Humanities & Social Sciences

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

James Donahue

James Donahue

Raise in Nashville, Tennessee, settled in Hamburg, Germany, with a few other continents in between. My academic background is macroeconomics, with a focus on Bayesian methods and labor market dynamics. I am currently working with AWS Cloud applications, trying to find a good compost system, and still drinking too much coffee.

Raise in Nashville, Tennessee, settled in Hamburg, Germany, with a few other continents in between. My academic background is macroeconomics, with a focus on Bayesian methods and labor market dynamics. I am currently working with AWS Cloud applicatio... Show more

Bianca Del Bois

Bianca Del Bois

Bianca Del Bois is a strategist and creative leader working at the intersection of communications, policy, and animal advocacy.

With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Bianca has played a pivotal role in supporting hundreds of animals through direct aid and community-based programs. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Urban Tails Animal Support Network (previously Urban Tails Animal Rescue), a registered charity committed to serving animals and the people who care for them, which has been operating for over 10 years.

Bianca is also the Director of Development & Communications at Animal Alliance of Canada, a national non-profit animal protection organization that has worked since 1990 to advance a more just and compassionate relationship between humans and animals. Its work focuses on achieving systemic change through research, legislative advocacy, strategic communications, and direct engagement with elected officials.

Alongside her professional practice, she is deeply engaged in evidence-based animal welfare and humane science. She is a Fellow in the Futurekind Fellowship, where her work focuses on the responsible and ethical use of AI in animal welfare, research modernization, and policy reform. She is also completing formal training in Evidence-Based Toxicology through the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. Bianca also serves as the CEO of a marketing and communications agency operating in the Toronto area. Although she no longer works in a clinical veterinary capacity, she maintains a deep commitment to the field and remains actively engaged in consulting and communications work for veterinary hospitals.

Having lived in downtown Toronto for many years, Bianca now resides in rural Ontario, where her home and farm serve as a sanctuary for domestic and farmed animals. This blend of urban and rural experience gives her a deep understanding of the complexities of animal welfare in both settings, bringing a holistic and compassionate perspective to her work.

Bianca Del Bois is a strategist and creative leader working at the intersection of communications, policy, and animal advocacy. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Bianca has played a pivotal role in supporting hundreds of animals... Show more

Victoria Price

Victoria Price

Victoria Price is the founder of Organize Design Create (ODC) and the creator behind @intentionallyvee_, where she teaches real, repeatable systems that help single parents run their households without burning out. A single mother of five, Victoria built her expertise the only way she knows how — out of necessity.

After becoming a solo parent in 2019, she developed the frameworks she now teaches: meal systems, routines, screen time boundaries, and the kind of household infrastructure that keeps a family of six running when there's one adult at the helm. Her content series, "Nobody's Coming, Save Yourself" and "Raising Them Kids," has resonated with hundreds of thousands of parents navigating the same reality.

With 15+ years of professional experience spanning nonprofit, real estate, insurance, and communications — and systems work with 200+ organizations since 2019 — Victoria brings operational precision to a space that's usually ruled by Pinterest aesthetics. She's proof that the systems you build to survive can become the systems you teach to change lives.

Victoria Price is the founder of Organize Design Create (ODC) and the creator behind @intentionallyvee_, where she teaches real, repeatable systems that help single parents run their households without burning out. A single mother of five, Victoria b... Show more

Sarah McGregor

Sarah McGregor

Sarah is an Agile Master and certified coach who supports leaders and teams in building human-centered, high-performing organizations - especially within tech-driven environments.

Her professional journey began in physics, where she learned to understand complex systems and structures. With a strong foundation in technology, she soon realized that the most powerful system of all is human behavior. This insight led her into leadership development, coaching and team development.

Today, she works at the intersection of technology and humanity, helping teams become resilient, high-performing, and people-centered. Guided by empathy, communication, and authentic connection, she empowers leaders to grow into inspiring role models while fostering inclusive environments where individuals can step into their full potential. A passionate advocate for women in tech, she is committed to creating environments where diverse voices are heard and valued.

On stage, she inspires through clarity, warmth, and real-world experience. Her talks combine empathy with practical insights, helping organizations strengthen communication, foster motivation, and build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Sarah is an Agile Master and certified coach who supports leaders and teams in building human-centered, high-performing organizations - especially within tech-driven environments. Her professional journey began in physics, where she learned to und... Show more

Shalini Singh

Shalini Singh

I'm a developer passionate about making large language models work on small budgets. From full-stack apps to containerised AI workloads, I love building things that are clever, efficient, and production-ready—even without enterprise-level resources. Currently exploring how far Kubernetes can stretch when you're resource-conscious but ambition-heavy.

