Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. He currently serves as a Senior AI/ML Consultant at Onyx Data, specializing in Microsoft AI and cloud technologies to drive business innovation.

Passionate about technology and education, Abdulrafiu actively shares insights with the global tech community. His expertise spans AI research, cloud computing, and developer tools, making him a sought-after speaker and mentor. Recognized for his contributions to AI accessibility and inclusive learning, he continues to push boundaries in the intersection of AI, education, and social impact.

Abdulrafiu Izuafa is an AI/ML engineer, edtech entrepreneur, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). As the co-founder of Notes, he is committed to bridging educational gaps across Africa and the Caribbean through AI-powered learning tools. H... Show more

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

Ken is a Java Champion who retired from the classroom after 31 years teaching software development at Dawson College, 25 of those years as the chair and program coordinator of the Computer Science Technology Program. He is currently a Research Scholar in Residence at the college. He is the lead organizer of the annual JChampions Conference, held online each January. He is the author of two books, Transitioning to Java and the soon to be published Programming with Java. He has spoken at numerous conferences where his presentations have focused on simplicity. Currently he is examining how AI can be used in introductory courses in programming.

Ken is a Java Champion who retired from the classroom after 31 years teaching software development at Dawson College, 25 of those years as the chair and program coordinator of the Computer Science Technology Program. He is currently a Research Schola... Show more

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our development office during her university placement. Today, she is the backbone of our customer success in EMEA, championing impactful learning experiences that drive organisational success and professional growth. With a proven track record of driving skills development for organisations of all sizes, she brings a passion for education to every workplace she interacts with. She has a deep understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS), learning analytics, and the IBM mainframe, enabling her to provide strategic guidance and support to clients. Recognising the need for practical learning solutions, she helps clients balance corporate objectives of efficiency and value with educational solutions that inspire and educate.

Clementine thrives at the intersection of technology, professional development, and customer engagement. Outside of work, Clementine is an avid SCUBA diver who loves exploring the wonderful waters of Britain and beyond.

Clementine is a powerful and growing industry voice, advocating for lifelong learning for those embracing a career on the mainframe. A long-time member of the mainframe community, she has been with Interskill Learning since starting in our developmen... Show more

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en entornos de realidad virtual y en proyectos de seguridad para microemprendedores en comercio electrónico. Me motiva contribuir, enseñar y apoyar a la comunidad tecnológica.

Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en Ciencias de la Computación con experiencia en proyectos de innovación tecnológica. Voluntaria en NiñasPro y en la comunidad de AWS, he participado en investigaciones académicas en ciberseguridad y eye-tracking en ent... Show more

Lena is a Digital Analytics Specialist working at the intersection of analytics, governance, and AI readiness in the public sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Analytics from the University of South Florida and has played a key role in delivering analytics solutions for more than 20 mission-driven organizations across the DMV and nationwide, helping transform fragmented data into actionable insights that support large-scale impact.

Currently, she leads analytics strategy for a national nonprofit, focusing on building AI-ready analytics environments through improved data architecture, governance, and adoption of analytics solutions.

Lena is also passionate about mentorship and teaching. She has supported early-career professionals in securing internships and their first roles, and has served as a guest facilitator at the University of South Florida, leading discussions on marketing analytics, customer behavior, and machine learning applications.

Lena is a Digital Analytics Specialist working at the intersection of analytics, governance, and AI readiness in the public sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Analytics from the University of South Florida and has played a key role in d... Show more

Born in 1974. Leads Japan's open-source promotions. I started my current job in March 2024. Prior to that, I worked in web development for 13 years. I started activities as a civic tech contributor in 2018.

Born in 1974. Leads Japan's open-source promotions. I started my current job in March 2024. Prior to that, I worked in web development for 13 years. I started activities as a civic tech contributor in 2018. Show more

Femi is a Data & AI Engineer and open-source contributor. He builds data platforms in regulated settings like healthcare and education, and makes local-first, open-source AI tools built on restraint: empathySync, a local assistant designed to reduce dependency rather than create it, and intentKeeper, a filter that surfaces manipulation in social feeds. He also writes about running AI on your own hardware.

Femi is a Data & AI Engineer and open-source contributor. He builds data platforms in regulated settings like healthcare and education, and makes local-first, open-source AI tools built on restraint: empathySync, a local assistant designed to reduce ... Show more

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and Human Resources Manager, reflecting adaptability across industries including healthcare, food, automotive, and oil.

