Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Janosch Felde

Janosch Felde

Janosch Felde ist Softwareentwickler und Psychosozialer Berater. Er arbeitete viele Jahre freiberuflich als Coach in der DACH-Region und war Verantwortlicher für Mitarbeiterentwicklung im Technischen Bereich des Weltmarktführer für Carsharing-Technologie. Seine Leidenschaft liegt darin, Menschen und Organisationen durch Klarheit und Wertorientierung dabei zu unterstützen, die Belastungen und Herausforderungen ihres Alltags konstruktiv zu gestalten.
Im Moment arbeitet er bei der REWE Digital als Agile Coach und liebt es, als Coach und Berater Menschen und Organisationen aller Art zu verstehen und gemeinsam mit ihnen auf eine positive Zukunft hin zu arbeiten.

Janosch Felde ist Softwareentwickler und Psychosozialer Berater. Er arbeitete viele Jahre freiberuflich als Coach in der DACH-Region und war Verantwortlicher für Mitarbeiterentwicklung im Technischen Bereich des Weltmarktführer für Carsharing-Technol... Show more

Fred Brandon

Fred Brandon

Fred is a SharePoint Solutions Architect and Microsoft Certified Professional. With over 20 years of IT experience, he has developed solutions for clients across the globe. He's been a part of the SharePoint community since 2007 and enjoys using his creativity to solve problems. He's a visionary, world traveler, author, and avid Blockchain enthusiast.

Fred is a SharePoint Solutions Architect and Microsoft Certified Professional. With over 20 years of IT experience, he has developed solutions for clients across the globe. He's been a part of the SharePoint community since 2007 and enjoys using his ... Show more

Himanshu Patel

Himanshu Patel

A technologist with a solid breadth and depth, firm believer of simplistic, sustainable design and practitioner of agile methodologies and lean management Techniques.
Ability to influence Top to Down and drive executive strategic decisions pertaining to Technology and Process for the organization.
Most Importantly, keeping up very close with time and changing industry.
Help organizations transform into new era of building software systems for increased efficiency, quality & predictability while reducing the cost.
Outstanding motivator and builder of the culture full of passion, hunger to continuous improvement, positive synergy, independence, innovation and creativity.
Hands on with Spring Boot, Microservices, Docker, Vagrant, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Big Data (Hadoop, Spark), Kafka, Cloud and Virtualization (AWS, Cloudera, Azure), CI/CD and DevOps areas.
Ability to drive Development Efficiency, Tool standardization, Vendor Management, Technology Governance, Continuous Integration, Estimation, Budgeting, Build vs. Buy Analysis, Prototyping, Resource/Talent Management and Performance Reviews.

A technologist with a solid breadth and depth, firm believer of simplistic, sustainable design and practitioner of agile methodologies and lean management Techniques. Ability to influence Top to Down and drive executive strategic decisions pertaini... Show more

Mathias Segerlund

Mathias Segerlund

Har jobbat med området mellan IT och människor samt kostnadsanalyser sedan 2011, innan dess har det varit inom olika serviceyrken

Har jobbat med området mellan IT och människor samt kostnadsanalyser sedan 2011, innan dess har det varit inom olika serviceyrken Show more

David Aronchick

David Aronchick

I am CEO and co-founder of Expanso, the company behind the distributed compute platform Bacalhau. This means I spend most of my time helping humans to convince machines to be smarter. I am only moderately successful at this.

Previously, I led product management for Kubernetes on behalf of Google, launched GKE, and co-founded the Kubeflow project, and led Open Source ML Strategy at Azure. I have also worked at Protocol Labs, Amazon and Chef and co-founded three startups.

I am CEO and co-founder of Expanso, the company behind the distributed compute platform Bacalhau. This means I spend most of my time helping humans to convince machines to be smarter. I am only moderately successful at this. Previously, I led prod... Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫
@HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmyths #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience

🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD

#Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Nachhaltigkeit #Erziehung #Bildung #Lehren #Lernen #Evidence #Misconceptions #Bildungsmedien #Videos #PKM #OER #sotl #academicdevelopment

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmyths #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience 🧠#PKM Nerd using #ObsidianMD #Hochschuldidaktik #Hochschullehre #Na... Show more

Nicolò Cambiaso Erizzo

Nicolò Cambiaso Erizzo

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

Jack Sessions

Jack Sessions

Wojciech Tomasiewicz

Wojciech Tomasiewicz

International leader in 3 continents, obsessed with cultures.

