Humanities & Social Sciences

Esteemed speakers contributing their insights into human culture, behavior, and societal development

Laurent Sarrazin

Laurent Sarrazin

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help people achieve financial, social and professional autonomy, using the best practices of agile culture, enhanced by our dialogic signature. On our agenda: employability, social & eco-responsabile agile micro-entrepreneurship, development of essential 21st century skills (critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, leadership, resilience... and AI). www.awnb.org.

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help ... Show more

Natia Kukhilava

Natia Kukhilava

I'm the CTO and co-founder of Helio.AI, an AI agent platform transforming how recruiters work—trusted by 300+ international brands across 6 countries and backed by 500 Global. I have more than 6 years of experience in AI, combining new research ideas with useful tools for real businesses.

Alongside building AI products at scale, I serve as an AI researcher at GAIN, an EU-funded consortium between GTU, INRIA, and DFKI, where I explore topics like emotion recognition from EEG signals and face video. During the research I have published several articles in prestigious journals, held workshop on ACII 2024 and many more.

I'm honored to be a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and a speaker at global conferences including ICLR, DataFest, the Forbes Women Conference, and more - where I share insights on real-world AI adoption, generative AI workflows, and the evolution of autonomous systems.

In addition to my work in startups and research, I have strong experience in education. I teach AI to university students at Georgian Technical University, run training programs for business teams, and lead public lectures and workshops to help people understand and use AI in their daily work.

My current work focuses on AI agents, human-in-the-loop decision-making, and making generative AI usable and safe for enterprise environments.

I'm the CTO and co-founder of Helio.AI, an AI agent platform transforming how recruiters work—trusted by 300+ international brands across 6 countries and backed by 500 Global. I have more than 6 years of experience in AI, combining new research ideas... Show more

Timothy Terry

Timothy Terry

Timothy Terry is a CPD-certified AI consultant who specializes in making artificial intelligence practical, understandable, and usable for real people—not just technologists. His work focuses on helping businesses, educators, and community organizations move beyond AI theory into real-world application.

Rather than abstract concepts, Timothy demonstrates how AI can be used today to improve workflows, decision-making, productivity, and access—often through live examples, simple frameworks, and real systems he has built.

He is known for translating complex AI topics into clear, actionable insights that empower audiences to confidently engage with emerging technology, regardless of their technical background.

Timothy Terry is a CPD-certified AI consultant who specializes in making artificial intelligence practical, understandable, and usable for real people—not just technologists. His work focuses on helping businesses, educators, and community organizati... Show more

Kaitlin Desselle

Kaitlin Desselle

I'm Kaitlin (she/her)!

My superpowers are developing emotionally-intelligent leaders and revolutionizing organizational cultures into the most profitable asset. I have a proven track record of authenticating company values to impact employee engagement, efficiency in systems, and rapid growth of bottom line.

I founded Wayfinders Coaching & Consulting after spending over a decade in operations management and people leadership in high-performance organizations. I've worked cross-functionally in HR, business development, change management and learning and development, and across many industries--from higher education, food service, and retail--to DEI consulting.

What I found along the way is that the core ingredients for successful relationships (and ultimately business growth) are rooted in emotional intelligence, trust-based communication, and intercultural competence. Now I offer coaching, training, consulting, and thought-partnership for individuals and teams seeking to build these skills.

I work with an incredibly diverse team of practitioners, with go-to methodologies that include critical HROD, change management frameworks, emotional intelligence (EQ-i), intercultural development (IDI), systems audits, and cultural assessments.

I live on the Little Feminist Farm just outside of Atlanta, where we enjoy sustainable homesteading and host holistic wellness workshops and sanctuary retreats.

I'm Kaitlin (she/her)! My superpowers are developing emotionally-intelligent leaders and revolutionizing organizational cultures into the most profitable asset. I have a proven track record of authenticating company values to impact employee engag... Show more

Benjamyn Lockwood

Benjamyn Lockwood

Benjamyn brings two decades of event leadership to the stage; having orchestrated small and large conferences around the world. Part tech enthusiast, part philosopher, and part comedian, he weaponizes humor and hard-won wisdom to challenge audiences on leadership authenticity, embracing discomfort, and building purpose from life's most non-linear paths.

