Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills.

On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tutorials, coding challenges, and practical tips. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into Python or an experienced developer diving into machine learning, I’ve got you covered.

Hi, I’m Jacob, and I’m passionate about making programming accessible and fun! As a seasoned programming tutor and content creator, I’ve helped learners around the world level up their coding skills. On my YouTube channel, you’ll find engaging tut... Show more

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems.

My journey blends hands-on engineering with a love for sharing knowledge. As a community leader, I’ve had the privilege of delivering sessions, leading hackathons, and mentoring students and developers across India. I’ve also been part of organizing flagship events like Google I/O Extended, DevFest, Azure AI Influencer Day, and the IEEE CIS Summer School.

I actively contribute to communities through leadership roles in Google Developer Groups, IEEE, and more, believing strongly in the power of collaboration, mentorship, and building inclusive tech ecosystems.

Hi! I’m Saikumar Swarnapudi, an engineer and community leader with a deep interest in AI, and Community Building. Currently, I serve as a Founding Engineer – AI at Vertx, where I’m building AI models and automation systems. My journey blends hands... Show more

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Devin's engaging and compassionate coaching style empowers individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically. Devin's relatability, quick wit, and background in dramatic arts from prestigious institutions like the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The British-American Dramatic Academy at Oxford allow her to transform complex ideas into inspiring, meaningful experiences. But Devin's impact goes beyond mere entertainment. Her commanding presence and empathetic approach empower audiences to see things from new perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and tap into their potential. Whether speaking to thousands or coaching one-on-one, she creates a safe space for growth, laughter, and transformation. More than just a keynote speaker or coach, Devin Sarno is a catalyst for change - a weaver of stories and a reminder of the power of the human voice.

Devin Sarno, founder and CEO of Parlay Communicators, is a two-time US national champion public speaking coach. With over 15 years of experience, she blends her love for live performance, improv, and comedy to help others find their unique voice. Dev... Show more

Kolapo Imam is the Founder and Lead Facilitator at Prodcademy, an institute focused on raising the next generation of Product Leaders. He is a Product Manager with experience in building API products that power payments, virtual accounts, and funds transfer across Africa. His work focuses on developer experience, product strategy, and cross-functional delivery of scalable fintech infrastructure.

Prior to this, Kolapo served as a Product Marketing Manager at Nexford University, leading initiatives across product adoption, B2B positioning, and competitive intelligence. He has also worked in product and growth roles at PropertyPro Nigeria, Versus Africa, and through multiple consulting projects.

With a unique background spanning product marketing, technical product management, and tech sales, Kolapo brings a deep understanding of how to build and position business, enterprise and consumer products for growth. In 2022, he was nominated by HackerNoon for Product Management, Business Growth and Strategy.

Kolapo Imam is the Founder and Lead Facilitator at Prodcademy, an institute focused on raising the next generation of Product Leaders. He is a Product Manager with experience in building API products that power payments, virtual accounts, and funds t... Show more

Before I ever encountered Agile, I spent nearly a decade navigating the worlds of Project and Product Management, constantly problem-solving, managing competing priorities, and bumping up against the same frustrating patterns: legacy systems, outdated processes, and organizational cultures resistant to change. It often felt like great work was possible, but buried beneath layers of complexity and inertia.

Then, I discovered Agile, not just as a methodology but as a new way of seeing. Suddenly, what had felt immovable started to shift. Change no longer seemed like an abstract hope; it became accessible, actionable, and human. But that’s when the real work began.

Agile isn't just a set of practices; it's a language, mindset, and way of operating that challenges our deepest assumptions about control, predictability, and progress. Bringing that into organizations often felt like painting with watercolors on iron steel.

To cut through, I began creating visuals and frameworks that made complex concepts simple and abstract ideas tangible. This became a superpower: turning clarity into capability. That’s how The Agile Xpert was born. A platform dedicated to helping coaches and teams move beyond buzzwords to real, resonant transformation.

Today, I work as an enterprise agility coach and leadership consultant through my practice, Agile-Leigh, partnering with senior leaders, teams, and organizations ready to rethink what’s possible. Whether I’m coaching executives, facilitating change, or speaking on stage, I bring a deep curiosity, strategic insight, and a passion for making agility not only understood but lived.

My work focuses on:

Agile Coaching: Translating Agile into culture, behavior, and sustainable practice.

Systems Thinking: Helping organizations see the bigger picture and untangle complexity.

Agile Leadership: Supporting leaders in shifting mindsets, not just metrics.