I'm a developer passionate about making large language models work on small budgets. From full-stack apps to containerised AI workloads, I love building things that are clever, efficient, and production-ready—even without enterprise-level resources. ... 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

Nick Nisi

Nick Nisi

Nick Nisi is an elite software engineer who is a veteran of open source web development, a lover of karaoke, an advocate for diversity in tech, a conference organizer extraordinaire, a lover of new experiences, and a beacon of expertise, kindness and hope for his development team.

Nick Nisi is an elite software engineer who is a veteran of open source web development, a lover of karaoke, an advocate for diversity in tech, a conference organizer extraordinaire, a lover of new experiences, and a beacon of expertise, kindness and... Show more

Luca Troso

Luca Troso

Starting as a Python programmer, I chose to transition into a Scrum Master role—driven by my passion for active listening and cultivating human connections—before specializing as an Agile Coach, with a laser focus on OKRs as a Global Partner at OKRs.com.

Partnering with organizations, I foster agile mindsets to stay ahead of the curve and unlock untapped potential. Drawing on my Agile Coaching expertise, I guide teams to simplify complexity and deliver meaningful results through tailored practices. With OKRs.com, I empower leaders to turn strategy into actionable goals, amplifying focus, alignment, and transparency across their teams.

My mission? To build workplaces where people flourish and companies hit the mark—combining purpose, progress, and performance.

Starting as a Python programmer, I chose to transition into a Scrum Master role—driven by my passion for active listening and cultivating human connections—before specializing as an Agile Coach, with a laser focus on OKRs as a Global Partner at OKRs.... Show more

Carmen Graciela Díaz

Carmen Graciela Díaz

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Journalism Program at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.

She is the author of “Huele a Bomba: la paradójica esencia del periodismo de Avance,” a book on groundbreaking Puerto Rican publication, Avance. Her storytelling centers on arts, culture, education, and Puerto Rican and Latino issues. Carmen Graciela has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora and her writing has appeared in Hyperallergic, El País, Centro Journal, The Miami Herald, The Common, and Reasons to be Cheerful, among other publications. Her freelance work includes research for the biopic Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It and being a contributing writer of a book documenting the work and the story of ArtPlace America. She holds master’s degrees from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism (New York) in Arts and Culture Reporting and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (San Juan) in Cultural Studies. Her teaching and journalism have been recognized by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and the Overseas Press Club (Puerto Rico chapter). From 2024 to 2025 she was a member of the Center for Cooperative Media's Racial Equity Advisory Board.

Carmen Graciela is currently working on her second book centered on Puerto Ricans in New York to be published in 2026 by Periodística Editorial.

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Jo... Show more

Alex Znamenskiy Znamenskiy

Alex Znamenskiy Znamenskiy

I have been working in sales since 2011 starting as a regular sales representative managing mostly cold sales. In 2013 I qualified for a corporate training specialist and further became a head of a training department. Later on in 2021 I transitioned to be fully responsible for managing sales and business growth which I have quite a significant experience with. I will be glad to share this experience with you.

I have been working in sales since 2011 starting as a regular sales representative managing mostly cold sales. In 2013 I qualified for a corporate training specialist and further became a head of a training department. Later on in 2021 I transitioned... Show more

Carole Guinand

Carole Guinand

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

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

JC Quintana

JC Quintana

JC gives audiences a powerful framework for better technology adoption and innovation. His books incorporate psychology and technology perspectives and expectation management from a fresh and captivating perspective. If you want to build a culture of business outcomes, clarity, and alignment, attend one of JC's presentations. A senior executive and educator, JC teaches Customer (CX) and Human-Centered Design Thinking at 32 universities in the United States. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife Shelley.

JC gives audiences a powerful framework for better technology adoption and innovation. His books incorporate psychology and technology perspectives and expectation management from a fresh and captivating perspective. If you want to build a culture of... Show more

Ingila Ejaz

Ingila Ejaz

Ingila is a Polyglot full stack developer from Pakistan for 11+ years. She has been working on frameworks like Angular, React, Next.js, and Astro for the Frontend and Django, Fast API, Node.js, MVC and Java for the Backend.

Ingila currently is very actively working on Angular and contributing to it as well. You can find Ingila''s articles related to Angular and many other topics on https://medium.com/@ingila185.

