Government, Social Sector & Education

Valued individuals involved in shaping public policies, providing essential services, and promoting education, tirelessly looking to improve society and empower citizens

Patrick C Burke

Patrick C Burke

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team of student leaders and employees. Patrick leads daily operations for high‑impact campus events, manages multimillion‑dollar budgets, directs technology & equipment upgrades, and implements the S.E.E.D. Student Development Curriculum, fostering meaningful student growth aligned with University Objectives & Values.

Patrick is a higher education leader known for elevating student experiences, strengthening operational excellence, and delivering seamless event and facility logistics. With more than a decade of progressive leadership across student affairs, event management, and residential education, he brings a holistic, people‑centered approach to developing teams, optimizing systems, and creating environments where students and staff thrive.

As the Associate Director of Event Logistics & Student Development at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center, Patrick oversees event logistics, audio/visual production, building operations, budget management, and an extensive team ... Show more

Clementine Gribble

Clementine Gribble

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 EMEAA, 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

Gursimar Singh

Gursimar Singh

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after speaker at international conferences and universities, fostering a culture of learning. His passion lies in mentoring others, evident in his roles as a Section Leader for Code in Place and Google Cloud Facilitator.

Gursimar, a Consultant and Google Developer Educator, is dedicated to empowering individuals through Education, Mentorship, and Open-Source. As an author for freeCodeCamp and Top Contributor, he shares his expertise globally. He's a sought-after spea... Show more

Frederieke Scheper

Frederieke Scheper

With over 20 years of enterprise Java experience, Frederieke has seen (and probably debugged) it all, from legacy monoliths to reactive messaging systems and the occasional front-end adventure. She’s especially interested in how Domain-Driven Design and reactive principles can help teams build systems that are both robust and adaptable.

Frederieke enjoys helping people grow, whether that’s through mentoring, improving team practices, or just asking the right questions. Outside of work, she’s an active contributor to the Java Meetup in Groningen (NL), where she shares ideas and learns from colleagues in her local community.

When she’s not coding or speaking, you’ll likely find her out on a trail. She once hiked the Grand Canyon and is always looking for the next adventure.

With over 20 years of enterprise Java experience, Frederieke has seen (and probably debugged) it all, from legacy monoliths to reactive messaging systems and the occasional front-end adventure. She’s especially interested in how Domain-Driven Design ... Show more

Chinni Krishna Abburi

Chinni Krishna Abburi

Chinni Krishna Abburi is a Business Intelligence Engineer with 6+ years of experience delivering scalable data solutions. He has led BI modernization, cloud migration, and data automation projects at enterprise scale. His work bridges the gap between data engineering and business insight, and he's actively involved in STEM mentorship and speaking engagements.

Chinni Krishna Abburi is a Business Intelligence Engineer with 6+ years of experience delivering scalable data solutions. He has led BI modernization, cloud migration, and data automation projects at enterprise scale. His work bridges the gap between... Show more

Tim Goree

Tim Goree

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich background in technology consulting and a passion for making complex concepts accessible to all, Tim is a beacon for those seeking to understand the future of technology and its impact on our lives.

As a seasoned speaker, Tim has a knack for demystifying AI for non-technical audiences, elucidating its significance in everyday life and the pivotal role it plays in shaping our future. He dives deep into the heart of how AI can revolutionize the way we learn, teach, and think about education, highlighting practical applications that can address the challenges faced by today's schools and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Drawing from his experience as a technology leader and IT mentor, Tim Goree provides invaluable insights into IT leadership in the digital age. He believes in leadership that is not just about managing technology but inspiring teams and keeping them accountable to big visions. His talks offer a roadmap for IT professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills and for organizations striving to cultivate a forward-thinking IT culture.

Beyond the podium, Tim is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technology leaders, emphasizing the importance of women in tech and advocating for diversity of thought in technical fields. He champions the idea that a successful technology career is accessible to everyone, with the right guidance and opportunities.

Speaking Topics:
- AI Made Simple: Unraveling Artificial Intelligence for Non-Technical Audiences
- The Future of Learning: How AI is Transforming Education and School Culture
- What's Wrong with Schools and How to Fix It: The Disconnect Between What Schools Say and What They Do
- Leading in IT: Essential Leadership Skills for the Digital Age
- Mentorship Programs: The Key to Growth and Diversity in the Technology Field

With a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm, Tim Goree invites you to join him on a journey to explore the intersections of education, business, technology, and leadership. Whether you're an educator looking to innovate, an IT professional seeking to lead, or simply curious about the future of technology, Tim's sessions are a beacon of knowledge and inspiration.

