Samantha St-Louis is the VP of AI App Innovation at Atmosera, where she leads enterprise-scale AI and agentic system strategy for global organizations. Her work focuses on designing intelligent, scalable AI architectures that move beyond experimentation into real operational and business impact.

With a background spanning cloud architecture, AI engineering, healthcare, and education, Samantha specializes in translating complex AI concepts into clear decision frameworks that executives, architects, and practitioners can actually use. She is known for building systems that connect strategy to execution, whether that means multi-agent orchestration, AI governance, or practical GenAI adoption.

As a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer, Samantha brings a rare blend of hands-on technical depth and compelling communication. Her talks are pragmatic, honest, and grounded in real projects helping organizations avoid AI sprawl and focus on outcomes.

Beyond technology, Samantha is a strong advocate for women carving unconventional paths into tech leadership. Her own journey informs her work, her teaching style, and her belief that clarity, structure, and courage matter more than traditional credentials.

1. From AI Pilots to Platforms: Designing Enterprise-Grade Agentic AI
2. AI Literacy for Leaders: Making Confident Decisions in an Imperfect World
3. Better Decisions, Not Better Dashboards: How AI Actually Improves Business Outcomes

Samantha St-Louis is the VP of AI App Innovation at Atmosera, where she leads enterprise-scale AI and agentic system strategy for global organizations. Her work focuses on designing intelligent, scalable AI architectures that move beyond experiment... Show more

Elkhan is a cloud architect, tech trainer, and mentor with experience in Microsoft Azure, AWS, IBM Cloud, and enterprise healthcare systems.
He is an active Microsoft MVP and MCT Regional Lead, a member of the Microsoft Tech Community, and an Azure SME (Architecture, DevOps, Security) - who is leading the cloud and infrastructure group at T-REX Solutions.

He is a community speaker and has volunteered for local and global events; Global Azure, Cloud Lunch and Learn, Azure Back to School, Azure Spring Clean, Festive Tech Calendar, Give Camps, Azure Data Fest, SQL Saturdays, Cyber Back to School, Come cloud with Us, and others.

Over the years, Elkhan proudly contributed to Microsoft Azure, Security, and HL7 FHIR communities to advance data interoperability, secure design, and help communities move forward.

Elkhan is a cloud architect, tech trainer, and mentor with experience in Microsoft Azure, AWS, IBM Cloud, and enterprise healthcare systems. He is an active Microsoft MVP and MCT Regional Lead, a member of the Microsoft Tech Community, and an Azure ... Show more

Kaitlyn Concilio is an engineering leader who started playing with computers since she first telnetted into the library to reserve books in first grade. She’s passionate about building and leading vibrant, cross-functional teams and helping developers grow and find joy in their work. With deep experience in design and writing, she’s programmed her way through stints in journalism, nonprofits, higher education and healthcare, both as an internal team member and through consultancy.

Kaitlyn Concilio is an engineering leader who started playing with computers since she first telnetted into the library to reserve books in first grade. She’s passionate about building and leading vibrant, cross-functional teams and helping developer... Show more

Microsoft MVP Alumni, SAFe PO/PM certified, passionate about mobile apps and AI, joined the 'Xamarin' dev world more than seven years ago, and now onboarding into MAUI.
Passionate about UX and UI, with an eye on cross-platform solutions, mostly for Xamarin.Forms. In recent years, has focused on UI testing, best practices, continuous integration, and optimization for Xamarin apps. Also curious about AI and ML.
Recently, have become more interested in product management and its capabilities.

Microsoft MVP Alumni, SAFe PO/PM certified, passionate about mobile apps and AI, joined the 'Xamarin' dev world more than seven years ago, and now onboarding into MAUI. Passionate about UX and UI, with an eye on cross-platform solutions, mostly for ... Show more

An MVP, solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology.

Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve challenges and to drive impactful change across Health & Public Sector. I have an intense enthusiasm for technology and innovation along with its governance and security aspects. An advocate of women empowerment through Information Technology.

An MVP, solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology. Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve chal... Show more

Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader in Healthcare Informatics with nearly 40 years of experience in application and database analysis, design, and development. He focuses on clinical quality and massive databases. He actively speaks nationwide at conferences and user group sessions on data architecture, analytics, and professional development topics.

Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader in Healthcare Informatics with nearly 40 years of experience in application and database analysis, design, and development. He focuses on clinical quality and massive databases. He actively speaks nationwide a... Show more

30 years building tools that add hours back to a clinician's day
Chief AI Officer at RealActivity | openEHR Pioneer | BOSHUG Founder | Microsoft Keynoter

Signature Technical Achievements:
1998 – Y2K Bedside-System Safeguards: Prevented Y2K rollover failures in mission-critical hospital devices
2001 – Symbolic AI Triage Engine (Same-Day Surgery): Eliminated pre-op anesthesia visits, accelerating care pathways. Established decision tree based on real age research and patent by Dr. Roizen, Chicago. AI: Classification and Regression Trees
2001-2007 – .NET Instructor & Mentor: Trained 3,000+ GE, IDX, and Microsoft engineers in enterprise-grade software patterns
2003 – HL7 Interoperability Clinical Trials: Delivered the first Winsock stack integrated with HL7
2007 – Enterprise EHR Architect (Ivy-League AMC): Supported annual encounters on the Microsoft stack
2008 – Medication-Safety Program (AHFS-Driven): Cut prescription overuse with classification algorithms
2008 – CMS Activity Reporting Platform: Built compliance platform for regulatory reporting
2009 – Spine-Center Pain-Management Platform: Improved patient SF-x scores and satisfaction
2010-2020 – Azure and M365 Migration Lead: Moved 50+ HIPAA workloads to the cloud
2011 – Shared-Decision Support (End-of-Life): Enhanced clinician–family engagement at critical moments
2012-Present – Global Community Builder: Founded BOSHUG; lead OSS/FHIR & "AI for the Rest of Us" forums across 50+ countries
2019/2020 – Microsoft MVP & Azure Most Influential: Recognized for outstanding impact on the Microsoft ecosystem
2022 – Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare Curriculum Consultant: Architect-level training with Microsoft Healthcare & HLS corp teams
2023/2025 – Provider Support Copilot and Agent Suite (RAPS): Trained on PeopleSoft operations data and prompts from healthcare executives
2023 – Copilot Prompt Engineering Suite for Healthcare Execs: Hardened GenAI prompts for AI safety
2024 – Wheelhouse AI Center of Excellence (Co-Founder): Established radical AI governance model for hospitals
2024 – Graduated from Microsoft Startups, Level 4: Currently in growth phase
2024 – AI Safety & Governance Brief: Influenced hospital AI frameworks nationwide
2025 – Wheelhouse Frontier: World's first frontier model fine-tuned on PeopleSoft data and executive prompt data
Ongoing – Global Speaker: Microsoft Ignite, Cloud Wars, and more (top 3% speaker globally)

Global citizen based in Boston. I love Sicilian bakeries, lemon cakes, sailing, snowboarding, diving, adventure travel, and spending time with family and friends.

30 years building tools that add hours back to a clinician's day Chief AI Officer at RealActivity | openEHR Pioneer | BOSHUG Founder | Microsoft Keynoter Signature Technical Achievements: 1998 – Y2K Bedside-System Safeguards: Prevented Y2K rollo... Show more

Stephanie has over 15 years' experience in leading AI, automation, digital transformation and change programmes for some of the UK's largest organisations.
She believes that IT programmes should be focussed on workers unarticulated needs.

AI, agents and data analytics tools are transforming the world of work at an unprecedented pace.

By day Stephanie empowers organisations with agentic AI, strategy, governance and skilling. By night she builds technical communities.

After 3 years at Microsoft, she founded Miss AI to support companies in navigating their AI transformation, AI agents and robots. She has served as a trusted advisor to some of the world's biggest organisations including NHS England including working on both NHS.net and NHS App.

Having supported health, FMCG and technology organisations navigate automation, AI and agents; she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in change, programme management and people management.

Stephanie is an international speaker, vlogger, and community builder with a passion for helping leaders close the vector between AI ambition and realisation.

Stephanie has over 15 years' experience in leading AI, automation, digital transformation and change programmes for some of the UK's largest organisations. She believes that IT programmes should be focussed on workers unarticulated needs. AI, age... Show more

I am a seasoned Solution Architect with over a decade of experience in delivering technology solutions within the Non-profit, Medical, and Investment firm industries. My expertise spans a mix of consulting and industry-specific roles. In these positions, I have successfully designed and executed numerous projects involving Microsoft products, including Dynamics CRM for Sales, Service, and Marketing, as well as Office 365 Administration. Additionally, I have been actively engaged in the community, contributing my skills and knowledge to further our collective goals.

