When you follow the cables, behind every piece of tech is a person, consumer and creator, and we should never lose sight of this.

Lianne is an award-winning digital anthropologist and technologists specialising in software engineering, cybersecurity and AI. Lianne’s speaking specialism is to deliver talks that not only challenge audiences, but change them.

She provides strategic consultancy to help organisations build and transform security operations into resilient, forward-thinking teams. As former Head of SecOps for Europe’s largest greenfield technology transformation, she established a cutting-edge security function that set new industry benchmarks through innovation and collaboration.
An international keynote speaker, Lianne bridges cybersecurity, technology, and anthropology, drawing on her experience as both a security-focused software developer and practicing anthropologist. Currently pursuing an MSc in AI and Data Science, her research focuses on AI safety, alignment, and the societal implications of emerging technologies.

Recognised with accolades including Security Specialist of the Year and Cybersecurity Personality of the Year, she also champions diversity and inclusion in tech through community initiatives, publications, and her award-winning podcast Compromising Positions. Each week, she interviews experts from anthropology, psychology, and behavioural science to explore how human culture shapes cybersecurity. The show has become a platform for challenging assumptions, amplifying diverse voices, and reframing security as a deeply human issue rather than a purely technical one.

Publications include:

* The Times
* Raconteur
* Computing.com
* The Yorkshire Post
* Security Magazine
* IT Pro
* EmTech Anthropology Careers at the Frontier (Book)

Recent awards and honours include:

* Podcast Newcomer - 2024 European Cybersecurity Blogger Awards
* Cybersecurity Personality of the Year 2023 - The Real Cyber Awards
* Security Woman of the Year - Computing Security Excellence Awards 2023 (Highly Commended)
* 40 Under 40 in Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Magazine
* Security Leader of The Year 2021 - Women in Tech Excellence
* Woman of the Year 2021 - Women in Tech Excellence
* Security Specialist of the Year 2021 - Computing.com

When you follow the cables, behind every piece of tech is a person, consumer and creator, and we should never lose sight of this. Lianne is an award-winning digital anthropologist and technologists specialising in software engineering, cybersecuri... Show more

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity, guiding insight from discovery through decision and into action in ways that hold under real-world conditions.

Rooted in social innovation, Kimasia brings a rare blend of creative human-centered insight and rigorous structure to change enablement. Her work centers on preserving meaning under pressure, designing for adoption, and strengthening how understanding moves across strategy, technology, governance, and execution. She is known for developing original frameworks that help teams communicate complexity, align across disciplines, and sustain transformation within the complexity of society.

Through her consulting practice, Kimasia partners with organizations, institutions, and leaders to support thoughtful, resilient change. She also leads a social enterprise dedicated to translating complex social and organizational dynamics into accessible, actionable understanding that empowers individuals, teams, and communities. Grounded in empathy, systems awareness, and deep analytical discipline, Kimasia’s work reflects a core belief that meaningful change emerges when human insight and structured analysis work together.

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate comp... Show more

After an atypical career in law, the arts and video games, I chose to retrain in development. My desire to promote continuous improvement and communication led me to become a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Systemic Professional Coach and Responsible Digital Lead. As a professional facilitator for the Fresque du Climat et du Numérique, I am constantly learning about the ecological transition, responsible digital technologies and sociology. Involved in Time For The Planet and supporting women in the digital world. As a theater practitioner, I find it a way of creatively exploring and communicating. What drives me: helping companies and individuals to integrate climate and social issues into their practices.

After an atypical career in law, the arts and video games, I chose to retrain in development. My desire to promote continuous improvement and communication led me to become a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Systemic Professional Coach and Responsible Digi... Show more

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after spiritual harm. His work is grounded in a salutogenic orientation that focuses on the origins of health and resilience, and it is shaped by a companion stance: he does not rush people toward false arrival. He dwells in the third space with them and helps them name what others have missed or dismissed.

Dr. Logan holds a Doctorate in Practical Theology and a Master’s in Counseling. He is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. With more than four decades of experience in trauma-informed care and resilience building, he has been recognized with the Arizona Aging Services Star Award for Innovation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

He is the author of "I Was Loved: 10 Statements I Hope My Child Can Say About Their Childhood" and "Finding Everland: Voyage Beyond Religious Trauma: A Psalm-Guided Journey to Resiliency." Dr. Logan and his wife, Melody, have been married for 46 years. They share a family legacy of three children and eight grandchildren, alongside a professional legacy of helping others restore dignity, agency, and a sustainable path forward.

