Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Jim Shakespear

Jim Shakespear

I've been a member of SAINT since 2012, since I started full-time at Southern Utah University. I've had various roles in our IT department, and currently head cybersecurity and data privacy initiatives.

I've been a member of SAINT since 2012, since I started full-time at Southern Utah University. I've had various roles in our IT department, and currently head cybersecurity and data privacy initiatives. Show more

Morgan Berg

Morgan Berg

Coordinator for Orientation at USF Saint Petersburg

Coordinator for Orientation at USF Saint Petersburg Show more

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Scott Wagner

Scott Wagner

In the late 1970s, Scott Wagner telnetted on the Arpanet using punch cards at the age of 12. Computers have been part of his life ever since. Propelled into IT by the desire to meet people from all over the world and kill them inside multiplayer first person 3D shooting games, he eventually found his way into cybersecurity as a specialty. He has worked in Financial, Power Generation, Industrial, Military and most recently Academic roles. Currently he lives in Floyd County Virginia on a small farm and is the IT Auditor for Radford University. Classical studies, particularly the Roman Republic and its Imperial incarnations have also been a life long pursuit.

In the late 1970s, Scott Wagner telnetted on the Arpanet using punch cards at the age of 12. Computers have been part of his life ever since. Propelled into IT by the desire to meet people from all over the world and kill them inside multiplayer fi... Show more

Sheavy Kaur

Sheavy Kaur

Passionate and solution-oriented IT professional with over 10 years of extensive experience in developing and deploying software programs, as well as complex network infrastructures. I provide cybersecurity consulting, lead projects, and offer technical solutions from design to implementation.

As a cybersecurity leader, excel in multiple facets, including risk assessment and assurance, technology audits, and ensuring ongoing cybersecurity effectiveness. I also serve as a pivotal point of contact for cyber advice and engagement.

My passion for ICT pushes me to learn new things every day. I always encourage the participation of women in the ICT sector, and I like to invest my energy to inspire and motivate others to reach their career goals.

Passionate and solution-oriented IT professional with over 10 years of extensive experience in developing and deploying software programs, as well as complex network infrastructures. I provide cybersecurity consulting, lead projects, and offer techni... Show more

Robert King

Robert King

Robert King is the current Director of Residence Life & Education at Trent University and former Senior Director of University Housing at Oakland University. With over 20 years of experience in student housing and student affairs, Robert has contributed significantly across both private and public institutions in three different regions of the United States.

An active leader in professional organizations, Robert has served as chair of the former Multicultural Network for the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I). His involvement with the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) dates back to 2013, where he joined the Facilities and Operations Committee, later leading the committee multiple times and establishing the FOPs Preconference experience in 2017. Robert also recently served as chair of the GLACUHO Inclusion & Equity Committee. Additionally, Robert served as faculty for GLACUHO’s inaugural Multicultural Leadership Institute (MLI) program and returned in 2023, showcasing his commitment to advancing diversity and leadership in the field.

Robert King is the current Director of Residence Life & Education at Trent University and former Senior Director of University Housing at Oakland University. With over 20 years of experience in student housing and student affairs, Robert has contrib... Show more

Jennie Khun

Jennie Khun

Dr. Jennie Khun serves as the CIO and OIT Director within the Office of the Director/Executive Office at the National Institutes of Health. Jennie has been teaching for Purdue Global University’s Master's Cybersecurity program since 2021.

Jennie received her Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Kaplan University (now Purdue Global), a Master of Business Administration from Shepherd University where she received the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Award, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with distinction from Liberty University. She holds Certified Information System Security Professional, Project Management Professional, Agile Certified Practioner, and ITIL certifications.

She has supported a variety of IT areas including enterprise level applications, governance, strategic planning, security, and other technology portfolio assets. She's been responsible for multiple large-scale technology implementations throughout her career.

She has published textbook chapters on a variety of topics including ethics and leadership for IT students and building culture to sustain IT governance.

Jennie's unique blend of leadership, IT experience, and passion for cybersecurity position her well to present on a variety of topics and industries.

