After 9+ years of exploring the dynamic landscapes of Linux, Open Source, DevOps, Cloud, and Microservices, I have embarked on a new chapter as a Customer Success Engineer at HashiCorp. My mission? To be the advocate for our customers, ensuring they maximize their use of HashiCorp’s cutting-edge tools and continue to scale their infrastructure with confidence.

In my journey, I’ve always been driven by a passion for finding innovative solutions that transform complex challenges into success stories. From consulting and developing ideas to shaping the future as a solution architect, I’ve honed my skills to guide customers through the world of technology, all while fostering lasting relationships that deliver results

After 9+ years of exploring the dynamic landscapes of Linux, Open Source, DevOps, Cloud, and Microservices, I have embarked on a new chapter as a Customer Success Engineer at HashiCorp. My mission? To be the advocate for our customers, ensuring they ... Show more

Dr. Joel Ross has dedicated nearly 40 years to medicine as a physician, clinical researcher, teacher, lecturer, and author. His professional life reflects a consistent commitment to patient care, medical education, and clinical research, with a strong focus on older adults. His achievements include being named Teacher of the Year, becoming the first geriatrician in New Jersey, and establishing the state's first geriatric fellowship program. He has also been recognized as a Best Doctor in New Jersey and has contributed to the development of FDA-approved oral and transdermal medications for Alzheimer’s disease. He is the founder and CEO of J&D Pharmaceuticals LLC in Monmouth, New Jersey.

His clinical expertise centers on geriatric medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with aging. Dr. Ross has focused on caring for patients with cognitive disorders while also managing a wide range of medical conditions that affect older adults. His work emphasizes careful evaluation, evidence-based decision-making, and long-term continuity of care.

On a personal level, he has been happily married for nearly 47 years and maintains an active lifestyle. He is ranked number one in the country at the highest level of expertise in men’s doubles pickleball, ages 70-74, and is ranked in the top 5 nationally in men’s singles. His accomplishments include many gold, silver, and bronze medals earned in both singles and doubles competition.

Dr. Joel Ross received his undergraduate education at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he earned a BA in Biology. He later obtained his Medical Degree from Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and became chief resident at Nassau County Medical Center. He completed a Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York under the mentorship of Dr. Robert N. Butler, the first Director of the National Institute on Aging.

Following his formal training, he was selected as the first Medical Director of the Anna Alexander Greenwall Geriatric Program at Monmouth Medical Center, an endowed position. He also served as Director of the Geriatric Fellowship Program at Monmouth Medical Center, which became the first geriatric fellowship program in New Jersey and trained physicians who later practiced throughout the state and the United States.

He later served for seven years as Director of the Geriatrics Section in the Department of Internal Medicine at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. In 2000, he opened the Memory Enhancement Center of America in New York and New Jersey, where multidisciplinary teams provided care for patients with cognitive disorders and conducted clinical research focused on Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Joel Ross has also played an essential role in pharmaceutical development and clinical research leadership. He co-founded RN NanoPharmaceuticals, LLC, in Monmouth Beach, and in 2023, founded J&D Pharmaceuticals, continuing his long-standing focus on translating scientific research into potential treatments for severe medical conditions.

Through this work, he and his collaborators completed an animal study on traumatic brain injury at the University of Oklahoma. In that study, proprietary compound JD-005 reduced acetylated tau levels and significantly improved neurological outcomes in rats following head trauma.

He and his colleagues at the University of Florida in Gainesville are currently conducting clinical research examining acetylated tau as a biomarker in traumatic brain injury patients. J&D Pharmaceuticals has received three Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for compounds JD-004 and JD-005, including for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progeria and related laminopathies, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to his research leadership, he has lectured widely, authored peer-reviewed publications, holds several patents, and volunteers at Parker Health Center in Red Bank, where he provides free medical care, testing, and medications to underserved populations.

Dr. Joel Ross has dedicated nearly 40 years to medicine as a physician, clinical researcher, teacher, lecturer, and author. His professional life reflects a consistent commitment to patient care, medical education, and clinical research, with a stron... Show more

Why This Speaker Belongs at Technical Conferences
Most technical conferences focus on systems, infrastructure, and performance — yet few address the human operating system behind the work.
Founders, engineers, and startup leaders operate under relentless pressure while managing stress, emotional suppression, communication breakdowns, and high-stakes decisions. Scaling a company requires more than technical intelligence. It requires nervous system resilience, emotional regulation, and the ability to lead and relate to other humans effectively.
As a former tech consultant turned matchmaking, dating, and relationship coach, I work with high-performing men — founders, CEOs, developers, and executives — to strengthen the internal systems behind sustainable success and fulfillment. My work blends behavioral psychology, neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and modern relationship strategy to help leaders improve clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence without burning out or sacrificing what matters most.
In an era where AI is accelerating everything externally, my talks address the one thing technology cannot optimize: the human capacity for connection.

