Jen Kramer has been teaching & practicing web design for over 20 years. Most recently, she is a Lecturer at Harvard University Extension School in the Master's of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design program, where she teaches five courses per year on front-end web development. She's also a prolific video author, creating over 40 training courses for LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com, Frontend Masters, O'Reilly Media, and others. She earned her MS in Internet Strategy Management from Marlboro College.

Jen Kramer has been teaching & practicing web design for over 20 years. Most recently, she is a Lecturer at Harvard University Extension School in the Master's of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design program, where she teaches five courses per year o... Show more

Devin Thelin (Crypt1d) is a cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance leader with 10+ years of experience securing large-scale enterprises, security consulting, healthcare systems, and independent research and publication of cybersecurity functions.

Devin specializes in AI, Cybersecurity Governance, Zero Trust, DevSecOps, and human centric security design, with a particular interest in how behavior and psychology influence security outcomes through gamification. Devin has a Doctorate of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics from The George Washington University, and is an independent researcher and adjunct university instructor in the fields of Economics and Cybersecurity/Information Assurance.

Devin has been a speaker and presenter of different types of content at several different cybersecurity conferences, and is the founder and director of the Cryptid Hunt contest at DEFCON. Overall, Devin prefers to create and contribute to the content that lies at the intersection of how humans work, and what makes actions more engaging and functional.

Devin loves all things relating to hacking, infosec, as well as a myriad of nerdy things outside of that realm including; pinball, art, and even long walks on the beach.

Devin Thelin (Crypt1d) is a cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance leader with 10+ years of experience securing large-scale enterprises, security consulting, healthcare systems, and independent research and publication of cybersecurity functions. ... Show more

Dr. Ambar J. Saleh-Cipolloni is a professor at Sarasota University, where she serves as Chair of the Doctoral Dissertation Program and teaches in the distance Doctor of Education program. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and academic leader dedicated to advancing excellence in higher education, Montessori education, and teacher preparation.
Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni is the founder and owner of Montessori Global Academy, located in Ormond Beach, Florida. The academy serves students from infancy through secondary education and is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) as well as nationally accredited. Through her leadership, the school promotes academic excellence, global citizenship, and authentic Montessori practices.

She is also the founder and owner of the Montessori Global Teacher Education Institute (MGTEI), a higher education institution accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Through MGTEI, she prepares and mentors future Montessori educators and leaders dedicated to serving children and families around the world.
Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni holds Montessori teaching certifications for the infant and toddler (0–3), early childhood (3–6), lower elementary (6–9), and upper elementary (9–12) levels. She is currently completing her Montessori Secondary certification, further expanding her expertise across the full continuum of Montessori education.
In addition to her Montessori credentials, Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Psychology and a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.

Her extensive experience as a university professor, educational administrator, accreditation consultant, and school leader in the United States provides her with a unique multicultural perspective and a strong foundation in educational leadership. She has worked with Montessori and non-Montessori schools, teacher education programs, colleges, and universities, supporting institutional growth, accreditation, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Above all, Dr. Saleh-Cipolloni is committed to empowering educators, supporting student success, and advancing educational innovation. She is also the proud mother of four successful young adult professionals, whose accomplishments continue to inspire her commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Dr. Ambar J. Saleh-Cipolloni is a professor at Sarasota University, where she serves as Chair of the Doctoral Dissertation Program and teaches in the distance Doctor of Education program. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and academic leade... Show more

an AI executive with over seven years of experience transforming data into action across Africa’s public and development sectors. She currently manages the AI Solutions Delivery at Data Science Nigeria as a director, where she drives the design and deployment of AI-powered solutions in health, governance, digital inclusion, and agriculture. Her work spans AI platforms for microplanning and governance, and digital solutions that scale inclusion for small businesses, AI tools that support farmers with climate-smart insights. She has led projects across Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa, trained hundreds of young professionals, and showcased her expertise at global forums including Deep Learning Indaba, DHIS2 Annual Conference, and GITEX. Passionate about ethical and inclusive AI, Chinazo is committed to building solutions that transform lives and strengthen Africa’s agricultural value chains.

