Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Inge Amdal Halvorsen

Inge Amdal Halvorsen

Inge Amdal Halvorsen is a developer, historian, philosopher, teacher, and storyteller. With a genuine interest in quirky and esoteric knowledge, and a penchant for diving into rabbit holes, he is a fountain of footnotes and fun facts. With a blend of mythology, code, and curious observations, his talks are certain to make audiences laugh, think, and occasionally question reality.

Inge Amdal Halvorsen is a developer, historian, philosopher, teacher, and storyteller. With a genuine interest in quirky and esoteric knowledge, and a penchant for diving into rabbit holes, he is a fountain of footnotes and fun facts. With a blend of... Show more

Trond Hjorteland

Trond Hjorteland

Trond is an IT architect and sociotechnical systems practitioner at Capra Consulting, where he helps organisations design themselves for a turbulent world. Drawing on decades of research in open systems theory, he bridges domain-driven design, event-driven architecture, and human-centred organisation design. His mantra: great solutions emerge from collaborative sensemaking and design.

Trond is an IT architect and sociotechnical systems practitioner at Capra Consulting, where he helps organisations design themselves for a turbulent world. Drawing on decades of research in open systems theory, he bridges domain-driven design, event-... Show more

Ray Kim

Ray Kim

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and has previously been a member of PASS and the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as numerous other events. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University. He currently works as a technical writer and trainer for The Professional Development Program at The Research Foundation for SUNY.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments (piano, clarinet, mallet percussion, saxophone). He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He, his wife Lianne, and their two cats Dwayne and Marko, live in Troy, NY.

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and has previously been a member of PASS and the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit an... Show more

Chris Honda

Chris Honda

Chris Honda stumbled into security after trying a dozen different career paths. He specializes in building Security/GRC programs from scratch, strives to give back as much and as often as he can, and is your biggest fan & cheerleader.

Chris Honda stumbled into security after trying a dozen different career paths. He specializes in building Security/GRC programs from scratch, strives to give back as much and as often as he can, and is your biggest fan & cheerleader. Show more

Bonaventure Saturday

Bonaventure Saturday

Bonaventure Saturday is a researcher and project manager with over ten years of experience working at the intersection of digital rights, AI governance, data governance, gender justice, and civic engagement in Africa. His work focuses on online safety for women in public life, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, digital public infrastructure, responsible and inclusive AI, and the governance of emerging technologies. He has extensive experience managing and evaluating donor-funded programmes, conducting policy-relevant research, needs assessments, and stakeholder consultations, and convening multistakeholder actors across government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and regional institutions. He contributes evidence-based perspectives to debates on AI, platform governance, digital inclusion, data protection, and public interest technology. He is committed to advancing digital policies and systems that are inclusive, accountable, safe, and rights-respecting, particularly for women, girls, and historically underrepresented communities across Africa.

Bonaventure Saturday is a researcher and project manager with over ten years of experience working at the intersection of digital rights, AI governance, data governance, gender justice, and civic engagement in Africa. His work focuses on online safet... Show more

Francesco Gallo

Francesco Gallo

I work to make complex systems simple. In mixology, I do the exact opposite, with the same level of seriousness. People who know me have stopped looking for consistency. :-D

I am a partner at BC Soft, where I serve as COO, CTO and Solution Architect, leading a technology factory focused on cloud, application modernization, AI, DevOps, Microsoft 365 and enterprise solutions.

My work is about helping companies and teams turn complex systems into architectures that are more governable, observable and sustainable, where code, infrastructure, processes and costs stop living in separate worlds. This is where my interest in application modernization, Azure cloud-native architectures, applied AI, DevOps and FinOps comes from.

In my sessions, I bring field experience: real projects, real constraints, architectural decisions, mistakes, trade-offs and lessons learned. I am less interested in presenting technology as a promise, and more interested in showing it as a tool to make complexity understandable, measurable and governable.