Nita Chakrabarty is a matchmaking, dating, and relationship coach for high-performing and successful men, and the founder of MAGNETIC — the world's most intelligent matchmaking and relationship platform for ambitious men.
She is known for blending behavioral psychology, nervous system regulation, and modern relationship dynamics to help high-achieving leaders build emotional intelligence, meaningful partnerships, and long-term fulfillment — in both life and love.
MAGNETIC is a venture-backed startup supported by Audos, an entrepreneur platform backed by investors and founders behind Skype, BarkBox, Ro, and Oscar Health.
With a background in executive consulting and over a decade of experience in somatic therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed coaching, Nita bridges modern leadership with neuroscience and relational intelligence. Her clients include founders, CEOs, developers, and executives seeking greater clarity, resilience, and emotional depth.
She speaks internationally on emotional intelligence, modern masculinity, nervous system regulation, conscious relationships, and the future of human connection in an increasingly technological world.

🔵 Talk Topics

Emotional Intelligence for Founders & Engineers
Nervous System Regulation Under Startup Pressure
Modern Masculinity & High-Performance Relationships
Human Connection in the Age of AI
Burnout, Stress & the Internal Operating System

Why This Speaker Belongs at Technical Conferences Most technical conferences focus on systems, infrastructure, and performance — yet few address the human operating system behind the work. Founders, engineers, and startup leaders operate under rel... Show more

Shalini Sivasamy is a Senior AI & Machine Learning Engineer specializing in building scalable, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions across financial services and cloud ecosystems. Currently contributing to advanced AI initiatives at leading institutions, she focuses on leveraging Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to transform complex business workflows and decision-making processes.

With deep expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and intelligent document processing, Shalini has developed production-ready AI systems that enhance operational efficiency, reduce processing time, and unlock actionable insights from unstructured data. Her work spans end-to-end AI system design from model development and evaluation to deployment using cloud-native architectures.

A strong advocate for responsible and trustworthy AI, Shalini actively explores challenges related to model reliability, governance, and real-world deployment of large language models. She has authored peer-reviewed publications and contributed to academic and industry research, while also serving as a reviewer for international conferences and journals in AI and data science.

Beyond her technical contributions, Shalini is a recognized thought leader and speaker in AI innovation, frequently sharing insights on enterprise RAG systems, agentic workflows, and AI-driven transformation in financial institutions. Her unique ability to bridge traditional software engineering with cutting-edge AI makes her a key voice in advancing intelligent, scalable, and responsible AI solutions.

Shalini Sivasamy is a Senior AI & Machine Learning Engineer specializing in building scalable, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions across financial services and cloud ecosystems. Currently contributing to advanced AI initiatives at lea... Show more

Szymon Paluch is a technology and product leader with 10+ years of experience building and scaling digital products. As CTO at uPacjenta, he led technology through rapid growth in telemedicine. At Golem Network, he worked on distributed compute infrastructure. Today, he designs and implements AI agents, robots, automations, and human-in-the-loop workflows that help teams actually get work done, combining engineering depth with product thinking and delivery focus.

Szymon Paluch is a technology and product leader with 10+ years of experience building and scaling digital products. As CTO at uPacjenta, he led technology through rapid growth in telemedicine. At Golem Network, he worked on distributed compute infra... Show more

Thomas Gratzer, MD, is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in general and forensic psychiatry with a career spanning more than three decades. Throughout his professional life, he has worked with respected hospitals and treatment facilities across Minnesota, including Regions Hospital, United Hospital, Fairview University Medical Center, and Psych Recovery. He is also expected to return to practice at Psych Recovery in the near future. His work combines direct patient care with forensic psychiatric evaluations, allowing him to remain actively involved in both clinical medicine and mental health assessment.

Dr. Thomas Gratzer developed extensive expertise in forensic psychiatry through several major leadership and consulting positions. From 1995 through 2002, he served as Senior Forensic Psychiatrist at the Minnesota Security Hospital. He also worked as a consulting psychiatrist for the Minnesota Department of Corrections, providing psychiatric care to incarcerated youth. His responsibilities included evaluating and treating individuals with serious psychiatric conditions within correctional and institutional environments.

Alongside his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Gratzer built a respected academic career focused on teaching and mentorship. Between 2002 and 2021, he served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He taught medical students, psychiatry residents, and law students, and lectured at institutions throughout the United States and Canada. His educational contributions reflected his dedication to advancing psychiatric knowledge and professional training.

In addition to psychiatry, Dr. Gratzer established an impressive background in computer science and software development. During his academic years, he won first prize at the Manitoba Science Fair for creating a computer program and later participated in Prince Philip’s International Science Fortnight in London, England. He also co-authored FAST BASIC: Beyond TRS-80 BASIC and contributed to the development of VP Info, a database programming language that achieved widespread commercial success on IBM personal computers.