Dr. Roderick Logan is the founder of Making Space to Heal. He guides individuals and leaders who are living between worlds, especially those navigating religious trauma, identity disruption, and the long work of rebuilding trust and coherence after s... Show more

Kerry is a Data Visualisation Consultant and Business Intelligence Manager hailing from Adelaide, South Australia.

With a background in psychology and the social sciences and over fifteen years reporting experience across a range of industries, Kerry brings a considered and creative edge to BI and data visualization design.

Kerry is a Data Visualisation Consultant and Business Intelligence Manager hailing from Adelaide, South Australia. With a background in psychology and the social sciences and over fifteen years reporting experience across a range of industries, Ke... Show more

22 ans d’expérience professionnelle, dont 13 dans l’Agilité, principalement auprès de grands comptes engagés dans des transformations complexes.

Mon parcours combine audit organisationnel, management de projet, conduite du changement, coaching Agile et coaching professionnel.

Mes domaines d’expertise couvrent le coaching et la formation Agile / SAFe, l’accompagnement des équipes et des managers, le coaching individuel, le développement des hauts potentiels ainsi que l’utilisation d’outils d’analyse comportementale (DISC, Selfie…).
Je suis également coach certifiée CliftonStrengths (Gallup, coaching de talents).

Passionnée par les dynamiques humaines et l’expression créative, je pratique le patinage artistique, le théâtre et l’improvisation, et je m’intéresse également à l’écriture et à la traduction.

22 ans d’expérience professionnelle, dont 13 dans l’Agilité, principalement auprès de grands comptes engagés dans des transformations complexes. Mon parcours combine audit organisationnel, management de projet, conduite du changement, coaching Agi... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect | Curriculum Developer | International Trainer

"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."

Biography
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally celebrated architect of fatherhood engagement, social policy reform, and transformative leadership development. For over four decades, he has shaped public health, child welfare, mental health, and professional education—building bridges across disciplines, communities, and continents. His career is defined by multidimensional leadership and a relentless pursuit of equity, healing, and opportunity for all. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted his life to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and intergenerational equity.

"Insights give way to dreams—developing vision—creating purpose that ends in your why."

Foundations: Service, Resilience, and Cultural Identity
Born into a low-income household and shaped by the adversity of the child welfare system, James began his journey at age 17 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. By 22, he became one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, retiring with honors and meritorious distinction in the reserves. Over more than two decades of military service, he developed expertise in trauma response, behavioral health, and law enforcement. This experience forged his devotion to discipline, compassion, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

James's service has been recognized at the highest levels: he is the recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award (President Barack Obama), Points of Light Award (President George H. W. Bush), Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Department of Defense), and Congressional Certificates from Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Barbara Lee, and Diane E. Watson. He is deeply honored by the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska, the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution (FFCA), and hundreds of additional accolades from national, state, tribal, and community organizations.

Architect of Systems Change: Building Movements, Securing Hope
As founder and CEO of the Fathers & Families Coalition of America (FFCA), Dr. Rodríguez transformed a grassroots Arizona network into an international force with offices in California and Puerto Rico, and active partnerships across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He was instrumental in creating one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, a model that generated over $75 million in resources and has been replicated nationwide. Under his leadership, FFCA's International Families & Fathers Conference—now in its 27th year—has become a global destination for educators, policymakers, and innovators, advancing justice and family well-being.

A founding steering committee member of the Fatherhood Research & Practice Network (FRPN) at Temple University, James has shaped federal research and policy, serving as principal investigator and senior research consultant on projects for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, CDC, NIMH, and the Oregon Center for Applied Science. His work has driven advances in public health, trauma-informed care, and family resilience.

Signature Curriculum Development and Thought Leadership
James is a master architect of transformational curricula and professional development, including the Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course (NASW Arizona-approved), OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), FFCA DiSC Model™, Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi™, and SAMHSA-approved Fatherhood and Mental Health Curriculum. He also developed the Strengthening Families Through Nurturing Leadership model. His trainings are lauded for blending cognitive science, neuroplasticity, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and actionable leadership strategies, and have reached over 30,000 professionals—social workers, educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, and public officials—across the U.S. and four continents. Over 85% of program graduates report improved outcomes, including higher client engagement and service completion.

