Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Güldeniz Bektaş

Güldeniz Bektaş

Güldeniz is graduated in Astronomy and Space Sciences but works as a Data Scientist for 1.5 years. She also loves to contribute to community. She organizes workshops, events and give talks and workshops herself in her country.

Güldeniz is graduated in Astronomy and Space Sciences but works as a Data Scientist for 1.5 years. She also loves to contribute to community. She organizes workshops, events and give talks and workshops herself in her country. Show more

Ouafa Benterki

Ouafa Benterki

Ouafa Benterki is a pioneering figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for her remarkable contributions and leadership. She is the CEO and Founder of MTY Intelligent Software, the first women-led technology startup in Algeria that specializes in AI and natural language processing (NLP). Founded in 2014, MTY Intelligent Software has been at the forefront of innovation in Algeria's tech industry.

Trainer and President of the first Algerian Association that promotes AI and Natural language Processing since 2013 in Algeria

In recognition of her expertise and influence, Ouafa was named a Microsoft Regional Director in May 2019, becoming the first Algerian IT professional to receive this prestigious title. As a Microsoft Regional Director, she is recognized for her cross-platform technical expertise, community leadership, public speaking experience, and commitment to business results.

Ouafa has also been acknowledged as one of the 100 Technologists to Watch by Women Who Code in 2023, highlighting her groundbreaking contributions to the technology industry .

Furthermore, Ouafa BENTERKI Was featured on the US Innovation report (Prescouter edition January 2023) among the most innovative Tech Thought Leader in the World.
Her efforts to promote Women in Data Science led her the be named Women In Data Science Ambassador to Algeria by the Stanford University since 2017
She is an expert advisor at the Arab International Investor Forum and frequently contributes to Algeria's AI space as a speaker and thought leader.

Her journey and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, especially women in technology, and underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech world.

Ouafa Benterki is a pioneering figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for her remarkable contributions and leadership. She is the CEO and Founder of MTY Intelligent Software, the first women-led technology startup i... Show more

Melody Passemante Powell M.Ed (she/her)

Melody Passemante Powell M.Ed (she/her)

Melody is an early childhood leader and specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Melody currently works as a Child Care Specialist III as a Supervisor within Fairfax County’s Institute for Early Learning. She Supervises Child Care Specialists II as they design and facilitate professional development for early childhood educators enrolled in the Neighborhood Community Services (NCS) Institute for Early Learning. Melody holds a BS in Early Childhood Education as well as a MEd in Education Management. She has been working with young children, families, and early childhood educators for over two decades in a variety of roles including the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center – Center Director and Office of Engagement Director. She was honored to be a member of the 2021-2022 NAEYC Regional Advocacy Fellowship, collaborating with other DC AEYC, Northern Virginia AEYC and Maryland AEYC fellows to build community, a network for advocacy, and create a shared policy agenda. Melody is passionate about meeting families, educators, and children where they are and creating responsive professional development workshops and curricula that meet their individual needs. She is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and continuous personal reflection. She has participated in various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, both professionally and personally. Melody is dedicated to supporting educators in their understanding of relationship based and empathy driven support, to provide high quality, equitable educational experiences for all families and children.

Melody is an early childhood leader and specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Melody currently works as a Child Care Specialist III as a Supervisor within Fairfax County’s Institute for Early Learning. She Supervises ... Show more

Thomas Weibel

Thomas Weibel

Thomas Weibel ist freier Journalist und Professor für Media Engineering. Nach einem Germanistik- und Anglistikstudium an der Universität Bern und nach journalistischen Lehr- und Wanderjahren bei führenden Schweizer Tageszeitungen war er Mitglied der Programmleitung von Radio SRF 2 Kultur, wo er crossmediale Formate entwickelte.

Als selbständiger Multimediaproduzent lehrt Thomas Weibel heute multimediales Erzählen und konvergente Medienproduktion an der Fachhochschule Graubünden sowie an der Hochschule der Künste Bern.

