Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Cindy Gross

Cindy Gross

Cindy Gross is a leadership clarity coach who helps women and non-binary leaders in tech lead with courage, clarity, and confidence. A former Microsoft data and cloud architect with 25+ years in enterprise tech, she knows firsthand what it means to thrive in high-pressure, male-dominated environments—while carrying the emotional labor of being “the only one.”

Now, as the founder of Befriending Dragons, Cindy supports underestimated leaders who are ready to stop shape-shifting to survive and start leading from their full selves. She blends systems thinking, equity-centered coaching, and lived experience to help clients navigate burnout, bias, and big decisions with grounded insight and practical strategy. Her work invites leaders to reclaim their voice, set powerful boundaries, and lead in ways that are both effective and deeply aligned.

Cindy’s keynotes and workshops have sparked reflection and change in tech teams, leadership cohorts, coaching communities, and public sector organizations. She speaks with sharp insight, mythic perspective, and deep compassion for what it really takes to lead when the system wasn’t built for you. Her message is simple and powerful: you’re not broken. You get to lead as your full self—and when you do, you change everything.

Cindy Gross is a leadership clarity coach who helps women and non-binary leaders in tech lead with courage, clarity, and confidence. A former Microsoft data and cloud architect with 25+ years in enterprise tech, she knows firsthand what it means to t... Show more

Kashif Khan

Kashif Khan

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research and open source enthusiast and his current area of interest is kubernetes deployments on baremetal systems in distributed cloud scenarios.

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research an... Show more

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation.

She is a lecturer, consultant and journalist focusing on the theme of active longevity and intergenerational harmony in companies, in Brazil and Portugal, and has lectured in several countries. She is columnist and international correspondent for companies linked to the interests of people 50+, working in Brazil and Portugal.

An activist against ageism, she is director of the StopIdadism Association in Portugal.

A writer, she has launched the book Employability 50+ in Portugal and Brazil, which presents useful information and strategies for a successful career in maturity, and Intentional Longevity®, with a foreword by Dr Alexandre Kalache, a book aimed at encouraging the conscious construction of a life with purpose, healthy habits and choices.

In his Centenarian Expedition project, he has explored the Blue Zones® and other regions where their inhabitants are exceptionally healthy and long-lived, in order to publicise good practices to his audience.

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation... 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

Max Rohrbacher

Max Rohrbacher

Seit 2025 Freiraum25-Projekt „SKiLLs“, Bergische Universität Wuppertal
2024 Promotion, Fachgebiet Arbeitswissenschaft, Bergische Universität Wuppertal
2020 M.Sc. Work, Health and Career, Maastricht University
2019 B.Sc. Therapie- und Gesundheitsmanagement (dual), Fachhochschule Münster

Seit 2025 Freiraum25-Projekt „SKiLLs“, Bergische Universität Wuppertal 2024 Promotion, Fachgebiet Arbeitswissenschaft, Bergische Universität Wuppertal 2020 M.Sc. Work, Health and Career, Maastricht University 2019 B.Sc. Therapie- und Gesundheitsma... Show more

Mateja Tomsic Petrovski - AKENGEN

Mateja Tomsic Petrovski - AKENGEN

Mateja Tomšič Petrovski – Akengen je autorica knjige „Između svetova – Priče predaka“, Iyanifa – Majka tajne, duhovna orijentatorica, šamanka, terapeutkinja i voditeljica Akengen rada. Više od dva desetljeća istražuje odnos čovjeka prema duši, precima, nasljeđu, tijelu, svijesti i nevidljivim slojevima života.

U svom radu povezuje Ifa mudrost, rad s precima, arhetipske energije prirode, NLP, mnoge šamanske tehnike, trans terapije i hipnoterapiju. Kroz predavanja, radionice, edukacije i individualne procese istražuje kako se duhovno, simboličko, obiteljsko i kulturno nasljeđe utjelovljuje u stvarnom životu čovjeka.

Njezina knjiga „Između svetova – Priče predaka“ kroz preplet mitologije, iskustvenog rada, duhovne tradicije i suvremenog pripovijedanja otvara prostor za razumijevanje predaka kao žive memorije roda, kulture i unutarnjeg života.

