Friendly, Curious, Eclectic;

Patrick Trierweiler is a security-focused compliance professional with 200+ closed engagements and currently working as a Compliance Analyst for Steel Patriot Partners. A Florida State University CCI Alumni, an Eagle Scout, and Writer for the ISACA Blog from time to time. He weirder articles regarding emerging technology and the Tech/Cybersecurity side of the Video Game Industry can be found on his LinkedIn.

Patrick dived straight into the IT Audit and Cyber Security space out of College in 2019 and has seen a lot during his 7 year tenure in the industry. Joining A-LIGN during a time of exponential growth where each year both the companies revenue and his team doubled in size. During his time there he went from SOC 2 IT Associate Auditor to FedRAMP Manager. Performing and SOC 1 ITGC+BP, SOC 2, HIPAA, SSPA, Ransomware Preparedness, FedRAMP, FISMA, and NIST 800 engagements including full audits, readiness assessments and gap assessments. As well as sitting on the Methodology, Training, and GRC committees creating trainings, controls, and testing methods.

He Left A-LIGN in late 2023 and has worked in the FedRAMP/IT Consulting space ever since. Today, he designs, builds, and maintains Security Compliance Programs in the private sector.

Patrick lives the greater Tampa Bay area and is always looking for ways to assist the community. He mentors and performs resume critiques for Veterans, College Kids, and generally anyone interested in breaking into Tech and IT Audit.

Friendly, Curious, Eclectic; Patrick Trierweiler is a security-focused compliance professional with 200+ closed engagements and currently working as a Compliance Analyst for Steel Patriot Partners. A Florida State University CCI Alumni, an Eagle S... Show more

Studium der Umweltingenieurwissenschaften an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (bis 2008). Promotion zur Optimierung von Biogasanlagen mit Fokus auf Erfahrungswissen. Stationen in Angewandter Bauforschung und Universitätsentwicklung (Mediendidaktik). Seit 08/2023 Professorin für Technikkommunikation an der TH Nürnberg. Entwickelt und erforscht erfahrungsbasierte Lehrkonzepte wie „Move–Build–Reflect“ und arbeitet als Coach und Mentorin an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Selbstführung und Karrieregestaltung.

Studium der Umweltingenieurwissenschaften an der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (bis 2008). Promotion zur Optimierung von Biogasanlagen mit Fokus auf Erfahrungswissen. Stationen in Angewandter Bauforschung und Universitätsentwicklung (Mediendidaktik). Se... Show more

Ellyne Phneah is a recognized PostgreSQL Ecosystem Strategist and the author of Decode PostgreSQL. She specializes in bridging the communication gap between deep technical innovation and the strategic frameworks required for sustainable open-source growth. Ellyne has over 14 years of experience as a communications professional, focusing on areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and emerging technologies.

Ellyne drives strategic clarity, particularly in her role in Marketing at DBtune. Her unique methodology from Decode PostgreSQL, which she calls the "Grandpa Test" , is dedicated to building Technical Empathy and translating complex database concepts (like pgvector and scaling) into clear, actionable business strategy.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and knowledge sharing, Ellyne's dedication to the community is extensive: one of the organizers of the Malmö PostgreSQL User Group (M-PUG) and the PostgreSQL & AI Summit at PGConf EU 2025. Her contributions to the ecosystem were recognized when she was named PostgreSQL Woman of the Month in October 2025 (based on your input).

Ellyne holds a Master's in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and a background in technology journalism. Originally from Singapore, she is a leading and recognized voice in the European PostgreSQL community.

Ellyne Phneah is a recognized PostgreSQL Ecosystem Strategist and the author of Decode PostgreSQL. She specializes in bridging the communication gap between deep technical innovation and the strategic frameworks required for sustainable open-source g... Show more

Leah Drew is a trauma-informed somatic leadership mentor, women’s empowerment guide, and culture-shaping consultant devoted to helping people remember who they are beneath performance, perfection, and people-pleasing so they can expand into their next level without burnout.

With a background in pain management, nervous system regulation, international teaching, embodiment & somatic work, and leadership development, Leah brings a rare blend of science, soul, and lived experience to every stage she steps onto. She supports high-achieving women, entrepreneurs, and leaders in reconnecting to their bodies, reclaiming their confidence, and leading with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and heart-led power.

Alongside her work with women's leadership, Leah consults with co-ed organizations and executive teams to enhance workplace culture and performance by creating workforces that are engaged, energized, and resilient. She helps businesses build high-performing teams by embedding practical, leadership-led wellbeing and culture practices into the everyday workflow to transform burnout cultures into environments where people feel supported, connected, motivated, and empowered to do their best work, together.

Leah is the founder of the Somatic Leadership Academy and the Mind Body Initiative, and host of the Mindful Evolution Podcast. Her work centers on healing the feminine wounds that keep women playing small & functioning from burnout, and guiding people of all genders into leadership that is grounded, embodied, and unapologetically human.

