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

Tom Overton

Tom Overton

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not writing queries, I enjoy mentoring, coaching, woodworking, and hiking in our National Parks.

A 30-year veteran data guy with experience in enterprise databases, platform migration, application monitoring, audit and compliance, and document automation in environmental, government, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare industries. When not wr... Show more

Dr. Roderick Logan, DPTh, DAAETS

Dr. Roderick Logan, DPTh, DAAETS

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after spiritual harm. His work is grounded in a salutogenic orientation that focuses on the origins of health and resilience, and it is shaped by a companion stance: he does not rush people toward false arrival. He dwells in the third space with them and helps them name what others have missed or dismissed.

Dr. Logan holds a Doctorate in Practical Theology and a Master’s in Counseling. He is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. With more than four decades of experience in trauma-informed care and resilience building, he has been recognized with the Arizona Aging Services Star Award for Innovation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

He is the author of "I Was Loved: 10 Statements I Hope My Child Can Say About Their Childhood" and "Finding Everland: Voyage Beyond Religious Trauma: A Psalm-Guided Journey to Resiliency." Dr. Logan and his wife, Melody, have been married for 46 years. They share a family legacy of three children and eight grandchildren, alongside a professional legacy of helping others restore dignity, agency, and a sustainable path forward.

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after s... Show more

Andrea Civile

Andrea Civile

Andrea Civile is an L2 Italian researcher and language instructor whose work focuses on the development of pragmatic competence in adult learners, with attention to pragmalinguistic–sociopragmatic alignment, cultural shock, and intercultural adaptation in academic settings. His research—rooted in his doctoral project at the University for Foreigners of Perugia—adopts interlinguistic, intercultural, and cross-cultural perspectives and draws on data from Brazil, Japan, and Italy through a mixed-methods design. He is a member of the Pragmática (inter)linguística, cross-cultural e intercultural group at the University of São Paulo and contributes to research on online language teaching. Alongside his research, he has extensive teaching experience in Italy and abroad.

Andrea Civile is an L2 Italian researcher and language instructor whose work focuses on the development of pragmatic competence in adult learners, with attention to pragmalinguistic–sociopragmatic alignment, cultural shock, and intercultural adaptati... Show more

Dr. Inna Armstrong

Dr. Inna Armstrong

Dr. Inna Armstrong, TEDx speaker, global thought leader & influencer in the field of Augmented Reality (AR) and AI in K12 Education, and a Co-Founder of CleverBooks. She investigates how AR can be used for learning and creating an engaging and immersive environment for students in the classroom and beyond that they can develop 21st-centry skills. Inna's current focus is on influencing the change in the education system through a strategic application of most innovative EdTech. Inna is nominated as Evergreen Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on AR/VR 2022, Top 10/25/50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on AR/VR in Education 2021/2022/2023 (Thinkers360), Top 25/50 Thought leaders in EdTech 2020/2023 (Thinkers360), and 144 Women CEOs and Founders leading Global EdTech Startups (HolonIQ). Under Inna's leadership, in 2020 CleverBooks was awarded in Reimagine Education as a Bronze Winner 2020 in the AR/VR category and a Regional Award Gold Winner 2021, EdTech Breakthrough award winner 2020, GESAward 2020 winner and the winner of the Digital Innovation Challenge 2020 organized by the European Commission. The company is on the list of Top Tech Startups in Europe in 2023 and enrolled in one of the biggest EU funded HORIZON 2020 research project that aims to build a Europe-wide competitive ecosystem that supports the dissemination of augmented reality and virtual reality in education.

Dr. Inna Armstrong, TEDx speaker, global thought leader & influencer in the field of Augmented Reality (AR) and AI in K12 Education, and a Co-Founder of CleverBooks. She investigates how AR can be used for learning and creating an engaging and immers... Show more

Tina Mirro

Tina Mirro

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career around transforming complex business challenges into scalable, human‑centered digital systems. Her work spans consulting, solution strategy, and hands‑on platform innovation, including contributions to community‑driven tools that expand Dynamics 365 capabilities.