Mateja Tomšič Petrovski – Akengen je autorica knjige „Između svetova – Priče predaka“, Iyanifa – Majka tajne, duhovna orijentatorica, šamanka, terapeutkinja i voditeljica Akengen rada. Više od dva desetljeća istražuje odnos čovjeka prema duši, precim... Show more

Mija Rabemananjara

Mija Rabemananjara

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en
région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en
s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coach agile en 2015 et
construit 2 cursus de formations :
 Devenir coach agile Agilopathe®
 Devenir un manager/gestionnaire agile avec Montessori Extended®

Son ambition est d’accompagner les organisations vers plus d’auto-organisation et au-delà pour
plus d’engagement, plus de performance, plus d’innovation, pour une société plus saine.

Sur son site http://lesagilopathes.com vous retrouverez ses publications, des vidéos de ses
conférences précédentes, la description de ses offres et les événements à venir !

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coa... Show more

Nathan M. Thornhill

Nathan M. Thornhill

Nathan M. Thornhill is an independent researcher and author of Foundations of the Existence Threshold: The Scholarly Collection. He works without a university, a funding body, or a department.

His research addresses one question: how do you tell whether a mind is still there? He built a measure for it, then published the account of what it cannot do.

The question came from clinical work rather than philosophy. He spent years in healthcare, from nursing assistant to Long Term Care Administration and through ICU admissions, where families asked him whether their loved one was still in there. He never had a good answer for them.

The same question now applies to artificial intelligence, and that is where much of the work sits. He founded the Institute for Complexity Science and Advanced Computing (ICSAC), which publishes the research, and built CiteStamp, which catches the citations AI systems invent. He holds four provisional patents.

He is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and travels for speaking engagements.

Nathan M. Thornhill is an independent researcher and author of Foundations of the Existence Threshold: The Scholarly Collection. He works without a university, a funding body, or a department. His research addresses one question: how do you tell w... Show more

Waleed Lutfe

Waleed Lutfe

An educational technology strategist and AI in education specialist with extensive experience in designing and implementing AI-driven learning solutions for Arabic language education. Focuses on early identification of learning difficulties through learning analytics, adaptive assessment systems, and speech-based AI tools. Leads initiatives that integrate artificial intelligence into classroom practice to support personalized learning pathways, particularly for students with learning difficulties. Works closely with educators to translate data insights into practical teaching interventions that improve literacy outcomes and student performance in Arabic language acquisition.

An educational technology strategist and AI in education specialist with extensive experience in designing and implementing AI-driven learning solutions for Arabic language education. Focuses on early identification of learning difficulties through l... Show more

Peggy Haymes

Peggy Haymes

Being personally invited by the staff of grief pioneer Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to train with them and work with them in grief workshops. Working as a licensed therapist for over twenty years helping clients heal old wounds, navigate present stresses, and create new lives. Serving as a minister for over forty years, sitting by hospital bedsides or leading retreat groups. Talking over a cup of coffee as a business coach, helping leaders work more efficiently and authentically.

All of my different experiences have the same theme: being with people in those places and in those moments that matter. Those moments when everything has been turned upside down and you don’t know the next step to take or those moments when you realize that everything in your life is too much the same and that doesn’t work for you anymore.

These conversations have always fueled my work. Now I’m sharing that work with a wider audience through keynote speeches, seminars, and retreats, offering insights, inspiration, and tools.

Talking about things that matter can be challenging, reassuring (“You mean it’s not just me?”), surprising, funny, and joyful.

I’m here for all of it.

Being personally invited by the staff of grief pioneer Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to train with them and work with them in grief workshops. Working as a licensed therapist for over twenty years helping clients heal old wounds, navigate present stresses, a... Show more

Guillermo Lucero Funes

Guillermo Lucero Funes

Investigador en Gobernanza Colaborativa, Descentralización y Ética de la Inteligencia Artificial, con un enfoque interdisciplinario que conecta innovación tecnológica, diseño institucional y participación ciudadana. Su trabajo se centra en el desarrollo de sistemas que integran IA simbólica, deliberación colectiva y votación basada en blockchain, buscando transformar los mecanismos tradicionales de gobernanza en procesos más abiertos, transparentes y centrados en el bien común.

