Mai-Linh K. Hong is a poet and literary scholar whose work explores how refugees know, imagine, and re-create their worlds. Her debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, won the 2025 Trio Award and will be published by Trio House Press in July 2026. Her current research,"Perilous Telling: Story in the Shadow of the Refugee Regime," theorizes refugee storytelling as knowledge-making under duress. Dr. Hong's articles and essays on Asian American literature, refugees, race, and human rights appear in Amerasia, Verge, MELUS, Law, Culture, and Humanities, and other journals and edited volumes. She is coeditor and coauthor of THE AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD GUIDE TO MASK MAKING, RADICAL CARE, AND RACIAL JUSTICE (U. of Calif. Press, 2021). Dr. Hong's research has been supported by fellowships from ACLS, AAUW, and the Institute of Citizens & Scholars, and her poetry has received support from Voices of Our Nation, Tin House, and the Vermont Studio Center. She is Assistant Professor of Literature at the University of California, Merced.

Mai-Linh K. Hong is a poet and literary scholar whose work explores how refugees know, imagine, and re-create their worlds. Her debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, won the 2025 Trio Award and will be published by Trio House Press in July 2026... Show more

I am a Senior Vice President of Engineering at Divum Corporate Services Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of digital solutions and services for startups and enterprises. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I have a proven track record of delivering complex and scalable products across multiple domains and platforms, leveraging my expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

My core competencies include product building and architecting, IT consulting, and delivery management. I have successfully created and implemented roadmaps, standards, and processes for various clients and stakeholders, ranging from fintech and banking to healthcare and non-profit organizations. I have also led and mentored a global team of engineers, consultants, and analysts, ensuring high-quality performance and professional growth. My mission is to empower businesses and organizations with innovative and impactful digital solutions that enhance their value proposition and customer experience.

I am a Senior Vice President of Engineering at Divum Corporate Services Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of digital solutions and services for startups and enterprises. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I have a proven track record of d... Show more

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work.

I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out of a car on the streets of NYC and at a lighthouse on the California coast, I have navigated the elite corridors of South West London, and I have stood in the halls of power coaching the Director of the United States Mint on how to command a room. I have built punk venues from the ground up and managed talent for the world’s biggest film franchises.

My non-linear path wasn't a detour. It was an elite training ground. It taught me how to spot the operational leaks that 99% of people miss. It taught me how to scale a movement by 400% with zero financial backing and how to engineer a 3,675% growth spike in a week with just $20 for strategic advertising.

I am an expert in zero-waste scaling, engineering systemic overhauls, and extreme lean operations. I don’t need a $1M budget to find a $1M solution. My experience building venues, brands, events, and organizations from nothing means that I see efficiency leaks that traditional consultants are trained to ignore.

My credits include:

The United States Mint | Coached the 38th Director on executive presence & rhetorical logic at Voice Academy NYC

The New York Times | Featured contributor

The Julliard School | Provided private coaching to dual-enrolled Julliard students

Josh Groban / Madison Square Garden Support: Headliner | Headlined a performance at the Delancey, featuring Iain S. Forrest (Eyeglasses), cellist known for accompanying Josh Groban at Madison Square Garden

Mariah Carey / Star Wars / Avengers: Composer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Jonathan Bartz, composer with credits including Mariah Carey, Star Wars and Avengers.

Ed Sheeran Team: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Mark Pusey, drummer for Ed Sheeran.

Foo Fighters / Neil Young: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Bradley Kohn, producer with credits including Foo Fighters and Neil Young.

The Recording Academy: Booking | Created Unity Fest, Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition, and The New York Music Awards (Rockwood Music Hall). Booked Recording Academy member Ryan Cassata to headline Unity Fest and booked Recording Academy member Apollo Flowerchild to co-headline Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition and The New York Music Awards.

American Idol: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Clark Beckham, American Idol runner-up.

The Voice: Collaborations | Collaborated with finalist Jamal Corrie (Season 18, Team Blake Shelton) at The Bowery Electric and headlined Queerchella, a festival founded by finalist Dan Kiernan (Season 27, Team Kelsea Ballerini).

