I am a special educator with a penchant for storytelling.

I am a special educator with a penchant for storytelling. Show more

Mestre em Desenvolvimento e Governança pela ENAP, Especialista em Gestão pela FGV. Servidor Público da Carreira de Ciência e Tecnologia e líder na Diretoria de TI da CAPES desde 2014. Entusiasta da Agilidade!

Mestre em Desenvolvimento e Governança pela ENAP, Especialista em Gestão pela FGV. Servidor Público da Carreira de Ciência e Tecnologia e líder na Diretoria de TI da CAPES desde 2014. Entusiasta da Agilidade! Show more

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach

Ms. Johnson is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that she founded in February 2010. Horizon Outreach’s mission is “Giving Everyone A New Start”. Various programs are offered that provide employment, workforce development, re-entry services, housing assistance as well as fatherhood and parenting education.
Ms. Johnson is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a 2008 Executive MBA graduate of Auburn University who is passionate about serving the community! She has over 15 years’ experience overseeing a high-quality Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Program and 17 years of corporate finance experience managing over $320 million dollars in oil and gas projects. She is a sought after keynote speaker for college commencement ceremonies in her local area; always delivering inspirational messages to students.
Under Ms. Johnson’s leadership, Horizon Outreach has secured over $14 Million Dollars in federal and private funding to improve the lives of families through responsible fatherhood programming and services to reduce homelessness among military and non-military families. In total 11,500 families and individuals have been serviced; this number includes 8,000 fathers and 3,500 military veterans.
The Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program provides fathers in the Houston and Greenspoint area with A NEW START by providing fatherhood education, workforce development training and industry-recognized credentials in Forklift, Flagger, Commercial Truck Driving and the Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC) thus enabling fathers to sustain their families.
Additionally, Horizon Outreach has been recognized for its tremendous impact on the Houston Community in: reducing recidivism for re-entry fathers and homelessness among veteran families and increasing access to permanent and affordable housing to vulnerable populations. Accolades received include: Congressional Certificate of Recognition, City of Houston designations for Horizon Eagle Day & Horizon Outreach Day and Mayoral Recognition for reducing homelessness among the veteran community.
On a national level, The Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program won the “Earkle Award” for Elevated Session Attendance from the Office of Family Assistance for the Horizon Eagle Program.
As a community leader, she faithfully served as A Team Captain for the Annual Homeless Count conducted by the Houston Homeless Coalition where she supervised over 500 volunteers who canvased the streets of Houston to identify and increase access to housing for homeless veterans, families and children.
Ms. Johnson enjoys serving others, traveling and spending time with her family.

Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA Founder & Chief Executive Officer Horizon Outreach Ms. Johnson is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Outreach, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that she founded in February 2010. Horizon Outreach’s mission ... Show more

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and capacity-building to advance internet freedom, digital rights, across the region.
With expertise in data governance, artificial intelligence, elections, and women’s rights online, Khadijah has successfully led coalition responses to legislation, policy dialogues, and digital security training for civil society, journalists, and the judiciary. She is also a first responder on PIN’s Ripoti platform, supporting victims of digital rights violations.

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and... Show more

Tina Carkhuff is an Industry Expert Advisor with Splunk and brings over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, working in healthcare, higher education, and government. Before joining Splunk, she worked as a Vice President leading Gartner’s Executive Programs for Education and Healthcare.

Tina is a doctoral candidate, graduating in May 2025, studying for her Ph.D. in Organization and Management at Liberty University in Virginia. Her studies focus on using data analytics to inform decisions within an organization. Tina’s dissertation topic is “The Role of Data Analytics in Detecting Unemployment Insurance Fraud: A Case Study of State Governments in the United States.”

Tina is passionate about helping IT executives transform their organizations through the effective use of data. She has led and consulted on digital transformations for many organizations. She has served as the CIO for the City of Houston, served in the US Army, and is a retired law enforcement officer.

Tina lives in Houston with her husband of 25 years and two boys, ages 19 and 22, and has two dogs. Her older son is an entrepreneur and her younger son is a non-verbal autistic boy. Tina and her family donate time to their school district to help special education teachers learn how to use augmentative and alternative communications technology with families to help find after-school care for families with special needs kids.

