalitions and elected officials across Illinois to strengthen and pass legislation, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. An avid lover of the Great Lakes, Kylah has worked on a number of policy research projects related to Great Lakes waterways and water systems and how they interact with climate change, clean drinking water access, and invasive species. She is currently working as a Relationship Manager with Cook County’s Build Up Cook program, working closely with municipalities in South and West Suburban Cook County to move both water and vertical infrastructure projects from start to finish. In her free time, Kylah can be found baking at home or lounging by Lake Michigan.

Kylah Seltzer Johnston works for the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County. Kylah has an extensive background working in community and political organizing, with an emphasis on campaigns related to climate change and environmental justice. She ha... Show more

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of student activism and key grassroots community organizations. Her current work documents the legislative and political battles that threaten academic freedom and critical pedagogy. She maintains a scholarly focus on U.S.-based Filipinxs and their organizing history in the long struggle for Ethnic Studies curriculum.

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of s... Show more

Hadir Farrag is the Non-Native Arabic Lead and an educational trainer based in Abu Dhabi, holding an official UAE teaching license for non-native Arabic speakers. She specializes in transforming language curricula and classrooms by integrating modern educational technologies and AI tools.
As a certified trainer, a recognized BSME network speaker, and a Twinkl collaborator, Hadir has successfully designed and delivered impactful professional development workshops to over 1,500 educators worldwide. She also leads a vibrant professional community on LinkedIn with more than 3,000 engaged teachers. Holding a Prompt Engineering Professional certification, Hadir is deeply committed to pioneering innovative, high-impact learning experiences that bridge technology with linguistic proficiency.

Hadir Farrag is the Non-Native Arabic Lead and an educational trainer based in Abu Dhabi, holding an official UAE teaching license for non-native Arabic speakers. She specializes in transforming language curricula and classrooms by integrating modern... Show more

I am a highly accomplished Android developer, boasting over 4 years of professional experience and a profound understanding of mobile application development. I have consistently demonstrated my expertise in this field throughout my career, delivering exceptional results for various projects. Motivation is a driving force in my work. I approach every project with enthusiasm and a determination to surpass expectations. This zeal translates into innovative solutions and a constant drive for improvement. My creative mindset enables me to think outside the box, bringing fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the development process.

*Established and currently leading a groundbreaking international project in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) dedicated to providing advanced IT education for children aged 6-14.
Created strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and technology companies to deliver high-quality education programs.
Implemented a unique pedagogical approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and critical thinking, engaging children through gamification and adaptive learning techniques.
Managed a diverse team of educators, managers, and technology experts to ensure program excellence and scalability.

*As a passionate advocate for gender equality in the tech industry, I am honored to serve as a Google's Women Techmakers Ambassador. I'm dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for women in the world of technology.

*My mission is to encourage women to break the glass ceiling and create change in the tech sector. I'm also currently a Country Leader BIH for WomanTech Network. I contributed by uniting 150K women from 181 countries to join the network, get inspired, discover their purpose, and make a positive impact.

A firm believer that it is never too late at any stage of life to turn things around! There is something everyone can do/contribute at work/life with a unique skill set. With /around/through technology we can amplify the impact even more and at speed! This is not just my story, this is my mission! I am driven by a deep desire to use my skills and experience to make a lasting impact in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the world, one step at a time.

I am a highly accomplished Android developer, boasting over 4 years of professional experience and a profound understanding of mobile application development. I have consistently demonstrated my expertise in this field throughout my career, deliverin... Show more

Michael Grajera is a Software Engineer and AI/ML Systems Lead at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), where he develops AI-enabled software and developer tooling for complex operational systems. His work focuses on applying artificial intelligence to real-world engineering problems, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), local language models, developer productivity, and trustworthy AI.

Alongside his industry work, Michael is pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Utah State University, where his research focuses on reliable activity intelligence and human-AI decision support in operational environments. His research emphasizes explainable AI, uncertainty quantification, and human-in-the-loop systems that help people make better decisions rather than replacing them.

Michael enjoys bridging the gap between AI research and practical software engineering. His presentations focus on lessons learned from building AI systems that engineers can actually deploy, maintain, and trust in production

Michael Grajera is a Software Engineer and AI/ML Systems Lead at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), where he develops AI-enabled software and developer tooling for complex operational systems. His work focuses on applying artificial intelligence to rea... Show more

Emefa A. Kpegba est Ingénieure Génie Logiciel et Experte en Transformation Numérique. Elle est une professionnelle polyvalente et passionnée par les technologies numériques en général, l'Intelligence Artificielle, les IoT et la Robotique en particulier.
Actuellement, elle occupe le poste de Conseillère Technique en Compétences Numériques à la GIZ sur le projet ProDigiT, où elle met son expertise au service de l’accompagnement des partenaires sur le développement des compétences digitales pour une transformation digitale compétitive.
Emefa A. Kpegba est également engagée dans l'éducation et la formation, en tant que Digital Skills Tutor, où elle partage ses connaissances et accompagne les apprenants dans l'acquisition de compétences numériques essentielles pour le monde actuel.
Elle est en outre membre fondateur de GDG Lome (Google Developers Groups Lome) pour rassembler une communauté Tech active au Togo. Emefa est également une Ambassadrice des Women Techmakers (WTM), une initiative de Google visant à promouvoir l'inclusion des femmes dans le domaine de la technologie. À ce titre, elle participe à des événements, des ateliers et des programmes associatifs, pour encourager et soutenir les femmes et les jeunes dans les carrières Tech.
Engagée dans l'innovation et l'inclusion, Emefa allie expertise technique et vision d'un avenir autonomisé par le numérique.

