Humanities & Social Sciences

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

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

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

Michael Allison

Michael Allison

Michael Allison, is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. A globally recognized expert in identity-driven leadership and organizational resilience, Michael transforms adversity into strategic advantage. Over two decades, he has led Marines in combat, managed multi-million-dollar government projects, directed higher-ed programs, and scaled an INC 5000 franchise to successful exit. Michael equips leaders and teams to break internal limitations, guard energy, and thrive under pressure. His signature frameworks—Break The Bottle and Protect The House—blend combat-tested leadership, trauma-informed coaching, and enterprise execution discipline. Michael has delivered transformational keynotes, workshops, and consulting for world-class organizations globally. He empowers professionals to align technical brilliance with human resilience and lead with clarity, creativity, and conviction.

Michael Allison, is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart Veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. A globally recognized expert in identity-driven leadership and organizational resilience, Michael transforms a... 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

Mehdi Mohseni

Mehdi Mohseni

Mehdi is a senior software developer and system architect. Since 2000, he has been responsible for the design, implementation, and development of several different systems in the field of office automation, CRM, healthcare management, and automation in industry and logistics solutions. Mehdi specifically works in the field of software development based on .NET technology. Mehdi is a staunch fan of object-oriented programming. Since 2016, Mehdi has worked more or less with cloud computing systems.

Mehdi is a senior software developer and system architect. Since 2000, he has been responsible for the design, implementation, and development of several different systems in the field of office automation, CRM, healthcare management, and automation... 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

Dr. Samuel Shelton, Ed.D.

Dr. Samuel Shelton, Ed.D.

Dr. Samuel Shelton serves as the Senior Manager of Talent Development at Grady Health System, where he leads the design, development, and delivery of transformative programs in professional and leadership development, career advancement, and orientation for frontline team members and leaders across the organization.

His journey began as a Russian Linguist in the United States Army, where he served in a Military Intelligence Battalion. Following his military service, Dr. Shelton emerged as a dynamic force in corporate learning and development. An educational practitioner at heart, he has brought his passion for teaching to a wide range of institutional constructs—including elementary, secondary, corporate, spiritual, and higher education settings.

Dr. Shelton is also the Founder and CEO of Mountain Moving Motivation, LLC, a motivational speaking company dedicated to elevating organizational conferences, meetings, and events. Through this platform, he delivers powerful inspiration designed to activate purpose, strengthen culture, and ignite performance across diverse audiences.

A transformational speaker and high-spirited motivator, Dr. Shelton is widely known as an “engagement architect.” He brings big energy and inspiration to every stage—setting the tone at large events, rallying crowds to lock in on their purpose, and helping leaders and employees master their current roles while preparing for future opportunities. He believes that learning is not the destination, but the vehicle that propels lifelong learners from where they are today to where they aspire to be tomorrow.

Dr. Samuel Shelton serves as the Senior Manager of Talent Development at Grady Health System, where he leads the design, development, and delivery of transformative programs in professional and leadership development, career advancement, and orientat... Show more

Jessica Doyne

Jessica Doyne

I’m an educator, founder, and strategist building systems that put people back at the center of the work.

My background in education and writing has shaped how I see the world: I notice what’s fragmented, what’s unsaid, and where misaligned systems create burnout for educators, families, and leaders—and invisibility for children.

I’m the founder of BloomBridge, an AI-powered education ecosystem designed to align operations, communication, and support around the whole child. Academic, emotional, and developmental needs shouldn’t live in silos, and neither should the people who serve them.

I believe technology should reduce friction, protect time, and restore humanity to our work—not replace it.

I lead with faith, clarity, and intention, focused on building sustainable systems that adapt to people, not the other way around.

I’m an educator, founder, and strategist building systems that put people back at the center of the work. My background in education and writing has shaped how I see the world: I notice what’s fragmented, what’s unsaid, and where misaligned system... Show more

Eriol Fox

Eriol Fox

Eriol has been working as a designer for 10+ years working in for-profits and then NGO's and open-source software organisations, working on complex problems like sustainable food systems, peace-building and crisis response technology. Eriol now works at Superbloom design, research, open-source and technology projects.

Eriol is a part-time funded PhD researcher at Newcastle University's Open Lab looking at how designers participate in humanitarian and human rights focussed open-source software projects.

