Patrick Gallucci is a Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. He has 25+ years’ experience working with data platforms including, Azure Data Services, Microsoft SQL Server, Azure Synapse, Hadoop, CosmosDB & Azure Data Lake Services. He is responsible for the technical architecture, governance, and service delivery quality for Data and Analytics Practice at HCHB.

Patrick Gallucci is a Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert and Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. He has 25+ years’ experience working with data platforms including, Azure Data Serv... Show more

Principal Program Manager for Power Platform Developer and Admin Experience. Focused on empowering Citizen Developers, IT Professionals, and Executive Management by providing the Governance, Security, Compliance, Applications Lifecycle Management, and Service Management foundations needed to adopt the Power Platform to transform their business.

Principal Program Manager for Power Platform Developer and Admin Experience. Focused on empowering Citizen Developers, IT Professionals, and Executive Management by providing the Governance, Security, Compliance, Applications Lifecycle Management, an... Show more

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a full-stack developer - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond code — I’m dedicated to accompanying organizations through their digital and cultural transformations.
Passionate about DX and designing solutions that empower users and adapt to diverse environments.

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a full-stack developer - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond code — I’m dedicated to accompanying orga... Show more

Brian Kashman is a business leader in Arizona’s commercial hydration industry, known for founding BestFit Water and delivering reliable, sustainable water and ice solutions to a wide range of commercial clients. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has developed a business model centered on operational efficiency, environmental awareness, and long-term client service.

He launched the company in 2009 after leading a successful vending and coffee service business. That experience provided a strong understanding of customer needs, logistics, and service delivery, which he applied to the hydration industry. His vision was to eliminate the need for plastic bottle delivery by offering rental-based water and ice systems tailored for commercial use.

The company offers comprehensive installation services, routine maintenance, and flexible rental plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of various organizations. Under his leadership, the business has grown to over 500 active client locations across Arizona, including offices, schools, healthcare centers, and other commercial spaces. With a service uptime of over 99% and consistent 5-star customer ratings, the company is recognized for its dependable performance.

Sustainability is central to his approach. The product range includes reverse osmosis dispensers, alkaline systems, ice machines, and sparkling water units—each carefully selected to minimize plastic waste and reduce emissions associated with manufacturing and delivery. Through these solutions, he has helped organizations adopt more environmentally friendly hydration practices.

Brian's contributions have been recognized with the Chairman’s Club Award in 2022 and the President’s Club Award in 2023, both of which acknowledge the company’s growth and leadership in sustainable solutions. He also implemented systems, such as Salesforce, to manage operations, improve billing accuracy, and support client relationships. A locally based service team ensures prompt maintenance and minimal downtime for clients.

He lives in Scottsdale with his wife, two children, and their dog. He values time with his family and supports charitable causes, including the Autism Society and St. Jude's Children's Hospital, reflecting a commitment to community and care.

Brian Kashman continues to lead BestFit Water with a clear focus on sustainability, customer service, and long-term business growth.

Brian Kashman is a business leader in Arizona’s commercial hydration industry, known for founding BestFit Water and delivering reliable, sustainable water and ice solutions to a wide range of commercial clients. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial ... Show more

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff was born in Owosso, Michigan, where she was raised in a family that highly valued education and community service. Her mother, a science teacher, and her father, a school administrator, played pivotal roles in shaping her dedication to learning and civic engagement. She excelled in her academic pursuits at Swartz Creek High School, earning honors in math and science and participating in varsity basketball, track and field, and diving. Alongside her sports involvement, she contributed to student council, theater, and ballet, reflecting her well-rounded interests and leadership skills.

Dr. Egloff continued her education at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology. This laid the foundation for her professional path in biomedical research, which began with her role at Warner-Lambert Parke-Davis. She worked on molecular cloning and small-molecule inhibitors, contributing to therapeutic efforts for cancer and metabolic diseases. Her dedication and contributions during this time were recognized through employee awards.

Her growing passion for scientific discovery led her to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Egloff’s doctoral research focused on immune cell signaling pathways, shedding light on their importance in the body’s response to various diseases. Following her PhD, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute, where she worked on cancer-causing gene mutations and earned recognition for her groundbreaking research.

Dr. Egloff furthered her career at the University of Pittsburgh by joining an NIH/NCI-sponsored Cancer Education and Career Development Program. Her research focused on translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications, particularly in developing personalized cancer treatments. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, she led innovative research on head and neck cancers and contributed to developing targeted therapies.

