Tim Huff is a decorated combat veteran, certified executive coach, and award-winning CEO recognized for servant leadership and character. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Tim served 14 years as an Infantry Officer, culminating in a year-long deployment to Afghanistan with the US Army National Guard as Chief of Operations for a brigade responsible for training and sustaining the Afghan National Army. For his leadership in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

After active military service, Tim made what he calls his ‘most extreme transition’… from command of over a dozen tanks and leading 100 troops, and a few months later, to a cubicle at The Walt Disney Company, managing spreadsheets. That moment reinforced in him that genuine leadership isn’t tied to uniforms, titles, or settings. It’s about character: the one constant that endures when pressure mounts. He later advanced in technology leadership roles with Macy’s, CRH Americas, and Owens & Minor, but his life took another defining turn in 2017 when he became the client of an executive coach. The experience gave him a profound sense of leadership freedom and clarity and set him on a new mission: to help leaders everywhere discover the same success based in character.

Today, Tim is the President of Turknett Leadership Group, a 38-year-old Atlanta-based firm trusted by Fortune 500 companies and global organizations. He is a Titan 100 honoree and recipient of the Servant Leader of the Year Award, recognized for his commitment to building leaders who live and lead with integrity, respect, and responsibility. In 2024, he extended that commitment in the most personal way, by donating a kidney to help save the life of a colleague.

Tim’s message is clear: skills can be taught, strategies can shift, but character is the bedrock of leadership. Whether on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or at the side of someone in need, it’s character that inspires trust, courage, and authentic leadership.

He lives in Cumming, Georgia with his wife, Kristin, and enjoys hiking in the North Georgia mountains where he finds both rest and renewal for his life of service!

Tim Huff is a decorated combat veteran, certified executive coach, and award-winning CEO recognized for servant leadership and character. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Tim served 14 years as an Infantry Officer, culminating in a year-l... Show more

Angela Virtudazo is a learning strategist and consultant with 14 years of experience designing and delivering training across industries, roles, and every stage of a career. She's the author of the upcoming book Start With Done: Plan Backwards. Finish Everything. — a backward-planning framework built for the complexity of real life, not just the workplace.

A TEDx facilitation coach and Navy spouse, Angela brings structured thinking to the places it's needed most: the messy, deadline-driven, deeply human work of running your life.

She is based in St. Louis.

Angela Virtudazo is a learning strategist and consultant with 14 years of experience designing and delivering training across industries, roles, and every stage of a career. She's the author of the upcoming book Start With Done: Plan Backwards. Finis... Show more

Dan Tudor is the Founder and President of Tudor Collegiate Strategies (TCS), a nationally respected athletic recruiting advisory firm that specializes in training college admissions and coaching staffs to communicate and recruit their prospects more effectively. Since 2005, Tudor has been called “America’s recruiting coordinator” thanks to his company’s cutting-edge strategies, research and advice to the college coaching community.

TCS publishes the popular Monday Morning Admissions newsletter and podcast, as well as the College Recruiting Weekly newsletter and podcast the country every week, boasting over 50,000 readers and listeners. Dan and his team speak regularly at college coach and admissions conventions around the country.

Dan Tudor is based in North Carolina, and can be reached by email at dan@dantudor.com.

Dan Tudor is the Founder and President of Tudor Collegiate Strategies (TCS), a nationally respected athletic recruiting advisory firm that specializes in training college admissions and coaching staffs to communicate and recruit their prospects more ... Show more

Jeffrey Miller is a Senior Technologist, Trainer, Speaker, Tech Lead, DevOps-CI/CD Tools Lead, Graph Data Explorer, and Second Brain Builder.

Jeffrey brings over 25 years of experience helping organizations to bring value to their customers through software. He presents a variety of tech and business topics at user groups and conferences.

You can find his writing on knowledge management and tech topics at https://knowledgeplaybook.com/.

Jeffrey and his wife, Brandy, live near Columbus, Ohio, and celebrate their roles as adoptive parents with a fun children’s book called "Skeeters" with proceeds supporting adoption. Learn more about the project at https://skeeterbooks.com/adoption/.

Jeffrey Miller is a Senior Technologist, Trainer, Speaker, Tech Lead, DevOps-CI/CD Tools Lead, Graph Data Explorer, and Second Brain Builder. Jeffrey brings over 25 years of experience helping organizations to bring value to their customers throug... Show more

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team.

During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invents and dozens of other AWS and 3rd party events, covering a range of topics including: networking, DNS, cost optimisation, and the Amazon Culture of Innovation.

