Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Paulien Rouwendaal

Paulien Rouwendaal

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the biggest growth doesn’t happen when you wait until you’re 100% ready.

It happens when you step into opportunities and figure it out along the way.

That’s exactly how I created my own AI role within my organization.

In my talks, I focus on how to take ownership when things aren’t fully clear yet, whether in AI adoption or in your own career.

My sessions are practical, honest, and focused on action over theory.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that the biggest growth doesn’t happen when you wait until you’re 100% ready. It happens when you step into opportunities and figure it out along the way. That’s exactly how I created my own AI role within... Show more

Eileen Fürstenau

Eileen Fürstenau

During my studies I discovered my enthusiasm for technology, innovation and programming. After a few years in larger corporations such as Continental and IBM, I moved to the IT service provider MaibornWolff. Today, I work there as a software engineer in agile teams designing various digital products.

https://www.eileen-fuerstenau.com

During my studies I discovered my enthusiasm for technology, innovation and programming. After a few years in larger corporations such as Continental and IBM, I moved to the IT service provider MaibornWolff. Today, I work there as a software engineer... Show more

Alan Yeh

Alan Yeh

Alan Yeh is a PhD candidate in French at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in refugitude aesthetics, memory, and food in 20th- and 21st-century French and francophone literature. Foregrounding refugee experiences and epistemologies, his dissertation combines archival research and oral histories with close readings of culinary encounters and tensions in diasporic Vietnamese literature in order to uncover transdiasporic approaches to care through feeding.

Alan Yeh is a PhD candidate in French at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in refugitude aesthetics, memory, and food in 20th- and 21st-century French and francophone literature. Foregrounding refugee experiences and epistemologies... Show more

Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel

Meet Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fathers and families through support, education, and advocacy.

With over two decades of service, Samuel has established himself as a licensed substance abuse counselor, Certified Lactation Education Counselor, author, court-appointed gang culture expert, motivational speaker, and community advocate. He is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations—Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization (MOJO) and Distinguished Outreach Services—both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Merced County residents with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, prevention, and fatherhood initiatives.

Samuel’s work extends beyond titles. He is widely recognized for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often using his own experiences to inspire others. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the struggles many in his community face today. His story of resilience fuels his mission: to help individuals break cycles of hardship and to create pathways toward healthier families and stronger communities.

Outside of his professional and nonprofit leadership, Samuel has lived a dynamic and inspiring life. He is a former MMA coach and fighter, a recording artist with seven albums, and a five-time competitive BBQ rib champion. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in discipline, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fully.

His passion and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including Safeway’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognition as Hispanic Man of the Year by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber, and formal accommodations from both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also the profound impact he continues to make on families, youth, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Samuel remains committed to expanding his work in advocacy, mentorship, and fatherhood education. His vision is to see every father equipped with the tools to lead with love, responsibility, and purpose—because stronger fathers create stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities.

Samuel often shares this guiding belief:

“You can spend a lifetime looking for your purpose, but when you find your passion, you begin to live.”

Meet Samuel Rangel Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fa... Show more

Yashvardhan Rathi

Yashvardhan Rathi

Pursuing a PhD at University of the Cumberlands with a focus on Data Engineering, data security & cloud computing. A certified Mountaineer and a FIDE rated Chess player.

Pursuing a PhD at University of the Cumberlands with a focus on Data Engineering, data security & cloud computing. A certified Mountaineer and a FIDE rated Chess player. Show more

Amadou Sall Gueye

Amadou Sall Gueye

I am a Computer Engineering student and a member of the marketing team at LYCS. In this role, I am actively engaging with the world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), specifically technologies like Salesforce and Marketing Cloud, by blending both consulting and development expertise.

I concurrently pursue a profound interest in personal development and coaching, which I channel into content creation as a medium for artistic expression, creative freedom, and the exploration of core human themes, including motivation, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

I characterize myself as a developing full-stack engineer who places significant emphasis on the balance between hard and soft skills. My inspiration is drawn from a diverse set of sources, ranging from Quranic studies and spirituality to physical activity (swimming, running, calisthenics), design (photo and video editing), and e-sports (valorizing strategy, teamwork, and responsiveness).

My primary objective is to disseminate accessible, practical, and inspiring insights aimed at helping individuals progress, grow, and effectively define their niche within the technology ecosystem and broader professional landscape.