In 2015, Dr. Egloff took her expertise to Boston University, where she expanded her role in research and mentorship. She now works at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, focusing on tumor immunology and precision medicine in cancer treatment.

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to scientific progress, education, and community service. Her work significantly impacts cancer research, and she remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff was born in Owosso, Michigan, where she was raised in a family that highly valued education and community service. Her mother, a science teacher, and her father, a school administrator, played pivotal roles in shaping her dedicat... Show more

Ashwin Murugappa is a medical student, clinical informatician and AI researcher at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. With a strong foundation in medicine, robotics, data science and generative AI applications in healthcare, he works on translating cutting-edge machine learning approaches into practical clinical tools. His current work explores the fusion of knowledge graphs and LLMs for document automation, including GraphRAG-based discharge summary generation.

Ashwin Murugappa is a medical student, clinical informatician and AI researcher at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. With a strong foundation in medicine, robotics, data science and generative AI applications in healthcare, he works on translat... Show more

Karo es maker y product manager con background en Ingeniería Robótica y un master en Analítica de Datos. También es profesora y educadora digital. Karo lidera PyLadies Bogotá y Colombia, organizaciones que promueven la participación de las mujeres en la programación en Python en su país, Colombia. Ella es parte activa de la comunidad y fellow de la Python Software Foundation. Con más de diez años de experiencia creando hardware y software para diversas disciplinas e industrias, Karo tiene un amplio conocimiento en su campo. Le apasiona crear oportunidades y fomentar espacios de crecimiento personal y profesional. En su tiempo libre, se dedica a la joyería y leer en compañía de su perro Ramón.

Karo es maker y product manager con background en Ingeniería Robótica y un master en Analítica de Datos. También es profesora y educadora digital. Karo lidera PyLadies Bogotá y Colombia, organizaciones que promueven la participación de las mujeres en... Show more

Scott Saffold is a board-certified otolaryngologist, founder, and medical director of Chesapeake Bay ENT, a leading ear, nose, and throat practice in Southeastern Virginia. Since 2001, he has guided the practice based in Belle Haven, transforming a single-site clinic in a medically underserved rural area into a multi-location organization renowned for delivering evidence-based and technologically advanced care with compassion. In May 2026, he will celebrate 25 years of service in the medical field in the state of Virginia.

His leadership focuses on patient-centered care and empowering his team. Dr Scott Saffold has built a culture of continuous improvement where innovation and data-driven decisions are encouraged. Staff members, ranging from front desk personnel to advanced practice providers, have grown professionally and contributed significantly under his guidance.

Instead of centralizing services in one large facility, he has developed smaller, community-based clinics tailored to the specific needs and character of the neighborhoods they serve. This approach has strengthened ties with referring physicians and created a more personal, accessible experience for patients.

Dr Saffold is committed to providing care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or financial circumstances. His systems prioritize long-term outcomes and human-centered values over short-term efficiency. He hopes to be remembered as a leader who prioritized patient care and empowered others to reach their full potential.

Scott is recognized for pioneering the integration of advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants into specialty care. By establishing clear training and supervision protocols, he expanded access while ensuring consistent quality and safety. He has also introduced AI-assisted medical documentation, in-office CT scanning, and advanced diagnostic procedures, such as in-office laryngeal biopsies, to enhance patient care.

Dr Scott Saffold serves on the board of a regional hospital system and has played a key role in partnerships that extend healthcare access in rural Virginia. Local media regularly seek his expertise on sinonasal disease and balloon sinus dilation. His scholarly work includes publications on selective neck dissection, dermal allografts in reconstructive surgery, and tumor immunology.

Since 2014, he has been the Medical Director of the Virginia Sinus Center in Virginia Beach. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Scott earned a degree in Cell Biology from UC Berkeley in 1990. He graduated at the top of his class from Meharry Medical College, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His postgraduate training included a General Surgery Internship at the University of New York at Buffalo, a research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and an otolaryngology residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. His training covered specialties such as otology, pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastic surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and head and neck radiology. He chose general otolaryngology to provide broad care to his community.

Dr Saffold sponsors a scholarship at Meharry Medical College for underrepresented medical students and holds an MBA from Old Dominion University's Strome College of Business in Norfolk, Virginia.