A long‑time advocate for women in technology and a proud member of the Microsoft Federal Government ecosystem, Tina brings a blend of technical mastery, empathy, and real‑world implementation insight to every stage of digital transformation. Her background includes leadership in anti‑trafficking advocacy and accessibility‑focused volunteer work, reflecting her commitment to technology that empowers people.

Recognized for her passion, clarity, and ability to demystify complex systems, Tina is a dynamic speaker who inspires audiences to embrace modern business applications, rethink customer engagement, and unlock the full potential of the Power Platform.

Tina Mirro is a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform expert with deep experience designing, architecting, and delivering enterprise CRM solutions. A Microsoft‑certified Solution Architect and Data Analyst, she has built her career aroun... Show more

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovation and operational excellence for diverse organizations. At the City of Seattle, he modernized various services, enhancing collaboration and automating workflows for a workforce of over 10,000 employees.

Dan’s expertise lies in leading impactful teams, crafting transformative strategies, and delivering innovative technology solutions that align with business goals. He speaks on topics such as Digital Transformation Strategy, Leadership in Technology, Microsoft 365 and Copilot, Emerging Technology Adoption, IT Governance Best Practices, and AI Governance.

Passionate about helping customers solve real-world challenges through technology, Dan combines deep technical expertise with a focus on positive outcomes for people. When he’s not transforming organizations, Dan enjoys gaming, hosting digital transformation talks, and connecting with audiences on Twitch and LinkedIn.

Dan Lewis is a Digital Transformation Leader with 20+ years of experience in IT operations and digital solutions. With over a decade of consulting experience and seven years leading digital transformation in local government, Dan has driven innovatio... Show more

Tomasz Osmanowski

Tomasz Osmanowski

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and maintenance phases. My experience spans various business sectors, including retail, legal, and defense, and encompasses frameworks such as .NET, Angular, React, and SQL, as well as platforms like Azure, AWS, and Kubernetes (K8s).

I am a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft MCT. I mentor students from high school and up through an education program I created myself, with its products now thriving independently thanks to collaboration within our TechMentoringPL group. I strongly believe in the benefits of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge, aiming to make IT less intimidating for young adults, future tech leaders - this is the goal of the TechMentoringPL group. To keep my skills sharp, I am currently pursuing the Executive Education program at UC Berkeley Haas.

I started my journey in software development in 2002, inspired by Stephen Prat's book "C++ Primer Plus" when I was 13 years old. Today, as a Regional Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, I lead IT projects from proof of concept through to delivery and mai... Show more

Kevin Cueva

Kevin Cueva

Soy Kevin Cueva, Ingeniero en tecnologías de la información, maestrante en Big Data y Data Science, mi experiencia se centra en el desarrollo de soluciones tecnológicas estratégicas, con un enfoque especializado en Inteligencia Artificial, Ciencia de Datos, MultiCloud, Cybersecurity y automatización de procesos. A lo largo de mi trayectoria, he tenido la oportunidad de desempeñarme como Software Development Consultant en Business IT, donde diseño e implemento soluciones personalizadas para optimizar operaciones y aumentar la productividad de los clientes.

Además de mi perfil técnico, he demostrado un fuerte liderazgo y un compromiso activo con el desarrollo social y comunitario. He co-fundado y liderado iniciativas de investigación y desarrollo como el Semillero Nexus Community y la Red de Investigación en Ingeniería e Informática (RI3), cuyo propósito es promover la innovación en la tecnología a nivel internacional. Mi experiencia se extiende a roles de gestión y liderazgo en organizaciones de impacto como la Fundación SUMAE y la Red Juvenil de Liderazgo Ecuador (RJLE), LIDERA Ecuador, AIESEC Ecuador, entre otras. He participado en proyectos de alto impacto, como el desarrollo del primer metaverso del Ecuador para la ciudad de Riobamba , y como capacitador voluntario para la ONU en el manejo de software y digitalización de documentos, también como parte de organización de campamento Electoral y eventos de alto prestigio nacional.

