Gopichand Mannava is a senior public-sector data and technology leader, enterprise data architect, and independent AI researcher. His work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, analytics, data governance, and digital transformation.

With professional experience in enterprise data architecture, Oracle databases, business intelligence, analytics, cloud identity and access management, and technology strategy, Gopichand helps organizations modernize complex data environments while improving security, governance, scalability, and trust. He is particularly focused on responsible generative AI adoption and on helping public institutions use data and emerging technologies to improve decision-making and service delivery.

Gopichand brings both technical depth and an executive perspective to discussions on AI strategy, data governance, cybersecurity, cloud identity, enterprise analytics, and public-sector modernization. He translates complex technology issues into practical, outcome-oriented approaches that support innovation while managing operational, privacy, and security risks.

In addition to his technology leadership work, Gopichand is building an independent-researcher profile through professional writing, research, speaking, peer review, advisory participation, judging, and industry recognition. He is committed to advancing thoughtful, responsible, and practical conversations about AI, digital trust, and the future of public-sector technology.

Gopichand Mannava is a senior public-sector data and technology leader, enterprise data architect, and independent AI researcher. His work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, analytics, data... Show more

Sreedhar Ailu is a software quality practitioner specializing in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) governance, release readiness oversight, and quality risk management for large-scale regulated enterprise systems. With more than 13 years of experience, he has led and supported acceptance testing, deployment governance, and release decision-making across complex multi-vendor healthcare and public-sector technology programs.

His work focuses on the often-overlooked gap between successful testing and true production readiness. Drawing from real-world experience in highly regulated environments, he explores challenges related to regulatory interpretation alignment, testability coverage, release governance, and operational risk. His interests center on helping organizations make more informed release decisions when dependencies, integrations, and compliance requirements introduce hidden risk.

Sreedhar is an accepted speaker at CAST 2026 and an accepted author at PNSQC 2026. He actively contributes to the software quality community through practitioner research, conference participation, peer review, and knowledge sharing. His current areas of exploration include release readiness metrics, regulatory interpretation alignment, testability coverage, quality risk management, and governance approaches that improve confidence in enterprise software delivery.

When not working on quality and governance challenges, he enjoys mentoring practitioners, studying software delivery patterns, and contributing to discussions that advance the practice of software quality engineering.

Sreedhar Ailu is a software quality practitioner specializing in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) governance, release readiness oversight, and quality risk management for large-scale regulated enterprise systems. With more than 13 years of experience, h... 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

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

I have been a successful Deputy Chief of Police, State Representative, serial entrepreneur, COO, consultant, and am presently the CEO of a non-profit business. So basically, I've led everything but a conga line (though I not ruling it out).

I describe myself as the kind of leader who’s learned the hard way, laughed through the mess, and lived to tell the story—with a microphone in hand.

From the board room to the back alley, break room to the ballot box, my unique perspective and track record of success speak to my leadership style which is as practical as it is punchy.

I challenge audiences with thought provoking, engaging, and energetic presentations that leave attendees feeling empowered and enlightened reminding them that "Excellence lives in the area where most people fear to tread." Session titles like, "Tech Creep and the Chaos of Convenience" and "You can't Google what you don't know...you don't know," create interest and audiences are traditionally more engaged and enthusiastic.

If you are looking for a dynamic, insightful, thought-provoking speaker, I would like to be your choice.

Thank you for your time reviewing my fit for your event and if you need additional information you can find it at TCClements.net.

I have been a successful Deputy Chief of Police, State Representative, serial entrepreneur, COO, consultant, and am presently the CEO of a non-profit business. So basically, I've led everything but a conga line (though I not ruling it out). I des... Show more

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterprise-grade web applications for clients in Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom. Expertise in React, Node.js, Python Flask, and cloud platforms. Proven ability to analyze customer needs, build high-quality software, and empower businesses. Active community advocate, passionate about tech education.

