Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Anaïs Chanclu

Anaïs Chanclu

I love teaching machines to understand language.
I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences.
I also enjoy making music and playing board games.
I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who.
I don’t always look up, but when I do, it’s to admire the stars.

I love teaching machines to understand language. I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences. I also enjoy making music and playing board games. I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who. I don’t a... Show more

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo

Emanuel Toledo es Licenciado en Gestión Pública y Analista-Científico de Datos. Con más de 13 años de experiencia en el sector público, especializado en administración, auditoría y análisis presupuestario , ha impulsado en los últimos años su desarrollo hacia la tecnología, liderando la transformación digital desde el análisis, visualización, ciencia de datos e inteligencia artificial. Es CEO y fundador de Thinking OUT!, una consultora digital especializada en datos, comprometido con la inclusión, la innovación y el aprendizaje continuo. Interesado en colaborar con proyectos de impacto social que integren tecnología, educación y equidad, Emanuel es un firme creyente de que la decisión política y las herramientas accesibles son la clave para un servicio público más eficiente y transparente en América Latina.

Emanuel Toledo es Licenciado en Gestión Pública y Analista-Científico de Datos. Con más de 13 años de experiencia en el sector público, especializado en administración, auditoría y análisis presupuestario , ha impulsado en los últimos años su desarro... Show more

Emma Ruck

Emma Ruck

Et si la pédagogie ludique rendait notre monde plus habitable ... ✨

Designer pluridisciplaire de formation, je me suis progressivement formée à l’animation d’atelier d’intelligence collective via la facilitation ainsi qu’à la création de serious game et d’atelier ludique. J’associe mes compétences dans l’univers jeu, de la facilitation & du design pour les mettre au service des enjeux des organismes que j’accompagne. J’aime être challengé et nourrir ma curiosité en découvrant sans cesse de nouveaux terrains de jeux, avec une appétence pour les thématiques autour de l’éducation & l’apprentissage / alimentation / l’innovation / l’écologie

Mon crédo aujourd'hui :
Imaginer • Concevoir • Transmettre

🌱Imaginer des expériences ludiques et apprenantes pour tous publics.

🍀Concevoir et réaliser des supports intuitifs & impactant.

🍃Transmettre et animer ces expériences grâce à l'intelligence collective.

Et si la pédagogie ludique rendait notre monde plus habitable ... ✨ Designer pluridisciplaire de formation, je me suis progressivement formée à l’animation d’atelier d’intelligence collective via la facilitation ainsi qu’à la création de serious g... Show more

Blessing Agbor

Blessing Agbor


Blessing Agbor is an API Security Engineer with 2 years of experience in application security, specializing in the emerging threat landscape where artificial intelligence meets traditional API vulnerabilities. Operating at the intersection of OWASP API Security Top 10 and OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications, she addresses the critical security gaps that most organizations miss when deploying AI agents and LLM-powered systems. Her research focuses on cross-framework vulnerability analysis, demonstrating how attackers chain traditional API flaws (BOLA, broken authentication, excessive data exposure) with LLM-specific vulnerabilities (prompt injection, insecure plugins, excessive agency) to achieve complete system compromise. This work emerged from conducting real-world security assessments of AI agent deployments in fintech, e-commerce, and SaaS platforms across multiple continents.

Throughout her career, Blessing has conducted security assessments for organizations and identified 5+ critical vulnerabilities. She holds CompTIA Certs as well as APISEC and actively contributes to the security community through technical blog posts and local security meetups. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Blessing Agbor is committed to elevating cybersecurity expertise across emerging markets. She believes that advanced security knowledge should be accessible to all practitioners, regardless of geography or organizational size. When not breaking AI agents, she enjoys vlogging, reading books, and documenting her memories.

She has served in technical and leadership roles for major community-led events, including Google Developers Group's Build with AI, DevFest, TechSafe, and STEMCON Tour, and regularly speaks on how security, ethics, and human behavior intersect in tech development. Currently, she’s working on API security projects—deepening her expertise in securing APIs, understanding real-world attack surfaces, implementing threat modeling, and integrating security seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines. Her focus is on building resilient, developer-friendly security workflows that align with modern DevSecOps practices.

