Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Srebrenka Peregrin

Srebrenka Peregrin

Srebrenka Peregrin pripovijeda po knjižnicama, školama i vrtićima, na različitim kulturno-turističkim događanjima i SF&F konvencijama. Prevodi beletristku i piše kratke priče, od kojih je nekolicina nagrađena (metaFORA, Fairytalez, Sfera). Su-autorica je zbirki "Bajkarice", "Bajkari" i "Bajkarenje" te autorica romana o Frini, kurtizani u usponu.

Srebrenka Peregrin pripovijeda po knjižnicama, školama i vrtićima, na različitim kulturno-turističkim događanjima i SF&F konvencijama. Prevodi beletristku i piše kratke priče, od kojih je nekolicina nagrađena (metaFORA, Fairytalez, Sfera). Su-autoric... Show more

Natalia da Silva

Natalia da Silva

I am an Assistant Professor of Statistics in the Department of Quantitative Methods at Universidad de la República in Montevideo, Uruguay (UDELAR-IESTA). I earned my Ph.D. in Statistics from Iowa State University in July 2017, under the supervision of Di Cook and Heike Hofmann. My research interests include supervised learning methods, prediction, exploratory data analysis, statistical graphics, reproducible research, and meta-analysis.

I co-founded the Latinamerican Conference About the Use of R in R&D, (LatinR,https://latin-r.com), in 2018 and have been serving as co-chair of the event since then. Additionally, I co-founded R-Ladies Montevideo (RLadies_MVD and The R User Group in Montevideo, known as GURU. Most of the courses I teach involve coding in R at various levels. If you want to know more about the R community across Latin America, check R Fordwards post: http://forwards.github.io/blog/2018/02/05/r-in-latin-america/. During my Ph.D. at ISU, I also co-founded R-Ladies-Ames.

I am an Assistant Professor of Statistics in the Department of Quantitative Methods at Universidad de la República in Montevideo, Uruguay (UDELAR-IESTA). I earned my Ph.D. in Statistics from Iowa State University in July 2017, under the supervision ... Show more

Anoussa Salim

Anoussa Salim

I serves as the Director of the United Nations Partnership at SOULCHI International. Before joining SOULCHI, I worked with the city government on public healthcare research and management. Before that, I was a Advisor at the United Nations, where she supported UN processes related to sustainable development and led regional and global engagements on development and human rights issues. I am passionate about helping new companies and organizations focus on Sustainable Development Goals and maximize their social impact. I fosters inclusive dialogue between stakeholders and strengthens engagement between non-state actors and international policymakers.

I hold a BA in Political Science and History from Fordham University and an MS in Global Affairs from New York University.

I serves as the Director of the United Nations Partnership at SOULCHI International. Before joining SOULCHI, I worked with the city government on public healthcare research and management. Before that, I was a Advisor at the United Nations, where she... Show more

Amy Dix

Amy Dix

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!”

Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author

Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, rooted in positivity and pure happiness. Once Amy learned that she may only have 20 more years left to live, she started to think differently, make different choices, and help others to design the life they are meant to have.

Influenced by her mom, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Amy researched the science of positivity and happiness as illustrated in her latest book, “SEVEN MORE DAYS: Live a Life That's Bursting with Positivity and Happiness ... Before It's Too Late.” Seven More Days celebrates the transformative power of positivity and the potential of ultimate joy. It became a bestseller in eight countries and eight categories.

She now brings this message to the stage, creating a gripping experience of emotion, catapulting happiness, and challenging the chaos in today’s world.

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!” Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, roote... Show more

Thierry Secqueville

Thierry Secqueville

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid).
Has been practising Agile since the 90s.

Trainer / Teacher (Agile, project management, edutainment), edutainment researcher, designer of specialist serious learning games (analogue, digital, hybrid). Has been practising Agile since the 90s. Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

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

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

Emanuele Pastorino

Emanuele Pastorino

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino.

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino. Show more

Gracie Diverseempowerment

Gracie Diverseempowerment

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja
(Born November 10, 1989)

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF), she is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Her tireless advocacy work was recognized in 2023 when she was awarded the prestigious Hivos/Winq Diversity International Activist Award.

Early Life and Education
Born at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, Gracie was raised in Luzira, a suburb on the outskirts of the city, within a large family and a strict Catholic upbringing. From an early age, she faced significant challenges due to her disability. Growing up in a society that often viewed disability as something needing correction, Gracie’s childhood was shaped by efforts to find solutions to her condition, including visits to witch doctor shrines, Born-again churches, and hospitals. Despite these hardships, she developed a strong sense of determination and resilience, gaining the respect of those around her.