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, Tim Goree stands at the crossroads of Education, Business, Technology, and Leadership, guiding both novices and professionals through the intricate landscape of modern tech. With a rich backgrou... Show more

Renato Amapanqui

Renato Amapanqui

Ingeniero de Sistemas con más de 12 años de experiencia en banca, especializado en innovación tecnológica, automatización y liderazgo en transformación digital. Actualmente es Gerente Adjunto de Estrategia Tecnológica e Innovación en el BCP y fundador de Techspira, una comunidad que inspira a profesionales a integrar la tecnología con propósito, educación y ética. También enseña y comparte conocimientos sobre IA, habilidades del futuro y liderazgo digital.

Ingeniero de Sistemas con más de 12 años de experiencia en banca, especializado en innovación tecnológica, automatización y liderazgo en transformación digital. Actualmente es Gerente Adjunto de Estrategia Tecnológica e Innovación en el BCP y fundado... Show more

Hela Chhayder

Hela Chhayder

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and private sector organizations across the MENA region, specializing in AI-driven transformation, data strategy frameworks, and advanced analytics.

As the founder of STEP INSIGHT, she has advised multinational clients on AI Strategy, Governance, and upskilling activation. As the director of AI strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, Hela runs multiple training sessions and projects for governmental entities across the UAE and Qatar on govtech, digital transformation, Data strategy, and the importance of Data in the governmental sector.

Hela holds an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School and an engineering degree in statistics and data analysis from Carthage University.

Hela Chhayder, Founder of STEP INSIGHT and Director of AI Strategy and Govtech at GOV CAMPUS, is an AI & data strategy expert with over 15 years of experience in AI, data science, and analytics. She has led large-scale data initiatives for public and... Show more

Emily Hemingway

Emily Hemingway

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs, tech startups, and tech innovation. She is the lead organizer for STL TechWeek.

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs... Show more

Michael Allison

Michael Allison

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

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

Megan Potter

Megan Potter

Megan is a career fundraiser with 20+ years international experience. Delivering growth strategies, programs and leading teams. Extensive experience in capital and capacity campaigns, mega and major gifts, bequests, partnerships, community and events fundraising.

Megan is a career fundraiser with 20+ years international experience. Delivering growth strategies, programs and leading teams. Extensive experience in capital and capacity campaigns, mega and major gifts, bequests, partnerships, community and events... Show more

Moiz Penkar

Moiz Penkar

Moiz feels the Internet can be more mindful and friendlier to not just the end-users but also the developers and adopt more lean principles. He has worked in various roles including front-end development, product management, consulting, research (in Human-Computer Interaction), and teaching. He also organises the monthly TED-Style Talks and, if he has any free time left, enjoys some photography, badminton, and squash. You can watch the demo of his PhD thesis prototype here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzyYsQoKb-k

Moiz feels the Internet can be more mindful and friendlier to not just the end-users but also the developers and adopt more lean principles. He has worked in various roles including front-end development, product management, consulting, research (in ... Show more

Frances Sun

Frances Sun

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment.

In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platforms team, overseeing UX for the flagship sales product used across Disney’s linear channels like ABC and ESPN.

Frances began her teaching career in 2020 at Austin Community College, where she taught UX/UI design, visual design, and portfolio design.

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment. In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platfor... Show more

Giselle Cunanan

Giselle Cunanan

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of student activism and key grassroots community organizations. Her current work documents the legislative and political battles that threaten academic freedom and critical pedagogy. She maintains a scholarly focus on U.S.-based Filipinxs and their organizing history in the long struggle for Ethnic Studies curriculum.

Giselle Dejamco Cunanan is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Her research centers on the institutionalization and defense of Ethnic Studies, analyzing the racial labor of s... Show more

Kevin Saukel

Kevin Saukel

Kevin Saukel war Teil des DigitalChangeMaker Jahrgangs 2020/2021 und studiert zurzeit Erziehungswissenschaften an der Goethe Universität in Frankfurt und Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Technischen Hochschule Mittelhessen.