Now as CEO of Rayo (an AWS Advanced Partner), Matt continues to help customers make use of cloud to deliver great outcomes for the public sector and beyond.

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team. During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invent... Show more

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He has previously worked as the lead of MidCamp and the Drupal Event Organizer Working Group and is now on the board of Midwest Open Source Alliance. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal implementations for high-ed and non-profits.

Avi has been involved in the Drupal Community since 2008. He has previously worked as the lead of MidCamp and the Drupal Event Organizer Working Group and is now on the board of Midwest Open Source Alliance. His work focuses on large-scale Drupal imp... Show more

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and digitalization.

With his extensive experience in research and practice, he has designed numerous projects, publications, and interactive workshops that present complex topics such as digital transformation in an accessible and practical way. His combination of academia, practice, and creativity inspires others to actively transform education.

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and d... Show more

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

Patrick Dunn is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and leadership development consultant with 30 years of experience leading high-stakes global teams in operational resilience — disaster recovery, business continuity, and crisis management.

He works with leaders who are performing at a high level and want to keep performing — without losing themselves in the process. His keynotes and workshops draw on three decades of real-world experience in rooms where the wrong call had real consequences, combined with a storytelling approach shaped by folklorist Sandy Ives and author Stephen King.

Patrick is the author of Lead with Soul: How to Lead When Running on Empty and the creator of the Lead with Soul framework — built on four pillars: Presence, Purpose, Renewal, and Service. His keynote Your Resilience Is Killing You speaks directly to the hidden cost of sustained high-stakes leadership, while Strong Enough to Break reframes what it means to lead with endurance and depth.

He is a three-time NCAA Division I All-American and nationally ranked mascot at the University of Maine, a former Fortune 200 resilience leader, and an active member of the Association of Continuity Professionals and Disaster Recovery Journal communities.
Patrick has delivered keynotes and leadership sessions across association, corporate, healthcare, and government audiences. He is based in Reno, Nevada and speaks throughout the United States.

Website: https://www.patrickdunnintl.com
Speaker Reel: https://youtu.be/SmgmQcj0Hxg

Patrick Dunn is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and leadership development consultant with 30 years of experience leading high-stakes global teams in operational resilience — disaster recovery, business continuity, and crisis management. ... Show more

Ken Smith is the Director of Sales Engineering – Enterprise (Ohio Valley) at Arctic Wolf. With over fifteen years of experience in offensive security, Ken has held leadership roles across both consulting and industry sectors. He also brings a strong background in education, having spent a decade teaching information security at the University of Mount Union. A Cleveland native and former U.S. Army Signals Intelligence Operator with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ken blends deep technical expertise with a passion for mentorship and community engagement and is currently on the boards of BSidesCLE, Burning River Cyber Con, and the eCenter@LindenPointe.

Ken Smith is the Director of Sales Engineering – Enterprise (Ohio Valley) at Arctic Wolf. With over fifteen years of experience in offensive security, Ken has held leadership roles across both consulting and industry sectors. He also brings a strong ... Show more

Dr. Mfon is a multifaceted organizational leader and advocate who champions agility in all spaces. With extensive expertise spanning project management, adaptive leadership, and consulting, she bridges the gap between effective project execution and profound human impact. Through diverse roles and business ventures, she deeply understands what it takes to build resilient teams that can deliver continuous value in dynamic environments.
At the core of Dr. Mfon’s work is a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Her true passion lies in applying real-world agility to societal challenges. She is an accomplished author of youth literature and the founder of EmpowerKidz.org, a non-profit dedicated to social-emotional learning and early mental health skill-building for adolescents.
Actively aligning her community initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mfon brings a uniquely human-centric approach to leadership, inspiring agile practitioners to drive meaningful change both within their organizations and across the globe. Dr. Mfon inspires teams and agilists alike to drive measurable community impact alongside continuous business value.

Dr. Mfon is a multifaceted organizational leader and advocate who champions agility in all spaces. With extensive expertise spanning project management, adaptive leadership, and consulting, she bridges the gap between effective project execution and ... Show more

Cara Holt is a leadership and enablement speaker with a lifelong passion for helping people find their voice and perform at their best. She began public speaking at the age of eight, consistently winning speech competitions through high school and college, long before she realized it would become a defining part of her career.

In her third year as an educator, Cara transitioned from the classroom to training adults, quickly becoming a sought-after professional learning facilitator. She has presented at both state and national conferences and served as a national speaker for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s ECET2 initiative, supporting educators across the country in building confidence, instructional expertise, and sustainable systems for learning.

