Naveen Kumar Pedada is a Computer Systems Architect with 20+ years of Information Technology experience in various phases of the Software Development Life Cycle, including architecture, data model designing, data analysis, development, testing, and maintenance of business applications using Java, J2EE, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and Relational Database Management Systems. He has experience across Security, Banking, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Media domains.
He has expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Apache Kafka, AWS, Oracle PL/SQL, SQL performance tuning, Unix Shell scripting, Informatica, Perl, Python, Hadoop, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines, RESTful APIs, and relational databases.
At EmblemHealth, Naveen has worked on TruProvider product implementation, TruProvider cloud migration, and FACETS product implementation. His responsibilities include developing system architecture, ensuring scalability and performance, designing secure architectures, implementing redundancy and failover solutions, supporting AWS cloud migration, automation, IAM policies, and HIPAA compliance.
Previously, he worked with Marriott International as a Technical Lead, Nielsen Media as a Senior Developer, Microsoft as a Senior Software Engineer, and the Tanzania Police as an IT Developer. His work involved requirements gathering, data analysis, data modeling, PL/SQL development, ETL processes, data migration, production support, SQL performance tuning, Unix shell scripting, Java application development, testing, code reviews, and technical support.
Naveen has published scholarly articles and book chapters in AI-driven healthcare security, IoMT, blockchain technology, IoT healthcare networks, and smart cyber technology. He holds an M.Tech in Computer Science from Osmania University and a B.Tech in Computer Science from JNTU Hyderabad, along with certifications in GenAI, Oracle Cloud, Scrum Master, ITIL, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Oracle PL/SQL, and Unix Shell Scripting.

Naveen Kumar Pedada is a Computer Systems Architect with 20+ years of Information Technology experience in various phases of the Software Development Life Cycle, including architecture, data model designing, data analysis, development, testing, and m... Show more

Russ Abrams has extensive experience leading transformation efforts across various industries, including healthcare, government, telecommunications, information systems and retail. As a consultant and trainer, he applies innovative Lean Six Sigma solutions to drive the strategy execution, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Russ excels at building strong teams, processes and control systems in a unique way that enables organizations to live continuous improvement, not just learn it.
Highlights
• Highly skilled deployment leader, executive coach and trainer
• Lean master and Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• High-level experience across transactional and manufacturing environments
• Created innovations in telecommunications, retail and healthcare
2014 Keynote Speaker Gemba Lean Summit, Brazil

Started a non-profit all volunteer organization building devices for people with disabilities. using the same skills for understanding the customer's needs and providing innovative solutions.

Russ Abrams has extensive experience leading transformation efforts across various industries, including healthcare, government, telecommunications, information systems and retail. As a consultant and trainer, he applies innovative Lean Six Sigma sol... 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

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

Soy ingeniero mecatrónico con sólida experiencia como arquitecto de soluciones en la nube, especializado en servicios de inteligencia artificial, data y seguridad sobre AWS. A lo largo de mi carrera he combinado habilidades con una fuerte orientación al negocio, liderando iniciativas que integran servicios como Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, Amazon Quick y Kiro entre otras, para resolver desafíos reales de los clientes.

Llevo más de 9 años dentro TD SYNNEX y una de mis pasiones es compartir conocimiento y rodearme de personas que comparten mis mismas pasiones.

Soy ingeniero mecatrónico con sólida experiencia como arquitecto de soluciones en la nube, especializado en servicios de inteligencia artificial, data y seguridad sobre AWS. A lo largo de mi carrera he combinado habilidades con una fuerte orientación... Show more

I am a mechanical engineer by education and software professional by passion. If I am not exploring technology, I am doing music, music is my other passion. I work for Cardinal Health currently and I have been developing software solutions within Banking & Financials, Engineering, and Health Care domains. Prior to Cardinal Health, I have held several technical leadership roles at companies such as General Electric, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, and a few start-ups. I also contribute to various open-source projects, occasionally. I am also a speaker at conferences like SpringOne.