Dr. Gratzer has also published numerous peer-reviewed articles examining forensic psychiatry, compulsive behavior, psychopharmacology, and legal issues connected to mental health care. His research earned multiple honors, including awards from the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Through his scholarly work, he has contributed to improving the understanding of psychiatric treatment and forensic mental health evaluation within both clinical and academic settings.

Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Dr. Thomas Gratzer completed his medical degree, psychiatric residency, and postgraduate training at the University of Manitoba before pursuing a forensic psychiatry fellowship in Chicago. Outside of his professional career, he enjoys skiing, tennis, exercise, travel, and fine dining. He remains committed to supporting educational and mental health initiatives while continuing to contribute to psychiatry through research, teaching, and patient care.

Thomas Gratzer, MD, is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in general and forensic psychiatry with a career spanning more than three decades. Throughout his professional life, he has worked with respected hospitals and treatment facilities acros... Show more

With over twenty-five years of experience across multiple leadership roles in Dynamics CRM & ERP domains, I am a digital transformation enabler and a trusted advisor for clients across industries. What drives my passion is crafting solutions that deliver adoption and outcomes!

With over twenty-five years of experience across multiple leadership roles in Dynamics CRM & ERP domains, I am a digital transformation enabler and a trusted advisor for clients across industries. What drives my passion is crafting solutions that del... Show more

Lakshmi Srinivasarao Kothamasu is a Data engineering leader with 20+ years of experience architecting , optimizing enterprise-scale data platforms and building robust data integration frameworks across healthcare and financial services. His work focuses on data platform architecture, large-scale ETL/ELT pipeline engineering, and performance optimization of cloud and on-premises data systems. He has led the development of high-volume data ingestion frameworks and enterprise data warehousing solutions that support mission-critical analytics and decision-making. In his roles as technical lead and architect, he has guided engineering teams and collaborated closely with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver reliable, scalable data solutions. His professional interests include distributed data processing, real-time streaming architectures, and the application of modern data engineering methodologies to complex organizational data ecosystems.

Srinivasarao holds a Master of Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai (2002-2004) and a Bachelor of Technology from JNTU, Hyderabad (1998-2002). His academic excellence is highlighted by achieving a top GATE score percentile in 2002 at the national level in India, which earned him both admission to VJTI and the prestigious AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) Scholarship.
His technical proficiency encompasses a comprehensive range of modern data technologies including cloud platforms such as AWS, Snowflake, Docker, and Kubernetes, ETL tools like Informatica PowerCenter, Oracle Data Integrator, and SnapLogic, databases including Oracle Exadata, Teradata, SQL Server, and Sybase, as well as programming languages such as Python, Unix shell scripting, SQL, and PL/SQL.

Srinivasarao maintains cutting-edge expertise through multiple industry certifications, including Google Cloud - Introduction to Large Language Models, Snowflake Pro Certification, AWS Solution Architect Associate, AWS Data Analytics – Specialty, and Informatica MDM. T
hroughout his career, he has successfully delivered critical data solutions for major organizations including Fidelity Investments, Fresenius Medical Care, and GlaxoSmithKline. His work has consistently focused on modernizing legacy data warehouses, implementing cloud-based analytics platforms, and building scalable data architectures that support AI, reporting, and advanced analytics initiatives. His leadership extends beyond technical implementation to include mentoring development teams, conducting code reviews, coordinating complex multi-team deployments, and ensuring adherence to enterprise best practices and performance standards.

Lakshmi Srinivasarao Kothamasu is a Data engineering leader with 20+ years of experience architecting , optimizing enterprise-scale data platforms and building robust data integration frameworks across healthcare and financial services. His work foc... Show more

Rambabu Gurram is an accomplished Senior Software Development Engineer in Test with extensive expertise in automation testing, quality assurance, and enterprise system modernization. With over five years of progressive experience across financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and IoT sectors, he has established himself as a strategic testing leader capable of designing and executing comprehensive quality frameworks for complex, mission-critical applications.
Currently serving as a Sr. SDET at Cybersync Inc. for Republic Finance, Rambabu leads testing initiatives for large-scale system upgrades, including loan management platforms and pre-qualification applications. His technical proficiency spans industry-leading automation tools including Selenium, Cucumber, Java, Playwright, and AccelQ, combined with expertise in behavior-driven development (BDD) frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-based architectures.
Rambabu's career demonstrates a consistent pattern of driving measurable quality improvements across diverse domains. At Indiana University of Health, he architected scalable test frameworks for cloud-based health plan management systems while ensuring HIPAA compliance and microservices integration. During his tenure with Verizon, he designed end-to-end automation suites for mobile applications and internal agent systems, implementing advanced testing strategies encompassing API validation, performance testing, and integration testing across complex backend ecosystems.
Beyond technical execution, Rambabu excels in strategic testing design, mentoring QA teams, and serving as a risk communicator between business stakeholders and technical realities. His expertise encompasses data migration validation, API and web services testing, security compliance verification, and production support—critical capabilities in regulated industries.
A proactive problem-solver with strong documentation and communication skills, Rambabu combines deep technical knowledge with business acumen, positioning him as a trusted partner in enterprise digital transformation initiatives. His commitment to continuous learning and process improvement reflects his dedication to advancing quality engineering practices.