Certified as an Executive Coach, Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™, Certified DiSC® Trainer, Life Coach, Ikigai Coach, and Schema Therapy Practitioner, Dr. Rodríguez's leadership development institutes have set new standards for excellence in behavioral health and family services.

Academic Impact, Mentorship, and Global Teaching
Dr. Rodríguez's educational reach is extraordinary. He has served as faculty, lecturer, or keynote at:

University of Southern California
Arizona State University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of Houston
Clark Atlanta University
Mesa Community College
Central Arizona College
Cornell University
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
University of the West Indies (Jamaica)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Malcolm X College
Sobo Tribal Nation
Navajo Nation
Qutekcak Native Tribe (Alaska)
Numerous First Nations and international partners
He developed and directed over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, established statewide programs, and has keynoted and taught from Ivy League classrooms to tribal communities. He serves on the editorial board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, which he joined upon the appointment of Dr. Obie Clayton, Jr., and supports scholarship on race, family, and social change.

Policy Leadership, Board Service, and Community Engagement
Dr. Rodríguez's policy influence extends to every level of government. He has developed legislation for Connecticut's Fatherhood Initiative, served on Arizona and California TANF/family-strengthening task forces, and advised the New York City Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, DYCD, and ACS. He has shaped policy in partnership with SAMHSA, Region II Head Start, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. He has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee. He collaborates with Congressman Danny K. Davis and hosts national Fireside Policy Roundtables on equity, child support, and education reform.

His board service is cross-sectoral and visionary, including:

100 Black Men – Arizona Chapter
AGAPE Adoption Agency
Maricopa County Human Services
Fatherhood Corrections Network
Black Family Preservation Institute
And numerous national, state, and tribal boards
Public Health, Equity, and Systems Innovation
James has led multiple national initiatives addressing mental health equity, early childhood wellness, and culturally responsive care—serving Latino, African American, Somali, First Nations, and other underserved communities. His work with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and tribal partners has been recognized for its transformative impact on systems and inclusion.

Author, Storyteller, and Purpose-Driven Advocate
As founder of Borinqueño Within Press and author of the forthcoming The Purpose Within—Rise Out of the Ashes Like the Phoenix, Dr. Rodríguez's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of purpose. He weaves together memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inspiring audiences to discover their own capacity to lead and transform.

Personal Values, Humanity, and Enduring Legacy
Above all, Dr. Rodríguez is a father, grandfather, and mentor. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his grandchildren, Ariston and Adalena. His life and work are an expression of core values: love, empathy, humility, and a drive to uplift others. Whether leading a boardroom, inspiring a conference, or building coalitions for social change, James delivers wisdom, practical strategies, and hope—leaving every audience moved to action.

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

If your organization seeks a keynote speaker, leadership institute facilitator, or strategic advisor who brings unparalleled experience, intellectual rigor, cultural fluency, and a proven record of impact, Dr. James C. Rodríguez is the transformative presence your audience deserves.

Contact:
james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

"Never The End, Never Goodbye, Just I love You." – Your Friend, James

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America Author | Founder, Borinqueño Within Press | Certified Executive Coach | Clinical Social Worker | Veteran | Researcher | Policy Architect ... Show more

For more than two decades, I have studied Eastern and Western philosophies, seeking to bridge thought and practice through reflective inquiry and real-world application, including coaching.

As an ICF-certified Professional Coach (PCC), I have delivered over 3,000 coaching sessions in both Japanese and English, supporting leaders and changemakers in global organizations.

With a Ph.D. in social thought and experience as a diplomat, UN official, and NGO director, I bring a global and interdisciplinary perspective to the evolving landscape of human transformation.

Currently, I serve as a Board Director of the ICF Thought Leadership Institute (TLI), where I contribute to advancing international dialogue on coaching, generative AI, and the future of humanity.

My work focuses on rethinking what it means to be human in the age of AI, and exploring a shift toward a more relational understanding of intelligence, leadership, and existence.