Blessing Agbor is an API Security Engineer with 2 years of experience in application security, specializing in the emerging threat landscape where artificial intelligence meets traditional API vulnerabilities. Operating at the intersection of OWASP... Show more

Steph Houle

Steph Houle

Steph Houle is a design leader, coach, and consultant with over 15 years of experience shaping digital products from startups to Fortune 1 companies alike, including Walmart, Macy’s, and Calvin Klein. She blends her background in UX/UI and product design leadership with a deep commitment to human-centered design practices, helping teams and individuals navigate complexity with clarity, creativity, and resilience.

Through her coaching practice, Steph guides women and creative leaders to cultivate self-expression, intuitive authority, and sustainable ways of working. Her talks invite audiences into both practical frameworks and reflective pauses, bridging design methodologies with personal leadership.

Steph Houle is a design leader, coach, and consultant with over 15 years of experience shaping digital products from startups to Fortune 1 companies alike, including Walmart, Macy’s, and Calvin Klein. She blends her background in UX/UI and product de... Show more

Carole Guinand

Carole Guinand

Carole GUINAND, j’ai 44 ans, je suis Coach professionnelle certifiée, formatrice, consultante en évolution professionnelle et Assitante Sociale libérale. Je suis passionnée de jeux et de théâtre.
J’ai été plus de 20 ans fonctionnaire et un mardi matin en réunion d’équipe, une collègue Assistante Sociale a claqué la porte du service, suite à un conflit dans le collectif. Depuis ce jour, je n’ai cessé de me former, pour comprendre ce qui abîme la vocation dans les organisations professionnelles. J’ai co-créé Burni dans l’intention de faire comprendre les mécanismes du Burn-out de façon ludique. C’est un pari réussi car les prises de conscience dans les collectifs de travail grâce à Burni, sont au delà de mes attentes ! Au plaisir de vous faire rencontrer Burni!

Carole GUINAND, j’ai 44 ans, je suis Coach professionnelle certifiée, formatrice, consultante en évolution professionnelle et Assitante Sociale libérale. Je suis passionnée de jeux et de théâtre. J’ai été plus de 20 ans fonctionnaire et un mardi mat... Show more

Lee Tonouchi

Lee Tonouchi

Lee A. Tonouchi stay one Okinawan American writer known as "Da Pidgin Guerrilla" for his activism in campaigning for Pidgin a.k.a. Hawai‘i Creole for be accepted as one legitimate language. He wuz da 2023 recipient of da American Association for Applied Linguistics Distinguished Public Service Award for his work in raising public awareness of important language-related issues and promoting linguistic social justice.

Lee has always been one leader. When he wuz just starting out back in 2000, he wuz one of twelve selected participants nationwide for attend da Emerging Asian Pacific American Leaders in the Arts Convening in New York, one summit sponsored by da Ford Foundation. Lee wen organize and edit Da Kine Dictionary, da first eva community Pidgin dictionary project that came out from Bess Press. He wen write da first eva essay in Pidgin about Pidgin that wuz publish inside College English, das da Journal of Composition and Rhetoric from da National Council of Teachers of English. He wen create da first eva college course devoted soley to Pidgin Literature and for doing so he got recognitions on top da front page of The Wall Street Journal in 2005.

Lee stay one very prolific Pidgin author and playwright. He get one award-winning Pidgin short story collection called Da Word from Bamboo Ridge Press and one collection of Pidgin essays called Living Pidgin: Contemplations on Pidgin Culture from Tinfish Press. He wen also edit da anthology Buss Laugh: Stand Up Poetry from Hawai‘i. Lee had several of his plays produce before by Kumu Kahua Theatre, da Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts, da Honolulu Theatre for Youth, and East West Players in LA. His Pidgin play Three Year Swim Club wuz even one Los Angeles Times Critic's Choice Selection.

