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

Dr. Anika Davis

Dr. Anika Davis

Dr. Anika Davis is CEO of Winning Results, an organizational development firm. In addition, she is the COO/CoFounder of QoreInsights, an education technology company that uses AI to improve teacher effectiveness. Dr. Davis has a proven track record of growing organizations and developing individuals to achieve record breaking, award-winning results.
As an organizational psychologist, Dr. Davis has held executive leadership roles in financial services, operations, sales/marketing, and human resources. She is an expert at leveraging corporate culture to create and improve employee engagement, productivity, and team collaboration. She holds an EdD (Vanderbilt University) and is a certified KAI practitioner.

Dr. Anika Davis is CEO of Winning Results, an organizational development firm. In addition, she is the COO/CoFounder of QoreInsights, an education technology company that uses AI to improve teacher effectiveness. Dr. Davis has a proven track record o... Show more

Nora Plambeck

Nora Plambeck

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and parenting a teenager with ADHD, as well as over 15 years of strategic coaching helping organizations cultivate cultures of empowered teams. She leverages various strength-based models and principles of positive psychology to empower individuals to thrive and advocate for themselves and others in their own unique way

Nora is a passionate, personable, and vigorous person who thrives on adventure. She is devoted to inspiring individuals to embrace their unique strengths and inherent worth. Drawing from her diverse cultural experience, including living with, and par... Show more

Jack Ridge

Jack Ridge

I'm Jack - I'm currently a Team Topologies Advocate and an Associate Principal at Conflux.. I also have my own venture as a delivery management consultant via Refactor, my own business. I've been working in delivery management for the 10 years having had a career in the armed forces before that. I love being involved in team dynamics, interactions and helping people deliver better and be happier for it.

I'm a big fan of Team Topologies and draw in many parallels through my experience in the past - some of which are a bit obscure but something nonetheless quite interesting.

I'm Jack - I'm currently a Team Topologies Advocate and an Associate Principal at Conflux.. I also have my own venture as a delivery management consultant via Refactor, my own business. I've been working in delivery management for the 10 years having... Show more

Jordy Dickey

Jordy Dickey

With 15 years of experience at Baylor University, Jordy Dickey currently serves as the Director of Student Activities. Her involvement with ACUI began in 2016 when she became the Web & Social Media Coordinator for Region II, a role she held until 2018. Since then, she has taken on several leadership roles, including Ed Session Co-Chair for the 2020 Atlanta Conference Program Team (2017–2020), Co-Leader for the Sustainability Community of Practice (2019–2021), and Board of Trustees At-Large Member (2020–2022). She currently contributes as a Member of the Education and Research Fund and as a Digital Badge Instructor for Inclusive Spaces.

With 15 years of experience at Baylor University, Jordy Dickey currently serves as the Director of Student Activities. Her involvement with ACUI began in 2016 when she became the Web & Social Media Coordinator for Region II, a role she held until 201... Show more

Tabah Baridule

Tabah Baridule

The past 5 years of my career in the Information Technology Industry, following my background as a graduate of Computer Science and experience working as a Technical writer in some amazing Companies. Sync with teams to gather information needed to create documents that guide users on how to use the products, technical blogs, open source documentation, developer documentation, and portal.

The past 5 years of my career in the Information Technology Industry, following my background as a graduate of Computer Science and experience working as a Technical writer in some amazing Companies. Sync with teams to gather information needed to cr... Show more

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitalize on disparate data & information to deliver tactical, operational, & strategic intelligence to protect personnel, facilities, data, & information systems.

While in the government sector, A.J.'s work was often delivered to military & government decision-makers, including the U.S. Secretary of State, Congress, & the White House. Since moving to the private sector, A.J. has spoken at conferences & events globally, contributed to online & print publications, podcasts - including his award-winning Unspoken Security podcast - webinars, & other new & traditional media.

A.J. holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College & both a Graduate Certificate in Servant Leadership & an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.