For more than two decades, I have studied Eastern and Western philosophies, seeking to bridge thought and practice through reflective inquiry and real-world application, including coaching. As an ICF-certified Professional Coach (PCC), I have deli... Show more

Deepak John Reji is an experienced NLP practitioner and researcher who specializes in developing and designing solutions for data science products. He is passionate about domain-centric data science development and advocates for responsible and ethical AI development. Deepak enjoys working with social science and environmental data and creates videos showcasing various prototypes and AI tutorials. Additionally, he hosts the D4 Data Channel podcast, where he interviews industry experts and academicians in the fields of Data Science and Sustainability.

Deepak strongly believes in the power of open source and the democratization of AI. He actively contributes to open-source projects and shares his models and packages in Huggingface and PyPI repositories. His recent research focuses on Immigration and Integration Research, as well as studying human and community interactions in third places using AI and data.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-john-reji/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepakjohnreji
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4azuuXAAAAAJ&hl=en

Deepak John Reji is an experienced NLP practitioner and researcher who specializes in developing and designing solutions for data science products. He is passionate about domain-centric data science development and advocates for responsible and ethic... Show more

Passionate about Technology, Sociology and Philosophy

Passionate about Technology, Sociology and Philosophy Show more

Dr. Tega Edwin helps companies reduce turnover and boost employee engagement through trauma-informed leadership and strategic career development.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and former Associate Professor of Counseling, she bridges clinical psychology with business outcomes, teaching leaders how to retain top talent, navigate difficult conversations with confidence, and build cultures where people actually want to stay.

Dr. Edwin has delivered keynotes and trainings for Northwestern Mutual, Lockheed Martin, St. Louis Public Schools, and universities, including the University of Houston Clear Lake and New Jersey City University. Through her signature coaching program, Find Your Fulfilling Career, her clients have secured roles at KPMG, Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Henkel, with salary increases averaging $35,000+.

Her award-winning research on career development has been published in Career Development Quarterly (2019 Article of the Year), Professional School Counselor, and other leading journals. As a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, she trained the next generation of career counselors in the evidence-based communication and relational skills that drive meaningful change.Dr. Edwin is the author of Helping Relationship Skills: Facilitative Skills that Foster Change (Cognella), which teaches the relational communication framework that transforms managers into leaders who inspire engagement, navigate difficult conversations, and drive measurable results.

She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Penn State and an M.A. in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She's a National Certified Counselor and Certified Salary Negotiation Facilitator.

When she's not on stage or coaching clients, you'll find her on the pickleball court or diving into her Bible.

Dr. Tega Edwin helps companies reduce turnover and boost employee engagement through trauma-informed leadership and strategic career development. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and former Associate Professor of Counseling, she bridges clini... Show more

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education and Psychology Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dissertation, Healing the Root Cause: Classic Psychedelics as Prevention Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder, addressed a previously unexamined gap in the prevention science literature by offering the first formal exploration of psychedelic-assisted prevention for Alcohol Use Disorder. She also holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in human services and behavioral science. With nearly two decades of experience across the behavioral health continuum of care, public health, and education, Dr. Lill integrates research, teaching, and advocacy to advance health equity, harm reduction, and innovative prevention strategies. As a licensed educator and Co-Owner of TE Recovery Homes, she works to bridge science and compassion in addressing the root causes of suffering while strengthening protective factors and expanding ethical, evidence-informed pathways to care across education, treatment, and community systems.

Dr. Anna Lill, DSocSci, is a Prevention Scientist, High School Health Education and Psychology Teacher, and Fellow with the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. She earned her doctorate in Prevention Science from Wilmington University, where her dis... Show more

Claudia Graf-Pfohl, M.A., is a doctoral researcher in industrial sociology and an applied digital change manager. Since 2021, she has supported companies through complex development processes related to the introduction of new technologies and is a recipient of the Civic Innovation Award and the Marie-Pleißner Prize.

Claudia Graf-Pfohl, M.A., is a doctoral researcher in industrial sociology and an applied digital change manager. Since 2021, she has supported companies through complex development processes related to the introduction of new technologies and is a r... Show more

Socióloga, con especialización en videojuegos, fenómenos digitales y economías sociales y solidarias
docente en la universidad UNIACC y en la universidad SEK
Miembro de la red de estudios ludocriticos de Chile
Miembro del Observatorio de Innovación Social de la Universidad Central
Asesora en La consultora Hahuun

Socióloga, con especialización en videojuegos, fenómenos digitales y economías sociales y solidarias docente en la universidad UNIACC y en la universidad SEK Miembro de la red de estudios ludocriticos de Chile Miembro del Observatorio de Innovació... Show more

Ich bin Kulturwissenschaftlerin und Trainerin in der wissenschaftlichen Weiterbildung, seit 13 Jahren organisiere ich Schreibretreats für Wissenschaftler*innen. Die Focus-Session ist ein erprobtes Format aus dieser Praxis.