Rambabu Gurram is an accomplished Senior Software Development Engineer in Test with extensive expertise in automation testing, quality assurance, and enterprise system modernization. With over five years of progressive experience across financial ser... Show more

Naga Chand Putta is a Senior Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience designing and developing enterprise-level web applications across finance, healthcare, and telecommunications industries. Currently serving as a Senior Java Developer at MissionSquare Retirement in Washington, DC, since 2017, he has successfully led cross-functional teams in delivering robust, scalable solutions that drive business value.
Naga specializes in full-stack development using modern technologies including React JS, Spring Boot, and Oracle databases. His expertise spans cloud-native development with AWS services, where he has migrated over 150 batch jobs to the cloud and implemented automated workflows that significantly improved operational efficiency. As an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, he brings deep knowledge of cloud architecture and best practices to every project.
With a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Wright State University, Naga Chand combines strong technical foundations with practical industry experience. He has a proven track record of building secure, high-performance applications using containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, while implementing CI/CD pipelines that streamline development and deployment processes.
Throughout his career, Naga has contributed to critical projects including healthcare data exchange platforms that improved patient care coordination, telecom network planning tools for infrastructure optimization, and investment management systems serving diverse stakeholders. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, mentoring junior developers, and his ability to translate complex business requirements into effective technical solutions.

Naga Chand Putta is a Senior Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience designing and developing enterprise-level web applications across finance, healthcare, and telecommunications industries. Currently serving as a Senior Java Developer at ... Show more

Harish Kumar Kanukuntla is an accomplished Data Engineer with extensive expertise in big data technologies, cloud platforms, and ETL development. Currently serving at McKesson Corporation since September 2021, he specialises in designing and implementing unified data model architectures using Databricks, PySpark, and Delta Lake on the Google Cloud Platform. His work focuses on developing robust data ingestion pipelines, automating data processing workflows, and ensuring seamless integration across diverse systems and technologies.
With a strong foundation in both traditional and modern data engineering practices, Harish has demonstrated proficiency across multiple cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and GCP. His technical arsenal includes hands-on experience with Databricks for big data processing, Talend for data integration, and various Hadoop ecosystem components such as HDFS, Hive, Impala, and Sqoop. He has successfully architected CI/CD deployment pipelines using Jenkins and S3, while developing custom Python UDFs for complex data transformations and integrations with RDS and Delta Lake environments.
Before McKesson, Harish held data engineering positions at Booz Allen Hamilton and Cylance Inc., where he developed comprehensive ETL solutions using Talend Data Integration and Big Data tools. His responsibilities included designing data warehouse architectures, implementing data governance frameworks, conducting performance analysis on high-volume data processing jobs, and leading migration projects from legacy systems to modern data platforms like Netezza and cloud-based solutions. He has also served in roles at FastMed Urgent Care, MprSoft Inc., and YK Software Solutions, gaining valuable experience in dimensional modelling, SSIS development, database administration, and reporting services.
Harish holds impressive academic credentials, including a Master's in Information Systems Security from the University of the Cumberlands (May 2020), a Master's in Computer Science from Northwestern Polytechnic University (December 2016), and a Bachelor's in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (June 2014). He is also a Certified Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator and Certified Talend DI Developer. His domain expertise spans healthcare, banking, and finance sectors, where he has consistently delivered data solutions that drive business insights and operational efficiency.

Harish Kumar Kanukuntla is an accomplished Data Engineer with extensive expertise in big data technologies, cloud platforms, and ETL development. Currently serving at McKesson Corporation since September 2021, he specialises in designing and implemen... Show more

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Scientific Python communities. She is the founder of The Turing Way, a collaboratively created guide for reproducible, inclusive, collaborative, and ethical data science. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience (2012) and is a Fulbright Scholarship alumna.

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Sc... Show more

An experienced #SAAS Executive with a proven track record of excellence in Wealth and Asset Management technology, specializing in CRM, the Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot. With over 20 years of experience, Tanya has honed expertise in client engagement, leadership, strategy, process improvement, and leading the delivery of innovative technology solutions to drive success for organizations.

Throughout her career, Tanya has worked with a wide range of clients from startups to Fortune 100 firms, contributing to CRM strategy adoption excellence, integration and automation to support organic growth, innovation and adoption. She leads a North American team of professionals across Professional Services, Support, Relationship Management and Project Management. She is recognized for her such as problem-solving, leadership, strategic planning, technical expertise, and her ability to distill complex issues into manageable bites.