He one multiple time winning Honolulu magazine fiction contest Grand Prize Winner. He get several Kumu Kahua Playwriting Contest prizes. Lee won da Cades Award for Literature and da Tony Quagliano Poetry Prize. His Pidgin pieces wuz publish in numerous literary magazine in Hawai‘i, on top da continent, and internationally. An'den Lee stay kinda da only Pidgin journalist. For decades he been writing Pidgin reviews, articles, and interviews for various publications. He currently get one Pidgin column called Much Mahalos that he does for Discover Nikkei, das da online magazine for The Japanese American National Museum.

In his more recent works, Lee stay exploring more of his Uchinaanchu identity. His Pidgin poetry collection Significant Moments in da Life of Oriental Faddah and Son: One Hawai'i Okinawan Journal won da Association for Asian American Studies Book Award. His children's picture book Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos got one Skipping Stones Honor Award. His latest book wuz da anthology, Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai'i Okinawan Literature. Currently he stay working with Playbuilders Hawai‘i and The Hawai‘i United Okinawa Association for write one community-based play inspired by da stories he stay gathering from Hawai‘i's Local Okinawan community.

Lee A. Tonouchi stay one Okinawan American writer known as "Da Pidgin Guerrilla" for his activism in campaigning for Pidgin a.k.a. Hawai‘i Creole for be accepted as one legitimate language. He wuz da 2023 recipient of da American Association for Appl... Show more

Quinn Grace

Quinn Grace

Quinn Grace is a Data Scientist who:
* Is very Autistic, but pretends not to be for survival
* Loves anime and gaming
* Made the SA National debating team twice and the Western Cape provincial debating team four times

Quinn Grace is a Data Scientist who: * Is very Autistic, but pretends not to be for survival * Loves anime and gaming * Made the SA National debating team twice and the Western Cape provincial debating team four times Show more

Amber Vanderburg

Amber Vanderburg

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning journeys. Amber's history in talent development includes authoring top-reviewed online learning courses for platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Lecturio, and PluralSight, acting as Director of a national education leadership company, and coaching with professional sports team academies in Asia. In 2022, she published her first business adventure book "Uniquely Better" about building higher team performance.

Speaking engagements:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMNcx7Jwk9Sp6WxuvrfOOBqdP9440SKl0

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning... Show more

Romeu Moura

Romeu Moura

Endless conversation — with friends, compilers — on art, equivocacy, Symmathesy, methods, absurdism, dialectic, paradigm jumps, serendipity.

Endless conversation — with friends, compilers — on art, equivocacy, Symmathesy, methods, absurdism, dialectic, paradigm jumps, serendipity. Show more

Jonas Hulthén

Jonas Hulthén

Hello!

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

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

Jose De Souza

Jose De Souza

Jose Alejandro De Souza is a data visualization teacher and a content creator focused on data science. He holds a Master's in Big Data and Business Analytics. His spanish YouTube channel, with over 3,000 subscribers and 80+ videos, provides tutorials on Tableau, SQL, Python, and R, catering to beginners and those looking to enhance their data analysis and visualization skills. His content includes building dashboards, learning SQL, and performing data analysis with various tools.

Jose Alejandro De Souza is a data visualization teacher and a content creator focused on data science. He holds a Master's in Big Data and Business Analytics. His spanish YouTube channel, with over 3,000 subscribers and 80+ videos, provides tutorials... Show more

Maristela de Carvalho

Maristela de Carvalho

Analista de Políticas Sociais, vencedora do Prêmio Espírito Público, engenheira e mestranda em Psicologia pela UnB. Egressa, ex-coordenadora e pesquisadora do Programa LideraGOV. Com 11 anos de experiência em políticas públicas relacionadas a trabalho, emprego, gestão governamental, educação e liderança, também atuou por outros 10 anos com automação industrial e mercado de energia. Com ampla experiência em relações internacionais, já integrou Assessorias Internacionais em diversas pastas governamentais, com destaque para o papel de Assessora Especial para Assuntos Internacionais no Ministério da Educação, onde contribuiu para o aprimoramento da educação e a promoção de boas práticas globais. Além disso, dedica-se à construção de redes estratégicas, é facilitadora de processos de transformação governamental, free-la no LA-BORA!gov e entusiasta da formação de lideranças públicas. Une competências técnicas à paixão por pessoas e inovação no serviço público.