A.J. Nash, Founder & CEO of Unspoken Security, LLC, is an intelligence strategist, public speaker, & podcast host with decades of experience in security & intelligence, primarily focused on building intelligence-driven security programs that capitali... Show more

David Odepidan

David Odepidan

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations. My passion for enhancing user experiences and optimizing processes through rigorous product research and business analysis has driven my career. I possess a proven track record in digital transformation, requirements engineering, data management, and process improvement across various industries and countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. My expertise extends to requirements engineering, business process improvement, SAAS, CRM, ERP systems, and driving organizational change within the retail, finance, education, e-commerce, healthcare, and information technology sectors.
As the Founder of the David Odepidan Business Analysis Community (DOBAC), a non-profit organization, I have fostered a global network of business analysis professionals. Our community comprises members from Canada, Ireland, Malawi, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States, and other countries.
In addition to my community leadership, I have served as a peer reviewer for the IIBA Head Office.
He is a full member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a Member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) The Chartered Institute for IT, and He is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations... Show more

Derek Scheller

Derek Scheller

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security

Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and strategic consulting. A U.S. Army and Air National Guard veteran, Derek now serves as the Practice Manager of Security Engineering at Stratascale, where he leads high-performing teams in delivering cutting-edge cloud and hybrid security solutions.

His career journey—from tactical military operations to corporate cybersecurity leadership—has shaped his mission-driven approach to technology, leadership, and resilience. Derek holds top industry certifications, including CISSP, OSCP, and multiple SANS designations (GREM, GPYC, GCIH, GCED, GSEC), and specializes in vulnerability management, red/purple teaming, SIEM optimization, and security program development.

Beyond his technical expertise, Derek is a passionate educator and mentor. He hosts two widely respected podcasts—"Security Happy Hour" and "Walk With Me"—aimed at guiding newcomers into cybersecurity and inspiring personal growth. He also collaborates with schools to bring cybersecurity education to the next generation.

A compelling and relatable speaker, Derek brings authenticity, practical insight, and a deep sense of purpose to every engagement. Whether he's discussing threat detection, burnout in security teams, or the human side of cyber leadership, Derek connects with audiences through his real-world experience and passion for making security a force for good.

Derek M. Scheller Jr. – Cybersecurity Leader | Veteran | Advocate for Empowerment Through Security Derek M. Scheller Jr. is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 13 years of experience spanning offensive security, cyber defense, and stra... Show more

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace resilience, and cultivate success-driven thinking.

Her journey—one of perseverance, loss, and profound transformation—led to a defining realization: True empowerment begins within. As a dedicated single mother and accomplished business owner, Rakhi spent years building her career, only to face an unexpected turning point in 2021 that challenged everything she knew. In losing her business, trust in others, and belief in herself, she uncovered the most powerful lesson of all—To take care of others, you must be able to take care of you first, and success is not about doing more, but about being yourself.

Determined to rebuild, Rakhi mastered mind-transforming techniques that restored her confidence and propelled her to achieve more success than ever before. Now, she shares these strategies, along with the most critical life lessons she learned over two decades, with individuals ready for meaningful growth, guiding them to release old patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and realign their mindset with their purpose.

As an empathetic leader and relationship strategist, Rakhi bridges the gap between personal fulfillment and career success, helping others step into their highest potential. Through her transformational approach, she teaches resilience, belief-building, and self-discovery—showing that when we elevate our inner world, life itself becomes effortless.

"If there’s one thing that can change everything around you, it’s to focus on YOU."

With her unique insights, storytelling, and unwavering commitment to growth, Rakhi inspires individuals to step into their power, embrace their purpose, and create lasting impact in every aspect of life.

Rakhi Shastri is a dynamic Transformational Speaker, award-winning Toastmasters champion, life coach, and author of Loud Echo of Silent Perseverance. With over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development, she empowers individuals... Show more

Álvaro Cornago Chivite

Álvaro Cornago Chivite

With more than a decade of experience in management and working with Agile methodologies, Álvaro has experienced the transformation of development teams and companies that started with Agile from the beginning, facilitating that "things happen" in the process towards transformation: accompanying to the management level in necessary decisions and changes, to teams for adapting their way of working towards new work models that incorporate different Frameworks, Methods and Agile Practices in their DNA.