Benjamyn brings two decades of event leadership to the stage; having orchestrated small and large conferences around the world. Part tech enthusiast, part philosopher, and part comedian, he weaponizes humor and hard-won wisdom to challenge audiences ... Show more

Vanessa Vovor

Vanessa Vovor

I’m Vanessa Vovor, a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator, and Speaker with over a decade of experience supporting NGOs, city networks, international organizations, and development agencies to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

I run a portfolio consultancy at the intersection of climate action, governance and inclusion, partnering with mission-driven organizations across Africa and Europe. My work combines policy expertise, technical knowledge and strategic facilitation — from leading multi-country teams at GIZ and moderating high-level dialogues for the EU, to structuring project pipelines in sustainable energy, waste management, circular economy, and gender equity.

I’m Vanessa Vovor, a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator, and Speaker with over a decade of experience supporting NGOs, city networks, international organizations, and development agencies to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. I... Show more

Margaret Lee

Margaret Lee

Margaret Juhae Lee is the author of the award-winning Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History (Melville House), which was named a best book of 2024 by the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets. A former editor at The Nation, she received a Bunting Fellowship from Harvard University and a Korean Studies Fellowship from the Korea Foundation. Her articles have been published in The Nation, Newsday, Elle, ARTnews, Writer's Digest and The Rumpus. A seasoned public speaker, she has lectured and taught workshops on searching for family history and how to talked to loved ones about the past, She lives in Oakland, California, with her family.

Margaret Juhae Lee is the author of the award-winning Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History (Melville House), which was named a best book of 2024 by the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets. A former editor at The Nation, she received a Bunting... Show more

Nick Woodley

Nick Woodley

Nick Woodley is an ISO 42001 Lead Auditor with over 25 years of enterprise technology experience, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between AI innovation and governance requirements. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Nick combines deep Microsoft platform knowledge with practical AI governance implementation experience.
Relevant Credentials:

ISO 42001 Lead Auditor (AI Management Systems)
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert
Azure Solutions Architect Expert
CISSP & CCSP (ISC2)
Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Associate Member

Current AI Governance Experience:
As Cyber Security and Power Platform Principal at Ascent, Nick has developed AI compliance offerings incorporating DORA and NIST frameworks for European financial institutions. His recent work includes conducting AI risk assessments for global engineering companies and implementing AI governance frameworks that strike a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance.
Practical Audit Insight:
Nick's experience as an active ISO 42001 Lead Auditor provides unique insights into what actually works during audits, as opposed to theoretical compliance. His background spanning regulated industries (banking, government, insurance) gives him a practical understanding of how AI governance requirements vary across different regulatory environments and organisational contexts.
As an ISC2 East Midlands Chapter Officer, Nick actively contributes to the cybersecurity community's understanding of emerging AI security and governance challenges, making him well-positioned to share practical, implementable strategies with conference attendees.

Nick Woodley is an ISO 42001 Lead Auditor with over 25 years of enterprise technology experience, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between AI innovation and governance requirements. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Cybersecurity Architect Ex... Show more

Tom Ridge

Tom Ridge

Tom Ridge is a father of 4, an engineer, and long time remote worker and leader.

When he does find a scrap of time, he's known to run a D&D game or three.

Tom Ridge is a father of 4, an engineer, and long time remote worker and leader. When he does find a scrap of time, he's known to run a D&D game or three. Show more

Astrid Bin

Astrid Bin

Astrid is an artist and designer who works in music technology. She makes software and hardware systems for creative expression, taking on thorny technical and cultural challenges. She speaks about music technology, culture, and design, and all the places those encounter her myriad of special interests.

Astrid is an artist and designer who works in music technology. She makes software and hardware systems for creative expression, taking on thorny technical and cultural challenges. She speaks about music technology, culture, and design, and all the p... Show more

Peter Vasey

Peter Vasey

Higher-order cognitive skills are required in businesses that want to thrive in the modern world but the reality is that those skills are in steep decline, The more we offload to technology, the greater the decline. Learn how to push back and prepare your business.

