Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Rolando Masís-Obando

Rolando Masís-Obando

Dr. Rolando Masís-Obando is a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and computational neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University. Rolando uses VR/AR, EEG, fMRI, AI, machine learning, and brain-computer-interface type methods to study how contexts shape the way we think and remember our day-to-day experiences. His academic journey spans from his Bachelor’s in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University to his PhD in Computational Neuroscience at Princeton. During his undergraduate studies, he co-founded Shuflix, the largest activity search engine (at the time), to help people interact with their environment in a playful way while helping small businesses get more exposure. Beyond academia, he channels his creativity through his YouTube channel where he shares programming tutorials on generative AI, AR/VR development, and CGI for sci-fi films. Additionally, he directs mini-documentaries exploring the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Recently, he co-founded one of the first, if not the first, hybrid academic/industry conference on the future of reality (Neuroethics & the Future of Reality; https://futurerealities.org/NFR2023/). Rolando and his brothers have an upcoming book titled “DIY AI” slated for release in 2025 with the practical know-how for coding and running your own AI models from home. Rolando also provides consulting for small businesses and start-ups in neuroscience, AI and XR.

Dr. Rolando Masís-Obando is a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and computational neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University. Rolando uses VR/AR, EEG, fMRI, AI, machine learning, and brain-computer-interface type methods to study how contexts shape th... Show more

Anna Kovalova

Anna Kovalova

Anna Kovalova is a fantasy writer and a content writer from Kyiv, Ukraine. She currently lives in Zadar due to the war. Her debut novel of the fantasy comedy book series “Smartcharms” was published in 2024. Her fantasy YA novel “Dark seas” is scheduled for publication next year. She writes articles on European speculative fiction for Star Fort, Ukraine's oldest science fiction community .

Anna Kovalova is a fantasy writer and a content writer from Kyiv, Ukraine. She currently lives in Zadar due to the war. Her debut novel of the fantasy comedy book series “Smartcharms” was published in 2024. Her fantasy YA novel “Dark seas” is schedul... Show more

Hina Ovais

Hina Ovais

Hina Ovais is a Learning Designer at the University of British Columbia and a PhD student in Language and Literacy Education. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum leader, and professional learning facilitator in Pakistan and Canada, she designs evidence-informed learning experiences that foster critical thinking and meaningful student engagement. Her work focuses on instructional design, educational technology, AI in education, immersive learning, and Visible Thinking Routines. She supports educators in translating research into practical classroom strategies that make student thinking visible and promote deeper learning.

Hina Ovais is a Learning Designer at the University of British Columbia and a PhD student in Language and Literacy Education. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum leader, and professional learning facilitator in Pakistan and Cana... Show more

Christina Lekati

Christina Lekati

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH

Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer.
Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability assessments, and more.
She is working with Cyber Risk GmbH as a lead intelligence analyst & social engineer. In addition to her social engineering work, she is conducting Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) assessments to help organizations and high-value individuals identify and manage risks.

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer. Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability... Show more

Toby B

Toby B

Toby Brandenburg - Problem Solver.
Son of Adelaide based father-son founding team of the Electric Air Shipping project.
Creator of the VS/VE maths and design framework for cargo airships. Designer of The Sunship, the world's first sustainable, ultra-heavy lift cargo airship.
Vibe-coder of the EAS Fleet Calculator software.

Toby Brandenburg - Problem Solver. Son of Adelaide based father-son founding team of the Electric Air Shipping project. Creator of the VS/VE maths and design framework for cargo airships. Designer of The Sunship, the world's first sustainable, ultr... Show more

Stefano Iaboni

Stefano Iaboni

Stefano is the founder of Smile Solution LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing workplace creativity, bonding, and well-being through humor-driven experiential training. With over 20 years of international experience in comedy and facilitation, Stefano collaborates with tech companies, startups, and HR leaders to design innovative workshops and presentations, including his signature program, *The Power of Laughter*. He is an advocate for the transformative impact of humor in professional settings and has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and corporate events worldwide.

Stefano is also a proud member of the applied improvisation and creativity community, bringing a unique perspective to organizations seeking fresh and dynamic approaches to employee engagement and stress reduction.

Stefano is the founder of Smile Solution LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing workplace creativity, bonding, and well-being through humor-driven experiential training. With over 20 years of international experience in comedy and facilitation, Stefan... 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

Njord Solberg

Njord Solberg

Njord is a developer who loves software design, test-driven design (TDD) and continuous integration and development (CI/CD). He is also a bit of a language nerd and regularly shares his thoughts on language, programming and everything in between these two subjects at kodespraket.no. Before Njord started working as a developer he worked on digitization in the educational sector and he has held more than a hundred presentations and workshops on the subjects of digitalization, prototyping and programming. He has a master's degree in Cognitive Semiotics and two bachelor's degrees, one in Computer Engineering and one in Arts and Culture Studies.