Dr. Jennie Khun serves as the CIO and OIT Director within the Office of the Director/Executive Office at the National Institutes of Health. Jennie has been teaching for Purdue Global University’s Master's Cybersecurity program since 2021. Jennie r... Show more

Hiroto Yamakawa

Hiroto Yamakawa

公立千歳科学技術大学 情報システム工学科 准教授.博士(理工学).
大学の技師として学習支援システムの企画・設計・開発・運用・保守を担当した後,2013年から研究職に移り,2024年より現職。千歳市バスロケーションシステム(〜2022)などの開発を経て,現在はシステム開発手法,プログラミング教育の研究に従事。
2015年からJavaユーザーグループ北海道を立ち上げ、スタッフとともに年4回のイベント開催に取り組む。

公立千歳科学技術大学 情報システム工学科 准教授.博士(理工学). 大学の技師として学習支援システムの企画・設計・開発・運用・保守を担当した後,2013年から研究職に移り,2024年より現職。千歳市バスロケーションシステム(〜2022)などの開発を経て,現在はシステム開発手法,プログラミング教育の研究に従事。 2015年からJavaユーザーグループ北海道を立ち上げ、スタッフとともに年4回のイベント開催に取り組む。 Show more

Ruhana Chikatla

Ruhana Chikatla

Ms. Chikatla, a senior project and policy strategist with the Department of the Navy, leads engineering support and modernization efforts for large-scale defense IT portfolios - overseeing strategic planning, risk liaison, and executive briefings. She previously directed critical infrastructure transitions for Naval Enterprise Networks and served as a public health advisor at HHS, where she supported the National Biodefense Strategy and other national security initiatives.

Ms. Chikatla, a senior project and policy strategist with the Department of the Navy, leads engineering support and modernization efforts for large-scale defense IT portfolios - overseeing strategic planning, risk liaison, and executive briefings. Sh... Show more

Dominica Abena Oforiwaa Amanfo

Dominica Abena Oforiwaa Amanfo

Dominica holds an MSc. in AI and Data Science from Hochschule Lucerne, Switzerland, and has a background in Computer Engineering from the University of Ghana.

As a way of giving back to society, she is a Distinguished Arm Ambassador and is dedicated to improving STEM education, especially in females across Africa through an initiative with her friends, called YCEM.

She enjoys her career, teaching, traveling, playing games and the piano, classical music, swimming, and reading.

Dominica holds an MSc. in AI and Data Science from Hochschule Lucerne, Switzerland, and has a background in Computer Engineering from the University of Ghana. As a way of giving back to society, she is a Distinguished Arm Ambassador and is dedica... Show more

Angelika Klidas

Angelika Klidas

Angelika is a seasoned expert in Data and Analytics and coauthor of Data Literacy in Practice. With a background as an operations manager, strategic advisor, and Data Literacy evangelist, she excels at analyzing Data & Analytics environments, aligning organizational ambitions, and providing actionable strategies to enhance data maturity.
Currently with Business Data Challengers, Angelika advises organizations on Data Strategies, Organizational Data Literacy, and oversees the Academical section. She develops course materials and strategies to empower people and organizations to elevate their data capabilities. Passionate about Data Literacy, she helps organizations and employees critically evaluate insights, especially in the context of Generative AI, through training and coaching.
Angelika also lectures at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, combining industry experience to inspire the next generation of Data & Analytics professionals.

Angelika is a seasoned expert in Data and Analytics and coauthor of Data Literacy in Practice. With a background as an operations manager, strategic advisor, and Data Literacy evangelist, she excels at analyzing Data & Analytics environments, alignin... Show more

Lauren Berlin

Lauren Berlin

Lauren Berlin brings extensive educational leadership expertise and professional coaching acumen to her work with high-functioning leaders. A credentialed School Psychologist, she has served as a traditional High School Assistant Principal, Continuation and Alternative Education High School Principal, and Special Education Administrator across Orange, Santa Barbara, and San Mateo Counties. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Certified Executive Coach, she combines behavioral science with practical leadership experience, including navigating community-wide crises in educational settings. Known for her calm, focused approach during high-stress situations, Lauren helps leaders transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes the interconnected nature of school communities, enabling administrators to build sustainable success while supporting all stakeholders. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lauren works with California educational leaders and supports high-functioning leaders across sectors nationwide, helping them develop the tools and confidence to lead effectively through complex situations.

