Winner of three AI awards, I’ve been working in AI and machine learning for 25 years, designing and developing AI and computer graphic algorithms.

I’m very passionate about AI, focusing on Audio, Image and Natural Language Processing, and predictive analysis as well.
I received several national and international awards that recognize my work and contributions in these areas.

Microsoft MVP for Artificial Intelligence Category, I have the pleasure of being a guest speaker in national and international events.

Winner of three AI awards, I’ve been working in AI and machine learning for 25 years, designing and developing AI and computer graphic algorithms. I’m very passionate about AI, focusing on Audio, Image and Natural Language Processing, and predicti... Show more

With 15 years in the Java industry, I’m a dedicated community builder and senior marketing professional focused on growing and supporting the global Java and Jakarta EE ecosystems. I specialise in creating spaces for developer collaboration, driving open source engagement, and promoting education across Java communities.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported developers by organising educational events, creating technical content, and fostering meaningful connections. I’ve spoken at Java and open source conferences, worked closely with Java Champions and Jakarta EE experts, and contributed to the growth of developer communities worldwide.

As one of the original team members at Payara, I played a key role in shaping the Payara brand and building its user community from the ground up. In my current role as Community Manager, I continue to support and grow developer communities by amplifying their voices, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and driving innovation in the enterprise Java space.

With 15 years in the Java industry, I’m a dedicated community builder and senior marketing professional focused on growing and supporting the global Java and Jakarta EE ecosystems. I specialise in creating spaces for developer collaboration, driving ... Show more

I'm a seasoned and certified recruiter with over 18 years experience in the business. For the past 7 years I have been solely focusing on recruiting top Salesforce talent and have built a reputation of being Poland's leading Salesforce Recruiter.

I'm a seasoned and certified recruiter with over 18 years experience in the business. For the past 7 years I have been solely focusing on recruiting top Salesforce talent and have built a reputation of being Poland's leading Salesforce Recruiter. Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

“I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose.”

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more

Hello!

My name is Jonas Hulthén and I'm a software engineer at Nordnet who loves to learn, collaborate and spread positivity!

Hello! My name is Jonas Hulthén and I'm a software engineer at Nordnet who loves to learn, collaborate and spread positivity! Show more

As a late-diagnosed individual with combined ADHD, I've navigated a unique path that's led me to where I am today. I hold an MBA with a focus on leadership and a few professional certifications. I found my way operations and project management while in cultural exchange. My work for updating and improving business process through automation has helped me play to how my brain is wired. My diverse experiences outside my professional life extend to being a kids' ski instructor and race coach, reflecting my love for mentorship and skill development. In my free time, I'm an avid skier with an extreme fear of heights, I am making the most of the slopes and facing fears whenever I can. In the summer, I enjoy helping on my sister's farm, where we grow about 4 acres and about 10 varieties of heirloom tomatoes. I embrace the joys of outdoor life and family connections.

As a late-diagnosed individual with combined ADHD, I've navigated a unique path that's led me to where I am today. I hold an MBA with a focus on leadership and a few professional certifications. I found my way operations and project management while ... Show more

A cybersecurity expert, criminology researcher, and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Nevis Infosystems and the Co-Founder & Director of NCORE Foundation. At Nevis, he drives product development, secure technology solutions, and innovative GenAI-based services, while at NCORE he empowers law enforcement agencies and professionals through advanced cyber investigation and security training.

He has solved 150+ real-world cybercrime cases and trained 10,000+ students, 200+ teachers, and 300+ law enforcement officers on digital safety, cybercrime investigation, and cloud security. As an entrepreneur, he is building products like Neviscater — bridging design, security, and usability — to create safer and smarter digital ecosystems.

With past experience at the Ministry of Defence (DRDO) and as a Graduate Project Manager at Kounsel, he has led security-focused software projects and helped startups build safe, user-friendly products.

Known for simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts, he regularly speaks at global and national conferences, mentors young professionals, and supports law enforcement with modern investigation techniques. His mission is clear — to make technology safer, accessible, and impactful for everyone.

A cybersecurity expert, criminology researcher, and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Nevis Infosystems and the Co-Founder & Director of NCORE Foundation. At Nevis, he drives product development, secure technology solu... Show more

LaShawnda Rodgers is a visionary leader in change management, DEI, and leadership development, standing at the forefront of organizational transformation. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Rodgers Global Leadership Consortium, she brings over 20 years of experience in guiding multi-million-dollar global projects, technical consulting, coaching, career growth, and stakeholder management.