I am a mechanical engineer by education and software professional by passion. If I am not exploring technology, I am doing music, music is my other passion. I work for Cardinal Health currently and I have been developing software solutions within Ban... Show more

AI isn’t coming. It’s already reshaping industries and most enterprises are still figuring out where to start.

I’ve spent 15+ years at the forefront of that transformation. From building data science foundations when “AI” was still a buzzword, to architecting production-grade agentic systems that autonomously drive business outcomes today. I’ve consistently been a step ahead of where the market was going.

I don’t just implement AI. I help enterprises understand what’s possible before they know to ask for it, scoping the right initiatives, building the right solutions, and leading the teams that bring them to life. From first conversation to full adoption.

My edge: the combination of deep mathematical foundations, hands-on technical leadership, and the ability to translate complexity into boardroom-level clarity. I lead high-performing teams of AI engineers and data scientists while staying close enough to the architecture to know when something won’t work before it doesn’t.

The next frontier is agentic AI. I’m already there.

AI isn’t coming. It’s already reshaping industries and most enterprises are still figuring out where to start. I’ve spent 15+ years at the forefront of that transformation. From building data science foundations when “AI” was still a buzzword, to ... Show more

As an Engineering Manager for Digital Health Platforms in Spain, he oversees the delivery of the core technical capabilities powering our navify solutions. His mandate centers on the strategic development of technical excellence and the synchronization of individual career trajectories with our platform’s overarching objectives
Previously at Roche, he was helping delivery teams to focus on their core business by taking the responsibility of automating tasks, optimising processes and providing the required infrastructure for building software. Author of several scientific articles, he previously worked as software engineer at University College Cork (Ireland) in multiple research projects related to different areas such as Supply Chain Optimisation, Scheduling, Energy Efficiency, Cloud Computing, and e-Health, designing and implementing solutions for complex problems. Òscar also created and directed the MSc in DevOps and Cloud Computing at University of Barcelona.

As an Engineering Manager for Digital Health Platforms in Spain, he oversees the delivery of the core technical capabilities powering our navify solutions. His mandate centers on the strategic development of technical excellence and the synchronizati... 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

I’m a strategist and systems thinker who helps organizations rethink how they build and live with technology, bridging the gap between innovation and execution with clarity, purpose, and just enough rebellion. My work focuses less on tools and more on how people and organizations think, especially as AI reshapes how work gets done.

I’ve led digital transformation and AI initiatives across government, healthcare, education, and enterprise environments, often in moments of ambiguity, constraint, and rapid change. I specialize in untangling complexity, surfacing hidden assumptions, and helping organizations design systems that can adapt, rather than break, the moment priorities shift.

In my talks, I blend systems strategy, organizational insight, and storytelling to challenge how we define “future-ready” technology. Because the real challenge with AI isn’t capability, it’s whether the systems we build can move with change, and whether humans are still allowed room for judgment, context, and evolution inside them.

I’m a strategist and systems thinker who helps organizations rethink how they build and live with technology, bridging the gap between innovation and execution with clarity, purpose, and just enough rebellion. My work focuses less on tools and more o... 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

Daniela Petruzalek is a developer relations engineer at Google focused on Google Cloud Platform. Her specialisation is backend development and data engineering. She has previously worked at companies like JPMorgan, Oracle and ThoughtWorks. On her spare time she contributes to open source, plays video games and pets random cats on the streets.

Daniela Petruzalek is a developer relations engineer at Google focused on Google Cloud Platform. Her specialisation is backend development and data engineering. She has previously worked at companies like JPMorgan, Oracle and ThoughtWorks. On her spa... 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

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty.

Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. With a background as a former Fortune 100 Vice President of Automation Transformation and Certified Public Accountant, she brings rare executive credibility to the human side of leadership.

Through neuroscience-backed, multisensory experiences — integrating music, movement, mindfulness, and storytelling — Shawntà teaches leaders the bio hacks of presence, regulation, and influence. Her work reveals what’s felt but rarely named in modern organizations: how overstimulation, unregulated pressure, and emotional misalignment quietly erode performance, trust, and decision-making.

She is the founder of The Clarity Lab™ and creator of the Catch → Convert → Create™ system of nervous system regulation.

