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

Dr. Dhru Beeharilal is a coach, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Nayan Leadership

Dr. Dhru Beeharilal is a coach, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Nayan Leadership Show more

J’ai commencé à travailler en mode Agile, utilisant les principes et valeurs associés en 2009 année où je suis devenue maman Pour moi, faire le parallèle entre ma vie professionnelle et mon rôle de parent est devenu une évidence et une nécessité au fil du temps D’un naturel pragmatique et ayant besoin d’être dans l’action, j’accompagne mes enfants, tous deux ayant des troubles DYS, avec mes pratiques agile depuis maintenant 10 ans Eux me permettent également d’enrichir mes méthodes de mise en place de la méthode Agile en entreprise.

J’ai commencé à travailler en mode Agile, utilisant les principes et valeurs associés en 2009 année où je suis devenue maman Pour moi, faire le parallèle entre ma vie professionnelle et mon rôle de parent est devenu une évidence et une nécessité au f... Show more

Tatyana Slavova: A Woman of Courage, Determination, and Inspiration.

Propelled by her life philosophy, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts," Tatyana fearlessly relocated on her own from Ukraine to the USA, facing the challenges of war.
As a keynote speaker, she empowers individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue lives worth living.
Beyond the stage, Tatyana wears multiple hats, excelling as both a Venture Capitalist and Life & Business Coach.

Tatyana Slavova: A Woman of Courage, Determination, and Inspiration. Propelled by her life philosophy, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts," Tatyana fearlessly relocated on her own from Ukraine to... 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

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor earned her M.T. and PhD in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She founded a preschool built on the idea that all children were natural scientists and explorers (and that picture books could connect all of the thematic units). While working in the museum education field, she developed and provided in-person and virtual hands-on STEAM programs that inspired curiosity and wonder in children of all ages. She currently works with teachers across the country, focusing on connecting multicultural literature with engaging and meaningful STEAM challenges. She currently collaborates with Chris Kesler Science on early elementary curriculum design and worked closely with Steve Spangler Inc. on the production and release of a Beyond Ever After on demand video course. She is an adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Shenandoah University, and hosts an Adventures in Learning podcast that explores connections between diverse picture books and STEM/STEAM learning.

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor earned her M.T. and PhD in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She founded a preschool built on the idea that all children were natural scientists and explorers (and that picture books could connect all of ... Show more

Speaker | Google Startup School | DevOps | Growth-focused Developer | Lifelong Learner | Building the Future of Education with AISTECHX | Leading AI & Tech initiatives @Niyatitech

Speaker | Google Startup School | DevOps | Growth-focused Developer | Lifelong Learner | Building the Future of Education with AISTECHX | Leading AI & Tech initiatives @Niyatitech Show more

I help create leaders - On the battlefield, in the boardroom, and at the kitchen table.

I am a 1991 Graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. During my time as a Naval Officer, I served as Assistant Operations Officer onboard the USS Monongahela, Assistant Platoon Commander at SEAL Team FOUR, and a Platoon Commander at Seal Team ONE.

In 2003 I joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where I investigated International Terrorist Organizations out of the FBI’s flagship office in New York City and also served as a member of the FBI’s New York SWAT Team.

In 2010 I was attached to the United States Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment while serving as a Special Agent for the FBI. While deployed I participated in extensive combat operations and was subsequently presented with the FBI’s second highest award for valor, the Shield of Bravery, for my actions on the battlefield.

I left the FBI after 13 years of service to begin my leadership consulting firm, Ice Cold Leader, in 2016. I have worked with executives and teams from Fortune 100 companies, professional sports organizations, small technical startups, and individual executives across a vast array of industries around the world as the Founder of Ice Cold Leader.

I help create leaders - On the battlefield, in the boardroom, and at the kitchen table. I am a 1991 Graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. During my time as a Naval Officer, I served as Assistant Operations Officer onboard t... Show more

Tillery (they/them) is a co-founder of Neuvik Solutions and serves as their Director of Training & Education. Tillery has been in formal education and professional training roles for the US Department of Defense as well as for commercial companies for more than a decade. They have spent their career in cybersecurity on both sides of the red/blue divide, first focusing on reverse engineering and exploit development, then bringing their offensive mindset to the field of Application Security. Tillery brings deep technical knowledge and pedagogical training to instruction in cybersecurity, computer science, and mathematics.