They are also part of the core teams at Open Source Design (http://opensourcedesign.net/) and Human Rights Centred Design working group (https://hrcd.pubpub.org/) and Sustain UX & Design working group (https://sustainoss.org/working-groups/design-and-ux/) and help hosts podcast about open source and design (https://sosdesign.sustainoss.org/)

Eriol is a non-binary, queer person who uses they/them pronouns.

Eriol has been working as a designer for 10+ years working in for-profits and then NGO's and open-source software organisations, working on complex problems like sustainable food systems, peace-building and crisis response technology. Eriol now works... Show more

Matthew Pothoff

Matthew Pothoff

Matthew Pothoff is a dedicated individual from Dubuque County, Iowa, whose life is defined by hard work, curiosity, and passion. Growing up, he found joy in sports such as baseball, football, basketball, and tennis, each of which shaped his character and developed his teamwork skills. His appreciation for history and craftsmanship led him to collect military rifles, where his interest in both mechanical design and historical context continues to grow.

Raised in Epworth, Iowa, Matthew attended Western Dubuque High School after spending his early education years in Catholic school. The structured environment taught him values of respect, focus, and perseverance. These formative lessons became the foundation for his professional and personal life. His upbringing in a close-knit community instilled in him an appreciation for tradition, discipline, and the value of self-improvement through hard work.

After high school, he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice at Hawkeye Community College, which deepened his sense of integrity and responsibility. Professionally, he began working in the automotive industry, where he developed hands-on skills and a strong work ethic. Now employed as a paint line laborer in a metal fabrication company, he applies coatings with precision, ensuring each product meets quality standards while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship.

Sports remain an enduring part of his life and identity. Baseball was his first love, one that he played until he turned nineteen. Throughout high school, he stayed active in football, basketball, and tennis, finding motivation and purpose through competition. Matt Pothoff still follows his favorite teams—the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Cavaliers—remaining an enthusiastic supporter of the games he grew up loving.

Beyond athletics, his fascination with firearms and military history reflects his curiosity about the intersection of technology and human innovation. Collecting surplus military rifles allows him to connect with historical eras and craftsmanship from around the world. He takes pride in understanding the function and history behind each piece, exploring the strategies and stories that shaped military development over time.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, camping, and hiking. He values time spent in nature for its balance and clarity, often engaging in deer and turkey hunts. Health and fitness are also priorities for him, as he experiments with new diets and routines to stay active. His lifestyle reflects discipline, passion, and respect for both history and the natural world.

Matthew Pothoff is a dedicated individual from Dubuque County, Iowa, whose life is defined by hard work, curiosity, and passion. Growing up, he found joy in sports such as baseball, football, basketball, and tennis, each of which shaped his character... Show more

Luisa Liesenberg

Luisa Liesenberg

Luisa works at the intersection of leadership, organizational design, and neurodiversity in (tech) companies. She advises founders, tech leaders, and organisations on how to build teams and systems that scale without suppressing the divergent thinking that drives innovation.

Her work focuses on a blind spot many tech organizations share: neurodiversity is widely acknowledged, but rarely translated into leadership and system design. As a neurodivergent leader herself, Luisa combines lived experience with hands-on organizational practice to show where well-intended awareness turns into friction, silos, and burnout.

She is known for challenging neuro-normative assumptions in leadership, meetings, decision-making, and performance models, and for offering practical alternatives that improve collaboration and team effectiveness in complex, high-pressure environments.

Luisa works at the intersection of leadership, organizational design, and neurodiversity in (tech) companies. She advises founders, tech leaders, and organisations on how to build teams and systems that scale without suppressing the divergent thinkin... Show more

Ray'Chel Wilson

Ray'Chel Wilson

Ray’Chel Wilson is a Certified Financial Therapist™ and Certified Financial Education Instructor® who helps first‑generation wealth builders and mission‑driven organizations heal financial trauma and turn it into financial traction. She is the CEO of Raise the Bar Investments and co‑founder of ForOurLastNames.io, a financial technology venture rooted in North Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street.

A former Teach For America high school personal finance teacher, Ray’Chel created what became the internationally selling Black Wealth Freedom workbook series, equipping thousands of readers with practical, values‑aligned money strategies. Her expertise in financial resilience and money mindsets has led to invitations from institutions such as Boston University, Urban Leaders Fellowship, and Impact Tulsa.