Whether she’s speaking to entrepreneurs, corporate teams, facilitators, or global communities, Leah creates experiences that are deeply felt. She doesn't just speak, she guides her audience into an experience. Through storytelling, somatic practices, and deeply human conversations, she helps audiences connect with each other, build resilience, strengthen connection, and cultivate cultures rooted in presence, purpose, and belonging.

Her mission is simple: to help people transform their pain into power, their wounds into wisdom, and their lives into expressions of their fullest potential.

Leah Drew is a trauma-informed somatic leadership mentor, women’s empowerment guide, and culture-shaping consultant devoted to helping people remember who they are beneath performance, perfection, and people-pleasing so they can expand into their nex... Show more

Parul is a highly experienced keynote speaker with a flair for making DEI talks exciting again. She delivers informative and engaging talks on neurodiversity, sometimes with a bit of a twist; by using concepts from nostalgic video games!

Parul has delivered keynote talks at LeadDev London, Leeds Digital Festival, Manchester Tech Festival and RecFest.

Parul is a highly experienced keynote speaker with a flair for making DEI talks exciting again. She delivers informative and engaging talks on neurodiversity, sometimes with a bit of a twist; by using concepts from nostalgic video games! Parul ha... Show more

Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and communities to build equitable systems that work for everyone.

As the Founder and CEO of Kenisha Coon Consulting, she partners with government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate leaders to implement equity-centered strategies, facilitate transformational coaching, and design sustainable leadership frameworks. Her signature keynote, “Unstoppable: Breaking Barriers & Rebuilding Systems for Lasting Change,” inspires audiences to confront systemic inequities with courage, compassion, and actionable strategies rooted in her PERSIST™ framework.

Kenisha is the Director of Community Engagement for the Eko Vision Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving accessibility and innovation for the blind and low vision community. Diagnosed as legally blind, she uses her lived experience to advocate for inclusive design, equitable technology, and accessibility across industries.

A sought-after speaker and trainer, Kenisha has delivered presentations at national conferences, universities, and leadership summits, sharing her story of resilience from her memoir, And Then She Persisted, and insights from her forthcoming book, Reimagine Equity.

Kenisha holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (Evidence-Based Coaching and Leadership), a Master’s and Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychology, and a DEI in the Workplace Certification. Her work bridges evidence-based research, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling to move audiences from awareness to action.

Popular Topics:

Systems Change and Racial Equity in Child Welfare

Leadership Through Adversity

Accessibility and Inclusive Innovation

The Power of Evidence-Based Coaching

Antiracist Parenting and Cultural Capacity

Learn more or book Kenisha for your next event at www.kenishacoon.com
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Kenisha Coon (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systems transformation. With over 15 years of experience driving organizational change, Kenisha empowers leaders, teams, and commun... Show more

René Seidel ist Bildungs-Architekt und Experte für die strategische Gestaltung hybrider Lernwelten. Er verbindet seine Arbeit als Referent bei der Stiftung IBZ St. Marienthal mit seiner Expertise in der Lehre an der Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, um Bildungsprozesse zukunftsfähig zu gestalten. Sein Fokus liegt auf der „Strategischen Teamleitung“ von Mensch und Maschine: Weg von der administrativen Last der Planung, hin zu einer hochwertigen Orchestrierung von Lernräumen.

Als Vordenker für die „Revolution im Lehrplan“ entwickelt er Konzepte, wie Lehrende durch personalisierte KI-Analyse-Architekturen ihre pädagogische Identität stärken. Er zeigt auf, wie durch die Symbiose aus Werten und Technik die notwendigen Freiräume für exzellente Lehre unter Druck (#UnderPressure) zurückgewonnen werden.

René Seidel ist Bildungs-Architekt und Experte für die strategische Gestaltung hybrider Lernwelten. Er verbindet seine Arbeit als Referent bei der Stiftung IBZ St. Marienthal mit seiner Expertise in der Lehre an der Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, um Bild... Show more

His tenure in senior leadership roles at global corporations saw him manage teams across all continents, implementing transformative programs in corporate transformation and innovation.

As an entrepreneur, Ivan has founded several tech startups and serves on the advisory board of multiple others. His work has impacted over 100 corporations, helping them cultivate high-performing, human-centric work cultures. He is the CEO of PeopleKult, a company dedicated to using behavioral science, technology, and analytics to advance next-generation work cultures.

Ivan is a sought-after speaker and writer on topics such as the future of work, human-centric work cultures, well-being at work, and the future of learning. His deep understanding of behavioral science and commitment to human development shine through his insights and practical guidance for entrepreneurs.