An entrepreneurial spirit, Tom builds and manages multiple ventures alongside consulting. His portfolio includes software platforms for nonprofits, education, and event management, along with hands-on projects in IoT, AI, and disaster readiness.

Outside of technology, Tom is a storm chaser and community volunteer. He contributes to disaster relief efforts, teaches STEM outreach, and speaks at conferences, colleges, schools, and museums. His passions extend to vintage technology, restoring antique cars and radios, and advancing communication tools through amateur radio.

Tom is an active member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, Spotter Network, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services. Through speaking and consulting, he shares hard-earned lessons in resilience, innovation, and building solutions that matter.

Tom Graham is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, offering a broad blend of technical expertise and versatility. His career spans roles such as Developer, Architect, Scrum Master, Business Systems Analyst, Accounting Controller, and ... Show more

Mbaoma Mary is a Cloud/DevOps professional with over five years of experience across cloud infrastructure, site reliability engineering, platform engineering, and developer productivity.

Beyond her technical career, Oma is the brain behind Taru, an Ayurvedic hair care brand focused on helping individuals build confidence through intentional self-care and healthy hair routines. Through her work with Taru, she combines technology, storytelling, and community-building to create meaningful experiences for customers.
She is also a co-founder of Arete, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged young people through access to technology and education. Through Arete, she has supported students with scholarships, internet access, online learning resources, mentorship, and financial assistance for educational pursuits, helping bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

An impactful public speaker, mentor, and DevOps educator, Oma facilitates workshops and training sessions for technology communities across Lagos, sharing practical knowledge on cloud computing, DevOps practices, platform engineering, and career development. By combining technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and a passion for community impact, she continues to inspire others to build meaningful careers and create lasting change.

Mbaoma Mary is a Cloud/DevOps professional with over five years of experience across cloud infrastructure, site reliability engineering, platform engineering, and developer productivity. Beyond her technical career, Oma is the brain behind Taru, ... Show more

I’m Isaac Zimba, a passionate software developer and GDG Kitwe Organizer. I enjoy building intelligent and cross-platform apps using .NET MAUI, ASP.NET Core, and Azure AI Foundry. As a Microsoft Beta Student Ambassador, I love exploring how AI and cloud technologies can simplify everyday tasks and enhance productivity. Beyond development, I’m focused on empowering students and developers through workshops, hackathons, and collaborative projects that bring ideas to life. I believe in connecting ecosystems — showing how Microsoft and Google technologies can work together to create meaningful innovation.

I’m Isaac Zimba, a passionate software developer and GDG Kitwe Organizer. I enjoy building intelligent and cross-platform apps using .NET MAUI, ASP.NET Core, and Azure AI Foundry. As a Microsoft Beta Student Ambassador, I love exploring how AI and cl... Show more

George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder with a background in Software Engineering, Leadership, Training and Teaching roles which together span over a decade long background in the IT field. Passionate about pentesting and automating everything Cyber Security related or how he likes to call it: finding ways to work less or not at all. George holds a GPEN and a GCFA certification and is part of GIAC Advisory Board.

Currently George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder at Visma and an Associate Professor at Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, teaching students how to be better blue teamers.

George is responsible for building from the ground up the internal SOAR platform that is used by Visma GSOC to automate every step of the way from the moment the alert comes into their systems until it gets closed by the analyst.

George is a Cyber Security Incident Responder with a background in Software Engineering, Leadership, Training and Teaching roles which together span over a decade long background in the IT field. Passionate about pentesting and automating everything ... Show more

Dr Martin Koyabe is an ICT expert, Cybersecurity and AI leader, and emerging technology strategy & policy expert with more than 30 years of international experience spanning digital infrastructure, innovation, research, regulation, legislation, and emerging technologies. He serves as Senior Advisor for Africa at the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), founding partner of Africa Cyber Expertise (ACE), a pan-African consortium of senior cybersecurity and digital governance specialists, and founded DataConnect (Kenya), AI Lab (Kenya) and MWK Consult (UK), which focus on Data Governance, Open Data, AI and other emerging technologies.