LaShawnda’s expertise extends into the realms of data science and technology, where she has successfully led initiatives that leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer engagement, leadership development, and employee experience. Her technical acumen is complemented by her role as a Microsoft Partner and a member of Microsoft’s Black Partner Initiative, where she collaborates on innovative solutions and strategies.

In her capacity as Vice President of Community Outreach for Blacks in Technology, LaShawnda partners with organizations to increase African American representation in the technology fields. She is also a Founding Member of Tech Ladies, mentoring and equipping women with the tools to advance their careers in tech. Her efforts have empowered many professionals to confidently negotiate their salaries, articulate their value, and achieve their desired career outcomes.

LaShawnda’s commitment to creating equitable, inclusive work environments has led to significant increases in profitability for organizations. Her recognition with the 40 Under 40 Award and features on platforms like Hired.com, Mentor Me Tech Summit, and Power To Fly underscore her impact as a thought leader dedicated to uplifting individuals and businesses alike.

When she is not speaking, consulting, or coaching, LaShawnda enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

LaShawnda Rodgers is a visionary leader in change management, DEI, and leadership development, standing at the forefront of organizational transformation. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Rodgers Global Leadership Consortium, she brings ove... Show more

Rashmi is a AI Research Scientist at Poseidon and a researcher at MIT CSAIL, working in the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. She has six years of industrial experience, having brought ideas to life at pre-seed startups and contributed to impactful redesigns and features at established industry giants. Beyond coding, Rashmi finds inspiration in capturing the wonders of the cosmos through her telescope and engaging in board games with friends.

Rashmi is a AI Research Scientist at Poseidon and a researcher at MIT CSAIL, working in the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. She has six years of industrial experience, having brought ideas to life at pre-seed startups and c... Show more

Carol Tinga is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Canada. She earned her PhD at OVC, focusing on owner-companion rabbit relationships and rabbit welfare. Her research examined the use of human-animal relationship scales for rabbit owners, risk factors for relinquishment and abandonment, and recent trends in domestic rabbit intake and management at shelters and rescues in Canada and the USA. Currently, Carol is preparing four open-access publications based on her thesis, presenting findings at conferences, and supporting organizations that care for rabbits. Additional upcoming papers will address access to veterinary care, challenges of rabbit ownership, owners’ favourite rabbit behaviours and their significance, and the validation of a third relationship scale. Vespa, a remarkable lop-eared rabbit, inspired her PhD. Before her doctoral studies, Carol completed an MSc in epidemiology, exploring how veterinary students and recent graduates perceive their technical and professional skills. She now shares her home with Ellie and Coco, a bonded pair of free-range rabbits affectionately known as “the hooligans,” adopted after they were abandoned outdoors.

Carol Tinga is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Canada. She earned her PhD at OVC, focusing on owner-companion rabbit relationships and rabbit welfare. Her research examined the use of human-animal... Show more

Author of "Programming LLMs with Azure Open AI" (Microsoft Press, 2024), Francesco is currently Chief Technology Officer at Crionet, a primary sport-tech firm, where he started writing software and algorithms at the venerable age of 12. He coordinates a team of 30 developers and data scientists doing applications primarily on the .NET stack. As an entrepreneur, he founded Youbiquitous, a data analysis and software factory working primarily on the Python stack for major public Italian companies and universities, and KBMS Data Force, a startup in Digital Therapy and intelligent healthcare, where he serves as CTO.

Author of "Programming LLMs with Azure Open AI" (Microsoft Press, 2024), Francesco is currently Chief Technology Officer at Crionet, a primary sport-tech firm, where he started writing software and algorithms at the venerable age of 12. He coordinate... Show more

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping teams at all levels to work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she is here to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to technical professionals.

As a qualified coach, and a team dynamics consultant with a decade of hands-on experience, Ceri finds joy in creating lightbulb moments and turning assumptions on their heads, as well as reading everything she possibly can (because ADHD).

Tea in hand, Ceri works alongside leaders and teams globally and is continually delighted to speak with audiences worldwide, mostly about the beautiful intermingling of behavioural science and agility.

Ceri also loves brains - once a nerd, always a nerd...