His tenure in senior leadership roles at global corporations saw him manage teams across all continents, implementing transformative programs in corporate transformation and innovation. As an entrepreneur, Ivan has founded several tech startups an... Show more

Speaker, writer, and specialist in the psychology of bias and discrimination, Emily Wright is a Certified Life Coach who has aided in the establishment and growth of multiple small businesses, and figureheads their own business: It’ll be alwright®.

Emily offers customizable workshops and seminars, and individual and group coaching. Their signature sessions focus on mitigating bias and cultivating digital wellness, honing in on how algorithms and content impact our perspectives and emotions. Mental and emotional wellbeing is a key theme to all of Emily’s services as they recognise that we can combat negative repercussions of bias by improving clarity of headspace and thus decision-making. These levels of self-reflection are also key to the internal decolonization process, and It’ll be alwright® offers programs that facilitate the deconstruction of limiting beliefs and negative self-talk.

Emily has written multiple books, including 'Mind Bites', which presents simple techniques to reprogram the mind, and 'The 100 Days of Colour: Celebrating Frequetic Beauty', which explores the relationship between subconscious and algorithmic bias. The research behind ‘The 100 Days of Colour’ is crucial to the conversation of ethics, psychology, and technology. In this experiment Emily monitored the Spotify program to see how recommendations changed with input, and consequently discovered many layers to the interaction between algorithms and psychology which impact our everyday lives.

Emily offers unique insight on the intersection of Humanity and Technology, Psychology and Ethics, and how it relates to our evolution as a conscious species.

Speaker, writer, and specialist in the psychology of bias and discrimination, Emily Wright is a Certified Life Coach who has aided in the establishment and growth of multiple small businesses, and figureheads their own business: It’ll be alwright®. ... Show more

Most leaders are great at what they do, but struggle to get their teams fully bought in. When communication lacks clarity and charisma, even the most talented teams become disconnected, unmotivated, and underperforming. I help leaders become clear, charismatic communicators, so their people feel aligned, inspired, and ready to execute at a high level.
Through keynotes and leadership workshops, I teach the practical skills behind magnetic leadership, how to show up with presence, build trust quickly, and drive real engagement. My approach is shaped by a decade of leading a high-performing team in the high-pressure world of NYC real estate, where results depended on influence, not just expertise.
If your team is capable but not clicking, I help you bridge the gap between authority and connection, so your culture thrives and your people show up for more than just a paycheck.

Most leaders are great at what they do, but struggle to get their teams fully bought in. When communication lacks clarity and charisma, even the most talented teams become disconnected, unmotivated, and underperforming. I help leaders become clear, c... Show more

Vitor works at Delivery Hero as Sr. Director of Engineering, leading an organization of 80 FTEs and 10 teams in the Driver App and Order Processing domains for the Logistics department. He previously worked in Enterprise Resource Planning, Finance, and Education companies of all sizes. Outside of work, he learns about wine, geography and history, stays active with tennis and calisthenics, and is on a journey to learn to become an epic dad for his two boys (ages 3 and 1).

Vitor works at Delivery Hero as Sr. Director of Engineering, leading an organization of 80 FTEs and 10 teams in the Driver App and Order Processing domains for the Logistics department. He previously worked in Enterprise Resource Planning, Finance, ... Show more

Amarachukwu Eze is a Data and AI specialist with experience in workforce analytics, public health insights, and building impactful data solutions. She is the founder of DataHER Africa, a social impact initiative empowering Black and Brown women from underserved communities to enter data and AI careers through mentorship, storytelling, and project-based learning. A published author and mentor, she is passionate about bridging technology, storytelling, and inclusivity to create meaningful impact. With a background in electronic engineering, she has successfully navigated male-dominated spaces to become a recognised advocate for diversity in technology.

Amarachukwu Eze is a Data and AI specialist with experience in workforce analytics, public health insights, and building impactful data solutions. She is the founder of DataHER Africa, a social impact initiative empowering Black and Brown women from ... Show more

Luka Pejić (1996), BA in English language and literature. So far, he has translated, from English to Croatian, several books for different publishing houses in Zagreb, among others "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon for Hangar 7. He is currently working on another fantasy project with the mentioned publishing house, as well as his own dark fantasy novel, where Monster comes out of his Empire in the boy's closet, and the boy takes his hand.

Luka Pejić (1996), BA in English language and literature. So far, he has translated, from English to Croatian, several books for different publishing houses in Zagreb, among others "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon for Hangar 7. He ... Show more

Ashleigh Pandora Steele is a force - unshakable, undeniable, and unforgettable. As a visionary strategist, dynamic speaker, and unapologetic trailblazer, she stands at the intersection of purpose and power, leading changemakers toward their next level of impact. Ashleigh is the Founder and CEO of The Opia Designs Company, a strategic growth agency that equips businesses, nonprofits, and personal brands with the clarity, confidence, and systems needed to scale beyond limits.

