Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Rahul Deshpande

Rahul Deshpande

I am a multidisciplinary design professional with around 15 years of experience. I began my career as a Product Designer (PGDPD NID 2007-10) and have worked with corporates like Wipro, focusing on office furniture, FMCG packaging design, ergonomic seating design, and product management. Since 2021, I have transitioned into the role of a digital product designer and experience strategist. Currently, I am a Principal Experience Strategist at LTIMindtree.
Throughout my career, I have built upon the strength of empathy and explored the potential of design thinking for social design, particularly for villages. I am associated with the Nabhangan Foundation as a Design Thinking Advisor, working on projects for village development, schools, libraries, and play areas, as well as vision-mission pitches.
Since 2023, I have been conducting community-building experiments and am in the process of forming the 'Thinker's Collaborative.' This initiative aims to bridge the gap in social innovation and connect design thinking collaborators. My ultimate goal is to identify leverage points in our world that need to be addressed for a larger impact and a better future.

I am a multidisciplinary design professional with around 15 years of experience. I began my career as a Product Designer (PGDPD NID 2007-10) and have worked with corporates like Wipro, focusing on office furniture, FMCG packaging design, ergonomic se... Show more

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After previously working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Technology at the Vice-Rectorate for Teaching and Studies of the University of Cologne. He is currently also pursuing his Ph.D. at the intersection of corpus/computational linguistics and foreign language teaching.

Ingo Kleiber studied English, political science, and economics at Heidelberg University, pursuing a teaching degree. After previously working at the Heidelberg School of Education, he is now a Senior Expert for Digital Education and Educational Techn... Show more

Thomas Grundnigg

Thomas Grundnigg

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. At the HPI d—school I design learning experiences in the sustainability innovation space.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. At the HPI d—school I design learning experiences in the sustainability innovation space. Show more

Melissa Pennington

Melissa Pennington

Melissa Pennington is a bilingual Global HR Executive with over 23 years of experience transforming people strategies across small businesses, nonprofits, and global enterprises. As the Founder of HR On Demand, she helps mission-driven organizations build compliant, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Melissa has spoken on national stages including AfroTech, Black In HR, and Latina in Leadership, where she empowers audiences to rethink HR as a driver of equity, innovation, and business growth.

Melissa Pennington is a bilingual Global HR Executive with over 23 years of experience transforming people strategies across small businesses, nonprofits, and global enterprises. As the Founder of HR On Demand, she helps mission-driven organizations ... Show more

Dread One

Dread One

Founder of VYBZ ( NFT project showcasing true community spirit )
Founder of SYS AMA ( Web3 Vetting Show )
Just a guy who knows how to get product to market within the WEB3 Space

Founder of VYBZ ( NFT project showcasing true community spirit ) Founder of SYS AMA ( Web3 Vetting Show ) Just a guy who knows how to get product to market within the WEB3 Space Show more

Emanuele Moscato

Emanuele Moscato

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and finally to organizational methodologies. In these experiences I was able to put into practice what I learned in my studies and learn new things using my ability to see and my propensity to think out of the box. Now is the time to help companies improve themselves by providing them with an external, competent and sometimes visionary, point of view. That's why I decided to take care of companies, and even before the people who make them live, from outside as a consultant.

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and... Show more

Mihaela-Marija Perković

Mihaela-Marija Perković

Mihaela Marija Perković is a versatile Croatian author, editor, journalist, translator, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling and speculative fiction. She holds degrees in English and Italian language and literature as well as journalism from the University of Zagreb. Perković is the founder and CEO of *Savarakatini*, a boutique business specializing in technical writing, copywriting, public relations, and workshops for startups.

Her creative achievements include winning the Croatian national SF award SFERA in 2021 for her novella *Teuta’s Boat*, a historical fantasy set in 3rd century BC Croatia. An active contributor to science fiction fandoms, she has served as PR manager and Chair for SFeraKon, Croatia's largest sci-fi convention, and held leadership roles in international events like the Helsinki Worldcon 2017. She was also the European GUFF delegate to Australia in 2013 and has been recognized with the European Science Fiction Society Award for Best Promoter in 2015.