Kevin Saukel war Teil des DigitalChangeMaker Jahrgangs 2020/2021 und studiert zurzeit Erziehungswissenschaften an der Goethe Universität in Frankfurt und Wirtschaftsinformatik an der Technischen Hochschule Mittelhessen. Show more

Calypso Hernandez

Calypso Hernandez

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

Adelegan Oluseyi Abiodun

Adelegan Oluseyi Abiodun

I am CTO of Dokilink, iVentMaster, and PHS Consult, and Senior IT Manager at ZODML. As a founding member of Drupal Nigeria, I’ve led Drupal projects across healthcare, education, and government, including Dokilink, ZODML library integrated with Koha LMS, LASAMBUS, HEFAMAA, and currently HotelPaddie, a Drupal 11 + React OTA. I am passionate about open-source innovation and expanding Drupal across Nigeria and Africa.

I am CTO of Dokilink, iVentMaster, and PHS Consult, and Senior IT Manager at ZODML. As a founding member of Drupal Nigeria, I’ve led Drupal projects across healthcare, education, and government, including Dokilink, ZODML library integrated with Koha ... Show more

Hilary Nicole Ivy

Hilary Nicole Ivy

Hilary Nicole Ivy is a systems thinker, storyteller, and scavenger of strange data. She teaches data analytics and geospatial technologies, leveraging Python, SQL, and satellite imagery. On her off time, she writes speculative fiction and maps imaginary worlds.

Hilary’s career has included adversarial testing of AI at Google, where she led ethical investigations into AI systems, and the Department of Homeland Security, where she tracked fraud across global networks. She’s built adversarial datasets, taught machines to see bias, and helped humans see patterns in the noise.

Now based in Vermont, Hilary teaches at the Community College of Vermont and works as a Business Process Analyst at Vermont State Colleges. She founded Betty Ivy Reads a narrative‑driven data literacy and STEM education platform that helps time‑strapped
faculty deliver engaging, project‑based data science curriculum while protecting academic integrity. She recently returned to school to study studio art, adding visual storytelling to her toolkit of code, maps, and myth.

Hilary Nicole Ivy is a systems thinker, storyteller, and scavenger of strange data. She teaches data analytics and geospatial technologies, leveraging Python, SQL, and satellite imagery. On her off time, she writes speculative fiction and maps imagin... Show more

Sarah Guest

Sarah Guest

Experienced Senior Power Platform consultant with a passion for Canvas apps and Power BI, and a proven track record of designing and delivering end‑to‑end solutions. Drawing on a background in teaching, I have led sessions on inclusion, accessibility and dyslexia, helping educators and organisations build truly supportive environments for all learners.

Today, I channel that same dedication into the tech world—advocating for women in technology, championing the importance of mentoring, and empowering communities to embrace innovation. With a warm, engaging style and hands‑on expertise, I guide audiences through practical strategies for leveraging the Power Platform while fostering inclusive cultures and effective mentoring programmes. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to deepen your skills, I’m here to inspire you to reach new heights.

Experienced Senior Power Platform consultant with a passion for Canvas apps and Power BI, and a proven track record of designing and delivering end‑to‑end solutions. Drawing on a background in teaching, I have led sessions on inclusion, accessibility... Show more

Shubhangi Gupta

Shubhangi Gupta

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

Rashda Munawar

Rashda Munawar

Rashda Munawar – Author & Educator

Rashda Munawar is a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for a growth mindset. Holding a Master’s degree in Mathematics, she is passionate about fostering resilience and confidence in young learners.

Her debut children's book, Think Big, was inspired by her personal journey as a mother navigating her daughter’s early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Recognizing the power of mindset in overcoming challenges, Rashda strives to equip children with the tools to embrace mistakes, persevere, and think beyond limitations.

Beyond writing, she enjoys exploring growth mindset literature, playing board games, reading, practicing yoga, taking nature walks, and baking. Through her work, Rashda hopes to inspire both educators and young readers to believe in the power of growth and self-discovery.