Currently, Tanya serves as a Sr. Director leading the Microsoft Dynamics + Power Platform practice at SS&C Technologies, a global FinTech company and Microsoft Gold Partner, where she plays a key role in customer success across the Microsoft Dynamics + Power Platform product suite. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development, Tanya stays ahead of industry trends by engaging in thought leadership events like the Dynamics User Group, Microsoft conferences, speaking at and attending wealth tech conferences and diving deeper into all things AI!

Outside of work, Tanya enjoys being a sideline coach for skiing, basketball and soccer for her twin boys, and managing a Kids Coding club to teach the next generation about AI. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in kids technical and financial literacy.

An experienced #SAAS Executive with a proven track record of excellence in Wealth and Asset Management technology, specializing in CRM, the Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot. With over 20 years of experience, Tanya has honed expertise in client en... Show more

Mehdi is a senior software developer and system architect. Since 2000, he has been responsible for the design, implementation, and development of several different systems in the field of office automation, CRM, healthcare management, and automation in industry and logistics solutions. Mehdi specifically works in the field of software development based on .NET technology. Mehdi is a staunch fan of object-oriented programming. Since 2016, Mehdi has worked more or less with cloud computing systems.

Mehdi is a senior software developer and system architect. Since 2000, he has been responsible for the design, implementation, and development of several different systems in the field of office automation, CRM, healthcare management, and automation... Show more

6+ years of experience as Data Engineer in various industries and business application. Maintain lovely job as if a wife with bunch ETL pipeline process, data to business insight, and options of technologies. Suppose to have lovers as named Python but also affair to one named SQL. Currently falling to Google and Confluent environment for big data technology and streaming.

6+ years of experience as Data Engineer in various industries and business application. Maintain lovely job as if a wife with bunch ETL pipeline process, data to business insight, and options of technologies. Suppose to have lovers as named Python bu... Show more

Samson Okemakinde is an Engineering Manager with solid experience in IT consulting, systems architecture, and software development. He has led engineering teams, driven digital transformation initiatives, and delivered resilient, scalable solutions across fintech, health tech, and other technology-driven domains.

He is passionate about helping professionals and organizations harness technology for career growth and business success. Outside of work, Samson enjoys multimedia production, football, and reading.

Samson Okemakinde is an Engineering Manager with solid experience in IT consulting, systems architecture, and software development. He has led engineering teams, driven digital transformation initiatives, and delivered resilient, scalable solutions a... Show more

Brady Beitlich is a healthcare leader with more than 10 years of experience in physician practice management, hospital operations, healthcare marketing, and process improvement. Most recently, Brady served as Director of Marketing at Southeastern Spine in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he supported referral growth and patient development until April 2026. He earned a Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida and has completed several Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt projects.

Brady was born in Sarasota, Florida, on April 26, 1988. He spent much of his childhood near Siesta Key and Sarasota Bay, where he developed an early interest in fishing. Over time, that interest expanded to include bass and fly fishing, with experiences tied to the Sierra Nevada.

He attended Pine View School for the Gifted, where he was elected Class President in 2004 and graduated in 2006. Brady later studied at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior in 2010. During college, he held leadership roles in his fraternity, Student Government Productions, and Florida Blue Key.

Brady continued at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, earning his Master of Health Administration in 2012. He also served as Treasurer of the Health Administration Student Association.

His career began with an administrative fellowship at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. He supported executive-level projects and helped oversee patient experience, customer service, and communication work within the Level I trauma center.

In 2013, Brady earned Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification and led a process improvement project at HCA Sarasota Doctors’ Hospital. Later that year, he joined Catholic Health Initiatives in Chattanooga, where he worked on operational improvements involving surgical services, charge capture, and patient flow.

In 2016, Brady joined HCA Physician Services Group as a Practice Manager. He managed neurosurgery, pulmonology, endocrinology, and primary care practices while overseeing operations and financial performance. He was selected for HCA’s Leadership Institute Academy in 2019 and later supported workflow improvements in coding, billing, documentation, reimbursement, productivity, and staff engagement.

In November 2024, Brady joined Southeastern Spine as Director of Marketing. He managed marketing plans, referral outreach, presentations, social media content, and materials that supported practice visibility. Outside work, Brady Beitlich enjoys kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, tennis, gardening, interior design, floral arrangement, and community service.

Brady Beitlich is a healthcare leader with more than 10 years of experience in physician practice management, hospital operations, healthcare marketing, and process improvement. Most recently, Brady served as Director of Marketing at Southeastern Spi... Show more

I’m a Senior IT Internal Auditor at American Express Global Business Travel, specializing in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks including ISO 27001, SOX, and PCI DSS. As a cybersecurity professional who began with hands-on skills in penetration testing, exploit development, and digital forensics before choosing a career in governance, risk, and compliance, I bring a hacker’s mindset into the world of audits.