Miembro activo del ecosistema de SingularityNET y la ASI Alliance, participa en iniciativas que combinan tecnologías emergentes con modelos participativos de toma de decisiones. Liderando proyectos que promueven la inclusión digital, el fortalecimiento de comunidades tecnopolíticas y la cocreación de políticas públicas asistidas por IA.

Su enfoque busca articular colaboraciones entre agentes humanos y artificiales en entornos éticamente diseñados para un desarrollo social sostenible y plural.

Investigador en Gobernanza Colaborativa, Descentralización y Ética de la Inteligencia Artificial, con un enfoque interdisciplinario que conecta innovación tecnológica, diseño institucional y participación ciudadana. Su trabajo se centra en el desarro... Show more

Antonio Bugni

Antonio Bugni

Sono un papà bis, da decenni nel mondo del software con una passione per la mente e per questo mi sono laureato in Psicologia. Negli ultimi anni, parallelamente al mio lavoro tra architetture software e engineering management in scaleup e realtà internazionali, mi sono dedicato alla ricerca e alla divulgazione all'intersezione tra scienze cognitive e ingegneria del software, con The Mental Stack su Medium. Sono convinto che le persone restino il motore reale di qualsiasi organizzazione che voglia costruire prodotti che durano e che capire come funziona la mente sia oggi più urgente che mai, in un settore che sta cambiando più velocemente della nostra capacità di adattarci.

Sono un papà bis, da decenni nel mondo del software con una passione per la mente e per questo mi sono laureato in Psicologia. Negli ultimi anni, parallelamente al mio lavoro tra architetture software e engineering management in scaleup e realtà inte... Show more

Priyant Banerjee

Priyant Banerjee

Priyant Banerjee is an AI/ML Research Intern at IIIT Hyderabad's CSTAR Lab, working on federated learning, multimodal AI security, and deepfake-resistant authentication systems. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (First Class Honours and Distinction) from Amity University Mumbai with a minor in Economics. He has authored more than 22 peer-reviewed publications and has presented research at WILL2025 (Kyoto University), TNKU, UNM and, visited as delegate to Harvard HPAIR. His current research focuses on privacy-preserving federated systems for cybersecurity applications, at the intersection of technical architecture and legal and policy constraints.

Priyant Banerjee is an AI/ML Research Intern at IIIT Hyderabad's CSTAR Lab, working on federated learning, multimodal AI security, and deepfake-resistant authentication systems. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (First Class Honou... Show more

Luz López

Luz López

Trabajo en HCI strategist y behavioral designer, especializada en la intersección entre diseño conductual, interacción humano-computadora y adopción de IA. Mi enfoque va en la soberanía cognitiva de las personas frente a los sistemas tecnológicos que usamos a diario.
Mg. en Digital customer emotional experience, centrado en neurociencia y human-computer interaction. Además, tengo diplomatura, certificaciones y cursos de UX/UI, psicología cognitiva para la interacción, CX, AI-generativa y HCI.
Durante 8 años trabajé y lideré áreas de research y diseño de servicios en compañías de retail, SaaS, banca y fintech.
Hoy, en mi noveno año profesional, trabajo 100% como consultora independiente creando frameworks para rediseñar, mejorar y optimizar la relación entre personas y herramientas tecnológicas, buscando proteger y aumentar el criterio humano mediante interfaces digitales, pero sin minar el pensamiento humano.

Trabajo en HCI strategist y behavioral designer, especializada en la intersección entre diseño conductual, interacción humano-computadora y adopción de IA. Mi enfoque va en la soberanía cognitiva de las personas frente a los sistemas tecnológicos que... Show more

Tessel Haagen

Tessel Haagen

Tessel is a consultant in data & AI at Info Support, specialized in interpretable AI. In her daily work, she applies AI-augmented engineering to build and evaluate intelligent systems, or gives trainings about AI. She is known as an enthusiastic knowledge source and an insatiably curious lifelong learner. Outside of work, she channels her strategic thinking into board games (with a soft spot for complex strategy games) and escapes into fantasy novels. With an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, an MSc in Computer Science, and an MA in Linguistics, she combines a strong technical foundation with a deep interest in language and reasoning.