Visual Facilitation: Using design and storytelling to spark insight and engagement.

Whether you're new to Agile or leading an enterprise-wide transformation, my mission is simple: to help you see clearly, think differently, and lead with confidence in a world of constant change.

Before I ever encountered Agile, I spent nearly a decade navigating the worlds of Project and Product Management, constantly problem-solving, managing competing priorities, and bumping up against the same frustrating patterns: legacy systems, outdate... Show more

Denette Dunn is a dedicated sustainability expert and public speaker with a wealth of experience in both public service and the private sector. She previously served as a vice mayor and currently represents the Pine District as a council member.

As a council member, Denette established the Pine Citizens Advisory Committee to address the specific concerns of her district. Since its inception, the committee has grown to include more than 100 members, demonstrating her ability to foster collaboration and strengthen community involvement in local governance.

Dunn’s professional experience spans both the private and public sectors. She worked as the Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, overseeing municipal contracts valued at over $85 million across the southwest region. In addition to this role, she was a registered lobbyist, advocating for legislation promoting effective and sustainable partnerships between private companies and municipalities.

Her leadership extends to numerous boards and commissions, including the WESTMARC Board and the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission. Denette also served as president and legislative liaison for the Arizona Recycling Coalition, where she contributed to advancing sustainable practices and policies throughout the state.

Before her work in public service, Denette held various marketing, sales, and management roles. From 2007 to 2011, she worked as the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Hudson Baylor Corporation, overseeing material recovery operations and managing public relations efforts. She also worked closely with municipal and state officials to secure grants and sponsorships for various initiatives.

After her time at Hudson Baylor, Denette continued her career at Republic Services, managing contracts and contributing to legislative advocacy. Later, at Dickson Sweeping, she helped expand the company’s operations in Arizona and Nevada, working on projects such as compressed natural gas fuel stations.

Since 2019, Denette Dunn has served as a Peoria Council member, working to support the city’s growth and sustainability. She also supports charitable organizations, including Hart Pantry, West Valley Connect, and You Matter Too, an anti-bullying nonprofit.

Denette Dunn is a dedicated sustainability expert and public speaker with a wealth of experience in both public service and the private sector. She previously served as a vice mayor and currently represents the Pine District as a council member. A... Show more

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State, Emmanuel is the first born in a family of six, who faced early adversity with the loss of three siblings and his mother. Despite these challenges, his passion for technology was ignited at a young age when he assisted his aunt, a teacher, with tasks involving PowerPoint and MS Word, laying the foundation for his future in tech.
Initially pursuing a career as a teacher, Emmanuel's curiosity and drive led him to learn coding seven years ago. Recognizing the exponential growth of the tech industry and the scarcity of skilled manpower in his region (Nigeria), he founded Techstars Hub. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in tech education in underserved communities, particularly where access to technology is limited. Under his leadership, Techstars Hub has grown from a small group of five students to a thriving community that now impacts numerous young minds.
By leveraging open source tools and resources, Emmanuel has overcome significant barriers—such as limited access to laptops, unreliable electricity, and the challenge of balancing tech classes with regular schoolwork—to provide high-quality education in areas like cybersecurity, graphics designing, frontend and backend development, and more. His work not only makes tech education accessible but also aligns with the principles of open source: collaboration, accessibility, and community building.
In his presentation, Emmanuel will share his journey and the transformative power of open source in education, joined by some of his students who will testify to how these initiatives have shaped their aspirations and careers in tech. A married father of two, Emmanuel continues to be a beacon of hope and innovation, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can turn adversity into opportunity.

Emmanuel Hyacinth is a dedicated tech educator and the Tech Lead of Techstars Hub, a non-profit organization committed to empowering the younger generation with technological skills in Lagos State, Nigeria. Born on October 27, 1991, in Anambra State,... Show more

Passionate about all things leadership, Andrew speaks throughout the country to both public and private sector audiences. His philosophy centers around the concept that, as leaders, we owe our people nothing less than the most exceptional leadership possible.

For the past eight years, Andrew has served with the Attorney General’s Office as the manager of the law enforcement DNA collection program known as CODIS, overseeing the process for more than 500 participating law enforcement agencies. Before that, he served with a municipal police department for 25 years with 18 of those years in various leadership roles.

Andrew is a graduate of the IACP Command and Leadership Academy and the basic and advanced Penn State Police Executive Development programs. He has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Andrew is a recipient of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Excellence in Leadership Director’s Award and numerous other awards throughout his career, including the Medal of Valor from the New Jersey State PBA.