Mis habilidades técnicas abarcan un amplio espectro, incluyendo el desarrollo Full-Stack (Python, Java, JavaScript, .Net) y el manejo de herramientas de Visualización de Datos y Business Intelligence como Power BI y RStudio. Poseo conocimientos en DevOps, Cloud Computing (Azure, AWS), redes y ciberseguridad, lo que me permite abordar proyectos desde una perspectiva integral. Soy una persona autodidacta y proactiva, orientada a la resolución de problemas y al aprendizaje continuo, lo que me impulsa a generar un impacto positivo a través de la tecnología y el trabajo colaborativo. Me encanta viajar, explorar la fotografía y aprender continuamente, estar en muchas cosas siendo responsable.

Soy Kevin Cueva, Ingeniero en tecnologías de la información, maestrante en Big Data y Data Science, mi experiencia se centra en el desarrollo de soluciones tecnológicas estratégicas, con un enfoque especializado en Inteligencia Artificial, Ciencia de... Show more

Aadil Latif

Aadil Latif

I am Aadil Latif, Founder of TechXNinjas, a community driven initiative focused on empowering learners through mentorship, skill development, and real-world exposure in technology, with a strong emphasis on Cloud, AI, and modern developer tools.
I was also a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador at the Beta levels, where I actively contributed to building tech communities, promoting Microsoft technologies, and strengthening my skills in technical evangelism, public speaking, and leadership across the Microsoft ecosystem.

I am also a Speaker at the AI and Copilot Innovations Summit India 2024, where I delivered a session on Harnessing AI and Copilot on 14th September 2024 in Gurugram. During my talk, I explored how AI, Microsoft Copilot, and automation are transforming healthcare, finance, education, and business, with a focus on productivity, responsible AI, ethical considerations, and real world case studies.

My interests span Cloud computing, Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, and web development, where I combine creativity with logical problem solving to build scalable and impactful solutions. I remain committed to continuous learning, community building, and personal growth, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle through cycling and reading.

I am Aadil Latif, Founder of TechXNinjas, a community driven initiative focused on empowering learners through mentorship, skill development, and real-world exposure in technology, with a strong emphasis on Cloud, AI, and modern developer tools. I w... Show more

Chanel Power

Chanel Power

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to.

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of technical excellence and global access. She has shipped production ML systems, advised 30+ early-stage AI product teams annually, and built a global technical institute serving 40K+ developers across 120+ countries, generating $45M+ in career outcomes for 600+ first-generation technologists.

Mentor Me Collective is a Google for Startups partner, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center alumni, and by every measure, a developer relations program at true scale, with enablement programs running at 3x industry engagement benchmarks and partnerships spanning Google Cloud, IBM, and Grow with Google.

Her technical range is matched by her ability to translate it across engineering rooms, executive briefings, and communities the industry too often overlooks.

Chanel works at the frontier of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and accelerated computing. She builds fast, speaks plain, and closes the gap between what's possible and who gets to build it.

She is not building toward legacy. She is already living it.

Chanel Power doesn't just build technology — she builds the systems that determine who gets to. A Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Developer Relations leader, and Founder & CEO of Mentor Me Collective, Chanel operates at the intersection of techn... Show more

Varsha Verma

Varsha Verma

With a rich background of over 6+ years in the industry, I personally take charge of steering global Cloud. Currently, I'm hands-on, managing end-to-end responsibilities while prioritizing best practices.

But it's more than just Cloud, Devops, build and Operations for me. I'm here to share my expertise on a personal level. I want to coach individuals guiding them toward becoming not just job-ready, but corporate-ready with all my experiences and learnings. Let's embark on this journey together with a sprinkle of my expertise☺️.