Thomas Weibel ist freier Journalist und Professor für Media Engineering. Nach einem Germanistik- und Anglistikstudium an der Universität Bern und nach journalistischen Lehr- und Wanderjahren bei führenden Schweizer Tageszeitungen war er Mitglied der ... Show more

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

I'm Dr. Sonia Daniels, a multi-passionate business owner and digital creator. As the founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, I empower mission-driven organizations to achieve sustainable growth and transformative results. With over 15 years of experience in Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, and senior operations, I lead projects that inspire change and build lasting capacity. From global corporations like Amazon to local nonprofits, my team combines strategy with heart to drive meaningful impact.

Beyond consulting, I channel my creativity into solo travel and adventure, sharing stories that inspire curiosity and exploration. I’m proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of New Orleans, and Southern University. I’m also a 2023 Goldman Sachs Black in Business alumna and 2024 Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Executive Education graduate. I’m dedicated to a life of purpose, adventure, and connection—sparking growth in organizations and individuals alike.

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT:
To live with purpose, inspire growth in myself and others, and create meaningful connections that foster equity and lasting impact.

I'm Dr. Sonia Daniels, a multi-passionate business owner and digital creator. As the founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, I empower mission-driven organizations to achieve sustainable growth and transformative results. With over 15 years of expe... Show more

Sheryn (Chirine) Knaider

Sheryn (Chirine) Knaider


Sheryn Knaïder, known as "The Disruptive Creator," is a professional who believes in unlocking solutions within challenges by embracing the power of perspective.

With a focus on transforming adversity into achievement and the need for constant reinvention, Sheryn emphasizes the importance of creativity and Problem Solving in navigating today's complex business landscape.

She applies her expertise in various ways: as a Multilingual Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Consultant, and Author.

Fluent in French, Italian, English, and Arabic, she excels in creative problem-solving, offering solutions to individuals and organizations seeking to thrive in challenging environments.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Sheryn is the Founding President of the Professional Speakers Association of MENA & GCC - PSA Arabia, where her mission is to give a voice to women in these regions and empower them to speak up.

She is also a stand-up comedian in both English and Arabic language.

Sheryn Knaïder, known as "The Disruptive Creator," is a professional who believes in unlocking solutions within challenges by embracing the power of perspective. With a focus on transforming adversity into achievement and the need for constant r... Show more

Tariq Ali Cayne

Tariq Ali Cayne

Tariq Ali Cayne, also known as TAC, is a distinguished educator, speaker, and business professional dedicated to fostering growth and development across diverse audiences. As the Co-Founder and Coaching Director of Pitch Play Co., he integrates gamification into career coaching, making professional development both engaging and accessible.

With a robust background that includes teaching mathematics and serving in various capacities at Fortune 500 companies, Tariq has honed his expertise in business analysis, operations management, and program management. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Georgia State University, complemented by Lean Six Sigma, Scrum Mastery, Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation certifications from esteemed institutions such as Cornell University and MIT.

Tariq's speaking engagements are characterized by his strategic mindset and competitive nature, which he attributes to his lifelong passions as a curious scholar, enthusiastic gamer, and basketball aficionado. He emphasizes the importance of personal investment and continuous learning, inspiring audiences to view business as a game that can be mastered with the right approach.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Tariq is an avid gamer, traveler, and culinary enthusiast, bringing a well-rounded perspective to his coaching and speaking engagements. He aims to empower individuals to achieve their career goals by making career development fun and approachable.

Tariq Ali Cayne, also known as TAC, is a distinguished educator, speaker, and business professional dedicated to fostering growth and development across diverse audiences. As the Co-Founder and Coaching Director of Pitch Play Co., he integrates gamif... Show more

Eran Yahav

Eran Yahav

Eran Yahav is the CTO of Tabnine and a professor of Computer Science at the Technion, Israel. His research interests include program synthesis, machine learning for code, program analysis, and program verification. Eran loves long-distance running, and while he hasn’t yet won any medals, he has suffered at least one instance of heatstroke while trying.