Analista de Políticas Sociais, vencedora do Prêmio Espírito Público, engenheira e mestranda em Psicologia pela UnB. Egressa, ex-coordenadora e pesquisadora do Programa LideraGOV. Com 11 anos de experiência em políticas públicas relacionadas a trabalh... Show more

Víctor Izquierdo Montes

Víctor Izquierdo Montes

I am a 32-year-old from Córdoba with a lifelong passion for process optimization. Thanks to the versatility AI offers, I enjoy applying it to my projects as a Power Platform specialist at MDW Partners.

Originally, I pursued double majors in Business Administration and Management and Law, and I hold an MBA. However, I've always been fascinated by computer science. After several years of using reports for analytical decision-making, I decided to shift my focus to creating them directly.

Later, I discovered the potential of Power Platform, and I now focus on developing complete solutions using the tools available on this platform. With the growing interest in AI among companies, I incorporate Azure OpenAI tools like GPT, DALL·E, and Whisper into many of my projects.

I am a 32-year-old from Córdoba with a lifelong passion for process optimization. Thanks to the versatility AI offers, I enjoy applying it to my projects as a Power Platform specialist at MDW Partners. Originally, I pursued double majors in Busine... Show more

Ayobami ⚡

Ayobami ⚡

Ayobami Atolagbe
Founder & Executive Director, BitKwa | Co-Founder & CEO, Demohub

Ayobami Atolagbe is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and growth marketing executive on a mission to empower 10 million Africans through Bitcoin, education, and technology. He is the Founder and Executive Director of BitKwa, a nonprofit organization driving Bitcoin education, adoption, and circular economy initiatives across Africa. Through BitKwa, Ayobami has educated over 10,000 individuals and empowered grassroots movements via merchant onboarding programs, community workshops, and strategic partnerships that advance financial inclusion.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Demohub, an AI-powered EdTech platform making globally relevant digital skills accessible to African youth. Ayobami’s leadership bridges education, innovation, and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

Ayobami previously served as Head of Growth at Paycrest (San Francisco), helping build fintech products for the Global South, and held key roles at Paxful and NoOnes, where he expanded Bitcoin’s reach across Africa through ambassador programs, market expansion strategies, and community-driven campaigns. He also volunteered with Built With Bitcoin to support the construction of a school in Kaduna, Nigeria, demonstrating Bitcoin’s real-world impact on education and community development.

Personal Philosophy: Always Thrive Towards Greatness

Ayobami Atolagbe Founder & Executive Director, BitKwa | Co-Founder & CEO, Demohub Ayobami Atolagbe is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and growth marketing executive on a mission to empower 10 million Africans through Bitcoin, education, and t... Show more

Thomas Gebert

Thomas Gebert

Thomas Gebert is an adjunct lecturer at CUNY CityTech, a PhD student at the University of York, and a software engineer whose career has included companies such as Jet.com, Apple, Walmart Global Tech, and Reddit.

In addition to a bunch of technical tomfoolery, Thomas also enjoys watching cartoons, playing with professional audio equipment, and trying out various recipes for pizza.

Thomas Gebert is an adjunct lecturer at CUNY CityTech, a PhD student at the University of York, and a software engineer whose career has included companies such as Jet.com, Apple, Walmart Global Tech, and Reddit. In addition to a bunch of technic... Show more

Matty Stevenson

Matty Stevenson

Matty Stevenson is the Founder & Lead Facilitator of Conscious Ground, where he works to heal division and loneliness by fostering authentic connection, conscious leadership, and solidarity for action. With over a decade of group facilitation experience and 20 years exploring how people work together in corporate environments, Matty creates transformative experiences that help people communicate and collaborate across differences, reclaim their shared humanity, and take collective action toward a world where everyone can thrive.

Matty's work is grounded in the belief that we have more in common than we have differences, and that the systems keeping us divided and polarized can be overcome when we show up authentically, take radical responsibility, and practice solidarity as a living commitment. His sessions blend practical communication frameworks, conscious leadership practices, and community-building strategies that participants can immediately apply to their relationships, teams, and organizations.