an AI executive with over seven years of experience transforming data into action across Africa’s public and development sectors. She currently manages the AI Solutions Delivery at Data Science Nigeria as a director, where she drives the design and d... Show more

Inspired by the celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week in the USA and the UK, the PAW Germany Coordination Team, consisting of coordinators from Hanover and Munich, played a key role in launching PAW Germany in 2022, a nationwide initiative to celebrate the incredible work of postdocs. By bringing together researchers, research institutions, postdoc coordinators and research administrators from across Germany, the PAW Coordination Team helps to create a special program of events and a social media campaign each year to celebrate the contribution of postdocs to research and academic life, and to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany aims to recognise and empower postdocs to excel in their careers, drive scientific progress, make meaningful contributions to their fields, and ultimately shape a better future for science and society.

Inspired by the celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week in the USA and the UK, the PAW Germany Coordination Team, consisting of coordinators from Hanover and Munich, played a key role in launching PAW Germany in 2022, a nationwide initiative to cele... Show more

A 25 year veteran of information security, Tony Rice has automated audit evidence gathering and reporting along with vulnerability management across on-prem, cloud, and lab environments for Cisco's public and private sector customers. Outside of information security, Tony helps hundreds of broadcast meteorologists around the country improve science communications and is active in STEM education leading judging for the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair.

A 25 year veteran of information security, Tony Rice has automated audit evidence gathering and reporting along with vulnerability management across on-prem, cloud, and lab environments for Cisco's public and private sector customers. Outside of info... Show more

Neringa Young is the Founder of Build Stuff conferences, which she personally manages – recruiting and working with the team, looking for the partners, creating marketing strategies and implementation of the conference promotion. She is also helping with logistics and creating the content of the event. For each year she invites 80 leading speakers from the Tech industry from around the world to come to the Baltics for this 5-day event.
The success of her leadership is seen through the results of the event which every year attracts more than 1400 software developers, with the same participants returning every year as the event grows.
Outside of the workplace, Neringa is involved with initiatives like Women Go Tech where she mentors young women, providing them with advice and direction for their careers in the tech sector.
She is the founder and manager of FIX.Events which runs meetings, training, conferences, private and public events for private & corporate clients.
During her university studies, she was simultaneous working as a Telemarketing sales representative. In just 2 years (2009), she was promoted on the basis of good results to become the Sales team lead at Lintel. At the age of 22, she was responsible for over 100 telemarketing sales managers. Her responsibilities included – hiring staff, training staff, coaching, organizing work across the wider team and implementing company sales strategies.
At AB TEO (now Telia), she initiated, formed and managed a team that is composed of both technical- and sales-personnel to boost sales in line with the company’s sales strategy. Her responsibilities included human resource management – hiring staff, training, coaching, organizing teamwork and working with sales strategies.
During the time she was working at AB TEO, she also published her Master thesis on an HR Topic: "Coaching for the Development of Organizational Personnel (Case of an X Organization, Lithuania)"; 2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION REFORM AND MANAGEMENT, INNOVATION (ERMI 2012), VOL 1 Pages: 54-60 Published: 2013; Conference: International, Conference on Education Reform and Management Innovation (ERMI 2012) Location: Shenzhen, PEOPLES R CHINA Date: DEC 04-05, 2012.

Neringa Young is the Founder of Build Stuff conferences, which she personally manages – recruiting and working with the team, looking for the partners, creating marketing strategies and implementation of the conference promotion. She is also helping ... Show more

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at the Kolping University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Affairs.