I am a Computer Engineering student and a member of the marketing team at LYCS. In this role, I am actively engaging with the world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), specifically technologies like Salesforce and Marketing Cloud, by blending ... Show more

Laurent Sarrazin

Laurent Sarrazin

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help people achieve financial, social and professional autonomy, using the best practices of agile culture, enhanced by our dialogic signature. On our agenda: employability, social & eco-responsabile agile micro-entrepreneurship, development of essential 21st century skills (critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, leadership, resilience... and AI). www.awnb.org.

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help ... Show more

Lana Lesik

Lana Lesik

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a software architect with a background in full-stack engineering - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond code, I’m dedicated to accompanying organizations through their digital and cultural transformations.
Passionate about DX and designing solutions that empower users and adapt to diverse environments.

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a software architect with a background in full-stack engineering - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond... Show more

Hannah Köpper

Hannah Köpper

Hannah Köpper (M.A.) leitet das Digitalisierungsteam im Studiendekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Freiburg. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Team ist sie Ansprechpartnerin zu verschiedensten Fragen und Themen rund um digitale Lehre und innovative Lehrformate. Zu Hannahs Arbeitsschwerpunkten gehören Digitale Kompetenzen und AI Literacy, XR und das Lernmanagementsystem ILIAS.

Hannah Köpper (M.A.) leitet das Digitalisierungsteam im Studiendekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Freiburg. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Team ist sie Ansprechpartnerin zu verschiedensten Fragen und Themen rund um digitale Lehre und innovative ... Show more

Michael Braun

Michael Braun

56 - verheiratet - 3 erwachsene Kinder - natur und insbesondere Berge verbunden.
mehr als 25 Jahre Erfahrung im Bereich PeopleDevelopment und PeopleManagement (angestellt und selbstständig)
14 Jahre Geschäftsführer bei :verteko Unternehmen für systematische Personalentwicklung
6 Jahre Führungskraft Deutsche Telekom IT
Seit Anfang des Jahres unterstütze ich als CPO (Chief Passion Officer) der Passioneers GmbH mit all meiner Leidenschaft unsere Kunden neue, menschenzentrierte und nachhaltige Wege in der Unternehmensentwicklung zu gehen.

56 - verheiratet - 3 erwachsene Kinder - natur und insbesondere Berge verbunden. mehr als 25 Jahre Erfahrung im Bereich PeopleDevelopment und PeopleManagement (angestellt und selbstständig) 14 Jahre Geschäftsführer bei :verteko Unternehmen für syst... Show more

Anaïs Chanclu

Anaïs Chanclu

I love teaching machines to understand language.
I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences.
I also enjoy making music and playing board games.
I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who.
I don’t always look up, but when I do, it’s to admire the stars.

I love teaching machines to understand language. I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences. I also enjoy making music and playing board games. I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who. I don’t a... Show more

Matty Stevenson

Matty Stevenson

Matty Stevenson is the Founder & Lead Facilitator of Conscious Ground, where he works to heal division and loneliness by fostering authentic connection, conscious leadership, and solidarity for action. With over a decade of group facilitation experience and 20 years exploring how people work together in corporate environments, Matty creates transformative experiences that help people communicate and collaborate across differences, reclaim their shared humanity, and take collective action toward a world where everyone can thrive.

Matty's work is grounded in the belief that we have more in common than we have differences, and that the systems keeping us divided and polarized can be overcome when we show up authentically, take radical responsibility, and practice solidarity as a living commitment. His sessions blend practical communication frameworks, conscious leadership practices, and community-building strategies that participants can immediately apply to their relationships, teams, and organizations.

As a Sr. Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and 2x AWS re:Invent speaker, Matty brings unique perspective on navigating technological transformation, particularly AI's impact on work, connection, and leadership. He helps audiences understand not just what's changing, but how to lead consciously through rapid change while maintaining our humanity and strengthening our bonds.

Based in Ventura, California, Matty's facilitation style emphasizes experimentation, curiosity, and creating spaces where difficult conversations lead to breakthrough moments. Whether working with corporate teams, community groups, or public audiences, he inspires people to remember their power to create change and make a meaningful difference in the world.