International leader in 3 continents, obsessed with cultures. Show more

Almudena Barreiro Carrillo

Almudena Barreiro Carrillo

Almudena Barreiro es cofundadora de Data for Good Madrid, una iniciativa sin ánimo de lucro que ayuda a organizaciones del tercer sector a aprovechar el poder de los datos para generar impacto social. Su trabajo se centra en el uso ético e inclusivo de la inteligencia artificial, con un fuerte compromiso hacia valores como la equidad, la transparencia y la protección de la dignidad humana.

Actualmente es consultora y científica de datos en Next Digital, donde lidera proyectos relacionados con la calidad del dato, analítica predictiva e inteligencia artificial responsable. Combina una sólida formación en matemáticas y estadística con experiencia técnica aplicada y una mirada crítica sobre el impacto de los sistemas algorítmicos en la sociedad.

Además, colabora en Sesgo404, una sección del canal de YouTube Sirviendo Código, donde analiza las implicaciones éticas y sociales de la IA para acercar estos temas complejos a una audiencia más amplia.

Almudena Barreiro es cofundadora de Data for Good Madrid, una iniciativa sin ánimo de lucro que ayuda a organizaciones del tercer sector a aprovechar el poder de los datos para generar impacto social. Su trabajo se centra en el uso ético e inclusivo ... Show more

Timothy Terry

Timothy Terry

Timothy Terry is a CPD-certified AI consultant who specializes in making artificial intelligence practical, understandable, and usable for real people—not just technologists. His work focuses on helping businesses, educators, and community organizations move beyond AI theory into real-world application.

Rather than abstract concepts, Timothy demonstrates how AI can be used today to improve workflows, decision-making, productivity, and access—often through live examples, simple frameworks, and real systems he has built.

He is known for translating complex AI topics into clear, actionable insights that empower audiences to confidently engage with emerging technology, regardless of their technical background.

Timothy Terry is a CPD-certified AI consultant who specializes in making artificial intelligence practical, understandable, and usable for real people—not just technologists. His work focuses on helping businesses, educators, and community organizati... Show more

Theo Gonzalves

Theo Gonzalves

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has taught in the United States, Spain, and the Philippines since 1991. His acclaimed book Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects (2023) earned the Smithsonian Secretary’s Research Prize. An accomplished musician and past president of the Association for Asian American Studies, Dr. Gonzalves was appointed to the Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship Program and currently serves on the board of the American Council of Learned Societies.

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has ta... Show more

Abhirup Vijay Gunakar

Abhirup Vijay Gunakar

Abhirup Vijay Gunakar is a Systems Security Researcher at Arizona State University, focused on concurrency, data-race detection, and serverless architectures. He has integrated open source tools like ThreadSanitizer into research on multithreaded code reliability, and has introduced serverless concepts to developer communities. Abhirup is passionate about bridging academic insights with practical solutions that simplify infrastructure and strengthen software security.

Abhirup Vijay Gunakar is a Systems Security Researcher at Arizona State University, focused on concurrency, data-race detection, and serverless architectures. He has integrated open source tools like ThreadSanitizer into research on multithreaded cod... Show more

Trinity Paige Encarnacion

Trinity Paige Encarnacion

Trinity Paige Encarnacion (she/her) is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There, she is also a First-Year Writing Instructor and Ethnic Studies TA. Her creative work can be found in Pinch and Periphery.

Trinity Paige Encarnacion (she/her) is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There, she is also a First-Year Writing Instructor and Ethnic Studies TA. Her creative work can be found... Show more

Benjamyn Lockwood

Benjamyn Lockwood

Benjamyn brings two decades of event leadership to the stage; having orchestrated small and large conferences around the world. Part tech enthusiast, part philosopher, and part comedian, he weaponizes humor and hard-won wisdom to challenge audiences on leadership authenticity, embracing discomfort, and building purpose from life's most non-linear paths.

Benjamyn brings two decades of event leadership to the stage; having orchestrated small and large conferences around the world. Part tech enthusiast, part philosopher, and part comedian, he weaponizes humor and hard-won wisdom to challenge audiences ... Show more

Vanessa Vovor

Vanessa Vovor

I’m Vanessa Vovor, a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator, and Speaker with over a decade of experience supporting NGOs, city networks, international organizations, and development agencies to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

I run a portfolio consultancy at the intersection of climate action, governance and inclusion, partnering with mission-driven organizations across Africa and Europe. My work combines policy expertise, technical knowledge and strategic facilitation — from leading multi-country teams at GIZ and moderating high-level dialogues for the EU, to structuring project pipelines in sustainable energy, waste management, circular economy, and gender equity.