I’m also the author of a top-ranked digital forensics blog on the Autopsy tool, with over 75,000 views and the #1 spot on Google. Today, I lead the integration of Generative AI into internal audit processes, architecting a multi-phase roadmap that transforms legacy governance systems into dynamic, AI-powered frameworks. Alongside strategy, I actively design techniques for generating highly targeted GenAI prompts, enabling audit teams to extract precise, actionable intelligence while reducing noise and false positives.

By combining hacker-style curiosity with AI-driven execution, I offer a unique perspective on the future of IT audits. My talks challenge the perception of audits as checklist exercises and present a vision for Audit 2.0, where passion-driven professionals and AI together redefine assurance as resilience-building rather than compliance alone.

I’m a Senior IT Internal Auditor at American Express Global Business Travel, specializing in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks including ISO 27001, SOX, and PCI DSS. As a cybersecurity professional who began with ha... Show more

Madiha Shakil Mirza is an Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Avanade with eight years of professional experience building cutting-edge AI solutions for clients across various industries. Madiha’s research background is in Natural Language Processing with a focus on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). Her research has been published in the most high impact conference for Natural Language Processing. Madiha has been invited to present her research and work at leading AI and Data Science conferences.

Madiha Shakil Mirza is an Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Avanade with eight years of professional experience building cutting-edge AI solutions for clients across various industries. Madiha’s research background is in Natural Language Processing... Show more

Trabajando para un banco inglés durante los últimos 10 años, y en ENCAMINA los 13 anteriores, llevo media vida implantando CRMs en lugares que varían desde una empresa funeraria con una sola usuaria (la hija de la dueña) hasta una red de banca minorista con treinta mil usuarios.

Y me lo sigo pasando en grande!

Trabajando para un banco inglés durante los últimos 10 años, y en ENCAMINA los 13 anteriores, llevo media vida implantando CRMs en lugares que varían desde una empresa funeraria con una sola usuaria (la hija de la dueña) hasta una red de banca minori... Show more

Semona is a Developer Advocate at Okta. She enjoys chatting about OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and web security, but most of all, learning how developers learn best using Okta products. Outside work, Semona is a foodie, loves kombucha, and plays board/role-playing games and ultimate.

Semona is a Developer Advocate at Okta. She enjoys chatting about OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and web security, but most of all, learning how developers learn best using Okta products. Outside work, Semona is a foodie, loves kombucha, and plays board/... Show more

Kelli is Chief Design Officer and co-founder of LunarLab, a UX design and product strategy firm that helps businesses create innovative, inclusive, and profitable products. Kelli is an experienced design leader who's created engaging web and mobile experiences for startups and enterprise clients alike. She’s designed for FinTech, healthcare, publishing, sports, advertising, education, logistics, and more.

Kelli is Chief Design Officer and co-founder of LunarLab, a UX design and product strategy firm that helps businesses create innovative, inclusive, and profitable products. Kelli is an experienced design leader who's created engaging web and mobile e... Show more

Tyler Berl has built a career defined by urgency, responsibility, and control in critical moments. For more than fifteen years in Jacksonville, Florida, he has provided direct clinical care to patients facing sudden medical emergencies, often at their most frightened and unstable. He is trained and board-certified in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and tactical medicine. He has also worked in critical care transport as a nurse, demonstrating consistency and precision across demanding clinical roles.

Tyler became a licensed paramedic in 2011, entering a profession that requires rapid decision-making and emotional discipline. He was quickly drawn to high-acuity care and joined Orange Park Medical Center, where he spent 6 years working in the emergency department before advancing to the trauma team. His routine responsibilities included cardiac arrests, strokes, severe infections, pediatric emergencies, and traumatic injuries, working closely with multidisciplinary teams under constant pressure.

During his years in the emergency department, Tyler developed advanced expertise in cardiac life support, airway management, rapid sequence intubation, and ventilator management. He contributed to saving countless lives and assisted in three emergency deliveries. What distinguished him most was his composure during a crisis. As conditions deteriorated, his focus intensified, making him a reliable presence during codes where hesitation could mean loss of life.

Seeking broader clinical exposure, Tyler transitioned into pediatrics and interfacility transport. Treating children required close attention to physiology and emotional stress, skills he refined with intention. He later transported critically ill patients between hospitals, managing ventilators, complex medication infusions, and unstable vital signs. During COVID, he became one of the few paramedics cleared to transport pediatric patients using advanced high-flow oxygen systems.

In 2020, Tyler Berl earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in public health, expanding his understanding of patient behavior and population-level health issues. He graduated from nursing school in 2025 and became a registered nurse that July. After temporarily stepping away to care for family, he returned to Florida prepared to resume clinical work, grounded in discipline, service, and experience earned across multiple levels of care.