Ich bin Kulturwissenschaftlerin und Trainerin in der wissenschaftlichen Weiterbildung, seit 13 Jahren organisiere ich Schreibretreats für Wissenschaftler*innen. Die Focus-Session ist ein erprobtes Format aus dieser Praxis. Show more

Youngbin's research explores how race, gender, migration, and space intersect to shape belonging, exclusion, and everyday experiences of inequality across transnational contexts. She is broadly interested in the racialization of Asian communities, public-space violence, and the shifting meanings of national identity and hospitality in a global era. Drawing on feminist theory, intersectionality, and critical race studies, her work seeks to illuminate the often invisible dynamics that structure social hierarchies and to imagine more just and relational futures for migrant and marginalized communities.

Youngbin's research explores how race, gender, migration, and space intersect to shape belonging, exclusion, and everyday experiences of inequality across transnational contexts. She is broadly interested in the racialization of Asian communities, pu... Show more

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. Show more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Balykin, LL.M. has expertise in Ukrainian culture, politics, history, and law.
He works as a Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter at the Chair of Contemporary History at the Universität Mannheim. Where he teaches the seminar “Ukraine Today & Yesterday Culture, Politics, History”, and exercises “Modern History of Ukraine. The Path of Eurointegration” (immersive with the usage of VR glasses) and “Politics of Memory: Evolution of Ukrainian History Education”.
Dr. Balykin promotes an interdisciplinary approach in science and education.
He is an enthusiast of implementing new immersive, digital, media technologies in higher school teaching.
Ivan Balykin is the co-founder of the biggest Ukrainian community of educators of higher school NGO “Progresylni”.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Balykin, LL.M. has expertise in Ukrainian culture, politics, history, and law. He works as a Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter at the Chair of Contemporary History at the Universität Mannheim. Where he teaches the seminar “Ukraine... Show more

Mr. Abrar Hussain is a young researcher in the field of probiotics and pursuing his Ph.D. degree from ICCBS, University of Karachi. Mr. Hussain, received his master degree in chemistry/ biochemistry from university of Peshawar, Pakistan. He also obtained C.T. (certified teacher), B.Ed. and M.Ed. degree in Science education from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Recently he completed M.Phil./MS degree in biochemistry from HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi. He completed his M.Phil. thesis on the "Molecular assessment and validation of the selected enterococcal strains as probiotics". Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in the probiogenomics analysis of probiotic. So far his contribution in the field is the indication of bright future as he published articles in probiotics and delivered lecture and participating in conferences to explore the field of probiotics.
He is also a professional speaker and delivered numerous lectures on different topics. Attending seminars, conferences, and participation in scientific events are the marking agents of his enthusiasm. He is also writing blogs on both scientific and social or religious perspectives. He has more than 100 participation certificate, delivered more than a dozen lectures and present his views in different conferences.
His research skills are also shaping his personality. He has strong research skills and is able to work in a team and independently. He also trained many internships students in his laboratory and also guide multiple students across the country for their scientific writing.
In short, Mr. Hussain is a man of rule, has keen interest for science, have excellent research, writing, and presentation skills. He fell more than happy to helps other students and guide them in their careers.

Mr. Abrar Hussain is a young researcher in the field of probiotics and pursuing his Ph.D. degree from ICCBS, University of Karachi. Mr. Hussain, received his master degree in chemistry/ biochemistry from university of Peshawar, Pakistan. He also obta... Show more

Katrin Jäser ist akademische Mitarbeiterin und Stellvertreterin der Geschäftsführung am Zentrum für wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung (ZWW) der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU CS). Aktuell arbeitet sie an ihrem eigenen Promotionsvorhaben an dem Institut für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, im Fachgebiet Personalmanagement der BTU CS und ist sowohl in der regulären Lehre als auch in der Weiterbildung aktiv. Sie studierte Sozial- und Organisationspädagogik (M.A.) an der Universität Hildesheim.

