Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Michael Cinquino

Michael Cinquino

Michael Cinquino has spent his career studying what happens to people under pressure, and what allows trust, clarity, and real collaboration to emerge when outcomes matter.

He began in high stakes environments as a United States Navy Rescue Swimmer, where presence was not a mindset but a requirement for survival.

After his military service, he trained as an actor, earning a BA in Acting and Directing and an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University, where he studied with William Esper, a protégé of Sanford Meisner. That lineage instilled a deep respect for listening, embodiment, and unforced response, and a firsthand understanding of how performance collapses when it becomes self protective.

Michael’s work later moved beyond the stage into leadership and organizational life. He spent nearly a decade working behind closed doors with the founders of the CIO Strategy Exchange, an invitation only forum that convened senior Chief Information Officers from Fortune 70 organizations including Goldman Sachs, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, Disney, Lockheed Martin, and Target. These leaders met for extended, off the record conversations designed to surface real tensions, think forward together, and speak candidly without performance.

Those rooms made something unmistakably clear: innovation and trust do not emerge from politeness or impression management. They emerge from environments where productive tension is allowed to exist and people are not punished for thinking out loud. As Edwin Land observed, politeness can be the poison of collaboration. Michael saw that principle lived, not theorized.

He later brought these insights into academic and applied settings, teaching at the University of New Hampshire’s Paul College of Business and Economics and building psychologically safe practice environments where people could rehearse human interaction without the cost of performance.

Today, Michael continues to develop Drop the Act through writing, speaking, and applied organizational work. He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Applied Psychology at Northwestern University, deepening the integration between communication science, nervous system regulation, and leadership behavior.

Michael Cinquino has spent his career studying what happens to people under pressure, and what allows trust, clarity, and real collaboration to emerge when outcomes matter. He began in high stakes environments as a United States Navy Rescue Swimme... Show more

Annabel Kramp

Annabel Kramp

- seit 2018 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Zentrum für Qualitätssicherung und - entwicklung/Zentrum für Wissenstransfer und Weiterbildung an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz mit den Schwerpunkten Schreib- und Lesedidaktik, tutorielle Lehre und Lehrendenberatung, digitale Lehre, KI in der Lehre, Gutachterin für Habilitationen
- 2023 Dr. phil. in Germanistik
- 2016 Master of Education in Germanistik, Philosophie, Bildungswissenschaften und Master of Arts in Germanistik mit Schwerpunkt Neuere deutsche Literaturwissenschaft
- 2016/17 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Bereich Neuere deutsche Literatur und ihre Didaktik an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main

- seit 2018 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Zentrum für Qualitätssicherung und - entwicklung/Zentrum für Wissenstransfer und Weiterbildung an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz mit den Schwerpunkten Schreib- und Lesedidaktik, tutorielle Lehr... Show more

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every engagement is to create transformation and lasting change in her diverse audiences.

Stella is the Co-Founder and Agile Faculty Lead at NSTAR Technologies, an ed-tech work force development institution in Atlanta, GA, where she has transforms the learning landscape for students/professionals through innovative training programs. Her work has enabled countless professionals to advance their careers, contributing to their communities and the local economy.

With over a decade of experience in Agile coaching, Stella leads enterprise agile transformations in the Data and AI organization at Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of open-source solutions. She spearheads initiatives that foster agility, innovation, and collaboration unlocking new possibilities for data-driven customer experiences. Her efforts enhance Red Hat’s products and services, contributing to the company’s ongoing business transformation

Beyond her professional roles, Stella is deeply committed to social and community impact. Passionate about immigrant advocacy, she plays a key role in the African Immigrant Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating the ecosystem and infrastructures for African immigrants to thrive in the diaspora. Additionally, she is involved in diverse-empowered networks such as Women Doing It Afraid, Women of Project Management and Women in Software Engineering. These initiatives align with her mission to create inclusive spaces and advocating for underrepresented groups and championing change.

As a distinct voice in the workplace, she is dedicated to championing the causes where women, immigrants, and business leaders can achieve their fullest potential. Her vision is to uplift diverse voices in the tech industry and beyond and empower individuals to take ownership of their careers and lives.

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every en... Show more

Sreeja Varnam

Sreeja Varnam

A Software Engineer passionate about Kubernetes and virtualization, currently working on the NGN (Nvidia Grid Network) platform, delivering GPU as a Service (Iaas) in the cloud.

A Software Engineer passionate about Kubernetes and virtualization, currently working on the NGN (Nvidia Grid Network) platform, delivering GPU as a Service (Iaas) in the cloud. Show more

Noa Omer

Noa Omer

Short background in MSP services and SME Office Automation, now work as a platform engineer doing R&D on and integration of FOSS components for our own cloud platform.

Born in Amsterdam, lived in Iraqi Kurdistan for 7 years in both Hawler and Sulaymaniyah. Now live in my mothers ancestral village in West Frisia.

History nerd and geopolitically obsessed so hit me up if you share those interests :).

Short background in MSP services and SME Office Automation, now work as a platform engineer doing R&D on and integration of FOSS components for our own cloud platform. Born in Amsterdam, lived in Iraqi Kurdistan for 7 years in both Hawler and Sula... Show more

Ishita Verma

Ishita Verma

Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Netflix working on Core Recommendations

Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Netflix working on Core Recommendations Show more

K.C. Raniero

K.C. Raniero

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

Tom Sherman

Tom Sherman

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

Leslie Herrera

Leslie Herrera

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

Etienne Jacquot

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

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