Rashda Munawar – Author & Educator Rashda Munawar is a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for a growth mindset. Holding a Master’s degree in Mathematics, she is passionate about fostering resilience and confidence in young learners. Her d... Show more

Sarah Schmidt

Sarah Schmidt

seit 2023: Vertretung der Professur für Quantitative Forschungsmethoden im Kontext Sozialer Arbeit an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
seit 2017: Leitung des Methodenzentrums Sozialwissenschaften an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt
2014 – 2016: Referentin für Qualitätssicherung in Studium und Lehre an der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
2013: Abschluss des Promotionsverfahrens (magna cum laude)
2012 – 2014: Hochschulreferentin für Evaluation an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Heidelberg
2010 – 2012: Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der Universität Hamburg
2010: Gastdozentur an der Universität Nowgorod (RU)
2008 – 2011: Lehrkraft für besondere Aufgaben an der Universität Hildesheim
2007 – 2008: Mitarbeiterin beim Caritasverband Mannheim
2003 – 2007: Studium der Erziehungswissenschaft und Soziologie an der Universität Mannheim (Abschluss Magistra Artium)

seit 2023: Vertretung der Professur für Quantitative Forschungsmethoden im Kontext Sozialer Arbeit an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences seit 2017: Leitung des Methodenzentrums Sozialwissenschaften an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt 2014... Show more

Noreen Krause

Noreen Krause

Noreen Krause ist als Projektleitung an der TIB in Hannover aktiv.
Nach dem Diplom am Georg-Elias-Müller-Institut für Psychologie der Universität Göttingen war sie an den Universitäten Wien und Tübingen tätig. In Wien war sie am Institut für Wirtschaftspsychologie, Bildungspsychologie und Evaluation mit dem Schwerpunkt Lebenslanges Lernen. Ab 2013 übernahm Noreen Krause die Leitung für ein Pilotprojekt der Universitäten Tübingen und Dresden, gefördert durch das Auswärtige Amt. In Tübingen war sie als erste wissenschaftliche Stabstelle am Dezernat für Forschung, Strategie und Recht und als Geschäftsführung einer Großfakultät. Ab 2017 wirkte Noreen Krause als Beraterin und E-Learning Professional in Verbundprojekten, z.B. an der Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hochschule Hannover und im E-Learning Academic Network Niedersachsen mit den Schwerpunkten Strategie und Nachhaltigkeit.
Gemeinsam mit dem Team gestaltet sie seit 2019 den Auf- u. Ausbau für das nds. OER-Portal twillo.

Noreen Krause ist als Projektleitung an der TIB in Hannover aktiv. Nach dem Diplom am Georg-Elias-Müller-Institut für Psychologie der Universität Göttingen war sie an den Universitäten Wien und Tübingen tätig. In Wien war sie am Institut für Wirtsc... Show more

James Paterek

James Paterek

James Paterek serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Millbrook Support Services, Inc., where he helps government agencies locate and hire qualified healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other specialists. He also leads as the Chief Executive Officer of Paterak & Company, a respected organization offering staffing and consulting services to various businesses. With a practical leadership approach, he focuses on building reliable teams and creating opportunities that strengthen organizational performance and community well-being.

James founded COMFORCE Corporation, a company specializing in staffing, outsourcing, and financial services. Under his guidance, the business grew rapidly, expanding its workforce to more than 11,000 employees. The company experienced significant revenue growth, increasing from $12 million to nearly $500 million in two years, while maintaining strong profitability. His efforts in strategic planning, acquisitions, and organic development played a key role in establishing the company as a leader in its field.

Paterek has extensive experience in leading large-scale operations and managing complex business transactions. He demonstrated financial management and organizational leadership skills as the head of a company that successfully raised $300 million in capital and acquired other organizations, generating more than $500 million in revenue. His ability to secure over $600 million in funding for multiple ventures reflects a deep understanding of business development and sustainable growth.

James Paterek is known for his steady leadership and dedication to guiding teams toward shared success. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration, accountability, and clear communication throughout his career. His focus on long-term progress has helped the companies he leads achieve consistent performance while supporting professional growth within their teams. Through these efforts, he has earned respect for his practical approach and results-oriented mindset.

Paterek brings decades of experience acquiring, financing, and integrating service-based businesses. He has completed over twenty-eight acquisitions and raised over $600 million for related ventures. His understanding of capital markets and his experience with public company management highlight his ability to navigate complex business environments. With a balanced perspective and commitment to continuous improvement, he continues to contribute to the success of organizations and the people who power them.

