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

Emily Maina

Emily Maina

Emily Maina is a certified AI trainer, speaker, and founder of Pemanis Solution—an AI-powered marketing and automation agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With a background in digital strategy and tech empowerment, she helps professionals, developers, and SMEs unlock the full potential of AI tools for content creation, DevOps, and productivity.

Emily has spoken at Microsoft’s Global Power Platform Bootcamp, International Women’s Day Kigali, and numerous DevOps and AI summits across Africa. Her work is rooted in making complex technologies easy to apply in business and software development. Through her workshops and trainings, she equips diverse communities with the skills to innovate, automate, and thrive in the AI era.

Emily Maina is a certified AI trainer, speaker, and founder of Pemanis Solution—an AI-powered marketing and automation agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With a background in digital strategy and tech empowerment, she helps professionals, developers, an... Show more

Alvin Estrada

Alvin Estrada

Technology enthusiast driven by an insatiable curiosity to learn, a commitment to share knowledge, and a passion for building community. He has embraced every opportunity to explore the transformative power of technology and help others harness its potential.

He believes that technology is more than tools and code, it's a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and positive change. His sessions are designed not just to inform but to ignite curiosity, spark ideas, and empower attendees to take their skills and projects to the next level.

Technology enthusiast driven by an insatiable curiosity to learn, a commitment to share knowledge, and a passion for building community. He has embraced every opportunity to explore the transformative power of technology and help others harness its p... Show more

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo es Licenciado en Gestión Pública y Analista-Científico de Datos. Con más de 13 años de experiencia en el sector público, especializado en administración, auditoría y análisis presupuestario , ha impulsado en los últimos años su desarrollo hacia la tecnología, liderando la transformación digital desde el análisis, visualización, ciencia de datos e inteligencia artificial. Es CEO y fundador de Thinking OUT!, una consultora digital especializada en datos, comprometido con la inclusión, la innovación y el aprendizaje continuo. Interesado en colaborar con proyectos de impacto social que integren tecnología, educación y equidad, Emanuel es un firme creyente de que la decisión política y las herramientas accesibles son la clave para un servicio público más eficiente y transparente en América Latina.

Emanuel Toledo es Licenciado en Gestión Pública y Analista-Científico de Datos. Con más de 13 años de experiencia en el sector público, especializado en administración, auditoría y análisis presupuestario , ha impulsado en los últimos años su desarro... Show more

Letícia Barbosa

Letícia Barbosa

Atuo com TI há 24 anos e já trabalhei nas mais diversas áreas.
Estou há mais de 13 anos na Prodesp e trabalho articulando as áreas da empresa, buscando: comunicação entre as áreas, troca de experiência com outras empresas, estudo de novas tecnologias e assuntos para ampliar o repertório, apoio a líderes e liderados com práticas/treinamentos usando o ágil, o Design Thinking e principalmente, a comunicação.
Também atuo na comissão de inovação da Prodesp e na 1a comunidade dse Design Sprint no Brasil!
Atuei como redatora voluntária pelo IBEGESP - Instituto Brasileiro de Educação em Gestão Pública em 2022, com quatro artigos publicados no https://radar.ibegesp.org.br/
Sou uma mulher guerreira, alegre, a filha mais velha de três irmãos, aquela que tinha que dar o exemplo em casa. Tenho 2 filhas e estou num momento de desbravar novos caminhos e ir além, por mim, por minhas filhas e por todos que estão à minha volta. O meu negócio é gente, é promover desenvolvimento humano. Compartilhar conhecimento e sempre ajudar quem eu puder, como puder.
Que sejamos a gotinha no oceano que faz toda a diferença!

Atuo com TI há 24 anos e já trabalhei nas mais diversas áreas. Estou há mais de 13 anos na Prodesp e trabalho articulando as áreas da empresa, buscando: comunicação entre as áreas, troca de experiência com outras empresas, estudo de novas tecnologia... Show more

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer.
As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow mature enterprise architecture and business analysis practices, and plan and execute digital transformation programs.
As the Professor of Business Analytics at Humber College, she encourages her students to look for ways to solve business problems using analytics.
As a business analysis mentor, she leads the BA Mindset Mentorship Circle and encourages business analysts to learn, adapt, and thrive.
Yulia is active in the business analysis, architecture, and analytics communities, publishing articles and videos, joining podcasts, and advocating for applying common sense and critical thinking in all business endeavours.