Mihaela Marija Perković is a versatile Croatian author, editor, journalist, translator, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling and speculative fiction. She holds degrees in English and Italian language and literature as well as journal... Show more

Florian Rampelt

Florian Rampelt

Florian Rampelt leitet im Stifterverband den Programmbereich "Future Skills & KI" und ist Geschäftsstellenleiter des KI-Campus.

Der Bildungs- und Erziehungswissenschaftler arbeitet an einer zukunftsfähigen Aus- und Weiterbildung für die digitale Transformation. Seine Forschung fokussiert sich derzeit auf Wissen, Kompetenzen und Qualifikationen zu Künstlicher Intelligenz.

Zuvor war er Director of Education bei dem gemeinnützigen Start-up Kiron Open Higher Education und wiss. Mitarbeiter an der Universität Passau in einem Projekt der Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung. Florian Rampelt hat an der Universität Passau Staatswissenschaften, European Studies, Lehramt an Mittelschulen sowie Bildungs- und Erziehungswissenschaften studiert.

Florian Rampelt leitet im Stifterverband den Programmbereich "Future Skills & KI" und ist Geschäftsstellenleiter des KI-Campus. Der Bildungs- und Erziehungswissenschaftler arbeitet an einer zukunftsfähigen Aus- und Weiterbildung für die digitale ... Show more

Nicolas Petitjean

Nicolas Petitjean

Nicolas Petitjean is the former VP Design at Sodexo Group (2017-2022). In 2021, he founded "collectivehood", which helps business leaders design operational models where innovation through design thrives and responsible growth practices flourish. With a Master's degree in Design (Rubika 2000') and an Executive MBA (EDHEC 2015'), Nicolas has over 20 years' experience in user research, human-centered design, innovation & design leadership, strategy and entrepreneurship at various levels, with companies such as Salomon, Adidas, Decathlon, Sodexo, Hanesbrands, Caran d'Ache, Ministry of Defence UK, USAA, Google, GSK, Coventry University among others. Nicolas is also an active and leading speaker on innovation practices, business modeling and social leadership by design across Europe.

Nicolas Petitjean is the former VP Design at Sodexo Group (2017-2022). In 2021, he founded "collectivehood", which helps business leaders design operational models where innovation through design thrives and responsible growth practices flourish. Wit... Show more

Tyler Suard

Tyler Suard

Tyler Suard is a Python software developer in the field of Machine Learning and AI. He loves spaceships, giant robots, and his cat Ridley.

Tyler Suard is a Python software developer in the field of Machine Learning and AI. He loves spaceships, giant robots, and his cat Ridley. Show more

Mya Matos

Mya Matos

Mya Matos is a proud Afro-Latina, veteran, and self-taught solution engineer with a career defined by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling. Known for her ability to connect with audiences and demystify complex technical topics, Mya brings a unique blend of authenticity, technical expertise, and customer-centricity to every stage of her work.

As a Senior Solution Engineer at Toast, Mya partners closely with sales teams to drive revenue while ensuring customers feel heard and supported throughout their journey. Her approach combines technical storytelling and real-world examples, helping customers envision themselves thriving with the technologies she presents. With a deep commitment to values-driven excellence, Mya leverages her background and natural curiosity to deliver impactful solutions that foster long-term customer engagement.

Mya’s speaking engagements include Salesforce World Tour, Dreamin in Color, the Gartner Conference, and Salesforce-led DEI initiatives, where she’s been celebrated for her conversational, inspirational style and actionable insights. Audience members leave her talks energized and ready to take action, armed with a clear understanding of how technology applies to their unique challenges and goals.

Outside of work, Mya is a passionate mentor and advocate for underrepresented communities. She has mentored over 30 veterans, with half securing meaningful work, and regularly volunteers with Hiring Our Heroes to train, inspire, and guide fellows transitioning into tech careers.

With a career spanning military service, hospitality, and technology, Mya brings a fresh and compelling perspective to the SE profession. Her dedication to authenticity and connection continues to fuel her success and inspire those around her.