Equipping leaders to regulate pressure, repair trust, and lead in the age of uncertainty. Shawntà Hooks is an award-winning global keynote speaker, author, and Leadership & Clarity Strategist known for unlocking clarity in high-pressure cultures. ... Show more

Coming from a non-traditional background in International Business, I began my journey into Data Science and Machine Learning as a self-taught learner, driven by curiosity and a desire to solve real-world problems. Over time, my interest evolved into a clear mission: to apply technology in a way that creates tangible impact in healthcare.

My journey into tech started outside of the traditional path, but led me straight into the intersection of healthcare and data. Now as a Master’s student in Smart Medicine and Health Informatics at National Taiwan University, I’m focused on Biomedical Informatics - designing technologies that are not only intelligent, but also meaningful in real-world clinical settings.

I'm passionate about building solutions where clinical insight meets technical precision, and where ethical, explainable AI plays a critical role. I believe the future of healthcare isn’t just smart - it’s also transparent, human-centered, and inclusive.

Coming from a non-traditional background in International Business, I began my journey into Data Science and Machine Learning as a self-taught learner, driven by curiosity and a desire to solve real-world problems. Over time, my interest evolved into... Show more

Lokesh Karanam is a Staff Software Engineer specializing in Machine Learning Systems for Regulated Cloud Data Platforms and Generative AI Operations, backed by over five years of industry experience. He currently works at RR Donnelley (Austin, TX) and previously held a role as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon Web Services.
His educational background includes an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Missouri.
Lokesh's career highlights feature significant original technical contributions, such as developing a large-scale, privacy-compliance deletion platform and implementing solutions that drove substantial cloud cost savings and platform efficiencies. He also led an AI marketing platform project with a pending patent. His scholarly contributions include multiple peer-reviewed publications in prestigious conferences like IEEE DeSE and AMIA, covering advanced topics from Intrusion Detection using deep learning to Continuous Anticipation of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in the ICU. Lokesh's contributions have earned him recognition, including the Diamond Award and service as a Session Chair at the IEOM conference.

Lokesh Karanam is a Staff Software Engineer specializing in Machine Learning Systems for Regulated Cloud Data Platforms and Generative AI Operations, backed by over five years of industry experience. He currently works at RR Donnelley (Austin, TX) an... Show more

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Kieran supports organisations through digital transformation and the adoption of new Microsoft technologies, including AI-powered business applications and agents.

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, K... Show more

Christophe Martinot is an international speaker, transformation advisor, and author of SPIRAL UP®, a framework designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations grow stronger through agility and resilience.

A former executive with over two decades of leadership experience in FMCG, pharma, and medical devices, Christophe has held strategic roles at L’Oréal, Danone, Abbott, and Sanofi.

As Managing Director and Co-Founder of SeedingEnergy, he now guides organizations across the USA, UK, and Europe in redefining their ways of working, building cultures that are more agile, human-centered, and purpose-driven.

He is a co-author of the Agile Customer Centricity Manifesto, part of the global leadership group shaping Agile Marketing Manifesto 2.0, and a co-initiator of the Business Agility Hub.

Christophe also shares his passion for agility and transformation with the next generation of leaders, teaching Agile Ways of Working at IED Barcelona and as a guest professor at ESADE.

A pragmatic optimist, he brings energy, empathy, and real-world experience to every stage, inspiring leaders and teams to Spiral Up through every challenge.
He works fluently in English, French, and Spanish.

Christophe Martinot is an international speaker, transformation advisor, and author of SPIRAL UP®, a framework designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations grow stronger through agility and resilience. A former executive with over two de... Show more

Uri Rosenberg is the Strategic Specialist Technical Manager of AI Services at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Based out of Israel, Uri works to empower strategic customers to design, build and operate deep learning at scale.
Uri is an AWS certified Lead Machine Learning Subject Matter Expert and holds an MsC. in computer science from Tel-Aviv Academic college, where his research focused on large scale deep learning models. He is also a member of the European Commission’s AI Alliance, a forum dedicated to all legal, technical, and economic implications that artificial intelligence (AI) presents to our societies.
Before his current role, Uri was the AI Specialist Technical Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to AWS, He also led the ML projects at at&t innovation center in Israel, working on deep learning models with extreme security and privacy constraints.