Tillery (they/them) is a co-founder of Neuvik Solutions and serves as their Director of Training & Education. Tillery has been in formal education and professional training roles for the US Department of Defense as well as for commercial companies fo... Show more

entrepreneur, and consultant who became the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game. He works with his clients to shatter limiting beliefs and create true change.

entrepreneur, and consultant who became the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game. He works with his clients to shatter limiting beliefs and create true change. Show more

Cambria Jacobs is a startup executive with expertise in FoodTech, HealthTech, UCaaS, and AgeTech. Her track record is rooted in working with disruptive startups that launch products into emerging markets. As a founding employee at CO startups like Door to Door Organics, Raindance, and LINK-VTC, she helped shape the early local startup scene. Cambria has held executive roles at Door to Door Organics and as global CMO of EGYM, driving innovation in category-defining companies. She co-founded Collaboration in Aging and AgeTech CO, committed to making Colorado a hub of age-inclusive excellence.

Cambria Jacobs is a startup executive with expertise in FoodTech, HealthTech, UCaaS, and AgeTech. Her track record is rooted in working with disruptive startups that launch products into emerging markets. As a founding employee at CO startups like Do... Show more

I am Uttam Singh currently working as a DevRel at Flare Network. Previously I worked with Polygon as a DevRel & Engineer. I have recently completed my research in Blockchain, funded by the government of Canada. I am also a Web3 & Blockchain Educator on Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube with around 12K+ Followers. I have also spoken at various conferences like NFT NYC, ETH CC, ETH Milano!

I am Uttam Singh currently working as a DevRel at Flare Network. Previously I worked with Polygon as a DevRel & Engineer. I have recently completed my research in Blockchain, funded by the government of Canada. I am also a Web3 & Blockchain Educator ... Show more

I am a results-driven Full Stack Developer with extensive experience in crafting successful web applications. As a Lead Front-End Developer at Adeegso Norway and a Full Stack Developer & Co-founder at NexOne, I led numerous projects, managing the entire development lifecycle and ensuring high code quality and documentation standards. I have a BSc in Electrical & Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology and I participated in the Google Africa Developer Scholarship program.

Proficient in a wide range of technologies including React, Next.js, Python, Django, and Flask, Mohamud combines his technical expertise with strong problem-solving and leadership skills. His commitment to innovation and excellence is reflected in his work, making him a valuable contributor to the tech community.

I am a results-driven Full Stack Developer with extensive experience in crafting successful web applications. As a Lead Front-End Developer at Adeegso Norway and a Full Stack Developer & Co-founder at NexOne, I led numerous projects, managing the ent... Show more

Eric J. Rodriguez, a seasoned speaker and consultant, has a distinguished track record of merging technology with education to foster environments where both can thrive. As the former Education Regional Director at Intel, he has led transformative initiatives from Arizona to Swaziland, demonstrating a global impact. Recognized as a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever and a member of Arizona's 40 Under 40, Eric's work extends through notable collaborations with Aguila Youth, SHPE, and Prospanica. Holding a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, Eric's mission is to prepare educational entities for a future where technology enhances human capabilities, emphasizing a human-centric approach to innovation.

Eric J. Rodriguez, a seasoned speaker and consultant, has a distinguished track record of merging technology with education to foster environments where both can thrive. As the former Education Regional Director at Intel, he has led transformative in... Show more

Carolyn Warburton is a user researcher renowned for her innovative approach. A strong advocate for data-driven decisions, she promotes an openness to change and the courage to push boundaries.

Carolyn's work is instrumental in innovative projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. By integrating the latest research methods, she ensures work is grounded in solid evidence.

As a thought leader in Lean Research, Carolyn has introduced agile research methods that speed up innovation.. Her efforts empower teams to navigate complexity and deliver exceptional value to their users.

Carolyn is dedicated to continuous learning and sharing her knowledge with the broader community.

Carolyn Warburton is a user researcher renowned for her innovative approach. A strong advocate for data-driven decisions, she promotes an openness to change and the courage to push boundaries. Carolyn's work is instrumental in innovative projects... Show more

Britnee Kinard, founder and CEO of SD Gunner Fund graduated from MTSU in 2005 with a degree in recording industry business. Britnee left her high-profile career in business, to become a full-time caregiver to her husband, Hamilton Kinard, after he suffered life-altering injuries while serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Kinard family knew Hamilton could benefit from a service dog, but the process of receiving one was a grueling and expensive 18-month ordeal. The stress of the experience – coupled with the tremendous benefits Hamilton’s service dog, Gunner, provided – drove the Kinards to establish SD Gunner Fund to help others. Since SD Gunner Fund’s founding, the organization has served over 450 veterans, first responders, and exceptional children and provided more than 50,000 hours of service dog training.