In my free time, I make cocktails, play golf and can happily talk for hours about software architecture and volleyball. After all, they are all systems: balance, timing and the right ingredients at the right moment.

I work to make complex systems simple. In mixology, I do the exact opposite, with the same level of seriousness. People who know me have stopped looking for consistency. :-D I am a partner at BC Soft, where I serve as COO, CTO and Solution Archite... Show more

Amanda Lentz

Amanda Lentz

Amanda Lentz is a speaker, podcast host, and Human Resources Business Partner whose work explores identity, change, and the human experience at work. Drawing from lived experience and a foundation in organizational psychology, she helps audiences navigate the moments when life or career disrupts the story they thought they were living.

She is the creator and host of Who We Become — Life Beyond Change, a podcast featuring honest conversations about reinvention and the in‑between spaces of transformation. Her graduate training in I/O Psychology, Leadership Development, and Business Administration shapes her practical, human‑centered approach to growth, resilience, and leadership.

Amanda speaks across industries — from healthcare and HR to women’s leadership, technology, and organizational development — offering language and frameworks for navigating uncertainty, rebuilding identity, and leading with humanity. Her signature talks help audiences name experiences they’ve been living but haven’t yet articulated.

Change is inevitable. Becoming is intentional.

Amanda Lentz is a speaker, podcast host, and Human Resources Business Partner whose work explores identity, change, and the human experience at work. Drawing from lived experience and a foundation in organizational psychology, she helps audiences nav... Show more

Tricia Diamond

Tricia Diamond

Dr. Tricia Diamond is a portfolio and program management executive, aerospace engineer, and organizational strategist with more than two decades of leadership across the public sector, technology, and consulting in the United States and the Netherlands. She holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and professional aviation experience, alongside advanced credentials including the PfMP®, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, PMO-CP®, CPMAI, GPM-b®, CAL®, ITIL®, AWS-CCP, AWS-AIP, MCASE. As Director of ARPA Implementation for a major U.S. city, she built and led a PMO governing a $386M federal recovery portfolio with 100% regulatory compliance. She has spoken at ASPA and PMI conferences, previously served as VP of Professional Development for PMI Puget Sound, and is a Seattle Parks and Recreation Commissioner. She is the founder of Diamond PMO Solutions, an MWBE owned management consultancy specializing in portfolio governance, PMO design, and organizational strategy as well as PMI certification trainings. Her book, Second Line Leadership: How New Orleans Solved Coordination Without Controls, was published in September 2026.

Dr. Tricia Diamond is a portfolio and program management executive, aerospace engineer, and organizational strategist with more than two decades of leadership across the public sector, technology, and consulting in the United States and the Netherlan... Show more

Bert Fabry

Bert Fabry

As the founder of FabCore BV, Bert provides leadership, communication, and agile training and coaching to organizations and individuals worldwide, fostering environments that emphasize empathy and efficiency. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across communication, leadership consulting, training, and IT advisory work, he helps people and teams grow with intention — an approach captured in FabCore's tagline, "From the Heart."
He has also worked at the intersection of technology and road safety, contributing to BUMP where his tech expertise met a strong commitment to safer roads.
An international speaker, he regularly shares his insights at conferences, engaging audiences with his deep knowledge in technology, leadership, and agile practices. With a background spanning the arts, technology, and international development, he draws on a diverse array of experiences to champion empathic leadership and continual learning. His journey through personal challenges has fueled his dedication to professional growth and making a meaningful impact.
Outside of work, he indulges in cooking and storytelling, enhancing life's flavor as a culinary enthusiast and a veteran tabletop roleplaying game master.

As the founder of FabCore BV, Bert provides leadership, communication, and agile training and coaching to organizations and individuals worldwide, fostering environments that emphasize empathy and efficiency. Drawing on more than 25 years of experien... Show more

Roberta Coppola

Roberta Coppola

Master’s graduate with skills in digital communication, artificial intelligence, and data management. I have experience in public administration, focusing on document management and process automation, as well as in social media and content creation.
I am currently developing a thesis project involving AI, OCR, and digitization, combining analytical skills, precision, and creativity. I am proactive, well-organized, and results-oriented.