Conducted Online and offline sessions for IT enthusiasts and Working Professionals.
✅AWS Community Builder

I was speaker in below events:
🏆AWS Community Event
🏆 Women In Tech India
🏆 All Day DevOps
🏆Lunch & Learn
🏆Engineer HUB

🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice for Cloud Computing
🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice for DevOps

✅Technical Content Writer at Hashnode👩‍💻

With a rich background of over 6+ years in the industry, I personally take charge of steering global Cloud. Currently, I'm hands-on, managing end-to-end responsibilities while prioritizing best practices. But it's more than just Cloud, Devops, bui... Show more

Jessie Robbins

Jessie Robbins

Jessie is the Power Platform service owner at Hennepin County as a member of the Enterprise Strategic Solutions team for the past five years. She began her journey at the county as a developer and quickly found her passion in the Power Platform space. Starting her technology career as what is now known as a citizen developer, Jessie has grown into a leader who empowers others to build tools that make work better—for everyone. Her mission is simple: enable people to create meaningful solutions that improve how they work every day.

Jessie is the Power Platform service owner at Hennepin County as a member of the Enterprise Strategic Solutions team for the past five years. She began her journey at the county as a developer and quickly found her passion in the Power Platform space... Show more

Seconde Nimenya

Seconde Nimenya

Renowned for her ability to captivate audiences globally, Seconde Nimenya draws on her rich life experiences and multicultural heritage to inspire and empower individuals. With a compelling repertoire of life-changing insights, she offers invaluable perspectives on navigating adversities and achieving personal growth.

Nimenya is an author with five published books, including her latest, "Unlocking Diversity: Your Guide to Becoming an Inclusive Leader Beyond Surface Level," a book that delves into the timely and thought-provoking topic of inclusive leadership. Her TEDx talk, "We Are Not All That Different," is an exploration of race and other identity constructs that has garnered widespread acclaim and continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for embracing diversity across the globe.

Recognized for her leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Nimenya has been instrumental in forging connections across varied multicultural communities.
Her academic credentials include a master's degree in business administration and a graduate certificate in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging leadership from Harvard University.

For further details about Seconde Nimenya's work, visit: https://www.bechangegroup.com/home

Renowned for her ability to captivate audiences globally, Seconde Nimenya draws on her rich life experiences and multicultural heritage to inspire and empower individuals. With a compelling repertoire of life-changing insights, she offers invaluable ... Show more

Pedro Alex Taya Yactayo

Pedro Alex Taya Yactayo

Ingeniero de Sistemas por la UAI, Magister en Administración y Gestión Pública por la UAI, Actualmente curso el doctorado en Ingeniería de Sistemas en la UNAC, con una línea de investigación orientada a la aplicación de Inteligencia Artificial, Implementación de Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje, Modelos Predictivos, Gamificación e Investigación Científica para la personalización del aprendizaje en contextos educativos del Perú, cuento con Diplomados en Docencia Universitaria, Ingeniería de Software, Inteligencia Artificial y Ciencia de Datos, Diplomado Especializado: Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada a la Gestión Pública, Certificados internacionales Microsoft, Speaker e Influencer de Microsoft, Docente Universitario, Especialista en IA Generativa y Microsoft 365, Arquitecto de Software, más de 30 años de experiencia en tecnología orientada a la educación, CEO & FOUNDER de MATT INNOVA SOLUTION empresa peruana dedicada a la innovación tecnológica, desarrollo de soluciones empresariales y educativa, Administrador de la Comunidad Profesional Microsoft Cañete (MUG CAÑETE), autor principal de los libros “Manual del Docente Innovador Aplicando IA Generativa”, “El Arte del Prompt Educativo con ChatGPT”, "ChatGPT: de básico a experto". Músico de Instrumentos de Viento (Quenas, Zampoñas), practico MMA con especialidad en LutaLivre cinturón naranja (Teams Perros Sarnosos Cañete-Perú).
Mis redes sociales son:
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/ing.alextaya
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alextaya
🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/IngAlexTaya
🎵TikTok: tiktok.com/@alextaya
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/alex_taya

Ingeniero de Sistemas por la UAI, Magister en Administración y Gestión Pública por la UAI, Actualmente curso el doctorado en Ingeniería de Sistemas en la UNAC, con una línea de investigación orientada a la aplicación de Inteligencia Artificial, Imple... Show more

Philip Obiorah

Philip Obiorah

Philip Obiorah is a Data Scientist, Co-Organizer PyData Milton Keynes , Lead of GDG Cloud Port Harcourt, a Google Explore ML Facilitator, and a researcher with interests in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. He is a former Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and currently serves as a Learning Development Coach in Computing at the University of Buckingham. An Oracle Certified Professional and a member of the British Computer Society, Philip has a diverse academic and professional background.