Tyler Berl has built a career defined by urgency, responsibility, and control in critical moments. For more than fifteen years in Jacksonville, Florida, he has provided direct clinical care to patients facing sudden medical emergencies, often at thei... Show more

My name is KirtiKumar Anandrao Ramchandani, and I'm a cybersecurity researcher. I specialize in securing browsers and kernels and am passionate about making the internet a safer place for everyone. I have received World Record as the Youngest Cyber Security Researcher and Tech Savvy Award.

My name is KirtiKumar Anandrao Ramchandani, and I'm a cybersecurity researcher. I specialize in securing browsers and kernels and am passionate about making the internet a safer place for everyone. I have received World Record as the Youngest Cyber S... Show more

Pruthvi Tatikonda is a highly accomplished Senior Data Engineer with over 17 years of expertise spanning the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, development, testing, and production support. With a strong foundation in data architecture and engineering, he has consistently delivered scalable, high-performance solutions that align with business objectives and drive actionable insights.
Throughout his career, Pruthvi has demonstrated deep technical expertise across cloud platforms, big data ecosystems, and modern ETL/ELT frameworks. He specializes in architecting robust data infrastructures, designing advanced analytics solutions, and enabling organizations to modernize legacy systems through cloud migration and data lake implementations. His proficiency includes AWS, Azure, Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, NoSQL databases, and enterprise-grade ETL tools such as Informatica, Pentaho, Streamsets, and Datastage.
Pruthvi’s career highlights include leading data remediation pipelines at Wells Fargo, modernizing data architecture for Dutch Bros Coffee, and building enterprise-level data solutions at Early Warning Services, Fidelity Investments, Infosys, TCS, and VISA. He has also contributed significantly to the healthcare and financial sectors, ensuring data integrity, security, and compliance while enabling real-time analytics.
Recognized as both a technical expert and a collaborative leader, Pruthvi excels at bridging the gap between engineering and business teams. He has successfully led cross-functional groups, mentored engineers, and provided strategic direction on data governance, security, and architecture modernization. His skills extend to advanced data modeling, job scheduling and automation, CI/CD practices, and data visualization with Tableau and Power BI.
Holding certifications including Six Sigma Green Belt, AWS Developer, and Healthcare Domain expertise, Pruthvi combines technical depth with process excellence. With a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, he continues to drive innovation in data engineering, enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of their data assets.

Pruthvi Tatikonda is a highly accomplished Senior Data Engineer with over 17 years of expertise spanning the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, development, testing, and production support. With a strong foundation in da... Show more

Dr. Sheila Volante is an award winning technology and strategy leader with over 20 years of experience guiding digital transformation across Fortune 1000 organizations. As a Fractional CIO and Co-Founder of CollectiveLogik, she partners with executive teams to benchmark readiness, modernize infrastructure, and deliver measurable value across people, process, and technology. With deep expertise spanning healthcare, hospitality, aerospace, and entertainment, Dr. Sheila is renowned for her ability to translate complex technical challenges into clear, actionable strategic roadmaps. Her signature approach blends data driven innovation with organizational empathy to ensure sustainable transformation and high adoption rates.

Dr. Sheila Volante is an award winning technology and strategy leader with over 20 years of experience guiding digital transformation across Fortune 1000 organizations. As a Fractional CIO and Co-Founder of CollectiveLogik, she partners with executiv... Show more

Wendy Horton, MBA, PharmD, FACHE, is the Senior Vice President and President of Adult Services at UCSF Health, one of the nation’s top 10 hospitals. A nationally recognized healthcare leader, she has dedicated her career to advancing strategic growth, operational excellence, and patient-centered care while maintaining a strong commitment to community well-being and service.

She focuses on improving healthcare quality and innovation by enhancing care delivery and utilizing technology to support both patients and care teams more effectively. With a background in clinical pharmacy and extensive leadership experience at leading academic medical centers, she brings together clinical expertise, operational strength, and a focus on safety and quality to achieve meaningful results in healthcare delivery.

Before joining UCSF Health, she served as CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center and System COO of UVA Health, a $4.5 billion health system with more than 17,000 team members and 1,200 faculty members in Charlottesville, Virginia. During her five-year tenure, she guided significant statewide expansion efforts, developing partnerships and acquisitions that broadened access and strengthened care coordination. Under her leadership, the system doubled in size and launched programs such as the earn-while-you-learn workforce initiative. She also advanced community health efforts, promoted leadership transparency, and fostered a culture of safety and inclusion. She prioritized engagement through listening sessions, town halls, and clinical rounds, established the Center for Advanced Practice for more than 700 APPs, and reduced reliance on travel nurses by over 75%.

Previously, she served as Chief Administrative Officer at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, part of a $4 billion academic health system. There, she improved recruitment efficiency by over 80%, introduced a $340 million physician compensation plan, and increased research funding by 28.4% to $269.4 million. Earlier in her career, she worked at the University of Wisconsin, where she served as Vice President of Operations, overseeing professional and support services and helping complete a new hospital.