A Full-Stack engineering leader and a Certified Associate Cloud Architect with 9 years of experience in software engineering, leading cross-functional teams across finance, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and healthcare. Delivered enterpris... Show more

I'm a local government official in the Information Department of the City of Hiroshima. I'm a leading expert on DX human resource development for local government officials and hold a Master of Science in Instructional Systems. I'm currently a doctoral student at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hiroshima City University, researching DX skill surveys of local government officials and developing an individualized optimal learning system based on instructional design theory. I previously served as a board member of the Japan Registered Information Security Specialist Association (JP-RISSA), having completed my term.

I'm a local government official in the Information Department of the City of Hiroshima. I'm a leading expert on DX human resource development for local government officials and hold a Master of Science in Instructional Systems. I'm currently a doctor... Show more

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study program designer and leader, charter school administrator. I’ve worked in district office administration, and most recently as a county office specialist serving Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. I also serve as a coach for 21CSLA and have coached teachers and leaders in many capacities for 15 years. I am trained as a Resilience Coach with Dovetail Learning, and as a trainer for Mental Health First Aid. I am a professional photographer and laser maker, and in my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking nutritious food, and traveling to new places.

I am passionate about creating a sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in schools for both children and adults. I've served in public education for over 25 years as a primary classroom teacher, site administrator, independent study progra... Show more

IT instructor and vocational training (FPE) trainer with more than 20 years of professional experience in technology. My background spans software development, systems, Cloud, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

I currently focus on technical training and continuous learning, combining hands-on experience with technologies such as AWS, Azure, Python, C#/.NET, DevOps and Infrastructure as Code.

I am particularly interested in making complex technical concepts practical and accessible, helping learners develop skills they can apply to real-world IT environments.

IT instructor and vocational training (FPE) trainer with more than 20 years of professional experience in technology. My background spans software development, systems, Cloud, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. I currently focus on technic... Show more

Named the 2025 ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year, Dr. Julie Hong is an award-winning educational leader, author, and systems designer with over 21 years of experience across general, special, and alternative education. She currently serves as Director of Instructional Support, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage at the Riverside County Office of Education, where she leads systems that unify Alternative Education, Special Education, and career pathways through student-centered, future-ready design. She is the author of Toward Pedagogy-First AI Integration: A Conceptual Framework Grounded in Relevance to Rigor Flow and Pedagogy in the Loop. Her work advances a human-centered approach to AI integration that aligns with UNESCO’s emphasis on ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI in education. She has led transformative change across three school districts and two county offices, building instructional coherence in diverse settings. Her work centers on AI Integrated Learning, Project-Based Learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Design Thinking. Dr. Hong also serves as Vice President of Membership for ACSA Region XIX, Past President-Elect of the SWAA Charter, board member for Mosaic Legacy, and CAAPLE mentor to aspiring administrators. She is known for Sparking Joy in Education and reimagining schools through purpose, people, and possibility.

Named the 2025 ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year, Dr. Julie Hong is an award-winning educational leader, author, and systems designer with over 21 years of experience across general, special, and alternative education. She currently se... Show more

Matías Ignacio Allende Contreras es Director de Tecnología y Ciberseguridad en la Municipalidad de Peñalolén, donde lidera iniciativas de transformación digital, arquitectura tecnológica y fortalecimiento de capacidades de ciberseguridad en el sector público. Cuenta con más de diez años de experiencia en gestión municipal, modernización de servicios, seguridad de la información e integración de plataformas. Su trabajo se enfoca en diseñar soluciones aplicadas, sostenibles y seguras para entornos públicos, combinando gobierno técnico, automatización y resiliencia operativa. Además, participa como speaker e instructor en instancias de formación tecnológica y ciberseguridad en América Latina.