As a Sr. Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and 2x AWS re:Invent speaker, Matty brings unique perspective on navigating technological transformation, particularly AI's impact on work, connection, and leadership. He helps audiences understand not just what's changing, but how to lead consciously through rapid change while maintaining our humanity and strengthening our bonds.

Based in Ventura, California, Matty's facilitation style emphasizes experimentation, curiosity, and creating spaces where difficult conversations lead to breakthrough moments. Whether working with corporate teams, community groups, or public audiences, he inspires people to remember their power to create change and make a meaningful difference in the world.

For conference organizers: Looking to bring some inspiration to your next event? Matty's sessions spark genuine connection among participants, inspire creative thinking about challenges they're facing, and leave people feeling energized and empowered to take action. If you're looking for a speaker who will help your audience feel a sense of belonging, experience moments of "wow," and leave ecstatic they attended, Matty brings the perfect blend of substance, heart, and practical tools to make that happen.

Matty Stevenson is the Founder & Lead Facilitator of Conscious Ground, where he works to heal division and loneliness by fostering authentic connection, conscious leadership, and solidarity for action. With over a decade of group facilitation experie... Show more

Shahan Ahmed

Shahan Ahmed

Currently working in Conduent. My focus on HIPPA regulations compliances!

Currently working in Conduent. My focus on HIPPA regulations compliances! Show more

Walter Calcagno Lucares

Walter Calcagno Lucares

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

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

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

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

Arianne Jennings

Arianne Jennings

Dr. Arianne Jennings, LCPC, is a licensed mental health practitioner and public health consultant born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential by addressing their behavioral and social issues. Dr. Jennings loves working with professionals with anxiety, depression and undergoing various life transitions. She has spent her career supporting the people who give so much of themselves to others: therapists, leaders, caregivers, educators, and organizations. Her mission is simple—to create spaces where helpers can breathe, reset, and thrive. Dr. Jennings has facilitated specialized trainings in trauma-informed care, clinician wellness, and organizational consulting.

Dr. Arianne Jennings, LCPC, is a licensed mental health practitioner and public health consultant born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential by addressing their behavioral and social issues. Dr... Show more

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith

Through her signature R.E.S.T.™ framework, Brieanna Lightfoot Smith helps audiences release perfection, reclaim purpose, and rebuild rhythm so they can live and lead from a place of Freedom, Flow, and Fulfillment.

Through her signature R.E.S.T.™ framework, Brieanna Lightfoot Smith helps audiences release perfection, reclaim purpose, and rebuild rhythm so they can live and lead from a place of Freedom, Flow, and Fulfillment. Show more

Kira Buckley

Kira Buckley

A wellbeing guide. Kira Buckley is an integrative medicine practitioner, writer, and ceremonial guide whose work sits at the intersection of somatics, ancestral intelligence, nervous system regulation, and cultural repair.
With a background as a former educator and over a decade of clinical and experiential work in acupuncture, herbal medicine, somatic therapy, and ritual facilitation, Kira speaks to what happens beneath behavior—where the body carries stories that language, systems, and family structures often fail to name.
Her talks explore themes such as:
The inherited costs of caretaking, productivity, and “being strong”
Rest as a physiological and cultural recalibration—not a luxury
How grief, burnout, and chronic symptoms are often signals of misalignment rather than pathology
Reclaiming authority from external validation, tradition, and transactional love
The body as a living archive of ancestral memory and future possibility
Kira is known for her grounded presence, sharp insight, and ability to translate complex somatic and spiritual concepts into language that is accessible, embodied, and actionable. She does not offer platitudes or performance healing—she invites people into honest self-contact, practical integration, and courageous choice-making.
Whether speaking to educators, healers, creatives, caregivers, or organizational leaders, Kira’s work leaves audiences with more than inspiration—it leaves them with permission and tools to live in deeper alignment with their bodies, boundaries, and truth.

A wellbeing guide. Kira Buckley is an integrative medicine practitioner, writer, and ceremonial guide whose work sits at the intersection of somatics, ancestral intelligence, nervous system regulation, and cultural repair. With a background as a for... Show more

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation.