Eran Yahav is the CTO of Tabnine and a professor of Computer Science at the Technion, Israel. His research interests include program synthesis, machine learning for code, program analysis, and program verification. Eran loves long-distance running, a... Show more

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, MAML is on a mission to make the world, or at least her corner of it, a better place. Since the age of 12, Cortina has been a student of creativity and entrepreneurship, learning at the hands of elders, mentors and teachers in the rural South about how to serve, how to build good business and how to be a leader in life. Having to overcome the challenges of being born to teenage parents, the strife of poverty and the slippery slope of wanting to “make it out”, Cortina had an early passion to build the life God envisioned for her and go beyond the limitations imposed upon her by society. The early teachings to pursue an education, keep God first in all things and be a good human paid off and her life is an ongoing testament to the power of hard work, strategy, resilience, authenticity and working from the heart. Since 2004, Cortina has been speaking to audiences all over the world, seeking to ignite hope and courage in others. Notable achievements in her career include:

EPA & Tuskegee University, Environmental Justice Fellow, 2024;
River City Company, Emerging Producers Fellow, 2024;
ArtsBuild Periscope CHA Fellow, 2024;
Certified ICAgile Professional, 2023;
KNOW Global, Notable Women: Asheville, 2020;
Tzedek Impact Award, 2019;
Certified Grant Writing Professional, 2018;
Certified Creative Facilitator, 2016;
Masters of Art in Business Management & Leadership, 2015;
40 Under Forty: Asheville, 2013;
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2012;
Phi Alpha Honor Society, 2008; and
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, 2005.

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, MAML is on a mission to make the world, or at least her corner of it, a better place. Since the age of 12, Cortina has been a student of creativity and entrepreneurship, learning at the hands of elders, mentors and teachers ... Show more

Cosme Aristides

Cosme Aristides

I have a degree in Physics and Astronomy, but I work in IT. Okay, nothing special there. The unlikely thing is that before I ventured into the "exact sciences" (a somewhat inaccurate label, by the way), I actually completed 6 semesters of Literature. So, I have some "humanities" in my academic background. Okay, but what career doesn't? Details of my profile that might give you an idea of ​​the line I want to take in my content production.

My completed writing projects are: editorial and writing for the pop culture and science dissemination magazine Geeky~iD, as well as authoring the book “A Paisagem Limpido ~ Gênese vampírica”. I also wrote research and dissemination articles on Physics, Epistemology, Ancient History, Comparative Religions and Mythology.

As academic activities, I coordinated the UFF/Unesco extension project in Environmental Education, gave lectures at research institutes on Climate Change, clean energy, sustainable development, astronomy, quantum theory, relativity, philosophy of science, data science and artificial intelligence.

I have a degree in Physics and Astronomy, but I work in IT. Okay, nothing special there. The unlikely thing is that before I ventured into the "exact sciences" (a somewhat inaccurate label, by the way), I actually completed 6 semesters of Literature.... Show more

Renata Frade

Renata Frade

IEEE and Gartner keynote speaker, Renata Loureiro Frade is a PhD Candidate in Information and Communication in Digital Platforms at the University of Aveiro and University of Porto, Portugal. Her research focuses on women in technology communities, digital storytelling, and technofeminism.
Frade has over 20 years of experience as a hybrid professional combining academic research, multiplatform content strategy and production, innovative projects, consulting, and digital ethnography. She is passionate about empowering women to work and become entrepreneurs in IT and STEAM fields, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Attendee in Futures of Entertainment transmedia conference with Dr. Henry Jenkins in MIT MediaLab (2012) and Future of Media conference in Stanford Graduate School of Business at the Stanford University (2016). Artificial Intelligence researcher at the Cátedra Oscar Sala at the University of São Paulo.

As an accomplished author and researcher, Renata Frade has published numerous academic papers and articles on topics related to women in technology, digital storytelling, and technological feminism. She co-edited the book "Technofeminism: Multi and Transdisciplinary Contemporary Views of Women in Technology" (2023) and has presented her research at international conferences.