Philip holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. In addition, he has earned two Master's degrees: an MSc in Applied Data Science from the University of Buckingham, graduating with distinction, and an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. He also holds a BA in Philosophy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.

Philip is deeply committed to community development and has volunteered extensively to mentor participants in AI and data science programs through initiatives like AI School Africa, the Google Africa Developers Scholarship, and Google Explore ML with Crowdsource. His academic contributions include several research publications, notably "Topic Modeling Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation & Multinomial Logistic Regression," published in the Journal of Digital Innovations & Contemporary Research in Science, Engineering & Technology (Vol. 10, No. 4).

Philip’s efforts have earned him numerous accolades. He was a Global Nominee at NASA SpaceApps 2018 and received the Tech Social Impact Icon (Green) Award in 2022 from Techrity. He was also honored with a special plaque from Google Developer Groups for fostering a vibrant developer community at GDG Cloud Port Harcourt.

Passionate about teaching, community building, and bridging the gap between academia and the tech industry, Philip is dedicated to continuing his impactful journey and achieving even greater milestones in the future.

Philip Obiorah is a Data Scientist, Co-Organizer PyData Milton Keynes , Lead of GDG Cloud Port Harcourt, a Google Explore ML Facilitator, and a researcher with interests in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. He is a former Graduate Te... Show more

Ursula Spencer

Ursula Spencer

Ursula Spencer is an eDiscovery and information governance SME with deep roots in enterprise Microsoft ecosystems. She pioneered and led the Federal Reserve System’s eDiscovery function following the 2008 financial crisis, designing defensible data collection and review workflows across 12 Reserve Banks. Her work supported Congressional investigations, regulatory audits, and high risk litigation, reducing manual processing by over 80 percent while maintaining NIST and FISMA aligned audit readiness. She has since led system wide migrations to Microsoft 365, designed governance ready collaboration environments, and advised public and private sector organizations on secure, people centered M365 adoption.

Today, Ursula designs secure, people centered adoption strategies for public sector, education, and enterprise organizations. She specializes in translating emerging technologies including AI, XR, VR, and AR into governed, scalable solutions that accelerate transformation while protecting data and compliance posture. Her approach blends deep technical expertise with change leadership, helping organizations safely navigate AI’s inflection point.

An award winning technologist, she has spoken at Politico LIVE, Microsoft Elevate and Innovate, BaddieCon, CIAA Tech Summit House, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where she shares practical frameworks for AI readiness, collaboration at scale, and career reinvention in emerging tech.

Ursula Spencer is an eDiscovery and information governance SME with deep roots in enterprise Microsoft ecosystems. She pioneered and led the Federal Reserve System’s eDiscovery function following the 2008 financial crisis, designing defensible data c... Show more

Shawnta Hooks

Shawnta Hooks

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty.

Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. With a background as a former Fortune 100 Vice President of Automation Transformation and Certified Public Accountant, she brings rare executive credibility to the human side of leadership.

Through neuroscience-backed, multisensory experiences — integrating music, movement, mindfulness, and storytelling — Shawntà teaches leaders the bio hacks of presence, regulation, and influence. Her work reveals what’s felt but rarely named in modern organizations: how overstimulation, unregulated pressure, and emotional misalignment quietly erode performance, trust, and decision-making.

She is the founder of The Clarity Lab™ and creator of the Catch → Convert → Create™ system of nervous system regulation.

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty. Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. ... Show more

Ajayi Raphael Temitope

Ajayi Raphael Temitope

Ajayi Raphael Temitope is a business leader, institution builder, and speaker focused on education, entrepreneurship, and Africa's emerging technology landscape.