With a background spanning college athletics, military service in the U.S. Navy, organizational leadership, and executive coaching, Samuel brings a rare depth of lived experience to every stage he steps on. His journey—from losing a basketball scholarship, to global military service, to navigating homelessness and identity loss—became the catalyst for his life’s work: helping individuals and organizations close the gap between who they are and who they’re called to become.

Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, with advanced training in leadership coaching, mentoring, and organizational change. He is also the author of Potential to Purpose: The Power of Intentional Thinking, a transformational work that explores how belief systems, identity, and internal alignment shape performance, culture, and outcomes.

Through proprietary frameworks such as the Thought Seeking Model (TSM) and the Move & SOAR (MV-SOAR) Model, Samuel equips leaders, students, and organizations to move beyond surface-level motivation into sustainable, identity-rooted growth. His work has been delivered across universities, schools, workforce programs, faith-based organizations, and corporate environments.

Samuel is known for a speaking style that is honest, structured, and disruptive—in the best way. He doesn’t inspire people to try harder; he helps them think differently so leadership, confidence, and clarity emerge naturally.

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation. With a background spanning college athletics, military service... Show more

Britney Hester

Britney Hester

Britney Hester is a certified confidence coach and the founder of Becoming Of H.E.R.®, an intentional community built to support women in evolving personally and professionally through connection, clarity, and elevated experience. Over the past several years, Britney has built and scaled women-centered communities through 40+ curated events and immersive workshops, bringing together collectively hundreds of women across intimate and large-scale settings.
Her work bridges personal development with professional execution and is grounded in three core pillars: establishing a strong internal foundation through mindset and emotional intelligence; launching the next idea, business, or career pivot; and cultivating the presence required to fully embody the woman one is becoming. Through community-driven experiences held in refined spaces, Britney demonstrates how intentional community becomes a catalyst for leadership, opportunity, and belonging, helping women move with confidence, intention, and standards as they expand into their next level.

Britney Hester is a certified confidence coach and the founder of Becoming Of H.E.R.®, an intentional community built to support women in evolving personally and professionally through connection, clarity, and elevated experience. Over the past sever... Show more

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Obama Administration as a Champion of Change. Her graphic novels include Pashmina, Jukebox, Super Boba Café and the Shark Princess series. She also has a number of picture books including I will be fierce, Strong, Binny’s Diwali, What Will My Story Be and Quiet Karima. When she’s not making books Nidhi loves to travel and has visited 20 countries. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. nidhichanani.com

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Ob... Show more

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "fix", but something to tend, honor, and integrate, her work invites more honest conversations about loss and life after it.

The GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast has surpassed 100 episodes and has received multiple recognitions, including Ear Worthy’s Best Independent Podcasts of 2026 (“Best Life Lessons”), TalkDeath’s Best of 2025 (Readers’ Choice, Best Podcast), a Women Who Podcast Award (2025), and a Women Podcasters Award nomination (2026).

An experienced and sought-after speaker, Nina presents on grief, grief literacy, resilience, sibling loss, and post-traumatic growth. She has spoken at the University of Miami, the Latinas in Podcasting Virtual Summit (2025), and at events co-created with Reimagine, including a three-part series exploring sibling loss, grief and podcasting, and accessible pathways to grief support. Her talks are known for blending emotional depth with practical insight, cultural fluency, and an unwavering respect for lived experience.

Nina’s work is deeply personal. After the sudden and unexpected death of her only sibling, Yosef, in 2019, she launched GRIEF AND LIGHT in 2023 as an honest exploration of grief, meaning-making, and growth after loss. Today, she serves as a grief-informed guide and space-holder, committed to helping individuals and communities live more fully in the “and”, where grief and joy coexist.

She leads the Get Griefy Small Business Collective Podcasters Network, supporting independent creators in building sustainable, grief-informed platforms, and has hosted Reimagine’s Room for Grief gathering on multiple occasions. Nina is also a member of RedBoxMe, a collaborative platform with Cartier at the intersection of philanthropy, art, leadership, and culture, where she brings grief literacy as a lens for connection, empathy, and dialogue.

Nina is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine, writes the Substack Resting Grief Face by Grief and Light, and is a co-author of Resilient A.F., Vol. 2: Stories of Resilience (2025). She is a graduate of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.