At the beginning of 2017, he joined everis, at Barcelona's BeAgile team as an Agile Coach, to help transform the company from the inside, generating impact to teams, business units and executive level.

For many years, he has taught and participated in meetups, talks and conferences about Mindset Agile, Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, Metrics, Dynamics and techniques of facilitation, High Performance Teams and other Agile related topics. In addition, since 2019 he is an Accredited Kanban Trainer by the Kanban University.

He has a technological orientation, he studied Telecommunications and postgraduate degrees at the UPNA and UPV universities, but also a human side, which leads him to collaborate with various associations and NGOs, and an artistic vein that he develops with his other passion: music.

With more than a decade of experience in management and working with Agile methodologies, Álvaro has experienced the transformation of development teams and companies that started with Agile from the beginning, facilitating that "things happen" in th... Show more

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her unique blend of economic analysis, communications expertise, and social work practice, Aruna brings a comprehensive perspective to addressing complex challenges in early learning systems.
Aruna holds a Master of Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Economics, Communications, and Journalism. This interdisciplinary background enables her to approach early childhood policy through multiple lenses—understanding both the economic implications of early learning investments and the communication strategies needed to build support for children and families.
In her role at the Early Learning Coalition, Aruna oversees program implementation, policy analysis, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the early learning infrastructure in Palm Beach County. Her work focuses on ensuring equitable access to quality early education programs and developing evidence-based approaches to support children’s developmental outcomes.
Aruna is passionate about translating research into actionable policy and sharing insights on how communities can build more effective early learning systems that serve all children and families.

Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her uniq... Show more

Brooke Deuson

Brooke Deuson

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch.

goingforbrooke is the founder of Trafficking Free Tomorrow where she writes anti-human trafficking software In Rust. By day, she codes innovative solutions and by night she streams her coding adventures on Twitch. Show more

Matías Fortunato

Matías Fortunato

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos.
Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca.
Programador .Net durante 10 años y los últimos 6 años Scrum Master y Consultor Ágil.

Apasionado de la agilidad, creyente del manifiesto ágil como guía para llevar a los equipos a entregar software funcionando, de valor, con calidad, en tiempos más cortos. Inicie la comunidad Codeá Como Nunca. Programador .Net durante 10 años y lo... Show more

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things (IoT), computer networking, wireless and mobile networks (including 5G/6G), and machine learning for sensor systems. She is also the Chair and a founding member of the ACM Women UK Chapter.

Dr. Poonam Yadav is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, UK, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, UK. Her research interests include the Internet of Things ... Show more

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to foster civic engagement, spark dialogue, and amplify communities.

She co-developed the Metaverse Music Festival aka MVMF, the first global music festival rooted in the metaverse; Co-produces Huellas Festival in Southern Spain; and contributes to a number of DAOs and creative communities in the Web3 ecosystem. Recently, she founded Web3 Uncut -- a dynamic tech lab building micro experiments to support creators on chain and a newsletter centering Web3 arts & culture.

You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @NatalieCrue.

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to... Show more

Savneet Singh

Savneet Singh

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles, podcasts, and speaking engagements.

A Learning Experience Designer by profession and Tech Ethicist by passion. Savneet actively promotes the development of Human centered AI. As a recognized thought leader in the Responsible AI space, she regularly shares her insights through articles,... Show more

Creiselda Varela

Creiselda Varela

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, sustainable change. Drawing on her deep roots in community organizing and advocacy, she serves as a trusted advisor, helping to design inclusive, community-led policies while equipping people with the tools and inspiration to lead. Grounded in the belief that healing is essential to meaningful transformation, Cresielda addresses the toll of systemic oppression—acknowledging how trauma, burnout, and emotional exhaustion can erode resilience and obstruct progress. Her whole-person and systems approach fosters stronger, healthier communities built on mutual support, collective growth, and lasting impact.