Frade's work has been recognized with several awards and scholarships, including the Santander Coders 2023 award and a Research Scholarship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for her doctoral studies.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Renata Frade is an active science communicator, frequently contributing articles to media outlets (Digitalks PT, Sapo, Público, Mídia Ninja etc) and speaking at industry events on topics related to women in technology, digital innovation, and transmedia storytelling. She has also led several impactful projects, such as Punch! for Writers, Menino da Terra book app and LitGrilsBr, including developing educational platforms and organizing academic conferences.

Her commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation is evident in her pursuit of UX Design Fundamentals specialization from the California Institute of Arts and UX/UI and Interface Design at the University of São Paulo. She's been invited to interviews to digital influencers and press-media such as Público Portuguese newspaper.

Frade holds a Master's degree in Literature from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a Bachelor's degree in Social Communication (Journalism) from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Her interdisciplinary background uniquely positions her at the intersection of technology, communication, and social impact.

IEEE and Gartner keynote speaker, Renata Loureiro Frade is a PhD Candidate in Information and Communication in Digital Platforms at the University of Aveiro and University of Porto, Portugal. Her research focuses on women in technology communities, d... Show more

Susi Bauer

Susi Bauer

Susi Bauer (She/her or They/them) is a freelance ADHD Coach, Facilitator, Training Designer, and consultant.

After a decade in the video games industry, she changed career paths following a late ADHD diagnosis. Her mission is to share kind conversations, knowledge, and tools with individuals and organisations to foster growth. Susi loves to collaborate to find better answers to old questions and create spaces where everyone's needs are recognised and met.

As a coach, she helps people embrace their authentic, curious selves. She's qualified in Knowledge-Based Coaching & ADHD Coaching and often works with adults with ADHD, entry- to mid-level managers, career changers, and leaders of volunteer organisations.
She also offers training, facilitation, and consulting to organisations and teams.

Susi Bauer (She/her or They/them) is a freelance ADHD Coach, Facilitator, Training Designer, and consultant. After a decade in the video games industry, she changed career paths following a late ADHD diagnosis. Her mission is to share kind convers... Show more

Paul Hylenski

Paul Hylenski

Paul Hylenski is an accomplished Aerospace Business Leader based in Maryland. Paul started his leadership journey during his time in the United States Marine Corps. With over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Paul is passionate about leadership and human dynamics. Paul has implemented psychological safety and social engineering principles to create environments where individuals can thrive.
As a thought leader, Paul has written numerous articles on human-centric leadership and maintains a popular LinkedIn newsletter dedicated to the subject. He has also authored books such as "Culture Change through Environment Change," "Coaching for Growth," and "Error-Proofing Humans." These publications showcase his expertise and provide guidance for aspiring leaders in the aerospace industry.
With a track record of success and a genuine commitment to empowering others, Paul Hylenski continues to make significant contributions to aerospace manufacturing. His leadership philosophy and dedication to human dynamics inspire positive and transformative change within organizations.

Paul Hylenski is an accomplished Aerospace Business Leader based in Maryland. Paul started his leadership journey during his time in the United States Marine Corps. With over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Paul is passionate about... Show more

Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou

Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou

M. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou holds a PhD in Statistics-Probability and is a post-doctoral researcher in Biostatistics and Artificial Intelligence at the Research and Training Center in Infectiology of Guinea (CERFIG), Gamal Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea. Previously, he was a Lecturer-Researcher at the Laboratory of Biometrics and Forestry Estimations at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. He actively participates in various scientific communities, contributing to fields such as biostatistics, applied statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, climate change, agriculture, environment, and public health. He has received several awards, including the best poster award for his doctoral thesis work at the Doctoral School of Excellence Centers of Benin of the World Bank in 2021, and was nominated in 2024 among 'World Top Scientists' in the 'Best Research Article Award' category in Biostatistics. Recently, he has been appointed as a Lecturer-Researcher in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Labé. Contact: +22995306612/+224627812787, castrohounmenou@gmail.com

M. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou holds a PhD in Statistics-Probability and is a post-doctoral researcher in Biostatistics and Artificial Intelligence at the Research and Training Center in Infectiology of Guinea (CERFIG), Gamal Nasser University of Cona... Show more

Alice Brosey

Alice Brosey

I am a Senior Developer at Hitachi Solutions and a freelance developer for my company The Bunny Network. I'm a wife, and mother of an amazing 10 year old. A third generation printer on both sides of my family, I have ink in my veins and a love of the printed word. I'm also into genealogy, historical preservation, and bicycling.

I am a Senior Developer at Hitachi Solutions and a freelance developer for my company The Bunny Network. I'm a wife, and mother of an amazing 10 year old. A third generation printer on both sides of my family, I have ink in my veins and a love of the... Show more

Alexis Roig

Alexis Roig

Alexis Roig is the CEO of SciTech DiploHub, the world-leading think-and-do tank working at the intersection of science, technology, and foreign affairs, where he leads an international team of over 20 members committed to empowering science and technology to face global challenges.

He also serves in the pioneering role of Barcelona’s Chief Science and Tech Envoy, bringing the voice of evidence-based urban policies and innovations before the UN’s ECOSOC, UNESCO, UNFCCC, the United Nations Sustainable Solutions Network, the International Science Council, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the European Committee of the Regions, among other international organizations. He has over 15 years of experience as a Senior Advisor on Science Diplomacy and City Diplomacy for ministries of Foreign Affairs, Science, Research, and Education across Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

His academic roles include being a Professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), Associate Researcher at the Barcelona Centre for International Relations (CIDOB), Associate Professor at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), and the Barcelona Institute for International Studies (IBEI) and Associate Research Fellow at United Nations University (UNU-CRIS), where he works as part of the Regions and Cities Governance Lab in the fields of Science and Technology Diplomacy. Professor Roig is a founder and board member of numerous non-profits and think tanks on Public Diplomacy, Science Advice, and Innovation Policy.

Among other roles, he has served as an advisor to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation of the Government of Spain, and to the European Commission and the United States’ Department of State on their respective Science, Technology, and City Diplomacy strategies, and as Commissioner for International Affairs of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region strategic plan.

Alexis Roig has developed numerous policy reports, strategic plans, and training programs in Science Diplomacy for regional and national governments of the United States, Mexico, Chile, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, China, Korea, and Japan. He has taught in institutions such as Harvard University, Georgetown University, Sciences Po, CEIBS, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, and Johns Hopkins University, and in the last decade trained over 1,000 government officials from over 50 different nationalities.

He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, an MBA from EM Normandie Business School, a Postgraduate degree in Diplomacy from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, an Executive Diploma in Nonprofit Foundation Management, and has completed Executive Education programs in Leadership and Public Administration at ESADE and IESE. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan, and is continuously improving his proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

Alexis Roig is the CEO of SciTech DiploHub, the world-leading think-and-do tank working at the intersection of science, technology, and foreign affairs, where he leads an international team of over 20 members committed to empowering science and techn... Show more

Alice Yang

Alice Yang

Alice Yang is a professor in the History Department and the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She also Co-Directs the Center for the Study of Pacific War Memories.

Alice Yang is a professor in the History Department and the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She also Co-Directs the Center for the Study of Pacific War Memories. Show more

Mathias Lynders

Mathias Lynders

Shirley Koss

Shirley Koss

Shirley Koss is a relationship cultivation expert and community building specialist currently serving as Community and Member Success Manager at Woodard. With her natural talent for fostering authentic professional connections, Shirley has developed a proven approach to network development that transforms casual contacts into valuable business relationships.
Throughout her career, Shirley has demonstrated exceptional skill in creating environments where professionals can meaningfully connect, collaborate, and grow together. She understands that powerful networks aren’t built on business card exchanges, but through genuine engagement and strategic relationship nurturing.
In her role at Woodard, Shirley applies her expertise daily by creating opportunities for bookkeeping and accounting professionals to build supportive communities that drive both personal and business success. Her practical insights on relationship-building in professional contexts have helped countless individuals transform their networking approach from transactional to transformational.