Lauren Berlin brings extensive educational leadership expertise and professional coaching acumen to her work with high-functioning leaders. A credentialed School Psychologist, she has served as a traditional High School Assistant Principal, Continuat... Show more

Sarthak Gandhi

Sarthak Gandhi

Sarthak Gandhi is a seasoned Founder-Strategist and Quantum Computing Innovator, recognized for his transformative contributions to technology and accessibility. As a distinguished participant in New York University’s Global Guided Research Program, he spearheaded cutting-edge quantum computing research, earning the highest scholarship among over 50 global peers. His policy framework for sustainable assistive technology ecosystems, adopted by two Indian state governments, underscores his strategic expertise. Sarthak has captivated audiences with thought-provoking talks, including a keynote at Hindu College of Pharmacy on research-driven innovation. A passionate advocate for AI-powered inclusion, he harnesses analytics to redefine accessibility, addressing ethical complexities like data privacy with unparalleled insight. His leadership in national-scale initiatives and multi-crore investment strategies cements his reputation as a visionary in inclusive tech. At Open Conf 2025, Sarthak will share actionable strategies for leveraging AI to empower persons with disabilities, inspiring global tech leaders.

Sarthak Gandhi is a seasoned Founder-Strategist and Quantum Computing Innovator, recognized for his transformative contributions to technology and accessibility. As a distinguished participant in New York University’s Global Guided Research Program, ... Show more

Allison Peterson

Allison Peterson

Allison currently works as the Training and Development Manager at Michigan State University, designing division-wide onboarding programs, leading training initiatives, and supporting HR learning needs. She has been working in the corporate training field for eight years and previously served as a middle and high school teacher and has experience in performance data coordination. Outside of work she enjoys storytelling, exploring new places with her family and sleeping. She is a Certified Human Resources Specialist (CHRS) and holds certifications in Designing for Elearning, Mental Health First Aid, Secondary English Education Teaching Certification, English Language Development, and QPR Instructor.

Allison currently works as the Training and Development Manager at Michigan State University, designing division-wide onboarding programs, leading training initiatives, and supporting HR learning needs. She has been working in the corporate training ... Show more

Eveline Moczko

Eveline Moczko

Eveline is a seasoned product leader and growth expert with over a decade of experience in Berlin's startup ecosystem. While she helped build companies like Blinkist, Foodora, and Foodpanda, she now focuses her expertise as Head of Product at STAYERY, redefining Product Management in the hospitality industry. She's also a founding member of Mozza Angels, Europe's first product-led angel investment syndicate, and was honoured with the TOP30 Women in Product Award in 2023.

Eveline is a seasoned product leader and growth expert with over a decade of experience in Berlin's startup ecosystem. While she helped build companies like Blinkist, Foodora, and Foodpanda, she now focuses her expertise as Head of Product at STAYERY... Show more

Kateryna Ogar

Kateryna Ogar

With over 7 years of experience as a Scrum Master and Product Manager, Kateryna has worked with global clients like NASDAQ, Ericsson, and Volvo, delivering impactful projects. Certified in PSM1 and SAFe 5.1 Agilist, she drives both business value and customer satisfaction through her leadership.

As a mentor in the Women in Tech global program, Kateryna helps empower the next generation of female tech leaders. She is also ranked in the Top 1% of Product Management mentors on ADPList, sharing expertise to support professional growth.

With over 7 years of experience as a Scrum Master and Product Manager, Kateryna has worked with global clients like NASDAQ, Ericsson, and Volvo, delivering impactful projects. Certified in PSM1 and SAFe 5.1 Agilist, she drives both business value and... Show more

Andre Luis Cardoso

Andre Luis Cardoso

Social em ação (socialização). User de redes sociais corporativas no time da HCL Latam. Professor e facilitador em instituições de ensino: Sociesc, Anhanguera e Positivo. Tecnólogo em processamento de dados e pós-graduado na FAE. Entusiasta de métodos e processos para abordar problemas e torna-los mais fáceis de serem solucionados. Collab, NodeJS, Storytelling e Design Thinking são as que me dedico neste momento.

Social em ação (socialização). User de redes sociais corporativas no time da HCL Latam. Professor e facilitador em instituições de ensino: Sociesc, Anhanguera e Positivo. Tecnólogo em processamento de dados e pós-graduado na FAE. Entusiasta de método... Show more

Joe Peluso

Joe Peluso

Joe Peluso is a Georgia-born engineer, adventurer, and lifelong learner blending Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and city planning to drive community improvement and build a brighter future for all.