Master’s graduate with skills in digital communication, artificial intelligence, and data management. I have experience in public administration, focusing on document management and process automation, as well as in social media and content creation.... Show more

Chris Hetzler

Chris Hetzler

Hello! I'm a Solution Architect at Eide Bailly Advisory LLC, a top-notch business advisory firm, and a proud Featured Fabric Partner. I love working with clients and teams to craft and deliver innovative solutions to business challenges using Microsoft technologies and platforms.

With over 20 years of experience in software engineering, I hold master's degrees in both software engineering and data science. I'm also certified in over 25 industry areas, including Microsoft Solution Architect certifications for AI, Azure, Power Platform, and Dynamics.

My expertise spans across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Fabric, Power Platform, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Development frameworks, tools, and DevOps, as well as major open-source development platforms. I specialize in designing and implementing no-code, low-code, and custom solutions, and I thrive on leading and collaborating with both on-shore and off-shore development teams to drive innovation and deliver customer value.

I'm known for my exceptional communication skills, which allow me to connect with both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels. I've had the pleasure of presenting at several industry conferences, including the FabCon, Microsoft Ready, Microsoft Convergence, and StarWest / East.

In my spare time, I enjoy indulging in my interests in U.S.A. Swimming, space exploration, science, engineering, and Lego. I'm passionate about creating software that solves real problems and makes a positive impact.

Hello! I'm a Solution Architect at Eide Bailly Advisory LLC, a top-notch business advisory firm, and a proud Featured Fabric Partner. I love working with clients and teams to craft and deliver innovative solutions to business challenges using Microso... Show more

Dennis Nerush

Dennis Nerush

Dennis Nerush is the VP of AI at Elementor, where he leads the company's AI strategy and guides teams through the integration of GenAI technologies that enhance productivity while preserving human creativity and accountability.

With over 15 years of experience as a developer, manager, director, and adviser across multiple tech companies and startups, Dennis has dedicated his career to building people-first cultures rooted in continuous learning, curiosity, and growth. He believes that when individuals thrive, teams and businesses flourish, a philosophy that has guided him in founding dozens of teams and mentoring over 100 managers.

Dennis is a seasoned public speaker and writer who shares his insights on AI integration, leadership, and team performance at international conferences. He's passionate about helping leaders develop the skills and confidence to excel in a world where human leadership and AI collaboration go hand in hand.

In his free time, Dennis loves cooking and spending time with his kids. His main goal is to help people reach the next level.

Dennis Nerush is the VP of AI at Elementor, where he leads the company's AI strategy and guides teams through the integration of GenAI technologies that enhance productivity while preserving human creativity and accountability. With over 15 years ... Show more

Andres Sepulveda Morales

Andres Sepulveda Morales

Andres Sepulveda Morales is the founder of Red Mage, a technology consultancy for impact makers and barrier breakers. They are presently Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group (RMAIIG), founder of Fort Collins AI for Everyone, Top 10 Puerto Rican Voices in IT & Tech (Favikon) and were named one of Contra’s Best Software Consultants to Hire in 2025-2026 for English and Spanish markets.

Andres Sepulveda Morales is the founder of Red Mage, a technology consultancy for impact makers and barrier breakers. They are presently Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group (RMAIIG), founder of Fort Collins AI for Everyone, Top 10 Puert... Show more

Elliott Mattice

Elliott Mattice

Elliott Mattice is Co-Founder and CEO of Veraidyn. His work focuses on AI security and governance, applying human trust principles and behavioral assessment to decisions about agent responsibility, oversight, and accountability. He brings 25 years of experience leading cybersecurity, risk, and governance programs across defense, healthcare, and federal contracting, including more than 40 federal authorizations. He is CSA TAISE-certified in trusted AI safety and holds CISM, PMP, ITIL, and CMMC-RP credentials. He earned a master's degree in Mindful Leadership and speaks regularly on AI governance to security audiences.