Mya Matos is a proud Afro-Latina, veteran, and self-taught solution engineer with a career defined by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling. Known for her ability to connect with audiences and demystify complex technical topics, Mya b... Show more

Jonas Lang

Jonas Lang

Jonas Lang is a work and organizational psychologist and academic working in Belgium and the UK. His more conventional work mainly focuses on the application of multilevel methods, the measurement of individual differences in organizational settings, and discontinuous and dynamic change. In addition to my more conventional work, he has actively contributed to the scientific community by focusing on and trying to address ethical issues within his field, organizational research, psychology, and management through qualitative audits of research and publishing practices. He was recently arrested for his whistleblowing activity at a psychology conference and dismissed from his UK business school without a proper investigation.

Jonas Lang is a work and organizational psychologist and academic working in Belgium and the UK. His more conventional work mainly focuses on the application of multilevel methods, the measurement of individual differences in organizational settings,... Show more

Julian Merten

Julian Merten

I am a psychologist and creating an ai to help mental health.

I am a psychologist and creating an ai to help mental health. Show more

Anna Dr. Máté

Anna Dr. Máté

Sociologist by degree, IT manager by profession.

Sociologist by degree, IT manager by profession. Show more

Dodeye Ebri

Dodeye Ebri

A human rights advocate and program manager with expertise in promoting human
rights, data privacy, and digital inclusion. She has designed impactful digital governance initiatives, empowered young internet users through capacity-building workshops, and fostered community-driven solutions. Dodeye is a fellow of the Nigeria School on Internet Governance and holds a track record in advancing inclusive policies and digital literacy across Africa.

A human rights advocate and program manager with expertise in promoting human rights, data privacy, and digital inclusion. She has designed impactful digital governance initiatives, empowered young internet users through capacity-building workshops,... Show more

Blake Barrett

Blake Barrett

coming soon

coming soon Show more

Ayra Macedo

Ayra Macedo

Poliglot, Woman & Sales Analyst at Toyota.
I take interest in talking to people about Education, Women Empowerment and Career.
I want to discuss how Education can take us further and how being a poliglot makes me understand different cultures and people.

Poliglot, Woman & Sales Analyst at Toyota. I take interest in talking to people about Education, Women Empowerment and Career. I want to discuss how Education can take us further and how being a poliglot makes me understand different cultures and p... Show more

Li Jiansheng

Li Jiansheng

Open Source advocate.

Open Source advocate. Show more

Roy Vu

Roy Vu

Roy Vũ earned his Ph.D. (2006) in history at the University of Houston. He is now a history professor at Dallas College - North Lake Campus. He is also an advisory board member for Foodways Texas and Keep Irving Beautiful, where he is the 2018 recipient of the Sadie Ray Graff Education Award. His new book, Farm-to-Freedom: Vietnamese Americans and Their Food Gardens, was released in September 2024 by Texas A&M University Press. He and his wife, Ngọc, live in Irving, Texas.

Roy Vũ earned his Ph.D. (2006) in history at the University of Houston. He is now a history professor at Dallas College - North Lake Campus. He is also an advisory board member for Foodways Texas and Keep Irving Beautiful, where he is the 2018 reci... Show more

Joanna Yeh

Joanna Yeh

An aspiring organizer, scholar, and artist, Joanna Yeh is a senior undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Political Science, with a passion for Asian American Studies. Outside of the classroom, she is pursuing conversations and academic discourse around Asian American studies which she hopes to bring to the campus. Most recently, Joanna’s work with the UNC Students for Asian American Studies has included directing the Triangle-Area Asian American Conference, teaching about queer Asian American coming-of-age and kinship ties, and exploring community organizing on UNC’s campus. Joanna’s work in academia and in her communities aims to make critical conversations accessible and applicable to all members of society, empowering intersectional narratives, resisting institutional apathy, and embodying the memories of the Asian American feminists before her.

An aspiring organizer, scholar, and artist, Joanna Yeh is a senior undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Political Science, with a passion for Asian American Stud... Show more

Mathias Verraes

Mathias Verraes

Mathias Verraes is the founder of Aardling, a software modelling & design consultancy, with a penchant for complex environments. His focus is on design strategy and messaging-centric domain modelling. Since leaving a lead developer job in 2011 and moving to consulting in 2011, Mathias has worked with clients in Finance, Government, Supply Chain, Mobility, Energy, E-Commerce, and more.