Tessel is a consultant in data & AI at Info Support, specialized in interpretable AI. In her daily work, she applies AI-augmented engineering to build and evaluate intelligent systems, or gives trainings about AI. She is known as an enthusiastic know... Show more

Emily Williams

Emily Williams

Emily Williams is a Social Media Specialist for Enrollment Services Communications and Marketing (ESCOMM), partnering with Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, the Bursar’s Office, Scholarships & Financial Aid, and New Student Programs. In addition to managing multiple social media channels with a combined follower count of over 36K, Emily serves as the advisor for the Kennesaw State Brand Ambassador team. A former Ambassador herself, Emily joined the program in 2019 as a student and has since played a key role in transforming it from a small, unfunded initiative into a strategic team of 35 students that support recruitment, storytelling, and brand engagement. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Gender & Women's Studies from KSU in Spring 2023 and a Master of Science in Digital & Social Media Communication from the University of West Georgia in Spring 2026.

Emily Williams is a Social Media Specialist for Enrollment Services Communications and Marketing (ESCOMM), partnering with Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, the Bursar’s Office, Scholarships & Financial Aid, and New Student Programs. ... Show more

Marco Calzolari

Marco Calzolari

Philosopher and entreprenuer, involved with technology and communication since 1999. Co-founder of Agile Reloaded and Nobilita. Currently working with corporates teams in order to get their companies ready for the future, evolving the way they works and hacking their culture.

Philosopher and entreprenuer, involved with technology and communication since 1999. Co-founder of Agile Reloaded and Nobilita. Currently working with corporates teams in order to get their companies ready for the future, evolving the way they works ... Show more

Rob Jackson

Rob Jackson

I'm Robert Azeem Jackson III, an Afrofuturist cultural strategist and data scientist, and founder of Cypher, a data sovereignty studio. I help founders and community entrepreneurs, and the municipal leaders who back them, build portable memory systems: systems that travel from one city to the next and stay owned by the people who built them. My clients learn to own the data their communities already hold, govern it on their own terms, and turn it into funding, infrastructure, and wealth that no platform can hold hostage. They walk in sitting on a story they can't prove and an asset that keeps getting overlooked in the rooms where money moves. They walk out owning it. In Moorestown, one elder's story became more than $350,000 in municipal and state funding for a neighborhood park. Since 2021, Cypher has helped partners raise over $1.5M and save more than $400K on compliance. The pain I help them avoid is the quiet one, watching their memory get extracted, digitized, and sold by someone else while they inherit nothing. The goal is sovereignty: a community that owns its story, carries it wherever it goes, and gets paid to keep it.

I'm Robert Azeem Jackson III, an Afrofuturist cultural strategist and data scientist, and founder of Cypher, a data sovereignty studio. I help founders and community entrepreneurs, and the municipal leaders who back them, build portable memory system... Show more

Mariana Sathya Llull

Mariana Sathya Llull

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through primatology (yes! monkeys).
The scientific approach has greatly benefited my partnering with tech leads, allowing me to collaborate with them in understanding their team's behavior from the roots of our humanity, avoiding clichés and abstract theories.

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through prima... 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

Jan Pospíšil

Jan Pospíšil

Technology companies rarely struggle because they lack tools, processes, or talented people. They struggle because software delivery has become too complex, important decisions are disconnected from business goals, and transformation initiatives produce activity instead of measurable results.

I help organizations identify and remove the real constraints that slow down engineering: unclear priorities, fragile architecture, ineffective delivery practices, legacy systems, organizational friction, and poorly adopted tools.

My work sits at the intersection of software engineering, product development, technology strategy, and organizational change. I combine more than 20 years of hands-on and leadership experience, including senior roles at Microsoft, to turn complex problems into clear decisions and executable plans.

I work primarily with C-suite executives and senior technology leaders on the restructuring, optimization, and transformation of product, engineering, and broader R&D organizations. This includes clarifying responsibilities, redesigning operating models, improving collaboration between product and engineering, removing organizational bottlenecks, and ensuring that teams are structured around business outcomes rather than internal activity.

Today, I focus particularly on AI-assisted software development, engineering productivity, software modernization, and pragmatic technology transformation. I help leaders and engineering teams decide where AI and modern tools create genuine leverage and where they merely add cost, risk, and complexity.

I challenge assumptions, simplify complicated environments, and focus on changes that improve delivery speed, software quality, organizational effectiveness, and business outcomes.