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer. As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow ma... Show more

Jody Roberts

Jody Roberts

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has received the Microsoft MVP award for data platforms for the last decade and continues to play a critical role in the building of technology communities across Africa and mentoring young professionals.

When he is not solving real world problems, he spends his free time doing CrossFit or mountain biking.

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has rec... Show more

Santiago Iricibar

Santiago Iricibar

Padre, agile coach, facilitador gráfico, amante de los juegos de mesa y en otra vida, desarrollador especializado en banca de inversión.

Los 2 primeros, definen el afán de evolución y aprendizaje, motor de una auto-motivación constante en cada reto que se me presenta.
Los 2 segundos, el alimento de mi curiosidad y ganas de pasármelo bien, haga lo que haga con la mirada en el proceso y no en el fin.
El último, el foco en el bien mayor, el gusto por el trabajo bien hecho y la cultura del trabajo duro para alcanzar un propósito común.

Tras 18 años de experiencia en consultoría, con clientes desde los extintos Banco Popular o Caja Madrid al Banco Santander o INSS, me siento profundamente ligado a la evolución de las personas, lo que me llevó a impartir talleres en diferentes ámbitos como en cliente final o en colegios, tanto con alumnos como con profesores, nutriéndome de diferentes maneras de enseñar y sobre todo, de aprender.

Padre, agile coach, facilitador gráfico, amante de los juegos de mesa y en otra vida, desarrollador especializado en banca de inversión. Los 2 primeros, definen el afán de evolución y aprendizaje, motor de una auto-motivación constante en cada ret... Show more

Elsa Iguedjtal

Elsa Iguedjtal

Convinced Agilist, motivated by small daily victories, amazed by life, and inhabited by the values ​​of the Agile Manifesto centered on people, respect, kindness and continuous improvement. I put my skills and experience at the service of those who share my daily life, but above all I try to make them reveal their own potential, sometimes nuggets that they are unaware of themselves...

Mother of 3 children, neuroatypical, feminist and climate fresco artist.

Convinced Agilist, motivated by small daily victories, amazed by life, and inhabited by the values ​​of the Agile Manifesto centered on people, respect, kindness and continuous improvement. I put my skills and experience at the service of those who s... Show more

Samia Durrani

Samia Durrani

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this by providing mentoring sessions, guest lectures to university courses and helping to lead D&I initiatives.

Samia leads the pre sales and delivery of large scale and complex security projects across a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. Samia is passionate about encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into technology careers. She does this... Show more

Ildar Akhmetov

Ildar Akhmetov

Educator, systems thinker, and lifelong learner. I lead the Computing Programs at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus, where I work at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and software development. I care deeply about building systems that scale — whether that’s a capstone project, a degree program, or a set of habits that help students grow.

My background blends academia, entrepreneurship, and international experience. Before joining Northeastern, I ran a publishing business in Russia for over a decade — leading a team, streamlining operations, and building internal tools long before low-code platforms became popular. These days, I bring that same bias toward clarity, efficiency, and real-world results into how I teach and lead.

As a computer science educator, I’ve mentored hundreds of students through project-based learning, often partnering with industry and nonprofit clients. I’ve designed and taught 60+ capstone projects, developed AI-focused pathways, and created structures to help students turn their academic work into something meaningful — sometimes even startup-worthy.

I’ve been lecturing, facilitating workshops, and giving talks for over two decades — in universities, industry settings, and more recently, on stage as a Toastmaster. What makes that meaningful to me is the personal journey: I used to stutter as a kid and avoided speaking up whenever I could. These days, I find joy in clarity — not just in what I say, but in helping others articulate ideas that matter. Whether I’m teaching a technical concept or sharing a story from the classroom, I aim for engagement over perfection.

I speak and write about computer science education in the age of AI, teaching across cultures, building entrepreneurial mindsets, and how to preserve cognitive rigor without burning people out. My talks are grounded in classroom experience but often go beyond pedagogy — into leadership, mindset, and systems design.

Outside of work, I’m into distance running, slow travel, strange programming languages, and learning Spanish (with a thick Argentinian accent, apparently). I’m also raising a curious and sporty teenager, which is probably the most humbling teaching gig of all.