Matías Ignacio Allende Contreras es Director de Tecnología y Ciberseguridad en la Municipalidad de Peñalolén, donde lidera iniciativas de transformación digital, arquitectura tecnológica y fortalecimiento de capacidades de ciberseguridad en el sector... Show more

Microsoft Certified Trainer | Cloud, AI & Cybersecurity Specialist | 18 Years in IT & Engineering
Current Role: Technical Trainer — Cloud, AI, Network & Cybersecurity (Rackspace / SDAIA-NIC, Riyadh KSA)
Expertise: AI, Digital Transformation, Azure, Cloud Architecture, Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking

Contact:
Credly Profile
https://www.credly.com/users/abul-bayan-ahmed/badges#credly
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abulahmed/

Microsoft Certified Trainer | Cloud, AI & Cybersecurity Specialist | 18 Years in IT & Engineering Current Role: Technical Trainer — Cloud, AI, Network & Cybersecurity (Rackspace / SDAIA-NIC, Riyadh KSA) Expertise: AI, Digital Transformation, Azure,... Show more

I design 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 and 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 that help organizations anticipate change at and act with confidence. Rather than solely serving senior executives, I strengthen the intelligence processes involving people across the entire organization – from research and innovation teams to the C-suite.

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗹𝗮𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. As founder and CEO of Mind-Alliance Systems and editor of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘸-𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, I’ve helped governmental organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and leading law firms turn weak signals and scenarios into practical and adaptive strategic choices.

Today, I focus on building intelligence operating systems that connect horizon scanning, scenario planning, indicators, and decision support into one coherent workflow. I combine human expertise with advanced AI – including 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼-𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹 – to leverage complex knowledge networks, not just retrieve documents. The result is faster sensemaking, shared mental models, and better decisions under uncertainty.

I design 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 and 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 that help organizations anticipate change at and act with confidence. Rather than solely serving senior executives, I strengthen the intelligence processes inv... Show more

Motivated by entrepreneurship and innovation. Currently positioned as an Agilist and Innovation Consultant, with more than 15 years of experience in the area of Consulting and Agile Project Management. I also worked as a University Professor, Lecturer, collaborating in the main Brazilian public bodies; as well as in the main companies in Portugal.

Master in Computer Engineering and Web Technology and Postgraduate in Software Engineering and Project Management.

Motivated by entrepreneurship and innovation. Currently positioned as an Agilist and Innovation Consultant, with more than 15 years of experience in the area of Consulting and Agile Project Management. I also worked as a University Professor, Lecture... Show more

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she specializes in workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, de-escalation strategies, and employee wellness.

Kelsey helps organizations identify concerning behaviors before they escalate into violence, develop practical prevention strategies, and create safer environments for employees, customers, and stakeholders. Her presentations combine real-world experience, behavioral science, and actionable de-escalation tools that audiences can immediately apply in the workplace.

She has delivered training to construction, corporate, educational, and community audiences on topics including workplace violence prevention, behavioral indicators of risk, conflict de-escalation, and resilience through mindfulness practices.

Kelsey Ratcliffe is the Founder of KR Criminal Profiling & Analysis and a commercial security consultant with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. A former Lieutenant, child abuse investigator, hostage negotiator, and incident commander, she ... 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

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

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

Emily Williams is a Social Media Specialist for Enrollment Services Communications and Marketing (ESCOMM), partnering with Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, the Bursar’s Office, Scholarships & Financial Aid, and New Student Programs. In addition to managing multiple social media channels with a combined follower count of over 36K, Emily serves as the advisor for the Kennesaw State Brand Ambassador team. A former Ambassador herself, Emily joined the program in 2019 as a student and has since played a key role in transforming it from a small, unfunded initiative into a strategic team of 35 students that support recruitment, storytelling, and brand engagement. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Gender & Women's Studies from KSU in Spring 2023 and a Master of Science in Digital & Social Media Communication from the University of West Georgia in Spring 2026.

Emily Williams is a Social Media Specialist for Enrollment Services Communications and Marketing (ESCOMM), partnering with Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, the Bursar’s Office, Scholarships & Financial Aid, and New Student Programs. ... Show more

Todd Fletcher is a cybersecurity consultant and PhD student with over 25 years of experience in IT leadership, network, application, public government IT leadership, and security engineering. He currently works as a Professional Services Principal Consultant at CrowdStrike, a leading provider of cloud-native endpoint and workload protection solutions.

As a consultant, he assists information security teams from various sectors to assess their security posture, and develop plans to close security gaps while achieving technical and executive success. He is skilled in agile project management, systems automation, SIEM, SOAR, penetration tools, and security program development based on the NIST framework. He also conducts cloud security and automation with Azure DevSecOps.