For conference organizers: Looking to bring some inspiration to your next event? Matty's sessions spark genuine connection among participants, inspire creative thinking about challenges they're facing, and leave people feeling energized and empowered to take action. If you're looking for a speaker who will help your audience feel a sense of belonging, experience moments of "wow," and leave ecstatic they attended, Matty brings the perfect blend of substance, heart, and practical tools to make that happen.

Matty Stevenson is the Founder & Lead Facilitator of Conscious Ground, where he works to heal division and loneliness by fostering authentic connection, conscious leadership, and solidarity for action. With over a decade of group facilitation experie... Show more

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning.

Dr. Jennifer Elemen is an award-winning education leader, writer and speaker who designs and facilitates professional learning. Show more

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, her work focuses on the power skills that drive professional success: communication, leadership presence, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Dawn serves as an Associate Teaching Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and First Year Seminar Coordinator at Penn State Berks, where she leads curriculum innovation, faculty collaboration, and student success initiatives across programs.

Dawn is also the founder of DSPR Consulting, where she advises organizations and leaders on communication strategy, leadership development, and learning systems.

Known for translating research into practical tools, Dawn's sessions combine storytelling, frameworks, and real world application. She regularly speaks on communication for career readiness, leadership development, mentoring, and the role of communication in professional mobility.

Her work sits at the intersection of education, leadership, and workforce development, helping students, professionals, and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, h... Show more

Jasmine Evans

Jasmine Evans

Practical speaker who uses professional and life experience to motivate and prepare others to take the next steps in their careers and vocations.

Practical speaker who uses professional and life experience to motivate and prepare others to take the next steps in their careers and vocations. Show more

David Leslie

David Leslie

David Leslie is a Lead Software Engineer in Test at Flight Safety International with a testing career that stretches back to the age of the CompuServe CD-ROM. He's navigated QA challenges across mobile apps and middleware systems at companies ranging from AOL, OCLC and Express to early-stage startups, picking up a PMP certification and plenty of testing horror stories along the way. When he's not testing software, he flies drones (FAA Part 107 certified), serves as an Aerospace Education Officer with the U.S. Civil Air Patrol, and studies the intersection of technology and education at the University of Alabama's New College LifeTrack.

David Leslie is a Lead Software Engineer in Test at Flight Safety International with a testing career that stretches back to the age of the CompuServe CD-ROM. He's navigated QA challenges across mobile apps and middleware systems at companies ranging... Show more

Sharron Tendai

Sharron Tendai

In addition to her role as a Program Manager and Contracting Officer Representative at a federal agency, Sharron Tendai is the founder of Get Her to the B.A.G. and Her Big Bag Consulting, where she empowers women of color entrepreneurs to secure the funding necessary to realize their business dreams. With over 20 years of experience combined as a grant writer, reviewer (at the federal level) and consultant, Sharron is deeply committed to advancing the economic success of Black women, offering expertise in both grant writing and securing funding for nonprofit and for-profit entities. She has also shared her knowledge by teaching grant writing and conducting workshops, including her 'BAG Big Grants' workshop presented at local, national and global conferences.

Sharron’s work with Get Her to the B.A.G., a community-driven initiative that curates wealth-building and wellness experiences for women and youth in Washington, DC. With nearly $50,000 in grant funding secured from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the nonprofit Let's Choose Love, the project has successfully implemented five transformative events—four in-person and one virtual—benefiting over 100 participants from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Partnering with the *Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center* (CHACC), a nonprofit focused on exposing and educating local communities on arts and cultural opportunities in Wards 7 and 8, Sharron has used these events to uplift marginalized communities. Get Her to the B.A.G. has been acknowledged by the Mayor of Washington, DC, Hon. Mayor Bowser via a letter of Ceremonial Greetings. Sharron Tendai also received an award from Beautiful I Am, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering and inspiring women and girls, for her extensive community contributions and good works.

As the CEO and Principal Consultant of Her Big Bag Consulting, LLC, Sharron brings her expertise in business strategy, grant writing, and digital resources to women of color entrepreneurs, creators, and social impact leaders. Her consulting firm provides tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of her clients, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women in the business world. Under her leadership, Her Big Bag has become a vital partner for women-owned businesses, providing the tools necessary for long-term success.