Elliott Mattice is Co-Founder and CEO of Veraidyn. His work focuses on AI security and governance, applying human trust principles and behavioral assessment to decisions about agent responsibility, oversight, and accountability. He brings 25 years of... Show more

Cynthia Lockrey

Cynthia Lockrey

Cynthia Lockrey helps leaders and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. A former reporter and newspaper editor with more than 29 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications and leadership communications, she specializes in turning complex ideas into compelling stories that build trust, inspire action and create meaningful change. An engaging keynote speaker and corporate trainer, Cynthia has worked with organizations across North America and is consistently rated as a top conference speaker for her practical, story-driven presentations. Audiences appreciate her ability to simplify complex communication challenges into strategies they can immediately put into practice. Cynthia brings authenticity, empathy and humour to every presentation. Whether speaking about storytelling, leadership, advocacy or communication, she equips audiences with the tools and confidence to use their voice, strengthen relationships and create lasting impact.

Cynthia Lockrey helps leaders and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. A former reporter and newspaper editor with more than 29 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications and leadership communications, s... Show more

Ragnar Heil

Ragnar Heil

Ragnar is a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Microsoft 365 Office Apps and Services. Together with MVP Alexander Egger, he hosts the “Alex & Ragnar Show,” a bi-weekly Video Live Stream about Microsoft 365 Hybrid Workplace and also "Guardians of M365 Governance" with Christian Buckley. Ragnar is a blogger and podcaster, headset geek, and core-member of Viva Explorers Community. He has an M.A. in Social Science and an Executive MBA, and has also published several books and articles about modern work.

Ragnar is a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Microsoft 365 Office Apps and Services. Together with MVP Alexander Egger, he hosts the “Alex & Ragnar Show,” a bi-weekly Video Live Stream about Microsoft 365 Hybrid Workplace and also "Guardians of ... Show more

Erwin Derksen

Erwin Derksen

Since 1999 in IT – Practical – Simplifier – #BulletPointFree Public Speaker - Microsoft Certified Trainer - Likes sharing knowledge – Projects and changes only – Has also a technical focus – Acts as bridge between business and technology – Founded DerkIT in 2017 - Guides complex decisions and reduces them to the essence – Believes that humor, clarity, and simplicity are most important.

Since 1999 in IT – Practical – Simplifier – #BulletPointFree Public Speaker - Microsoft Certified Trainer - Likes sharing knowledge – Projects and changes only – Has also a technical focus – Acts as bridge between business and technology – Founded ... Show more

Alyssa Nicoll

Alyssa Nicoll

Alyssa is an Senior Developer Advocate for Progress and a Google Developer Expert for Angular. She has spoken at over 50 conferences locally and internationally. She is the host of the Angular Air podcast and emcees ng-conf as well as Monorepo World. She enjoys gaming, scuba diving, and has a little one that fondly goes by "Mr. Milks".

Alyssa is an Senior Developer Advocate for Progress and a Google Developer Expert for Angular. She has spoken at over 50 conferences locally and internationally. She is the host of the Angular Air podcast and emcees ng-conf as well as Monorepo World.... Show more

Mauro Bennici

Mauro Bennici

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the SME Focus Group on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, European Community.

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the ... Show more

Lorenzo Pieri

Lorenzo Pieri

It's never easy to describe oneself, especially when one is interested in so many different topics and fields and I guess that says something about who I am afterall. I find it fun and entertaining to teach difficult subjects through exotic methods and stories and people seem to also have fun while I do so.

I believe in the union between science and human values (read fun) and I often work and participate in non-profit organization and projects which aim to bring culture and scientific knowledge.