His academic achievements include multiple awards in anatomy, pathology, internal medicine, and hematology, as well as membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

Outside his professional work, Scott Saffold is a devoted father to two children, a youth football coach, and an endurance athlete who has completed numerous marathons and triathlons, including two half-Ironman races. He also enjoys reading in his free time.

Scott Saffold is a board-certified otolaryngologist, founder, and medical director of Chesapeake Bay ENT, a leading ear, nose, and throat practice in Southeastern Virginia. Since 2001, he has guided the practice based in Belle Haven, transforming a s... Show more

Founder & CEO of Ocean Trends. Software developer building impactful tech products across finance, health & commerce. Featured in top media.

Founder & CEO of Ocean Trends. Software developer building impactful tech products across finance, health & commerce. Featured in top media. Show more

Leon Shpaner is a data scientist at UCLA Health, adjunct professor in University of San Diego’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, course facilitator for eCornell’s Data Analytics Certificate program, and data science instructor at UCLA Extension. He has over 15 years of experience in data science, machine learning, and open source development. Leon is the creator and maintainer of eda_toolkit and several Python libraries for reproducible analytics.

Leon Shpaner is a data scientist at UCLA Health, adjunct professor in University of San Diego’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, course facilitator for eCornell’s Data Analytics Certificate program, and data science instructor at UCLA... Show more

Jessica Rudd, Ph.D. is currently based in Atlanta, GA. Jessica brings 15 years of experience in analytics, more recently specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence software development.

Jessica’s expertise includes the development of end-to-end machine learning pipelines, enterprise-grade software development, high-quality synthetic data generation, data security, privacy, and compliance regulations, AI ethics, applied statistics, sports analytics, and healthcare technology.

Jessica holds a PhD in analytics and data science from Kennesaw State University and a Masters in Public Health & Global Epidemiology from Emory University.

Jessica Rudd, Ph.D. is currently based in Atlanta, GA. Jessica brings 15 years of experience in analytics, more recently specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence software development. Jessica’s expertise includes the developmen... Show more

Dr. Nishi Patel, M.D., is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and cardiac critical care at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. Renowned for his clinical acumen and compassionate patient care, Dr. Patel also serves as the National Director of Cardiac Imaging for Access Physicians/SOC Telemedicine, a national leader in expanding specialized telehealth services to rural hospitals. In this capacity, he drives initiatives in echocardiography and cardiac CT imaging, ensuring that high-quality cardiovascular diagnostics are accessible to patients regardless of their location.

Dr. Patel’s educational journey began at Drexel University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2009 and his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2013. He completed his internship and residency at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Patel then further specialized with fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology, Echocardiography, Cardiac CT, and Nuclear Cardiology.

At WellSpan York Hospital, Dr. Patel is at the forefront of advanced heart failure care. He manages critically ill patients who require complex interventions, such as ECMO, Impella, and LVAD support, as well as heart transplantation. Dr. Patel has been instrumental in developing comprehensive heart failure programs, emphasizing local care to minimize patient travel and maximize support networks. His leadership has also extended to establishing clinics for survivors of cardiogenic shock, pioneering virtual and molecular autopsy protocols to understand genetic risks, and implementing remote monitoring solutions, such as CardioMEMS, to prevent hospitalizations and improve outcomes.

A national leader in telehealth, Dr. Patel’s work with Access Telecare has helped hundreds of rural and community hospitals deliver expert cardiac imaging and specialty care previously available only in major academic centers. His commitment to leveraging technology for patient-centered care has transformed cardiovascular services for many underserved populations.

Dr. Patel’s research career began in residency, investigating heart failure and arrhythmias in animal models. He has since contributed to the medical literature with publications and presentations on ventricular assist devices, heart failure therapies, transplantation, and the genetics of cardiac disease. He recently received the prestigious Zoll Foundation Research Grant to advance genomic approaches to sudden cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. Dr. Patel is also Editor-in-Chief for Cardiology and Cardiac CT at StatPearls and reviews manuscripts for several major journals.

As an educator, Nishi Patel is an Associate Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine and a recipient of the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. He is actively involved in charitable work and professional societies and enjoys martial arts and outdoor pursuits in his time.