I am a seasoned Solution Architect with over a decade of experience in delivering technology solutions within the Non-profit, Medical, and Investment firm industries. My expertise spans a mix of consulting and industry-specific roles. In these positi... Show more

Vincent Koc is a distinguished and lead AI Research Engineer at Comet, working on open-source evaluation, optimization, and agentic AI systems used by teams across industry. Founding team of Build Club the words fastest growing AI community and prior advocate for Deeplearning AI he shares a passion for community. He is a Forbes Technology Council member and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (Australia), with research and teaching affiliations including the University of Queensland, Oxford University, MIT, and UT Austin.

His work focuses on AI agent evaluation, multimodal systems, automatic prompt and agent optimization, and the reliability and ethics of AI in production. Vincent has delivered 100+ keynotes globally, including TEDx and SXSW, and has led AI initiatives across finance, telecom, travel, FMCG, healthcare, and government spanning from startups to global enterprises. Vincent has held prominent positions as an ex-researcher at Microsoft, ex-head of AI at Qantas Airways, and various other senior board appointments and clients including AT&T, Coke Cola, Expedia, Federal Goverment, LVMH, Macdonalds, Vodafone, Volkswagen.

He specializes in translating research-grade depth into a universal language that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences, across formats from lightning talks to full-day workshops and is open to travel.

Vincent Koc is a distinguished and lead AI Research Engineer at Comet, working on open-source evaluation, optimization, and agentic AI systems used by teams across industry. Founding team of Build Club the words fastest growing AI community and prior... Show more

Krishnendu Dasgupta is an engineer with 15+ years in applied Machine Learning . His interests span across healthcare, generative AI, and decentralized AI. He is currently applying AI innovation in clinical trials, graph ML, NLP, and privacy-preserving AI. A Stanford Code in Place mentor and MIT Bootcamp alum, he’s contributed to NIST, MIT Hacking Medicine, and won the Molypix AI award (MIT, 2025). Krishnendu focuses on ethical, scalable AI with global impact. He spoke at The Linux Foundation AI Dev Summit in 2025, and recently at NODES 2025.He has contributed to more than 12 books published globally on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, published by Springer Nature.

Krishnendu Dasgupta is an engineer with 15+ years in applied Machine Learning . His interests span across healthcare, generative AI, and decentralized AI. He is currently applying AI innovation in clinical trials, graph ML, NLP, and privacy-preservin... Show more

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, preventative screenings, and value-based care. She has worked as a family nurse practitioner, providing comprehensive care across the lifespan, and has also served at Tandigm Health, where she focused on innovative healthcare delivery models to enhance quality and efficiency in primary care.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Sibel is a faculty member at Chamberlain University, where she educates future healthcare leaders on the implementation of strategies to drive policy change and improve healthcare quality metrics such as HEDIS measures. A seasoned speaker, she has presented on a range of critical healthcare topics, including deprescribing strategies, hospital-at-home models, and the integration of pharmacologic therapy in weight management.

Dr. Michelle Keating-Sibel is a distinguished family nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader. With extensive experience in primary care and population health, Dr. Sibel has dedicated her career to optimizing patient outcomes through evide... Show more

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Tech Lead that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years.

Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving skills. Her passion for leveraging data to improve healthcare and decision-making led her to her current role. At DevScope, she harnesses her knowledge to drive data-driven solutions, ensuring that insights are not only powerful but also tailored to specific business needs.

She is enthusiastic about anything data related - from programming to data visualization.

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Tech Lead that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years. Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving ... Show more

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, and Founder and CEO of sociaLink Rx, a digital health company pioneering precision social prescribing in Canada.

He serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and Climate Health Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Through leadership roles, especially with the Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment (CAPhE), he advocates for health equity and climate-resilient pharmacy practice. His research on social prescribing is published in peer-reviewed journals, and he regularly speaks at national and international conferences.

A Chartered Manager, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Agile Coach, Tarek helps healthcare organizations design evidence-based systems that are faster, safer, and measurably more impactful at the intersection of pharmacy, technology, and social health.

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, ... Show more

Azure, Check! Power Platform, Check! Not only am I a geek on technology, helping others is what thrives me!
From low-code and fusion-dev to process management and more. My background is in technology for healthcare and that is what excites me the most!