Educator, systems thinker, and lifelong learner. I lead the Computing Programs at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus, where I work at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and software development. I care deeply about building systems tha... Show more

Lea Hildermeier

Lea Hildermeier

Lea Hildermeier studiert Anglistik und Erziehungswissenschaften an der Universität Bielefeld. Seit 2024 ist sie studentische Mitarbeiterin im CHE-Team des Hochschulforums Digitalisierung.
Als Gründungsmitglied und Vorstand der Hochschulgruppe LiLiGoesMental setzt sie sich seit 2018 für die Entstigmatisierung psychischer Gesundheit ein und organisiert Workshops sowie Austauschformate.
Als DigitalChangeMaker der Kohorte 2024 engagierte sich Lea in den Bereichen studentische Partizipation, Student Wellbeing und dem Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Hochschulbildung, unter anderem durch ihre Mitarbeit am KI-Sprint. Derzeit begleitet sie als Mentorin die neue DigitalChangeMaker-Kohorte.
Seit September 2024 engagiert sich Lea im Common Grounds Forum, damit junge Menschen ihre Stimme in bildungs- und digitalpolitischen Anliegen einbringen können.

Lea Hildermeier studiert Anglistik und Erziehungswissenschaften an der Universität Bielefeld. Seit 2024 ist sie studentische Mitarbeiterin im CHE-Team des Hochschulforums Digitalisierung. Als Gründungsmitglied und Vorstand der Hochschulgruppe LiLiGo... Show more

Bettina Pfaendner

Bettina Pfaendner

As educational visionary and digital strategist Bettina designs curricula in Higher Education in Australia. Engagements at Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney were steppingstones in Bettina's career over the last 10 years. Combing her Executive TV Producer knowledge with the experience as educator in the Higher Education landscape Bettina also founded the Digital Dolphins, teaching digital storytelling for emerging leaders online with the digitaldolphins.com.au .Her research area is how to overcome #Technophabia in Academia, supporting lifelong learning for academics.

As educational visionary and digital strategist Bettina designs curricula in Higher Education in Australia. Engagements at Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney were steppingstones in Bett... Show more

Michael Allison

Michael Allison

Michael Allison, is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. A globally recognized expert in identity-driven leadership and organizational resilience, Michael transforms adversity into strategic advantage. Over two decades, he has led Marines in combat, managed multi-million-dollar government projects, directed higher-ed programs, and scaled an INC 5000 franchise to successful exit. Michael equips leaders and teams to break internal limitations, guard energy, and thrive under pressure. His signature frameworks—Break The Bottle and Protect The House—blend combat-tested leadership, trauma-informed coaching, and enterprise execution discipline. Michael has delivered transformational keynotes, workshops, and consulting for world-class organizations globally. He empowers professionals to align technical brilliance with human resilience and lead with clarity, creativity, and conviction.

Michael Allison, is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. A globally recognized expert in identity-driven leadership and organizational resilience, Michael transforms a... Show more

Stephanie Sylvestre

Stephanie Sylvestre

Are you searching for a conference speakers who can make artificial intelligence approachable, actionable, and deeply human? Meet Stephanie Sylvestre—a technologist, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who’s on a mission to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in the age of AI.

Stephanie’s unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and passion for human development makes her the perfect presenter for conferences focused on leadership, innovation, technology, and the future of work. She doesn’t just talk about AI—she brings it to life with stories, strategies, and a contagious sense of possibility.

Signature Topics Stephanie Brings to Your Audience
1. Top 5 Quintessentially Human Skills for Success in the AI World
AI is transforming the way we work, but the most valuable skills remain deeply human. Stephanie reveals the five essential traits—resilience, creativity, resourcefulness, problem-solving, and critical thinking—that every professional needs to cultivate to stay ahead. She shares actionable strategies for adapting to technological change, devising innovative solutions, and navigating complex challenges, all while fostering collaboration and continuous learning. Perfect for leadership development and motivational speaking.

2. Understanding the AI Alphabet: LLM, SLM, and AI Agents
AI can feel like an alphabet soup of acronyms and jargon. Stephanie demystifies the digital landscape, breaking down the differences between Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and AI Agents. With practical examples and a step-by-step approach, she empowers listeners to understand how these components work together—and how anyone can leverage them to solve real-world problems. Ideal for audiences new to AI or seeking a clear, engaging introduction.

3. Responsible AI: Ensuring Human Oversight
Worried about rogue technology or AI “hallucinations”? Stephanie provides a roadmap for responsible AI implementation, sharing proven strategies for integrating human oversight, setting up effective guardrails, and ensuring outputs are verified and trustworthy. Listeners will walk away with a clear understanding of AI accountability, ethical standards, and how to build trust in technology. A must-hear for IT leaders, AI practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of ethical tech.