It's never easy to describe oneself, especially when one is interested in so many different topics and fields and I guess that says something about who I am afterall. I find it fun and entertaining to teach difficult subjects through exotic methods a... Show more

Caroline Nicole Letaru

Caroline Nicole Letaru

Caroline Nicole Letaru is a globally recognized Career Coach and Talent Strategist at Kazini Consults, with over 6 years of experience empowering tech professionals across 12+ countries. She is known for helping developers and emerging tech leaders unlock international opportunities through strategic career planning, skill building, and high-impact coaching.

Nicole has led technical recruitment for global institutions such as the United Nations and UNHCR, and has coached over 500+ professionals including software engineers, PowerShell, UX designers, and AI specialists helping them transition into global careers and remote work ecosystems.

She is a seasoned international speaker who has graced renowned stages including the International AIDS Society Conference (Germany), Going Global Conference (UK), and the SCORE Conference (Tanzania). Her thought leadership earned her the Best Essay Award at the South American Business Forum (SABF) in Argentina, recognizing her voice on youth, development, and innovation.

Nicole’s work focuses on building future-proof careers for African professionals in tech. Through Kazini Consults, she leads a community-first approach that equips talents to scale their impact with confidence, clarity, and visibility.

Caroline Nicole Letaru is a globally recognized Career Coach and Talent Strategist at Kazini Consults, with over 6 years of experience empowering tech professionals across 12+ countries. She is known for helping developers and emerging tech leaders u... Show more

C Sarath Babu

C Sarath Babu

Hi, I'm C. Sarath Babu. I work as a cybersecurity specialist , I’ve been diving deep into the world of quantum AI research as well. Over the years, I’ve authored four books, and I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to national-level cybercrime investigations and work on AI-driven security innovations.

I enjoy speaking at tech forums and conferences, especially where I can explore how AI, cybersecurity, and even philosophy intersect it’s a space I’m really passionate about. I’m also a big supporter of open-source security projects and spend a lot of time building secure, AI-powered systems that help shape the future of digital ecosystems.

Hi, I'm C. Sarath Babu. I work as a cybersecurity specialist , I’ve been diving deep into the world of quantum AI research as well. Over the years, I’ve authored four books, and I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to national-level cybercrime... Show more

Nick Woodley

Nick Woodley

Nick Woodley is an ISO 42001 Lead Auditor with over 25 years of enterprise technology experience, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between AI innovation and governance requirements. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Nick combines deep Microsoft platform knowledge with practical AI governance implementation experience.
Relevant Credentials:

ISO 42001 Lead Auditor (AI Management Systems)
Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert
Azure Solutions Architect Expert
CISSP & CCSP (ISC2)
Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Associate Member

Current AI Governance Experience:
As Cyber Security and Power Platform Principal at Ascent, Nick has developed AI compliance offerings incorporating DORA and NIST frameworks for European financial institutions. His recent work includes conducting AI risk assessments for global engineering companies and implementing AI governance frameworks that strike a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance.
Practical Audit Insight:
Nick's experience as an active ISO 42001 Lead Auditor provides unique insights into what actually works during audits, as opposed to theoretical compliance. His background spanning regulated industries (banking, government, insurance) gives him a practical understanding of how AI governance requirements vary across different regulatory environments and organisational contexts.
As an ISC2 East Midlands Chapter Officer, Nick actively contributes to the cybersecurity community's understanding of emerging AI security and governance challenges, making him well-positioned to share practical, implementable strategies with conference attendees.

Nick Woodley is an ISO 42001 Lead Auditor with over 25 years of enterprise technology experience, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between AI innovation and governance requirements. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Cybersecurity Architect Ex... Show more

Tim Rayburn

Tim Rayburn

Tim Rayburn is a Vice President of Consulting with Improving Enterprises, a software and project management consulting company in Dallas, TX. He is a passionate advocate of apprenticeship and mentorship in corporate environments. He has been awarded the Microsoft MVP in recognition of his expertise and community leadership 11 times. He is also a conference organizer, an author, and can be found speaking across the nation on agile processes, software design, and career management. He lives in the North Dallas area with his amazing wife Kate and their loyal dogs Dresden and Radagast.