He has led major continental initiatives including the Africa Agenda on Cyber Capacity Building with AUDA NEPAD, AI capacity building for 33 African LDCs through the UN Technology Bank and GFCE, cybersecurity resilience programmes for Togo with KPMG and the World Bank, the AU CSIRT CERT project funded by LuxDev, the GFCE AUDA NEPAD Cyber Capacity Building Coordination Committee, and the AU-GFCE Cyber Capacity Building collaboration project supported by the Gates Foundation to strengthen cyber resilience across all 55 African Union member states.

Previously, Martin headed the Technical Support and Consultancy Division at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (UK) for seven years, delivering ICT assistance across the Commonwealth. Earlier, he spent ten years at BT as Senior Researcher and Technical Lead, contributing to the 21st Century Network, cybersecurity strategy, Future Internet Architecture research, and a global best practice framework for mitigating DDoS attacks.

He holds a PhD in Communications Engineering, several technology patents, and degrees and executive qualifications from Egerton University, The University of Nairobi, University of Bristol, University of Aberdeen, University of Cambridge Judge Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Dr Martin Koyabe is an ICT expert, Cybersecurity and AI leader, and emerging technology strategy & policy expert with more than 30 years of international experience spanning digital infrastructure, innovation, research, regulation, legislation, and e... Show more

I'm a developer, speaker, and educator with decades of experience in web/software development. I've worked with everyone from large global media companies to startups with no more than 5 people. The last few years have been largely dedicated to education and advocacy, trying to improve development process and communication across a wide span of experience and disciplines.

I'm a developer, speaker, and educator with decades of experience in web/software development. I've worked with everyone from large global media companies to startups with no more than 5 people. The last few years have been largely dedicated to educa... Show more

Kourtney Bonzo began her career in marketing with Texas Roadhouse before transitioning into volunteer management during the COVID-19 pandemic. She successfully increased volunteer engagement by 50%, helping her organization earn recognition as Northern Utah’s best place to volunteer. In 2021, she joined the City of Baytown, where she launched Baytown Serves, a citywide initiative featuring 30 days of volunteer opportunities. Kourtney now manages volunteer and docent programs at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, continuing to grow community engagement through service and education.

Kourtney Bonzo began her career in marketing with Texas Roadhouse before transitioning into volunteer management during the COVID-19 pandemic. She successfully increased volunteer engagement by 50%, helping her organization earn recognition as Northe... Show more

✨ Chi sono in poche righe (ma piene di senso)

Docente d’inglese in una vita precedente (ma siamo sicuri???), con la testa tra le nuvole e i piedi ben piantati nelle Roadmap, oggi sono una Scrum Master che ama sperimentare, innovare e prendersi cura delle persone nei momenti di cambiamento.

La mia bussola? L’agilità come mindset, la visione di prodotto al posto della logica di progetto, e una fiducia incrollabile nel potere della giocosità come leva di trasformazione.

Amo tutto ciò che è didattica innovativa, inclusione, collaborazione e quel meraviglioso caos creativo che si accende quando i team trovano il proprio ritmo.

Mi definiscono sognatrice, io dico che sono semplicemente un’eterna bambina con la passione per le retrospettive ben fatte, le user story ben scritte, e i momenti in cui si ride insieme tra un daily e una review.

Non porto soluzioni, porto domande che aprono strade.

✨ Chi sono in poche righe (ma piene di senso) Docente d’inglese in una vita precedente (ma siamo sicuri???), con la testa tra le nuvole e i piedi ben piantati nelle Roadmap, oggi sono una Scrum Master che ama sperimentare, innovare e prendersi cur... Show more

Argentine entrepreneur and software developer. Ex-co-founder of a Y Combinator-backed edtech platform, where he led technology and later partnerships. He builds software with AI, mentors entrepreneurs and speaks about entrepreneurship, leadership, technology and careers, often as a guest on podcasts, panels and conferences.

Argentine entrepreneur and software developer. Ex-co-founder of a Y Combinator-backed edtech platform, where he led technology and later partnerships. He builds software with AI, mentors entrepreneurs and speaks about entrepreneurship, leadership, te... Show more

Evan Kirstein works in financial-sector information security, running a day-to-day security program under federal examination: governance, risk and compliance, identity, data protection, and the AI-assessment work that now comes attached to all of it. They research passive RF systems alongside that. Their MARVIN project uses receive-only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth observation to study networked license-plate-reader infrastructure, with no probing, no association, and no credential capture by design.