Njord is a developer who loves software design, test-driven design (TDD) and continuous integration and development (CI/CD). He is also a bit of a language nerd and regularly shares his thoughts on language, programming and everything in between thes... Show more

Rashmi Nagpal

Rashmi Nagpal

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

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

Eszter Iványi

Eszter Iványi

Eszter Iványi, with 5+ years in asset management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Coaching from ELTE University, she combines corporate expertise with coaching principles to drive organizational change and professional development.

Eszter Iványi, with 5+ years in asset management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Coaching from ELTE University, she combines corporate expertise with coaching principles to drive organizational change and professional development. Show more

Sagar Kesarpu

Sagar Kesarpu

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to continuous learning, I enjoy exploring the latest trends, sharing knowledge and contributing to tech communities.

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to contin... Show more

Don Barden

Don Barden

Don Barden, Ph.D. is a behavioral economist, international speaker, and business consultant who has worked with organizations including the U.S. Army, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and OneAmerica Financial Partners. He is the author of The Perfect Plan and Here Come the Girls, and teaches C-suite teams and business owners how to install the decision-making instincts that grow revenue, reduce turnover, and prepare organizations for the next era of leadership.

Don Barden, Ph.D. is a behavioral economist, international speaker, and business consultant who has worked with organizations including the U.S. Army, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and OneAmerica Financial Partners. He is the author of The Perfect Plan and H... Show more

Stephane Vandenbussche

Stephane Vandenbussche

Facilitateur graphique & coach agile, je combine pensée visuelle, intelligence collective et agilité pour accompagner les organisations dans leurs transformations.
Passionné par la transmission et la dynamique des groupes, j’anime des ateliers qui rendent les idées visibles et les échanges plus vivants.
Fondateur des Ateliers du Bosquet, j'explore des approches sur-mesure pour cultiver l’Humain et faire grandir le collectif.

Facilitateur graphique & coach agile, je combine pensée visuelle, intelligence collective et agilité pour accompagner les organisations dans leurs transformations. Passionné par la transmission et la dynamique des groupes, j’anime des ateliers qui r... Show more

Pablo Rodriguez Monedero

Pablo Rodriguez Monedero

Freelance web developer and co-founder of Betabeers, a developer-focused meta-community. Actor and improvisation teacher at Impro Impar, I also coach teams using applied improvisation to foster creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Freelance web developer and co-founder of Betabeers, a developer-focused meta-community. Actor and improvisation teacher at Impro Impar, I also coach teams using applied improvisation to foster creativity, communication, and collaboration. Show more

Sam Cranford

Sam Cranford

Long-time agile jiggler, eXtreme programmer and agile catalyst, amateur bon vivant. Bilingual EN/FR - fr_US

Long-time agile jiggler, eXtreme programmer and agile catalyst, amateur bon vivant. Bilingual EN/FR - fr_US Show more

Debbie Troxclair

Debbie Troxclair

Dr. Debbie Troxclair, Lamar University Associate Professor, is a lifelong advocate for gifted education with over 40 years of active involvement in state, national, and international gifted education organizations. Dr. Troxclair currently serves as Treasurer for CEC-TAG and is the immediate past-president of the Association for Gifted and Talented Students (AGTS-Louisiana). She has a long list of presentations at local, regional, national, and international conferences. Her publications include book chapters in several books in the field of gifted education and journal articles in Roeper Review, Gifted Child Today, and more. She is co-editor of the book, Twice-Exceptional Education: Connecting Gifted and Special Education. Dr. Troxclair is also exploring her creative side with watercolor painting.

Dr. Debbie Troxclair, Lamar University Associate Professor, is a lifelong advocate for gifted education with over 40 years of active involvement in state, national, and international gifted education organizations. Dr. Troxclair currently serves as T... Show more

Frank Köhne

Frank Köhne

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software development and architecture, often in insurance or logistics.
He is currently leading a BMBF-funded consortium with the goal of leveraging process workarounds in the context of Industry 4.0 for process innovation.

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software developm... Show more

Dr. Carol Tinga

Dr. Carol Tinga

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

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

Christal Chatman

Christal Chatman

Dr. Christal L. Chatman is an author, speaker, Certified Professional Life Coach, and higher education leader who is passionate about helping people create healthier, more intentional lives. Drawing from her experience in leadership, coaching, relationships, and personal development, she brings practical insight, authenticity, and encouragement to every audience.