With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has dedicated her career to bridging systemic gaps and empowering communities to drive holistic, s... Show more

Wibke Matthes

Wibke Matthes

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder and Spokesperson of the Future Skills expert committee in the German Society for Key Competencies. Since 2021 Advisory board member of the SAGSAGA (Serious Games Association). Since 2023 leader of the task 2.3 in the european university alliance SEA-EU on microcredentials (for Future Skills and Sustainability). Member of the advisory board of the Future Skills Journey of the Stifterverband in 2024. Co-leader of the Task Force Future Skills Framework 2030 at the Stifterverband in 2025.

Graduate in political sciences and business administration. Joined the Key Skills Center at Kiel University in 2007, teaching entrepreneurship as a key competence. 2015 Takeover of the management and leadership of ZfS key competences. 2022 Founder an... Show more

Renee Carr

Renee Carr

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on social-emotional learning curriculum across the country, presented at multiple conferences, and provided training of researchers at a government contractor. Her experience includes training interpreters, registration staff, law students, and other participants on federal programs.

The premise of her first book Accountability in the Classroom: Using Social-Emotional Learning to Guide School Improvement came from her dissertation topic, and it was published in 2021. The idea behind her second book Kids Before Content: An Educator's Guide on Social-Emotional Learning Competencies came from both her dissertation and her experiences with recommending a pilot social-emotional learning program.

Renee G. Carr, EdD is multilingual, including Spanish, French, and Greek. She is a trainer, and consultant with over 10 years of training experience, successful managing in hybrid, on-site, and virtual environments. She successfully trained adults on... Show more

Keith Schumacher

Keith Schumacher

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of two adopted daughters and the husband of a teacher, he quickly recognized the absence of other dads participating in family engagement activities at the local school. He also noticed that there were few, if any male role models among school staff members.
After initially being turned away from the PTA, he learned about the Watch D.O.G.S. program and proposed it to the principal of his local school. He quickly became a leader in father engagement at the local, and then state and national level. He served for ten years as a National Family and Community Engagement Coordinator with the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) organization. This was done while simultaneously serving as a senior captain with the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department. Upon his retirement from Atlanta Fire-Rescue in 2019, he began serving full-time with the All Pro Dad Chapters program and did so for four and a half years.
In these roles, Keith has spoken at hundreds of state and national conferences including the American Association of School Administrators, National PTA, American School Counselors Association and the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement. Keith has literally worked with hundreds of local schools and school districts in overcoming the traditional stereotypes of fathers and perceived their lack of engagement in local schools.
In 2023, Keith launched The National Alliance for Father Friendly Schools. This nonprofit organization serves as a resource for training and information on father friendly practices and programs for local schools and school districts. NAFFS can direct school administrators in more actively engaging all family members but, especially being inclusive of fathers and father figures.
Keith is working to create a culture and environment in which schools provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where fathers regularly engage and participate in the daily activities of local schools. This includes supporting students who do not have an easily recognizable father figure in their life as well.
As a national leader, Keith’s goal is to give every child an opportunity to have strong positive role models leading them to the greatest success possible.

Over the past 15 years, Keith Schumacher has become recognized as one of the leading voices in father engagement in the educational setting. Keith did not enter the educational arena as a teacher or principal, he came in as a dad. As the father of tw... Show more

Rabbi Ranon Teller

Rabbi Ranon Teller

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a unique ability to lead through innovative worship services and educational programming. As the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has revolutionized prayer services, fostering strong membership engagement and forming deep connections within local and broader Jewish communities.

Raised in a suburban Detroit home, Rabbi Ranon grew up immersed in the practices and values of Orthodox Judaism as the second of three children. His early education occurred at Orthodox Day School, followed by Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago. After completing high school, he moved to Israel, where he studied at an Orthodox yeshiva and dove into advanced Talmudic study, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred text. However, as he progressed in his studies, he began questioning the Orthodox practices he had grown up with, leading him to seek a deeper understanding of Judaism that would better align with his evolving spiritual identity.