Tina Carkhuff is an Industry Expert Advisor with Splunk and brings over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, working in healthcare, higher education, and government. Before joining Splunk, she worked as a Vice President leading Gartner’s... Show more

Benoît is a highly responsible and accomplished IT Project Lead Manager, with extensive experience as an Application Manager. For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in the development and optimization of IT information systems at the CPAS of the City of Brussels (Public Social Welfare Institution).

Benoît has successfully spearheaded critical strategic projects, such as Decision making processes information system, Widespread implementation of business process description, Implementation of demand management systems, migration to new technologies of outdated systems.

Key Skills:
- Agile project management
- Processes improvements analysis & automation
- Functional and Technical analysis
- Trainer & Coach
- System administration

With a solid background in IT and Public Management processes, Benoît diligently ensures continuous technological watch to foresee and meet emerging needs, demonstrating his proactive approach and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Benoît is a highly responsible and accomplished IT Project Lead Manager, with extensive experience as an Application Manager. For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in the development and optimization of IT information systems at the CPAS of... Show more

"Omorogieva Sylvester Ihonwa is a Lagos-based author and social entrepreneur passionate about building thriving communities. As founder of the Creationsbase Education Foundation, he empowers underserved youth through engaging STEM and literacy programs, believing that education unlocks potential. With a background blending on-the-ground advocacy and strategic leadership—honed as a YALI Fellow and at Lagos Business School—Sylvester tackles challenges from multiple angles. He’s also a Coding for Employment Digital Ambassador (African Development Bank/Microsoft), equipping young Africans with the tech skills they need to shape their futures. Driven by a desire to make complex topics accessible, Omorogieva explores the intersections of innovation and social change. He brings this passion to his work as a Perplexity AI Business Fellow ({2025}) and as a WIPO Academy-trained expert in intellectual property. Through his writing—'Naija Impact From Concept to Reality: A Beginner's Guide to Starting an NGO in Nigeria'—he seeks to spark conversations, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to a more equitable and understanding world. Sylvester is keen to share his perspectives on platforms like Technorama, bridging lived experience with evidence-based insights."

"Omorogieva Sylvester Ihonwa is a Lagos-based author and social entrepreneur passionate about building thriving communities. As founder of the Creationsbase Education Foundation, he empowers underserved youth through engaging STEM and literacy progra... Show more

Imani Barton is the Head of Strategic Partnerships for the Chief Innovation Office for Northrop Grumman, a leader in aerospace & defense technology. She leads the strategy and execution of emerging technology partnerships as well as validating innovative solutions enterprise wide.

Imani has held a number of positions since joining the company in 2017. As the Strategic Partnerships PM she is responsible for identifying emerging technology companies that serve the needs of Northrop Grumman world wide. She’s holds pride in developing the technical scouting process that advances the Innovation Ecosystem of the enterprise and positions NG as a cutting edge technology company.
Before her role in the CIO, Imani served as the Global Supply Chain Process Excellence Manager for the Strategic Space Systems Division; the largest space business in the world at that time. She was responsible for integrating compliance, process improvement, and digital transformation training efforts to establish a more efficient, end-to-end experience for Global Supply Chain Operations.
Prior to this, she served as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead for the Australia region for the Mission Systems Sector. Her efforts of advising strategically for business development led Northrop Grumman to improve their global ranking to ‘The Top 5 Most Successful Companies' in a global contract.
Imani’s initial introduction to Northrop Grumman was through the Mission Systems Pathways Program where she rotated in various supply chain roles and ultimately exited to an international program as a Supply Chain Planning lead in the then Aerospace Sector.
Imani has also served as the Chairman of the African American Task Group in South Bay where she oversaw the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, workforce development, and leadership development to build a culture of belonging at Northrop. Her work assisted Northrop Grumman in earning ‘Top 50 Company for Diversity” throughout aerospace and defense.
Imani is a proud HBCU graduate, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and leadership from Oakwood University. She has also completed a program in Entrepreneurial Studies at Cornell University and a host of leadership-development programs. She holds certifications as a Scaled Agile Consultant and Practitioner.
Imani is a passionate Thought Leader looking to drive innovation, cultivate partnerships, and champion diversity one strategic move at a time.