Passionate about all things leadership, Andrew speaks throughout the country to both public and private sector audiences. His philosophy centers around the concept that, as leaders, we owe our people nothing less than the most exceptional leadership ... Show more

Meet Rona! She's a whirlwind of vibrant energy and connection. With her engaging style, she brings a sense of joy to workplaces everywhere. As an expert in Purposeful and Attuned Play, Rona blends the core elements of leadership and engagement with the magic of play, transforming workplace dynamics and boosting personal satisfaction.

Rona's unique mix of corporate savvy and wellbeing wisdom, paired with her deep understanding of play and flow, allows her to translate complex ideas into relatable and enjoyable stories. Her sessions are dynamic, packed with practical tools to weave play into daily work life, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration flourish.

In her role as coach and consultant, Rona has left a lasting mark on countless organizations. She's nurtured creative thinking, honed leadership skills, and deepened connections through enhanced communication. Her tailor-made programs are grounded in evidence-based practices, boosting team morale and connectivity while encouraging a fresh reimagining of workplace culture.

Rona has been featured in Shondaland, Nebraska Bride, Pierless Magazine, Town and Country, Corporate Wellness Magazine and seen and heard on TV and radio stations from San Diego and San Francisco to New York .

With the Playful Mind Project, Rona positions herself as a key partner for organizations ready to breathe new life into their corporate environments. Ready to make work fun again?

Meet Rona! She's a whirlwind of vibrant energy and connection. With her engaging style, she brings a sense of joy to workplaces everywhere. As an expert in Purposeful and Attuned Play, Rona blends the core elements of leadership and engagement with t... Show more

Sandi Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, transformational speaker, educator, and author dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and live life on purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional school counselor and community therapist, Sandi blends clinical insight, faith, and real-world wisdom to empower others to rewrite their narratives and reclaim their peace.

Her passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her own journey of resilience. After facing seasons of personal loss, emotional struggle, and identity shifts, Sandi chose healing over hiding. She now uses her story as a testament that wholeness is possible—and that it’s never too late to begin again.

As a speaker, Sandi is known for her warmth, authenticity, and ability to create safe spaces for real conversations. She speaks on topics such as compassion fatigue, burnout, emotional resilience, solution-focused counseling, and the power of building authentic friendships in a disconnected world. Whether in a conference setting or an intimate retreat, she invites her audience into deeper connection—with themselves and with others.

Through her retreats, books, and speaking engagements, Sandi continues to inspire others to move from surviving to thriving with intention and purpose.

Sandi Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, transformational speaker, educator, and author dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and live life on purpose. With over a decade of experience as a professional school counselor and comm... Show more

Audrey P. Willis is a US Obama Leader, technologist, inclusion advocate, and entrepreneur that has raised capital and scaled businesses, including CodeCrew, which is focused on creating diversity and inclusion in computing through education, workforce development, and advocacy in computer science. Audrey is not only a co-founder, but she serves as the Program Director for CodeCrew’s Code School. Audrey has a passion for talent development and serves on the boards of CodeCrew, and is the Executive Board President at LITE Memphis. The BBC has recognized her globally during their “100 Women” series, documenting her in “Young, geeky and Black in Memphis" and nationally by Prudential Insurance, "The State of Us," highlighting her entrepreneurial contributions to making Memphis one of the cities with the highest rate of female business ownership.

Audrey P. Willis is a US Obama Leader, technologist, inclusion advocate, and entrepreneur that has raised capital and scaled businesses, including CodeCrew, which is focused on creating diversity and inclusion in computing through education, workforc... Show more

Shubhangi is a Product and DevRel person who has built a mental health startup and leads a community of 27000+ techies.

She has been leading diversity initiatives in India since 2018 wherein she has empowered underrepresented groups through active mentorship. She leads Google Developer Groups Noida and Women Techmakers Delhi. She is a GitHub Campus Expert who was invited to attend GitHub Universe 2024. She has given 20+ talks including D&I talks at Google DevFest and MLH Hackcon.

She believes technology has the power to reach an equitable world, her communities focus on going Beyond The Binary. Google Developer Groups Noida is the first community to have an equitable diversity ratio in all meetups and events. She also works on inclusion of the queer community in technical spaces.
When she's not at a meetup, she leads support groups and photo walks around Delhi!

