Laurens is a technology and innovation enthusiast with an academic background in humanities. He is passionate about linguistics, effective communication, and fostering collaboration to drive business value. Laurens aims to combine these competences to get the right people in the same room to work together and create innovative solutions.

As Product Owner of the EKS and AKS platforms at NN Group, a leading Dutch financial enterprise, Laurens leads a team focused on platform engineering. The team's goal is to deliver more than just a container runtime, as they are building a standardized platform for building platforms. Their mission is to deliver a universal and extensible cloud-native API in order to improve the developer experience on the platform.

Laurens is a technology and innovation enthusiast with an academic background in humanities. He is passionate about linguistics, effective communication, and fostering collaboration to drive business value. Laurens aims to combine these competences t... Show more

Maria Papacosta is a leading expert and researcher on Presence and Inspired Leadership and an acclaimed personal branding strategist. Her practical, high-energy talks and workshops provide tangible results that help people design a better version of themselves and excel in their work and life. Maria is the co-founder of MSC Marketing Bureau. Her branding strategies have helped some of the leading thinkers of our time to spread their messages and make an impact.

Maria holds a Specialization degree in Inspired Leadership from Case Western Reserve University in the US, an MSc in Strategic Marketing from Aston University in the UK and a BSc in Social Policy and Marketing from London Metropolitan University in the UK.

She is a Certified Visionary Leadership Coach (OKVLC), an NLP Associate Practitioner, and a certified Practitioner of the Global Leadership Assessment (GLA360 Assessment).

Maria is a TED and TEDx Speaker Coach & Curator and has delivered keynotes in Universities and Fortune500 companies around the world.

In 2021, 2022 and 2023 Maria’s Fast Track Strategy Workshop was ranked as #2 of the World’s Best Brand Development Programs by Global Gurus. Maria has been recognized in the Top100 Global Inspirational Leaders by PeopleHum (2021), Top50 Emerging Leaders by LeadersHum (2022), Top10 Global Thought Leaders in Personal Branding by Thinkers360, was a finalist for the 2021 Global Women in Leadership Award by She Inspires in the UK, and was awarded the 2022 CREA Global Award - a prestigious list of top entrepreneurs and thought-leaders who have used their initiative and creative vision to become true game-changers. Maria is also a LinkedIn Top Voice in Leadership Development.

Maria Papacosta is a leading expert and researcher on Presence and Inspired Leadership and an acclaimed personal branding strategist. Her practical, high-energy talks and workshops provide tangible results that help people design a better version of ... Show more

I'm Selam and I'm currently a software engineer at Apella. I've always been fascinated by technology and its potential to make our lives better and more equitable. As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), I'm committed to making tech a come inclusive place for everyone.

I'm passionate about computer ethics and ensuring that technology is developed and used in ethical and responsible ways. I believe that technology can be a powerful force for good, but only if we approach it with a thoughtful and ethical mindset.

When I'm not working, you can usually find me reading, out for a run, or at a museum. I also love to connect with other tech professionals who share my passion for DEI, accessibility, and computer ethics.

I'm Selam and I'm currently a software engineer at Apella. I've always been fascinated by technology and its potential to make our lives better and more equitable. As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), I'm committed to making tec... Show more

Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Reverend, Dr. Pamela Adams is the Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Delaware State University. A true Southern Belle at heart, she stands on the values of faith, family, friendship and fried chicken! She served proudly in the United States Air Force for 9 1⁄2 years, while simultaneously matriculating through Seminary and obtaining undergraduate, graduate and terminal degrees in Theology. An expert in the arena of spiritual rehabilitation with over 15 years of experience, she has received training in Clinical Pastoral Education and Family Advocacy at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as certification in Christian Counseling through the National Christian Counselors Association of Sarasota, Florida. Chaplain Pam also serves as Spiritual Advisor at the Maryland Center for Addiction Treatment. In this role, she oversees the spiritual aspect of treatment through group and individual sessions, weekly non- denominational worship services, and community engagement. She is also the Owner and Principal Facilitator for Faithful & Favored, Inc., a multi-platform lifestyle management firm providing spiritual and emotional maintenance. She has a great listening ear and is available to assist individuals and families on their spiritual and emotional journeys.

Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Reverend, Dr. Pamela Adams is the Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Delaware State University. A true Southern Belle at heart, she stands on the values of faith, family, friendship an... Show more

Studied Software Engineering at the
Vienna University of Technology.

Worked as tutor and later as assistant lecturer on courses like
"Software Engineering and Project Management” and
“Quality Software Engineering”.