4. Beyond Software: Considering AI’s Social Impact
AI isn’t just about code—it’s about culture, values, and the way we live and work together. Stephanie invites audiences to reimagine AI implementation as a catalyst for positive social change. She explores the ethical, cultural, and human dimensions of AI, showing how anyone—not just technologists—can lead in our AI-transformed future. This session is perfect for social impact, nonprofit, and philanthropic audiences.

Why Invite Stephanie?

Relatable Storytelling: Stephanie translates complex AI concepts into engaging, real-world stories.
Actionable Insights: Every session with Stephanie leaves attendees with practical takeaways they can use immediately.
Inspiring Perspective: She champions the human side of technology, empowering audiences to embrace change with confidence.
Ready to bring a fresh, human-centric voice to your podcast?
Invite Stephanie Sylvestre and give your audience the tools—and the inspiration—to thrive in the AI era.

Are you searching for a conference speakers who can make artificial intelligence approachable, actionable, and deeply human? Meet Stephanie Sylvestre—a technologist, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who’s on a mission to empower professionals and o... Show more

Alejo Perna

Alejo Perna

🎯 Alejo Perna - Analista de Datos - Emprendedor - AI Developer

¡Hola! 👋 Soy Alejo Perna, tengo 19 años y me considero una persona innovadora y apasionada por la tecnología. Desde pequeño, mi motivación ha sido aprender constantemente, especialmente en el ámbito informático, donde me sumerjo en la lógica y la tecnología. 🧠✨

Me destaco por mi capacidad para resolver problemas complejos utilizando técnicas avanzadas de análisis de datos y desarrollo tecnológico. He trabajado en proyectos que integran tecnología e impacto social, combinando creatividad y eficiencia. 🚀

🎓 Educación y Formación

📘 Actualmente curso la Licenciatura en Sistemas en la UBA.
✨ He realizado múltiples cursos especializados en el mundo de los datos, adquiriendo habilidades en análisis, gestión y visualización de información, además de certificaciones en áreas clave como la inteligencia artificial, Big Data, y ciencia de datos. Estas formaciones han sido fundamentales para fortalecer mi perfil como analista de datos y aplicarlas en proyectos con impacto social y empresarial.

💼 Experiencia Profesional

Especialización Reciente:
- Transformación de datos en información estratégica para la toma de decisiones empresariales.
- Creación de dashboards interactivos y visualizaciones avanzadas con Power BI para facilitar el acceso a datos clave.
- Desarrollo de análisis personalizados y automatización de procesos con Python.
- Experiencia en limpieza, modelado y análisis exploratorio de datos para detectar patrones y generar insights accionables.
- Enfoque en resolver problemas complejos y ofrecer soluciones basadas en datos para impactar positivamente en el rendimiento empresarial.

He trabajado en diversos proyectos innovadores y de impacto social:

🤖 PUFFLE
Inteligencia artificial diseñada para potenciar el aprendizaje a través del método socrático, una dinámica educativa que promueve un diálogo enriquecedor y reflexivo. Entrenable con los materiales bibliográficos que el profesor sube, Puffle fomenta el pensamiento crítico en los estudiantes mediante preguntas reflexivas en tiempo real, impulsando su capacidad analítica y de razonamiento.

🌟 FinanciARG
Plataforma de crowdfunding:
Democratiza el acceso al financiamiento para empresas, ofreciendo beneficios exclusivos a los contribuyentes.
Fortalece la relación empresa-cliente, potenciando el crecimiento empresarial.

📚 podrIA
Aplicación educativa que utiliza inteligencia artificial para optimizar las técnicas de estudio, ofreciendo funcionalidades como planificación inteligente adaptada a tus tiempos y objetivos, y métodos para mejorar la concentración basados en el sistema Pomodoro. Con PODRÍA, estudiar se vuelve más eficiente, personalizado y motivador.

🏆 Logros y Reconocimientos

🏅Ganador de la Innovaton 2025 organizada por Promptear Argentina con el proyecto PodrIA.

🏅 Finalista en la Hackathon Hackit/BA 2024 (ITBA Computer Society) con el proyecto FinanciARG, logrando el Top 3 por su innovación y potencial.