Sergej Gil is currently an Expert for LXD Facilitation and Research-Related Teaching and Learning at the University of Cologne. There, he is part of the Innovation Platform for Future-Relevant Competencies. Prior to that, he was E-Learning Manager at... Show more

Analytical thinker driven by fast-paced learning platforms in higher education with a significant experience of over five years in statistical modeling and quantitative data analyses utilizing R, SPSS, Excel, Tableau, Power Bi, MPlus, AMOS, Dbeaver, and SAS

Experienced in qualitative research methodologies including leading and participating in multisite collaborations and liaison responsibilities

Analytical thinker driven by fast-paced learning platforms in higher education with a significant experience of over five years in statistical modeling and quantitative data analyses utilizing R, SPSS, Excel, Tableau, Power Bi, MPlus, AMOS, Dbeaver, ... Show more

Participants will leave with:
Strategies to maintain motivation and enthusiasm as educators.
Insights into why game mechanics are so engaging.
Practical, classroom-ready gamification techniques that work across age groups.
Simple ideas to help students become active, resilient, and motivated learners.

Participants will leave with: Strategies to maintain motivation and enthusiasm as educators. Insights into why game mechanics are so engaging. Practical, classroom-ready gamification techniques that work across age groups. Simple ideas to help st... Show more

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institutions nationwide.

Sarah is best known for work that pioneers actionable strategies in a quickly evolving marketing landscape. She developed Signal Engineering, a framework for making brands legible to AI systems.

Sarah builds teams as well as strategies. She has designed and built the multi-agent AI infrastructure her teams use for market research, search intelligence, and content production, and established EducationDynamics' center of excellence for performance marketing.

Sarah Russell is VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, where she has spent 17 years at the intersection of search behavior, audience data, and marketing strategy. She leads SEO, paid media, social, and creative teams serving higher education institut... Show more

Hillary Makori Bsc. Software Engineering , Freelance Software Engineer, Technology Consultant, and Founder of Software Consultants a digital solutions company dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, innovation, and service delivery.
With expertise spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Engineering, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data-Driven Solutions, and Digital Transformation, Hillary specializes in designing and implementing smart technology solutions that solve real-world challenges across multiple industries.
Through Software Consultants, Hillary works with schools, universities, hospitals, banks, businesses, and community organizations to develop and deploy modern digital systems that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and create sustainable growth. His solutions include school management systems, hospital information systems, banking and financial technology solutions, inventory and accounting platforms, customer management systems, workflow automation tools, and customized enterprise software applications.
Passionate about the future of intelligent technology, Hillary champions the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to transform the way organizations operate. He helps institutions integrate AI into their daily workflows through AI-powered automation, intelligent data analysis, prompt engineering, digital assistants, and responsible technology adoption strategies that enhance human potential.
His technical expertise includes building cloud-based applications, scalable software platforms, web and mobile applications, database management systems, enterprise solutions, and secure digital infrastructures that support organizations in becoming more agile, connected, and future-ready.
Hillary is known for simplifying complex technological concepts and transforming them into practical solutions that audiences can immediately apply. His sessions combine real-world case studies, live demonstrations, interactive learning, and hands-on experiences, empowering professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders with the knowledge needed to thrive in the digital era.
Beyond software development, Hillary is passionate about using technology as a tool for social impact ; empowering institutions, businesses, and communities through innovation, automation, and accessible digital solutions.
His vision is simple: to bridge the gap between technology and people by creating intelligent systems that make organizations smarter, faster, and ready for the future.

Hillary Makori Bsc. Software Engineering , Freelance Software Engineer, Technology Consultant, and Founder of Software Consultants a digital solutions company dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, innovation,... Show more