Dr. Nishi Patel, M.D., is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and cardiac critical care at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. Renowned for his clinical acumen and compassionate patient care, Dr. Patel also... Show more

Bharath Reddy Baddam is a seasoned Salesforce consultant with 9 years of comprehensive experience across the Salesforce ecosystem. Currently serving as a Senior Salesforce Developer at New York Life Insurance, he specializes in Service Cloud, Sales Cloud, Experience Cloud, and Health Cloud implementations.
Bharath holds 8 Salesforce certifications, including Platform Developer I & II, Sales Cloud Consultant, Service Cloud Consultant, and Experience Cloud Consultant. His expertise spans custom development using Apex, Lightning Web Components, and Visualforce, along with complex integrations involving MuleSoft, REST APIs, and third-party systems.
Throughout his career at Fortune 500 companies including Meta, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Amgen, and McKesson, Bharath has delivered scalable solutions that enhanced customer experiences and streamlined business processes. He has successfully implemented Einstein Chatbots, built custom Experience Cloud communities, and led digital transformation initiatives from requirements gathering through deployment.
His technical proficiency includes CI/CD tools (AutoRABIT, Gearset, Copado), agile methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration with business analysts, architects, and QA teams. Bharath combines deep technical knowledge with strong business acumen, making complex Salesforce concepts accessible to diverse stakeholders while driving measurable business outcomes.

Bharath Reddy Baddam is a seasoned Salesforce consultant with 9 years of comprehensive experience across the Salesforce ecosystem. Currently serving as a Senior Salesforce Developer at New York Life Insurance, he specializes in Service Cloud, Sales C... Show more

Tajinder Singh is an AI Architect at Virginia Tech. He is passionate about distributed systems, cloud computing, observability, data, AI and scalability. He enjoys mentoring others to be successful. During his free time, he likes to jog and enjoy awesome chai.

Tajinder Singh is an AI Architect at Virginia Tech. He is passionate about distributed systems, cloud computing, observability, data, AI and scalability. He enjoys mentoring others to be successful. During his free time, he likes to jog and enjoy aw... Show more

Xamantha Descallar is a college student who studies Microbiology at Texas A&M University and Lone Star College. She is fluent in English, understands Cebuano and Japanese, and dedicates her time to volunteering at medical facilities, including Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Her academic focus is centered on nursing, pathology, and forensic science. Outside her studies, she enjoys digital art, photography, cooking, learning musical instruments, dancing, singing, and studying languages.

Xamantha Pearl Gales Descallar was born in Cebu, Philippines. Her family moved to the United States when she was only a year old, which gave her exposure to different languages and cultures early in life. Her home mainly used Cebuano, while English remained a common language in daily life.

Her education began in Lehighton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, where she did well in her primary and secondary classes. She later moved to Spring, Texas, and attended Irons Junior High School and Oak Ridge High School. During this time, she joined many clubs and organizations that reflected her varied interests, such as the Robotics Club, Science Bowl, Art Club, Yearbook Club, Drone Club, and Biotechnology Club. She was also involved in the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society. As Science Bowl team captain, she led her group to a third-place finish.

Xamantha earned several recognitions for her academic achievements. She secured first place in the District 5 CYO Spelling Bee for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015 and received Student Achieving Excellence awards and an Academic Excellence award in 2019. In 2020, she placed second in the SCI: TECH Biotechnology Competition for her data analysis work. She graduated in 2023 from Oak Ridge High School in the top 10% of her class with Magna Cum Laude honors. She is now working on finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology earlier than planned, with goals to obtain licensure in Microbiology and join an accelerated nursing program.

Xamantha’s volunteer experience started in April 2019 at IRONMAN Texas in The Woodlands, Texas, where she set up and resupplied aid stations. In November 2019, she helped at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's Children’s Festival, assisting with games and children’s activities, and returned in 2022. She also volunteered at the Montgomery Food Bank from December 2021 through 2023, where she sorted goods and organized produce. In the summer of 2022, she joined the Houston Methodist Caring Teen Summer Internship Program, working in the Nursing and Food & Nutrition Departments. Her other volunteer efforts included helping at the Fall Festival in Conroe, the Family Gift Market in Spring, and Breakfast with Santa at Houser Elementary School.

In September 2024, she participated in a Service Learning Workday at The Gardens at Texas A&M University. In April 2025, she volunteered at the Science Olympiad competition in College Station. As of June 2025, she continues volunteering at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, assisting in the Courier and Pre-Operation departments with tasks such as patient discharges, deliveries, and inventory.