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping teams at all levels to work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she is here to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to tec... Show more

Results - driven Cybersecurity Engineer with diverse experience across Healthcare, Banking, Public, and Telecom sectors, cross-functional project guidance and stakeholder support, security architecture strategy, application security, predictive analytics, and enterprise risk management. Adept at designing and implementing scalable solutions, driving automation, and delivering quantifiable value and innovation.

Results - driven Cybersecurity Engineer with diverse experience across Healthcare, Banking, Public, and Telecom sectors, cross-functional project guidance and stakeholder support, security architecture strategy, application security, predictive analy... Show more

Joel brings 25 years of global experience, supporting Fortune 500 companies and thousands of participants. He specializes in empowering leaders and teams with effective communication skills, fostering more impactful collaboration and motivation. His expertise lies in enabling individuals to authentically influence others towards deeper business relationships, fostering trust and enhancing engagement.

Joel thrives to lead engaging and interactive sessions based on 'Learn, Laugh, and Do!'

When you communicate effectively, people feel heard, seen, and understood- mutual respect is created, and you start connecting and unlocking the motivators for you and the other.

Drawing from his background as a former professional actor and improviser- Joel brings unique tips and activities for everyone to practice and implement.

You can listen to or watch Joel as the host of "The Great Canadian Leadership" and "This Feels Right" Podcasts and YouTube – interviewing leaders and experts on influencing and communications skills."

Joel brings 25 years of global experience, supporting Fortune 500 companies and thousands of participants. He specializes in empowering leaders and teams with effective communication skills, fostering more impactful collaboration and motivation. His ... Show more

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨
I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our connections in remote environments from a DEIB and neuroaffirmative standpoint. I have led tech teams, where I discovered that each brain processes and collaborates from different parameters. My passion lies in designing inclusive environments—not by correcting people, but by configuring teams to learn better together

As a gifted AuDHD girly 💅🏼 I bring a unique perspective that bridges neuroscience, communication, and technology. My talks inspire audiences to rethink collaboration, embrace neurodiversity, and foster truly inclusive cultures in both remote and in-person settings. I am committed to sharing actionable insights that help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by understanding how our brains work and how we can design environments where everyone thrives. And have fun. Fun is key, neuroscience says.

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨ I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our... Show more

Candice Grobler is the founder of Candid Collab, a systems-savvy community consultancy helping solo founders and stretched teams build community-led marketing engines that scale revenue.

After a CPTSD diagnosis and a “you’re unemployable” jab from a well-meaning manager, Candice left the cubicle grind to forge a new model: one where neuro-spicy, outside-the-norm entrepreneurs could thrive through mentorship, scrappy systems, and candid community.

Today, she’s a sought-after mentor and speaker known for transforming sticky-note chaos into streamlined workflows and turning feast-or-famine floundering into steady, soul-aligned revenue. Her live talks, workshops, and interviews blend radical candour with practical playbooks, because life’s too short to build someone else’s empire (or burn out building your own).

Candice has helped dozens of founders grow recurring revenue, reduce burnout, and build communities that market for them, without agency retainers, bro-marketing gloss, or a selling out.

Candice Grobler is the founder of Candid Collab, a systems-savvy community consultancy helping solo founders and stretched teams build community-led marketing engines that scale revenue. After a CPTSD diagnosis and a “you’re unemployable” jab from... Show more

With over 17 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, she brings together deep technical expertise and a talent for fostering human-centered growth.

Since 2019, Luisa has delivered engaging talks and hands-on workshops that inspire teams and individuals to achieve their full potential. Her unique approach empowers organizations to drive both technological innovation and positive, sustainable change through collaboration and impactful leadership.

With over 17 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplace Fac... Show more

Michelle is a portfolio careerist who intentionally lives on cross-boundary intersections, bringing together innovation, creative expression, and human well-being. As an Innovation Designer and Human Well-Being Insight Designer, she explores how people live, work, and thrive, translating complex insights into meaningful everyday practices and solutions. Her work as a Vision-to-Experience Curator connects ideas to real-world impact, helping individuals and organizations bring purposeful concepts to life.

She has led workshops, trainings, and sessions focused on leveraging creativity and technology to drive innovative thinking, collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges. Committed to building bridges between different perspectives, she thrives on turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that yield meaningful, sustainable impact in both the short and long term. Her aim is always to bring people together in ways that spark self-discovery, creative expression, and personal liberation—ultimately empowering every individual to step fully into their potential.