Chaka Khan / Brandy / Todrick Hall: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Kofi Agyei, producer with credits including Chaka Khan, Brandy, and Todrick Hall.

Logic: Featured Artist | My song "Nothing Lasts Forever" was highlighted and featured by Logic on his personal Discord server.

Met Gala / Gossip Girl / Coldplay: Co-Feature | Co-featured in NYC_Storytime media highlights as a recurring collaborator and featured artist within the NYC arts and culture scene.

Matty Beats: Collaboration | Studio collaboration at Rec Philly.

VIAL: Opening Act | Opened for VIAL at Femme Fatale Fest.

Maria Elisabeth von Trapp: Opening Act | Opened for Ms. von Trapp at the F.M. Kirby Center.

The Apollo Theater: Recurring Performer | Performed at The Apollo Theater three times.

Sinfonia Smith Square: Performer | Performed at London’s Sinfonia Smith Square.

Carnegie Hall: Coaching | Achieved placement for Voice Academy NYC student at Carnegie Hall.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Coaching | Coached contracted touring keyboardist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Voice Academy NYC.

Vans Warped Tour: Marketing | Represented Gypsy Warrior as a high-visibility brand ambassador and model during the Vans Warped Tour.

Beach Weather / A Rocket to the Moon: Marketing | Led street-team initiatives and grassroots marketing for former lead singer of A Rocket to the Moon and current lead singer of Beach Weather, Nick Santino, at the Vans Warped Tour.

Never Shout Never: Collaboration | Performed with Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never at a backstage performance at the Vans Warped Tour.

Kelly Osbourne: Talent Operations | Managed on-site logistics and talent flow during NYC World Pride.

BroadwayWorld: Featured Contributor | Featured three times in BroadwayWorld.

Digital Growth Architecture: 3,675% Viral Surge | Engineered a high-conversion digital marketing strategy that yielded a 1,361% increase in 24 hours and 3,675% growth within 7 days. Utilized advanced demographic and psychographic research to deploy a high-efficiency, low-spend ($20) ad campaign, proving the power of data-driven targeting over traditional high-budget spend.

Bloomsbury Arts Festival: Operations and Marketing | Contributed to logistics and promotion at London's Bloomsbury Arts Festival.

International Ambassador | Represented Klein College of Media and Communications at an international recruitment event while studying at Imperial College in London through Foundation for International Education.

Foundation House: Original Rhetorical Performance | Authored and premiered an original monologue at Foundation House in London.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Choir Director | Directed a specialized vocal ensemble focused on mental health advocacy and therapeutic music engagement. Developed choral programming to support community wellness and provided creative leadership for a national-tier advocacy organization.

Z Poetry Series: Internationally Published Poet | Featured in the Z-Poetry: An Anthology of International Indie Poetry.

VH1: Collaboration | Co-headlined Harrisburg's Stop The Violence Talent Festival with Yvng Swag from VH1's Wild N' Out.

FRIGID New York: Featured Playwright and Performer | Co-authored and co-starred in the original musical revue "Dead Superstars," featured in the FRIGID New York "Days of the Dead" Festival.

Founder & Executive Director: Unity Fest NYC | Conceptualized and executed a large-scale annual music festival in New York City, built from the ground up with zero initial capital. Leveraged strategic partnerships and community grassroots organizing to raise thousands of dollars for global and national charities, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), NAMI, and anti-gun violence initiatives.

Wolven: Executive Presence Coaching | Provided strategic performance and narrative coaching to the Founder of Wolven.

Founder & Executive Director: The Atlantis Movement | Engineered a bicoastal cultural movement and multi-week festival circuit (The Atlantis Movement) starting from grassroots DIY venues in Philadelphia to 10-day takeovers in New York City. Operating with $0 initial capital, generated thousands in philanthropic revenue for the ACLU, St. Baldrick’s, and local LGBTQ+ shelters. Featured in Rock the Pigeon for pioneering a sustainable, artist-led model of social advocacy and live production.