Xamantha Descallar is fluent in English and conversational in Cebuano, with intermediate Japanese skills. She has tried studying Norwegian, Russian, and German and recently started learning Spanish. Her long-term goal is to achieve fluency in these languages to better connect with people and serve patients from diverse backgrounds.

In her free time, she plays online games to keep in touch with friends. She creates digital art inspired by media, personal experiences, and friendships. Photography has become one of her interests, with a focus on nature and everyday scenes. She enjoys cooking and often photographs the meals she prepares. Her musical journey began with the recorder and piano and later expanded to the acoustic guitar and ocarina. She has danced on stage and hopes to explore Hip-Hop dance classes in the future. Singing is another passion she shares with friends and family, often through karaoke during gatherings. For Xamantha Descallar, these hobbies bring joy and connection to her busy academic life.

Xamantha Descallar is a college student who studies Microbiology at Texas A&M University and Lone Star College. She is fluent in English, understands Cebuano and Japanese, and dedicates her time to volunteering at medical facilities, including Memori... Show more

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is a physician based in New York, NY, focused on pediatric healthcare and critical care medicine. He is completing his Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In 2022, he finished his pediatric residency through the Boston Combined Residency Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center. His path in medicine reflects a sustained commitment to underserved communities and advancing equitable pediatric care.

Thomas earned his undergraduate degree in Biology and Economics from a college in Massachusetts. After graduation, he joined a teaching program in Mississippi, where he spent three years teaching Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Statistics, and SATP Biology at a high school. His students consistently achieved above-average scores in statewide assessments. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he served as an assistant coach for track and field and soccer, mentoring several athletes who reached state-level recognition. These experiences strengthened his passion for youth development and influenced his decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Thomas went on to earn a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction before entering medical school in New Jersey. During his medical training, he co-founded a mentorship program for adolescents with HIV and served in several leadership roles at a student-run free clinic, eventually becoming its director. He also contributed to developing a team-based training program to improve healthcare communication and patient safety. His efforts were recognized with a distinction in community service.

During residency, Thomas actively participated in curriculum development and health equity education. As a fellow, his research focuses on improving communication between care teams and families in the pediatric intensive care unit, especially during cases of acute respiratory failure. He also helped establish Health Equity Rounds within his department to foster dialogue around disparities in care.

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, continues integrating his teaching, clinical practice, and advocacy background to support critically ill children and their families, focusing on compassionate, equitable care.

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is a physician based in New York, NY, focused on pediatric healthcare and critical care medicine. He is completing his Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In 2022, he finishe... Show more

Agile Coach and Transformation Strategist with 30+ years of experience across technology, business, and leadership development. Passionate about enabling cultural evolution, organizational agility, and sustainable results — always with a people-centered and impact-driven approach

Agile Coach and Transformation Strategist with 30+ years of experience across technology, business, and leadership development. Passionate about enabling cultural evolution, organizational agility, and sustainable results — always with a people-cente... Show more

Agile Expert with 10+ years of experience, and sound expertise in Kanban, Scrum, and Lean-Agile processes, broadening the use of Agile by going beyond “traditional” areas.

Kanban Coaching Professional (KCP, Kanban University). Other relevant certifications: CXP (Fit for Purpose), KMP, FLSA (Flight Levels), ICP-ACC (Agile Coach). Experienced on Global Projects, across multiple time zones, with English (C2, CEFR) as a common language.

Recognized as a Trusted Advisor and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Agile, Kanban, Flow Metrics, Cost-Waste Analysis, OKRs, Fit for Purpose, and Process Tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, etc.), across several clients. Primarily focused on Hard Skills, but also with great communication and social cohesion skills.

Speaker and Coordinator at Local and International Conferences on Agile, Kanban, Management, and Business Agility. Worked with clients across many industries, such as Tech, Banking, Healthcare, Payments, Consulting, and Financial Markets.

Main Skills: Management, Agile, Communication, Leadership, Creativity, Process Optimization, Metrics, OKRs/KPIs, Kanban, Customer Centricity, Team Building, Clients and Partners relationships, Networking. ... and good humor =)

MBA; Computer Engineer; Former Entrepreneur; Native Portuguese speaker; Proficient in English; Brazilian and EU Citizen.