Over the course of her career, Cara has trained teachers and leaders nationwide and now applies that same learning science and human-centered approach to enablement, where she trains and coaches sales professionals daily. In 2025, she spoke at the Sales Enablement Collective, where a spontaneous conversation with an attendee’s leadership team led to a virtual speaking invitation and a defining moment: when asked how long she had been motivational speaking, her honest answer was “since 12 p.m. today.” That moment clarified what had been true all along—speaking is not new for her; claiming it publicly was.

As a busy mom of four, Cara brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the stage. She speaks on leadership, enablement, spirituality, gentle parenting, and raising self-aware, resilient kids, meeting audiences where they are and helping them grow with intention. Her talks blend credibility, authenticity, and actionable insight, leaving people both inspired and equipped.

Cara Holt is a leadership and enablement speaker with a lifelong passion for helping people find their voice and perform at their best. She began public speaking at the age of eight, consistently winning speech competitions through high school and co... Show more

Kevin Rank is an AI Fellow at Boise State University College of Business, an Institutional AI Catalyst for the Idaho State Board, and a lecturer teaching Generative AI, Business Intelligence, and data-driven decision making. He brings over 30 years of IT industry experience and focuses on how emerging technologies actually change the way people work… when they’re used intentionally.

Kevin’s work centers on practical AI adoption. His approach is simple: use Generative AI to learn faster, work smarter, and free up time for higher-value thinking. Rather than treating AI as a theoretical concept or a novelty, he focuses on real workflows that reduce friction, improve decision-making, and compound over time.

He teaches Boise State’s first dedicated Generative AI courses, where students learn how to collaborate with AI responsibly while building durable skills they can carry into any field. He also works with faculty, professionals, and organizations to help them move beyond experimentation toward repeatable, trustworthy AI systems.

Kevin Rank is an AI Fellow at Boise State University College of Business, an Institutional AI Catalyst for the Idaho State Board, and a lecturer teaching Generative AI, Business Intelligence, and data-driven decision making. He brings over 30 years o... Show more

seit 02/2022: Geschäftsführerin des Zentrums für Lernen und Innovation an der FernUniversität in Hagen.

07/2017-01/2021: Referentin für Hochschulstrategie und Digitalisierung an der Fernuniversität in Hagen.

05/2014-06/2017: Studiengangskoordinatorin an der FernUniversität in Hagen.

10/2011-04/2014: wissenschaftliche Angestellte (Postdoc) an der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Bildungswissenschaften am Lehrstuhl für Mediendidaktik und Wissensmanagement.

10/2010-09/2011: Lehrstuhlvertreterin des Lehrgebiets Bildungstechnologie der FernUniversität in Hagen.

09/2008-09/2010: PostDoc an der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fachbereich Bildungswissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Mediendidaktik und Wissensmanagement.

seit 02/2022: Geschäftsführerin des Zentrums für Lernen und Innovation an der FernUniversität in Hagen. 07/2017-01/2021: Referentin für Hochschulstrategie und Digitalisierung an der Fernuniversität in Hagen. 05/2014-06/2017: Studiengangskoordin... Show more

Mesgana Gormley is a Senior Database Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services who focuses on providing technical guidance to AWS customers in the public sector, helping them successfully design, implement, and optimize secure, scalable, and cost-effective database solutions on AWS.

Mesgana Gormley is a Senior Database Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services who focuses on providing technical guidance to AWS customers in the public sector, helping them successfully design, implement, and optimize secure, scalable, ... Show more

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working with Boy Scouts, local schools, leadership development programs, and a variety of other local youth programs Jeremy strives to interact in ways that will push these great thinkers to achieve their dream.

Jeremy Wood is a Federal IT implementor, strategist, and enthusiast specializing in complex business systems. But that is just his day job. He is also an advocate for teens and college age young adults and helping them to achieve their goals. Working... Show more