300+ Original Compositions | Executed a high-intensity creative sprint, authoring 300 original songs in a single year, resulting in the release of 24 EPs and 2 LPs. Achieved global distribution across 101 countries and secured international radio play.

David Guetta: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included James Grover (YCONN), producer with credits including David Guetta.

Cassandra Jenkins: Headliner | Headlined a Trans Day of Visibility Ball; opened for by Cassandra Jenkins

My educational background includes Imperial College London, Berklee College of Music, and Temple University.

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work. I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out... Show more

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using modern math, science and logic that divides time evenly, precisely, and accurately, for the first time in the history of time. With humor, philosophy, and curiosity, Tom is able to expand your perception of reality and uncover new systems and patterns that are currently hiding in plain sight.

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using mode... Show more

Bonita Pannell brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare and currently serves as the Director of Community Outreach at UPMC Women’s Magee Hospital. In this role, she acts as a liaison between the hospital and the community, working to enhance access to care, broaden care options, and foster meaningful partnerships. A passionate advocate for the BIPOC community, Pannell develops and leads initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting self-empowerment. Her initiatives include organizing Community Health Fairs featuring on-site health screenings, hosting Maternal Health educational baby showers, and providing ongoing mentoring and support groups.
Pannell is an active member of several UPMC councils, including the Diversity Council, the Family Advisory Council, and the Community Doula & Birth Worker Advisory Board, where she advocates for policy changes that strengthen trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and the community. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the UPMC Affiliate Council of Girls on the Run, a national nonprofit organization focused on empowering girls in grades 3 through 8 by strengthening their social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills. The program operates at 64 school sites and serves over 1,500 girls annually.
Before joining UPMC, Bonita was part of the Gateway Health Plan case management team, where she managed insurance authorizations and cases for individuals with special needs. She also served as the General Manager for Hospice Care of Pittsburgh and Viator Hospice, overseeing care for terminally ill patients for 16 years and Director of Lutheran Senior Life Home Care.
Bonita holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Waynesburg University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Slippery Rock University. She is also a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and earned a certificate in Project Management from Villanova University.
A devoted mother, Bonita has two children—Aaron Burden and Tyler-Nicole Pannell—as well as two bonus children, Teona Williams and Brandon Pannell. She is an active member of Triumph Church, where she serves as a Deacon and the Coordinator of the Usher Ministry. Bonita is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter.

Bonita Pannell brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare and currently serves as the Director of Community Outreach at UPMC Women’s Magee Hospital. In this role, she acts as a liaison between the hospital and the community, working to enhance ... Show more

Desarrolladora web con 5 años de experiencia. Actualmente me desempeño como software developer en LATAM Airlines.

En mi tiempo libre, estoy enfocada en explorar el cruce entre Web y AI, buscando cómo estas tecnologías pueden mejorar la experiencia del usuario y habilitar nuevas posibilidades para productos digitales en producción.

Me apasiona investigar, prototipar, analizar datos y compartir lo que aprendo. También creo firmemente en la importancia de crear contenido técnico en español, especialmente sobre Web + AI, para democratizar el conocimiento en Latinoamérica.

Además, soy community builder activa y organizadora de eventos que impulsan la diversidad y la inclusión en tecnología.

Desarrolladora web con 5 años de experiencia. Actualmente me desempeño como software developer en LATAM Airlines. En mi tiempo libre, estoy enfocada en explorar el cruce entre Web y AI, buscando cómo estas tecnologías pueden mejorar la experiencia... Show more

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all things Open Source! My career interests are in supporting scientific computing and open-source adoption at the intersection of Law, Ethics, and Technology.

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all thin... Show more

Après plusieurs années à œuvrer en tant que développeur, chef de projet, directeur de projet, j'accompagne depuis 10 ans des leaders, managers et organisations dans le changement.
Que ce soit des PME, ETI et grand groupe, les changements sont une nécessité et l'adaptabilité une aptitude tant personnelle qu'organisationnelle indispensable.
L'accompagnement des personnes n'est pas tout le temps au centre des préoccupations, pourtant c'est un facteur clé de succès ou d'échec. C'est pour cela que je continue de me former, d'échanger et de partager avec passion et conviction.
Le changement c'est tout le temps et connaître ses ressources et freins individuels et collectifs face à lui est un gage d'adaptabilité et de succès.