In addition to his consulting role, he is pursuing a PhD in cyberpsychology, where he explores the psychological aspects of cybersecurity, such as user behavior, motivation, trust, and risk perception. He is passionate about pushing the boundaries of how to drive successful security initiatives from both a technical and psychological perspective with organizations across many industries.

Todd Fletcher is a cybersecurity consultant and PhD student with over 25 years of experience in IT leadership, network, application, public government IT leadership, and security engineering. He currently works as a Professional Services Principal Co... Show more

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, she has worked with organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, the United Nations' World Health Organization as well as NASA, Stanford, University of Southern California (USC), University of California LA (UCLA), Cal State Universities and various nutrition technology and medical companies to leverage the power of marketing, social impact and education to drive positive change for purpose-driven brands. A recognized thought leader often referred to as "Digital Changemaker", Dr. Kouzeh has spoken on global stages for over 15 organizations, including Sustainable Brands, the premier global community of brand innovators who are shaping the future of sustainable commerce worldwide.

Dr. Kouzeh obtained a Doctorate degree in Education at University of Southern California (USC) and holds two Master of Science degrees from RSM Erasmus University and Wageningen University in Marketing Management and Nutrition & Health and a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration from Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Located in Los Angeles, she obtained two UCLAx Certificates in Marketing and Sustainability and a Harvard certificate in Higher Education. She also serves as a member of advisory board for UCLA Extension, member of advisory council for Harvard Business Review, certified Climate Reality Leader, and several community organizations empowering individuals from youth to C-Suite executives to change the world.

Dr. Misha Kouzeh is a TEDx speaker, distinguished university lecturer, social entrepreneur, consultant and podcast host and producer with expertise in digital marketing, social impact and sustainability across three continents. For the past decade, s... 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

I created Maddie's Hot Take - as social media profile with millions of views, and a Substack with over 40,000 followers.

I'm on national television almost every day as a Democratic strategist or political analyst - and I make a habit out of walking straight into the lion's den.

I spent over a year as a liberal debater on right-wing news channels, and I love to share what I've learned about politics, human nature and bringing people together. I've debated Scott Jennings on CNN and many prominent primetime news anchors. I have always been invited because I treat people with respect and kindness -- and I know how to be myself in difficult and stressful situations.

I'm also an attorney and jury consultant, specializing in human behavior and choice theory.

I wasn't always good at public speaking - but I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas so badly with the world, that I had to train myself how to do it. As a neurodivergent person in this space, I think I have a lot to offer folks who might struggle, just like I did.

I created Maddie's Hot Take - as social media profile with millions of views, and a Substack with over 40,000 followers. I'm on national television almost every day as a Democratic strategist or political analyst - and I make a habit out of walkin... Show more

Mekitmfon AwakEssien is a Digital Innovation Expert with experience leading digital transformation programs across 30 African countries. He has designed and deployed AI-powered platforms for underserved communities, managed large-scale multi-country digital initiatives within intergovernmental institutions, and built open source tools serving informal entrepreneurs and learners. He is an active contributor and community lead in the WordPress open source ecosystem and a board member of AREAi (Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative). Mekitmfon is passionate about building inclusive, community-centered technology for emerging markets and advancing open source adoption across Africa and beyond.

Mekitmfon AwakEssien is a Digital Innovation Expert with experience leading digital transformation programs across 30 African countries. He has designed and deployed AI-powered platforms for underserved communities, managed large-scale multi-country ... Show more

Passionate and experienced educator with over 15 years of experience within the education industry, specializing in faculty administration, organizational leadership, and curriculum development. Adept in overseeing the overall management of educational programs while remaining committed to the organization’s mission and vision. Dynamic communicator with a proven ability to build lasting relationships with teachers, students, and parents. A motivational leader who enjoys actively engaging with all educational partners. Strategic planner and program designer; developed strategic plans, implemented and monitored change initiatives. Sought out collaborator by top leadership within the organization to lead positive outcomes for the betterment of students and faculty.