Shubhangi is a Product and DevRel person who has built a mental health startup and leads a community of 27000+ techies. She has been leading diversity initiatives in India since 2018 wherein she has empowered underrepresented groups through active... Show more

Sweta Sinha, Director of Data Science at Ascend Learning, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education through cutting-edge AI technologies. Her expertise in strategically deploying AI and ML solutions drives groundbreaking initiatives, significantly enhancing learning outcomes and experiences for healthcare professionals.

She leads the AI Center of Excellence and is instrumental in launching enterprise-grade Machine Learning and generative AI products, Her huge commitment to building AI systems responsibly is demonstrated through her leadership roles on the AI Governance body. Her dedication is not only shaping the future of education technology but also setting the standard for ethical AI development.

Sweta Sinha, Director of Data Science at Ascend Learning, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education through cutting-edge AI technologies. Her expertise in strategically deploying AI and ML solutions drives groundbreaking initiatives, s... Show more

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both interaction with the audience and personal reflection time.

In her interactive workshops and keynote addresses, Caitlin quickly quells the, “I could never do improv!” fear and makes accessible, the principles professional actors use, to be better communicators, teammates, and leaders.
Disarming and energetic, Caitlin opens up the most skeptical attendees, allowing them to learn through applying the Improv Approach, and even crack a smile along the way.

Caitlin Drago’s mission is to create cultures of empathy, creativity, and trust, beginning with how people communicate and connect.

She is an LA-based actor turned upstate NY-based certified leadership coach, trainer, facilitator, and author of Approaching Improv – Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond. Acting taught her to be present, self-aware, empathetic and to prioritize connection with others. Improv taught her to listen, trust her gut and deal with the unexpected in a positive and creative way. She currently works with leaders and teams to help them to listen to one another, communicate and connect, using improvisation as a platform for interactive learning.

Caitlin spent ten years studying improv at places like the nationally accredited Upright Citizen’s Brigade and has spent the last nine years working with leaders and their teams across industries, including, but not limited to higher education, hospitality, tech, marketing, healthcare and real estate. She’s been featured in Medium’s Authority Magazine, Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle, a variety of podcasts and has spoken at various conferences, including the Talent Development Think Tank, the International TWA Conference, CNY SHRM, and DisruptHR Rochester.

Past clients include:
Gartner
Rochester Regional Health System
Starbucks
Fee Brothers

Testimonials:

“Caitlin's energy, enthusiasm, and sprinkling of humor eased the tensions in our group and the entire experience was packed with valuable team collaboration insights. We found ourselves using this technique the very same day we learned it.”

S.M. Digitronik Labs

“We focused on communication in a completely different way. Not a seminar-feel, but a fun, engaging way to demonstrate the importance of being open and positive. I stepped
outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, the idea of improv was horrifying. But it was fun!”

J.G., VWR

"Caitlin did an excellent job facilitating a workshop for my team. From the time we first met to preparation and the actual workshop, she was helpful and engaging and was highly focused on ensuring my workshop went the way I had envisioned. My team had excellent feedback afterwards and I can say it had an immediate positive impact on how my team interacted and felt about communication."

I.G., Gartner

The most impactful thing a speaker can do, is to facilitate an experience, and help participants to draw a correlation between the experience, what they learned and how they will apply it in their life. Because of this, each talk involves both intera... Show more

Pai da Cecília e do Inácio, esposo da Ana Lúcia, membro da Comunidade de Vida Cristã (CVX), curitibano e sofredor do Coritiba. Desde a pandemia, optou por morar na zona rural de Piraquara (Região Metropolitana da capital paranaense), onde cria galinhas, joga bola com os filhos, colhe amoras, figos e Physalis e está cavando (bem aos poucos!) um pequeno lago para os futuros gansos da família. Jornalista e economista, sempre trabalhou em organizações com forte impacto social. Atualmente, é responsável por ajudar o Grupo Marista, uma instituição de mais de 7 mil colaboradores e com uma história bicentenária, em sua estratégia ESG, articulando iniciativas transversais e proprietárias das Frentes de Missão (unidades de negócio) PUCPR, Saúde, FTD Educação e Centro Marista de Defesa da Infância; e monitorando indicadores e avaliando a evolução da maturidade - sempre procurando nutrir uma mentalidade ágil, com foco nas pessoas, na entrega de valor e na melhoria contínua.