Après plusieurs années à œuvrer en tant que développeur, chef de projet, directeur de projet, j'accompagne depuis 10 ans des leaders, managers et organisations dans le changement. Que ce soit des PME, ETI et grand groupe, les changements sont une né... Show more

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble.

J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus respectueuse. Je suis profondément convaincu par le potentiel de chacun et que nous avons tous en nous la force de réaliser nos projets.

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble. J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus r... Show more

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture.
She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Conference (AIWAC) and author of Plautilla Bricci. Pictura et Architectura celebris. L’architettrice del Barocco Romano and Following Women Artists. A Guide to Rome; her forthcoming monograph is The Forgotten Brush: Virginia da Vezzo (1600–1638), The Hidden Muse (Brepols, 2025).
She co-convenes AIWAC (Annual International Women in the Arts Conference) and is series co-editor, with Adelina Modesti, of “Women and Gender in the Arts: New Horizons” (Brepols/https://www.brepols.net/series/wia - https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503606828-1

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture. She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Co... Show more

Hey, I’m Dr. Wilma. I’m a psychologist and experiential designer. I intentionally curate human centered spaces that allow people to heal in community fostering vulnerability, connection, play, and creativity.

Hey, I’m Dr. Wilma. I’m a psychologist and experiential designer. I intentionally curate human centered spaces that allow people to heal in community fostering vulnerability, connection, play, and creativity. Show more

In Undergrad, public speaking was a huge part of my academia. Sharing biomedical knowledge obtained through research at R1 Institution was something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Today, I would like to share my testing of triumph over trauma. Abused by an undiagnosed schizophrenic mother, raped and molested by 14 individuals by the time I was 16, to enduring a financially abusive marriage to now being on the other side with joy. My goal is to tell my truth to inspire hope that healing is possible!

In Undergrad, public speaking was a huge part of my academia. Sharing biomedical knowledge obtained through research at R1 Institution was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Today, I would like to share my testing of triumph over trauma. Abused by an u... Show more

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative strategy, and authentic human experience to tell stories that resonate across cultures and industries.
With a career spanning studio, indie, and branded spaces, Ana Lydia brings a rare ability to translate lived experience into compelling, market-aware storytelling. Her creative voice is shaped not only by her international upbringing, but also by navigating chronic illness and cancer — experiences that have strengthened her leadership, empathy, and commitment to meaningful representation.
Ana Lydia speaks on storytelling, creative leadership, cross-cultural narrative development, resilience, and building inclusive creative ecosystems. She is passionate about mentorship, access, and empowering the next generation of culturally fluent storytellers.

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative str... Show more

Marley Blonsky is a nationally recognized speaker, fat adventure cyclist, and co-founder and Executive Director of All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access, representation, and belonging for people of all sizes in cycling and outdoor spaces. She is also the co-host of the All Bodies on Bikes podcast, where she shares stories that challenge who cycling is “for” and celebrates riders of all backgrounds and bodies.

Marley’s work sits at the intersection of advocacy, sport, and culture. Through keynotes, workshops, and consulting, she helps organizations, brands, and event producers better understand size inclusion and translate inclusive values into meaningful action. Her approach blends lived experience, practical tools, and humor, making conversations about access and equity both approachable and actionable.

An avid cyclist, Marley loves long gravel rides, overnight adventures, and cruising around town on her cargo bike with her dogs in the front box. She may not be the fastest rider—but she rides with determination, grit, and perseverance, proudly earning multiple last-place finishes along the way. Marley believes that everyone deserves full access to life—at work, in sport, and at home—and she is committed to helping create spaces where all bodies truly belong.