At Wild West Hackin' Fest Deadwood 2026 they are scheduled to teach a two-hour MARVIN workshop and co-host the RF Village. Evan also teaches access governance for SaaS, guest and AI-agent identities, affordable cybersecurity practice, and emergency communications built on drones and LoRa mesh networks, most recently in a July 2026 Antisyphon Anti-Cast with Luke Canfield. They have briefed state legislators at the Colorado State Capitol on AI risk, data privacy and cybercrime.

Evan holds an M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, writes for The Cybersleuth Chronicles, and co-founded Study GRC, a nonprofit offering free governance, risk and compliance training, where they serve as security lead and a board member. They are an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator, KJ5MCN, and an ARES emergency communications volunteer. Outside all of that: homelabs, tabletop and video games, cars, motorcycles, and karaoke.

Evan Kirstein works in financial-sector information security, running a day-to-day security program under federal examination: governance, risk and compliance, identity, data protection, and the AI-assessment work that now comes attached to all of it... Show more

Himanshu Patil is a cybersecurity professional and educator focused on cybersecurity awareness, digital risk understanding, and practical security education. His work centers on helping students, professionals, and organizations understand modern cyber threats and develop the skills needed to build safer digital environments.

With professional training in cybersecurity, cybercrime investigation, cyber law, and digital forensics, Himanshu has developed expertise in areas such as network security, OSINT investigation, metadata analysis, cyber threat awareness, and responsible cybersecurity practices.

He holds internationally recognized certifications including CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and PMP, along with professional training in Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), cybercrime investigation, and cyber forensic analysis.

Himanshu is actively involved in cybersecurity education and skill development, where he conducts training programs, cybersecurity workshops, and internship mentoring sessions for students and aspiring cybersecurity professionals. His teaching approach focuses on real-world cyber threats, practical security thinking, and responsible use of technology.

In addition to training, he is also engaged in cybersecurity research and academic work, including research on AI-assisted metadata and OSINT correlation for darknet investigations, exploring how analytical techniques can support digital investigations while maintaining legal and ethical compliance.

Through education, research, and community engagement, Himanshu works toward promoting cybersecurity awareness, responsible technology use, and stronger digital resilience in the modern connected world.

Himanshu Patil is a cybersecurity professional and educator focused on cybersecurity awareness, digital risk understanding, and practical security education. His work centers on helping students, professionals, and organizations understand modern cyb... Show more

Staff Engineer at AXA France, specialized in front-end development, I aim to solve problems before they even arise!
Passionate about new technologies and debate, I host the podcast "C'est Pas Le Sujet" ("That’s Not the Point").
I constantly try to share my knowledge and challenge it by speaking at numerous events (keynotes, conferences, meetups, etc.) and teaching in several engineering schools.

Staff Engineer at AXA France, specialized in front-end development, I aim to solve problems before they even arise! Passionate about new technologies and debate, I host the podcast "C'est Pas Le Sujet" ("That’s Not the Point"). I constantly try to ... Show more

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI.
His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a teacher at university level, later specialising in Human Resource Development. That combination still shapes how he looks at technology today: not just in terms of what it can do, but how people think, learn and make decisions around it.
His work now sits somewhere between training, facilitation and experimentation. He designs workshops, learning journeys and the occasional escape room to explore how people actually work with tools like AI in practice.
He uses AI himself, daily — which is exactly why he keeps questioning what it does to his own thinking.

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI. His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a ... Show more

Leland Sandler Coach is an executive coach and consultant based in Jefferson County, Colorado. A University of California, Berkeley alumnus, he began his career as a university educator, curriculum developer, and faculty leader before venturing into professional consulting. In 2002, he founded The Sandler Group, a professional consulting and coaching firm that has grown into a respected entity in executive advising and organizational effectiveness.

Currently, Leland serves as the managing partner at The Sandler Group, located in Solana Beach, California. Under his leadership, the firm has made significant strides in the life sciences and technology sectors, helping individuals and organizations enhance their business operations and strategic positions in the global market. As the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary in December 2022, it continues to be lauded for its innovative approaches and sustainable impact on its clients, which include notable companies like Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific, and Sony Corporation.

Throughout his career, Sandler has held various influential roles that shaped his expertise and approach to executive coaching. He has developed curricula for MBA programs adopted nationally, including specialized courses for students with learning disabilities. His academic contributions extended to roles such as university instructor and presenter at prestigious institutions like the University of California, San Diego, where he was integral to the executive education program.