Technology companies rarely struggle because they lack tools, processes, or talented people. They struggle because software delivery has become too complex, important decisions are disconnected from business goals, and transformation initiatives prod... Show more

Meredith Barges

Meredith Barges

I'm a bird conservationist specialized in bird-friendly building policy development, research, and advocacy. I help governments appreciate the complex lives of birds and how our decisions about buildings and nighttime lighting affect avian populations. In 2023, I co-led a statewide campaign to pass Public Act No. 23-143, Connecticut's “Lights Out bill,” which requires CT state agencies to turn off unnecessary lights by 11pm for birds. As a policy researcher at the Yale Bird-friendly Building Initiative, I co-authored 'Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy." I routinely testify and submit public comments on municipal and institutional lighting plans. I hold an MA in cultural history from the University of Chicago and an MDiv in religion & ecology from Yale University.

I'm a bird conservationist specialized in bird-friendly building policy development, research, and advocacy. I help governments appreciate the complex lives of birds and how our decisions about buildings and nighttime lighting affect avian population... 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

Jody Cronk

Jody Cronk

A seasoned ERP Analyst with extensive experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and AX. With a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The Ohio State University, Jody brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to every project.
Over the course of two decades, Jody has supported and led ERP implementations, system optimizations, and process improvements across diverse industries—including government and multiple manufacturing specialties, including fire apparatus and recreational vehicles. Her expertise spans financial systems analysis, supply chain management, change management, and user training for organizations ranging from 120 to 600+ users.
As a dedicated leader in the Dynamics community, Jody serves as a co-lead for the Ohio D365F&O-AX User Group and Dynamic Minds, and is a frequent speaker at DynamicsCon Live and other industry events. Passionate about leveraging technology to streamline operations, Jody thrives on transforming complex challenges into efficient, user-friendly solutions.

A seasoned ERP Analyst with extensive experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and AX. With a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The Ohio State University, Jody brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solvi... Show more

Caro Sabatini

Caro Sabatini

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨
I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our connections in remote environments from a DEIB and neuroaffirmative standpoint. I have led tech teams, where I discovered that each brain processes and collaborates from different parameters. My passion lies in designing inclusive environments—not by correcting people, but by configuring teams to learn better together

As a gifted AuDHD girly 💅🏼 I bring a unique perspective that bridges neuroscience, communication, and technology. My talks inspire audiences to rethink collaboration, embrace neurodiversity, and foster truly inclusive cultures in both remote and in-person settings. I am committed to sharing actionable insights that help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by understanding how our brains work and how we can design environments where everyone thrives. And have fun. Fun is key, neuroscience says.

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨ I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our... Show more

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning.

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning. Show more

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

Lianna Adams

Lianna Adams

Lianna Adams is a Human-Centered AI Strategist, Digital Dignity Advocate, and Cognitive Culture Builder recognised by ForbesWeb3, Animoca Brands, and Open Campus as a 2024 Social Impact & Ethics leader — and named one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Crypto 2023.

She has spoken at the WEF in Davos 2024, COP28, TEDx Youth, NFTNYC (four consecutive years), the World Web3.0 & AI Summit, EmpowHer AI, and Web3 Amsterdam, among others.

Her work centres on one urgent question: what do we preserve of ourselves as artificial intelligence transforms how we think, create, and relate? Through keynotes, workshops, and consulting, she helps organisations and communities build cultures where technology amplifies human capability — without eroding cognitive autonomy, creative identity, or dignity.

She is the creator of the Human-AI Cognitive Toolkit — nine science-backed tools for cognitive wellness in an AI-saturated world — and host of The Human Strata, a podcast and newsletter exploring the human layer in the age of AI. She hosts the Wirex Podcast and has convened 80,000+ community participants across digital events since 2021.

Lianna is also the founder of the Digital Dignity Initiative, leads the annual #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, and has served as a Non-Executive Director at Mental Health Spaces Collective.

She is available for keynotes, panels, moderation, fireside chats, and workshops.

Lianna Adams is a Human-Centered AI Strategist, Digital Dignity Advocate, and Cognitive Culture Builder recognised by ForbesWeb3, Animoca Brands, and Open Campus as a 2024 Social Impact & Ethics leader — and named one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Cr... Show more

Micaela Dixon

Micaela Dixon

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating for ethical AI design, she has a focus on building inclusive technology that brings positive societal impact.

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating f... 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

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