Marley Blonsky is a nationally recognized speaker, fat adventure cyclist, and co-founder and Executive Director of All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access, representation, and belonging for people of all sizes in cycling and out... Show more

Anna van Dillen is a freelance consultant, trainer and coach working with tech organisations on agile leadership, product development and ways of working – currently supporting a German industrial tech company in the Black Forest alongside other clients. Previously a travelling consultant at Thoughtworks, a tribe master building a big data organisation, and a people development manager in a cloud-native startup, she brings over a decade of hands-on experience in delivery and organisational change. In recent years she has integrated systemic coaching and breathwork training into her practice, using simple, evidence-informed nervous system tools to help leaders and teams stay clear-headed, collaborative and sustainable in high-pressure environments.

Anna van Dillen is a freelance consultant, trainer and coach working with tech organisations on agile leadership, product development and ways of working – currently supporting a German industrial tech company in the Black Forest alongside other clie... Show more

Laxmi Vanam is a data and analytics professional with 16+ years of experience across multiple industries, from financial services to retail and beyond. She designs decision intelligence frameworks that merge analytics, predictive modeling, and human insight—driving innovation, trust, and ROI in high-stakes, regulated environments worldwide.

Laxmi Vanam is a data and analytics professional with 16+ years of experience across multiple industries, from financial services to retail and beyond. She designs decision intelligence frameworks that merge analytics, predictive modeling, and human ... Show more

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently.

She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development.

An international speaker, she has delivered talks worldwide to culturally diverse audiences in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

She brings 20 years of experience in talent, learning, and development within financial services and IT industries, from graduate programs to leadership development.

Her talks help emerging leaders develop unshakeable speaking confidence and skills for:
🟢 Internal and external meetings
🟢 Presentations and Training
🟢 Media
🟢 Events

Her clients are regularly featured in the media, including CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg, COP26, and Macy's, at top industry events or making waves internally with their teams and stakeholders.

Bri has been featured on Thrive Global, International Women's Day and is the in-house communication expert for the wellness app LiveMore.

✔️ 94% of hosts book Bri to speak again.
✔️ 93% of her audience rates her talks as Actionable, Engaging, Inspiring, and Relevant.

Australian-born 🇦🇺 and after a decade of living in London 🇬🇧 Bri is now based in the South of France 🇫🇷 (…if you can't pick the accent!) and loves living between the mountains and the sea, but is always happy to speak at your in-person event or deliver virtually.

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently. She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development. An international speaker, sh... Show more

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical trainer, and a mom, she is passionate about providing the tools and mindset required for everyone to learn and succeed.

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical tra... Show more

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordability. Dr. Carroll has produced 75 scholarly publications and 25 white papers and technical reports reflecting more than $2.75 million in research funding. She has been invited to share her expertise with academic and practitioner audiences across the U.S. and in several other countries. Dr. Carroll began her career in public service as a budget and policy analyst for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a passion for applied research intended to inform public policy and improve public sector management, Dr. Carroll pursued her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which she completed in 2004 along with a Graduate Certificate in State and Local Taxation from the UWM Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordabilit... Show more

Mathilde is a final-year Media Engineering student at the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland with a passion for gamification and human-centric design. She brings a unique perspective to software development, holding a previous Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Medieval French. During her 6-week internship at Avalia Systems, she single-handedly designed, built, and delivered a full-stack team mood-monitoring plugin for Backstage. This talk marks her conference debut.

Mathilde is a final-year Media Engineering student at the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland with a passion for gamification and human-centric design. She brings a unique perspective to software development, holding a previous Bachelo... Show more

Ms. Thibodeaux has dedicated the past eight years to the field of higher education, excelling in both administrative and faculty roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English from Lamar University. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment for Student Tutoring and Retention (STAR) services at her alma mater. Outside of her professional commitments, Ms. Thibodeaux is passionate about reading, traveling, and innovating new strategies to enhance student success.

Ms. Thibodeaux has dedicated the past eight years to the field of higher education, excelling in both administrative and faculty roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English from Lamar University. Currently, she serves as the A... Show more

Vanessa Ajagu is an attorney in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group.