Before his tenure at The Sandler Group, Leland Sandler was deeply involved in academia and business development. His roles included Head of Enrollment at the University of Phoenix, General Manager at Productivity Point's San Diego office, and Associate Partner at C.G. Wright & Associates. In these positions, he focused on leadership development, addressing team execution challenges, and navigating organizational changes.

Leland's educational journey is as impressive as his professional one. After earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1975, he obtained secondary teaching credentials from the same institution. He later pursued a master's degree in education at San Francisco State University, followed by an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1988.

Sandler's commitment to professional growth and development extends beyond his business endeavors. For five years, he served on the board of the Growth Edge Network, an international coaching association. His expertise in executive coaching is especially recognized in the San Diego biotech industry, where he collaborates closely with key players and research institutions.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Leland Sandler Coach is an avid philanthropist. He has devoted considerable time to pro bono work, including leadership and team development projects with the San Diego Opera and the U.S. Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. His commitment to the community is also reflected in his active involvement in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Defense, Veterans & Military Affairs Council.

Residing in Morrison, Colorado, Leland enjoys the natural beauty of his surroundings and engages in hobbies such as cross-country skiing, hiking, and photography. His interests also include reading and writing short stories, which allow him to explore different perspectives and ideas. His dedication to his professional and personal life reflects his holistic approach to leadership and development, ensuring he remains a respected and influential figure in his field.

Leland Sandler Coach is an executive coach and consultant based in Jefferson County, Colorado. A University of California, Berkeley alumnus, he began his career as a university educator, curriculum developer, and faculty leader before venturing into ... Show more

Born in Brooklyn and based in Düsseldorf, Joe Martine is an artist, creative educator and lifelong believer in the power of human connection. His professional life has taken him through education, communications, creative business, film, sales and the arts, but the common thread has always been people, words, ideas and finding ways to bring them together.

Joe is the creator of Superfuzz Bigfluff, a large-scale participatory art project built around touch, play, curiosity and connection. His work grows from a simple belief: deep human connection is the most precious resource on planet Earth.

Whether he’s leading a workshop, teaching, developing a creative project or simply having a really good conversation, Joe is most at home where ideas are being exchanged, people are engaged and something unexpected has room to happen.

Born in Brooklyn and based in Düsseldorf, Joe Martine is an artist, creative educator and lifelong believer in the power of human connection. His professional life has taken him through education, communications, creative business, film, sales and th... Show more

May Zalat is the Inclusion Director at Kids First Group, leading inclusion across 36 nurseries in the UAE and Qatar. With over 18 years of experience in Early Years education, she has held senior leadership roles, including Education Director and now Inclusion Director, bringing strong expertise in both educational quality and inclusive practice. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs.
She is a qualified Early Years Trainer and Assessor, founder of the IECE Initiative, Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator (CPDPE) and Certified Learning Language and Loving It™ Program Provider. Through her work, May supports educators and families with practical training, coaching, and guidance that strengthen teaching, inclusion, behaviour support, and sustainable quality.
May’s mission is to create early years environments where every child belongs, educators feel empowered, and quality is sustained through strong leadership and continuous development.

May Zalat is the Inclusion Director at Kids First Group, leading inclusion across 36 nurseries in the UAE and Qatar. With over 18 years of experience in Early Years education, she has held senior leadership roles, including Education Director and now... Show more

Giselle Falcão é PhD em Modelagem Matemática Computacional, Cientista de Dados e Engenheira de IA com mais de 11 anos de experiência em projetos que unem SQL, Ciência de Dados e Aprendizado de Máquina. Atuou em grandes empresas como Mercedes-Benz, Seguros Unimed e VLI, além de liderar iniciativas educacionais reconhecidas pelo MEC no uso de IA para recomposição da aprendizagem. Especialista em transformar dados em soluções de impacto nos setores de finanças, saúde, indústria e educação, combina expertise acadêmica e prática corporativa para criar modelos preditivos escaláveis. É palestrante em congressos nacionais e internacionais sobre Ciência de Dados e Inteligência Artificial.