For the last years he has been
working as Backend Chapter lead
and Architect for Erste Group
creating one of Europe’s leading
online banking solutions named George.

Studied Software Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology. Worked as tutor and later as assistant lecturer on courses like "Software Engineering and Project Management” and “Quality Software Engineering”. For the last years he has ... Show more

I am an African South Paw with a track record of resilience and value creation. I am passionate about building continuous improvement practices to efficiency, resilience and purpose alignment in an ever-dynamic world. My greatest areas of strength are active listening, detail orientation and knowledge decomposition. I remain open to oppotunities of value creation and impact via public speaking via a vast spectrum of issues corroborating personal and professional growth.

I am an African South Paw with a track record of resilience and value creation. I am passionate about building continuous improvement practices to efficiency, resilience and purpose alignment in an ever-dynamic world. My greatest areas of strength a... Show more

Dezaree' Lusk is originally from Dallas, Texas. She received her Cosmetologist license from Duncanville High School in 2011. Dezaree' received her Bachelor's of Social Work Degree from Prairie View A & M University in December of 2014, and her Master's of Social Work Degree from the University of Houston in May of 2016. Dezaree' is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialty in Health & Behavioral Health. Her experience includes being a Director at the second largest psychiatric hospital in Houston, Texas. With Divine Beauty Bar, Dezaree has combined her love for Cosmetology and Social Work by helping individuals experiencing hair loss (Alopecia). Divine Beauty Bar is widely known for their Wigs for Veterans at no cost initiative! Dezaree' has taken this initiative further by leaving the Corporate world and becoming a full-time, licensed Cosmetology School Owner of Divine Beauty Bar & Hair Loss Institute. Programs include Cranial Prosthesis Curriculum teaching others how to accept Insurance and Veteran Benefits, Permanent Makeup, a full Cosmetology Program and much more!

Dezaree' Lusk is originally from Dallas, Texas. She received her Cosmetologist license from Duncanville High School in 2011. Dezaree' received her Bachelor's of Social Work Degree from Prairie View A & M University in December of 2014, and her Master... Show more

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through primatology (yes! monkeys).
The scientific approach has greatly benefited my partnering with tech leads, allowing me to collaborate with them in understanding their team's behavior from the roots of our humanity, avoiding clichés and abstract theories.

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through prima... Show more

Administrador de Empresas, con Postgrado en Business Agility & Digital Transformation Management en Centrum PUCP y con Especialización en Gestión de Personas.

04 acompañando, trabajando y guiando a las personas hacia la Agilidad, operando como agente de cambio y colaborando en levantar impedimentos para la Transformación Cultural & Organizacional. Mi experiencia abarca sectores de Banca y Finanzas, Seguros y Retail, en países como Perú, México y Puerto Rico.

Administrador de Empresas, con Postgrado en Business Agility & Digital Transformation Management en Centrum PUCP y con Especialización en Gestión de Personas. 04 acompañando, trabajando y guiando a las personas hacia la Agilidad, operando como ag... Show more

Científico Forense con un enfoque especial en investigación, análisis de datos y seguridad de la información. He demostrado de manera consistente mi compromiso con el avance de la ciencia impartiendo platicas y talleres de manera accesible.
Destacando mis participaciones en eventos organizados por la Universidad de Guadalajara.

Tengo una iniciativa llamada Mictlan Forensic, la cual consiste a llevar platicas científicas dadas por expertos a puntos inusuales como lo son bares y parques.

Científico Forense con un enfoque especial en investigación, análisis de datos y seguridad de la información. He demostrado de manera consistente mi compromiso con el avance de la ciencia impartiendo platicas y talleres de manera accesible. Destacan... Show more

Hippie used to ride around to tech conferences in a 1979 avocado green Westfalia camper bus with a sign that read “Security Consulting 5 cents”. Ended up buying a farm and founding a community focused consulting ii.coop. His team executed strategic initiatives for the Linux Foundation / Cloud Native Compute Foundation for nearly 10 years. This included the standardisation of the cloud globally in the form of the Certified Kubernetes program, Cloud Native Credits, and much infrastructure and automation to support 150+ open source projects.
He now lives in Boulder Colorado with his wife and two tween age boys, taking a brief break before deciding what open source adventures to tackle next.

Hippie used to ride around to tech conferences in a 1979 avocado green Westfalia camper bus with a sign that read “Security Consulting 5 cents”. Ended up buying a farm and founding a community focused consulting ii.coop. His team executed strategic ... Show more

Matt Biewener has been working with Drupal since version 6, was an Acquia Triple-Certified Drupal Expert, and has been developing web-based solutions to both operational challenges and client-facing programmatic needs for 15+ years. He has an MPH in maternal and child health, and has leveraged technology to modernize and amplify the reach, quality, and impact of services across public health domains. At Abt Global, Matt is a senior application developer responsible for Drupal DevSecOps and code.