Uri Rosenberg is the Strategic Specialist Technical Manager of AI Services at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Based out of Israel, Uri works to empower strategic customers to design, build and operate deep learning at scale. Uri is an AWS certified Lea... Show more

Nick is a co-founder of En Dash and a digital product leader with more than a decade of experience guiding product delivery, engineering execution, and Agile transformation across client engagements.
With a background spanning full-stack engineering, front-end specialization, product ownership, and delivery leadership, Nick is known for connecting technical depth with strong product judgment and a clear focus on improving end-user experiences.

Across engagements, Nick has stepped into the role most needed to help teams succeed, including Tech Lead, Product Owner, Scrum Master, Agile Delivery Lead, UX/UI Designer, Front-End Engineering Lead, and Full-Stack Engineer. That range has made Nick especially effective at working across functions, translating between business and technical perspectives, and helping teams collaborate more effectively around complex digital products.

Nick brings experience across design, product, and engineering disciplines, with hands-on expertise in tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Jira, Confluence, and Notion, as well as modern development stacks including JS/TS, React, Vue, Angular, Next.js, Nest.js, cloud platforms, and microservice and micro-frontend architecture.

Motivated by software’s potential to improve customers’ lives, Nick combines analytical problem-solving, creativity, and a strong teaching instinct with a personable, team-oriented approach that helps teams learn, deliver, and continuously improve together.

Nick is a co-founder of En Dash and a digital product leader with more than a decade of experience guiding product delivery, engineering execution, and Agile transformation across client engagements. With a background spanning full-stack engineerin... Show more

Sri Kolagani is a Director of CRM Engineering at Elastic. He leads engineering teams and supports Sales, Service, Marketing, and Partner Operations, focusing on enabling internal stakeholders through the adoption of new technologies, including generative AI. He is responsible for shaping the application ecosystem by introducing innovative capabilities and delivering solutions that advance both productivity and operational effectiveness. Prior to joining Elastic, Kolagani held senior leadership positions across financial services, payments, healthcare, and cloud computing.

Sri Kolagani is a Director of CRM Engineering at Elastic. He leads engineering teams and supports Sales, Service, Marketing, and Partner Operations, focusing on enabling internal stakeholders through the adoption of new technologies, including genera... Show more

Mr. Abrar Hussain is a young researcher in the field of probiotics and pursuing his Ph.D. degree from ICCBS, University of Karachi. Mr. Hussain, received his master degree in chemistry/ biochemistry from university of Peshawar, Pakistan. He also obtained C.T. (certified teacher), B.Ed. and M.Ed. degree in Science education from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Recently he completed M.Phil./MS degree in biochemistry from HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi. He completed his M.Phil. thesis on the "Molecular assessment and validation of the selected enterococcal strains as probiotics". Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in the probiogenomics analysis of probiotic. So far his contribution in the field is the indication of bright future as he published articles in probiotics and delivered lecture and participating in conferences to explore the field of probiotics.
He is also a professional speaker and delivered numerous lectures on different topics. Attending seminars, conferences, and participation in scientific events are the marking agents of his enthusiasm. He is also writing blogs on both scientific and social or religious perspectives. He has more than 100 participation certificate, delivered more than a dozen lectures and present his views in different conferences.
His research skills are also shaping his personality. He has strong research skills and is able to work in a team and independently. He also trained many internships students in his laboratory and also guide multiple students across the country for their scientific writing.
In short, Mr. Hussain is a man of rule, has keen interest for science, have excellent research, writing, and presentation skills. He fell more than happy to helps other students and guide them in their careers.