Named the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Oklahoma, Ray’Chel blends behavioral economics, lived experience, and trauma‑informed care to close wealth gaps for underinvested communities. Event organizers choose her for sessions that are both grounding and galvanizing—leaving audiences with language for their money story and clear next steps to change it.

Ray’Chel Wilson is a Certified Financial Therapist™ and Certified Financial Education Instructor® who helps first‑generation wealth builders and mission‑driven organizations heal financial trauma and turn it into financial traction. She is the CEO of... Show more

Christina Lekati

Christina Lekati

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH

Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer.
Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability assessments, and more.
She is working with Cyber Risk GmbH as a lead intelligence analyst & social engineer. In addition to her social engineering work, she is conducting Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) assessments to help organizations and high-value individuals identify and manage risks.

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer. Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability... Show more

Art Stewart

Art Stewart

Art’s perspective has been acquired from thirty years of experience across the spectrum of his profession, many of those years living and working in the vibrant innovation community of Boston’s Route 128 tech beltway as well as in Washington, DC. Together with his pioneering clients, who were eager to re-order many of the old paradigms, they navigated through the swings of dramatic change for the U.S. tech world and the global business landscape.

Having been involved in the responsible business movement since its seeding years, Art has originated and/or collaborated on groundbreaking industry research and thought leadership as well as business processes and trainings. His clients have been central players in the business, technology, and nonprofit advancements seen across a wide range of industries.

He has served as a strategist and program developer, advisor-counselor, and implementer to a diverse range of CEOs, senior executives, public and other organization leaders. His C-suite work includes supporting the M&A process, providing guidance during business or industry upheaval, tackling the dramatically changed risk terrain, managing clients’ reputational risk liabilities, and complementing the work of corporate counsel during escalations and legal disputes. As a Board Member, Art is a Founding Director of a groundbreaking AI venture for American veterans.

Art has led a range of organizational development facilitations. As an educator, he researched and developed a multi-level curriculum and content platform on the “New Responsibility Paradigm” – launching the undergraduate edition at Emerson College. He was also one of only five faculty members at Emerson invited to teach a visiting delegation in a summer residency from the Communications University of China. For eight years he held an honorary role as Research Fellow at the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics at Bentley University and has taught graduate students at Northeastern University.

Art writes and speaks on the transformation of business and institutions into agents of change for solving our most significant global challenges. He partnered with the Private Directors Association on a five-part podcast series “ESG Insights”. In Summer 2023, he produced a webinar on private markets ESG in a collaboration with Blank Rome, and recently partnered with the Board Risk Committee on a panel webinar addressing the new risk management and Corporate Impact 2.0. As a blogger for the Corporate Responsibility Association, one of his posts became the fourth most-read in their content program that regularly reached 120K+ business leaders. He was the first author to publish a work on Corporate Social Responsibility in the annual “Journal of Integrated Marketing Communications” (JIMC) for the Medill School, Northwestern University.

Art earned a mid-career Master’s in Policy Management from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, a postgraduate certificate in Senior Executive Leadership also from Georgetown, an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications from Emerson College, and has completed “Dealing with an Angry Public,” with the MIT-Harvard Law School Public Disputes and Negotiation Program.

He is included in various Marquis’ Who’s Who editions, such as Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Media and Communications. Art is ranked as a "Top Thought Leader" in several categories by Thinkers360, including for CSR; Change Management; and Business, Strategy, Management, and Leadership.

Art’s perspective has been acquired from thirty years of experience across the spectrum of his profession, many of those years living and working in the vibrant innovation community of Boston’s Route 128 tech beltway as well as in Washington, DC. Tog... Show more

Emmanuel Vitus

Emmanuel Vitus

Emmanuel Elolo Agbenonwossi is a specialist in artificial intelligence public policy, digital governance and cyber diplomacy, with more than 10 years of experience advising governments, regional organisations and multilateral institutions in Africa and the Global South. He is the architect of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Guinea, developed with the United Nations Development Programme, where he led the national AI ecosystem assessment and structured the strategic vision for 2026–2035. At the regional level, he drafted AI ethical governance guidelines for 7 francophone African countries, supporting the integration of human rights, accountability and public interest safeguards into AI policy frameworks. He regularly serves as a lead expert for institutions including the African Union, ECOWAS, UNECA, ITU, UNESCO, Smart Africa, the Internet Society and ICANN. His work focuses on AI governance, ethics and human rights, data governance, digital sovereignty and the geopolitical implications of algorithmic systems.