Shirley Koss is a relationship cultivation expert and community building specialist currently serving as Community and Member Success Manager at Woodard. With her natural talent for fostering authentic professional connections, Shirley has developed ... Show more

Eric Wada

Eric Wada

Bio :
Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Division of Indigenous Language Revitalization and Education. His work bridges performing arts, language, and ceremony to explore Okinawan identity, diaspora, and decolonial practice. Through the philosophy of Nadayashiku—conciliation as a pedagogy for survival—Wada examines how Indigenous and land-based education can foster responsible allyship, heal generational trauma, and inspire language revitalization grounded in ancestral worldview.

Bio : Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Division of Indigenous Language Revitalization and Education. His work bridges performin... Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

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

🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD

#Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Nachhaltigkeit #Erziehung #Bildung #Lehren #Lernen #Evidence #Misconceptions #Bildungsmedien #Videos #PKM #OER #sotl #academicdevelopment

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmyths #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience 🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD #Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Na... Show more

Diane Darling

Diane Darling

The good news is that my topic is ideal for any event.

I speak around the world helping smart people gain confidence when walking into rooms, networking, and building lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

I'm published by McGraw-Hill in 9 languages. Been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, appeared on MSNBC and NBC Nightly News.

My programs are informative, fun, and packed with information that can be immediately implemented.

In order to overcome my fear of public speaking, I took acting and standup comedy courses.

My love of travel has taken her to all seven continents and 60 countries.

How can I help your event succeed? Let's connect!

The good news is that my topic is ideal for any event. I speak around the world helping smart people gain confidence when walking into rooms, networking, and building lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. I'm published by McGraw-Hill... Show more

Leisel Bogan

Leisel Bogan

Leisel Bogan is a technology and national security leader with experience across government, industry, and academia. She is a Research Fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy. Previously she served as a Senior Technical Advisor at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where she focused on protecting critical infrastructure and countering nation-state cyber threats. Before CISA, she was a Senior Fellow for Cybersecurity, National Security and Technology for Senator Mark Warner, a Research Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center under former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, a Director at TechCongress, and led the inaugural Congressional Digital Service pilot on the House Select Committee on Modernization.

Earlier, she served as Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and worked for former Defense Secretary Bob Gates and former National Security Advisor Steve Hadley at RiceHadleyGates, primarily advising global clients on emerging technologies in emerging markets. She has also held roles at Palantir, Warner Bros., and PwC, and academic research appointments at Stanford University. A former Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, she currently serves on the Emerging Technology Advisory Board of the Idaho Department of Finance, advises several companies and nonprofits, and volunteers with refugee and mentorship programs. She began her career in television and print advertising as a child.

Leisel Bogan is a technology and national security leader with experience across government, industry, and academia. She is a Research Fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy. Previously she served as a Senior Technical... Show more

Daniela D'Eugenio

Daniela D'Eugenio

Daniela D’Eugenio is Assistant Professor of Italian at the University of Arkansas. Her research interests focus on proverbs in Renaissance and Baroque literature, the relationships between texts and images, and pedagogical approaches to foreign language instruction. She is the author of Paroimia. Brusantino, Florio, Sarnelli, and Italian Proverbs from the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries (Purdue University Press, 2021) and co-editor of Italia, Italie. Studi in onore di Hermann W. Haller (with Alberto Gelmi and Dario Marcucci; Mimesis, 2021) and Rappresentare per includere. Metodi, strumenti e testi per un italiano plurale (with Alberto Gelmi; Cesati, 2023).