🎤 Charla TED: "La Serendipia del Aleteo", explorando cómo pequeños cambios generan un gran impacto.
👉 Ver charla TED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXPkO7Aq57g

🎤 Charla AWS Community Day Argentina: "IA, ¿Héroe o Amenaza?", analizando los desafíos éticos y ventajas de la IA.
👉 Ver charla: https://www.youtube.com/live/OOeMBiNKIQU?si=u4BWAwyoI-QfojPc

🎤 Charla en Cafayate organizada por Fehgra: "Mas alla de los likes, ¿Cómo construir conexiones reales?", espacio de diálogo sobre comunicación digital usando a los datos y a la IA como aliados.
👉 Nota: https://fehgra.org.ar/archivos/36519

🤝 Voluntariado
Mentor y Jurado en la Datathon de Río Cuarto:
- Análisis de datos con Python: Guié equipos en análisis y procesamiento de datos.
- Entrenamiento de modelos de IA: Ayudé a desarrollar y evaluar proyectos por innovación y precisión.

🎓 Conocimientos
🐍 Python (Google Colab, NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)
📊 SQL, Power BI,
🗃️ Business Intelligence
🌐 HTML, CSS, JS
🎨 Figma (Diseño UI)
💡 Design Thinking

🌟 Frase que me define:
"La tecnología puede potenciar nuestras capacidades, pero son nuestras capacidades las que definen el potencial de la tecnología." 💻💡

🎯 Alejo Perna - Analista de Datos - Emprendedor - AI Developer ¡Hola! 👋 Soy Alejo Perna, tengo 19 años y me considero una persona innovadora y apasionada por la tecnología. Desde pequeño, mi motivación ha sido aprender constantemente, especialm... Show more

Victoria Ofuasia

Victoria Ofuasia

Victoria Ofuasia entered tech through web development, fell in love with backend engineering, and soon discovered the people side of technology. Since then, she hasn’t looked back on exploring the wonder of designing technology for and with people.

She is passionate about human-centered technologies, including open source and AI for social good. Victoria advances these passions through Open Source Nest, the initiative she co-founded to help everyday people learn, use, and contribute to open source in relatable ways. She further promotes human-centered tech through research and community-building initiatives. Victoria also serves as a Mozilla Common Voice community facilitator, supporting the creation of indigenous language datasets.

She has held several leadership roles, including Assistant Developer Community Lead at BlockchainUNN, Coordinator of APWEN UNN (Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, UNN Chapter), and Co-founder and Lead of NSK.AI, an AI community focused on learning and collaboration.

Her work reflects a deep belief in the people factor in technology and its power for lasting social impact. She loves to sing.

Victoria Ofuasia entered tech through web development, fell in love with backend engineering, and soon discovered the people side of technology. Since then, she hasn’t looked back on exploring the wonder of designing technology for and with people. ... Show more

Lalit Rawat

Lalit Rawat

Lalit is an Microsoft Azure MVP,MCT & Author of the “Azure Interview Q & A ” book. He likes to share his knowledge through his blog (https://azure4you.com/ ) & manage and share his technical skills in AzureTalk Community, (https://t.me/azuretalk), BITPro & Azure User Meetup group . He has written a number of articles on Microsoft Azure.

He has changed many lives from his articles and his hands-on training programs and workshops. He is Speaker and delivered the session on big platform including MS Global bootcamp, Expert Live India & other events.

Moreover, and to his credit, he has delivered 500+ training sessions to professionals worldwide in Microsoft Azure technologies and other technologies including SCOM, Windows Server. In addition, he provides Instructor-led online training, hands-on workshop.

His technical prowess and capability of exploring new frontiers of technology & imparting them to his aspiring team members are his trademark. His execution is priceless & bringing forth his personal approach will help you realize your dreams, goals, and aspirations into reality.

**MCT & Azure certification**

Certification Link: https://www.youracclaim.com/users/lalit-rawat/badges

Microsoft Certified Trainer Link: https://www.youracclaim.com/badges/d6a15997-b82d-4a91-86f1-8b653b0a4125

MVP Link: https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/PublicProfile/5003540?fullName=Lalit%20Rawat

**Achievements**

1. He is awarded Azure MVP Azure Master of the months -2017
2. India mentor Award
3. Authored a book on Microsoft Azure - “Azure Administrator Interview Q & A“
4. Delivered multiple sessions on cutting edge technologies in India and abroad.
5. Wrote 60+ articles on the cutting edge technologies.