Giselle Falcão é PhD em Modelagem Matemática Computacional, Cientista de Dados e Engenheira de IA com mais de 11 anos de experiência em projetos que unem SQL, Ciência de Dados e Aprendizado de Máquina. Atuou em grandes empresas como Mercedes-Benz, Se... Show more

Birjan D. Crispin is a bold, compelling and convciting speaker who looks forward to serving your audience. He currently serves as an econominc development consultant in Indianapolis, IN. From 2023 to 2025, Birjan served in the Indiana House of Representatives as a legislative aide for the House Republican Caucus. In this role, he staffed the Indiana C.H.O.I.C.E. Board and the Commerce, Small Business & Economic Development Committee, contributing to policy development in economic and community-focused areas.

Birjan holds a B.A. in Finance and Political Science from Hope College. He is a graduate of The Heritage Foundation's Leadership Fellowship (as a fiscal and monetary policy fellow), The Leadership Institute's Young Leaders Program, and Indiana Family Institute's Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024.

A sought-after voice in public discourse, Birjan is a regular guest on podcasts nationwide and has spoken at conferences across the country. He shares his compelling personal journey—from Orphan to Advocate—while addressing faith-centered formation, legislative initiatives for child and family protection, parental righs, economic & fiscal policy.

Before entering public service, Birjan worked in corporate finance in Chicago, specializing in portfolio risk analysis and business management.
Birjan resides in Anderson, Indiana, with his wife Brooke and their daughter Abigail. The family is deeply engaged in their local community and are active members of Grace Baptist Church in Anderson.

In his personal time, Birjan is a classical violinist and an avid golfer.

Birjan D. Crispin is a bold, compelling and convciting speaker who looks forward to serving your audience. He currently serves as an econominc development consultant in Indianapolis, IN. From 2023 to 2025, Birjan served in the Indiana House of Repres... Show more

Jodie Levy was a founding member of the UK AI Security Institute and is a Visiting Fellow at Constellation. She works at the intersection of frontier AI security, misuse and technical governance, with research spanning multi-step misuse, agentic risk and enforceable safety controls. She has advised and engaged governments and international stakeholders on frontier AI risk, security and governance.

Jodie Levy was a founding member of the UK AI Security Institute and is a Visiting Fellow at Constellation. She works at the intersection of frontier AI security, misuse and technical governance, with research spanning multi-step misuse, agentic risk... Show more

Kimetha Dunn is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in tech. With a background in Speech and Communications, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a UX/UI Design certificate from General Assembly, Kimetha leads generative AI research at Microsoft, driving product development and mentoring emerging UX professionals. Kimetha is the founder of The Fedeila Group where they empower organizations by providing innovative AI research and ethical AI and EI (emotional intelligence) training. The Fedeila Group's mission is to ensure AI technologies are taught and implemented responsibly and effectively, fostering trust, integrity, and long-term success for all involved. Kimetha has shared her expertise at high-profile events, including Microsoft Ignite 2024, ScaleAI discussions on diversity, Blacks in Technology (BITCON) 2024 on mitigating bias in AI, and most recently as a Speaker with the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) discussing ways to bring resources using technology to our beloved Haitian communities. Kimetha is passionate about uplifting Black women and people in AI and regularly mentors non-traditional students to break into the UX/UI field. She is involved in organizations like Black Women in AI (BWIAI), Blacks in Technology (BIT) Atlanta Chapter and is an active community leader for Interaction Design Foundation Chicago chapter (IxDF) and ADPList Atlanta Chapter. Kimetha lives by the motto. "Speak what you want until you see what you've said."

Kimetha Dunn is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in tech. With a background in Speech and Communications, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a UX/UI Design certificate from G... Show more

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for both their communication and project management skills. Their data science expertise and passion lie primarily in data literacy, visualization, and storytelling. Joy has a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a Master’s degree from American University.

Joy Hopkins (she/they) has more than 15 years of experience in education. After an extensive career in the nonprofit sector, they transitioned to tech about 9 years ago. Joy has a deep background in the performing arts which is the foundation for bot... Show more

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations.

With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he works on designing practical frameworks for AI adoption, addressing its limitations, risks, and challenges in real-world decision-making contexts.

He is the founder of Thinking Out!, a consulting firm focused on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, where he supports institutions and professionals in the effective integration of these technologies.

He is currently researching how the public sector can reduce its structural gaps and improve its capabilities through the strategic adoption of technology. As part of this work, he developed a digital transition approach adaptable to different types of organizations, aimed at effectively integrating data and artificial intelligence in real-world management contexts.

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations. With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he wor... Show more