I’m Vanessa Vovor, a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator, and Speaker with over a decade of experience supporting NGOs, city networks, international organizations, and development agencies to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. I... Show more

Nyasha Chikowore

Nyasha Chikowore

Dr. Nyasha Chikowore is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Washington, DC metropolitan area of Zimbabwean descent. She provides individual, family, couples and group therapy for individuals aged 5 and up, along with psychological evaluations to identify neurocognitive and mood concerns. Dr. Nyasha is well-versed in depression, anxiety, academic & work stress, diversity issues and trauma. She is also the author of a children’s book, Giraffe Asks For Help, which promotes help-seeking in children aged 4-8 and an adjunct professor, teaching principles of Black psychology and preparing doctoral students for internship. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore in Applied Psychology, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Nyasha Chikowore is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Washington, DC metropolitan area of Zimbabwean descent. She provides individual, family, couples and group therapy for individuals aged 5 and up, along with psychological evaluations to ... 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

David Chege

David Chege

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-term impact.

With a keen eye for emerging trends, I specialize in identifying opportunities for social sustainability ventures. I bridge gaps between market needs and transformative innovations, and I thrive on fostering collaborations that create business models with lasting social value.

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-t... Show more

Carmen Graciela Diaz

Carmen Graciela Diaz

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

Elie Alhajjar

Elie Alhajjar

Elie Alhajjar, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at RAND, leading projects at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and government. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the United States Military Academy and a Senior Research Scientist at the Army Cyber Institute in West Point, New York. Previously, Alhajjar served as a Research Scientist in the Computing and Communications Theory Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He holds a PhD in applied mathematics from George Mason University.

Elie Alhajjar, PhD, is a Senior Scientist at RAND, leading projects at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and government. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the United States Military Academy and a Senior Research Scientist at the Ar... Show more

Stephane Vandenbussche

Stephane Vandenbussche

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

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

Qishen Sam Liang

Qishen Sam Liang

Qishen Sam Liang
samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/

EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies
Honors: Distinction in Asian American Studies & College of Letters & Science Highest Honors

University of Southern California | August 2023-May 2025
Master of Science, Computer Science (Computer Networks)

University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

RELEVANT RESEARCH & PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Researcher | UCSB Department of Asian American Studies | August 2022-June 2023
Research Project: The Transformation of Asian and Asian American Stereotypes and Representations in the United States

Conducted media content analysis to investigate how dominant narratives about Asians and Asian Americans have been constructed to serve shifting national interests and maintain racial hierarchies.
Analyzed a diverse range of sources, including magazine articles like “How to Tell Japs from the Chinese,” political cartoon “The Honorable Fifth Column,” and COVID-19 anti-Asian news reports.
Argued that while modes of expression evolve, the underlying hegemonic frameworks of stereotype persist, demonstrating the shift from overt to subtle forms of representation in the modern era.
This research, which drew upon frameworks of racial formation and stereotype theory, culminated in a 30 pages paper and a departmental presentation.

Project Manager & Game Developer | University of Southern California | January 2025-May 2025
Project: Area 31: A Horror Maze Game

Led the design and development of a 2D narrative game in C# and Unity, gaining practical experience in the creation of interactive media and player-driven storytelling.
Engineered systems for managing player state and progression, directly informing research into how player agency and interactive systems shape understandings.
Managed the project lifecycle using Agile methodologies, demonstrating leadership in a collaborative, creative-technical environment.

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Research Areas: Asian American Studies, Games, Stereotypes, Computer Networking, Security
Technical Skills: Python, Unity, C#, Git, Data Curation, Data Analysis
Languages: English (Fluent), Mandarin (Fluent), Cantonese (Fluent)

Qishen Sam Liang samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/ EDUCATION University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023 Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies Honors: Distinction in Asian American ... Show more

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to captivate a room.