Gracie pursued higher education at Kyambogo University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counseling. Her academic background, combined with her personal experiences, prepared her to tackle the social challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Career and Advocacy
In 2018, Gracie founded the Foundation for the Differently Abled (FDA), aimed at supporting people with disabilities, particularly in overcoming employment barriers. However, she soon realized that the organization lacked space for her lesbian identity, making her feel like a "unicorn" within her own creation. This experience underscored the limitations of single-issue advocacy in addressing the complex intersections of identity, prompting Gracie to seek a more inclusive approach.

In 2020, a pivotal moment in her personal life occurred when she came out to her friends and family after falling in love with her partner. This decision marked a turning point, leading Gracie to co-found the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF) to address the unique challenges faced by the "double minority" community—LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Through DEF, Gracie has created a safe and inclusive space where members can access socio-economic skills, build their confidence, and advocate for their rights and inclusion within society and the broader LGBTQ movement.

As an intersectional feminist, Gracie emphasizes the importance of considering multiple aspects of identity, such as sexual orientation, disability, and gender, in the fight for equality and human rights. Her work with DEF is a testament to her commitment to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Writing and Intersectional Approach
Beyond her activism, Gracie is a passionate writer, known by her pen name Lunah Steph. Through her writing, she amplifies the voices and experiences of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities, contributing to a deeper understanding of their intersecting identities. Her literary work further complements her advocacy efforts, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to human rights.

Gracie’s approach is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism, recognizing that individuals often face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination. By addressing the intricate interplay between sexuality, gender identity, and disability, she strives for a comprehensive understanding of social justice and human dignity.

Vision and Legacy
Gracie Brendah Nanyunja’s journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a respected and influential advocate demonstrates her unwavering resilience and dedication. Through her leadership at DEF, she continues to inspire many, working tirelessly for a Uganda where equality, inclusion, and justice prevail for all. Her determination is encapsulated in her guiding philosophy: "When I want to achieve something, I don't rest until I've succeeded."

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja (Born November 10, 1989) Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundati... Show more

Bennette Baguisa

Bennette Baguisa

2nd year Ph.D. student in Women and Gender Studies

2nd year Ph.D. student in Women and Gender Studies Show more

Jessica Tjiu

Jessica Tjiu

Jessica Tjiu (She/They) is a PhD Candidate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University. Her research interests focus on sex work, human/sex trafficking, and (im)migration.

Jessica Tjiu (She/They) is a PhD Candidate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University. Her research interests focus on sex work, human/sex trafficking, and (im)migration. Show more

Nyla Numan

Nyla Numan

Nyla Numan is a doctoral candidate in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research focuses on twenty-first century Asian North American fiction and queer of color critique.

Nyla Numan is a doctoral candidate in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research focuses on twenty-first century Asian North American fiction and queer of color critique. Show more

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Vivian Lei

Vivian Lei

2nd-year PhD student at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University

2nd-year PhD student at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University Show more

Cvetanka Walter

Cvetanka Walter

Research Fellow and Educator #Future Skills #Higher Education

Research Fellow and Educator #Future Skills #Higher Education Show more

Aydin Quach

Aydin Quach

My research deals primarily with sex, gender, race, and sexuality in the transpacific, with a particular focus on the queer Asian diaspora and queer nightlife. This work is guided by pleasurable objects of analysis (music festivals, fetish wear, sex[uality]) and their illustration of queer Asian or “Gaysian” lifeworlds in diaspora across the Pacific Rim.

My research deals primarily with sex, gender, race, and sexuality in the transpacific, with a particular focus on the queer Asian diaspora and queer nightlife. This work is guided by pleasurable objects of analysis (music festivals, fetish wear, sex[... Show more

Kanjana Thepboriruk

Kanjana Thepboriruk

Dr. Kanjana is a linguist and an historian. She is an associate professor of Thai language in the Department of World Languages & Cultures and is a research affiliate at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University. Her work examines the notion of "Thainess" and how Thais define, perform, understand, transmit, and regulate "Thainess" both in Thailand and in the US diaspora, in the past and in the present, including the role(s) that the Thai language may or may not have in these processes.

Dr. Kanjana is a linguist and an historian. She is an associate professor of Thai language in the Department of World Languages & Cultures and is a research affiliate at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University. Her work... Show more

Bruna de Jesus Barbosa da Silva

Bruna de Jesus Barbosa da Silva

Economista e mestre em História Econômica pela USP - Universidade de São Paulo. É Auditora da Receita Estadual da Secretaria da Fazenda e Planejamento do Estado de São Paulo. Atualmente atua com Planejamento Estratégico e é líder do Programa de Felicidade Corporativa na Sefaz-SP.

