Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in computer engineering from AFIT, and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. Dr. Bohn is the author of Programming at the Hardware/Software Interface, published by Great River Learning.

Christopher Bohn is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director for Capstone of the University of Nebraska’s School of Computing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in co... Show more

Anu Smalley is the Founder and CEO of Capala Consulting where she specializes in Executive and Leadership Training, Coaching and Development and organizational agile journeys. She helps leaders identify ways to lead with agility and shift the leadership mindset to a more agile way. Anu is passionate about coaching and training others, dedicated to helping to achieve professional and personal success. Anu has established internal agile coaching Centers of Excellence for several clients to allow self-sustained coaching of their agile transformations. She has developed a coaching program specifically designed for evolving organizational leaders.
Anu is a dynamic Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC), and a International Coaching Federation - Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 25 years working in Education, Software Development, Project Management, IT, and Consulting.
Anu regularly partners with Kate Megaw (ARCLight Agile) and together they are “Team KatAnu”, presenting at events, offering fun and engaging training in Agile Leadership, Facilitation and Scrum!
Anu@capalaconsulting.com | www.capalaconsulting.com
anu@katanu.com|www.katanu.com

Anu Smalley is the Founder and CEO of Capala Consulting where she specializes in Executive and Leadership Training, Coaching and Development and organizational agile journeys. She helps leaders identify ways to lead with agility and shift the leaders... Show more

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Trainer and CEO at Synergyc.

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Tr... Show more

Adolfo Neto is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Paraná since 2008. He is also the creator and co-host of the Elixir em Foco podcast, a podcast about Elixir and the BEAM in Portuguese.

Adolfo Neto is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Paraná since 2008. He is also the creator and co-host of the Elixir em Foco podcast, a podcast about Elixir and the BEAM in Portuguese. Show more

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support for teachers and learners. He also works as a freelance author, lecturer and software developer in the .NET and web environment. You can reach him via deitelhoff.me or at fabian@deitelhoff.me.

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support ... Show more

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable experience for your team with lasting results! In-person facilitation for retreats, work planning, teambuilding, and more. Focused in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Available for virtual facilitation.

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let... Show more

Hilary Walton, or Hils as she is called, is well known in the tech industry, with a diverse background in psychology, ICT & AI, risk management, and cybersecurity. She’s worked for some of the biggest names in the business, including Mi5 and the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

But that’s not all! Hilary is also an author, having penned a book on security culture that’s a must-read for anyone interested in the field.
When she’s not busy being a tech guru and mother of three, Hilary is a digital influencer who loves nothing more than sharing her digital culture ideas with the world.

You can catch her on her YouTube show and podcast, both called “Digital Culture Ideas”.

And if that’s not enough, she’s also active on various social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), and TikTok as @HilsWalton.

Join Hilary's free text tech-news service: Digital Culture Ideas & News Hub https://chat.whatsapp.com/DigitalCultureIdeasNewsService

Hilary's Digital Culture Ideas Show:
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4dwoi3AqnpBmiaWvkac76w
- Podcast on Spotify (and available anywhere else you listen to your podcasts) : https://open.spotify.com/show/3z4t5ZeAB4aSwr0ZeqtyaZ?si=b4a0a9a8894b43f5

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilswalton/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilswalton/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HilsWalton
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hilswalton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilsWalton
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hilswalton

Hilary Walton, or Hils as she is called, is well known in the tech industry, with a diverse background in psychology, ICT & AI, risk management, and cybersecurity. She’s worked for some of the biggest names in the business, including Mi5 and the Lond... Show more

In den vergangenen 30+ Jahren habe ich Wissenschaftsorganisationen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven kennengelernt: als Studentin der Informatik, als studentische Hilfskraft in der Bibliothek, als interdisziplinär arbeitende Wissenschaftlerin, als Team- und Projektleiterin in der außeruniversitären Forschung, als berufsbegleitend Promovierende und berufsbegleitend Studierende, als Hochschullehrerin und (kurz) Professorin für Mediendidaktik, als Verwaltungsmitarbeiterin und Verwaltungskundin, als Organisationsberaterin und Koordinatorin für Organisationsentwicklung … Was mich an Hochschulen fasziniert ist ihre Vielfalt - die Vielfalt der Disziplinen, der Qualifikationen, der Perspektiven und insbesondere die Vielfalt der Menschen, die Hochschule zu dem machen, was sie ist.