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmother’s wings. Nursing, then social work provided a foundation for understanding social health, community development and resource connection, and Cortina ultimately found her home in business as a way to build solutions for local communities from the ground up. Cortina earned her BS in Business, Social Science and Education, and a MA in Business Management & Leadership (MAML)from Liberty University. As a graduate student, Cortina conducted research on “Branding Authenticity”, and armed with new knowledge of the future of business, Cortina founded Visit & Ventureto address gaps between tourism economies and local economies, earning Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and a place in 40 Under Forty by the age of 26. Cortina re-branded the original model several times, evolving with community need and responding to first-party data - Cortina Jenelle Branding Agency(2014-2024), and Brand Evangelist™emerged with the age of AI in 2024. Cortina is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, the Lloyd International Honors College at UNC-Greensboro, and is a Full Stack Web Developer, an ICAgile Certified Pro (Savvy Coders), a Certified Creative Facilitator (PYE Global), and a member of Vantage Ventures & AscendWV, class of 2025. Cortina’s journey reflects a relentless commitment to transform vision into scalable impact through design, technology, and creative strategy, work carried out through the tech-forward approach of Brand Evangelist and its ecosystem. Cortina’s collective body of award-winning work spans decades and ripples throughout Southern Appalachia and abroad, with impact hubs in North Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Austrailia and more soon from West Virginia where she calls home.

Guided by purpose, strategy and a love of tech, Cortina Jenelle Caldwell’s entrepreneurial journey has remained true to her north star – to leave her corner of the world a little better off than she found it, a lesson learned early under her grandmot... Show more

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

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. She takes pride in uplifting her community, especially young students and she does this by volunteer organizations and clubs. In her free time, she enjoys working with kids and fostering a passion for STEM within children, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. Sh... Show more

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

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime !

À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé).
Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier.
Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide les gens à oser passer à l’action avec un cap clair et motivant.

Ah oui, et je suis fan de randonnée, de fromage suisse et… de Taylor Swift ! 🎵🧀🥾

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime ! À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé). Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier. Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide... Show more

Maria-Anastasia is a software engineer and a Microsoft IoT Most Valuable Professional (MVP). She currently works as a software engineer at BEWISE. She holds a Diploma in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras.

Furthermore, she is also a PhD candidate at the University of the Aegean, having completed a Master's Program in the Didactics of Mathematics, Science, and Information and Communication Technologies in Education: Interdisciplinary Approach. Her thesis focused on designing and implementing an interactive digital book for teaching mathematics through programming. Her research interests include teaching and learning for the development of Computational Thinking (CT), the pedagogy of Information Technology, and the integrated educational approach of IT and Mathematics for CT development.

Maria-Anastasia has received four awards in international robotics competitions with the Robotics Club UoP. She is a frequent speaker at national and international technology conferences, and is also a blogger and co-host on the IoTeaLive Livestream. With seven Microsoft Certifications, she is dedicated to continuous learning in technology. Additionally, she has volunteered in various labs, technology conferences, and environmental clubs, reflecting her commitment to environmental concerns.

Maria-Anastasia is a software engineer and a Microsoft IoT Most Valuable Professional (MVP). She currently works as a software engineer at BEWISE. She holds a Diploma in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras. Furthermo... Show more

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

Foyin Olajide-Bello is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in Microsoft AI, the Power Platform, and Modern Workplace solutions. In the last 16 years, she has helped organisations harness AI-driven innovation to enhance productivity and automation. Passionate about simplifying complex technology decisions, Foyin empowers businesses to strategically adopt cutting edge technologies to drive tangible business outcomes. Foyin has a deep "love" for Microsoft's Power Platform and she has a wide experience structuring and implementing impactful organizational projects with these tools. She is passionate about this because it empowers people to do MORE with less.

She strongly believes in knowledge sharing, and is an active member of technology communities like Power Platform user group in Ireland and Nigeria. She is also an advocate of women empowerment through Information Technology and cofounded TechStylers – a community to upskill women and is a member of Women in AI, Connecting Women in Tech Ireland. She speaks frequently at global events and is an active member in similar international groups.

Foyin Olajide-Bello is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in Microsoft AI, the Power Platform, and Modern Workplace solutions. In the last 16 years, she has helped organisations harness AI-driven innovation to enhance productivity and a... Show more

Founder of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaboration and ITIL, DR, BCM, and SLA.

Love licensing stuff. Microsoft Certified Trainer, freelancer, and consultant. Subject Matter Expert at Microsoft. Member of Microsoft Terminology Community, Friends of RedGate PLUS, PASS, ISSA, ACM and several communities in the world. Since 1st July 2010 Data Platform MVP.

Former President of the Polish SQL Server User Group. Creator of SQL DAY Conference and Conference CEO 2009-2011. Co-Leader of PASS East Midlands Group. Speaker at group meetings and conferences. STEM Ambassador. After hours cyclist, traveller, and photographer. Coffee Addicted.