Daniela D’Eugenio is Assistant Professor of Italian at the University of Arkansas. Her research interests focus on proverbs in Renaissance and Baroque literature, the relationships between texts and images, and pedagogical approaches to foreign langu... Show more

Julia Ludwig

Julia Ludwig

Business Administration & Business Psychology (B. Sc.)
Agile Coach, Senior Consultant

Business Administration & Business Psychology (B. Sc.) Agile Coach, Senior Consultant Show more

Louis Jourdain

Louis Jourdain

NLP addict

NLP addict Show more

Saahil Khurana

Saahil Khurana

I am Staff software engineer at Rivian VW group, I have been a founding engineer at Rivian from October 2021 and we have built the entire realtime stream processing stack here. I am passionate about Realtime stream processing using Apache Flink, Kafka, Schema registry, Druid, Pinot, web application development using Spring-Boot MVC micro services framework, React and Javascript. Prior to Rivian, I was at Yahoo in feed Personalization team where I worked on streaming data for feature engineering and worked closely with data scientists to serve relevant content to users across Yahoo homepage, Yahoo finance etc.
At Stony Brook, Data Science, AI, Operating Systems, Database systems have been my favorite subjects to study. I am passionate about Systems, Networking, Machine Learning. I like to describe myself as a problem solver and I am never shy of adapting to a new technology, tool or language to solve a given problem.

I am Staff software engineer at Rivian VW group, I have been a founding engineer at Rivian from October 2021 and we have built the entire realtime stream processing stack here. I am passionate about Realtime stream processing using Apache Flink, Kafk... Show more

Barry Burd

Barry Burd

Barry Burd is a Mathematics and Computer Science Professor at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, US. He's the author of several books, including "Java For Dummies", "Quantum Computing Algorithms", and with Michael McCarthy, "Concise Guide to the Internet of Things". In 2020, he was named a Java Champion.

Barry Burd is a Mathematics and Computer Science Professor at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, US. He's the author of several books, including "Java For Dummies", "Quantum Computing Algorithms", and with Michael McCarthy, "Concise Guide to the... Show more

Anna van Dillen

Anna van Dillen

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

Grace Acton

Grace Acton

Ai Grace Acton is an undergraduate student studying International Relations and Sociology at Tufts University. This past summer, Acton was awarded a grant from the Tufts Summer Scholars program to conduct research on multiracial Asian American identity. She is currently extending this research into a senior honors thesis on how multiracial Asian-white individuals understand and negotiate their racial identities within both their communities and the broader U.S. racial hierarchy, drawing on qualitative methods and critical approaches from sociology, Asian American studies, and mixed-race studies.
Beyond her independent research, Acton is analyzing qualitative data from more than forty interviews examining equity and climate in public exam schools following admissions reform as a research assistant to Professor Warikoo in the Department of Sociology. This collaborative project aims to offer insight into the efficacy of the new policy and ultimately improve its implementation.
Grace’s academic and activist work intersect deeply. As a project lead with the Tufts Asian Student Coalition (TASC), she has designed and facilitated workshops that encourage students to think critically about their Asian American identity as a political category. She co-led a successful campaign to strengthen the university’s ethnic studies program, resulting in expanded resources, funding, and course offerings. She also edits and publishes creative and critical works in Voices, Tufts’ Asian American literary and arts magazine, which uplifts Asian American narratives and cultural expression. Her organizing emphasizes solidarity and collective liberation, particularly through mobilizing students for actions and rallies supporting Palestinian liberation and other social justice movements.
In addition to her research and community engagement, Grace works as a Writing Fellow at Tufts, mentoring peers on advanced academic writing. She is also the founder of Light It Up English, an educational initiative that provides personalized English instruction for children across cultures. Through this work, she deepens her commitment to inclusive education and cross-cultural dialogue, values that also shape her scholarship and activism. She is dedicated to bridging academic inquiry and community engagement through work that amplifies Asian American and multiracial narratives, challenges racial hierarchies, and envisions more inclusive futures.

Ai Grace Acton is an undergraduate student studying International Relations and Sociology at Tufts University. This past summer, Acton was awarded a grant from the Tufts Summer Scholars program to conduct research on multiracial Asian American identi... Show more

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