Katrin Jäser ist akademische Mitarbeiterin und Stellvertreterin der Geschäftsführung am Zentrum für wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung (ZWW) der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU CS). Aktuell arbeitet sie an ihrem eigene... Show more

Ewa Tamar is a multidisciplinary researcher, curator, and builder leading experiential spaces for leadership, creativity, and community in an increasingly automated world. Following a decade in tech leadership, she pivoted to PhD research at GCAS to investigate the existential and somatic impacts of the automation transition.

Her work is anchored in three pillars:

• Reclaiming Authentic Intelligence: finding clarity and agency beyond algorithmic logic.
• Somatic Sovereignty: recognizing the body as a site of resistance against the nervous system activation of the ever-present logic of optimization.
• Imagining Alternatives: Creating ways of working and relating rooted in relational intelligence and care.

In addition to research and teaching, Ewa is currently establishing a multidisciplinary eco-cultural residency on her great-grandfather’s ancestral land in Masovia, Poland.

Ewa Tamar is a multidisciplinary researcher, curator, and builder leading experiential spaces for leadership, creativity, and community in an increasingly automated world. Following a decade in tech leadership, she pivoted to PhD research at GCAS to ... Show more

Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, UCR.
Sino-Burmese immigrant: born in Burma, raised in California.

Associate Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, UCR. Sino-Burmese immigrant: born in Burma, raised in California. Show more

I hold a PhD in Linguistics (Univ. Padova), and I am currently an Assist. Prof. of Italian in the University of Rijeka (Croatia, EU). I have previously held research and teaching appointments in the universities of Pula/Pola (Croatia) and Klagenfurt (Austria, EU). In Fall 2024 I was a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Italian, Columbia University, and in Spring 2025 a Fellow of the Italian Academy at Columbia University.

I hold a PhD in Linguistics (Univ. Padova), and I am currently an Assist. Prof. of Italian in the University of Rijeka (Croatia, EU). I have previously held research and teaching appointments in the universities of Pula/Pola (Croatia) and Klagenfurt ... Show more

Chinenye Ikwuemesi is the founder of the Afrodeities Institute and architect of Afromantasy™ — a framework that treats African mythologies as operating systems for history, governance, AI, and storytelling. She helps organisations and conferences rethink AI ethics, itechnology transformation, nstitutional design, and “future of X” conversations by bringing in African civilisational logics that have been systematically excluded from Western narratives. Her work spans a 40+ volume Afrodeities Codex and The Shadow Storm, a 50‑chapter speculative epic that turns decolonial theory into vivid, accessible story. On stage, she translates complex histories and mythic systems into practical tools for leaders, technologists, and creatives who want to build futures answerable to more than markets alone.

Chinenye Ikwuemesi is the founder of the Afrodeities Institute and architect of Afromantasy™ — a framework that treats African mythologies as operating systems for history, governance, AI, and storytelling. She helps organisations and conferences ret... Show more

Graham Wilson is the Director of Cultural Policy Research, also known as RCCIL. His work focuses on exploring the transformative power of creativity and innovation within cultural industries.

Graham Wilson is the Director of Cultural Policy Research, also known as RCCIL. His work focuses on exploring the transformative power of creativity and innovation within cultural industries. Show more

I am building the operating system for the Neighborhood Economy. I started my entrepreneurial journey 10 years ago in Silicon Valley, turning from a retail exec to a founder at 39.

My work sits at the intersection of economics, humanity, and community through Genesis Block, Newkirklytics, the Neighborhood Economy Index, and Newkirk Enterprises. I’m not talking about hypothetical frameworks or abstract policy theory. I’m designing and deploying real systems that make local economic activity visible, measurable, and investable, especially the micro-entrepreneurs, creators, informal workers, and neighborhood-level producers who have always powered our communities but rarely show up in the data.

I believe the future of prosperity isn’t top-down theories based on outdated economic models but rooted in local ownership, inclusive entrepreneurship, and circular capital systems that keep value circulating where people live. My work turns that belief into infrastructure. The Neighborhood Economy Index and our sector tools quantify what has long been unseen: the economic power of microbusinesses, shared kitchens, creatives, disabled entrepreneurs, local manufacturing ecosystems, and underserved communities across the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa.