Katia Reed is an AI Literacy Lead, EAL Coordinator, and Mandarin Teacher at North American International School in Dubai, where she designs and delivers the school's AI Literacy curriculum for secondary students across Grades 6 to 12. She is a member of the UAE AI Think Tank and a recognised UAE AI Changemaker.
Katia has facilitated sold-out workshops on custom AI tools and PBL with AI at the Common Core Virtual Boot Camp, drawing over 80 attendees per session, and delivered a fully booked session at the Dubai Teaching Conference.
She builds and deploys classroom-facing and school-wide platforms using vibe coding tools, including a digital escape room series on AI ethics, a streamlined whole-school lesson planning workflow powered by AI, a whole-school EAL assessment platform, a distance learning platform for teachers, and a suite of leadership and administration tools built entirely without traditional coding. Her work sits at the intersection of AI literacy, inclusive pedagogy, and practical school leadership.
She is the developer of the AI Ethics Escape Trails platform and shares open-access tools and classroom AI practice with a growing educator audience on LinkedIn.

Katia Reed is an AI Literacy Lead, EAL Coordinator, and Mandarin Teacher at North American International School in Dubai, where she designs and delivers the school's AI Literacy curriculum for secondary students across Grades 6 to 12. She is a member... Show more

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a tech diplomat and statesman, he works at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital governance, and youth empowerment. His work bridges technical cybersecurity expertise with practical policy design, always advocating for ethical, sovereign, and inclusive digital futures. The role of young Africans in shaping the continent's technology agenda.

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a... Show more

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex programs in state government.
I thrive at the intersection of people, process, and technology. Whether I'm aligning a room of executives, untangling a dependency across 13 vendors, or building the data infrastructure that gives leadership real-time visibility — I bring the clarity and structure that keeps programs on track.
My work spans program strategy, stakeholder alignment, cross-functional team leadership, and delivery governance. I believe the best project managers don't just manage schedules — they build the systems, culture, and communication that let great teams do their best work.

I'm a Project Manager with a track record of delivering large-scale, complex programs in high-stakes environments — currently driving technology modernization at New York State's Integrated Eligibility System, one of the most operationally complex pr... Show more

Mr. Cruz is an associate who provides planning and strategic services to colleges and universities. Mr. Cruz brings a diverse range of experiences from across the entire education sector, with expertise in business operations and information technology management. A strong collaborator and relationship developer, Mr. Cruz is driven toward identifying solutions that create a bridge between institutional knowledge, strategic partnership, and operational success.

Mr. Cruz is an associate who provides planning and strategic services to colleges and universities. Mr. Cruz brings a diverse range of experiences from across the entire education sector, with expertise in business operations and information technolo... Show more

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwear on One Tree Hill or co-starring in commercials with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon or the Roaming Gnome. Improv comedy is my passion and I can be seen making audiences, my scene partners, and myself laugh regularly at some of the best and worst improv shows in New York City.

As an educator, I have taught Acting, Improvisation, Public Speaking, Communication Studies at too many colleges to mention. I also teach and coach acting, improv, and applied improv for theatres, private groups, and individuals, and in the corporate space.

I’m known at Collegiate Empowerment for connecting with participants from the toughest mandatory audiences to passionate student leaders to coaching participants through my comedy, passion, high energy, and enthusiasm. Within CE, I’m known for focusing on what students want and need, being a kickass teammate and making weird faces during team meetings.

I’m a NYC-based professional actor, improv comedian, and adjunct instructor. I’ve appeared in theatres all over the country performing in everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon to Shrek: The Musical. You may have even seen me dancing in my underwe... Show more

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, features, and infrastructure are not only high-quality but also valuable to individuals, businesses, and communities. David’s expertise includes DevOps, user experience (UX), service design, and accessibility. These skills enable him to enhance transparency, increase productivity, deliver value, and boost customer engagement.

David holds an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University and is a certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) by Rutgers/PTI. He actively participates in several professional organizations: the Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI), the Government Management Information Science (GMIS), and the Service Design in Government Community of Practice. Additionally, he has served as a mentor in the General Services Administration (GSA) User Experience Community of Practice.

David is a catalyst leader with a strong executive presence and a passion for building networks that inspire confidence and drive innovation. His decades in public sector IT have defined his approach to inclusive innovation, ensuring that products, f... Show more

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, including limited infrastructure, incomplete datasets and strict cost ceilings.