Mathias writes about software design at verraes.net since 2011. As a speaker, he's been at major conferences such as NDC and Goto, and has been a keynote speaker DDD eXchange, ExploreDDD, KanDDDinsky, and others. Occasionally, he teaches courses on Domain-Driven Design & messaging architecture. Mathias is also the founder of the DDD Europe conference.

Mathias has a Masters in Music from the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, and is an autodidact on software. When he’s at home in Kortrijk, Belgium, he helps his two sons build crazy Lego contraptions.

Mathias Verraes is the founder of Aardling, a software modelling & design consultancy, with a penchant for complex environments. His focus is on design strategy and messaging-centric domain modelling. Since leaving a lead developer job in 2011 and mo... Show more

Franka Blažić

Franka Blažić

Franka Blažić, rođena 1995. u Rijeci, diplomirana kulturologinja i autorica romana i kratkih priča.

Franka Blažić, rođena 1995. u Rijeci, diplomirana kulturologinja i autorica romana i kratkih priča. Show more

Sylvia Schulze-Achatz

Sylvia Schulze-Achatz

Studium der Anglistik, Germanistik, Erziehungswissenschaft an der TU Dresden. Nach der Promotion wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am CODIP der TU Dresden. Seit 2022 Projektmitarbeiterin D2C2 an der Berufsakademie Sachsen / Duale Hochschule Sachsen.

Studium der Anglistik, Germanistik, Erziehungswissenschaft an der TU Dresden. Nach der Promotion wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am CODIP der TU Dresden. Seit 2022 Projektmitarbeiterin D2C2 an der Berufsakademie Sachsen / Duale Hochschule Sachsen. Show more

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every engagement is to create transformation and lasting change in her diverse audiences.

Stella is the Co-Founder and Agile Faculty Lead at NSTAR Technologies, an ed-tech work force development institution in Atlanta, GA, where she has transforms the learning landscape for students/professionals through innovative training programs. Her work has enabled countless professionals to advance their careers, contributing to their communities and the local economy.

With over a decade of experience in Agile coaching, Stella leads enterprise agile transformations in the Data and AI organization at Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of open-source solutions. She spearheads initiatives that foster agility, innovation, and collaboration unlocking new possibilities for data-driven customer experiences. Her efforts enhance Red Hat’s products and services, contributing to the company’s ongoing business transformation

Beyond her professional roles, Stella is deeply committed to social and community impact. Passionate about immigrant advocacy, she plays a key role in the African Immigrant Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating the ecosystem and infrastructures for African immigrants to thrive in the diaspora. Additionally, she is involved in diverse-empowered networks such as Women Doing It Afraid, Women of Project Management and Women in Software Engineering. These initiatives align with her mission to create inclusive spaces and advocating for underrepresented groups and championing change.

As a distinct voice in the workplace, she is dedicated to championing the causes where women, immigrants, and business leaders can achieve their fullest potential. Her vision is to uplift diverse voices in the tech industry and beyond and empower individuals to take ownership of their careers and lives.

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every en... Show more

Silas Serpa

Silas Serpa

Sou movido pelo desafio de transformar o impossível em estratégia, de conectar inovação com impacto real e de preparar líderes para um futuro que já começou. Ao longo de mais de 30 anos de experiência em tecnologia, transformação digital e inovação organizacional, minha missão tem sido clara: ajudar empresas e conselhos a saírem da inércia e a se tornarem protagonistas da mudança.

Minha formação acadêmica reflete essa jornada de inquietação e aprendizado contínuo. Sou PhD pela Universidade de Berkeley e Mestre pela USP, com especializações em estratégia empresarial e inovação organizacional. Mas, mais do que diplomas, o que me move são os desafios do mundo real—e a necessidade de soluções que realmente funcionam.

Atuo como conselheiro consultivo, mentor de líderes e estrategista em transformação digital, ajudando empresas a equilibrarem eficiência e disrupção, preparando-se para um mercado onde apenas os ambidestros organizacionais sobreviverão. Sou autor de livros como "Conselho Consultivo 4.0" e "O Jogo da Sobrevivência Organizacional", onde compartilho frameworks e metodologias para que empresas não apenas inovem, mas façam isso de forma sustentável e estratégica.