As a speaker, I bring together data, story, spirit, and strategy. I’ve lived this work for years, building entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting founders who’ve been overlooked, creating pathways to upward mobility, and designing new economic systems that honor dignity and human possibility. My goal on every stage is simple: help leaders see the Neighborhood Economy differently, not as charity work or an “equity initiative,” but as a powerful engine of growth, resilience, and wealth creation that deserves real investment and serious strategy. It’s actually market inefficiency that needs to be corrected.

I’m here to shift the conversation from wealth extraction to community circulation, from scarcity to abundance, from invisibility to proof, from disconnected programs to systems that actually work. And I’m building alongside institutions, cities, universities, DFIs, foundations, and community leaders who believe, as I do, that the people closest to the problem are also closest to the solution; they need better tools, better data, and better support.

That is the work. That is the calling. And that is the Neighborhood Economy.

I am building the operating system for the Neighborhood Economy. I started my entrepreneurial journey 10 years ago in Silicon Valley, turning from a retail exec to a founder at 39. My work sits at the intersection of economics, humanity, and comm... Show more

Dr. Pedro A. González, Jr., M.J., MAC, is a Cuban American exiled professor, Author, and Researcher who teaches the Theory of Communication in U.S. universities after retiring from a successful career as a Journalist and War Correspondent on TV.
He is a member of and participates in national and international professional journalism and academic organizations.
In total, he has published 20 books.

Dr. Pedro A. González, Jr., M.J., MAC, is a Cuban American exiled professor, Author, and Researcher who teaches the Theory of Communication in U.S. universities after retiring from a successful career as a Journalist and War Correspondent on TV. He... Show more

Lawrence I. Morris, author of the 'Unified Theory of Belief' postulate, is a best-selling & award-winning writer, engineer, technologist, and entrepreneur whose background in data analytics, product development, AI and theology intersect in a search for deeper human understanding. With academic roots in NYU Stern School of Business and Columbia Engineering, Morris explores belief, truth, and structure in both the spiritual and scientific domains. He lives in Brooklyn, NY and continues to examine how revision as well as interpretation - both intellectually and spiritually - shapes the way we live and believe.

Lawrence I. Morris, author of the 'Unified Theory of Belief' postulate, is a best-selling & award-winning writer, engineer, technologist, and entrepreneur whose background in data analytics, product development, AI and theology intersect in a search ... Show more

Frank Malaba is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, photographer, and creative facilitator working between Oslo, Norway and Cape Town, South Africa. His work moves fluidly across theatre, performance, poetry, and natural light photography, guided by a central question: How does the body remember, and what stories does it insist on carrying?

Drawing from Southern African oral traditions, queer lived experience, and a deep commitment to dignity and presence, Frank creates narrative spaces where memory becomes a form of knowledge. His solo works, including Stories of My Bones and The Chaos of Belonging, have toured internationally, inviting audiences into intimate encounters with ancestry, identity, and the quiet rituals that shape us.

As a photographer, Frank documents everyday rituals and marginalised lives with tenderness and clarity. His 2025 exhibition Rituals opened in Cape Town to critical acclaim, and his ongoing project I Met a Mermaid explores African water spirituality, homelessness, and the ocean as a site of survival and myth.

He is also the founder and curator of Uncovered: Stories in Oslo (Avdekket: Fortellinger i Oslo), a live storytelling platform centred on true, lived narratives. His facilitation practice blends embodiment, listening, and community building, creating spaces where people can speak from the truth of their lived experience.

Across all mediums, Frank works from the belief that storytelling is not performance, it is presence, witness, and a return to the body as archive.

Frank Malaba is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, photographer, and creative facilitator working between Oslo, Norway and Cape Town, South Africa. His work moves fluidly across theatre, performance, poetry, and natural light photography, guide... Show more

Suhuyini Frank Nnyayam Bukari is a Ghanaian individual known for his interest in education, communication, and social development. He is passionate about learning, personal growth, and contributing positively to society through knowledge-sharing and community engagement.

He demonstrates strong skills in written communication and critical thinking, with a keen interest in peacebuilding, leadership, and youth development initiatives. Suhuyini Frank Nnyayam Bukari is committed to self-improvement and values integrity, discipline, and service to humanity.

Through continuous learning and active participation in meaningful initiatives, he aspires to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond.

Suhuyini Frank Nnyayam Bukari is a Ghanaian individual known for his interest in education, communication, and social development. He is passionate about learning, personal growth, and contributing positively to society through knowledge-sharing and ... Show more