Azure, Check! Power Platform, Check! Not only am I a geek on technology, helping others is what thrives me! From low-code and fusion-dev to process management and more. My background is in technology for healthcare and that is what excites me the mo... Show more

I help teams modernize apps and platforms in the Microsoft ecosystem—Azure, GitHub, Power Platform, and identity (Microsoft Entra)—with a bias toward real-world constraints and practical outcomes. I’ve spent 20+ years building and advising solutions across manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and financial services.

My sessions are story-driven and demo-heavy: less “cloud mythology,” more “here’s the pattern, here’s the pitfall, here’s the fix.” Recent topics include practical GPT/agent builds, Microsoft Fabric in real workloads, secure identity, and modern delivery pipelines.

Based in Milwaukee, available nationwide—and frequently in Europe (Nordics/Baltics, incl. Stockholm & Riga). I’m also the creator of the biweekly LinkedIn newsletter Tech Trekking, connecting emerging tech to what actually works in the field

I help teams modernize apps and platforms in the Microsoft ecosystem—Azure, GitHub, Power Platform, and identity (Microsoft Entra)—with a bias toward real-world constraints and practical outcomes. I’ve spent 20+ years building and advising solutions ... Show more

Yug Mallik is an AI & Digital Strategy Leader and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who helps organizations turn data into decisions and AI into real, measurable impact. With 17+ years of industry experience, he has led AI-driven initiatives across Healthcare, Oil & Gas, and enterprise platforms, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and practical business outcomes.

His expertise spans Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), RAG architectures, Agentic AI, Copilot frameworks, AI automation, and Responsible AI governance—enabling teams to design scalable, ethical, and production-ready AI systems.

As a speaker, trainer, and mentor, Yug blends strategic perspective with hands-on execution, helping audiences move beyond hype to focus on real-world adoption, governance, and sustainable value creation in enterprise AI.

Yug Mallik is an AI & Digital Strategy Leader and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who helps organizations turn data into decisions and AI into real, measurable impact. With 17+ years of industry experience, he has led AI-driven initiatives across H... Show more

Eli has been in tech since being released back into the wild from studying maths at university 9 years ago. They've spent their time working in industries ranging from telecoms to biotech to analog circuit design to developer advocacy, continually getting nerd-sniped along the way. These days, they work at the Bennett Institute as a Research Software Advocate, helping to build the next generation of healthcare research tooling. In their spare time, they like to go bouldering, knit and sew, and hang out with their cat.

Eli has been in tech since being released back into the wild from studying maths at university 9 years ago. They've spent their time working in industries ranging from telecoms to biotech to analog circuit design to developer advocacy, continually ge... Show more

✨ 20+ years of Product experience in MedTech
💎 Former CPTO and Executive Committee member at Medexprim
🚀 Currently VP Product Management at BC Platforms
🎓 PhD in Signal and Image Processing
👩‍🏫 Product Management Professor at University

What sets me apart:
✔ A unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision
✔ Proven track record in developing user-centric products
✔ Experience in building collaborative environments that foster innovation
✔ Ability to navigate complex international environments
✔ Impact-driven pragmatic approach

✨ 20+ years of Product experience in MedTech 💎 Former CPTO and Executive Committee member at Medexprim 🚀 Currently VP Product Management at BC Platforms 🎓 PhD in Signal and Image Processing 👩‍🏫 Product Management Professor at University W... Show more

George Walters has worked with Databases since the 90s, and has been at Microsoft since 2006, helping customers adopt and understand data in a changing world. George currently is an all-up Cloud and AI Platform Specialist aligned to strategic healthcare and life sciences accounts. He helps customers get value out of their data, and to enable modern ways with AI to build business value.

George Walters has worked with Databases since the 90s, and has been at Microsoft since 2006, helping customers adopt and understand data in a changing world. George currently is an all-up Cloud and AI Platform Specialist aligned to strategic healthc... Show more

Asha Holla is a data engineer turned AI engineer at Bloom Value with experience spanning across the Azure data and AI ecosystem. She works at the intersection of data platforms, analytics, and applied AI, with a strong focus on building scalable, governed solutions in the US healthcare space. An active contributor to the local tech community, Asha has spoken at 10+ events in 2025 alone. She enjoys making AI feel less intimidating and more usable through community advocacy and practical, real-world examples.