Lalit is an Microsoft Azure MVP,MCT & Author of the “Azure Interview Q & A ” book. He likes to share his knowledge through his blog (https://azure4you.com/ ) & manage and share his technical skills in AzureTalk Community, (https://t.me/azuretalk),... Show more

Roberta Coppola

Roberta Coppola

Master’s graduate with skills in digital communication, artificial intelligence, and data management. I have experience in public administration, focusing on document management and process automation, as well as in social media and content creation.
I am currently developing a thesis project involving AI, OCR, and digitization, combining analytical skills, precision, and creativity. I am proactive, well-organized, and results-oriented.

Master’s graduate with skills in digital communication, artificial intelligence, and data management. I have experience in public administration, focusing on document management and process automation, as well as in social media and content creation.... Show more

Naila Rais

Naila Rais

Naila Rais is one of the youngest scholars in her twenties, an AI innovator, data strategist, and rising tech leader who's already building what many only dreams of. A winner of the Salesforce Quest: Customer AI 2024, recipient of the Distinguished Global Scholar Award at LoneStar College Tomball, Texas, and former AI intern at the Imageomics Institute, where she merged machine learning with biodiversity to power scientific discovery. She is also a leader & organizer of Microsoft Fabric User Group: Uttar Pradesh Power BI Club & serves as a WomenTech Circle Leader cum Ambassador, and drives digital strategy at the Sustainable Living Guide, where she’s led growth and engagement by 40%+. She's also the mind behind VoiceBridge (In-progress), an AI-powered tool for non-verbal communication, and has authored research in social strategy and inclusive AI. With honors degrees, publications, and leadership roles under her belt — all before 21 — Naila is proving that impact has no age limit.

Naila Rais is one of the youngest scholars in her twenties, an AI innovator, data strategist, and rising tech leader who's already building what many only dreams of. A winner of the Salesforce Quest: Customer AI 2024, recipient of the Distinguished G... Show more

Funke Olasupo

Funke Olasupo

Funke Olasupo is a seasoned Technical Writer with a proven track record of simplifying complex software and developer tools into clear user and developer-focused technical documentation. She currently works at Rocket.Chat which is an open-source communication platform, where she champions various documentation efforts for developer and user-facing products.

Her career spans across fintech, secure collaboration, and developer tooling where she crafts API docs, technical tutorials, user guides, and in-product help systems that serve diverse audiences across industries.

Previously, she worked with OpenFoodFacts and Macrometa and has contributed as a guest author to platforms like Twilio, Honeybadger, and ButterCMS through backend engineering tutorials and documentation.

Beyond her work in tech writing, Funke is deeply involved in developer community growth. As a Google Developer Groups (GDG) co-organizer and Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassador, she co-organizes developer meetups and women-in-tech events that promote diversity, inclusion, and continuous technical learning in the African tech ecosystem.

Funke’s work stands at the intersection of technical communication, open-source advocacy, and community empowerment, making her a valuable voice in Africa’s fast-growing tech space.

Funke Olasupo is a seasoned Technical Writer with a proven track record of simplifying complex software and developer tools into clear user and developer-focused technical documentation. She currently works at Rocket.Chat which is an open-source com... Show more

Christelle Scharff

Christelle Scharff

Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean at Pace University in NY. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. She published more than 30 papers in artificial intelligence, mobile for social change and global software engineering. She was awarded grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, and Google. She taught in France, Senegal, Benin, Cambodia and Vietnam. She was a US Fulbright scholar in Senegal in 2012 and 2019. Parallelly, Christelle is serial entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the mJangale coding school (https://mjangale.com) that focuses on introducing youths to coding in Senegal.

Dr. Christelle Scharff is a Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean at Pace University in NY. She has a Ph.D. in Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (Theorem Proving and Automated Deduction) from INRIA, the French National Institute for Researc... Show more

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping teams at all levels to work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she is here to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to technical professionals.

As a qualified coach, and a team dynamics consultant with a decade of hands-on experience, Ceri finds joy in creating lightbulb moments and turning assumptions on their heads, as well as reading everything she possibly can (because ADHD).

Tea in hand, Ceri works alongside leaders and teams globally and is continually delighted to speak with audiences worldwide, mostly about the beautiful intermingling of behavioural science and agility.

Ceri also loves brains, but not in a weird way.