Economista e mestre em História Econômica pela USP - Universidade de São Paulo. É Auditora da Receita Estadual da Secretaria da Fazenda e Planejamento do Estado de São Paulo. Atualmente atua com Planejamento Estratégico e é líder do Programa de Felic... Show more

Hinako Ishikawa

Hinako Ishikawa

Hinako Ishikawa is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Sociology & Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University and has been studying racial fetishization of Asian/Japanese women and the ways of reclaiming their sexuality. Hinako is currently working as a Teaching Assistant for Asian American Sexuality course at SFSU. She won Queer Ethnic Studies Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship and Grant A. Larsen Scholarship at SFSU in recognition of her research on Japanese women’s sexuality and the Japanese queer community. As an international student from Japan, Hinako utilizes her own experiences of facing yellow fever and racial fetishization as well as her connections with Japanese queer and feminist communities. Utilizing her multicultural experiences and multilingual ability, Hinako analyzes Japanese erotic comics and animations that are consumed by Western male audience, where she finds out the perpetuation of the traditional Japanese women's stereotype such as geisha and maiko tropes. Hinako presented “Intersectionality in Japanese LGBTQ Community” at the Annual Research Week 2020 at the Akita International University as the only undergraduate student presenter. She is part of a local LGBTQ organization in Akita, Japan, where she helped organize the first pride parade in Akita. She also works as a lecturer who delivers information on gender, sexuality, and feminism-related issues in Japan. She also co-organized the first comprehensive sexual education event at Akita International University in 2020. Utilizing her professional experiences and these community activism, Hinako examines and explores racial objectification of Asian/Japanese women and the ways to reimagine their sexuality.

Hinako Ishikawa is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Sociology & Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University and has been studying racial fetishization of Asian/Japanese women and the ways of reclaiming their sexuality. Hina... Show more

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice.

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice. Show more

Yuria Celidwen PhD

Yuria Celidwen PhD

I am Indigenous Nahua and Maya from the highlands of ‎Chiapas, Mexico. I study self-transcendence in Indigenous contemplative traditions ‎and how it enhances prosocial behavior (ethics, compassion, ‎kindness, and a sense of awe, love, and sacredness).‎ My ‎approach intersects ‎Indigeneity, psychology, and contemplation for ‎epistemological equity, relational ‎well-being, and actions toward planetary flourishing. I co-chair the Indigenous Religions ‎Unit of the American Academy of ‎Religion, I'm on the Contemplative ‎Studies committee, and I'm contemplative ‎faculty and scholar at UC Berkeley.‎

I am Indigenous Nahua and Maya from the highlands of ‎Chiapas, Mexico. I study self-transcendence in Indigenous contemplative traditions ‎and how it enhances prosocial behavior (ethics, compassion, ‎kindness, and a sense of awe, love, and sacredness)... Show more

Leah Milne

Leah Milne

Leah Milne is the author of Novel Subjects: Authorship as Radical Self-Care in Multiethnic American Narratives https://linktr.ee/leahmilne

Leah Milne is the author of Novel Subjects: Authorship as Radical Self-Care in Multiethnic American Narratives https://linktr.ee/leahmilne Show more

Benalia Kaouther

Benalia Kaouther

-Clinical Psychology student
-Writer, Speaker, and Content maker

-Clinical Psychology student -Writer, Speaker, and Content maker Show more

Olga Afanaseva

Olga Afanaseva

I'm 34 y.o. and I live in Russia. I have university degree in Human Resources speciality. As many people in the world I'm worried a lot about what happens in our planet now. As a mother I couldn't stop thinking what future my child will have. As a human being I want to do anything possible for our human race to evolve with love and peace, because it is the only way we can help our planet and develop the other ones. For the last 2 years I've been writing my book, which I'd love to present you.

I'm 34 y.o. and I live in Russia. I have university degree in Human Resources speciality. As many people in the world I'm worried a lot about what happens in our planet now. As a mother I couldn't stop thinking what future my child will have. As a hu... Show more

Joanmarie Bañez

Joanmarie Bañez

Joanmarie Bañez is a literature PhD student at the University of California, San Diego. She is from Atlanta, Georgia, where she completed her BA and MA in English literary studies at Georgia State University. Her research interests include 19th- and 20th-century multiethnic literature of the U.S., Asian American diaspora in the U.S. South, transracial adoption narratives, and fictive kinship. Her work can be found in the South Atlantic Review and The Georgia Review.

Joanmarie Bañez is a literature PhD student at the University of California, San Diego. She is from Atlanta, Georgia, where she completed her BA and MA in English literary studies at Georgia State University. Her research interests include 19th- and ... Show more

Marina Krizman

Marina Krizman

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall breaking to the hilarious and heart-wrenching relationships, Marina can't get enough of Fleabag's antics. She's watched every episode multiple times, analyzed every character's motives, and even started a Fleabag-themed Instagram account. Her friends and family might think she's a bit obsessed, but Marina knows that Fleabag is more than just a show - it's a work of art that speaks to her soul.