Higher-order cognitive skills are required in businesses that want to thrive in the modern world but the reality is that those skills are in steep decline, The more we offload to technology, the greater the decline. Learn how to push back and prepare... Show more

Benjamin Rieth

Benjamin Rieth

Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Rieth (he/him/his) is the Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment, and Belonging at Bellin College. His professional background spans admissions, student affairs, campus life, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, allowing him to approach student success through an integrated, systems-level lens.
Benny is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a descendant of the Menominee Nation. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, his scholarship and practice center on relationality, space, and student sense of belonging. He is the creator of the Five Rs of Student Sense of Belonging and Space, a research-based framework developed through qualitative inquiry into students’ lived experiences of campus environments.
In addition to his institutional leadership, Benny is the founder of BelongingU: Rieth Strategy Solutions, where he consults with colleges and organizations on belonging, equity-minded practice, and organizational culture change. He is a frequent conference presenter and speaker, amplifying Indigenous research methods and bridging theory to practice in higher education.

Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Rieth (he/him/his) is the Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment, and Belonging at Bellin College. His professional background spans admissions, student affairs, campus life, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, allowing ... Show more

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has dedicated her career to shedding light on critical social issues and promoting transparency in Africa.

Mercy's work extends beyond traditional reporting. She is well-versed in utilising Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to gather and analyse digital information, adding a new dimension to her investigative reports. Her expertise in OSINT has garnered attention and recognition within the industry, and she is often sought after for her insights on leveraging digital tools and technologies in investigative journalism.

Passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others, Mercy frequently conducts workshops and training sessions on investigative journalism, OSINT, and ethical reporting practises. She believes in nurturing the next generation of investigative journalists and equipping them with the skills necessary to make a significant impact.

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has ... Show more

Oscar Cariceo

Oscar Cariceo

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos con los sistemas computacionales. Actualmente se despeña como Manager de UX Research en Scotiabank.

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos... Show more

Isam Vaid

Isam Vaid

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience includes addressing health issues and disparities affecting specific populations concerning health conditions, health outcomes, and premature mortality. Driven by a commitment to good health, Dr. Vaid maintains a comprehensive skill set as a public health scientist. This includes keeping abreast of current literature, conducting critical research and analyses, preparing analytical and internal technical reports, designing training protocols, and implementing systems approaches to enhance administrative functions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Vaid has also deeply engaged in public health initiatives at the intersection of public health, faith communities, and religious values. This critical area of public health, which closely ties with social determinants of health, has been significantly enriched by his decades of experience in interfaith collaboration within community and academic settings. Here, he focuses on deep learning, bridge-building, peace initiatives, and fostering inclusive communities among people of different faiths or those without a faith affiliation.

Dr. Vaid has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career, including Outstanding Contributions to the Employment of Disabled Persons and Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions. His dedication to volunteerism is equally significant to his professional endeavors; he is an avid proponent of environmental justice, recognizing its critical overlap with social justice. Dr. Vaid has led humanitarian relief efforts for domestic and international disasters and ecological conservation projects. Outside his professional life, he enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, profoundly appreciates the arts, and relishes personal and interfaith travel across the globe.

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience inclu... Show more

George Woodard

George Woodard

I help organizations grow their online presence and create experiences that convert visitors into supporters. I am a Technical Marketing Specialist with extensive experience in website marketing management and building systems that enhance your team's effectiveness.

The digital world changes fast. Whether it's the latest on SEO or building out AI, I stay on top of what's working now so you don't have to figure it out yourself. Your time is better spent on what you do best.

I help organizations grow their online presence and create experiences that convert visitors into supporters. I am a Technical Marketing Specialist with extensive experience in website marketing management and building systems that enhance your team'... Show more

Arne Mertz

Arne Mertz

Arne Mertz has been working with modern and not-so-modern C++ codebases for over 15 years in various kinds of embedded and enterprise contexts. He is a mentor and teacher for clean code and modern C++ for colleagues and customers at Zühlke Engineering. Since 2015 he has written more or less frequently about those topics on his blog "Simplify C++!"

Arne Mertz has been working with modern and not-so-modern C++ codebases for over 15 years in various kinds of embedded and enterprise contexts. He is a mentor and teacher for clean code and modern C++ for colleagues and customers at Zühlke Engineerin... Show more

Elle Younker

Elle Younker

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intelligence federal contracts in the United States.

I made a promise to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I take that VERY seriously, and will fight for your right to hate me. I will not, however, tolerate acts of violence directed at individuals for simply taking up space, acts of coercion through threats of violence, or any attempt at using violence as a way to maintain power. I will speak out and take the defense for any victim of violence (in all of its forms) and all individuals impacted by the use of power-based violence.