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping teams at all levels to work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she is here to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to tec... Show more

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned transformational speaker and coach, Byron blends neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality to help people unburden emotional weight and rise into their highest, most healed selves. Through his signature framework, SoulScience: Alchemy™, and his R³ Method—Recognize, Reframe, Release—Byron helps individuals and organizations bridge the gap between mental health and emotional intelligence.

His approach is simple: he doesn’t just help you heal—he enables you to rise by rewiring your mind, healing your heart, and launching your legacy. At the heart of his work is W.H.O.L.E. (We Heal Out Loud Every Day), a global movement helping people transform pain into power through practical tools, embodied healing, and authentic connection.

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned tra... Show more

Kenisha Coon

Kenisha Coon

Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and communities to build equitable systems that work for everyone.

As the Founder and CEO of Kenisha Coon Consulting, she partners with government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to implement equity-centered strategies, facilitate transformational coaching, and design sustainable leadership frameworks. Her signature keynote, “Unstoppable: Breaking Barriers & Rebuilding Systems for Lasting Change,” inspires audiences to confront systemic inequities with courage, compassion, and actionable strategies rooted in her PERSIST™ framework.

Kenisha is the Director of Community Engagement for the Eko Vision Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving accessibility and innovation for the blind and low vision community. Diagnosed as legally blind, she uses her lived experience to advocate for inclusive design, equitable technology, and accessibility across industries.

A sought-after speaker and trainer, Kenisha has delivered presentations at national conferences, universities, and leadership summits, sharing her story of resilience from her memoir, And Then She Persisted, and insights from her forthcoming book, Reimagine Equity.

Kenisha holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (Evidence-Based Coaching and Leadership), a Master’s and Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychology, and a DEI in the Workplace Certification. Her work bridges evidence-based research, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling to move audiences from awareness to action.

Popular Topics:

Systems Change and Racial Equity in Child Welfare

Leadership Through Adversity

Accessibility and Inclusive Innovation

The Power of Evidence-Based Coaching

Antiracist Parenting and Cultural Capacity

Learn more or book Kenisha for your next event at www.kenishacoon.com
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Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and commun... Show more

Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel

Meet Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fathers and families through support, education, and advocacy.

With over two decades of service, Samuel has established himself as a licensed substance abuse counselor, Certified Lactation Education Counselor, author, court-appointed gang culture expert, motivational speaker, and community advocate. He is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations—Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization (MOJO) and Distinguished Outreach Services—both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Merced County residents with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, prevention, and fatherhood initiatives.

Samuel’s work extends beyond titles. He is widely recognized for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often using his own experiences to inspire others. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the struggles many in his community face today. His story of resilience fuels his mission: to help individuals break cycles of hardship and to create pathways toward healthier families and stronger communities.

Outside of his professional and nonprofit leadership, Samuel has lived a dynamic and inspiring life. He is a former MMA coach and fighter, a recording artist with seven albums, and a five-time competitive BBQ rib champion. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in discipline, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fully.

His passion and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including Safeway’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognition as Hispanic Man of the Year by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber, and formal accommodations from both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also the profound impact he continues to make on families, youth, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Samuel remains committed to expanding his work in advocacy, mentorship, and fatherhood education. His vision is to see every father equipped with the tools to lead with love, responsibility, and purpose—because stronger fathers create stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities.

Samuel often shares this guiding belief:

“You can spend a lifetime looking for your purpose, but when you find your passion, you begin to live.”

Meet Samuel Rangel Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fa... Show more

Samuel Femi Taiwo

Samuel Femi Taiwo

Femi is a dedicated IT specialist with over 8 years of experience in development and system support. An active volunteer, he contributes his expertise to the WordPress and broader tech communities in South Africa. Femi is deeply passionate about accessibility, fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry, advocating for equitable opportunities and mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups. His commitment to community development and tech education makes him a valued contributor and a positive force for change in the tech world.