Pai da Cecília e do Inácio, esposo da Ana Lúcia, membro da Comunidade de Vida Cristã (CVX), curitibano e sofredor do Coritiba. Desde a pandemia, optou por morar na zona rural de Piraquara (Região Metropolitana da capital paranaense), onde cria galinh... Show more

Valerija je inženjerka tekstilne tehnologije. Čita SF i fantasy oduvijek i jedan od hobija je obilazak konvencija po Hrvatskoj i svijetu.
Kreativne radionice održava s ciljem upoznavanje djece i odraslih sa novim materijalima i ostalim zanimljivostima iz područja hobija i likovnosti.

Valerija je inženjerka tekstilne tehnologije. Čita SF i fantasy oduvijek i jedan od hobija je obilazak konvencija po Hrvatskoj i svijetu. Kreativne radionice održava s ciljem upoznavanje djece i odraslih sa novim materijalima i ostalim zanimljivost... Show more

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintech and crypto payment experiences that power economic freedom. I also lead product at Lovebox Africa, a tech for good platform reimagining community giving. From scaling early concepts into polished, user-centered platforms to overseeing agile product teams, my work reflects a deep commitment to intentional design, cultural relevance, and high-performance product systems. I’m passionate about creating scalable solutions that solve real-world problems while enabling underserved users to thrive.

I’m also an open-source contributor with Women Coding Community, where I volunteer and collaborate on inclusive tech solutions, and a design mentor at Veet, empowering aspiring designers and product owners across the globe. My prior speaking engagements span product strategy, design systems, tech-for-good, and community-led innovation. I bring fresh, global insight into building cross-cultural, impact-driven digital products, and I’m driven to share this knowledge to inspire the next generation of product leaders. Whether on stage or in workshops, I deliver talks that prompt, equip, and empower audiences to build boldly and build products that solve real life problems.

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintec... Show more

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning journeys. Amber's history in talent development includes authoring top-reviewed online learning courses for platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Lecturio, and PluralSight, acting as Director of a national education leadership company, and coaching with professional sports team academies in Asia. In 2022, she published her first business adventure book "Uniquely Better" about building higher team performance.

Speaking engagements:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMNcx7Jwk9Sp6WxuvrfOOBqdP9440SKl0

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning... Show more

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

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

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through data. A White House Presidential Innovation Fellow and co-creator of groundbreaking initiatives.

Dr. Tyrone W. A. Grandison is a technologist, entrepreneur, and social advocate with many years of experience . As a Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and Founder of The Data-Driven Institute, he drives innovation and empowers communities through... Show more

Justice is a Programs and Operations expert with a keen interest in sustainability and cleantech, He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a Global Landscape Forum Social Media Ambassador, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and a graduate of mechanical engineering. Justice is Microsoft Certified in M365, Azure, and Power Platforms. Justice is the former Growth and Operations Manager at Trashcoin UG, a German/Nigerian cleantech startup focused on digitizing waste collection in Africa.

He currently works as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Generation Climate Europe (GCE).

Justice is a Programs and Operations expert with a keen interest in sustainability and cleantech, He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a Global Landscape Forum Social Media Ambassador, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and a graduate of mec... Show more

Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream his sessions learning C# and Node.js shortly after. His previous role at GitLab was all about bringing DevSecOps into the classroom by making GitLab available to educators around the world, followed by time spent as a community manager for ProjectDiscovery helping the bug bounty hunter community learn and grow. He has presented on a variety of topics at several events like Start.Dev.Change, Codeland, DevOpsDays Chicago, DevRelCon, and Orlando Code Camp.

Pj loves 80’s music, including modern music that sounds like it was made in the 80’s, 90’s internet culture, and poetry. He’s a published poet and a musician sometimes. He loves chatting and being on podcasts, shows, and live streams.

Pj Metz is a former high school English teacher and current Program Manager of Student Communities at GitHub. Pj spent 11 years in the classroom teaching High School English. Then, in May of 2020, he started learning to code and began to live stream... Show more

With over 30 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support of inspections and regulatory enforcement, breaking IT silos, and beginning with the Navigable Waters Act Renewal Project (NWAR) in 2017, pioneering Agile development and leveraging Power Platform at the department.

As a direct result of NWAR’s success – including winning the 2020 departmental National Creativity and Transformation Award, Douglas was offered the opportunity to found the Power Apps Centre of Excellence (PACE). Since being formed in summer 2020, PACE has become a leader in the Government of Canada when it comes to Power Apps. The PACE team has built numerous critical systems in response to COVID-19 and other department priorities, supported other Professional Developers across government to succeed utilizing the platform, and sponsored the initial blossoming of Citizen Development at TC. PACE was recognized for these efforts in 2021 by receiving the Government of Canada’s “Excellence in Innovation” Digital Government Community Award.