She is the creator of the "Girl, Rest" movement and "Connection" experiences, designed to help women and couples build stronger, healthier lives. Dr. Christal is also the author of "Girl, Rest: Taking Time for God and Yourself", "Man, Be Still", "Behind the Mask", and "Connection: A 12-Week Guided Journal for Couples".

With a Doctor of Business Administration, MBA, and bachelor's degree in Accounting, Dr. Christal combines more than three decades of higher education experience with her work as a coach, author, and speaker. Her speaking topics include rest and wellness, leadership, relationships, personal growth, boundaries, purpose, and creating sustainable balance in demanding environments.

Known for making meaningful topics relatable and actionable, Dr. Christal encourages audiences to slow down, reconnect with what matters, and make intentional choices that support both personal and professional growth.

Dr. Christal L. Chatman is an author, speaker, Certified Professional Life Coach, and higher education leader who is passionate about helping people create healthier, more intentional lives. Drawing from her experience in leadership, coaching, relati... Show more

Luis Huarcaya (LUI)

Luis Huarcaya (LUI)

LUI is a Peruvian-born, New Jersey-based independent bilingual artist, Web3 musician, and creator building at the intersection of music, technology, and community.

He is the founder of Your Vibes Attract Your Tribe, a community-driven movement focused on connection and collaboration within Web3, and Web3SoulSounds, an initiative exploring the future of independent music.

With 1M+ streams across platforms, LUI has spent years experimenting with music NFTs, blockchain technology, AI, and new models for artists to connect directly with their communities. His Web3 journey includes multiple sold-out Music NFT collections, the NFLUI digital/animated music universe, and repeated participation in WaveWarz, where he has competed, collaborated, and earned as an independent musician.

LUI has also expanded into AI-powered music and visual storytelling, using emerging tools to bring his music and characters to life while continuing to champion independent artists.

His work is rooted in one simple belief:

Your Vibes Attract Your Tribe. 💚

For LUI, Web3 isn't just about technology..it's about the people you meet, the stories you share, and the communities you build along the way.

LUI is a Peruvian-born, New Jersey-based independent bilingual artist, Web3 musician, and creator building at the intersection of music, technology, and community. He is the founder of Your Vibes Attract Your Tribe, a community-driven movement foc... Show more

Vladislav Guzey

Vladislav Guzey

Developer & PhD Researcher in AI, focused on generative AI and agent-based systems. I have 18+ years of experience in tech, spanning web development, data, and growth.

Today, I help developers work smarter by using AI-powered tools, agents, and practical workflows that improve productivity and real-world outcomes. I share what I learn through hands-on tutorials, tool reviews, and experiments, bridging research with everyday development work.

Developer & PhD Researcher in AI, focused on generative AI and agent-based systems. I have 18+ years of experience in tech, spanning web development, data, and growth. Today, I help developers work smarter by using AI-powered tools, agents, and p... Show more

Arianna Goldoni

Arianna Goldoni

Working at the intersection of AI, gamification, and social innovation. With a background in UX/UI, business consulting, education, and creative strategy. She designs engaging digital experiences and product cultures that put people, teams, and communities at the center.

Working at the intersection of AI, gamification, and social innovation. With a background in UX/UI, business consulting, education, and creative strategy. She designs engaging digital experiences and product cultures that put people, teams, and commu... Show more

Alex Vidal

Alex Vidal

I teach humans and organizations how to use AI. And I teach AIs how to teach humans.

As founder of Mindmakers, I build adaptive learning technology that adjusts to each learner in real time. Whether you're upskilling 10 employees or teaching 1,000 students, no more one size fits all.

My background combines Psychology and Computer Science, which means I think about how people actually learn, not just how to ship features. I've been teaching AI and data science for a decade with thousands of learners.

I teach humans and organizations how to use AI. And I teach AIs how to teach humans. As founder of Mindmakers, I build adaptive learning technology that adjusts to each learner in real time. Whether you're upskilling 10 employees or teaching 1,000... Show more

Yashvardhan Rathi

Yashvardhan Rathi

Pursuing a PhD at University of the Cumberlands with a focus on Data Engineering, data security & cloud computing. A certified Mountaineer and a FIDE rated Chess player.

Pursuing a PhD at University of the Cumberlands with a focus on Data Engineering, data security & cloud computing. A certified Mountaineer and a FIDE rated Chess player. Show more

Victoria Charra

Victoria Charra

Victoria lleva casi +16 años formando parte del ecosistema de start-ups en Argentina, donde ha sido una pionera en la construcción de equipos de alto rendimiento en ingeniería y desarrollo de producto. Además de ser anfitriona y ponente habitual en conferencias tecnológicas, también ha sido profesora invitada en programas de MBA, compartiendo su experiencia en talento y estrategia.