You can also find Ingila's open-source contributions here:

http://github.com/Ingila185

Apart from that, Ingila is a life-long learner who loves to learn and therefore has done certifications in Frontend, Backend, AWS and Devops. Ingila also loves to participate in hackathons especially Web3.0 and Gen AI. She is also a mom of three. You can learn more about Ingila here:

https://next-js-portfolio-two-ebon.vercel.app/en

Ingila is a Polyglot full stack developer from Pakistan for 11+ years. She has been working on frameworks like Angular, React, Next.js, and Astro for the Frontend and Django, Fast API, Node.js, MVC and Java for the Backend. Ingila currently is ve... Show more

Ghizlane Aroussi

Ghizlane Aroussi

Hi there !
For the past five years, I've been on a rewarding journey as an engineering manager—leading teams, learning continuously, and striving to make work just a little more human (and fun!).
Before stepping into management, I rolled up my sleeves as a 3D developer then a full stack engineer, building web and mobile experiences and solving bugs :)

Today, I have the joy (and sometimes the challenge!) of managing both a vibrant team of software engineers and a dynamic group of RPA engineers. My mission? To design reliable and scalable systems and to foster a culture where experimentation is encouraged and where everyone feels they’re in the right place.

People, communication patterns, and the ever-evolving world of work fascinate me. I’m especially intrigued by how AI will reshape our jobs.

At PayFit, I’m currently navigating our transition to Domain-Driven Design while experimenting with team topologies, the 360 impact on the organization business, people and tech wise is fascinating.

I believe in tackling technical debt gracefully and my goal is to do so while delivering business value and empowering teams to take ownership and make decisions.

More than happy to share my learnings and acquire new ideas on the way!

Hi there ! For the past five years, I've been on a rewarding journey as an engineering manager—leading teams, learning continuously, and striving to make work just a little more human (and fun!). Before stepping into management, I rolled up my sl... Show more

Petr Andreev

Petr Andreev

Specializes in CPython internals, optimization, and high-performance computing. Driven by GPU acceleration, CPU vectorization. Evolved from ML systems to CPython core research engineer. 8+ years leading teams in AI, maths, and physics. PyCon speaker: Free Threading: Future of CPython. Lecturer at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology – top 1 Russian university. Open to talks and collaboration.

Specializes in CPython internals, optimization, and high-performance computing. Driven by GPU acceleration, CPU vectorization. Evolved from ML systems to CPython core research engineer. 8+ years leading teams in AI, maths, and physics. PyCon speaker:... Show more

Liam Spradlin

Liam Spradlin

I'm a designer focused on the future and philosophy of the interface.

I've helped independent developers, startups, corporations, and civic organizations invent or improve human-centered experiences.

My work is enriched by conversations with creative practitioners from across disciplines on the Design Notes podcast, and regular writing about design theory on Interface Café.

I'm a designer focused on the future and philosophy of the interface. I've helped independent developers, startups, corporations, and civic organizations invent or improve human-centered experiences. My work is enriched by conversations with cr... Show more

Mateja Terek

Mateja Terek

People & Communications Manager at Netgen, a Croatian web development agency, with a strong background in PR, internal communication, and strategic consulting. Currently focused on organisational growth, personal development programs, feedback culture, and employer branding.
Previously worked as a consultant for clients in the finance, pharmaceutical, IT, and energy sectors, leading projects in creative concept development, digital communication strategies, CSR, risk management, and event organisation. Passionate about building authentic communication and cultures where people and business grow together.

People & Communications Manager at Netgen, a Croatian web development agency, with a strong background in PR, internal communication, and strategic consulting. Currently focused on organisational growth, personal development programs, feedback cultur... Show more

Britney Hester

Britney Hester

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

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

Cyril Clergeau

Cyril Clergeau

Depuis plus de 15 ans, je valorise les forces humaines pour transformer les défis en leviers d’innovation. Expert certifié en coaching d’entreprise (ICP-ENT), facilitation (ICP-ATF) et Approche Appréciative (IFAI), j'accompagne les organisations vers des dynamiques agiles, collaboratives et résilientes.

Grâce à une approche centrée sur l’humain et l’intelligence collective, je conçois des solutions sur mesure qui libèrent le potentiel des organisations, des équipes et favorisent un impact durable. Visionnaire et inspirant, j'aide les entreprises à bâtir un avenir aligné sur leurs histoires, leurs valeurs et leurs ambitions.

Je suis certifié Facilitateur, Coach d'Organisation et d'Entreprise par ICAgile et Praticien en Appreciative Inquiry par l'IFAI, berceau de la démarche AI en France.