Imani Barton is the Head of Strategic Partnerships for the Chief Innovation Office for Northrop Grumman, a leader in aerospace & defense technology. She leads the strategy and execution of emerging technology partnerships as well as validating innova... Show more

Before joining Pop, Hop & Rock™ in 2021, Kelsey was a classroom teacher for 10 years. She gained most of her experience in a preschool setting, then enhanced that base working with children with special needs. As Maverick of Knowledge, Kelsey acts as a resource for all things kids. Her experience in special needs, classroom chaos, and innate love of small people makes her an ideal researcher, out of the box thinker, and prophet of play. She also has a passion for health and fitness. She believes in teaching young children about the importance of a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle and intentional movement as a necessary building block in their development. As well, Kelsey completed both the Richmond Half and Full Marathon's! (2018 & 2021) As Chief People Partner and Ambassador of Buzz, Kelsey manages customer relationships, social media and almost all things outreach. If you have questions about the curriculum, feel free to reach out to her at kelsey.schmidt@pivottoplay.com.

Before joining Pop, Hop & Rock™ in 2021, Kelsey was a classroom teacher for 10 years. She gained most of her experience in a preschool setting, then enhanced that base working with children with special needs. As Maverick of Knowledge, Kelsey acts as... Show more

Leading claims transformation at the WSIB

Leading claims transformation at the WSIB Show more

Deanna Medina is a cybersecurity engineer, enthusiast and professor based in Phoenix, AZ. With a Master's in Management Information Systems and a knack for all things security, she's been on a mission to fortify digital landscapes and empower the next-gen tech talent. From reducing vulnerabilities to mentoring future geeks, she's all about making tech safer and accessible.

Deanna Medina is a cybersecurity engineer, enthusiast and professor based in Phoenix, AZ. With a Master's in Management Information Systems and a knack for all things security, she's been on a mission to fortify digital landscapes and empower the nex... Show more

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores in her role the potential impact of new technologies and emerging concepts on education and research. Her background in management studies provides her with the ability to approach developments from various angles.

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores... Show more

Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Toxicologist, Data-Analyst and Tech Enthusiast. I have committed over 6 years of my life in the banking sector. I'm currently a strong believer that nature can meet all our needs. So, I cultivate farmlands, invest in self-development and explore the world of tech.

Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Toxicologist, Data-Analyst and Tech Enthusiast. I have committed over 6 years of my life in the banking sector. I'm currently a strong believer that nature can meet all our needs. So, I cultivate farmlands, invest in self-... Show more

Trudi is a professional actor turned global thought leader and one of the few Playful Experience Designers worldwide. Trudi combines play theory, design thinking, experiential learning and applied improvisation to bring a rare and invaluable blend of learning and development, the arts, and practical application to each of her presentations. She helps people develop a playful mindset to nurture the most required skills of the future.

Five reasons to book Trudi today
• Relevant: we can all be playful
• Experienced: 20+ years’ experience in organisational play
• High energy: the perfect post-lunch keynote
• Entertaining: laughter is the key to active learning
• Timely: the ability to apply playfulness to business is one of the most valuable skills for the future (Deloitte, 2024)

Trudi is a professional actor turned global thought leader and one of the few Playful Experience Designers worldwide. Trudi combines play theory, design thinking, experiential learning and applied improvisation to bring a rare and invaluable blend of... Show more

Hannah Lutz-Vock ist Soziologin mit Schwerpunkt Hochschuldidaktik und Erwachsenenbildung. Nach dem Bachelor- und Masterstudium in Soziologie und Ethnologie an der JGU-Mainz und der LMU-München promoviert sie seit 2022 in Erziehungswissenschaften an der Universität Hamburg. Beruflich ist sie seit 2019 als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences tätig. Schwerpunkt ihrer Arbeit ist die Förderung von Schlüsselkompetenzen in der Hochschullehre, insbesondere im Kontext digitaler Transformation.

Hannah Lutz-Vock ist Soziologin mit Schwerpunkt Hochschuldidaktik und Erwachsenenbildung. Nach dem Bachelor- und Masterstudium in Soziologie und Ethnologie an der JGU-Mainz und der LMU-München promoviert sie seit 2022 in Erziehungswissenschaften an d... Show more

Depuis plus de 15 ans, je mobilise mon énergie pour des enjeux de transition, en mettant l'intérêt général au premier plan avec un esprit pragmatique guidé par l'impact.