Mr. Abrar Hussain is a young researcher in the field of probiotics and pursuing his Ph.D. degree from ICCBS, University of Karachi. Mr. Hussain, received his master degree in chemistry/ biochemistry from university of Peshawar, Pakistan. He also obta... Show more

Varsha Das loves helping developers bridge the gap between AI experimentation and production-ready services. After seven years as a backend engineer in healthcare and fintech, she shifted from being just a consumer to becoming a creator—writing Medium articles, producing YouTube videos, mentoring developers, and publishing her first e-book on Spring Boot. As a Developer Advocate for Java + AI at AWS, she focuses on translating enterprise Java complexity into digestible narratives through storytelling that transforms confusing concepts into "aha!" moments. Varsha believes most technical concepts aren't inherently complex—they're just poorly told stories waiting for better narrators. Outside of work, you'll find her cafe-hopping with a good book, pizza, and hot chocolate, or writing personal essays exploring neuroscience and psychology.

Varsha Das loves helping developers bridge the gap between AI experimentation and production-ready services. After seven years as a backend engineer in healthcare and fintech, she shifted from being just a consumer to becoming a creator—writing Mediu... Show more

Ryan Armstrong is the Manager of Application Security Services at Digital Boundary Group (DBG). Ryan began with DBG as an application penetration tester and security consultant following completion of his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Western University in 2016. With a passion for teaching and training, Ryan leads training of application security specialists at DBG, teaches application security courses at a nearby college in his spare time, and creates AppSec content for his YouTube channel and newsletter.

Ryan Armstrong is the Manager of Application Security Services at Digital Boundary Group (DBG). Ryan began with DBG as an application penetration tester and security consultant following completion of his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Western Univ... Show more

Santosh Durgam is a data engineering & analytics leader with 20+ years building governed, high-scale data platforms across retirement/401(k), broader financial services, and healthcare. He leads cross-functional teams that deliver production-grade data lakes, lineage-aware pipelines, and ML-enabled analytics on cloud—translating governance into measurable business outcomes.

Recent speaking includes SQL Saturday Minnesota 2025, where he presented “From Ingestion to Insights: Building Robust Data Pipelines in AWS” to an in-person community audience. He has also contributed to international research forums and science conferences, and is invited to speak at ICDPN-2025 (International Conference on Data Processing & Networking), engaging practitioners and scholars on data engineering, governance, and analytics at scale. Santosh actively publishes/curates work via Google Scholar and shares practical playbooks for data quality, metadata/lineage, and operating models that connect data platforms to financial decisioning.

Beyond delivery, Santosh serves the community as a peer reviewer of scholarly work on data/ML methodologies and as a judge/mentor for select industry and academic competitions, reinforcing peer validation and public recognition. He champions modern data culture—mentoring engineers and product leaders, and advocating automation (incl. AI agents) to elevate reliability, speed, and auditability in regulated environments. Santosh recently completed his Executive MBA, sharpening strategy and value-creation at the intersection of data, risk, and growth

Santosh Durgam is a data engineering & analytics leader with 20+ years building governed, high-scale data platforms across retirement/401(k), broader financial services, and healthcare. He leads cross-functional teams that deliver production-grade da... Show more

Product Manager with experience driving scalable solutions across health, branding, and tech sectors. Previously worked with Advantage Health Africa, Kangaroo (Ethiopia), and Plutus Tech Solutions. Co-creator of Girls Nest, an award-winning hackathon solution empowering women. Passionate about building inclusive products and fostering collaboration.

Product Manager with experience driving scalable solutions across health, branding, and tech sectors. Previously worked with Advantage Health Africa, Kangaroo (Ethiopia), and Plutus Tech Solutions. Co-creator of Girls Nest, an award-winning hackathon... Show more

Dr. Lou Tetlan Bio -
Lou received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after which she was an Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, serving in the Neuroradiology Lab on fMRI brain imaging studies.
In addition, she has a Master’s Degree from the UW Graduate School of Business and holds a BFA in Art History, minor in linguistics, from Drake University & VIS Certification in Art History & Studio Arts from Venezia Isola di Studi, Venice, Italy.

Her focus is on the neurobiology of learning & creating 2D formats based on how the brain actually processes visual information. In pursuit of this focus, she developed a 3-step process for creating Cognitive-based Information Design (CID) formats. She is a published researcher and national/international speaker as well as a Professional Trainer and Founder of The CID Group, LLC.

Dr. Lou Tetlan Bio - Lou received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after which she was an Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, serving in the Neuroradiology... Show more