Agile Expert with 10+ years of experience, and sound expertise in Kanban, Scrum, and Lean-Agile processes, broadening the use of Agile by going beyond “traditional” areas. Kanban Coaching Professional (KCP, Kanban University). Other relevant certi... Show more

Presenter Biography: Lt. Kenny Mitchell Jr (ret) began his fire service career in 2002 with The Virginia Beach Fire Department. Kenny was assigned to Fire Station 4 and served on the MIRT (Marine Incident Response Team) his entire time with VBFD. In 2007 he relocated to Chesterfield, Virginia where he was employed with Chesterfield County Fire & EMS until April 1, 2024, when he retired as a Lieutenant after nearly 23 years.

Kenny served in a variety of assignments during his time with Chesterfield County Fire & EMS including some time as a lead instructor in the Training Division, a member of the MIRT (Marine Incident Response Team), an active member of the Peer Support Team since 2009, the department interview panel having assisted in hiring hundreds of new firefighters and serving as the departments Public Information Officer during his time in the Fire & Life Safety Division.

Kenny has developed a deep appreciation and sympathy for the mental health challenges that so many humans, especially those who have served in the protector community, endure. His ability to place you into the moment of the worst personal life knockdown him and his seven-year-old daughter would face and the seven-year journey he had to go on to find himself and his new purpose is powerful. Kenny then takes you further through his fire service career and the loss of a close friend just seventeen days after meeting for lunch from suicide in 2020 that birthed Operation Yellow Tape.

His newfound purpose of helping first responders and their families overcome the invisible wounds of traumatic careers inside and outside the yellow tape will leave you wanting to take proactive action in your life immediately. Kenny is passionate about, and continues to advocate for, first responders who have experienced and are struggling with their own cumulative traumatic stress, critical incidents, family issues, and PTSI. He has spoken at several conferences and organizations across the country, along with numerous podcast appearances and has his own Operation Yellow Tape Podcast assisting thousands inside and outside the yellow tape monthly. Most recently spending two full days presenting in Wisconsin at the United for Waukesha Resiliency Center teaching mental health wellbeing for those affected by the November 21, 2021, Waukesha Christmas Day Parade Incident. Honored to have spoken in Port Orange, Florida on April 19th during their Operation Frontline Resilience Conference for Speak up; Tomorrow needs you and last week in Kentucky on May 5th as the keynote for the 2025 Tactical Tools for Thriving First Responders Mental Health Symposium.

We are going to drive home and continue to live by, "There are too many of us to ever feel alone!" Because WE ARE THE TOO MANY!

Presenter Biography: Lt. Kenny Mitchell Jr (ret) began his fire service career in 2002 with The Virginia Beach Fire Department. Kenny was assigned to Fire Station 4 and served on the MIRT (Marine Incident Response Team) his entire time with VBFD. In... Show more

Experienced data-driven API Product Manager with holding MBA from BIMM Pune and B-Tech from RGPV-Bhopal with 12+ years of experience in the industry across verticals of Payments ,Travel, Hospitality, Healthcare, Digital Marketing, e-Commerce.
Currently working as Senior Product Manager at PayPal and owning Transaction and reconciliation APIs.

Experienced data-driven API Product Manager with holding MBA from BIMM Pune and B-Tech from RGPV-Bhopal with 12+ years of experience in the industry across verticals of Payments ,Travel, Hospitality, Healthcare, Digital Marketing, e-Commerce. Curren... Show more

Senior Engineering Architect at Cisco, specializing in AI tooling and full-stack development—building scalable, intelligent systems that unlock data insights and streamline operations.

Frequent judge and mentor at hackathons, guiding aspiring developers from idea to implementation.

Active contributor outside of work: volunteer, technical writer, and hands-on tech educator for school students.

Senior Member, IEEE; active member of AAAI, ACM, IAENG, and TAG (Technology Association of Georgia).

Regular session chair at technical conferences and judge for multiple hackathons.

Author and peer-reviewer of technical papers spanning healthcare, software engineering, and AI.

Contributor to several book chapters on emerging technologies and real-world applications.

Holder of granted patents in artificial intelligence.

Community-minded volunteer with NFTE, Cisco STEM, American Corporate Partners, 3DE school events, and the American Heart Association.

Known for bridging research and practice—bringing academic rigor, industry pragmatism, and a collaborative mindset to every project.