In den vergangenen 30+ Jahren habe ich Wissenschaftsorganisationen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven kennengelernt: als Studentin der Informatik, als studentische Hilfskraft in der Bibliothek, als interdisziplinär arbeitende Wissenschaftlerin, als T... Show more

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Science in Cybersecurity from Marymount University. I also work as a government contractor writing test plans for cybersecurity testing, and retired Warrant Officer from the Army.

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Science in Cybersecurity from Marymount University. I also work as a government contractor writing test plans for cybersecurity testing, and retired Warrant Officer from the Army. Show more

Highly accomplished and seasoned Agile Transformation Coach, ICF Certified coach, framework agnostic Agile practitioner, Change Agent, Contributor, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, Continuous Learner, community
volunteer/leader and avid reader with 15+ years of IT industry experience

LinkedIn profile :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaram-hegde-95b23921

Highly accomplished and seasoned Agile Transformation Coach, ICF Certified coach, framework agnostic Agile practitioner, Change Agent, Contributor, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, Continuous Learner, community volunteer/leader and avid reader with 15+ yea... Show more

Heribert Nacken, Rektoratsbeauftragter für Blended Learning und Exploratory Teaching Space, Projektleiter Teilprojekt "Avatar basiertes Lehren und Lernen" im MyScore Projekt der RWTH Aachen

Heribert Nacken, Rektoratsbeauftragter für Blended Learning und Exploratory Teaching Space, Projektleiter Teilprojekt "Avatar basiertes Lehren und Lernen" im MyScore Projekt der RWTH Aachen Show more

Lia Fuziy
Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como organizadora e palestrante em eventos.

Lia Fuziy Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como... Show more

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a lot of public speaking and mindset, before coming a Toastmaster in April 2019 in Rotterdam. He became the first President of 010 TMC in Rotterdam, and started to develop himself within the European Trainers Network and as mentor in the "Odyssey Project" for which he became Ambassador in January 2021 for District 59.
His intention is to start within the Accredited Speaker Program of Toastmasters and become an international Mindset speaker, trainer, mentor and coach.

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a l... Show more

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboarded to OMBI Group, Chelsea has gained valuable experience in entertainment law. Her passion for advocacy also led her to become the co-chair of the Partnerships Committee for the Sports Business Conference at Spelman College, where she helped secure over $20,000 in sponsorships from major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and more. A political science major at Spelman College, Chelsea’s work at the White House further solidified her commitment to advocacy. Through her Symposium, she merges her legal expertise with digital tools to help creatives navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection, empowering them to safeguard their work in the digital age.

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboard... Show more

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like social anxiety, technology addiction, and workplace silos, creating spaces where meaningful relationships and collaboration can thrive.

A TEDx Speaker and co-author, Richard has shared his expertise on the power of human connection with audiences around the world. He has spoken at conferences, delivered workshops, and appeared on podcasts to inspire leaders and teams to prioritize connection in their personal and professional lives.

Richard is a faculty member at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Rhodes Wellness College, where he integrates connection-building strategies into learning environments. His work in higher education emphasizes improving student success, staff collaboration, and institutional culture.

Certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) and as a Trust at Work® Practitioner, Richard blends research-backed insights with actionable strategies to help people foster trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Through his work, Richard empowers individuals and organizations to unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and build thriving communities.

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like socia... Show more

Hello! My name is Melanee Stevens, and I am the Project Director for the Chehalis Native Connection SAMHSA Grant with the Behavioral Health Department. Currently, my job focus is working with the Suicide Prevention Grant and teaching traditional plant knowledge, gathering and uses for the plants. The goal of the grant is to bring activities to the community that will bring families together and the use of traditional plants in their everyday life.
My background is in education. I have my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a dual minor in ECE and Leadership. I have been a teacher in the regular classroom and the non-traditional classroom for many years. In Alaska I was the program a manger with the Qutekcak Native Tribe, the Native Youth Olympic and World Eskimo Indian Olympic coach, taught the indigenous games of the north to youth from first grade to high school. I also worked with the local Dance and Drum group that was made up of members from the Aleut, Alutiiq, Yupik, Inupiaq, Athabascan, Tlingit, and Tsimshian people.
Throughout my career I have worn many hats have worn many hats from teacher to program manager to board member and educational advocate. My most important job has been a mother and grandmother.
Born and raised in Maine, moved to Alaska on the south-central peninsula, traveled the ALCAN twice to Washington, lived in Colorado for a spell and finally came back to Washington to settle down with my daughter and grandson.
“Building Bridges 2025 – melanee.stevens@gmail.com, www.linkedin.com/in/stevensmelanee , https://www.chehalistribe.org/departments/suicide-prevention-awareness/ “