In addition to her grief-focused work, Nina brings over a decade of experience in communications, strategy, and sales across fintech, real estate, and higher education, infusing professionalism, empathy, and clarity into every room she enters.

Based in Southeast Florida, Nina welcomes aligned speaking engagements, collaborations, and conversations, virtually and in person.

Learn more via griefandlight.com

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "f... Show more

Lianna Adams

Lianna Adams

Recognised as one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Crypto 2023, Lianna is architecting the future at the convergence of art, technology, and social impact. Her thought leadership has graced global stages including the World Economic Forum at Davos 2024, COP28, and TEDx Youth, where she champions a humanity-first approach to Web3 innovation.

As a dynamic podcast host for Wirex and sought-after speaker, Lianna illuminates critical conversations around arts, technology, mental health, and ethical innovation. Her expertise has earned her the prestigious "Social Impact & Ethics" recognition in the OC100 by ForbesWeb3, Animoca Brands, and Open Campus 2024 initiative.

Deeply committed to inclusive innovation, Lianna advises ARTXV, amplifying neurodivergent artists' voices in the digital realm. Her track record of leveraging blockchain technology for humanitarian causes showcases the transformative power of Web3 for social good. As former VP and Curation Lead at The Dream Conduit, she pioneered pathways for creatives into the Web3 ecosystem.

Beyond technology, Lianna's dedication to community wellness manifests through her Weekly Mental Health Check-Ins and meditation sessions, while serving as NED to Mental Health Spaces Collective. A member of the Top Tier Impact Network, she exemplifies leadership that drives meaningful change.

Through Impactful Artistry, Lianna continues to forge new frontiers where technology meets humanity, creating ripples of positive transformation across the digital landscape.

Recognised as one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Crypto 2023, Lianna is architecting the future at the convergence of art, technology, and social impact. Her thought leadership has graced global stages including the World Economic Forum at Davos 2024,... Show more

Christina Aldan

Christina Aldan

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

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

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

Helen Millar

Helen Millar

From self-sabotage to global impact, Helen Millar has emerged as a maverick transformation coach and entrepreneur who doesn't just talk about change—she embodies it. With nearly two decades of international coaching experience, an award-winning acting career, and a profound journey of personal healing, Helen has become a sought-after guide for business leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs and pattern disruptors ready to revolutionise their inner and outer worlds.
Her credentials speak volumes: She is a regular speaker at Oxford, Cambridge, and London Business Schools, amongst other places, featured on the Discovery Channel across three continents, and founder of Heart Healer Ltd, Helen Millar and Hearty. But Helen's true power lies in her ability to bridge seemingly disparate worlds—corporate strategy and spiritual wisdom, psychological insight and business acumen.
Having transformed her own life from multiple suicide attempts, ill health and poverty consciousness to creating a thriving portfolio, doing work she loves helping people transform, and traveling the world. Helen understands that transformation is not a linear path but a courageous leap of faith. Her approach combines the latest psychological acumen, ancient wisdom teachings, emotional intelligence, and quantum physics into a unique methodology she calls “Head to Heart Living” and “Head to Heart Leadership”.
For those ready to stop playing small, and seeking more authenticity, Helen offers a radical solution to complete recalibration.

From self-sabotage to global impact, Helen Millar has emerged as a maverick transformation coach and entrepreneur who doesn't just talk about change—she embodies it. With nearly two decades of international coaching experience, an award-winning actin... Show more

Alejo Perna

Alejo Perna

🎯 Alejo Perna - Analista de Datos - Emprendedor - AI Developer

¡Hola! 👋 Soy Alejo Perna, tengo 19 años y me considero una persona innovadora y apasionada por la tecnología. Desde pequeño, mi motivación ha sido aprender constantemente, especialmente en el ámbito informático, donde me sumerjo en la lógica y la tecnología. 🧠✨

Me destaco por mi capacidad para resolver problemas complejos utilizando técnicas avanzadas de análisis de datos y desarrollo tecnológico. He trabajado en proyectos que integran tecnología e impacto social, combinando creatividad y eficiencia. 🚀

🎓 Educación y Formación

📘 Actualmente curso la Licenciatura en Sistemas en la UBA.
✨ He realizado múltiples cursos especializados en el mundo de los datos, adquiriendo habilidades en análisis, gestión y visualización de información, además de certificaciones en áreas clave como la inteligencia artificial, Big Data, y ciencia de datos. Estas formaciones han sido fundamentales para fortalecer mi perfil como analista de datos y aplicarlas en proyectos con impacto social y empresarial.