Senior Engineering Architect at Cisco, specializing in AI tooling and full-stack development—building scalable, intelligent systems that unlock data insights and streamline operations. Frequent judge and mentor at hackathons, guiding aspiring deve... Show more

Daniel Podor grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where personal ambition and a strong sense of community shaped his early life. As a young athlete, he dedicated himself to soccer, sprinting, and distance running. These experiences taught him discipline, resilience, and teamwork, qualities that have stayed with him throughout his journey.

He began his college studies at Rollins College before completing a degree in business at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His dedication to learning led him to earn an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and leadership. For him, education has always been a continuous pursuit. He is an enthusiastic reader and enjoys collecting books about American history and the story of Cleveland.

In his professional life, Daniel has worked in cardiovascular medical device sales, collaborating with startups and Fortune 500 companies. He is respected for his strategic mindset and his ability to adapt to different business environments. Alongside his corporate work, he founded a marketing agency specializing in electric vehicle charging and a consulting practice focused on sales strategy and marketing. These efforts reflect his interest in innovation, sustainability, and supporting others.

Family is the center of his life. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, two daughters, and son. He values time spent with them, whether reading together or encouraging their activities. His passion for endurance sports has led him to participate in several 5Ks and half-marathons, which he sees as opportunities to stay healthy and focused.

He is committed to giving back to his community through his support of the American Heart Association and volunteering with a homeless program at his church. In his spare time, he follows soccer, cheers for Cleveland’s teams, and enjoys exploring a range of literature.

Daniel Podor continues to focus on meaningful work, caring for his family, and learning with steady dedication and purpose.

Daniel Podor grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where personal ambition and a strong sense of community shaped his early life. As a young athlete, he dedicated himself to soccer, sprinting, and distance running. These experiences taught him discipline, ... Show more

Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides bespoke services that exceed their strategic needs to an extensive list of clientele from academia to various industries including aviation, customer service, legal, marketing, logistics, education and technology. He was named one of the first 18 global “OpenAI Experts”, an endorsement awarded and recognized formally by OpenAI. Shields' exemplary work has earned him and his Synthminds team the "Expert-Vetted" AI Consultant accolade from Upwork, a title conferred on the top 1% of the 18 million professionals on the platform.

Recognized as an accomplished strategist and speaker in the field of AI, he is also the host of the popular podcast, 'How to Talk to AI.' He has a notable presence on Promptbase.com, the premier prompt sales marketplace, where his prompts rank him amongst the top 200 worldwide.

Shields possesses an impressive academic portfolio, holding an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MBA from the Mason School of Business at The College of William & Mary, and a BS in Economics from the esteemed United States Naval Academy. His contributions to academic research, particularly in the domains of complex network science and logistics technology integration, have been published and recognized, earning him graduate certifications from both the Kegan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the Naval Postgraduate School.

For more insights into his professional pursuits and areas of interest, visit https://synthminds.ai/.

Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides b... Show more

This is Sumit Kumar, a dynamic Cloud Solution Architect employed in the telecommunications industry and based in Gurgaon. With a comprehensive experience spanning over 14 years in the realm of technology, I exude unwavering energy and motivation. My journey into the technological landscape commenced in 2016, and ever since, I have been entrenched in the boundless realm of cloud computing.

My enthusiasm for technology knows no bounds, serving as the foundation for my role as a tech blogger. My written pieces revolve around insightful content covering a spectrum ranging from Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to DevOps methodologies. Aiding both students and professionals in their career growth and development is a facet of my commitment.

Furthermore, I am an active advocate for cloud technology. I am honored to announce my recent nomination as a Google Developer Expert for the year 2024.

This is Sumit Kumar, a dynamic Cloud Solution Architect employed in the telecommunications industry and based in Gurgaon. With a comprehensive experience spanning over 14 years in the realm of technology, I exude unwavering energy and motivation. My ... Show more

Matt Herman, a respected insurance expert from Tamarac, Florida, is the founder and former CEO of Enhance Health. Recognized for his dynamic leadership and commitment to social responsibility, he has consistently achieved financial success while working to expand healthcare access and open doors for underserved communities.

Over just two years, he took Enhance Health from a $16 million shortfall to over $570 million in revenue, building one of Florida’s largest minority employers along the way. Through his leadership, more than a million Americans were able to enroll in health plans, with many navigating the healthcare system for the first time. His efforts have helped people secure vital coverage and gain a better understanding of the resources available to them.

His work ethic and values were formed early, starting immediately after graduating high school in 2004. Joining his family’s floor-covering business, he learned the importance of steady work and responsibility. Through his contributions, he helped the company become a leader in South Florida’s residential construction industry. The experience gave him practical skills in managing growth, building teams, and adapting to change—qualities that would guide him in the years ahead.