Tim Rayburn is a Vice President of Consulting with Improving Enterprises, a software and project management consulting company in Dallas, TX. He is a passionate advocate of apprenticeship and mentorship in corporate environments. He has been awarded ... Show more

Thomas Chopin

Thomas Chopin

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadership et à structurer leur gouvernance en s’appuyant sur des outils agiles concrets et une prise de décision éclairée.
Je place l’humain au cœur des transformations, convaincu que l’amélioration continue est une opportunité pour chacun. J’encourage un apprentissage permanent et le développement de l’esprit critique, indispensables pour naviguer dans un monde en constante évolution. Mon rôle est d’ouvrir des perspectives, de challenger les certitudes et de créer des environnements propices à l’expérimentation et à l’adaptabilité.

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadersh... Show more

Yedidya Schwartz

Yedidya Schwartz

Leading the company's infrastructure, backend, frontend and data domains, designing and implementing complex architectures, bringing observability and performance to the top level. Driving the company's AI transformation, reshaping the structure and atmosphere of R&D to make AI a native part of how the team works. Certified AWS Solution Architect & AWS Community Builder with more than 15 years of experience in various software development positions, from team lead to Architect, and today as a CTO. International speaker, blogger, holds Philosophy B.A & M.A degrees, plays the piano and the guitar for relaxation, married and father of two.

Leading the company's infrastructure, backend, frontend and data domains, designing and implementing complex architectures, bringing observability and performance to the top level. Driving the company's AI transformation, reshaping the structure and ... Show more

Rabbi Ranon Teller

Rabbi Ranon Teller

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader whose passion for Jewish music, education, and community engagement has shaped his approach to congregational leadership. With a background in television writing and music, he brings creativity and personal connection to worship services, educational programs, and synagogue activities. As senior rabbi of Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has introduced engaging prayer experiences, strengthened congregational participation, and developed meaningful relationships within the broader Jewish community. His leadership combines traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary musical expression, encouraging members to connect with their faith through learning, worship, and shared experiences.

Raised in suburban Detroit, Ranon Teller was the second of three children in a household deeply connected to Orthodox Judaism. He began his education at Orthodox Day School before attending Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago. Following high school, he moved to Israel to pursue advanced religious studies at an Orthodox yeshiva. There, he studied the Talmud, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred texts, developing a strong foundation in Jewish scholarship and religious practice. As his studies progressed, however, he began questioning aspects of the Orthodox environment. These experiences encouraged him to examine different perspectives on Judaism and reconsider the direction of his spiritual journey.

In 1996, Teller returned to Israel to explore alternative approaches to Jewish spirituality beyond the Orthodox traditions of his upbringing. He became particularly interested in contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. During this period, he audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive experiential Jewish education program. Exposure to different forms of Jewish learning helped him recognize his calling to religious education and spiritual leadership. In 1998, he returned to the United States to pursue formal rabbinic studies and prepare to serve the Jewish community.

After returning to the United States, Rabbi Teller enrolled at the University of Judaism, now known as American Jewish University, in Los Angeles. He pursued Jewish education and rabbinic studies, strengthening his knowledge of religious texts, teaching, and spiritual leadership. In 2000, he earned a master's degree in education from the Fingerhut School of Education and received the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement. In 2002, he completed his rabbinic studies and was ordained as Rabbi Ranon Teller. The Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies recognized his academic accomplishments. In May 2022, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

Rabbi Ranon Teller began his rabbinic career at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served as associate rabbi from 2002 to 2005. During his tenure, the congregation experienced changes in senior leadership, creating a need for stability and direction. Rabbi Teller helped provide continuity while strengthening relationships among congregants. He focused on engaging young families and introducing contemporary, interactive prayer services that encouraged greater participation. His work in St. Louis helped develop his approach to congregational leadership, emphasizing Jewish education, creative worship, and meaningful personal connections.