Véritable couteau suisse de l'innovation, je suis capable de concevoir des stratégies de transformation, d'animer des équipes et de piloter le déploiement opérationnel des solutions. Curieuse et défricheuse dans l’âme, je fais preuve d’une grande ouverture d’esprit et d’adaptation au contexte et aux besoins de mes interlocuteurs.
Je crois que les transformations sont possibles grâce à la confiance et la reconnaissance des talents. C'est pourquoi j'allie écoute et pédagogie pour développer et autonomiser les équipes que j'accompagne.

Depuis plus de 15 ans, je mobilise mon énergie pour des enjeux de transition, en mettant l'intérêt général au premier plan avec un esprit pragmatique guidé par l'impact. Véritable couteau suisse de l'innovation, je suis capable de concevoir des st... Show more

City of Chicago Department of Public Health Project Manager Continuous Improvement Team

City of Chicago Department of Public Health Project Manager Continuous Improvement Team Show more

My name is Alex. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with high-risk youth for approximately 10 years. I am a single father to two amazing children, one 3 and the other 11. Over the years I’ve navigated through the various challenges of fatherhood and found connection through community is the link to a more improved relationship. I have created an organization called Fathers Alliance to build and improve our fatherhood communities.

Fathers Alliance is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering fathers in fostering enduring and fulfilling relationships with their children. Through education, advocacy, and community support, Fathers Alliance equips fathers with the tools and resources necessary to build sustainable and enriching bonds with their offspring. By raising awareness and providing guidance, the organization strives to strengthen families and promote the well-being of children by emphasizing the pivotal role fathers play in their lives.

At the heart of Fathers Alliance’s mission is the belief that every father has the potential to positively impact their children’s lives. By fostering open communication, offering mentorship, and facilitating support networks, the organization empowers fathers to navigate the challenges of parenthood and cultivate nurturing environments where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Through its initiatives and partnerships, Fathers Alliance is committed to creating a future where every child has the love, guidance, and support they need to reach their full potential.

My name is Alex. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with high-risk youth for approximately 10 years. I am a single father to two amazing children, one 3 and the other 11. Over the years I’ve navigated through the various cha... Show more

Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean at Pace University in NY. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. She published more than 30 papers in artificial intelligence, mobile for social change and global software engineering. She was awarded grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, and Google. She taught in France, Senegal, Benin, Cambodia and Vietnam. She was a US Fulbright scholar in Senegal in 2012 and 2019. Parallelly, Christelle is serial entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the mJangale coding school (https://mjangale.com) that focuses on introducing youths to coding in Senegal.

Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean at Pace University in NY. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Researc... Show more

Liz Rockstroh serves as Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President at the University of Texas–San Antonio. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California–Davis and has volunteered with ACUI as a curriculum designer and faculty for the Social Media and Modern Marketing Digital Badge Course. Liz has presented on the topics of assessment, student leadership, and motivation at ACUI Region II and ACUI Annual conferences.

Liz Rockstroh serves as Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President at the University of Texas–San Antonio. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California–Davis and has volunteered with ACUI as a curriculum designer... Show more

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a rich blend of technical expertise and a versatile skill set. His career spans various roles such as Public Accounting, Accounting Controller, Human Resources Manager, Developer, Scrum Master, and Business Systems Analyst, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability across a range of industries, including healthcare, food, automotive, and oil.

Tom is an entrepreneurial spirit who manages a successful family business alongside his corporate career. This unique blend of technical knowledge and business acumen makes him an asset in any project.

Outside of work, his passions come alive. He's a dedicated family guy who enjoys his time with loved ones. His love for vintage technology is evident in his hobby of restoring antique cars and radios.

Tom is committed to his community, volunteering his time to various organizations, including disaster relief efforts and educational initiatives. He is an active member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, Spotter Network, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Toastmasters, and various local organizations. Committed to sharing his knowledge, he frequently engages in speaking events at colleges, schools, and museums.