James Paterek serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Millbrook Support Services, Inc., where he helps government agencies locate and hire qualified healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other specialists. He also leads as the ... Show more

Fátima Jaydith Blancas

Fátima Jaydith Blancas

Fátima Blancas is the founder and CEO of iTProve Corporation. For the last fourteen years, she has been a consultant on Microsoft Technology, from SharePoint 2007 to SharePoint Online, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams.

She was born and raised, and continues to live, in Mexico City. Fátima is a graduate of the La Salle University, Mexico City Campus. She believes in sharing knowledge to make this world a better place to live in.

She loves to speak about Technology and Education. She has participated as a Guest Speaker at several conferences. She also created the Office 365 Academia Community.
Join her at LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
LinkedIn: fatimablancas
Facebook: /fatimablancasv
Twitter: JaydithBV

Fátima Blancas is the founder and CEO of iTProve Corporation. For the last fourteen years, she has been a consultant on Microsoft Technology, from SharePoint 2007 to SharePoint Online, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams. She was born and raised, and ... Show more

Ildar Akhmetov

Ildar Akhmetov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith is a cybersecurity architect specializing in Microsoft Security and data governance, with deep expertise in Microsoft Purview, and identity-driven security architecture. She works with organizations operating in highly regulated and government cloud environments to design secure, scalable solutions that actually work in the real world.

Melissa is known for delivering deeply technical content in a way that’s engaging, practical, and refreshingly human. As a woman and mom in tech, she brings a perspective shaped by real-world tradeoffs, resilience, and a belief that impactful security careers don’t have to come at the expense of authenticity.

Melissa Smith is a cybersecurity architect specializing in Microsoft Security and data governance, with deep expertise in Microsoft Purview, and identity-driven security architecture. She works with organizations operating in highly regulated and gov... Show more

José Francisco da Costa Neto

José Francisco da Costa Neto

Ingressou na Polícia Militar do Rio Grande do Norte em 2006, onde atualmente exerce o posto de Major. É graduado em Administração Pública (2017) e Mestre em Gestão Pública (2020) pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN).

Atualmente atua na Secretaria Nacional de Segurança Pública do Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública (SENASP/MJSP), com experiência em projetos estratégicos e setoriais voltados à modernização da segurança pública. Desenvolve atividades relacionadas ao planejamento de aquisições de bens e serviços, acompanhamento e fiscalização de contratos, bem como à articulação com órgãos federais, estaduais e municipais para identificação de demandas e implementação de políticas, programas e projetos.

Possui forte atuação na integração institucional, na avaliação de resultados de políticas públicas e no fomento ao uso de novas tecnologias aplicadas à segurança pública, contribuindo para o fortalecimento das capacidades operacionais e administrativas das instituições.

Ingressou na Polícia Militar do Rio Grande do Norte em 2006, onde atualmente exerce o posto de Major. É graduado em Administração Pública (2017) e Mestre em Gestão Pública (2020) pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Atualmente ... Show more

Daniel Leão Bonatti

Daniel Leão Bonatti

Daniel Bonatti é cientista político e mestre em Gestão de Políticas Públicas, com trajetória de mais de 14 anos dedicada à modernização do Estado e à inovação na gestão pública. Atualmente, dirige a Diretoria de Mobilidade Interna da Secretaria de Gestão e Governo Digital do Estado de São Paulo, onde conduz a reestruturação da frota pública e a consolidação da Política de Mobilidade Interna, pautada em eficiência, sustentabilidade e transformação digital. Sua atuação combina visão estratégica, experiência administrativa e compromisso com a construção de um governo mais ágil e orientado a resultados.

Daniel Bonatti é cientista político e mestre em Gestão de Políticas Públicas, com trajetória de mais de 14 anos dedicada à modernização do Estado e à inovação na gestão pública. Atualmente, dirige a Diretoria de Mobilidade Interna da Secretaria de Ge... Show more

Amber Hasan

Amber Hasan

Amber Hasan is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer focused on using Creative Practice as a tool for change. Amber is Co-Founder of The Sister Tour collective, she has worked with photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier regarding the Flint Water Crisis, she is a Board Member of Title Track Michigan, and a Board Member of Commongrounds, where she is the advocate for the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan.

Amber Hasan is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer focused on using Creative Practice as a tool for change. Amber is Co-Founder of The Sister Tour collective, she has worked with photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier regarding the Flint W... Show more

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