He has led the development of data-driven and cloud-based solutions ranging from high-concurrency web platforms to machine learning systems tailored for smallholder agriculture. His recent work explores practical approaches to model design, system resilience and translating complex technical outputs into usable insights for non-technical users.

Mark is particularly interested in how architectural decisions change when constraints are treated as requirements rather than limitations.

Mark Kithinji is a software engineer and co-founder of an AI-driven agriculture platform focused on improving decision-making for farm managers across African contexts. His work centers on building production systems under real-world constraints, inc... Show more

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

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

CEO | Palestrante | Head de Agilidade & Inovação | Professor | Conselheiro.

CEO | Palestrante | Head de Agilidade & Inovação | Professor | Conselheiro. Show more

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

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

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

Interessata alla ricerca e all'innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching individuale, di team e organizzazioni.

Grazie alla sua conoscenza diretta dei meccanismi di funzionamento delle organizzazioni, Beatrice lavora con professionisti aiutandoli a rafforzare la loro consapevolezza organizzativa, a sviluppare sinergie tra bisogni e obiettivi organizzativi e personali.

È Certified Practitioner Coach (EIA), Certified Agile Coach (IC-Agile), membro dell’Associazione Italiana Coach Professionisti e di EMCC Global. Come Coach e trainer affianca gruppi e individui facilitando fasi di transizione e supportando cambiamenti nella gestione di sé, dei team e dell’organizzazione.

Nei suoi interventi adotta approcci sperimentali per lo sviluppo delle competenze relazionali e della leadership, utilizza strumenti di facilitazione esperta, serious play, training frontale ed esperienziale.
Oltre al coaching si dedica alla ricerca sul Coaching Organizzativo, in collaborazione con il gruppo di ricerca AICP.

Interessata alla ricerca e all'innovazione di approcci e metodi per lo sviluppo delle persone e delle organizzazioni, dopo diversi anni di esperienza gestionale nell’ambito del marketing e del project management ha deciso di dedicarsi al Coaching ind... Show more

Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, elite coach, and SparkLife Connoisseur renowned for her ability to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential, ignite passion, and take decisive action. With a diverse background as a C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and non-profit founder, Lynsey's favorite role is being a mom to four amazing boys. Drawing from her extensive experience, she brings expertise and a passion for empowering others to achieve lasting change. Lynsey captivates audiences with engaging stories, practical tools, and energizing exercises. Her relatable and high-impact approach leaves listeners motivated to pursue intentional growth and achieve extraordinary results.

Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, elite coach, and SparkLife Connoisseur renowned for her ability to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential, ignite passion, and take decisive action. With a diverse background a... Show more

Aline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Würzburg and a Master’s degree from RWTH Aachen University. Since 2021, Aline is a Scientific Associate at the Center for Learning and Teaching Services, where she coordinated various Projects, including the "#Digitalkompetenz.nrw" project to enhance digital skills.

Aline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Würzburg and a Master’s degree from RWTH Aachen University. Since 2021, Aline is a Scientific Associate at the Center for Learning and Teaching Services, where she coordinated various ... Show more

Amanda Brock is CEO of OpenUK and has built one of the most recognised and impactful organisations in open source. She is also the Executive Producer of State of Open Con 25 taking place 4 - 5 February 2025 in London having founded and produced the ‘23 and ‘24 events building to over 800 attendees, and over 200 speakers.

A lawyer with 25 years’ experience, 5 as GC of Canonical, she’s been instrumental in shaping open source’s legal frameworks, as she was in shaping internet law during the early 2000’s.
Regularly contributing to tech press, she edited “Open Source: Law, Policy and Practice”, (2022).