I believe in the power of storytelling energy as a renewable resource capable of magic, the kindness of strangers, and ability to overcome hardship through communal care. I use the arts of satire, drag, and boudoir performance to make light of extremely controversial and traumatic but historical events that surround United States Post World War II Military History.

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intel... Show more

Sarang Sarage

Sarang Sarage

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER | Seminars for Global Sustainable Development
IM: 917218150760 & Email: creatorsarangprojectyogworld@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER | Seminars for Global Sustainable Development IM: 917218150760 & Email: creatorsarangprojectyogworld@gmail.com Show more

Laura Maguire

Laura Maguire

Dr. Laura Maguire studies complex, high value work to aid in the design of more human-friendly tooling, processes, and work systems. Her work is both theoretical and practical and offers insights into both individual strategies and organizational design that can optimize performance in software engineering.

She holds a Master's degree in Human Factors & Systems Safety from Lund University and a Ph.D. in Integrated Systems Engineering from Ohio State University.

Dr. Laura Maguire studies complex, high value work to aid in the design of more human-friendly tooling, processes, and work systems. Her work is both theoretical and practical and offers insights into both individual strategies and organizational de... Show more

Yuliya Gorenko

Yuliya Gorenko

Yuliya Gorenko is an influencer marketing expert with 12+ years of experience. She has led more than 100 global brand campaigns, building influencer programs that scale to eight-figure ROI.

Yuliya’s insights have been featured in AdExchanger, MarketingSherpa, and Growth Masterminds. She is a regular speaker at industry events and podcasts.

Outside of work, Yuliya studies social psychology and supports humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine.

Yuliya Gorenko is an influencer marketing expert with 12+ years of experience. She has led more than 100 global brand campaigns, building influencer programs that scale to eight-figure ROI. Yuliya’s insights have been featured in AdExchanger, Mark... Show more

Stephen Morris

Stephen Morris

Stephen is an author, speaker and accomplished and award-winning leader with over twenty years of experience in complex, uncertain and high-scale technical organisations.

Across diverse sectors, including information technology, healthcare, banking, insurance, manufacturing, and government, Stephen has a track record of driving real success, backed by hands-on achievements and industry recognition.

Leadership highlights
• C-Suite leader during a period of extraordinary growth, achieving 400% YoY
• Leadership coach for a 300-million-dollar international software rollout
• Mentor and consultant for an international leadership team managing over 750 professionals through an organisational transformation
• Strategist for the successful launch of 50+ commercial cloud-based products and services, shaping the future of business technology

Awards
• Most Influential Business Leader, 2016 Agile Awards
• Most Improved Agile Team, 2016 Agile Awards
• Best Leadership and Agile Coaching Provider, 2020 UK Enterprise Awards

Stephen is an author, speaker and accomplished and award-winning leader with over twenty years of experience in complex, uncertain and high-scale technical organisations. Across diverse sectors, including information technology, healthcare, banki... Show more

Sagar Kesarpu

Sagar Kesarpu

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to continuous learning, I enjoy exploring the latest trends, sharing knowledge and contributing to tech communities.

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to contin... Show more

Velma Brooks-Benson

Velma Brooks-Benson

Velma is an event production professional with 15+ years of experience managing events from 50 to 15,000+ attendees. Known for creating large signature fundraising events for major nonprofits, she specializes in strategic event design, partnership development, and delivering exceptional experiences that exceed organizational objectives.

Velma is an event production professional with 15+ years of experience managing events from 50 to 15,000+ attendees. Known for creating large signature fundraising events for major nonprofits, she specializes in strategic event design, partnership de... Show more

Nicholas Lavery

Nicholas Lavery

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a series of curriculums on leadership, resilience, and goal achievement. As one of the most sought-after speakers and mentors in the country, Nick and his team of assets share valuable insights on discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, in turn empowering others to unlock capacity and increase capability. 

Nick has a long and distinguished list of military awards, but to name a few, he has been awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, three Bronze Stars for service, the Bruce Price Leadership award, and the Special Operations Command Excalibur award. 

Nick is the best selling author of Objective Secure- the battle-tested guide to goal achievement, and most significantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys. 

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a s... Show more

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive.