Britnee Kinard, founder and CEO of SD Gunner Fund graduated from MTSU in 2005 with a degree in recording industry business. Britnee left her high-profile career in business, to become a full-time caregiver to her husband, Hamilton Kinard, after he su... Show more

Ashley is an entrepreneur, software developer, academic and professional trainer. He has a PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering from UNSW and has 25 years experience in IT. He has delivered training courses around Australia, across SE Asia and in the US and UK. He has won awards and recognition from the ICT industry, academia, the federal government, and the student community for the quality and excellence of his teaching and professional training.

He is the CEO and co-founder of Acavista (HEDventures Pty Ltd), an edtech startup, and co-founder and Principal at Innovately.com.au, which provides services to assist with the application of Lean Startup and Customer Development principles and practices to the commercialisation of innovation in organisations from any sector, of any size, and at any level of maturity (including startups). He graduated from the Founder Institute and Curtin Accelerate startup accelerators.

He is currently building the software for his edtech startup Acavista using CQRS, ES, microservices, Akka, and React in Scala and JavaScript and has deployed on Google Cloud and Digital Ocean. He also provides consulting and training services in Lean Startup with Customer Development for companies and startups through Innovately.com.au. To give back to the community he runs the Lean Startup Perth meetup, presents at various meetups and conferences, and helps out with DDD Perth.

Ashley is an entrepreneur, software developer, academic and professional trainer. He has a PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering from UNSW and has 25 years experience in IT. He has delivered training courses around Australia, across SE A... Show more

I have over 11 years of experience in the social service sector, with the past 6 years dedicated to working directly with underserved families and clients. Throughout this time, I have excelled in cultivating healthy and nurturing relationships with families, understanding and addressing their traumas, and providing essential support and access to concrete resources.
In 2016, I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Additionally, I obtained certification as a Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. My commitment to improving maternal health led me to become a Certified Full Spectrum Doula and Certified Lactation Educator. As a birthworker, I focus on educating, empowering, and advocating for black birthing women. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that black women feel safe and supported throughout their pregnancies, aiming to bridge the health disparities prevalent in underserved communities from conception and beyond by making sure that my clients have access to care and doctors/ midwives that look like that and can create a safe environment for them.
Furthermore, I am equally passionate about Family Engagement and postpartum care and education, recognizing their critical roles in child development and family sustainability.

I have over 11 years of experience in the social service sector, with the past 6 years dedicated to working directly with underserved families and clients. Throughout this time, I have excelled in cultivating healthy and nurturing relationships with ... Show more

Nanda Nugraha is a software engineer with more than 6 years of experience, and a passion for improving education through technology. After graduating from Amikom Yogyakarta University, Nanda kickstarted his career by showcasing his innovative solutions to friends, landing his first job. in a few years, Nanda landed a job in GovTech Edu's and make a milestone by working in Guru Merdeka Mengajar platform, where he learned the principles of "good engineering." Over three years, he developed expertise in sofware engineering, performance optimization, and managing legacy codebases. One of his notable achievements includes helping the national lecturer portal overcome years of technical debt. Nanda's career goal, aligned with his personal interests, is to make a meaningful impact on global education through technology.

Nanda Nugraha is a software engineer with more than 6 years of experience, and a passion for improving education through technology. After graduating from Amikom Yogyakarta University, Nanda kickstarted his career by showcasing his innovative solutio... Show more

Kevin Saukel war Teil des DigitalChangeMaker Jahrgangs 2020/2021 und studiert zurzeit Erziehungswissenschaften an der Goethe Universität in Frankfurt und Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Technischen Hochschule Mittelhessen.

Kevin Saukel war Teil des DigitalChangeMaker Jahrgangs 2020/2021 und studiert zurzeit Erziehungswissenschaften an der Goethe Universität in Frankfurt und Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Technischen Hochschule Mittelhessen. Show more

Trey Ryder is a multifaceted entrepreneur, podcast host, and devoted family man, known for his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to service. As a proud Army Veteran, aspiring author, and coach, he is empowering others to reach their full potential. Outside of work, Trey cherishes quality time with his wife and five children, enjoying beach days and volunteering at the local fire department. Trey's influence extends to various platforms, including "The Successful Male Magazine," "Entrepreneur State of Mind," and podcast interviews. Trey earned the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout, embodying principles of leadership, service, and excellence.