Asha Holla is a data engineer turned AI engineer at Bloom Value with experience spanning across the Azure data and AI ecosystem. She works at the intersection of data platforms, analytics, and applied AI, with a strong focus on building scalable, gov... Show more

Riz Vazir wants you to never lose focus, time, or health to doomscrolling and digital distractions. With over 20 years in organizational change and transformation including leadership roles at Microsoft and Aon he founded Scroll By Choice to address the health and productivity crisis created by attention-hijacking technologies. A Prosci-certified Change Management Practitioner and MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Riz helps organizations and families build digital wellness that strengthens focus, performance, and connection in an AI-driven world. He lives in the Seattle area with his wife and son, who inspires his work.

Riz Vazir wants you to never lose focus, time, or health to doomscrolling and digital distractions. With over 20 years in organizational change and transformation including leadership roles at Microsoft and Aon he founded Scroll By Choice to address ... Show more

Keith Smith is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Compliance leader with over a decade of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk & Compliance for a national healthcare organization, Keith brings a wealth of expertise to his role in protecting cutting-edge technology.
Throughout his career, Keith has held numerous key leadership positions and has consistently developed and implemented comprehensive security strategies across various industries.
Keith serves on the advisory council for Information Systems & Analytics at Florida Gulf Coast University. He holds multiple industry-recognized certifications, including CISSP, CDPSE, CISM, and CRISC. Keith specializes in risk management, compliance frameworks (including PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, and SOC2), and implementing effective security awareness programs.

Keith Smith is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Compliance leader with over a decade of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk & Compliance for a national healthcare organization, Keith brings a wealt... Show more

Cloud Solution Architect and Researcher with 25+ years of experience in software development and applied research. Committed to leveraging AI to address complex real-world challenges with societal impact. Specializes in applying Graph Neural Networks within cloud, edge, and hybrid machine learning architectures.
Engages in transformative open-source and open-research collaborations that bridge theoretical research and production-grade systems. Recent work focuses on extending Generative AI and agentic frameworks, including agent-based RAG workflows, to practical solutions across security, healthcare, and data-intensive domains.

Cloud Solution Architect and Researcher with 25+ years of experience in software development and applied research. Committed to leveraging AI to address complex real-world challenges with societal impact. Specializes in applying Graph Neural Networks... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

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

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

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

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more

Azure advocate, Fabcon speaker, Senior Data Engineer & Tech Lead with 13 years of deep, hands-on expertise in Data Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and the Azure data ecosystem. 2x certified in Microsoft Fabric, with 6+ successfully delivered complex projects leveraging Microsoft Fabric. Two-time SQL Saturday speaker in San Diego, Top-1% ADPList mentor, former entrepreneur, and active OHDSI CDM contributor with 7 years in consulting and 6 years in product engineering. I bring a highly practical, frontier-level skillset at the intersection of Fabric, AI, and healthcare analytics.

I am currently innovating at Life Line Screening, bringing the best of Microsoft Fabric to its modern data analytics platform.

Azure advocate, Fabcon speaker, Senior Data Engineer & Tech Lead with 13 years of deep, hands-on expertise in Data Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and the Azure data ecosystem. 2x certified in Microsoft Fabric, with 6+ successfully delivered complex pro... Show more

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education and Psychology Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dissertation, Healing the Root Cause: Classic Psychedelics as Prevention Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder, addressed a previously unexamined gap in the prevention science literature by introducing the first formal exploration of the potential for psychedelic assisted prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder. She also holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in human services and behavioral science. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral health, addiction recovery, and education, Dr. Lill integrates research, teaching, and advocacy to advance health equity and harm reduction. As a licensed educator and Co-Owner of TE Recovery Homes, she is deeply committed to bridging science and compassion to transform prevention and public health by advancing evidence-informed, equity-centered approaches that address root causes of suffering, strengthen protective factors, and expand ethical pathways to care across education, treatment, and community systems.

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education and Psychology Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dis... Show more

Mette is a subject matter expert in stress prevention, delivering talks and workshops for international companies.

She is a certified mindfulness instructor, with "MBSR in Mind-Body Medicine" from Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, and trains weekly with Saki Santorelli, EdD, co-founder of mindfulness. This deep and ongoing practice shapes her grounded and profound approach to balancing and enriching The Good (Work)Life.

With a background as a cognitive psychotherapist, a Diploma in Psychology, and a Diploma in Vocational and Career Guidance, Mette brings deep insight and practical tools to her talks.

Her work is recognised by companies such as Vestas, IDEXX, and Umbraco – see website for all 25+ reviews.

She is the author of an illustrated book on stress prevention and a book on stress factors in our personal lives.