Acredito que a inovação não é um evento isolado, mas uma mentalidade sistêmica. Empresas que insistem em operar como dinossauros não percebem que o meteoro da disrupção já caiu. Minha missão é ajudar CEOs, conselhos e líderes a não apenas enxergarem essa realidade, mas a liderarem a transformação.

Sou movido pelo desafio de transformar o impossível em estratégia, de conectar inovação com impacto real e de preparar líderes para um futuro que já começou. Ao longo de mais de 30 anos de experiência em tecnologia, transformação digital e inovação o... Show more

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself University, and hosts the Soul Seekr Podcast. Despite all of Sam’s ventures and business success and being recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 Under 40” at just age 31 years old and “Rising Star” in the promotional products industry, he soon recognized that something was missing. Sam realized that despite his success, he was unhappy. This understanding catapulted him on his most recent exploration of his life’s purpose.

He is on a mission to bridge the gap between the way we conduct ourselves in business, mindful practices, how we communicate with everyone, especially oneself, all through prioritizing psychological safety and mental health first.

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself Unive... Show more

Bartosz Lysakowski

Bartosz Lysakowski

Studied Forensic Science and Engineering at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Afterwards teaching methods of forensic biological analysis, 3D printing and drones. For several years a co-worker at the Cottbus Zoo in the educational department. Since 2023 drone pilot and the member of the EXPAND+ER project at the BTU Cottbus

Studied Forensic Science and Engineering at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Afterwards teaching methods of forensic biological analysis, 3D printing and drones. For several years a co-worker at the Cottbus Zoo in the educational department. Since 2023 dron... Show more

Olakunle Soji-Oke

Olakunle Soji-Oke

Olakunle Soji-Oke is a dynamic program, operations, and partnerships manager with over five years of experience in driving impactful initiatives across sectors like FMCG, EdTech, and social impact. Currently a key leader at The Afara Initiative, he designs and executes programs aimed at equipping underserved Nigerian graduates with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s workforce. His work empowers young professionals through career development, leadership training, and strategic corporate collaborations.

Olakunle's background includes building transformative partnerships with global organizations such as HP and Microsoft, creating pathways that connect young talent to meaningful opportunities. At Afara, he has led career accelerator programs, mentorship initiatives, and projects focused on workforce transformation across Africa. His work at AIESEC further highlights his expertise in organizational development, managing education cycles, recruitment campaigns, and fostering partnerships that drove significant revenue growth. During his time as Human Resource and Organizational Development Manager at AIESEC in Nigeria, Olakunle revitalized B2B partnerships, increasing revenue from zero to over $10,000 in 24 months while spearheading recruitment plans and team performance management.

In addition, he has led strategic projects at DevCareer, including the DevCareer Tech Program and West Africa's first-ever Web5 Hackathon, where he engaged over 2,000 participants and helped launch initiatives for the next generation of tech talent.

Olakunle’s comprehensive experience across project management, partnerships, and leadership development underscores his commitment to empowering young people, transforming the workforce, and driving social impact. Passionate about youth empowerment, workforce development, and the future of work, he frequently speaks on topics related to career development, leadership, and corporate social responsibility.

Olakunle Soji-Oke is a dynamic program, operations, and partnerships manager with over five years of experience in driving impactful initiatives across sectors like FMCG, EdTech, and social impact. Currently a key leader at The Afara Initiative, he d... 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

Baba Brinkman

Baba Brinkman

Event Rap is the world's first and only custom rap agency, matching event organizers with skilled rappers who create original content on-site. Whether we are freestyling or writing 'rap up' summaries about an event in real time, or creating a custom rap video for an online engagement campaign, we provide all-original hip-hop songs and moments created by experienced underground MCs to energize your events, your team, and your message.

Event Rap is the world's first and only custom rap agency, matching event organizers with skilled rappers who create original content on-site. Whether we are freestyling or writing 'rap up' summaries about an event in real time, or creating a custom ... Show more

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