Trey Ryder is a multifaceted entrepreneur, podcast host, and devoted family man, known for his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to service. As a proud Army Veteran, aspiring author, and coach, he is empowering others to reach their full p... Show more

Sarah Withee is a polyglot software engineer, international public speaker, teacher, mentor, and hardware and robot tinkerer located in Pittsburgh, PA. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and people. Presently she is the head of backend development for CODE PA, a new government office located within Pennsylvania to help improve the digital services of the state. She was formerly at 18F, a federal office doing digital transformation work around the federal government, and many private industry jobs before that.

As a polyglot (multiple-language) developer, she has worked in a wide range of tech stacks and has built desktop, mobile, web, and backend applications. She is also one of the organizers of Code & Supply, Pittsburgh's largest technology community. She is currently a lead mentor for Girls of Steel Robotics, an all-girls high school robotics team, which just got back from the world championships. She has been mentoring and judging FIRST competition teams since 2011.

Sarah has given over 70 software engineering conference talks, been a guest on nearly two dozen podcasts, has been interviewed for Teen Vogue and Reinvented Magazine, and even appeared on a Google Year in Search video! She was on the "RealLIST Engineers 2022: These 16 tech leaders are changing Pittsburgh’s code" and has won the NCWIT Western PA 2024 Educator Award.

Sarah Withee is a polyglot software engineer, international public speaker, teacher, mentor, and hardware and robot tinkerer located in Pittsburgh, PA. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and people. Presently she is the head of ba... Show more

As a teacher with a lifelong dedication to ICT in education, I have embraced digital tools to enhance learning accessibility. My efforts have been recognized with a nomination for Sweden’s Guldäpplet award, reflecting my commitment to excellence in digital teaching. The introduction of generative AI into my practice, notably ChatGPT, has not only improved efficiency but also inspired me to write a book on the subject. My approach combines practical insight with a passion for making education more responsive to individual needs, aiming to inspire others to explore the potential of technology in learning.

As a teacher with a lifelong dedication to ICT in education, I have embraced digital tools to enhance learning accessibility. My efforts have been recognized with a nomination for Sweden’s Guldäpplet award, reflecting my commitment to excellence in d... Show more

Alison Alexander, celebrated among the Top 50 Business & Marketing Visionaries, expertly integrates her extensive knowledge in Web3 technology with a deep-rooted dedication to public service. Her career, spanning over 30 years in education, healthcare, and social services, endows her with an unparalleled perspective on the role of technology in uplifting communities. As a past CEO in the UK's local government, Alison was instrumental in implementing transformative policies that significantly improved citizen well-being.

In 2021, Alison co-founded Metacampus, a trailblazing Web3 startup with a focus on inclusivity and personal empowerment in the digital age. Metacampus works at harnessesing the transformative power of Web3 to reshape key sectors such as education and healthcare. Her unwavering belief in Web3 as a catalyst for societal advancement is evident in her initiatives, which are directed towards forging an equitable and inclusive digital world. Alison’s efforts are particularly aimed at ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds can access and benefit from the digital economy.

Continuing her innovative journey, in 2023, Alison launched "GPT GovWeb3AI," a groundbreaking initiative designed to assist the public sector in understanding and leveraging AI's potential for citizen welfare. This project underlines her commitment to applying advanced technologies for the betterment of society, further cementing her reputation as a visionary in the intersection of technology and public service.

Alison Alexander, celebrated among the Top 50 Business & Marketing Visionaries, expertly integrates her extensive knowledge in Web3 technology with a deep-rooted dedication to public service. Her career, spanning over 30 years in education, healthcar... Show more

Paul Forbes is a bias awareness and equity consultant who focuses on implicit bias, “the work behind the work”. A native New Yorker he has dedicated his professional life to working with students and families from historically underrepresented neighborhoods and communities. After 3 years as a Dean of Discipline in East Harlem, Paul spent almost 20 years as a central administrator in various roles within the NYC DOE.

In his last role Executive Director for Educational Equity, Anti-Bias and Diversity, Paul provided oversight and support for the effective implementation and continuous development of the Implicit Bias/CRE initiative for NYC staff and administrators. He also helped develop a strategic vision to guide the implementation of trainings & professional development to schools, after-school providers, districts, and central offices on equity topics within education that included implicit bias, culturally responsive education and discussions around systemic and structural racism.