Femi is a dedicated IT specialist with over 8 years of experience in development and system support. An active volunteer, he contributes his expertise to the WordPress and broader tech communities in South Africa. Femi is deeply passionate about acce... Show more

Mousaab Khaldi

Mousaab Khaldi

I am a multilingual, intercultural leadership speaker who helps rooms of executives translate ambition into aligned action across borders through a values‑driven approach to transformation. Rooted in lived experience from Morocco to Germany, I connect with audiences across the USA, Europe, the Gulf, and Asia—bridging cultures with stories that land and practices that stick. On stage, I share the 4 Empires—Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset—to unify performance, presence, energy, and purpose into one operating system leaders can use immediately. Conferences bring me in to spark inclusive conversations that turn difference into momentum, spotlighting the host’s commitment to representation, belonging, and leadership that resonates across languages and industries. Beyond the stage, my work funds on‑the‑ground charity initiatives in Morocco, and I actively position the host conference as a partner in inclusion and impact so attendees see the message—and the model—in action. If the goal is to inspire action and demonstrate real commitment to global inclusion, I deliver a keynote and community moments that help organizers amplify their message across international networks with credibility and heart.

I am a multilingual, intercultural leadership speaker who helps rooms of executives translate ambition into aligned action across borders through a values‑driven approach to transformation. Rooted in lived experience from Morocco to Germany, I connec... Show more

Juan García

Juan García

Diplomado en Ciencias Empresariales y Licenciado en Investigación y Técnicas de Mercado por la Uva. Formador ocupacional acreditado por la Junta de Castilla y León.

12 años de experiencia en el área económico-financiera en empresas de diversos sectores.

Más de 4.000 horas de formación presencial impartidas para empresas y organizaciones como CVE, UPTA, AEMTA, CEOE.

Administración de plataformas de elearning, generación de contenidos y tutorización de cursos online para entidades como Ernest & Young, Radio Televisión Española o la productora, Globomedia, con más de 2.000 horas acreditadas.

Varias participaciones en eventos, cursos y actividades desarrolladas como presentador, conferenciante, organizador y/o dinamizador de actos diversos, entre otros:

- Global Power Platform Bootcamp Valladolid
- PechaKucha Night Valladolid vol.13
- Trainers for the Future ed. 2018. Superpoderes para generar contenidos
- Trainers for the Future ed. 2017. Educación Maker
- InnoBAR EDU Valladolid. Encuentro alternativo de innovación educativa
- InnoBAR EDU Palencia. Encuentro alternativo de innovación educativa
- #Emprendizate. De la idea al negocio. Cámara de Comercio de Ávila

Instructor para el perfeccionamiento y actualización del profesorado de Formación Profesional en el Centro de Formación e Innovación Educativa (CFIE) de la Junta de Castilla de León en “Empresa e iniciativa emprendedora” y "Creatividad y emprendimiento"

Instructor de los espacios CyL Digital para facilitar a PYMES y autónomos su presencia activa en el mundo digital a través de redes sociales: #EstoyenInternet

Diseño y dinamización de Living Lab

Organizador #InnoBAR Valladolid (www.innobar.net)

Lema: No hay preguntas tontas, sólo tont@s que no preguntan

Diplomado en Ciencias Empresariales y Licenciado en Investigación y Técnicas de Mercado por la Uva. Formador ocupacional acreditado por la Junta de Castilla y León. 12 años de experiencia en el área económico-financiera en empresas de diversos sec... Show more

Pavithra Addanki

Pavithra Addanki

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-based learning opportunities. She is Co-Founder for Sri Raagni Organics. A Startup World Cup Mentor and advocate for personal branding, she also works in data analytics and has a LinkedIn community of over 11K followers with 9,05,400 + annual impressions.

Pavithra Addanki is an entrepreneur, mentor, and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founder & CEO of MXC Ignite LLP, she has collaborated with leading institutions and innovation hubs to create outcome-bas... Show more

Michelle Storm

Michelle Storm

I am an experienced Innovation Designer and Personal Freedom Facilitator with a deep love for self-development and inner freedom. Drawing on a background in design thinking and a keen understanding of neurodiversity, I specialize in creating inclusive, socially sustainable, and human-centered solutions. I believe that by fostering environments where all individuals can tap into their unique strengths, we pave the way for transformative growth—both personally and collectively.

I have led workshops, trainings and sessions focused on leveraging creativity and technology to drive innovative thinking, collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges. Committed to building bridges between different perspectives, I thrive on turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that yield meaningful, sustainable impact in the short and long term. My aim is always to bring people together in ways that spark self-discovery, creative expression, and personal liberation, ultimately empowering every individual to step fully into their potential.

I am an experienced Innovation Designer and Personal Freedom Facilitator with a deep love for self-development and inner freedom. Drawing on a background in design thinking and a keen understanding of neurodiversity, I specialize in creating inclusiv... Show more

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