Ashleigh Pandora Steele is a force - unshakable, undeniable, and unforgettable. As a visionary strategist, dynamic speaker, and unapologetic trailblazer, she stands at the intersection of purpose and power, leading changemakers toward their next leve... Show more

Sidd Ahmed is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of VDart Group, a global technology and talent solutions company built on the philosophy of people, purpose, and planet. With no traditional corporate background, Sidd founded VDart and scaled it into a USD 240+ million enterprise, employing 4,000+ professionals across 12 countries and serving industries including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and financial services.

As Group CEO, Sidd also leads multiple ventures, VDart Digital, VDart BPM, Vouch, BeRecognized, Hidden Curve, and Verified ID ,driving expansion across key global markets such as Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and the UAE.

Under his leadership, VDart has earned consistent global recognition, including eight consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in the U.S. list, NMSDC National Supplier of the Year (2023), Toyota Diverse Supplier of the Year, Great Place to Work® Certification, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award.

Sidd’s individual honors include "Trailblazer of the Year – GMSDC (2025), Most Admired CEO – Atlanta Business Chronicle (2025), Leader of Change – Times of India, and the Global Entrepreneur Award – CII-Yi.

Beyond business, Sidd is the founder of Project Sidd, through which he has inspired 150,000+ students in person and built a global digital community of over 3 million followers. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Education Foundation, contributing to education and workforce development initiatives.

A purpose-driven leader and compelling speaker, Sidd Ahmed is widely recognized for transforming business success into meaningful, scalable impact.
Note : He requires an honorarium for conference speaking engagements , negotiable based on scope and travel.

Sidd Ahmed is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of VDart Group, a global technology and talent solutions company built on the philosophy of people, purpose, and planet. With no traditional corporate background, Sidd founded VDart and scaled it in... Show more

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity.

Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived in seven different cities, Lolu has experienced first-hand the complexities of personal and professional transitions. Her journey from finance to change management consulting has taught her one crucial lesson: change is about people.

With an MBA from Imperial College London and 18+ years of experience in the Big 4 leading teams and working with multi-national clients, Lolu brings hands-on expertise in people-centred change management. Her practical, jargon-free approach has helped organisations across finance, retail, government, and media navigate change successfully by putting people at the heart of change.

Known for her engaging #LoluLessons across social media, Lolu makes change management accessible, actionable, and human.

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity. Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived ... Show more

Passionate about front-end development and UX, I turn interfaces into smooth and effective experiences. Naturally curious, I also explore ‘under the hood’ code to refine every step of the process. I talk about development, design, and team collaboration with a sprinkle of humor and plenty of nerdy analogies.

Passionate about front-end development and UX, I turn interfaces into smooth and effective experiences. Naturally curious, I also explore ‘under the hood’ code to refine every step of the process. I talk about development, design, and team collaborat... Show more

Software engineer, Devops, Platform Engineer - I do code for food.

I've been working for 13 years and I love teaching, learning and creating solutions focused on maintainability, resilience and availability.

I'm working as Principal Software Engineer @ Kavak (Core Platform), for Cloud and Platform business unit leading Developer Experience track.

Software engineer, Devops, Platform Engineer - I do code for food. I've been working for 13 years and I love teaching, learning and creating solutions focused on maintainability, resilience and availability. I'm working as Principal Software E... Show more

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

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

Communications expert, event organizer, community gatherer. OSS contributor, sailing the K8s ocean since 2019. Head of Marketing @Mia-Platform.
Strong believer that better software engineering brings to better development for the planet.

Communications expert, event organizer, community gatherer. OSS contributor, sailing the K8s ocean since 2019. Head of Marketing @Mia-Platform. Strong believer that better software engineering brings to better development for the planet. Show more

John Phillip graduated from Coventry University and is now based in London. He works as a developer at Cheap Essay Writing UK, a company known for providing essay writing services UK to which students can trust. The team delivers clear, original academic work that meets university standards. Outside of work, John enjoys learning new technologies and improving his coding skills. Students can access quality essay writing help at affordable prices.

John Phillip graduated from Coventry University and is now based in London. He works as a developer at Cheap Essay Writing UK, a company known for providing essay writing services UK to which students can trust. The team delivers clear, original acad... Show more

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

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

Jennifer Hyppolite is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, educator, and speaker specializing in culturally responsive and ethically grounded care for immigrant and second-generation communities. She works in private practice, where she supports individuals navigating identity development, attachment wounds, intergenerational trauma, and the psychological impact of migration and cultural transition. Her clinical work is informed by a deep understanding of how culture, power, and systemic inequities shape mental health experiences and access to care.

Jennifer Hyppolite is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, educator, and speaker specializing in culturally responsive and ethically grounded care for immigrant and second-generation communities. She works in private practice, where she supports indiv... Show more

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

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

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 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

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 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