Alongside these roles, Michelle is an author, artist, and podcaster, using storytelling and creative expression to explore themes of purpose, resilience, and modern innovative work. Her multidisciplinary path reflects a commitment to curiosity, integrity, and designing a life that aligns with her values, vision of success, and purpose.

With experience across multiple sectors and creative fields, Michelle brings a grounded, integrated perspective to conversations about wellness, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering insights shaped by both lived experience and intentional design.

Michelle is a portfolio careerist who intentionally lives on cross-boundary intersections, bringing together innovation, creative expression, and human well-being. As an Innovation Designer and Human Well-Being Insight Designer, she explores how peop... Show more

Cade Bradford Knudson is a financial professional with tremendous experience managing multi-million dollar portfolios for various clients across the broader financial industry. While working for hedge funds, he has learned various skills, including quantitative analysis, relative valuations, and macroeconomic analysis. He spends a significant amount of time analyzing financial trends, valuing different companies, and looking for investment opportunities on behalf of his clients. He also keeps his eyes open, learning from some of the top professionals in the industry, and applying everything he knows to his own career. This steady approach helps him focus on process, risk control, and clear communication.

Cade Knudson of Denver set his sights on the business world early. He noticed how people around him made decisions and looked for small ways to practice those habits. He graduated toward the top of his class in high school and went on to one of the top colleges in the country. In college, he took numerous business courses, held part-time jobs that taught accountability, and followed through on internships he used to network. Because the business world is incredibly competitive, particularly for those who want to work in equities, he aimed to build simple routines he could repeat—read carefully, test assumptions, and explain conclusions plainly.

After he finished college, he spent several years working. He wanted to apply what he learned, refine judgment, and earn trust with results. The hours were long, but the lessons were practical. By learning how to take lessons from the school and apply them in real life, he built many essential skills that he continues to use. He also got to work with various business clients, continuously generating positive returns on their behalf. That record helped him gain admission to one of the top graduate programs in the country and confirmed the value of preparation and steady execution.

He decided to go back to graduate school and attend DU. There, he distinguished himself from a lot of his peers, graduating magna cum laude from the program. The recognition opened doors, but the habits behind it mattered more: careful research, clear writing, and attention to risk. He immediately garnered the attention of some of the top firms in the industry, which allowed him to land an exceptional job. In his current role, he moves projects from planning to delivery, aiming for straightforward memos and measured position sizing.

Working with different teams has been an essential part of his development. He has shown an ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, which helps him consistently meet deadlines and requirements for client deliverables. He tries to listen first, ask specific questions, and keep meetings centered on next steps. When results arrive, he reviews what worked, notes what did not, and adjusts his process.

Service is part of his week. Cade Knudson of Denver regularly donates to a safe house for domestic violence victims in Denver. He also supports a food bank in the Rocky Mountains. Many people in the area do not have access to a steady supply of fresh food, and he helps the organization maintain resources so neighbors can count on a nutritious meal. These efforts are practical and local, focused on steady help rather than headlines.

Outside of work, he spends time outdoors. Denver offers easy access to mountains, and he takes advantage of that. During the winter, he often skis at nearby resorts. As seasons change, he turns to fishing and fly fishing for quiet and patience. He also spends time with family and friends exploring some of the Rocky Mountains’ most beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Even though his job is demanding, he tries to gather with loved ones during the holidays and check in during the year. He enjoys mentoring people interested in finance, sharing simple practices that helped him start. The goal is consistent: do the work carefully, keep learning, and humbly serve clients and the community. This path continues to guide Cade Bradford Knudson in the financial sector.

Cade Bradford Knudson is a financial professional with tremendous experience managing multi-million dollar portfolios for various clients across the broader financial industry. While working for hedge funds, he has learned various skills, including q... Show more

Paul-Louis Nech is a Machine Learning engineer with 10 years of experience crafting software for a global audience.
Throughout his career, he has leveraged advanced algorithms to empower developers and users alike.
From SwiftKey to Algolia, Paul-Louis has built tools that bridge the gap between state-of-the-art algorithms (which work in the lab) and end products (which succeed in the wild).
This requires not only great technology, but more importantly great user-experience, to make sure you build something people want!