Matt Biewener has been working with Drupal since version 6, was an Acquia Triple-Certified Drupal Expert, and has been developing web-based solutions to both operational challenges and client-facing programmatic needs for 15+ years. He has an MPH in ... Show more

IEEE and Gartner keynote speaker, Renata Loureiro Frade is a PhD Candidate in Information and Communication in Digital Platforms at the University of Aveiro and University of Porto, Portugal. Her research focuses on women in technology communities, digital storytelling, and technofeminism.
Frade has over 20 years of experience as a hybrid professional combining academic research, multiplatform content strategy and production, innovative projects, consulting, and digital ethnography. She is passionate about empowering women to work and become entrepreneurs in IT and STEAM fields, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Attendee in Futures of Entertainment transmedia conference with Dr. Henry Jenkins in MIT MediaLab (2012) and Future of Media conference in Stanford Graduate School of Business at the Stanford University (2016). Artificial Intelligence researcher at the Cátedra Oscar Sala at the University of São Paulo.

As an accomplished author and researcher, Renata Frade has published numerous academic papers and articles on topics related to women in technology, digital storytelling, and technological feminism. She co-edited the book "Technofeminism: Multi and Transdisciplinary Contemporary Views of Women in Technology" (2023) and has presented her research at international conferences.

Frade's work has been recognized with several awards and scholarships, including the Santander Coders 2023 award and a Research Scholarship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for her doctoral studies.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Renata Frade is an active science communicator, frequently contributing articles to media outlets (Digitalks PT, Sapo, Público, Mídia Ninja etc) and speaking at industry events on topics related to women in technology, digital innovation, and transmedia storytelling. She has also led several impactful projects, such as Punch! for Writers, Menino da Terra book app and LitGrilsBr, including developing educational platforms and organizing academic conferences.

Her commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation is evident in her pursuit of UX Design Fundamentals specialization from the California Institute of Arts and UX/UI and Interface Design at the University of São Paulo. She's been invited to interviews to digital influencers and press-media such as Público Portuguese newspaper.

Frade holds a Master's degree in Literature from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a Bachelor's degree in Social Communication (Journalism) from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Her interdisciplinary background uniquely positions her at the intersection of technology, communication, and social impact.

IEEE and Gartner keynote speaker, Renata Loureiro Frade is a PhD Candidate in Information and Communication in Digital Platforms at the University of Aveiro and University of Porto, Portugal. Her research focuses on women in technology communities, d... Show more

Paul is a Computer Science graduate from the University of Jos and holds global certifications as a trainer from both Microsoft and Google. He is also certified in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity by IBM, bringing extensive expertise in the field of responsible AI. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence have established him as a seasoned application developer and consultant.

As an alumnus of the prestigious Microsoft EMEA Gold Ambassador program, Paul was recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership within the Microsoft technology ecosystem. This accolade underscores his dedication to advancing innovation and fostering global connections within the tech community. His core mission is to collaborate, share knowledge, and build networks with professionals both within and beyond the tech industry.

Paul is a Computer Science graduate from the University of Jos and holds global certifications as a trainer from both Microsoft and Google. He is also certified in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity by IBM, bringing extensive expertise in the ... Show more

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos con los sistemas computacionales. Actualmente se despeña como Manager de UX Research en Scotiabank.

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos... Show more

I'm a Program Manager and Technical Evangelist with experience implementing strategies and trainings globally to provide competitive edge to organizations in diverse, evolving customer environments. Championing a personal brand of empathy, trust and reliability, I've managed cross-functional teams in India and the US to deliver operational excellence on mission-critical programs and drive innovation using adaptive communications. Currently I'm working on my passion to demystify Cloud technologies using web comics, animated videos; harnessing the power of storytelling and analogies. A storyteller and technical enthusiast by heart, I want to use my experience to grow, give back to the profession and make technology accessible, fast, scalable and reliable.

I'm a Program Manager and Technical Evangelist with experience implementing strategies and trainings globally to provide competitive edge to organizations in diverse, evolving customer environments. Championing a personal brand of empathy, trust and ... Show more

My background in UI/UX Design with 4+ years of experience enables me to bridge the gap between design and functionality, ensuring that the end product meets both user expectations and technical requirements. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows me to effectively collaborate with designers, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

My background in UI/UX Design with 4+ years of experience enables me to bridge the gap between design and functionality, ensuring that the end product meets both user expectations and technical requirements. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows me... Show more

Susi Bauer (She/her or They/them) is a freelance ADHD Coach, Facilitator, Training Designer, and consultant.