Sus especialidades incluyen el desarrollo de estrategias de contratación, mentoring, networking y asesoramiento a start-ups en crecimiento. A través de Talent Wind, su empresa, conecta a profesionales excepcionales con proyectos que marcan la diferencia, ayudando a personas y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos de carrera y crecimiento.

Victoria lleva casi +16 años formando parte del ecosistema de start-ups en Argentina, donde ha sido una pionera en la construcción de equipos de alto rendimiento en ingeniería y desarrollo de producto. Además de ser anfitriona y ponente habitual en c... Show more

Janine Rosado

Janine Rosado

Janine Rosado is a UX and strategy leader, educator, and writer with over 15 years of experience designing products and services across healthcare, financial services, government, and emerging technologies. Drawing from behavioral economics, cognitive psychology, and human-centered design, her work explores how people learn, make decisions, and interact with technology.

Janine Rosado is a UX and strategy leader, educator, and writer with over 15 years of experience designing products and services across healthcare, financial services, government, and emerging technologies. Drawing from behavioral economics, cognitiv... Show more

Fernanda Ochoa O - Mi Vida con Ella Podcast

Fernanda Ochoa O - Mi Vida con Ella Podcast

I'm Fer Ochoa — a digital strategist, content creator, creative director, and audiovisual producer from Mexico, based in Utah, United States. Through my agency 91 Studio, I work with Latino entrepreneurs and business owners to take their brands to the next level — because I understand from the inside what it means to build something of your own in a country that isn't yours.
My story starts with a moment of deep clarity: recognizing my own talents and understanding that no one else was going to come build my dreams for me. Since then, I've dedicated my work to creating paths — for myself and for others.
I'm passionate about finding formulas, tools, and inspiration to help us become our best selves. That search led me to found Mi Vida con Ella ("My Life with Her"), a Spanish-language podcast built around deep conversations with women who have made hard decisions, built businesses, and reinvented themselves. A space created especially for Hispanic women who sometimes feel they don't belong or that their dreams aren't possible — and who need to hear that they are.
Beyond my digital work, I've spoken at local events in Utah, connecting closely with the needs of the Hispanic community and bringing messages of information, motivation, and possibility to those who need it most. For me, the greatest achievement isn't a number — it's the real connection with my community.

I'm Fer Ochoa — a digital strategist, content creator, creative director, and audiovisual producer from Mexico, based in Utah, United States. Through my agency 91 Studio, I work with Latino entrepreneurs and business owners to take their brands to th... Show more

Mubarra Kausar

Mubarra Kausar

Mubarra Shaikh is a backend engineer focused on building scalable systems and exploring how AI is transforming modern software development. With experience in Python and frameworks like Django and FastAPI, she has developed end-to-end applications including real-world systems in domains such as healthcare and hospitality.

Her work centers on AI-assisted engineering, where she uses tools like GitHub Copilot to refactor legacy code, design clean architectures, and accelerate development workflows. She is particularly interested in agentic workflows, where developers move from writing code to orchestrating intelligent systems.

Mubarra is passionate about system design, backend architecture, and applying AI to solve real-world problems. She actively shares her learnings through projects and aims to contribute to the future of AI-driven software engineering.

Mubarra Shaikh is a backend engineer focused on building scalable systems and exploring how AI is transforming modern software development. With experience in Python and frameworks like Django and FastAPI, she has developed end-to-end applications in... Show more

Alexandra Zakharova

Alexandra Zakharova

Alexandra Zakharova is a Senior Partner Solution Architect AI and Apps at Microsoft working closely with partners on AI adoption across the Microsoft Data and AI Platform. She has more than ten years of experience at the intersection of data artificial intelligence and human skills.
She has delivered over three hundred talks and training sessions worldwide and teaches at Sorbonne Nouvelle University. She is also a published author and frequently speaks about how data and AI professionals can remain relevant creative and irreplaceable in an AI driven world.

Alexandra Zakharova is a Senior Partner Solution Architect AI and Apps at Microsoft working closely with partners on AI adoption across the Microsoft Data and AI Platform. She has more than ten years of experience at the intersection of data artifici... Show more

Shane Heroux

Shane Heroux

Shane Heroux is a Principal Engineering Partner Manager at Red Hat, working at the intersection of open technology and partner ecosystems. His first Linux install was Slackware in the mid-'90s, and he's been building in open source ever since. He has worked across the hybrid cloud, translating complexity into outcomes that make sense for partners and customers. He combines technical depth with systems thinking to help organizations build architectures that are open and built to last.

Shane Heroux is a Principal Engineering Partner Manager at Red Hat, working at the intersection of open technology and partner ecosystems. His first Linux install was Slackware in the mid-'90s, and he's been building in open source ever since. He has... Show more

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