Depuis plus de 15 ans, je valorise les forces humaines pour transformer les défis en leviers d’innovation. Expert certifié en coaching d’entreprise (ICP-ENT), facilitation (ICP-ATF) et Approche Appréciative (IFAI), j'accompagne les organisations vers... Show more

Prof. Dr. Karen Eilers

Prof. Dr. Karen Eilers

Karen Eilers ist Wirtschaftspsychologin und beschäftigt sich mit Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätzen für Führungskräfte, Teams und Unternehmen in agilen und digitalen Transformationen. Begonnen in ihrer Promotionszeit im Fachbereich Wirtschaftsinformatik der Universität Kassel sowie der Universität St.Gallen, vertieft sie heute die Forschung rund um Menschen in Veränderungsprozessen und transferiert die Erkenntnisse aus der Wissenschaft in die Praxis. Sie leitet das Institut für Transformation in Hamburg und ist Professorin an der BSP Business and Law School.

Karen Eilers ist Wirtschaftspsychologin und beschäftigt sich mit Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätzen für Führungskräfte, Teams und Unternehmen in agilen und digitalen Transformationen. Begonnen in ihrer Promotionszeit im Fachbereich Wirtschaftsinfo... Show more

Anand Tiwary

Anand Tiwary

Anand Tiwary is Director of Engineering, UI at Harness, where he leads global teams building application security experiences across a $200M+ ARR platform. A founding engineer at Traceable AI (from seed to acquisition), he specialises in UI architecture, design systems, and GenAI-powered UX, with published patents in data privacy and bot detection, open-source contributions, and active mentoring of emerging engineers.

Anand Tiwary is Director of Engineering, UI at Harness, where he leads global teams building application security experiences across a $200M+ ARR platform. A founding engineer at Traceable AI (from seed to acquisition), he specialises in UI architect... Show more

Bertrand Lirette

Bertrand Lirette

Bertrand œuvre dans le domaine du numérique depuis le début des années 2000. Il a récemment occupé le rôle de responsable de produits numériques dans une grande entreprise d'assurances et d'investissement. Auparavant, il a occupé les postes de développeur « full-stack », de chargé de projets, de directeur et a travaillé en recherche et en enseignement à l'École de design de l'Université Laval à Québec. Diplômé en intégration multimédia et en sciences humaines profil psychologie et sociologie, il tente de combiner ses intérêts et d'évangéliser le design sous toutes ses formes en créant et en s'impliquant dans des communautés telles que Design Québec, le (feu) Web à Québec, Service Design Network et anciennement Interface - Québec. Il a récemment lancé son premier livre « Périphérie du design » ainsi qu'un balado du même nom.

Bertrand œuvre dans le domaine du numérique depuis le début des années 2000. Il a récemment occupé le rôle de responsable de produits numériques dans une grande entreprise d'assurances et d'investissement. Auparavant, il a occupé les postes de dévelo... Show more

Prudence Hatchett

Prudence Hatchett

Prudence Hatchett is a Leadership Resilience Strategist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Keynote speaker, and bestselling & award-winning author with 20+ years of experience in mental health, education, and leadership development. She founded PH Counseling, LLC™ to help individuals build sustainable wellbeing through education, strength exploration, and practical resilience skills. Prudence also is the founder of Learn with Prudence™, her mental wellness brand, offering tools, workbooks, and resources that support authentic growth, clarity, and transformational resilience.

Prudence Hatchett is a Leadership Resilience Strategist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Keynote speaker, and bestselling & award-winning author with 20+ years of experience in mental health, education, and leadership developm... Show more

Suzi Edwards-Alexander

Suzi Edwards-Alexander

She led global recruitment for Thoughtworks - once described as the most selective hiring process in the world - as well as helping shape the Tech Radar and establishing operations in more than eight countries.

Now a fractional TA/HR leader, and a sought-after career coach, Suzi helps startups and scale-ups build teams where belonging and psychological safety are the baseline, not just buzzwords. Through her company Appartenir, she brings values-driven hiring, radically better interviewing, and inclusive leadership to life with warmth, wit, and the occasional well-placed challenge to the status quo.

Expect honesty. Expect humour. Expect really great questions.

Her mission? To help people interview with confidence, put humanity at the heart of hiring and help topple the patriarchy.