Emmanuel Elolo Agbenonwossi is a specialist in artificial intelligence public policy, digital governance and cyber diplomacy, with more than 10 years of experience advising governments, regional organisations and multilateral institutions in Africa a... Show more

Sierra Domb

Sierra Domb

Sierra Domb is a globally recognized speaker, health communicator, medical advocate, and research collaborator who has helped advance education, physician-patient communication, and care for under-recognized neurological and chronic conditions, including Visual Snow Syndrome, Erythromelalgia, autoimmune disorders, and overlooked topics in women’s health and neuroscience. She has created research collaborations, global educational resources, and patient-centered humanitarian programs that promote health literacy, resilience through adversity, and healthcare reform. Drawing on her personal experience living with complex medical conditions, Sierra has transformed challenges into actionable efforts that educate, inspire, and bridge gaps between patients, doctors, and researchers. Her presentations combine personal, professional, and academic expertise with compassion and science, making complex ideas accessible, highlighting the connection between physical and mental health, and providing practical, evidence-based strategies to help audiences better understand and navigate healthcare.

Sierra Domb is a globally recognized speaker, health communicator, medical advocate, and research collaborator who has helped advance education, physician-patient communication, and care for under-recognized neurological and chronic conditions, inclu... Show more

Zakir Mahmud

Zakir Mahmud

Zakir Mahmud was born on August 29, 2005, in the calm village of Titpallah, Jamalpur, Bangladesh. Growing up in a humble family and a peaceful rural setting, he learned from an early age the values of honesty, respect, and perseverance. His parents, Md Rafiqul Islam and Mst. Muslima Begum played an essential role in shaping his personality and outlook on life. His father taught him the importance of commitment and discipline, while his mother’s kindness and patience fostered empathy and thoughtfulness. His siblings have been a steady source of motivation and friendship, helping him stay focused and confident throughout his journey.

He began his education at Light House Lab School and College, where he studied from classes 1 to 5—these years helped him develop a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and a positive attitude toward learning. Later, he joined Police Lines Ideal High School, Tangail, where he continued his studies from classes 6 to 10. His determination and focus on academics earned him a GPA of 4.33 out of 5 in the SSC Examination 2021. He then enrolled at Jamalpur Residential Model College, Jamalpur, where he achieved a GPA of 4.08 out of 5 in the HSC Examination 2023. For him, education represents growth, discipline, and preparation for future responsibilities beyond academic achievement.

Zakir is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the Government. Titumir College, Dhaka. His decision to study sociology reflects his interest in people, communities, and the structures that shape society. He believes this field enables him to understand human behavior and social development, which he hopes to apply to make a positive contribution to his community.

Alongside his academic career, he has also entered the professional world as a Junior SEO Executive at Aan Nahl Software Company. His work focuses on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Digital Marketing, and Online Reputation Management (ORM). His daily responsibilities include conducting keyword research, optimizing content, and building links. Through this role, he has developed analytical skills, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities essential in a fast-evolving digital industry.

Mahmud's ambition is to become a skilled SEO and Digital Marketing professional while remaining connected to social causes, including education, youth empowerment, and digital literacy. Outside of work, he enjoys writing, planning, and playing cricket, activities that help him maintain creativity and balance in life.

The journey of Zakir Mahmud is one of effort, discipline, and continuous growth. From his simple beginnings in Jamalpur to his academic and professional success in Dhaka, Mahmud continues to move forward with dedication and the vision to create meaningful change.

Zakir Mahmud was born on August 29, 2005, in the calm village of Titpallah, Jamalpur, Bangladesh. Growing up in a humble family and a peaceful rural setting, he learned from an early age the values of honesty, respect, and perseverance. His parents, ... 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

Antonieta Herrera

Antonieta Herrera

Antonieta Herrera es la fundadora de ZEAZE, un ecosistema de impacto social y Venture Builder de nueva generación enfocado en construir resiliencia económica y digital para Latinoamérica.