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a rich blend of technical expertise and a versatile skill set. His career spans various roles such as Public Accounting, Accounting Controller, Human Resources Manager, Devel... Show more

Chloé is from Toronto, and made the move to beautiful BC in 2017. A lifelong learner, Chloé holds a diploma in veterinary technology from Seneca College, a certificate in canine rehabilitation from University of Tennessee, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Masters of Public Administration both from Northern Michigan University. She has worked across Canada and the US in multiple sectors including animal welfare, veterinary medicine (exotics, small animal, mixed animal, integrative, rehabilitation, shelter medicine), academia, veterinary corporate operations, and non-profits.

Chloé is from Toronto, and made the move to beautiful BC in 2017. A lifelong learner, Chloé holds a diploma in veterinary technology from Seneca College, a certificate in canine rehabilitation from University of Tennessee, as well as a Bachelor of Sc... Show more

Dan Gartin is a Director in North Highland's Public Sector portfolio, where he focuses on large scale business and technical challenges faced by HHS organizations. He also leads North Highland's Quality Assurance and Software Testing practice area.

Dan Gartin is a Director in North Highland's Public Sector portfolio, where he focuses on large scale business and technical challenges faced by HHS organizations. He also leads North Highland's Quality Assurance and Software Testing practice area. ... Show more

Lotte Geunis is a parliamentary advisor who has worked at the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the Open Government Partnership. Since 2019 she works with INTER PARES, the European Union’s global programme for parliamentary strengthening. Lotte has extensive experience across Europe and the developing world, with a decided soft spot for the latter.

Alongside her work in governance, Lotte is pursuing a PhD on youth participation in education policy. She is a part-time researcher at the KU Leuven, where she supports inclusive education through a number of ERASMUS+ projects.

Lotte Geunis is a parliamentary advisor who has worked at the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the Open Government Partnership. Since 2019 she works with INTER PARES, the European Union’s global programme for parliamentary str... Show more

As the Transportation Theme Lead of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Derald works to maximize the utility of public geospatial transportation information by making it easier to create, publish, discover, access, integrate, exchange, and analyze.

Derald has been a geographer with the Federal Government since 1996. He holds a Geography degree from Towson University, a Computer Science degree from Hood College, and is currently a PhD student in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Derald’s geography career started at the GIS lab at Virginia Tech in 1992 where he digitized stream orders and soil types for the state of Virginia.

Starting in 1996 he worked as a cartographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Chart Division where he managed source data used in the construction of Nautical Charts.

Derald started at the USDOT in 2001; His early work focused on developing geospatial-transportation data, cartographic automation, and application development. He currently Leads the Transportation Theme of NSDI and chairs the Geospatial Transportation Subcommittee. The subcommittee is authorized by the Federal Geographic Data Committee and sponsored by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

As theme lead he helps maximize the benefit geospatial-transportation resources for the nation. Specifically, he coordinates the efforts of federal partners and facilitates their compliance with legislative and executive directives directed at improving geospatial data management.

As the Geospatial Transportation Subcommittee Chair, he facilitates cooperation and fosters awareness among federal, state, local, tribal, and private organizations to ease geospatial data discovery, collection, construction, publication, integration, analysis, and archival.

As the Transportation Theme Lead of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Derald works to maximize the utility of public geospatial transportation information by making it easier to create, publish, discover, access, integrate, exchange, and anal... Show more

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Hemanth Tadepalli serves as the Cybersecurity & Compliance Subject Matter Expert (SME) at May Mobility, a company revolutionizing mobility through advanced autonomous vehicle technology. His career spans notable roles at prestigious organizations, including management consulting firm AlixPartners, cybersecurity leader Mandiant, tech giant Google, and Michigan-based cybersecurity startup SensCy.

Hemanth’s research focuses on advancing cybersecurity in critical areas such as autonomous vehicle security, Internet of Things (IoT) security, threat intelligence, risk management, API security, and election security. He was appointed by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to the Advisory Task Force overseeing statewide election security and integrity. Throughout his career, Hemanth has consistently demonstrated expertise in implementing and maintaining security measures to safeguard systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

In addition to his technical contributions, Hemanth has published numerous articles on cybersecurity and emerging technologies, showcasing his thought leadership. He is a sought-after speaker, invited to present at prominent cybersecurity conferences, serve as a distinguished panelist, and share insights on technology-focused podcasts. His impactful work has earned him accolades, including the 40 Under 40 recognition from Oakland County, Michigan, and the Governor’s Service Award for his philanthropic efforts and community service in cybersecurity.