Hello! My name is Melanee Stevens, and I am the Project Director for the Chehalis Native Connection SAMHSA Grant with the Behavioral Health Department. Currently, my job focus is working with the Suicide Prevention Grant and teaching traditional plan... Show more

Ian L. Paterson is a data entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in leading and commercializing technology companies focused on data analytics and cybersecurity. Ian has raised tens of millions of dollars in private and public financing, completed 4 international mergers and acquisitions across North America and Asia, and is co-inventor of 3 patents. As CEO of Plurilock, Ian successfully built and grew Plurilock, leading to its successful listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.

Previously Ian founded and was CEO of Exapik, a data monetization platform that managed, mined, and monetized data on behalf of clients on Madison Avenue and Wall Street. Ian grew the platform to over a billion data events per month before it was subsequently acquired. Ian also served as the Director of Insights for venture-backed analytics firm Terapeak, managing half a trillion dollars of transaction data, resulting in eight figures in data and analytics sales before it was acquired by eBay.

Often referred to as an “unconventional thinker”, Ian is a regular speaker, author, and media commentator, having been featured in dozens of publications including Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and the Globe & Mail.

Believing in the power of innovation and its ability to change the world, Ian is an active angel investor with over a dozen angel investments in early-stage technology ventures. Ian volunteers his time on national security and innovation economy topics through his work with the Canadian Council of Innovators and the Centre for International Government Innovation.

Ian L. Paterson is a data entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in leading and commercializing technology companies focused on data analytics and cybersecurity. Ian has raised tens of millions of dollars in private and public financing, ... Show more

With over 16 years serving the federal government sector and more than 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and telecommunications industries, Teri Musick possesses a wide range of experience providing leadership, program account management, project delivery, Agile Leadership and implementing end-to-end business technology solutions.

As the Director of CGI Federal’s Emerging Technologies Practice Standards and Frameworks team and a strategic advisor for the CGI Federal Agile Center of Excellence, Teri offers comprehensive consulting and solution architecture guidance across all organizational levels, from enterprise leadership to operational teams. Her expertise spans various domains, including federal government solutions, executive leadership and emerging technologies.

Teri's approach to leadership is people- and culture-focused. She leverages her extensive experience to provide a balanced mix of academic knowledge and real-life successes, leading high-performing and motivated teams. She educates colleagues, mentors professionals and develops operating models and strategies tailored to client needs.

With over 16 years serving the federal government sector and more than 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and telecommunications industries, Teri Musick possesses a wide range of experience providing leadership, program a... Show more

Dezaree' Lusk is originally from Dallas, Texas. She received her Cosmetologist license from Duncanville High School in 2011. Dezaree' received her Bachelor's of Social Work Degree from Prairie View A & M University in December of 2014, and her Master's of Social Work Degree from the University of Houston in May of 2016. Dezaree' is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialty in Health & Behavioral Health. Her experience includes being a Director at the second largest psychiatric hospital in Houston, Texas. With Divine Beauty Bar, Dezaree has combined her love for Cosmetology and Social Work by helping individuals experiencing hair loss (Alopecia). Divine Beauty Bar is widely known for their Wigs for Veterans at no cost initiative! Dezaree' has taken this initiative further by leaving the Corporate world and becoming a full-time, licensed Cosmetology School Owner of Divine Beauty Bar & Hair Loss Institute. Programs include Cranial Prosthesis Curriculum teaching others how to accept Insurance and Veteran Benefits, Permanent Makeup, a full Cosmetology Program and much more!

Dezaree' Lusk is originally from Dallas, Texas. She received her Cosmetologist license from Duncanville High School in 2011. Dezaree' received her Bachelor's of Social Work Degree from Prairie View A & M University in December of 2014, and her Master... Show more

Matt Biewener has been working with Drupal since version 6, was an Acquia Triple-Certified Drupal Expert, and has been developing web-based solutions to both operational challenges and client-facing programmatic needs for 15+ years. He has an MPH in maternal and child health, and has leveraged technology to modernize and amplify the reach, quality, and impact of services across public health domains. At Abt Global, Matt is a senior application developer responsible for Drupal DevSecOps and code.