A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time delivering workshops and presentations on introversion, leadership, and communication. Founder of The Introvert Space, a community interest company dedicated to empowering introverts in the workplace, Richard authors popular ebooks like Self-Promotion for Introverts. He’s also learning to play the piano, having realised he could no longer help his son with his piano homework!

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive. A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time deliveri... Show more

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within organizations. His leadership style focuses on creating positive, engaged workforces while driving operational success, and he is known for his strategic approach to managing human resources in diverse and challenging environments.

Luis has accumulated extensive international experience, working in China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His exposure to different business cultures and regulatory environments has shaped his ability to craft HR solutions that work across regions while supporting the broader objectives of global organizations. His expertise in tailoring HR practices to meet the needs of diverse markets has been a key factor in his success as an HR leader.

Over the years, Luis Herrera of Racine has built expertise in various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, supply chain, and food production. His background spans B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how HR can impact different sectors. Luis has also specialized in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development, helping companies improve their HR functions and drive significant growth and transformation.

Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic credentials have helped him hone his leadership and strategic management skills, providing a strong foundation for his successful HR career.

Before transitioning to human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline, leadership, and adaptability—traits integral to his approach to HR leadership. His time in the military shaped his values, instilling a sense of duty, responsibility, and resilience that guided his career.

Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. At Motorola, he gained valuable experience aligning HR strategies with business objectives, laying the groundwork for his future roles. He then moved to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. Luis worked with Kellogg’s global workforce in this capacity, helping the company adapt its HR strategies as it grew internationally.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR operations at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He was instrumental in developing strategies to improve employee engagement, streamline operations, and drive performance. Luis led the company’s shift toward a “pay for performance” culture, which impacted the organization’s HR practices and employee performance.

Luis's next career milestone came at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he served as HR lead for the Components Division. While at Navistar, he was selected for a six-month assignment in China to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This role allowed Luis to develop HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and handle HR due diligence for several acquisitions.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leading manufacturer in the marine industry, as HR Director. There, he managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue across six locations in the U.S. and Canada. Luis led efforts to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance productivity. His leadership contributed to Brunswick’s recognition as an “Employer of Choice” at three locations, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace environment.

Luis later worked at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was critical in ensuring a smooth transition to remote work and implementing employee health and safety measures. He also led the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping create a more inclusive work culture that supported employee well-being.

At Hendrickson International, a global leader in commercial vehicle trailer and suspension manufacturing, Luis served as HR Director. He managed HR for eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. His efforts to enhance the company’s HR function helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic labor market.

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. He worked to drive employee engagement and retention while ensuring alignment with the company’s core values. His strategic leadership in this role helped maintain a positive and productive workplace culture.

Outside of his professional career, Luis is deeply involved in volunteer work. Since 2016, he has volunteered with the "By the Hand" organization, supporting at-risk youth in Chicago through educational programs and mentorship. Luis also participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, where he helps maintain Boy Scout facilities, ensuring these spaces remain functional and accessible.

Luis enjoys various activities that help him relax and recharge in his time. He has a passion for welding, home brewing, and gardening, which allow him to explore his creativity and unwind. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as scuba diving, cycling, and kayaking, which help him maintain a healthy work-life balance and energize him for personal and professional challenges.

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, ... Show more

Ken Chase

Ken Chase

Ken Chase has over 25 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies related to infrastructure and end user computing. He has worked with and led teams that have spanned multiple geographic areas and whose team members have spanned generational, geographical, and social differences. Ken is married and with his wife shares the joy of raising four daughters. Ken takes joy in being active in his community by supporting the local schools and politics.

Ken Chase has over 25 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies related to infrastructure and end user computing. He has worked with and led teams that have spanned multiple geographic areas and whose team members have spanned generatio... Show more

Werner Van Zyl

Werner Van Zyl

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, managers and leaders can navigate the human and technical challenges of the modern world. His work focuses on making complex systems—from teams to organisations—more predictable and aligned with human behaviour, offering actionable strategies to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, m... Show more

Arthit Suriyawongkul

Arthit Suriyawongkul

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in Bangkok, and help maintain SPDX system bill of materials projects.

My interest is in software engineering standards and how it can facilitate interactions between the technical layer and the legal layer for an accountable AI. Part of my PhD work is around system trustworthiness and accountability vocabulary.

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in ... Show more

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