In addition to her role as a Program Manager and Contracting Officer Representative at a federal agency, Sharron Tendai is the founder of Get Her to the B.A.G. and Her Big Bag Consulting, where she empowers women of color entrepreneurs to secure the ... Show more

Emmanuel Hervé

Emmanuel Hervé

Coach professionnel, j’accompagne depuis plus de 15 ans managers, équipes et organisations à franchir des caps, en gardant l’humain et le vivant au cœur de l’action.

Mon approche s’appuie sur l’agilité, le coaching intégral et une inspiration tirée de la culture chinoise : écouter les cycles, cultiver l’équilibre, avancer avec justesse. J’aide les collectifs à retrouver du sens, à renforcer leur cohésion et à évoluer dans un environnement en mouvement.

J’installe des espaces de confiance, où chacun peut questionner ses repères et s’aligner avec ses aspirations.

J’allie écoute, transmission d’outils concrets et attention à ce qui fait vivre l’équipe, pour révéler le potentiel collectif.

J’accompagne les leaders à incarner une posture authentique, ancrée dans la réalité et attentive à l’équilibre humain.

Osez avancer autrement : mon accompagnement est une invitation à expérimenter, à progresser et à faire grandir le collectif, en lien avec le vivant.

Coach professionnel, j’accompagne depuis plus de 15 ans managers, équipes et organisations à franchir des caps, en gardant l’humain et le vivant au cœur de l’action. Mon approche s’appuie sur l’agilité, le coaching intégral et une inspiration tiré... Show more

Alekhya Koppineni

Alekhya Koppineni

Alekhya Koppineni is a Data Scientist at Red Hat working at the intersection of machine learning, generative AI, and open-source platforms. Focuses on building and evaluating practical ML systems, with hands-on experience in PyTorch-based workflows and real-world model experimentation. Passionate about making complex ML concepts accessible and sharing lessons learned from applied AI projects.

Alekhya Koppineni is a Data Scientist at Red Hat working at the intersection of machine learning, generative AI, and open-source platforms. Focuses on building and evaluating practical ML systems, with hands-on experience in PyTorch-based workflows a... Show more

Tuyen Nguyen

Tuyen Nguyen

Tuyen Nguyen is a leadership speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Nguyen Impact whose life story embodies resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven leadership.

A first-generation immigrant and former refugee from Vietnam, Tuyen arrived in the United States with her family after fleeing war. She went on to build a successful corporate career, holding Top Secret security clearance as an investigator with USIS before serving in executive human resources leadership roles, including Director of HR and Diversity Engagement Leader.

Today, Tuyen uses her story and leadership experience to help individuals and teams transform adversity into momentum. Through powerful storytelling and practical strategies, she speaks on resilience, leadership, and navigating identity in professional spaces.

Trusted by organizations including Girls Inc., United Way, and business communities across Central Massachusetts, her high-energy keynotes and immersive workshops inspire audiences to own their story, unlock their strength, and rise into their next chapter.

Tuyen Nguyen is a leadership speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Nguyen Impact whose life story embodies resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven leadership. A first-generation immigrant and former refugee from Vietnam, Tuyen arrived in the U... Show more

Adejoke Adekunle

Adejoke Adekunle

Adejoke (JK) has spent the last decade working at the intersection of technology, talent, and organisational change across African and global markets.
In 2018, she founded The African Tech Woman, a platform amplifying visibility for women in tech through storytelling, mentorship, and direct hiring support. The platform built a community for overlooked technical talent across the African continent and helped accelerate their careers globally.
At Abby, she works hands-on with organisations to design and deploy AI-enabled solutions that deliver real-world outcomes.
Through Function(), her AI community, she brings together builders, operators, and leaders for more grounded conversations about AI. JK is an aerialist and enjoys exploring hiking trails.

Adejoke (JK) has spent the last decade working at the intersection of technology, talent, and organisational change across African and global markets. In 2018, she founded The African Tech Woman, a platform amplifying visibility for women in tech th... Show more

Bowen Gillings

Bowen Gillings

Bowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers through media engagement and by leading workshops on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing. He holds a Master of Education, five martial arts black belt certifications, and is an Army veteran. Travel enthusiast, lover of the outdoors, and habitual volunteer, Bowen’s secret joys include quiet moments by the fireplace and cooking big meals for family and friends.

Bowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers t... 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

Erin Sydney Welsh

Erin Sydney Welsh

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce enforcement matters, and family offenses. She handles both trial and appellate matters and has developed particular experience in parental alienation cases. After completing law school in 2024, she passed the New York bar exam and was admitted to practice by the Appellate Division: Fourth Department, in January 2025.

In her daily work, Erin represents individuals and families facing legal disputes that often carry emotional and financial impact. Matrimonial and family law requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of both statutory and case law. Her involvement in trial proceedings allows her to present evidence and arguments before the court, while her appellate experience focuses on reviewing legal errors and drafting persuasive briefs. Through this combination, she works to ensure that her clients’ positions are clearly and effectively presented at every stage of litigation.

Attorney Erin Welsh, Buffalo, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Middle East Studies from Syracuse University. She attended on a full-tuition merit scholarship through the Coronat Scholar Program, which supports students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving others. During her undergraduate years, she was also selected as a Remembrance Scholar, one of the institution’s highest honors recognizing academic excellence and community involvement. In addition, she completed the Renee Crown University Honors Program, which emphasizes interdisciplinary study, communication, and civic engagement.

After graduating from Syracuse University, she continued her academic work at Trinity College Dublin, earning a Master of Philosophy in Sociology with first-class honors. While pursuing her graduate degree, she authored and published a peer-reviewed article titled “Assessing Microfinance as a Means of Socioeconomic Empowerment for Vulnerable Women in Jordan.” Her research examined how financial programs can influence economic stability and opportunity for women in underserved communities. This work reflected her broader interest in how legal and social structures affect access to resources and individual advancement.

Erin then attended the University at Buffalo School of Law to complete her legal education. During law school, she served on the Buffalo Law Review, contributing to the editing and publication of scholarly legal articles. She received the Robert J. Connelly Trial Technique Award in recognition of her courtroom performance and practical advocacy skills. She was also named a James Kent Scholar and served as a Property Fellow, assisting with academic instruction in foundational legal subjects.

Her practical training included internships at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and in the Attorneys for Children Unit at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo. These experiences provided exposure to both prosecution work and child advocacy within the legal system. Erin Welsh also participated as a New York State Bar Association Family Law Section Fellow, further strengthening her focus on family law practice.

Outside her professional responsibilities, Erin Sydney Welsh, Buffalo, volunteers as a judge for mock trials and moot court competitions. Born and raised in Western New York, she resides in Williamsville with her spouse. In addition to her work as an Attorney, she is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who continues to write and perform music.

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements... 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

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

Daisy Atieno Omondi

Daisy Atieno Omondi

Daisy Omondi is an business data science specialist with a healthcare background who works on real-world AI systems where data quality, assumptions, and design choices directly affect human outcomes.

Ms. Omondi speaks about building and evaluating AI systems in high-stakes contexts, translating responsible AI principles into concrete design decisions, and bridging the gap between data science theory and real-world deployment. Her sessions are aimed at data scientists, engineers, and technical decision-makers working on applied AI systems.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Omondi worked in healthcare as a nurse, an experience that shaped her perspective on ethics, accountability, and the real-world consequences of decisions made under uncertainty. Having lived and worked across different systems in Africa and Europe, she brings a global lens to how data-driven technologies include or exclude different communities.

Ms. Omondi has presented academic work at international forums and regularly writes about technology, data, and social impact. Her work focuses on how data quality, assumptions, and system design choices shape outcomes in real-world AI deployments, with a particular interest in transparency, accountability, and trust.

Daisy Omondi is an business data science specialist with a healthcare background who works on real-world AI systems where data quality, assumptions, and design choices directly affect human outcomes. Ms. Omondi speaks about building and evaluating... 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

Chung Park

Chung Park

Chung Park is an artist and educator with an MFA in Art from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. He is currently a PhD student at the Institute of Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. His artwork and research explore the performance of food rituals and diasporic culinary practices as spaces of creativity, worldmaking, and memory within the Asian diaspora.

He is a graduate fellow at the Centre for Asian Canadian Research & Engagement (ACRE) at the University of British Columbia and is a volunteer member of GYOPO, a coalition of diasporic Korean artists, curators, writers, cultural producers, and art professionals based in Los Angeles.

Chung Park is an artist and educator with an MFA in Art from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. He is currently a PhD student at the Institute of Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. His... Show more

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