Known for making complex topics accessible, she also shares her expertise through free mindfulness tools and meditations on Spotify - see link - and deeper meditations on Insight Timer in English, German, Danish, and French.

Mette is a subject matter expert in stress prevention, delivering talks and workshops for international companies. She is a certified mindfulness instructor, with "MBSR in Mind-Body Medicine" from Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, and trains weekly with Saki S... Show more

Jimmy Clare is a Professional Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, Live Stream Host, and Autism Advocate
Meet Jimmy Clare, a dynamic and inspiring keynote speaker who has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success. Diagnosed with Autism and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, Jimmy has turned his perceived limitations into his unique advantage. He shares his remarkable story of resilience, self-improvement, and determination to inspire audiences worldwide.
From Bullying Victim to Fitness Motivator
Jimmy's journey from being bullied and struggling with weight gain to becoming a fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur is a testament to his unwavering spirit. He has completed numerous fitness programs, practices kickboxing, and works out 6-9 times a week. His transformation is a powerful example of the human capacity for growth and change.
Autism Advocate and Motivational Speaker
As an Autism advocate, Jimmy promotes acceptance, inclusion, and self-empowerment. He shares his experiences, insights, and strategies for overcoming challenges, inspiring others to embrace their differences and reach their full potential.
Keynote Topics:
Embracing Autism and Neurodiversity
Takeaways:
Understanding and acceptance of Autism and neurodiversity
Strategies for inclusion and support
Embracing differences as strengths
Overcoming Bullying and Self-Doubt
Takeaways:
Coping mechanisms for dealing with bullying and negativity
Building self-confidence and self-worth
Turning adversity into opportunity
Fitness and Wellness for Mental Health
Takeaways:
The importance of physical activity for mental well-being
Practical tips for incorporating fitness into daily life
Mind-body connection and stress management
Entrepreneurship and Self-Improvement
Takeaways:
Turning passion into purpose and career
Strategies for continuous learning and growth
Overcoming obstacles and staying motivated
Resilience and Determination in the Face of Adversity
Takeaways:
Developing a growth mindset and resilience
Learning from failures and setbacks
Staying focused and motivated despite challenges
Host of the Popular Podcast and Live Stream Show
"CrazyFitnessGuy Healthy Living Podcast"
Book Jimmy Clare for Your Event
Jimmy's captivating story, infectious enthusiasm, and practical advice make him an ideal keynote speaker for conferences, events, and organizations seeking inspiration and motivation. Follow Jimmy on social media and explore his website, CrazyFitnessGuy, for more information.

Jimmy Clare is a Professional Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, Live Stream Host, and Autism Advocate Meet Jimmy Clare, a dynamic and inspiring keynote speaker who has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success. Diagnosed with Autism and Non-Verbal ... Show more

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizations. His work focuses on helping organizations and governments understand, prepare for, and respond to complex cyber risk shaped by geopolitical dynamics, operational constraints, and real-world consequences.

Josh currently serves as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) within a large U.S. healthcare organization, where he aligns cybersecurity strategy with business growth, regulatory requirements, and patient care operations. In this role, he translates technical risk into executive-level decision-making, enables secure expansion, and embeds cybersecurity into enterprise transformation initiatives.

In parallel, Josh supports international cyber capacity-building efforts as a senior cybersecurity advisor to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and its Cyber Defense Center. His contributions include developing incident response frameworks, defining organizational structures, building sustainable cyber workforce pipelines, designing and delivering large-scale exercises, and advising senior leaders on governance, metrics, and long-term operational resilience aligned with NATO and EUCOM objectives.

Josh also serves as an officer in the U.S. Air National Guard, specializing in cyberspace operations and international security advising. In this capacity, he contributes to operational planning, training, and leadership development, with experience integrating cyber considerations into joint and multi-domain environments.

Across government, military, and private-sector roles, Josh has designed and delivered tabletop exercises, crisis simulations, and decision-focused training for executive leaders, technical teams, and policymakers. These engagements emphasize risk-based thinking, mission impact, and leadership decision-making under uncertainty rather than purely technical response.

His professional background includes leadership in incident response, security governance, vulnerability management, application security, regulatory compliance, and metrics-driven security programs. He has worked across frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and NATO-aligned models, with an emphasis on practicality, repeatability, and measurable outcomes.

Josh’s work consistently operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and organizational leadership—helping leaders understand not only what could happen, but why it matters, when decisions must be made, and how to act effectively in complex environments.

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizatio... Show more