He currently serves as Country Manager, Nigeria at Swanfield Business School — a Pan-African institution developing ethical, globally minded business leaders. He brings to the stage over a decade of hands-on experience building and scaling ventures across technology, creative services, and education, including Nova Limited, which served clients across six countries and reached 8-figure annual revenue, and Noble Learn School of Tech, which impacted thousands of students across Nigerian institutions.

Recognised among the Top 50 Entrepreneurs by the Regis Ohia Foundation, featured in Daily Times Nigeria, and a ForbesBLK member, Raphael speaks from experience, not theory. His sessions bridge the gap between ideas and execution, and between education systems and real-world business outcomes.

He has spoken at the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Business Tech & Scale Conference, SCART Conference, Tech The Slum, and university platforms across Lagos.

Ajayi Raphael Temitope is a business leader, institution builder, and speaker focused on education, entrepreneurship, and Africa's emerging technology landscape. He currently serves as Country Manager, Nigeria at Swanfield Business School — a Pan-... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more

Roksana Inga Rybicka

Roksana Inga Rybicka

Studentin an der EUV, Peer Tutorin für wissenschaftliche Schreiben & Lernen, Directorin für IT bei ELSA

Roksana ist eine leidenschaftliche Studentin im Bereich Rechtswissenschaften und steht kurz vor dem Abschluss ihres Studiums. Neben ihrem Engagement in der akademischen Welt ist sie auch eine begeisterte Webdesignerin und Programmiererin, mit einem besonderen Interesse an den Schnittstellen von Technologie und Recht. Als Peer Tutorin und Director für IT bei ELSA kombiniert sie ihre Liebe zu digitalen Innovationen mit ihrer Expertise im Bereich Bildung und Lehre. Sie engagiert sich zudem in internationalen Netzwerken und hat sich auf die Förderung von Zugänglichkeit und Empowerment spezialisiert.Sie liebt es, kreative Methoden wie Gamification in der Lehre zu integrieren, um Studierende aktiv in ihre Lernprozesse einzubinden und auf die Herausforderungen der digitalen Zukunft vorzubereiten.

Studentin an der EUV, Peer Tutorin für wissenschaftliche Schreiben & Lernen, Directorin für IT bei ELSA Roksana ist eine leidenschaftliche Studentin im Bereich Rechtswissenschaften und steht kurz vor dem Abschluss ihres Studiums. Neben ihrem Engag... Show more

Paul Innella

Paul Innella

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strategic approach to measuring cybersecurity effectiveness in operational environments. Paul has guided top institutions including DARPA, the U.S. Navy, Deutsche Bank, and the IMF. His insights have appeared in Forbes, Financial Times, CNBC, and ABC News. He holds CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, and NSA IAM certifications and completed executive programs at Cambridge, IMD, and Edinburgh Business School. He also chairs White Hat USA, supporting Children’s National Medical Center.

Paul Innella, CEO of TDI, is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of experience advising critical infrastructure, government, and enterprise organizations. He pioneered Cybersecurity Performance Management (CPM), a strateg... Show more

Harshavardhan Malla

Harshavardhan Malla

Harshavardhan Malla is an Information Systems Security Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), supporting the security, reliability, and compliance of mission-critical government IT systems. His work focuses on infrastructure hardening, vulnerability remediation, and operational security across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-adjacent environments.

He regularly works with established security and regulatory frameworks such as NIST and CJIS, ensuring systems meet mandated standards while remaining stable and maintainable. His interests include secure system design, compliance automation, and improving the long-term resilience of public-sector technology platforms.

In addition to his public-sector role, Harshavardhan is a 3× Co-Founder, including Digitailor, an AI-powered career optimization platform.