Matt Biewener has been working with Drupal since version 6, was an Acquia Triple-Certified Drupal Expert, and has been developing web-based solutions to both operational challenges and client-facing programmatic needs for 15+ years. He has an MPH in ... Show more

Don Torrez has worked with more than 350 local governments to better understand web accessibility and how to best comply with law and guidelines.  Don has worked through accessibility issues with the Department of Justice, the Office of Civil Rights, the Department of Homeland Security, and various lawsuits.

Don is a Certified Accessibility Coordinator with the ADA and has written training curriculum on Web Accessibility and speaks out for greater awareness in electronic disability issues.  His vision is to remove the fear and confusion from this issue.

Don Torrez has worked with more than 350 local governments to better understand web accessibility and how to best comply with law and guidelines.  Don has worked through accessibility issues with the Department of Justice, the Office of Civil Rights,... Show more

Ambreen Hasan is the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Cleveland Institute of Art under the Office of Academic Affairs. She has over 11 years of higher education experience, and has been involved with efforts related to student success, retention, and data visualization mainly using Power BI.

Ambreen Hasan is the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Cleveland Institute of Art under the Office of Academic Affairs. She has over 11 years of higher education experience, and has been involved with efforts related to student ... Show more

Jennifer Ann Mason is the Vice President of Workforce Transformation and Learning at Planet Technologies, where she leads the Evolve 365 team as they help transform organizations and agencies through user adoption and various learning activities, including customized adoption playbooks, training videos designed for internal business processes, ongoing learning campaigns and personalized Champions Programs. Helping organizations adjust how they approach learning as they move forward with digital transformation and change the way they work.

Jennifer has been awarded the Microsoft MVP over 10 consecutive years and is a nationally known speaker at worldwide conferences. She is the author of over 6 SharePoint Technical Books and helps lead and coordinate the local user’s group in her hometown. The Microsoft Community is a big part of Jennifer’s interest and you can often find her at local events, community forums or working behind the scenes to coordinate various Diversity & Inclusion conference tracks.

Jennifer has been with Planet Technologies over 5 years and is looking forward to the future of the government workplace. The changes of the cloud are being felt more and more every day and the journey of adoption for many agencies is just beginning! Being able to help various agencies do more and do things differently is just a small thing that gets her excited! From helping them transition from paper or excel forms to PowerApps and Power BI or to Teams and SharePoint from email – all changes big or small that help people work more efficiently are foundations worth celebrating in Jennifer’s mind!

In her spare time, you can often find Jennifer traveling all over the US with her husband Corey and her pup Bowser. From the beaches to the mountains to the vineyards, you just never know where they might end up for a few days!

Jennifer Ann Mason is the Vice President of Workforce Transformation and Learning at Planet Technologies, where she leads the Evolve 365 team as they help transform organizations and agencies through user adoption and various learning activities, inc... Show more

I discovered Agile in a startup in the United States, as a developer of financial solutions. When I came back to France, empirical approaches were still unknown. So I quickly switched to coaching teams and organizations. I still work as a Scrum Master/Agile Coach.

I am always looking for real challenges aiming at performance and work well done, based above all on human relations and team building.

I discovered Agile in a startup in the United States, as a developer of financial solutions. When I came back to France, empirical approaches were still unknown. So I quickly switched to coaching teams and organizations. I still work as a Scrum Maste... Show more

I have a background in economics and social entrepreneurship. I began my career working with a grassroots organisation in Calcutta, India, where I surveyed climate migration patterns and assessed the electrification needs of urban slum settlements. Previously, I held roles at organisations such as the Carbon Tracker Initiative (a London-based climate think tank), Agami (a non-profit based in India supporting innovation in law and justice ), and Ashoka Innovators for the Public (global philanthropy supporting social entrepreneurs around the world), where I focused on addressing systemic inequality, promoting social innovation, and shaping climate policy in South Asia.

My interest in critical minerals began during my Master’s studies in Ecological Economics, where I explored the just transition aspects of the Green New Deal.

I have a background in economics and social entrepreneurship. I began my career working with a grassroots organisation in Calcutta, India, where I surveyed climate migration patterns and assessed the electrification needs of urban slum settlements. P... Show more

Data Scientist enthusiast, Co-Organiser of Pydata Port Harcourt and Team Lead at Port Harcourt School of Ai

Data Scientist enthusiast, Co-Organiser of Pydata Port Harcourt and Team Lead at Port Harcourt School of Ai Show more

Inspired, self-motivated, and IT-driven manager.
For the past 5 years was responsible for software development, team management, and building trustworthy relationships with clients in E-learning.
Specializing in complex and huge projects. In my portfolio - are huge Universities, Government projects especially in Ukraine and Africa (with UNESCO, UNICEF etc).