With over 30 years of IT experience in both private and public sector, Douglas joined Transport Canada (TC) in 2014. He has been involved in several major transformation projects as Manager at TC, with a focus on modernizing of technology in support ... Show more

Chelsea Tate, a distinguished Women TechMakers ambassador and former Googler, has been honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient and holds multiple Google Career Certificates. She is dedicated to empowering women in technology, aiding them in building confidence and strengthening their mental resilience to help them succeed in their professional endeavors.

Chelsea Tate, a distinguished Women TechMakers ambassador and former Googler, has been honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient and holds multiple Google Career Certificates. She is dedicated to empowering women in technology, aiding them in building confi... Show more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lorraine Williams is a credentialed coach, facilitator, and resilience speaker for Vidl Work, a culture transformation firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance. Lorraine is committed to guiding others to connect with themselves, find purpose and to stand in their worth. With her powerful presence she motivates audiences to embrace change. She has received many accolades including the honor of standing on the TEDx stage to share how to implement personal power and achieve high-impact solutions. She is certified through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the College of Executive Coaching and The Institute of Neuroleadership.

With an extensive career in IT and leadership, Lorraine’s career spans government and corporate America. During her previous role as Executive Director of Information Technology for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in the state of Florida, Lorraine established a Leadership Coaching program within her agency that was endorsed and promoted by the Sheriff. This program is based on leadership values, principles and emotional intelligence. Noteworthy professional endeavors in the United States more broadly include serving in guidance roles for the Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin. Globally, Lorraine has worked with employer groups in the UK and Germany, offering coaching, mentoring and facilitation services. As a proven team builder, Lorraine’s technique focuses on process, performance optimization, and most importantly, leadership development. She feels strongly that leadership is the cornerstone to success, regardless of one’s station in life.

Lorraine Williams is a credentialed coach, facilitator, and resilience speaker for Vidl Work, a culture transformation firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance. Lorraine is committed to guiding others to connect with themselves, find p... Show more

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

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

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

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

Professur für Informatik

Senior-Fellowship der DATEV-Stiftung Zukunft

Professur für Informatik Senior-Fellowship der DATEV-Stiftung Zukunft Show more

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。
社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理システム）」座長、三重県デジタル推進フェロー、一般社団法人オープン・ナレッジ・ファウンデーション・ジャパン代表理事なども務めている。

東京都葛飾区出身。2002年中央大学大学院総合政策研究科博士前期課程修了。2002年より国際大学GLOCOM研究員。同准教授・主幹研究員を経て2019年より現職。武蔵学園データサイエンス研究所副所長、東京大学空間情報科学研究センター客員教授、国際大学GLOCOM主幹研究員も務める。 社会的な活動として、デジタル庁オープンデータ伝道師、総務省「地方自治体のデジタルトランスフォーメーション推進に係る検討会」座長、総務省「自治体システム等標準化検討会（住民記録システム・税務システム・選挙人名簿管理シ... Show more

¡Hola! Soy un entusiasta líder en desarrollo de software con una genuina pasión por aprender y compartir conocimientos. En este momento, estoy dedicando mi tiempo a enriquecer la comunidad JavaScript Chile como parte del staff, Apoyo a comunidades en la evaluación y además de mantener mis clases particulares dirigidas a programadores juniors, un espacio donde puedo transmitir lo aprendido en mi trayectoria en empresas como Poliglota, AVLA, Orand entre otras.

A lo largo de mi carrera, he tenido la gratificante experiencia de coordinar equipos de desarrollo multidisciplinarios en distintos países. He tenido la oportunidad de trabajar con una variedad de tecnologías, incluyendo JavaScript, SQL, AWS, Vue.js y Ruby on Rails. Mi enfoque siempre ha sido liderar con empatía y fomentar un ambiente de colaboración y crecimiento continuo. Con una formación que incluye un magister en ingeniería informática de la Universidad de Santiago de Chile, estoy muy emocionado por la posibilidad de ser speaker en esta conferencia, esperando poder conectar con otros profesionales y compartir experiencias y perspectivas enriquecedoras. ¡Estoy ansioso por la oportunidad de contribuir a esta comunidad con una charla que inspire y fomente la colaboración y el aprendizaje!

¡Hola! Soy un entusiasta líder en desarrollo de software con una genuina pasión por aprender y compartir conocimientos. En este momento, estoy dedicando mi tiempo a enriquecer la comunidad JavaScript Chile como parte del staff, Apoyo a comunidades en... Show more