A longtime Comedian, Film & Television Actor, Writer, and Producer: Mark has honed his craft across multiple entertainment mediums, bringing an unparalleled depth of experience to the stage. A Two-Time Emmy Award Nominee, his talent has been recognized at the highest levels,

Mark is an International Headliner, sharing stages with comedy legends such as Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy, entertaining audiences around the globe.

When you Book Mark For Your Next Event, You Get:

A Skilled Speaker and Natural Storyteller: Armed with a BFA in Theater from USC, earned through a Public Speaking Scholarship, Mark combines academic rigor with his inherent flair for storytelling.

An Experienced Event Emcee: Mark is adept at keeping audiences engaged and events running smoothly, ensuring your occasion is both memorable and timely.

Engaging, Inspiring, and Funny Presentations: His presentations are a perfect blend of humor, inspiration, and audience engagement, leaving lasting impressions on all who attend.

An Expert at Event Alignment: Mark excels at tailoring his presentations to meet your event goals, ensuring your audience receives a message that’s as aligned as it is impactful.

Whether you seek a hilarious anecdote or a moving inspirational story, Mark’s ability to align his presentations with your event’s needs makes him an invaluable addition to any lineup. Book him now to guarantee your event's success!

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to capti... Show more

Ahniyah Perry

Ahniyah Perry

Born and raised in Texas, Ahniyah Perry is a community advocate renowned for her innovative ventures and steadfast commitment to social impact. Embarking on her college academic journey at the age of 15, Ahniyah demonstrated exceptional potential as a leader.

In 2017, she launched an online retail company, achieving remarkable success with a threefold increase in profits. Her entrepreneurial zeal led her to establish numerous startups, further solidifying her reputation for creative business ventures. Ahniyah's philanthropic spirit shone through with the founding of Santa's Helpers, a seasonal initiative offering free, gift-wrapping services to local community members. She currently works as an Aide for the District 6 office of Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, while also pursuing a dual master's degree in Organizational Leader and Business Administration. Her outstanding achievements earned her statewide recognition, highlighting her exceptional entrepreneurial and servant leadership qualities.

Born and raised in Texas, Ahniyah Perry is a community advocate renowned for her innovative ventures and steadfast commitment to social impact. Embarking on her college academic journey at the age of 15, Ahniyah demonstrated exceptional potential as ... Show more

Matt Treadwell

Matt Treadwell

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles.

I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cybersecurity roles building up a portfolio of skills that can help any business soar. My approach is people centred and tailored to your specific needs, so any engagement will always start with a conversation focussed on understanding the challenges you face. Any package of services delivered will then be driven by your unique requirements and based on a detailed risk assessment and analysis of your business needs.

I am a lifelong humanist and support a range of charities focused upon on ethical, rights and equalities issues.

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles. I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cyberse... Show more

Jérôme Nicolas

Jérôme Nicolas

A la fois scientifique de formation dans le domaine de la biologie et serious game designer, j'anime le dialogue sciences & société autour des biotechnologies en utilisant le jeu comme ressource principale pour impliquer les citoyens.

A la fois scientifique de formation dans le domaine de la biologie et serious game designer, j'anime le dialogue sciences & société autour des biotechnologies en utilisant le jeu comme ressource principale pour impliquer les citoyens. Show more

Xin Yao

Xin Yao

Xin Yao is an independent consultant, trainer, and sociotechnical architect based in Copenhagen. She supports organizations across Europe in navigating complex design, architecture and modernization challenges. Her work blends Domain-Driven Design, collaborative modeling, sociotechnical thinking, psychological safety, and conversational leadership.

Drawing on her background as a chief architect and years of facilitating large-scale change, Xin brings a structured yet deeply human approach to connecting business, technology, and teams. She helps organizations integrate relational and conversational practices into architecture, strategy, product design, and cross-team collaboration—enabling better decisions, clearer models, and more joyful teamwork.

Xin regularly teaches and speaks at events such as GOTO, DDD Europe, KanDDDinsky, Explore DDD, OOP, JAX, Øredev, CoMoCamp, FlowCon, and Craft.

Xin Yao is an independent consultant, trainer, and sociotechnical architect based in Copenhagen. She supports organizations across Europe in navigating complex design, architecture and modernization challenges. Her work blends Domain-Driven Design, c... Show more

Madhura Borikar

Madhura Borikar

An Undergraduate B.tech Student, pursuing career in Data Science

An Undergraduate B.tech Student, pursuing career in Data Science Show more

Frank Köhne

Frank Köhne

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

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

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