Inspired, self-motivated, and IT-driven manager. For the past 5 years was responsible for software development, team management, and building trustworthy relationships with clients in E-learning. Specializing in complex and huge projects. In my po... Show more

Wendi O. Brown, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, has a distinguished career as a Chief Strategist, advising senior U.S. and NATO on strategic planning, risk management, and crisis management. She has been instrumental in managing multinational cyber operations and executing critical logistics missions across Europe and Africa, ensuring readiness for U.S. forces. Her experience spans key roles at U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command, where she oversaw complex military operations. Wendi holds two advanced degrees in Cybersecurity and has earned multiple military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for her exemplary service. For fun, Wendi enjoys the Mediterranean beaches in Greece, and traveling to Italy and Spain.

Wendi O. Brown, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, has a distinguished career as a Chief Strategist, advising senior U.S. and NATO on strategic planning, risk management, and crisis management. She has been instrumental in managing multinational cybe... Show more

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transformative F.L.I. method (Forgive. Let Go. Initiate.) inspires women to lead balanced, purpose-driven lives. Dr. Tia has a proven record in driving strategic initiatives, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and developing sustainable growth strategies.

A sought-after International Speaker, Dr. Tia has delivered keynotes for universities, nonprofits, and conferences, including the renowned SpeakerCon stage with figures like Les Brown. Her bestselling book, F.L.I. Forgive. Let Go. Initiate., quickly became an Amazon Best Self-Help Short Read, chronicling her journey through personal challenges with courage and resilience.

Recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Tia has received numerous honors, such as the Women of Distinction by the United Nations Global Women Foundation, Women In Management Africa, Champion Leadership Award U.K., and the Lifetime Commitment to Community Service Award.

Dr. Tia's true joy lies in empowering women, advocating for economic advancement, and inspiring audiences through her talks on leadership, faith, and personal growth. Outside of her professional sphere, she is a devoted mother to Derrick, Tamia, and Jazmyn, and a proud grandmother to Amaiah. Her passion for inspiring transformation makes her an invaluable presence at events where she combines authenticity with actionable insights.

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transfor... Show more

Program Manager of Digital Academy @Adobe
| Social Impact | Diversity & Inclusion | Creativity | Education | Multi-media Art | Indigenous Innovation |
Through her work with the Adobe Digital Academy as well as other local organizations, Natalie’s efforts to make the technology ecosystem more diverse and inclusive are informed from her own experience and understanding of the complexities as a Bay Area born resident breaking into tech. With her experience in education and non-profit curriculum development, she is bringing an innovative approach to creating access and bridging different communities in the innovation space. As a former alum, Natalie is excited to share her insights now in a supporting role as Program Manager for the Adobe Digital Academy.

Natalie Isabel Contreras [Papasquialii Tepehuan, P'urhépecha, Coca] is a leader in the diversity, equity and inclusion space, born in occupied Yelamu Ohlone Territory also known as San Francisco, CA. Natalie has experience as an educator, multidisciplinary creative and program manager and has served different Bay Area organizations & initiatives. As a leader in the Social Impact space, she is passionate about strengthening connections + increasing access to opportunities between innovation, art and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) culture & community. Natalie began by participating in local non-profit organizations geared towards people of color to increase access and representation in the local tech economy such as TechSF, Hack the Hood, Impact Hub & the Kapor Center. After participating in programming, events, attending panel discussions and hackathons she knew that she had a responsibility to voice the need for increased visibility, access and advocacy for people in her community. With both technical and creative skills, she has applied her skills to many areas in web development, product management, education, film making, photography and mural design, and has worked with organizations such as the Golden Gates National Parks Conservancy and the Native American Health Center. Currently Natalie is the program manager for the Adobe Digital Academy which is a an accelerated pathway into tech and design careers. She is proud of her multi-lineage ancestry, and continues to dream up ways to better serve the many cultural communities she is connected to. She is exploring how BIPOC people can lead innovative solutions specific to communities by leveraging the use of technology for empowerment.

Program Manager of Digital Academy @Adobe | Social Impact | Diversity & Inclusion | Creativity | Education | Multi-media Art | Indigenous Innovation | Through her work with the Adobe Digital Academy as well as other local organizations, Natalie’s e... Show more