Paul-Louis Nech is a Machine Learning engineer with 10 years of experience crafting software for a global audience. Throughout his career, he has leveraged advanced algorithms to empower developers and users alike. From SwiftKey to Algolia, Paul-L... Show more

Steve Pereira has spent over two decades improving the flow of work across organizations. He’s worked through tech support, IT management, build and release engineering, and as a founding CTO for enterprise SaaS. After shifting to consulting large enterprises on value stream performance improvement, he created Flow Engineering to make value stream mapping simple, quick, and actionable. He serves as lead consultant for Visible Flow Consulting, as a board advisor to the Value Stream Management Consortium, Chair of the OASIS Value Stream Management Interoperability technical committee, and co-founder of the Flow Collective to bring flow-focused professionals together.

Learn more about his work at https://visible.is

Steve Pereira has spent over two decades improving the flow of work across organizations. He’s worked through tech support, IT management, build and release engineering, and as a founding CTO for enterprise SaaS. After shifting to consulting large en... Show more

Christina Aldan is a brand strategy consultant, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. She offers businesses brand consulting and creative content for everyday media. With over 18 years of experience in the digital realm, Christina is highly regarded for her approach to business, partnering with clients to find unique strategies that ensure their goals are met. Christina builds connections through her keynote addresses, training workshops, and technological education. She uses these tools to help individuals and businesses cultivate value in everyday media. Christina has delivered talks on all 7 continents, presenting training workshops for the Microsoft MVP community, Las Vegas Raiders, Yale School of Public Health, international corporations, and conferences worldwide. Christina uses her charisma and expertise to inspire others by mentoring women in business like herself. She also has sat on state and local boards supporting women in tech, entrepreneurship, mental health, and children with learning disabilities.

She is the recipient of the Las Vegas Women in Tech Community Service Award, the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award in STEM. Learn more at: Luckygirliegirl.com.

Christina Aldan is a brand strategy consultant, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. She offers businesses brand consulting and creative content for everyday media. With over 18 years of experience in the digital realm, Christina is highly regarded ... Show more

In my professional career, I have contributed to the digital transformation of the mining, retail and finance sectors, specializing in the creation of analytical architectures in both Microsoft and AWS. My focus is on migrating analytical infrastructures to the cloud and implementing cutting-edge solutions for handling large volumes of data.

As co-founder of Unlearni, I lead the way in digital education, facilitating continuous learning and practical application of business intelligence and data analytics. My mission is to empower organizations to make data-driven strategic decisions, and I achieve that through my experience as a Microsoft MVP Data Platform and my passion for sharing knowledge in the field of data engineering.

I have also had the fortune to write the book "Arquitectura e Ingenieria de Datos" by Editorial Anaya Multimedia where I intend to democratize the understanding of these roles and functions in data for spanish spoken people who are starting out on the path of data.

In my professional career, I have contributed to the digital transformation of the mining, retail and finance sectors, specializing in the creation of analytical architectures in both Microsoft and AWS. My focus is on migrating analytical infrastruct... Show more

Je suis coach pro systémique, coach agile, facilitateur et formateur.
Après de nombreuses années à travailler dans des environnements complexes à forte interactions humaines, je suis persuadé que la collaboration est la clef des grands enjeux de demain.

Très impliqué dans les communautés agile et tech Lyonnaise, j'anime les Agile Playgroung à Lyon et je contribue à l'organisation de la conférence Agile Lyon.

Je suis coach pro systémique, coach agile, facilitateur et formateur. Après de nombreuses années à travailler dans des environnements complexes à forte interactions humaines, je suis persuadé que la collaboration est la clef des grands enjeux de dem... Show more

Arjun Sharda is the 14-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for over seven years and has written for outlets such as the Washington Post and the Austin-American Statesman. He has received recognition from Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Board of Education.

Arjun Sharda is the 14-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for ov... Show more

With over 25 years of expertise in the Business Central domain, Christian has led transformative projects, optimizing processes and driving growth. His mission is to create value-driven work environments that empower teams. He has also created and hosted numerous events and learning environments for internal and external developers, helping them update and expand their skills.

As an accomplished speaker, Christian has shared insights at international conferences, including Directions EMEA and BCTechDays. His sessions or workshops provoke viewpoint shifts, offering strategic frameworks to keep organizations competitive in a dynamic landscape.

Beyond technical skills, Christian’s education in Design Thinking, Theory U, and Future Leadership equips him as a certified Organizational Designer. His holistic approach blends creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to drive impactful change, even in complex situations where no prior knowledge exists.