Passionate and experienced educator with over 15 years of experience within the education industry, specializing in faculty administration, organizational leadership, and curriculum development. Adept in overseeing the overall management of education... Show more

I am a Alabama Native. Military Army Veteran. I am Natural Hair and Microlocs Specialist, licensed instructor and Salon Owner with over 15yrs in the Natural Hair Industry.
I have a huge 30,000+ social Media following with clients all over the US.

I am a Alabama Native. Military Army Veteran. I am Natural Hair and Microlocs Specialist, licensed instructor and Salon Owner with over 15yrs in the Natural Hair Industry. I have a huge 30,000+ social Media following with clients all over the US. Show more

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling and evaluating security in architecture. Her expertise extends to implementing robust security practices that safeguard digital landscapes.
Passionate about making security accessible, Audrey is dedicated to empowering software engineers and inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM. She holds a DoD secret clearance and a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security from Johns Hopkins. Additionally, Audrey is a proud ambassador for Google's Women Techmakers program, championing diversity and inclusion in tech.
As an international speaker, Audrey has shared her insights and expertise at conferences and events around the world, inspiring audiences with her knowledge and passion for cybersecurity.

Audrey Long is a Gaming Cloud Security Architect at Microsoft apart of the Microsoft Gaming Security team. With a keen eye for creating secure coding solutions and performing comprehensive security risk assessments, Audrey excels in threat modeling a... Show more

Soy Product Designer con foco en UX/UI y más de 5 años diseñando interfaces digitales que funcionen para personas reales, en contextos reales.

Soy Trabajador Social, y eso cambia cómo miro los productos, antes de pensar en flujos, arquitecturas e interfaces, pienso en quién queda afuera de ellas. Ese recorrido me llevó a especializarme en accesibilidad y usabilidad de plataformas de gobierno digital, que es lo que investigo actualmente en mi maestría.

Combino evaluaciones técnicas con metodologías de Diseño Centrado en el Usuario para entender no solo qué falla en una plataforma, sino por qué falla para determinadas personas. Cuento con certificación en WCAG 2.2 otorgada por la IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals).

Creo que una buena experiencia de usuario no puede existir sin accesibilidad, y que la accesibilidad digital no es una lista de criterios que cumplir, claro que es un punto de partida.

Soy Product Designer con foco en UX/UI y más de 5 años diseñando interfaces digitales que funcionen para personas reales, en contextos reales. Soy Trabajador Social, y eso cambia cómo miro los productos, antes de pensar en flujos, arquitecturas e ... Show more

Deanna Marshall, known professionally as Deanna Be, helps organizations and professionals build the thinking skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.

As the founder of the learning design consultancy, ChangeHarvest, she creates engaging learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. Throughout her career as a learning designer and program facilitator, Deanna has helped more than 450 professionals across healthcare, SaaS, and sales strengthen their skills; improving productivity by 17–26% and achieving 93% on average in assessment scores.

Bringing a Master of Arts in Adult Learning & Leadership and nearly a decade of experience designing and leading workplace learning initiatives, Deanna partners with organizations, conferences, and professional communities to deliver workshops and keynote presentations that are interactive, actionable, and relevant.

Deanna Marshall, known professionally as Deanna Be, helps organizations and professionals build the thinking skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work. As the founder of the learning design consultancy, ChangeHarvest, she create... Show more

In 2022, journalist and podcaster Karen Steward released the true crime podcast Burden, examining the mysterious 1991 death of Billie Jean Letterman. The case remained unresolved for more than three decades, leaving Billie Jean's family searching for justice.

As the limited series wrapped, she had no idea the story was far from over. In 2025, Michael Letterman was arrested and charged with Billie Jean’s murder, turning a decades-old mystery into a contemporary courtroom drama that will unfold this year.

Steward is an award-winning investigative journalist. She has worked as a reporter and anchor at the NPR affiliate in Little Rock and as Public Education Coordinator for the Arkansas Supreme Court.

In 2022, journalist and podcaster Karen Steward released the true crime podcast Burden, examining the mysterious 1991 death of Billie Jean Letterman. The case remained unresolved for more than three decades, leaving Billie Jean's family searching for... Show more