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall break... Show more

Jennifer Preiß

Jennifer Preiß

Erziehungswissenschaftlerin, Forschungsschwerpunkt forschendes Lernen, Projektmitarbeiterin bei HoDaPro und SCoRE am Hamburger Zentrum für universitäres Lehren und Lernen der Universität Hamburg. Dissertation zur Begleitung von Forschungskrisen.

Erziehungswissenschaftlerin, Forschungsschwerpunkt forschendes Lernen, Projektmitarbeiterin bei HoDaPro und SCoRE am Hamburger Zentrum für universitäres Lehren und Lernen der Universität Hamburg. Dissertation zur Begleitung von Forschungskrisen. Show more

R. Varisa Patraporn

R. Varisa Patraporn

Dr. Patraporn is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and faculty affiliate in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at the California State University, Long Beach. Her research centers on understanding the social and spatial forces that impact economic and social mobility and the efforts of community based organizations in advancing economic and social justice in the United States.

Dr. Patraporn is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and faculty affiliate in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at the California State University, Long Beach. Her research centers on understanding the social and sp... Show more

Amanda Kavner, PhD

Amanda Kavner, PhD

Dr Amanda Kavner is a cognitive neuroscientist with a research focus on mapping cognitive processes using neurocognitive measurements and machine learning algorithms.

As a professor, Kavner has always focused on the understanding, utilization, and teaching of current and upcoming technological innovations that are positioned to become a mainstream tool for her students' future lives, which is what has brought her to blockchain technology and NFTs.

Dr Amanda Kavner is a cognitive neuroscientist with a research focus on mapping cognitive processes using neurocognitive measurements and machine learning algorithms. As a professor, Kavner has always focused on the understanding, utilization, an... Show more

Marianna Lyulchenko

Marianna Lyulchenko

Marianna Lyulchenko is interested in identifying the key factors associated with school readiness and long-term school success from early childhood through elementary and beyond. Lyulchenko is regularly engaged in research that collects surveys, direct assessments, standardized test scores, and observational data linked to children and classrooms along with qualitative data from sources such as interviews, focus groups, and extant document reviews.

Marianna Lyulchenko is interested in identifying the key factors associated with school readiness and long-term school success from early childhood through elementary and beyond. Lyulchenko is regularly engaged in research that collects surveys, dire... Show more

Dr. Finsensius Yuli Purnama

Dr. Finsensius Yuli Purnama

Finsensius Yuli Purnama is currently serving as a faculty member within the Communication Science Study Program at Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya. He has also held the position of a visiting lecturer at Saint Louis University in the Philippines during the academic year 2021-2022.

In the year 2020, he was granted the privilege to participate as a student fellow in the Asian Graduate Student Fellowship program, administered by the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. During his tenure in this program, Mr. Purnama conducted research for his doctoral dissertation, which centered on the 2019 presidential election debate. His research endeavors were conducted under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Eve Warburton.

Mr. Purnama earned his doctoral degree in Media and Cultural Studies from Gadjah Mada University in 2022, achieving the distinction of "cum laude."

In 2023, Mr. Purnama was honored to be elected as a fellow in the prestigious Indonesian - American Kavli Frontiers of Science program, hosted by the National Academy of Science—Indonesian Academy of Sciences.

Starting in 2023, he assumed the role of a research fellow at ISAC Research, within the Asia Research Institute at NUS. He is a proud member of the International Communication Association Indonesia Chapter. Furthermore, he is also recognized as a member of the Southeast Asia Media Studies Association, which he has been part of since 2020.

Mr. Purnama's scholarly contributions over the past three years include several notable journal articles, such as "Tular Nalar: Efforts to Foster a Digital Literacy Epistemic Community" (2023), "Not Merely Comprehending: A Quasi-Experimental Study among High School Students in Surabaya" (2023), "Paradigm Shift: Transitioning from Ownership Concerns to Political Mediatization" (2022), and "Tweeting Populism in the 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election Campaign" (2021).

His primary research interests revolve around the fields of digital media, journalism, and democracy-related issues. Mr. Purnama may be contacted at finsensius@ukwms.ac.id for academic inquiries and collaborations.

Finsensius Yuli Purnama is currently serving as a faculty member within the Communication Science Study Program at Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya. He has also held the position of a visiting lecturer at Saint Louis University in the Phili... Show more

Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers.

Join Speakers Directory

Join our Speakers Directory today and amplify your reach! Showcase your expertise to a global audience hungry for your insights. Let your voice be heard!

Create Profile