1996, Rabbi Teller returned to Israel to explore alternative Jewish spirituality and practice. He became particularly drawn to contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which helped him connect with Jewish traditions in new and meaningful ways. During this time, he audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive Jewish education program. These experiences led him to a profound realization that his calling was to pursue Jewish leadership, prompting him to return to the United States in 1998 to further his studies and become a rabbi.

Upon returning to the United States, Rabbi Ranon enrolled at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) in Los Angeles, where he focused on Jewish education and rabbinic ordination. His dedication to his studies and growing love for Jewish learning were evident as he excelled in his coursework, culminating in an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2022. Exceptional achievements, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies, marked his academic journey.

In 2002, Ranon Teller was ordained as a rabbi and began his rabbinic career as the associate rabbi at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served until 2005. During his time there, the congregation faced a period of senior leadership turnover, and he was called upon to provide vision and stability. He successfully engaged young families and introduced innovative, interactive prayer services, further solidifying his role as a dynamic and compassionate leader. This experience helped shape his approach to leadership, which would prove invaluable in the future.

In 2005, Rabbi Teller moved to Houston to become the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom. His soulful, personable, and diplomatic approach to leadership quickly led to congregational growth and revitalization. During his two decades at Brith Shalom, he introduced innovative musical prayer services that united congregants and community members, making services more engaging and spiritually enriching. He also played a key role in securing a $1.5 million endowment for the synagogue and a $5 million contribution toward a building renovation campaign, helping ensure the synagogue's long-term stability and success.

Rabbi Ranon's impact extends far beyond the walls of his synagogue. He is deeply involved in the Houston Jewish community, actively collaborating with and volunteering for organizations such as the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Food and Faith Collaborative. In addition, he works closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Alexander Jewish Family Service to support those in need, further reflecting his commitment to tikkun olam, the Jewish principle of repairing the world.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Ranon Teller enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests that further enrich his life. He continues to play blues and folk guitar and remains passionate about song-leading, bringing joy and spirituality through music. Reading non-fiction, particularly biographies and books on human nature, is another of his favorite activities. He also enjoys juggling, magic, and backpacking, often finding spiritual fulfillment in the natural world. He has written for Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He co-authored the book, Peaceful Bones, sharing his insights and experiences with a broader audience.

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a devoted and dynamic spiritual leader who combines his passion for Jewish music, education, and community with creative approaches to worship and congregational life. His television writing and music background has given him a ... Show more

Mariama Adekomaya

Mariama Adekomaya

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in dual degree medical programs. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students across the globe—from East Asia and the UAE to the USA and Canada.

Originally from The Gambia, I moved to the USA at the age of five. My own educational journey, coupled with the incredible mentorship I received, deeply influenced my decision to launch Pembroke Admissions. I understand how transformative guidance and support can be, which is why I’m passionate about breaking down financial barriers for students.

My work is driven by a belief that no student should be held back by financial
constraints, and I’m dedicated to leveling
the playing field in the college admissions
process

I’m Mariama Adekomaya, the Founder and CEO of Pembroke Admissions, where our mission is to democratize access to college admissions consulting. As a proud Brown University alumna, I started my career as an Admissions Officer at Brown, specializing in... Show more

Stefanie Adams

Stefanie Adams

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. She earned an M.Ed. in Multicultural Education in 2008.

In early 2020, Stefanie launched WNY People Development. In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer, she provides leadership training, coaching, and keynote presentations to grow the next generation of leaders. Her main areas of expertise are building high impact teams, first time/front line manager development, and engaging multigenerational workforces with a focus on millennial and Gen Z employees. Her facilitation style is interactive, full of movement, laughter, learning, and occasionally includes pom poms.

Stefanie has worked as an organizational consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Education (Baltimore, MD), and served as the Director of Customized Training for Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC). Before starting her own company, she led the corporate training function at CastleBranch (Wilmington, NC).