Paul Forbes is a bias awareness and equity consultant who focuses on implicit bias, “the work behind the work”. A native New Yorker he has dedicated his professional life to working with students and families from historically underrepresented neighb... Show more

Chris McInnis has worked with a variety of local, national and international nonprofit and government agencies, as both a client of and provider of digital services. Recent work has focused on using Drupal for professional portals and municipal sites.

Chris McInnis has worked with a variety of local, national and international nonprofit and government agencies, as both a client of and provider of digital services. Recent work has focused on using Drupal for professional portals and municipal sites... Show more

Dawn is the Founder and Senior Consultant of Dawn Foreman Consulting. Leveraging her 30+ years of experience in public school education, Dawn builds the capacity of district leaders and educators throughout the country to reimagine an education system that equitably serves all students by implementing whole-child design practices that are grounded in scientific research, educator practice, and student experience. Prior to launching Dawn Foreman Consulting, Dawn was a teacher, school leader, and a partnership director with Turnaround for Children, where she provided consultation, designed impactful professional learning experiences, and offered coaching to district leaders, school leaders, and educators.

Dawn designs and facilitates professional learning opportunities which includes consultation and coaching around whole-child development and creating the conditions for ALL students to thrive; restorative practices and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Her efforts have influenced districts like District of Columbia Public Schools (DC), Rockingham County Schools (NC) and Tulsa Public Schools (OK). She is deeply committed to supporting the social emotional well-being of adults who serve our youth.

Dawn holds a M.Ed. degree in educational leadership from George Mason University and a B.S. degree in early childhood and elementary education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Dawn resides in northern Virginia and enjoys singing at karaoke events and attending painting classes with her friends.

Visit her website at www.dawnforemanconsulting.com.

Dawn is the Founder and Senior Consultant of Dawn Foreman Consulting. Leveraging her 30+ years of experience in public school education, Dawn builds the capacity of district leaders and educators throughout the country to reimagine an education syste... Show more

Nya is an educator, writer, speaker, and facilitator. Her company, The Dignity Effect, is a boutique education firm specializing in social-emotional learning experiences for adults. As she educates, she anchors learners in dignity while centering truth-telling, soul care, and story. Consider Nya a fellow journeying companion, guiding in the areas of professional and personal relationships, faith-focused topics, mental and emotional health, and social justice. An intuitive communicator, she also finds specific joy in speaking and writing on wonder and awe with a special interest in cosmology and interconnectedness.

Nya is an educator, writer, speaker, and facilitator. Her company, The Dignity Effect, is a boutique education firm specializing in social-emotional learning experiences for adults. As she educates, she anchors learners in dignity while centering tru... Show more

Patricia (Tish) Jennings is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of social and emotional learning and mindfulness in education and Professor of Education at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. Her research places a specific emphasis on teacher stress and how it impacts the social and emotional context of the classroom, as articulated in her highly cited theoretical article "The Prosocial Classroom." Jennings led the team that developed CARE, a mindfulness-based professional development program shown to significantly improve teacher well-being, classroom interactions and student engagement in the largest randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based intervention designed specifically to address teacher occupational stress. She is a co-author of Flourish: The Compassionate Schools Project curriculum, an integrated health and physical education program and is co-Investigator on a large randomized controlled trial to evaluate the curriculum’s efficacy. She is currently the Principal Investigator of Project CATALYZE, a study that will examine whether CARE enhances the effectiveness of a social and emotional learning curriculum funded by an Education Innovation Research grant from the US Department of Education to conduct. A member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Fostering Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development among Children and Youth, she was awarded the Cathy Kerr Award for Courageous and Compassionate Science by the Mind & Life Institute in 2018 and recently recognized by Mindful Magazine as one of "Ten Mindfulness Researchers You Should Know." Earlier in her career, Jennings spent more than 22 years as a teacher, school director and teacher educator. She is the author numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters and several books: Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom, The Trauma-Sensitive School: Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching, Mindfulness in the Pre-K-5 Classroom: Helping Students Stress Less and Learn More, part of Social and Emotional Learning Solutions, a book series by WW Norton of which she is editor. Her latest book is Teacher Burnout Turnaround: Strategies for Empowered Teachers.

Patricia (Tish) Jennings is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of social and emotional learning and mindfulness in education and Professor of Education at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. ... Show more