Connect with Christian to explore innovative solutions and elevate your organization’s potential. 🎙️🚀

With over 25 years of expertise in the Business Central domain, Christian has led transformative projects, optimizing processes and driving growth. His mission is to create value-driven work environments that empower teams. He has also created and ho... Show more

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. She takes pride in uplifting her community, especially young students and she does this by volunteer organizations and clubs. In her free time, she enjoys working with kids and fostering a passion for STEM within children, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. Sh... Show more

Renowned for her ability to captivate audiences globally, Seconde Nimenya draws on her rich life experiences and multicultural heritage to inspire and empower individuals. With a compelling repertoire of life-changing insights, she offers invaluable perspectives on navigating adversities and achieving personal growth.

Nimenya is an author with five published books, including her latest, "Unlocking Diversity: How to Create Inclusive Cultures in a World of Differences," a book that delves into the timely and thought-provoking topic of inclusive leadership. Her TEDx talk, "We Are Not All That Different," is an exploration of race and identity constructs that has garnered widespread acclaim and continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for embracing diversity across the globe.

Recognized for her leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Nimenya has been instrumental in forging connections across varied multicultural communities. Her academic credentials include a master's degree in business management, and she is pursuing a graduate certificate in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging leadership from Harvard University.

For further details about Seconde Nimenya's work, visit: https://www.bechangegroup.com/home

Renowned for her ability to captivate audiences globally, Seconde Nimenya draws on her rich life experiences and multicultural heritage to inspire and empower individuals. With a compelling repertoire of life-changing insights, she offers invaluable ... Show more

Philip Obiorah is a Data Scientist, Co-Organizer PyData Milton Keynes , Lead of GDG Cloud Port Harcourt, a Google Explore ML Facilitator, and a researcher with interests in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. He is a former Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and currently serves as a Learning Development Coach in Computing at the University of Buckingham. An Oracle Certified Professional and a member of the British Computer Society, Philip has a diverse academic and professional background.

Philip holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. In addition, he has earned two Master's degrees: an MSc in Applied Data Science from the University of Buckingham, graduating with distinction, and an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. He also holds a BA in Philosophy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.

Philip is deeply committed to community development and has volunteered extensively to mentor participants in AI and data science programs through initiatives like AI School Africa, the Google Africa Developers Scholarship, and Google Explore ML with Crowdsource. His academic contributions include several research publications, notably "Topic Modeling Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation & Multinomial Logistic Regression," published in the Journal of Digital Innovations & Contemporary Research in Science, Engineering & Technology (Vol. 10, No. 4).

Philip’s efforts have earned him numerous accolades. He was a Global Nominee at NASA SpaceApps 2018 and received the Tech Social Impact Icon (Green) Award in 2022 from Techrity. He was also honored with a special plaque from Google Developer Groups for fostering a vibrant developer community at GDG Cloud Port Harcourt.

Passionate about teaching, community building, and bridging the gap between academia and the tech industry, Philip is dedicated to continuing his impactful journey and achieving even greater milestones in the future.

Philip Obiorah is a Data Scientist, Co-Organizer PyData Milton Keynes , Lead of GDG Cloud Port Harcourt, a Google Explore ML Facilitator, and a researcher with interests in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. He is a former Graduate Te... Show more

Michael Bower is a 30+ year broadcasting and podcast veteran who has hosted national shows on Sirius Satellite Radio, delivered daily reports as a National Correspondent for NBC News Radio, and produced more than 1,000 podcasts across genres. As a former VP of Programming for Ingstad Minnesota Radio Network, he led talent development, coached on-air hosts, and even tested early AI “on-air personalities” — discovering why authenticity always beats automation.

Today, Michael brings that experience to the stage with talks that blend broadcast discipline, podcast innovation, and humor from his years in stand-up comedy. His signature sessions — Craft Over Clout, Process Over Perfection, and The AI DJ Problem — help creators cut through the noise, build loyal audiences, and reclaim quality in an algorithm-driven era.

Michael’s approach is simple but powerful: respect your listener’s time, earn their trust, and give them something they’ll come back for.

Michael Bower is a 30+ year broadcasting and podcast veteran who has hosted national shows on Sirius Satellite Radio, delivered daily reports as a National Correspondent for NBC News Radio, and produced more than 1,000 podcasts across genres. As a fo... Show more