Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Nicky Meindl (They/Them)

Nicky Meindl (They/Them)

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuses on the intersection of Queer Theory and Ethnic Studies. Their current role as a neurodivergent special education teacher has helped shape their understanding of disability in education.

Nicky is a queer, Chicane, and non-binary educator based in Long Beach, CA. They hold a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in curriculum and instruction, both of which were awarded by Chapman University. Nicky's research primarily focuse... Show more

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comitato scientifico del progetto ASES (Archivio dei soprannomi etnici siciliani) e di quello redazionale della collana DATOS (Dizionario-atlante dei toponimi orali in Sicilia) diretto dal Centro di studi filologici e linguistici siciliani, con cui collabora per l’allestimento della piattaforma digitale ATOS (Archivio dei toponimi orali in Sicilia): cfr. Chichi M., Vermiglio I., Verso la realizzazione di ATOS: struttura e progetto di una piattaforma digitale sulla toponomastica siciliana, in «Bollettino dell’Atlante Linguistico Italiano» 47, 2023, pp. 186-211. Tra i suoi interessi principali la toponomastica (Isola Ferdinandea. Breve resoconto di una storia onomastica emersa e inabissata, in «RIOn» 39/2, 2023), lo studio della testualità nei nuovi media (Quando la testualità si fa lingua nei giochi televisivi, in Paternostro G., Pinello V. (a cura di), Teorie e pratiche del testo. Grammatica, nuovi metodi, didattica e letteratura, University Press, Palermo 2024, pp. 143-165), l’onomastica letteraria (Emersioni letterarie e testuali di Ferdinandea dall’Ottocento a oggi: un casus anche onomastico, in «the Italianist», in corso di pubblicazione). Ha preso parte a diversi convegni nazionali e internazionali.

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comita... Show more

Eleonora Buonocore

Eleonora Buonocore

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University (2016), where she worked on Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature, completing a dissertation titled “Ciphers of Remembrance and Fluidity of Oblivion: A Study of Memory in Dante.” Her research lies at the intersection between philosophy and literature in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance. Her work includes a thesis on medieval philosophy, and she has published articles on medieval logic, Ramon Llull and Lullism, Giordano Bruno, Dante, and Italian Cinema. In the modern period, she also has an interest in Italian women poets and novelists. Since August 2017, Eleonora teaches Italian language and literature at the University of Calgary, AB where she is also finishing her book on memory in Dante.

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a... Show more

Gimena Rodriguez Matto

Gimena Rodriguez Matto

I am an English teacher specializing in virtual learning environments, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education at UdelaR. My focus is on integrating technology into teaching. With experience in curriculum design and online learning, I am dedicated to creating engaging and impactful educational experiences.

I am an English teacher specializing in virtual learning environments, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education at UdelaR. My focus is on integrating technology into teaching. With experience in curriculum design and online learning, I am dedicat... Show more

Heejoo Park

Heejoo Park

Assistant Professor of English at Texas Christian University

Assistant Professor of English at Texas Christian University Show more

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice.

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice. Show more

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the United States Forest Service and the President of the Yale Asian Graduate Network. She is part of the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership. Zoe will pursue her PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the Un... Show more

Ian Siderits

Ian Siderits

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University. Ian’s research focuses on employee contact with nature, organizational trust, technology in the workplace, and employee health and well-being. He has presented on various topics at conferences such as the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the Academy of Management (AOM), the First International Network on Trust (FINT), and 21st Century Summit on Positive Psychology Women's Mental Health & Entrepreneurship.

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University.... Show more

Amy Dix

Amy Dix

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!”

Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author

Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, rooted in positivity and pure happiness. Once Amy learned that she may only have 20 more years left to live, she started to think differently, make different choices, and help others to design the life they are meant to have.

Influenced by her mom, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Amy researched the science of positivity and happiness as illustrated in her latest book, “SEVEN MORE DAYS: Live a Life That's Bursting with Positivity and Happiness ... Before It's Too Late.” Seven More Days celebrates the transformative power of positivity and the potential of ultimate joy. It became a bestseller in eight countries and eight categories.

She now brings this message to the stage, creating a gripping experience of emotion, catapulting happiness, and challenging the chaos in today’s world.

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!” Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, roote... Show more

Elle Benson

Elle Benson

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY?
Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sector. With a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector, she has gained extensive expertise in various areas, including organizational development and change, executive transition consultancy, strategic planning, leadership development, and board governance.

Academically, Benson holds an MBA in organizational change and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She has obtained certifications in BoardSource and Group Facilitation to support nonprofit board of directors.