Founder of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaborati... Show more

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-premises and cloud environments. Based in Dallas, Texas, he has built a distinguished career focused on protecting critical public sector systems and safeguarding sensitive government operations.
Since May 2018, Venkata has served the City of Dallas through KC Synergy Solutions Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in securing vital municipal infrastructure. His responsibilities include comprehensive cybersecurity defense for the Dallas Police Department and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), ensuring the protection of sensitive law enforcement data through multi-layered security controls such as OKTA two-factor authentication, advanced VPN architectures, and strict CJIS compliance. He has engineered secure, disaster-resilient communication channels between CAD911 dispatch systems and the Texas Department of Public Safety, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response coordination statewide.
One of Venkata’s most significant accomplishments is the architecture of a secure, multi-zoned SCADA network for Dallas’s freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater treatment facilities. By implementing air-gapped environments, zero-internet-access zones, and IDS/IPS protections, he has directly safeguarded critical public health infrastructure from cyber threats. His expertise was further demonstrated during a major ransomware incident, where he successfully detected, contained, and eradicated malware by isolating compromised systems and blocking communication with the Royal ransomware group.
Venkata’s technical expertise spans Cisco ASA, Firepower Threat Defense, SD-WAN, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 BIG-IP, and web application firewalls. He has architected secure hybrid cloud environments using AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, and IPSEC tunnels, supported by AWS architect level certifications. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and maintains advanced certifications, including CJIS Level 4 and Cisco Firepower NGFW, consistently ensuring compliance with NIST and federal cybersecurity standards.

Venkata Kartheek Reddy Somasani is an accomplished Information Technology Security and Cybersecurity Engineer with over nine years of specialized experience designing, implementing, and securing enterprise-scale network infrastructures across on-prem... Show more

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies her skills in communication, design, and collaboration to fast-paced, high-growth environments. This blend of creative and technical experience has equipped Calypso with a deep understanding of how to foster constructive feedback, empower teams, and drive continuous improvement. Calypso also thrives on building strong, connected communities. She brings a fresh perspective on collaboration, communication, and community building in both creative and tech spaces.

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies ... Show more

Dr. Elisabeth Kaliva is Professor for Digital Design at the Department of Computer Science and Scientific Lead of the Digital Open Learning Lab (DOLL) at Technical University of Cologne (TH Köln). Her teaching and research focus on the analysis, design, and critical reflection of interactive AI systems, with a strong emphasis on user experience and social computing. She explores how AI-driven decision-making processes can be made more explainable, human-centered, and adaptive, enhancing personalization while supporting meaningful knowledge exchange and collaboration. At the Digital Open Learning Lab, she investigate how uses centered digital design, innovative learning methodologies, and emerging technologies can enrich and transform social learning in higher education. She is also actively involved in the Data Literacy Initiative (DaLI) at TH Köln, contributing to interdisciplinary learning environments that foster data and AI literacy across disciplines.

Dr. Elisabeth Kaliva is Professor for Digital Design at the Department of Computer Science and Scientific Lead of the Digital Open Learning Lab (DOLL) at Technical University of Cologne (TH Köln). Her teaching and research focus on the analysis, desi... Show more

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

Omoniyi Lawson is a Digital Development practitioner with almost a decade of experience working at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact across Africa. He is the Managing Partner at the Centre for Digital Development and Innovation Research, where he leads research and advocacy on digital inclusion, platform accountability, and digital governance.

Omoniyi is an active contributor to the Internet Governance Forum ecosystem and previously presented at the West African Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. He is also a member of the Internet Society. Currently, he serves as Co-Chair of the AI, Digital Learning and Digital Transformation Working Group under the UNESCO-hosted Education 2030 framework, contributing to global discussions on AI, digital transformation, and inclusive education systems.
His work focuses on how emerging technologies and platform policies shape access, safety, and economic participation in developing contexts, with particular attention to data governance, encryption, and platform accountability.

He is the Founder of DigiShield, an initiative focused on protecting young people from online harm, and has worked with thousands of young Nigerians on digital safety, privacy, and responsible technology use. His research spans multiple areas, including digital inclusion, sustainability, and the societal impacts of technology, with contributions to both national and international discourse.

Omoniyi has collaborated with global stakeholders, including UNESCO and was recognised as a top 10 finalist in the USAID Youth Well-being Prize (Digital Harm category). He is committed to advancing inclusive, rights-based digital development and strengthening West Africa’s capacity to shape its digital future.

Omoniyi Lawson is a Digital Development practitioner with almost a decade of experience working at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact across Africa. He is the Managing Partner at the Centre for Digital Development and Innovatio... Show more