Joe Peluso is a Georgia-born engineer, adventurer, and lifelong learner blending Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and city planning to drive community improvement and build a brighter future for all. Show more

Evelyn Rivas

Evelyn Rivas

Evelyn Rivas is a dedicated leader with a passion for fostering community engagement, education, and sustainability. With extensive experience in facilitation and strategic planning, Evelyn plays a pivotal role in higher education by driving key initiatives forward and overseeing process improvements. In her role, she focuses on enhancing service to students and the community, building a strong organizational culture, and streamlining processes to improve institutional effectiveness.

Evelyn Rivas is a dedicated leader with a passion for fostering community engagement, education, and sustainability. With extensive experience in facilitation and strategic planning, Evelyn plays a pivotal role in higher education by driving key init... Show more

Jennifer D. Daniel

Jennifer D. Daniel

Jennifer is a PhD candidate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Bristol. She is dedicated to understanding the factors that contribute to the success of women in technology entrepreneurship, with the ultimate goal of shaping better policies and practices for the transformation of developing economies.

Jennifer is a PhD candidate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Bristol. She is dedicated to understanding the factors that contribute to the success of women in technology entrepreneurship, with the ultimate goal of shaping bette... Show more

Eliana Chacon

Eliana Chacon

CSG is your trusted advisor in government program modernization.

CSG is your trusted advisor in government program modernization. Show more

Dr. Kimberly Taylor MPA,DRS

Dr. Kimberly Taylor MPA,DRS

Fatherhood

Fatherhood Show more

Nicky Meindl (They/Them)

Nicky Meindl (They/Them)

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuses on the intersection of Queer Theory and Ethnic Studies. Their current role as a neurodivergent special education teacher has helped shape their understanding of disability in education.

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuse... Show more

Alexander Hutson

Alexander Hutson

Alexander Hutson was his campus' Residence Hall Association President for 3 years during his undergraduate education at Mizzou and as a conference chair for the 2021 MACURH Regional Business Conference. He has since fallen in love with the profession and worked for two years at the University of Missouri -- Science and Technology as a Residence Hall Coordinator. He has attended two UMR-ACUHO Conferences and been awarded a Top 5 Presenter designation at the 2024 Conference for his presentation on Power Automate -- a brief tutorial and its applications for the profession. He intends to continue working in the profession with an eye towards developing living learning communities and building partnerships that bridge residential life cocurricular efforts with faculty.

Alexander Hutson was his campus' Residence Hall Association President for 3 years during his undergraduate education at Mizzou and as a conference chair for the 2021 MACURH Regional Business Conference. He has since fallen in love with the profession... Show more

Laura MacDonald

Laura MacDonald

Strengthening relationships between strategic technology vendors and Acuity, Inc. to serve critical federal missions.

Strengthening relationships between strategic technology vendors and Acuity, Inc. to serve critical federal missions. Show more

Naureen Imran

Naureen Imran

I transitioned into tech through self-learning , bootcamps and an MSc in Computer Science, after managing a business for over a decade.

I transitioned into tech through self-learning , bootcamps and an MSc in Computer Science, after managing a business for over a decade. Show more

Grant Salmond

Grant Salmond

Amateur astronomer, physics, mathematics and chemistry teacher (secondary), BEd, MSc.

Amateur astronomer, physics, mathematics and chemistry teacher (secondary), BEd, MSc. Show more

Jason Scott Quinn

Jason Scott Quinn

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

Jeren Hicks

Jeren Hicks

Jeren Hicks is a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast and a software developer turned program manager. With experience spanning nearly every role in a software company over the past 20 years, Jeren has found his true passion in helping teams thrive and achieve success. His mission is to empower individuals and foster collaboration—oh, and to share his boundless love of dinosaurs. Seriously, he really loves dinosaurs.

Jeren Hicks is a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast and a software developer turned program manager. With experience spanning nearly every role in a software company over the past 20 years, Jeren has found his true passion in helping teams thrive and achie... Show more

Nathan Riel-Elness

Nathan Riel-Elness

Nathan has worked in a variety of positions in higher education including student activities, diversity, student conduct/Title IX, & orientation. He has experience at both mid-size public universities and currently works at a small, private institution.

Nathan has worked in a variety of positions in higher education including student activities, diversity, student conduct/Title IX, & orientation. He has experience at both mid-size public universities and currently works at a small, private instituti... Show more

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