Notably, Benson's thought-provoking TEDx talk, titled "A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh," has catapulted her into the spotlight as a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Benson's passion for sharing wisdom extends to her writing as well. She is the author of two books that focus on mindfulness and happiness. Her publications, "Cultivate Your Happiness: Mama-to-Be" and "Cultivating Calmness in Children," provide practical strategies and insights making happiness obtainable daily. Through her books and keynote presentations, Benson aims to empower individuals and teams to cultivate wellbeing in their lives.

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY? Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sect... Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen
🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience Show more

Kristen Engelke

Kristen Engelke

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is difficult, time-consuming, and needs to be performed in private. Her workshops share fast, free, focused exercises that swiftly alleviate stress anywhere, anytime. She is a speaker, author, trainer, and workshop facilitator. Embracing creativity at every step, Kristen is seasoned in appealing to all types of participants and loves sharing a message of empowerment and hope.

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is diffi... Show more

Emanuele Pastorino

Emanuele Pastorino

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino.

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino. Show more

Tobias Schmohl

Tobias Schmohl

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestaltung von Hochschulbildung.

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestal... Show more

Jennifer Brussow

Jennifer Brussow

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to conduct research to assemble construct and criterion validity evidence for certification and licensure assessments. She also develops predictive models around student success, leads psychometric discussions during product development, and develops score reports and reporting guidelines. In her years of experience in the field of assessment, she has also worked as a psychometrician for examinations for students with significant disabilities and led evaluations of educational interventions. Her research projects include investigating factor structure, differential item functioning, and scores’ relationship to external variables; and she has published peer-reviewed articles, research briefs, and whitepapers.

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to condu... Show more

Aydin Quach

Aydin Quach

Aydin Quach is an Ph.D. student at the University of Southern California. Their research deals primarily with sex, gender, race, and sexuality in the transpacific, with a particular focus on the queer Asian diaspora and queer nightlife.

Aydin Quach is an Ph.D. student at the University of Southern California. Their research deals primarily with sex, gender, race, and sexuality in the transpacific, with a particular focus on the queer Asian diaspora and queer nightlife. Show more

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of humor” came to be a prized trait of the modern secular subject and why present-day Muslims are consistently configured as lacking this comportment. Through a study of the American Muslim standup comedians, she contends that Muslim legibility depends on situating Islam and within the logics of model secular subjecthood and the register of race. Her work has been supported by the Asian American Religions Research Initiative, the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, the UNC Chapel Hill Asian American Center, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, and the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. She previously taught at Ithaca College and earned her PhD in Islamic Studies from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020.

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of ... Show more

Carmen Lega

Carmen Lega

Carmen Lega è dottoranda presso l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia (XXXIX ciclo, curriculum in Studi linguistici, filologici e artistico letterari).
Nel 2022 pubblica, presso la casa editrice Divergenze, Canti e disincanti. Le forme fluide della letteratura del Novecento; nello stesso anno partecipa al Convegno ADI - “Scenari del conflitto” con un contributo dal titolo La sonorità della maceria: Montale e la musicalità sconnessa. Nel 2023 partecipa al convegno MOD “Contaminazioni, dissonanze ed eterotopie nella modernità letteraria”. Nel 2024 partecipa al Convegno AATI presso l’Università per stranieri di Perugia con una relazione dal titolo “Irma Brandeis: la scala della trascendenza”, al convegno Mod “Moderno e Antimoderno. Le avventure di una contrapposizione”, al convegno ADI “Rotte mediterranee. Migrazioni e ibridazioni nella letteratura italiana”. È in pubblicazione per Editoriale Scientifica un saggio in volume dal titolo “Orfeo, ma perché ti sei voltato?”

Carmen Lega è dottoranda presso l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia (XXXIX ciclo, curriculum in Studi linguistici, filologici e artistico letterari). Nel 2022 pubblica, presso la casa editrice Divergenze, Canti e disincanti. Le forme fluide della ... Show more

Marina Krizman

Marina Krizman

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall breaking to the hilarious and heart-wrenching relationships, Marina can't get enough of Fleabag's antics. She's watched every episode multiple times, analyzed every character's motives, and even started a Fleabag-themed Instagram account. Her friends and family might think she's a bit obsessed, but Marina knows that Fleabag is more than just a show - it's a work of art that speaks to her soul.