Harshavardhan Malla is an Information Systems Security Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), supporting the security, reliability, and compliance of mission-critical government IT systems. His work focuses on infrastructure har... Show more

Prayer Nwagboso

Prayer Nwagboso

Prayer Chinaza Nwagboso is a Nigerian humanitarian leader, social entrepreneur, and global advocate advancing equitable access to education, gender equality, and sustainable community development across underserved and crisis-affected regions.
She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Naza Agape Foundation, a multi-country nonprofit organization committed to delivering tuition-free education, humanitarian support, and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and women. Since its establishment in 2018, the foundation has impacted over 20,000 beneficiaries across Africa and Asia, supported by a growing network of more than 500 volunteers worldwide.
Nwagboso’s work is distinguished by her grassroots-to-global approach, having initiated education programs within internally displaced communities in Northern Nigeria, creating access to structured learning where none previously existed. Her model integrates education, welfare, and empowerment, aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Her impact has received international recognition, with features by leading global media platforms including BBC News Africa and BBC Pidgin, highlighting her work in expanding educational access and restoring dignity to displaced and underserved populations.
As Co-founder of Girlified, Nwagboso leads innovative solutions addressing period poverty and environmental sustainability, producing eco-friendly menstrual products and supporting thousands of girls to remain in school with dignity.

She serves in global leadership and advocacy capacities, including as a State Chair within the G100 SDG Wing Nigeria and a Cabinet Minister of the Republic of Women (ROW), contributing to international dialogues on inclusive development, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
A graduate of Covenant University with a background in Mass Communication, Nwagboso is also a published author of “Victory at Last: How I Conquered Low Self-Esteem,” a work reflecting her commitment to personal transformation and youth empowerment.

Her contributions have earned her international awards and recognitions, positioning her as one of the emerging voices in Africa’s next generation of humanitarian and development leaders.
Driven by a vision to build scalable, tuition-free education systems across Africa, Prayer Nwagboso continues to lead initiatives that bridge systemic gaps, empower communities, and create sustainable pathways for future generations.

She's passionate the girl child education and desires to build tuition free schools in Africa.

Prayer Chinaza Nwagboso is a Nigerian humanitarian leader, social entrepreneur, and global advocate advancing equitable access to education, gender equality, and sustainable community development across underserved and crisis-affected regions. She i... Show more

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at the Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Studies of the University of Cologne.

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at th... Show more

Sven Seiler

Sven Seiler

Dr. Sven Seiler leads Storm Reply GmbH (Reply Group) as Managing Director, focusing on cloud software development and strategic consulting. With deep expertise in cloud computing, IoT, and mobility technologies, he directs teams handling software development, cloud migrations, and AWS-based consulting.

His current focus extends across three connected fields: Agentic AI — designing autonomous, multi-agent systems for production environments; Agentic Engineering — the structured, verifiable approach that pairs AI coding agents with specifications, guardrails, and architectural control; and Digital Sovereignty — strategic cloud architectures for regulated industries, including hands-on work with the AWS European Sovereign Cloud.

Beyond his company role, he founded and organizes the AWS User Groups Dortmund (since 2016) and Düsseldorf (since 2022), and founded the Agentic Shift Community in Dortmund (2025). He co-organizes the AWS Community Day DACH and regularly participates in hackathons.

He advocates for integrating cloud computing and AI engineering into academic education, supervises academic research, and co-organizes a "Cloud School" with Bochum University of Applied Sciences to develop future cloud and AI experts. He publishes regularly on Agentic AI, Agentic Engineering, and digital sovereignty at seiler.it.

Dr. Sven Seiler leads Storm Reply GmbH (Reply Group) as Managing Director, focusing on cloud software development and strategic consulting. With deep expertise in cloud computing, IoT, and mobility technologies, he directs teams handling software dev... Show more

Ezequiel Fernandez

Ezequiel Fernandez

Mediador, formado en la Escuela de
Mediación del Colegio Público de Abogados
de Buenos Aires. Magister en RRHH, FCE
UBA. Entrenado en negociación por CMI-Harvard,
en Cambridge, Massachusetts,
EEUU. Posgrado en Gestión Humana de
las Organizaciones, Facultad de Psicología
UBA. Contador Público. Profesor de
Negociación, persuasión y comunicación estrategica en grado y posgrado.
Vicepresidente de la Comisión de Negociación del Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.
Entrenador, mentor y consultor de negociadores.
Apasionado investigador y creador de contenido sobre negociación, persuasión y comunicación interpersonal.
Profesional independiente, socio fundador de Visión y Estrategia Consultores.