Through WNY People Development, Stefanie has developed and facilitated leadership solutions for clients in varied industries including construction, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, municipalities, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and non-profit management. Her clients include Association Executives of NC, City of Wilmington (NC), Embassy Suites, HC Beauty, New Hanover County Schools, NC Realtors Association, NC SHRM, Port City Java, Resilience, UNCW, and Waffle House.

Her professional affiliations include SHRM, the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association, the Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC and she was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2022 for her service as School Board Chair during the covid pandemic.

In her personal life, Stefanie's days are fueled by coffee, chocolate, yoga, new challenges, and building relationships; her passions are developing others, serving the community, the beach, Philly sports, travel, managing the chaos that comes with life, and kitchen dancing.

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 year... Show more

Toshihiro Tsuchiya

Toshihiro Tsuchiya

Chief Collaborate Officer of "Civic Tech Zen Chiba," an alliance of civic tech organizations in Chiba Prefecture.

Chief Collaborate Officer of "Civic Tech Zen Chiba," an alliance of civic tech organizations in Chiba Prefecture. Show more

Sara Shunkwiler

Sara Shunkwiler

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where teaches chemistry and physics content and methods to educators with a focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a social justice tool. She is a passionate advocate for STEM equity and effective engineering education and frequent speaker on why accessibility matters to all of us.

A disabled engineer, K-12 and Higher Ed STEM educator, Sara seeks to raise awareness of disability as a valued form of diversity and the challenges of disability disclosure. She is a 2024 Teach Access Fellow and frequent presenter on equitable access in STEM, math accessibility, and inclusive teaching. Challenged by another engineering faculty to own her disability story, she seeks to be a role model empowering STEM colleagues and students as advocates and allies in disability inclusion. An inclusive mindset in STEM and Medicine begins with an inclusive education! Grounded in research - equitable by design.

Sara Shunkwiler is an instructional designer at Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering where she works with over 45 instructors in the Space Systems Engineering Program. She is also an Adjunct Faculty at JHU School of Education where ... Show more

Francis Andorful

Francis Andorful

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany

Doctoral Candidate of Heidelberg University, Germany Show more

Adam Frumkin

Adam Frumkin

Adam Frumkin is a results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in developing, directing, and executing business transformation and strategies. He has an established record collaborating with other executives to bring clarity to strategic business decisions and implementing technology to transform business processes.

He has focused experience in strategic planning, cultural & organizational development and emotional intelligence, process reengineering, enterprise system implementations, cybersecurity and disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Serves as:
• Council Chair to the PTI Executive Committee
• Vice Chair for the NACo IT Standing Committee
• Subcommittee Vice Chair the NACo Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee for the Elections Subcommittee.

Additionally, Mr. Frumkin has been named as one of the 2023 Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers by Government Technology; StateScoop – Local Smart County Executive of the Year 2021 and the Columbus Business First – BizTech Executive of the Year 2021.

He is an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, and for the PTI Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) through Rutgers University.

Adam Frumkin is a results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in developing, directing, and executing business transformation and strategies. He has an established record collaborating with other executives to bring clarity to strateg... Show more

Emma Ockelford

Emma Ockelford

Emma is a motivated, passionate person who is driven by improving outcomes for people. She lives in the East of England with her partner and 2 children, and enjoys running and exploring the local area on walks.

Currently Emma works with public sector organisations to focus on improving outcomes for the people they support. For over 10 years she has worked with local authorities across the UK in adults and children’s services, as well as working with NHS organisations, schools, private providers, and voluntary sector organisations. She has recently expanded her consultancy services to include exploring the role of Web 3.0 within public services.

Emma is an NFT enthusiast! She is excited about the opportunity NFTs bring people through utilities, connectivity, community aspects, and as a source of funding, among so many other things. She loves sharing her passion for the space with others.

Emma is a motivated, passionate person who is driven by improving outcomes for people. She lives in the East of England with her partner and 2 children, and enjoys running and exploring the local area on walks. Currently Emma works with public s... Show more

Ashley Dorsett

Ashley Dorsett

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

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

Nanda Nugraha

Nanda Nugraha

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

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

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