Emefa A. Kpegba est Ingénieure Génie Logiciel et Experte en Transformation Numérique. Elle est une professionnelle polyvalente et passionnée par les technologies numériques en général, l'Intelligence Artificielle, les IoT et la Robotique en particuli... Show more

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-premises and cloud environments. Based in Dallas, Texas, he has built a distinguished career focused on protecting critical public sector systems and safeguarding sensitive government operations.
Since May 2018, Venkata has served the City of Dallas through KC Synergy Solutions Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in securing vital municipal infrastructure. His responsibilities include comprehensive cybersecurity defense for the Dallas Police Department and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), ensuring the protection of sensitive law enforcement data through multi-layered security controls such as OKTA two-factor authentication, advanced VPN architectures, and strict CJIS compliance. He has engineered secure, disaster-resilient communication channels between CAD911 dispatch systems and the Texas Department of Public Safety, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response coordination statewide.
One of Venkata’s most significant accomplishments is the architecture of a secure, multi-zoned SCADA network for Dallas’s freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. By implementing air-gapped environments, zero-internet-access zones, and IDS/IPS protections, he has directly safeguarded critical public health infrastructure from cyber threats. His expertise was further demonstrated during a major ransomware incident, where he successfully detected, contained, and eradicated malware by isolating compromised systems and blocking communication with the Royal ransomware group.
Venkata’s technical expertise spans Cisco ASA, Firepower Threat Defense, SD-WAN, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 BIG-IP, and web application firewalls. He has architected secure hybrid cloud environments using AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, and IPSEC tunnels, supported by AWS architect level certifications. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and maintains advanced certifications, including CJIS Level 4 and Cisco Firepower NGFW, consistently ensuring compliance with NIST and federal cybersecurity standards.

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-prem... Show more

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection.

I am currently the Associate Director for Residence Life at Furman University. I have been at Furman since 2022, and I supervise both full-time and student staff. I specialize in Student Staff Training and Selection. Show more

He wears many different hats. In universities, he is an assistant professor. In enterprises, he is an AI-enabled service consultant. In elementary school, he is a STEM teacher. In public, he is a cloud advocate, especially for Azure.

He wears many different hats. In universities, he is an assistant professor. In enterprises, he is an AI-enabled service consultant. In elementary school, he is a STEM teacher. In public, he is a cloud advocate, especially for Azure. Show more

Ciara Taylor is an Author, Speaker, Leadership Strategist, and Certified Executive Coach, and founder of Still Becoming, a platform dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves and recognize that they are a commitment worth keeping.

After navigating seasons of profound loss, motherhood, health challenges, career achievement, and personal transition, Ciara realized that while she had continued showing up for everyone and everything around her, she had stopped asking an important question: What do I need?

That realization became the foundation for Still Becoming and her Commitment Worth Keeping Framework—Reconnect, Discover, Commit—a practical approach that helps women reconnect with themselves, discover what they need in their current season, and take intentional action to stay committed to themselves.

Ciara is also the author of Mommy, You Got This! A Mother’s Journey Through Survival, Healing, and Becoming and brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, organizational development, coaching, and facilitating transformational learning experiences.

Through her writing and speaking, Ciara reminds women that becoming isn't about having everything figured out. It is a lifelong practice of continuing to grow, evolve, and remain committed to yourself along the way.

Ciara Taylor is an Author, Speaker, Leadership Strategist, and Certified Executive Coach, and founder of Still Becoming, a platform dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves and recognize that they are a commitment worth keeping. After ... Show more

Paul Prathap (Prathap Latchmanan) spent nineteen years in uniform, from the age of eighteen, seventeen of them as a regular. His last command was a military police battalion of 650 soldiers and 80 working dogs, through more than 2,000 live operations. He completed his regular service in August 2026 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He founded Men-Kind, a Singapore practice in executive coaching and leadership development, with 1,100+ coaching hours across 300+ clients. He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a doctoral researcher in crisis leadership (PhD in Defence and Security, in progress) at Cranfield University. His analysis of Singapore's crisis controls ran in the Lowy Institute's The Interpreter in September 2026.

He speaks on what holds, and what gives, when the pressure arrives: crisis readiness, leading in brittle and anxious conditions, and leadership identity under pressure. Formats: keynote, panel or fireside, and keynote plus workshop. Organisations served include MINDEF, the National University of Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Unilever.

menkind.life/speaking

Paul Prathap (Prathap Latchmanan) spent nineteen years in uniform, from the age of eighteen, seventeen of them as a regular. His last command was a military police battalion of 650 soldiers and 80 working dogs, through more than 2,000 live operations... Show more

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment.

In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platforms team, overseeing UX for the flagship sales product used across Disney’s linear channels like ABC and ESPN.

Frances began her teaching career in 2020 at Austin Community College, where she taught UX/UI design, visual design, and portfolio design.

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment. In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platfor... Show more