Vanessa has broad experience in high-stakes complex litigation before federal and state courts, representing clients in the technology, labor and employment, and finance sectors. These matters include defending a major technology company in a securities class action, representing clients in multiple shareholder litigation matters before the Delaware Court of Chancery, achieving victory on behalf of a leading beverage company in arbitration, and reversing a lower court ruling in favor of a streaming company in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Vanessa has a robust pro bono practice centered on appellate advocacy and women’s rights. She has argued and briefed matters before appellate courts, including successfully challenging a decision that reduced attorneys’ fees awarded to The Legal Aid Society based solely on its nonprofit status. She has also contributed to multiple amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court. Beyond her appellate work, Vanessa advocates for survivors of domestic violence—obtaining a restraining order on behalf of one client following an evidentiary hearing and successfully achieving a reduced sentence for another under New York’s Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA).

Before joining the firm, Vanessa served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerard E. Lynch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Margo K. Brodie of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Vanessa received her Juris Doctor in 2020 from Columbia Law School, where she was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and served as a Senior Editor of the Columbia Law Review. At Columbia Law, she was awarded a Parker School Recognition of Achievement in International and Comparative Law and selected as a fellow for the Salzburg Lloyd N. Cutler Fellows Program in International Law. She received a Master’s in International Criminal Law from the University of Amsterdam in 2020 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with high distinction from Queen’s University in 2017.

Vanessa is admitted to practice before the Southern and Eastern District Courts of New York as well as New York state courts.

Vanessa Ajagu is an attorney in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Vanessa has broad experience in high-stakes complex litigation before federal and state courts, representi... Show more

Beril is a growth marketer with a deep background in consumer psychology. She currently leads multi-market acquisition at ClassPass, managing £10M+ annual performance budgets and scaling growth across global regions. With 6+ years of experience across startups, scaleups and global brands, her work focuses on how people really think and decide — not just what dashboards show.

She holds both a BA and MSc in psychology, specialising in consumer behaviour at King’s College London, and works at the intersection of growth strategy, behavioural science, and human-centred decision design.

Beril is a growth marketer with a deep background in consumer psychology. She currently leads multi-market acquisition at ClassPass, managing £10M+ annual performance budgets and scaling growth across global regions. With 6+ years of experience acros... Show more

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community.

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community. Show more

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB.
With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro.
Her commitment to DEI is evident in her role as the founder of Latinas In Tech Madrid, mentoring young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB. With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro. Her commitmen... Show more

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles.

I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cybersecurity roles building up a portfolio of skills that can help any business soar. My approach is people centred and tailored to your specific needs, so any engagement will always start with a conversation focussed on understanding the challenges you face. Any package of services delivered will then be driven by your unique requirements and based on a detailed risk assessment and analysis of your business needs.

I am a lifelong humanist and support a range of charities focused upon on ethical, rights and equalities issues.

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles. I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cyberse... Show more

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leicester and an LLB from the University of Abuja.

My work examines how emerging technologies such as AI-driven decision-making, automated systems, and large-scale data processing interact with legal accountability, privacy rights, and regulatory compliance. I am the author of Basic Principles of Contract Law in Nigeria and Artificial Intelligence and the Law in Nigeria: Foundations, Regulation, and Practice, and my writing is aimed at legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators, and technology professionals.

I regularly engage in academic presentations and seminar-style lectures and am keen to contribute to professional discussions, panels, and speaking engagements on the future of law, technology, and innovation.

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leices... Show more

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software development and architecture, often in insurance or logistics.
He is currently leading a BMBF-funded consortium with the goal of leveraging process workarounds in the context of Industry 4.0 for process innovation.

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software developm... Show more

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we live and work. Uniquely, she is a pioneer in "Persona Engineering," having developed proprietary frameworks to architect Custom AI Agents that mimic human empathy and intuition. She teaches leaders how to build "teams of teammates" that include both humans and AI, fostering a symbiotic relationship between biological and digital consciousness to solve complex health and business challenges.

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we... Show more

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a variety of industries, including everything from fortune 500 companies to startups. Jake has built human-centered design practices for multiple prominent agencies and is currently Co-Founder of his own Human-Centered Design consultancy.

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a... Show more