In 2005, Ranon moved to Houston to become senior rabbi of Congregation Brith Shalom. His personable, soulful, and diplomatic leadership approach contributed to congregational growth and stronger community relationships. Over the next two decades, he introduced musical prayer services that welcomed congregants and community members from diverse backgrounds and interests. His work extended beyond worship and religious education to important synagogue development initiatives. Rabbi Teller played a key role in securing a $1.5 million endowment and a $5 million gift toward a building renovation campaign. These contributions supported the congregation's financial needs and ongoing development while helping maintain opportunities for Jewish learning and spiritual participation.

Rabbi Teller's commitment to community service extends beyond his responsibilities at Congregation Brith Shalom. He actively participates in initiatives throughout Houston, collaborating with organizations that help individuals and families in need. He works with the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Food and Faith Collaborative. He also supports community efforts through the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Alexander Jewish Family Service. These activities reflect his dedication to tikkun olam, the Jewish principle of repairing the world, through compassion, service, and practical assistance. His continued involvement shows how important he is to connecting Jewish values with meaningful community support.

Outside his rabbinic responsibilities, Rabbi Ranon Teller enjoys a range of creative and recreational interests. He continues to play blues and folk guitar and remains passionate about song-leading. An enthusiastic reader, he particularly enjoys nonfiction, including biographies and books exploring human nature. His interests also include juggling, performing magic, hiking, and backpacking, activities that provide opportunities for creativity and spiritual reflection. He finds a meaningful connection to spirituality through spending time in nature. He has also contributed articles to Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He co-authored the book Peaceful Bones, reflecting his continued interest in writing and sharing ideas with a wider audience.

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader whose passion for Jewish music, education, and community engagement has shaped his approach to congregational leadership. With a background in television writing and music, he brings creativity and p... Show more

Joey Dantoni

Joey Dantoni

Joseph D'Antoni is a Principal Cloud Architect, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with over 20 years of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is a frequent speaker at major tech events like Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit and Enterprise Data World. He blogs about all topics technology at joeydantoni.com. He believes that no single platform is the answer to all technology problems. He lives in Malvern, PA and holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and an MBA from North Carolina State University, and is the co-author of the Microsoft book "Introducing SQL Server 2016"

Joseph D'Antoni is a Principal Cloud Architect, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with over 20 years of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is a frequent speaker at major tech events like Microsoft Ignite, ... Show more

Emily Harden

Emily Harden

Emily Harden is a knowledgeable consultant, skillful speaker, and community builder dedicated to fostering growth and impact. As the Founder and Owner of Harden Consulting, she provides tailored coaching to help people clarify what they want, navigate pivots, and thrive at work; so your passion becomes a sustainable path.
Emily draws on her deep roots in the tech ecosystem, where she previously served as Techlahoma's Executive Director, to connect challenges with creative solutions.

When she’s not working, you can probably find her playing board games, trying out new video games, or off on an adventure with her husband and their dog, Patches!

Emily Harden is a knowledgeable consultant, skillful speaker, and community builder dedicated to fostering growth and impact. As the Founder and Owner of Harden Consulting, she provides tailored coaching to help people clarify what they want, navigat... Show more

Mable Amuron

Mable Amuron

Mable Barbara Amuron is a researcher examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital culture, and society, with a focus on misinformation and disinformation. Drawing on her editorial and literary background, she investigates how AI systems shape the creation and perception of information online. Her work explores the risks of AI-driven mis/disinformation, such as deepfakes, automated content, and
algorithmic amplification, and their effects on public trust and democracy. Through interdisciplinary research, Mable analyses the ethical, social, and technical dimensions of emerging technologies while advocating for transparency, accountability, and equitable access to information. Her expertise spans
misinformation studies, election analyses, AI and society, and research communication, combining critical analysis with ethical storytelling to promote informed and resilient communities.

Mable Barbara Amuron is a researcher examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital culture, and society, with a focus on misinformation and disinformation. Drawing on her editorial and literary background, she investigates how AI sys... Show more

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