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall break... Show more

Nyla Numan

Nyla Numan

Nyla Numan is a doctoral candidate in the English Department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research focuses on how twenty-first century Asian American fiction speculates and experiments with historical narrative to imagine alternative temporalities, literary structures, and intra-racial and ethnic relationalities.

Nyla Numan is a doctoral candidate in the English Department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research focuses on how twenty-first century Asian American fiction speculates and experiments with historical narrative to imagine alternat... Show more

Cristian Carlo Suller

Cristian Carlo Suller

Cristian Carlo L. Suller tries to sound like he knows what he is saying but he really doesn’t. He has an M.Litt. from the University of Santo Tomas and a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Texas at Dallas. He currently teaches College Composition at the Tarrant County Community College and Collin College of Frisco. He has published poems and essays here and abroad. His dream is to go back home to the Philippines and teach in the mountainous barrios of his hometown San Manuel.

Cristian Carlo L. Suller tries to sound like he knows what he is saying but he really doesn’t. He has an M.Litt. from the University of Santo Tomas and a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Texas at Dallas. He currently teaches College Composi... Show more

Onyiobazi Aquah

Onyiobazi Aquah

Onyiobazi Aquah is a Nigerian economist in the making, data professional, researcher, and social impact advocate passionate about leveraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and data-driven solutions for positive change. Recently completing a degree in Economics, Onyiobazi integrates technical expertise with strategic problem-solving to drive inclusive initiatives and sustainable development.

Beyond academics, Onyiobazi is dedicated to harnessing data, emerging technologies, and soft skills to address global challenges, particularly in economic development, climate action, and social impact. With a strong commitment to the UN Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Onyiobazi aims to contribute to sustainability efforts, drive innovation, and create solutions that foster economic growth, starting from Nigeria and expanding across Africa.

As an advocate for continuous learning and leadership, Onyiobazi is actively developing software and technical skills while refining essential competencies such as communication, teamwork, and strategic decision-making. With a vision to build a strong network and influence, Onyiobazi aspires to bridge gaps between data, policy, and impact, transforming insights into actionable change for the greater good.

Onyiobazi Aquah is a Nigerian economist in the making, data professional, researcher, and social impact advocate passionate about leveraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and data-driven solutions for positive change. Recently completing a degree in ... Show more

Ilya Zakharov

Ilya Zakharov

PhD in Psychology with vast academic and industry experience in research at the intersection between neuroscience, cognitive science, and behavioral genetics.

PhD in Psychology with vast academic and industry experience in research at the intersection between neuroscience, cognitive science, and behavioral genetics. Show more

Nevaeh Smith

Nevaeh Smith

3rd year Undergraduate Student Ambassador at New Mexico State University. Majoring in History and Anthropology hoping to continue working with orientation to continue crafting an inclusive and informative space.

3rd year Undergraduate Student Ambassador at New Mexico State University. Majoring in History and Anthropology hoping to continue working with orientation to continue crafting an inclusive and informative space. Show more

Julia Hartmann

Julia Hartmann

Professorin für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie

Professorin für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie Show more

Andreas Wennmann

Andreas Wennmann

Theologian, Coach and public speaker

Theologian, Coach and public speaker Show more

Lior Gelernter Oryan

Lior Gelernter Oryan

Product Management leader with 10+ years of experience in financial services, AI, and NLP within global SaaS B2B companies. Passionate about going beyond the hype and using AI to solve complex challenges in production. In my other hat, I have a Ph.D. in Sociology specializing in Internet Studies, Online communities, Knowledge production and consumption in WIkipedia and other online settings.

Product Management leader with 10+ years of experience in financial services, AI, and NLP within global SaaS B2B companies. Passionate about going beyond the hype and using AI to solve complex challenges in production. In my other hat, I have a Ph.D.... Show more

Julia Dziubinska

Julia Dziubinska

I have been studying psychology for 5 years. Cutrently, I am helping people on Autism Spectrum at Warsaw’s clinical hospital. I have an experience in public speaking at various conferences, related with mental disorders.

I have been studying psychology for 5 years. Cutrently, I am helping people on Autism Spectrum at Warsaw’s clinical hospital. I have an experience in public speaking at various conferences, related with mental disorders. Show more

Sunhay You

Sunhay You

Sunhay You is an Assistant Professor of Literary Arts and Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where she teaches courses on Asian American Literature and Culture. She has forthcoming articles in American Literature and Post45 Contemporaries.

Sunhay You is an Assistant Professor of Literary Arts and Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where she teaches courses on Asian American Literature and Culture. She has forthcoming articles in American Literature and Post45 Contemporaries. Show more

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