In 2008, he made a decisive move into the health insurance field, where he quickly advanced into leadership. He expanded a small agency into one with hundreds of agents, then established a field marketing organization that garnered national attention and ultimately led to a successful exit. This experience enabled him to focus on developing a business model centered on purpose rather than just profit.

With a renewed focus, he established a company centered on education, support, and access to care. Enhance Health gained recognition for offering practical guidance and assisting individuals, particularly those with limited financial means, in navigating their health coverage. His vision was to provide more than just enrollment—he wanted members to understand and utilize their benefits truly.

Beyond his career, he remains dedicated to supporting children with special needs and actively participates in community initiatives. He also enjoys basketball and weightlifting, reflecting his energetic and determined approach to life. Matt Herman continues to demonstrate that strong business leadership and a commitment to service can move forward together with purpose.

Matt Herman, a respected insurance expert from Tamarac, Florida, is the founder and former CEO of Enhance Health. Recognized for his dynamic leadership and commitment to social responsibility, he has consistently achieved financial success while work... Show more

I am a young woman with cerebral palsy quadriplegia who has a great passion for helping people overcome limitations as well as connecting to a higher power, especially with a Christian context. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and support all faith paths that are in love and light. I have a bachelors degree in Women and Gender studies with distinction, and a certificate in Counselling Women. I have a deep faith in God and the importance of believing in the unseen aspects of life. I love being outside and enjoy skiing and hiking with my family in Canada. With my presentations, I hope to show people that they are always supported by divine love and grace. I look forward to helping you and your audience live your best lives.

I am a young woman with cerebral palsy quadriplegia who has a great passion for helping people overcome limitations as well as connecting to a higher power, especially with a Christian context. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and support all fai... Show more

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real impact. Whether it’s go-to-market, positioning, or storytelling that converts, I know how to connect the dots and move fast.

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real im... Show more

Arvind Kumar Akula is a seasoned Senior Staff Engineer with over 18 years of expertise in designing and supporting large-scale enterprise applications. His technical proficiency spans a wide range of technologies, including Java, Spring, AWS cloud services, GraphQL, AI, ML, RAG, Agents and micro services architecture. Arvind has extensive experience working with critical sectors such as banking, payments, criminal processing, and gaming solutions. He has successfully led backend architecture enhancements, developed scalable micro services, and integrated modern cloud technologies across various platforms. His notable roles include positions at Guaranteed Rate, Inc., eBay Inc., and Silicon Valley Bank, where he delivered impactful digital solutions. Arvind holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from JNTU, Hyderabad.

Arvind Kumar Akula is a seasoned Senior Staff Engineer with over 18 years of expertise in designing and supporting large-scale enterprise applications. His technical proficiency spans a wide range of technologies, including Java, Spring, AWS cloud se... Show more

Brian is the Director of Architecture, leading a passionate team advancing the future of DevSecOps with Chef's Ruby-based tools and the cloud-native Chef360 platform. As a seasoned technology leader, he has held roles as CTO and VP of Engineering and played a key part in launching .NET and Azure during a distinguished 16-year career at Microsoft. Through Princeton Digital Advisors, Brian offers strategic technical and agile consulting to executives, helping them design next-generation platforms and digital products.

With a proven track record of delivering over a dozen digital cloud solutions for organizations ranging from Fortune 50 enterprises to startups across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, education, and high-tech, Brian brings unparalleled expertise and vision to every initiative. He holds degrees from Princeton University and California State University, actively advises professional software architecture groups, and is a proud former U.S. Air Force officer.

Brian is the Director of Architecture, leading a passionate team advancing the future of DevSecOps with Chef's Ruby-based tools and the cloud-native Chef360 platform. As a seasoned technology leader, he has held roles as CTO and VP of Engineering and... Show more

I help companies and departments realize the effects and benefits of innovation and digitalization by combining a unique interest in and expertise in both the technical and the human aspects of an IT project. I have an engineering background with further education and experience on management, project management, process management, service innovation, service design, LEAN, benefit realization, information security, AI and enterprise architecture.

I help companies and departments realize the effects and benefits of innovation and digitalization by combining a unique interest in and expertise in both the technical and the human aspects of an IT project. I have an engineering background with f... Show more