She led global recruitment for Thoughtworks - once described as the most selective hiring process in the world - as well as helping shape the Tech Radar and establishing operations in more than eight countries. Now a fractional TA/HR leader, and a... Show more

Brittany Cox

Brittany Cox

Brittany Cox, MA, RDH, is a sustainable systems strategist and emerging policy architect, guiding healthcare into a planet-first future. With a Master’s in Oral Health Promotion and a postgraduate certification in leadership and coaching, Brittany bridges clinical expertise with environmental innovation. She consults with dental practices, manufacturers, and institutions to design sustainable systems that enhance patient care, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

Currently pursuing a legal education focused on environmental and health law, Brittany is expanding her mission to influence policy and reimagine the frameworks that govern healthcare. Known for her ability to translate complex challenges into practical strategies, she blends evidence-based insight with deeply ethical leadership. Through speaking, content creation, and consulting, Brittany equips industry leaders and organizations to align their operations with sustainability, without sacrificing excellence. Her work empowers practices and systems to do better by their people, their patients, and the planet.

Brittany Cox, MA, RDH, is a sustainable systems strategist and emerging policy architect, guiding healthcare into a planet-first future. With a Master’s in Oral Health Promotion and a postgraduate certification in leadership and coaching, Brittany br... Show more

Nicole Radtke

Nicole Radtke

I describe myself as a talent matchmaker, a recruiting futurist, or a bridge‑builder between people and technology.

My motto: “Hire with heart, decide with data.” sums up my approach perfectly.

For over a decade, I’ve been shaping recruiting and talent strategy in (IT) environments—across regions, teams, and stakeholder groups, and almost always with a tangible impact on the organization. My focus is not the tool stack for its own sake. Instead, I’m devoted to the processes and the people behind the processes.

My aim is to build and empower hiring communities, think digital transformation from a people‑first perspective, and I love exploring one essential question: How do we want to live and work in the future—and what must recruiting contribute so that technology and AI create real value?

I also actively champion Women in Tech—spotlighting role models, mentoring emerging talent, and creating visibility for women’s contributions so that more diverse voices shape the future of our industry.

Today, I also work as a coach, mentor, and sparring partner—sharing practical playbooks on Talent Intelligence, modern employer branding, and candidate‑centric hiring. And I aim to show—by doing—that a clear stance and a good dose of courage are necessary to break with outdated hiring myths and ways of thinking.

I describe myself as a talent matchmaker, a recruiting futurist, or a bridge‑builder between people and technology. My motto: “Hire with heart, decide with data.” sums up my approach perfectly. For over a decade, I’ve been shaping recruiting a... Show more

Blessing Agbor

Blessing Agbor


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

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

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

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

Derek Porter

Derek Porter

Dr. Derek Porter works with educators, teams, and institutions who care deeply about their work—but are carrying too much of it alone. His work supports people navigating burnout, complexity, and constant demand by helping them slow down, think more clearly, and reconnect daily work to their purpose. Through coaching, consulting, and facilitation, he helps individuals move from overwhelm to steadiness by reducing cognitive overload, reframing unhelpful narratives, and creating space for reflection, alignment, and intentional choice. A graduate of Yale University and the College of William & Mary, Derek is known for creating spaces where difficult conversations feel safer, trust deepens, and sustainable growth becomes possible.

Derek is known for translating big ideas into practical, humane frameworks that restore energy and strengthen workplace culture without asking people to do more. His approach honors both excellence and humanity, helping organizations protect conditions where people can contribute fully without sacrificing well-being. Whether working with individuals or entire systems, his focus is the same: creating clarity, shared responsibility, and sustainable ways of working so difference and belonging can sustain excellence.

Dr. Derek Porter works with educators, teams, and institutions who care deeply about their work—but are carrying too much of it alone. His work supports people navigating burnout, complexity, and constant demand by helping them slow down, think more ... Show more

Lee Tonouchi

Lee Tonouchi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ellie Ebrahimi

Ellie Ebrahimi

Dr. Ellie Ebrahimi is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She earned her Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Clemson University in 2017, following her M.Sc. in Mechatronics Engineering from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran, and her B.Sc. in Robotics Engineering from Shahrood University of Technology, Iran.

Dr. Ebrahimi's career is dedicated to finding innovative ways to adapt and improve ideas and theories to enhance STEM and cybersecurity education and workforce development, address mental health challenges in adolescents primarily due to cyberbullying, and support language learning in multilingual children. Her research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, reflecting her commitment to making a meaningful impact across various fields.

With a specialization in teaching game development, Python programming, and human-computer interaction, Dr. Ebrahimi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. She is dedicated to improving educational practices and outcomes, making significant contributions to her field.

Dr. Ellie Ebrahimi is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She earned her Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Clemson University in 2017, following her M.Sc. in Mechatronics Engineering from K. N. Toosi University... Show more

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