Lidera iniciativas internas pro-bono de Impulso para el acompañamiento estratégico a ONGs dedicadas a derechos humanos y sostenibilidad. Además, crea el currículum para laboratorios de incubación donde los participantes aprenden a construir soluciones (MVPs) para problemas reales de la región. Es también CEO y Arquitecta de Producto de Enhacy, un asistente de marketing inteligente para democratizar la creación de autoridad orgánica para emprendedores.

Como creadora y anfitriona, expande el ecosistema a través de sus dos podcasts: Reimagina Latam, un espacio para visibilizar a los héroes que construyen activamente el futuro de nuestra región; y Reimagina Blueprints, una serie enfocada en analizar y documentar los frameworks de innovación de líderes globales. Su participación activa en comunidades como Voice of Women in Innovation contribuye a fortalecer un ecosistema tecnológico más inclusivo y diverso.

Su misión: es fomentar una cultura de adopción tecnológica que sea ética y consciente para nuestra Región.

Antonieta Herrera es la fundadora de ZEAZE, un ecosistema de impacto social y Venture Builder de nueva generación enfocado en construir resiliencia económica y digital para Latinoamérica. Lidera iniciativas internas pro-bono de Impulso para el aco... 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

Ayobami ⚡

Ayobami ⚡

Ayobami Atolagbe
Founder & Executive Director, BitKwa | Co-Founder & CEO, Demohub

Ayobami Atolagbe is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and growth marketing executive on a mission to empower 10 million Africans through Bitcoin, education, and technology. He is the Founder and Executive Director of BitKwa, a nonprofit organization driving Bitcoin education, adoption, and circular economy initiatives across Africa. Through BitKwa, Ayobami has educated over 10,000 individuals and empowered grassroots movements via merchant onboarding programs, community workshops, and strategic partnerships that advance financial inclusion.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Demohub, an AI-powered EdTech platform making globally relevant digital skills accessible to African youth. Ayobami’s leadership bridges education, innovation, and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

Ayobami previously served as Head of Growth at Paycrest (San Francisco), helping build fintech products for the Global South, and held key roles at Paxful and NoOnes, where he expanded Bitcoin’s reach across Africa through ambassador programs, market expansion strategies, and community-driven campaigns. He also volunteered with Built With Bitcoin to support the construction of a school in Kaduna, Nigeria, demonstrating Bitcoin’s real-world impact on education and community development.

Personal Philosophy: Always Thrive Towards Greatness

Ayobami Atolagbe Founder & Executive Director, BitKwa | Co-Founder & CEO, Demohub Ayobami Atolagbe is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and growth marketing executive on a mission to empower 10 million Africans through Bitcoin, education, and t... Show more

Thomas Gebert

Thomas Gebert

Thomas Gebert is an adjunct lecturer at CUNY CityTech, a PhD student at the University of York, and a software engineer whose career has included companies such as Jet.com, Apple, Walmart Global Tech, and Reddit.

In addition to a bunch of technical tomfoolery, Thomas also enjoys watching cartoons, playing with professional audio equipment, and trying out various recipes for pizza.

Thomas Gebert is an adjunct lecturer at CUNY CityTech, a PhD student at the University of York, and a software engineer whose career has included companies such as Jet.com, Apple, Walmart Global Tech, and Reddit. In addition to a bunch of technic... Show more

Tom Ridge

Tom Ridge

Tom Ridge is a father of 4, an engineer, and long time remote worker and leader.

When he does find a scrap of time, he's known to run a D&D game or three.

Tom Ridge is a father of 4, an engineer, and long time remote worker and leader. When he does find a scrap of time, he's known to run a D&D game or three. Show more

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has dedicated her career to shedding light on critical social issues and promoting transparency in Africa.

Mercy's work extends beyond traditional reporting. She is well-versed in utilising Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to gather and analyse digital information, adding a new dimension to her investigative reports. Her expertise in OSINT has garnered attention and recognition within the industry, and she is often sought after for her insights on leveraging digital tools and technologies in investigative journalism.

Passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others, Mercy frequently conducts workshops and training sessions on investigative journalism, OSINT, and ethical reporting practises. She believes in nurturing the next generation of investigative journalists and equipping them with the skills necessary to make a significant impact.

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has ... Show more

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