Amanda is a sought-after and contagious international keynote speaker, speaking at tech events and international events like COP29 on topics from open source software to AI. A regular contributor to the tech press across a wider range of areas, Amanda is the editor of Open Source Law, Policy and Practice (2nd edition) published by Oxford University Press in October ‘22, with open access thanks to the Vietsch Foundation https://amandabrock.com/books

Current Advisory: UK Cabinet Office Open Standards Board; UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure; UKRI Exascale; KDE; commercial boards – Mimoto, Scarf, FerretDB and Space Aye; and is Fellow Open Forum Academy; Distinguished Fellow Rust Foundation; European Representative, OIN.

Past Advisory includes: Chair, UN Technology and Innovation Labs Open Source and IP Advisory Group’; OASIS Open Projects Initiative; British Computer Society Inaugural Influence Board; UK Government Energy Sector Digitalisation Task Force; elected Board Member Open Source Initiative; and Commercial Advisory Boards at Beamery and Everseen.

Recognition: Computer Weekly’s 50 Most Influential Women in UK TechC(2023, 2024) listed as #20 in 2024; Computing IT Leaders 100 (2023, 2024); ‘ INvolve HERoes list “(2023, 2024); “Women Who Will”, Changemaker (2023); INvolve Heroes (2022, 2023); and Novi Awards Advocate for Change in Gender Equality Honouree (2024); Ambassador Open Charge Alliance. Amanda was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Women, Influence & Power in Law UK 2022.

Judging: IDG Foundry CIO 100 2023, 2024); and Senior Judge, First Enable Role Model List by Dow (2024) having been a Judge in the We are Tech Women Rising Star Awards in (2021, 2022).

linkedin.com/in/amandabrocktech
@amandabrockUK
@openuk_uk
https://openuk.uk
https://amandabrock.com/

Amanda Brock is CEO of OpenUK and has built one of the most recognised and impactful organisations in open source. She is also the Executive Producer of State of Open Con 25 taking place 4 - 5 February 2025 in London having founded and produced the ‘... Show more

Victoria is a Junior Software Engineer at 4TU.ResearchData and a Master's student in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at TU Delft. With a strong passion for open science and research, she brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to tech, currently also completing a second Bachelor's in Philosophy. Alongside her work and studies, Victoria is engaged in AI research, recently authoring a deep learning paper accepted for the 2026 BCI Conference in Graz.

Victoria is a Junior Software Engineer at 4TU.ResearchData and a Master's student in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at TU Delft. With a strong passion for open science and research, she brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to tech... Show more

Senior Microsoft cloud security engineer with over 25 years of experience in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and U.S. government environments. A U.S. Air Force veteran and retired member of the Illinois Air National Guard, with a strong focus on mentoring career transitions into cybersecurity. Experienced instructor and writer focused on practical, real-world security guidance. This will be his fifth year attending DEF CON.

Senior Microsoft cloud security engineer with over 25 years of experience in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and U.S. government environments. A U.S. Air Force veteran and retired member of the Illinois Air National Guard, with a strong focus on mentor... Show more

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after speaker at international conferences and universities, fostering a culture of learning. His passion lies in mentoring others, evident in his roles as a Section Leader for Code in Place and Google Cloud Facilitator.

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after spea... Show more

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the strategic "braiding" of millions in state and federal programs to move the needle on equity and justice. A former English teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, her career is defined by a refusal to accept the status quo of top-down governance. Dr. Sidhu is recognized for bringing innovation to compliance, dismantling administrative silos to institutionalize authentic democratic school governance. Her leadership in operationalizing the "Voice to Action" Equity Transformation Cycle has resulted in historic academic gains for English Learners and at-promise youth. A recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award from the California State Senate, Dr. Sidhu is a sought-after speaker on AI implementation, strategic planning, and the power of shared leadership. She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne and is dedicated to equipping leaders with the tools to transform school systems and level up through student voice and agency.

Dr. Seema Sidhu is a transformative district leader and the 2026 AUHSD ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Currently serving as the Director of Learning and Development for the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Sidhu oversees the str... Show more