💼 Experiencia Profesional

Especialización Reciente:
- Transformación de datos en información estratégica para la toma de decisiones empresariales.
- Creación de dashboards interactivos y visualizaciones avanzadas con Power BI para facilitar el acceso a datos clave.
- Desarrollo de análisis personalizados y automatización de procesos con Python.
- Experiencia en limpieza, modelado y análisis exploratorio de datos para detectar patrones y generar insights accionables.
- Enfoque en resolver problemas complejos y ofrecer soluciones basadas en datos para impactar positivamente en el rendimiento empresarial.

He trabajado en diversos proyectos innovadores y de impacto social:

🤖 PUFFLE
Inteligencia artificial diseñada para potenciar el aprendizaje a través del método socrático, una dinámica educativa que promueve un diálogo enriquecedor y reflexivo. Entrenable con los materiales bibliográficos que el profesor sube, Puffle fomenta el pensamiento crítico en los estudiantes mediante preguntas reflexivas en tiempo real, impulsando su capacidad analítica y de razonamiento.

🌟 FinanciARG
Plataforma de crowdfunding:
Democratiza el acceso al financiamiento para empresas, ofreciendo beneficios exclusivos a los contribuyentes.
Fortalece la relación empresa-cliente, potenciando el crecimiento empresarial.

📚 podrIA
Aplicación educativa que utiliza inteligencia artificial para optimizar las técnicas de estudio, ofreciendo funcionalidades como planificación inteligente adaptada a tus tiempos y objetivos, y métodos para mejorar la concentración basados en el sistema Pomodoro. Con PODRÍA, estudiar se vuelve más eficiente, personalizado y motivador.

🏆 Logros y Reconocimientos

🏅Ganador de la Innovaton 2025 organizada por Promptear Argentina con el proyecto PodrIA.

🏅 Finalista en la Hackathon Hackit/BA 2024 (ITBA Computer Society) con el proyecto FinanciARG, logrando el Top 3 por su innovación y potencial.

🎤 Charla TED: "La Serendipia del Aleteo", explorando cómo pequeños cambios generan un gran impacto.
👉 Ver charla TED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXPkO7Aq57g

🎤 Charla AWS Community Day Argentina: "IA, ¿Héroe o Amenaza?", analizando los desafíos éticos y ventajas de la IA.
👉 Ver charla: https://www.youtube.com/live/OOeMBiNKIQU?si=u4BWAwyoI-QfojPc

🎤 Charla en Cafayate organizada por Fehgra: "Mas alla de los likes, ¿Cómo construir conexiones reales?", espacio de diálogo sobre comunicación digital usando a los datos y a la IA como aliados.
👉 Nota: https://fehgra.org.ar/archivos/36519

🤝 Voluntariado
Mentor y Jurado en la Datathon de Río Cuarto:
- Análisis de datos con Python: Guié equipos en análisis y procesamiento de datos.
- Entrenamiento de modelos de IA: Ayudé a desarrollar y evaluar proyectos por innovación y precisión.

🎓 Conocimientos
🐍 Python (Google Colab, NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)
📊 SQL, Power BI,
🗃️ Business Intelligence
🌐 HTML, CSS, JS
🎨 Figma (Diseño UI)
💡 Design Thinking

🌟 Frase que me define:
"La tecnología puede potenciar nuestras capacidades, pero son nuestras capacidades las que definen el potencial de la tecnología." 💻💡

🎯 Alejo Perna - Analista de Datos - Emprendedor - AI Developer ¡Hola! 👋 Soy Alejo Perna, tengo 19 años y me considero una persona innovadora y apasionada por la tecnología. Desde pequeño, mi motivación ha sido aprender constantemente, especialm... Show more

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