Mediador, formado en la Escuela de Mediación del Colegio Público de Abogados de Buenos Aires. Magister en RRHH, FCE UBA. Entrenado en negociación por CMI-Harvard, en Cambridge, Massachusetts, EEUU. Posgrado en Gestión Humana de las Organizacion... Show more

Norah Schrum

Norah Schrum

Meet a seasoned professional known in the digital realm as @tekNorah. With over 15+ years of experience in software development and continuous process improvement, they are a strategic technical leader in the digital agency space. Hailing from Mokena, IL, @tekNorah brings a wealth of expertise primarily serving the education, government, and legal industries.

As a seasoned community leader, @tekNorah is deeply ingrained in the tech community, contributing to Drupal and Open Source Software, and serving on the leadership team for MidCamp. Their knack for organic collaboration and ideation has led to significant organizational performance improvements, making them a sought-after figure in the industry.

With a passion for innovation and a commitment to best practices, @tekNorah’s approach to systems design and change management is both meticulous and forward-thinking. Whether it's crafting tailor-designed solutions from concept to launch or coordinating intern and onboarding programs, their dedication to excellence shines through in every endeavor.

Connect with @tekNorah to tap into their expertise and collaborate on your next project. Driving innovation and efficiency gains, @tekNorah is your go-to partner for transformative solutions in the digital landscape.

Meet a seasoned professional known in the digital realm as @tekNorah. With over 15+ years of experience in software development and continuous process improvement, they are a strategic technical leader in the digital agency space. Hailing from Mokena... Show more

Tabbi Kinion

Tabbi Kinion

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences that unlock potential through powerful conversations and exercises rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Tabbi serves as faculty for the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium's Certified Public Manager program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a National Faculty Member for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Management Assistance Team, helping leaders across sectors create cohesive, high-impact teams without burning out.

Before launching her training and coaching practice in 2024, Tabbi served as Education Division Chief for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 2018-2023, leading 80+ staff across multiple facilities and programs, following 13 years as Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Statewide Education Coordinator. Her approach combines real-world leadership expertise with academic excellence, including her Certified Public Manager certification, a Master's of Arts in Biology from Miami University, and a Bachelor's in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University.

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences th... Show more

Noemi Nagy

Noemi Nagy

Dr. Noémi Nagy is an Assistant Professor of Career & Technical/Workforce Education at the University of South Florida and Affiliate Faculty at the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on workforce development, and the psychology of sustainable careers in rapidly changing industries such as technology and cybersecurity. Her research is international and cross-disciplinary and she works with researchers from Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, UK, the U.S. and Australia.
She’s the author of the internationally recognized Career Resources Model, featured in the London School of Economics Business Review, which breaks down the 13 trainable factors that make or break a successful career. Her research goes way beyond theory: it covers how people actually find jobs (job search behavior, published in PNAS), how they shape their roles to fit their strengths (job crafting), and how they can take charge of their careers instead of waiting for luck or management to do it for them.
Altogether, Dr. Nagy’s research has been cited over 800 times around the world and has earned multiple international awards for its real-world impact. She takes what works in Switzerland’s high-trust, precision-driven innovation scene and brings it to Tampa Bay’s fast-growing tech and cybersecurity community, helping professionals and teams build the mindset, motivation, and structure to grow stronger, stay relevant, and perform at their best.
Dr. Nagy is also an active contributor to the local tech community: she won first place at the Tampa Bay Developers Hackathon in 2022 (Best Architecture & Best Visual Design) and hosted the Tampa Devs Career Forum at USF’s College of Education in 2023, where she teaches her model to students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Noémi Nagy is an Assistant Professor of Career & Technical/Workforce Education at the University of South Florida and Affiliate Faculty at the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on workforce development, and the psychology of... Show more

Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed p... Show more

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