Recognized by Modern Healthcare as a 2023 Top Women Leader in Healthcare, Wendy Horton continues to lead with dedication, advancing healthcare access, quality, and innovation across every level of care.

Wendy Horton, MBA, PharmD, FACHE, is the Senior Vice President and President of Adult Services at UCSF Health, one of the nation’s top 10 hospitals. A nationally recognized healthcare leader, she has dedicated her career to advancing strategic growth... Show more

Mohiadeen Ameerkhan is a seasoned software and cloud engineering professional known for architecting resilient, scalable, and cloud-native solutions across enterprise environments. His career reflects deep expertise in distributed systems, backend engineering, and platform modernization, supported by hands-on leadership in cloud architecture, microservices design, and automation engineering. With a strong foundation in Java, Spring Boot, Python, container orchestration, and a wide range of cloud services, he consistently delivers systems that enhance reliability, improve performance, and streamline operational efficiency.
In his role as a Principal Software Engineer at Dell Technologies, he contributes to advanced telemetry, streaming, and automation initiatives. He has built Kafka-based pipelines for real-time observability, engineered robust automation platforms for large-scale device validation, and strengthened system resilience through integrated monitoring and diagnostic frameworks. His work emphasizes performance tuning, distributed event processing, and cross-platform visibility, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights from complex operational ecosystems.
Before joining Dell, he served as a Senior Cloud Backend Engineer at TP-Link, where he led backend development for connected device ecosystems. His contributions supported real-time video and audio communication, secure device integrations, and cloud-scale API management. He played a key role in evolving service performance, modernizing communication protocols, and optimizing database and infrastructure layers. His engineering approach bridged mobile, firmware, and backend teams to ensure seamless device-to-cloud interaction.
During his long-standing tenure supporting Kaiser Permanente through TCS, he operated as a Cloud Architect and senior engineering lead, driving large modernization programs across mission-critical healthcare applications. He implemented microservice and modular-monolithic patterns, migrated legacy systems to modern cloud platforms, and transformed traditional workloads into containerized, cloud-native deployments. His contributions spanned multi-cloud environments, CI/CD automation, performance optimization, and enterprise-grade migration strategies. He also played a pivotal role in re-engineering legacy frameworks, enhancing scalability, and elevating code quality and platform reliability.
Earlier in his career, he advanced through roles as a Senior Software Developer and Software Engineer, building foundational expertise in enterprise Java systems, Spring-based applications, automated testing, and large-scale data processing. Throughout his journey, he has demonstrated consistent commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering impactful engineering solutions that shape modern digital systems.

Mohiadeen Ameerkhan is a seasoned software and cloud engineering professional known for architecting resilient, scalable, and cloud-native solutions across enterprise environments. His career reflects deep expertise in distributed systems, backend en... Show more

Neeraj Gaddam is an accomplished Senior Software Engineering Manager and Principal Architect specializing in enterprise-scale healthcare technology systems. With extensive experience in designing and delivering complex, high-volume platforms, Neeraj has established himself as a strategic technology leader who bridges deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of business and regulatory imperatives. His leadership has been instrumental in developing and modernizing healthcare systems that are scalable, secure, and compliant with stringent industry standards.
At Cigna, Neeraj serves as a key architect and engineering leader behind several enterprise-grade platforms, including the RxProcessing system a cloud-native, event-driven solution that transformed the company’s prescription management operations. By employing microservices architecture, Apache Kafka streaming, and advanced integration techniques, he successfully enabled real-time, low-latency processing of healthcare transactions. He also led the creation of Rx360, a unified prescription lifecycle visualization tool that improved workflow transparency, service reliability, and patient care coordination across multiple systems.
Neeraj’s innovative mindset extends to workflow automation and process optimization. He architected SLA-driven orchestration frameworks and automated outreach mechanisms that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and compliance performance. His work on large-scale platform integrations such as unifying RxHome delivery, CRM, and claims modules eliminated system silos, improved data accuracy, and streamlined patient service operations.
Throughout his career, Neeraj has maintained a strong commitment to security and compliance, implementing robust measures for encryption, auditability, and HIPAA adherence across all solutions. His architecture and governance leadership have consistently ensured audit success and full traceability of protected health information.
A certified Pega Lead System Architect (CLSA), Neeraj has deep expertise in BPM platforms, cloud-native development, and real-time event-driven architecture. He has led and mentored diverse global engineering teams, driving collaboration, innovation, and on-time delivery of mission-critical healthcare solutions.
Neeraj holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from JNTU Hyderabad. His career reflects a sustained record of innovation, technical excellence, and leadership in advancing the digital transformation of healthcare technology.

Neeraj Gaddam is an accomplished Senior Software Engineering Manager and Principal Architect specializing in enterprise-scale healthcare technology systems. With extensive experience in designing and delivering complex, high-volume platforms, Neeraj ... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"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."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

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

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more