Hemanth earned his bachelor's degree from Kettering University in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity and minors in Pre-Law, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. He also pursued his Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information from the University of California, Berkeley, further advancing his research and expertise in the field. Hemanth currently serves in office for the City of Troy and is a Board of Director for Kettering University.

Hemanth Tadepalli serves as the Cybersecurity & Compliance Subject Matter Expert (SME) at May Mobility, a company revolutionizing mobility through advanced autonomous vehicle technology. His career spans notable roles at prestigious organizations, in... Show more

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Lauren truly enjoys getting to meet and connect with others in fun and interesting ways.

Betterment Works is a playful professional development company on a mission to strengthen businesses and teams by helping people feel, connect, and do better at work. They break down complex ideas into accessible frameworks and practices that meet teams where they're at and empower them with the information, skills, and tools to get where they want to be. Play is an integral part of their facilitation and programming because it’s highly engaging and promotes authentic connection. In a playful environment, people can dive into challenging subjects, build soft skills, and also hopefully have fun doing it. Because happy people do better work.

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and... Show more

Richard Cheng is the founder of Agility Prime Solutions. Agility Prime Solutions provides transformative training programs in Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. A graduate of Virginia Tech and renowned Agile expert, Richard has presented keynote talks at conferences and events around the globe, authored publications on Agile and product management, and is a member of Mensa. Richard has extensive experience working with the federal government, large companies, small startups, non-profits organizations, and associations. In addition to being one of the few Certified Scrum Trainers (CST) accredited by the Scrum Alliance, Richard is also an Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), Kanban Management Professional (KMP), Certified LeSS Practitioner, Project Management Professional (PMP), and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

Richard Cheng is the founder of Agility Prime Solutions. Agility Prime Solutions provides transformative training programs in Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. A graduate of Virginia Tech and renowned Agile expert, Richard has presented keynote... Show more

Dr. Stephanie Morgan-Harris approaches her role as Staff Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator for Kankakee School District #111 with equal parts strategic vision and dry humor—because education, after all, could use a little more of both. Tasked with addressing the ever-growing challenge of recruiting and retaining quality educators amid widespread teacher shortages, Dr. Morgan-Harris thrives in the high-pressure environment of human capital management. Her approach is pragmatic and driven, balancing the urgent need for staffing solutions with a deeper commitment to creating equitable and inclusive workplaces. Or, as she often quips, she’s just trying to make sure there are enough teachers to keep the classrooms running.

Dr. Morgan-Harris’s career trajectory is a testament to her passion for leadership and equity. Armed with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, she has built a reputation for bridging theory and practice in meaningful ways. Currently a Research Fellow at the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research, she actively contributes to advancing conversations on equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. Her efforts extend beyond research; she’s a proud advocate for environments where students and educators feel valued and empowered to succeed. These principles underpin her leadership philosophy and drive her contributions to the Kankakee School District.

Her professional influence doesn’t stop there. Dr. Morgan-Harris serves as Regional Director-Elect for the Illinois Principal Association’s Three Rivers Region and as Legislative Liaison for the Illinois Alliance of Black School Educators, roles that position her as a key advocate for transformative educational policies. She has also been a voice for inclusive leadership as a presenter at prestigious conferences like the Columbia University Hip Hop Ed Conference, where she explored the cultural relevance of hip-hop in student engagement, and the ASCD Annual Conference, where she discussed AI-driven differentiated instruction. These presentations highlight her innovative approach to education and her knack for addressing modern challenges with creative solutions.

While her professional accomplishments are many, Dr. Morgan-Harris is equally proud of her personal life. She’s the mother of four—two adult sons and two teen daughters—who keep her grounded and inspired. Whether leading family sing-alongs to Disney classics or strategizing for systemic change in education, she approaches every facet of her life with unwavering passion and humor. In a field often fraught with challenges, Dr. Morgan-Harris exemplifies the resilience, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership necessary to make a lasting impact on schools, educators, and the students they serve.

Dr. Stephanie Morgan-Harris approaches her role as Staff Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator for Kankakee School District #111 with equal parts strategic vision and dry humor—because education, after all, could use a little more of both. Tasked wi... Show more