After a decade in the video games industry, she changed career paths following a late ADHD diagnosis. Her mission is to share kind conversations, knowledge, and tools with individuals and organisations to foster growth. Susi loves to collaborate to find better answers to old questions and create spaces where everyone's needs are recognised and met.

As a coach, she helps people embrace their authentic, curious selves. She's qualified in Knowledge-Based Coaching & ADHD Coaching and often works with adults with ADHD, entry- to mid-level managers, career changers, and leaders of volunteer organisations.
She also offers training, facilitation, and consulting to organisations and teams.

Susi Bauer (She/her or They/them) is a freelance ADHD Coach, Facilitator, Training Designer, and consultant. After a decade in the video games industry, she changed career paths following a late ADHD diagnosis. Her mission is to share kind convers... Show more

Tech Entrepreneur who is passionate about building software that solves real problems.

Tech Entrepreneur who is passionate about building software that solves real problems. Show more

My PhD journey in the cold of northern Sweden has led me down a path to much of the latest cloud-native tech. Between that and my somewhat alarmingly high interest in homelabbing, I really live in the cloud-native ecosystem. But those are just side-hustles, cat-dad is my main occupation.

My PhD journey in the cold of northern Sweden has led me down a path to much of the latest cloud-native tech. Between that and my somewhat alarmingly high interest in homelabbing, I really live in the cloud-native ecosystem. But those are just side-h... Show more

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical trainer, and a mom, she is passionate about providing the tools and mindset required for everyone to learn and succeed.

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical tra... Show more

Robert Batts III is a proud, married father of five children. He is a Fatherhood Specialist with Child Development Resources and has experience as a NRFA Panel 1 member, 24/7 Dad graduate and Legacy Dad alumni. His role with Child Development Resources’ Fatherhood FIRE Program allows him to live his passion which is helping others. Robert is a leader, mentor, and facilitator of “Great Dads” who he has successfully helped to become better communicators and committed fathers. Robert says that he does this by helping them to create “subtle shifts and tune ups or tuning out the ways we think.”

Robert Batts III is a proud, married father of five children. He is a Fatherhood Specialist with Child Development Resources and has experience as a NRFA Panel 1 member, 24/7 Dad graduate and Legacy Dad alumni. His role with Child Development Resourc... Show more

Em Wilson is a current member of the Air National Guard and a Senior People & Talent Specialist at CivicActions.

Em Wilson is a current member of the Air National Guard and a Senior People & Talent Specialist at CivicActions. Show more

I am growing the best teams and organizations. Coaching in Progress ❤️| I help teams win hearts by leveraging my strengths in business agility, empathy leadership, coaching, and strategic vision.

I am growing the best teams and organizations. Coaching in Progress ❤️| I help teams win hearts by leveraging my strengths in business agility, empathy leadership, coaching, and strategic vision. Show more

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionable insights and creating software solutions that drive business success.

Awards:
* Winner: International Data Visualization Competition
* Top Contributor: AA Idea Rally
* Hall of Famer: Hacktoberfest

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionabl... Show more

Amber Shand is an award winning Software Engineer, keynote speaker, DEI consultant, and creator of the Own Your Wins newsletter with 1,900+ subscribers. Coming from an Economics and Accounting background, she learned how to code over the pandemic and is now on a mission to help women in tech use their voice and take up space in the industry to land more opportunities and unapologetically celebrate their wins.

Amber Shand is an award winning Software Engineer, keynote speaker, DEI consultant, and creator of the Own Your Wins newsletter with 1,900+ subscribers. Coming from an Economics and Accounting background, she learned how to code over the pandemic and... Show more

Just Isaac - Your Breakthrough Specialist

Just Isaac is renowned for his powerful and transparent approach to public speaking, empowering audiences to break through personal barriers and discover their true potential. A six-time boxing champion, Top 40 radio artist, lead actor, and three-time author, Just Isaac draws on his diverse experiences to deliver impactful messages that resonate deeply. He overcame significant challenges, including bullying and suicidal thoughts, to inspire others to rise above their limitations.

Known for connecting authentically with people, Just Isaac's talks are more than motivational—they are transformative. His words encourage audiences to embrace their inner greatness and push beyond their perceived boundaries. Whether speaking to small groups or large audiences, Just Isaac leaves a lasting impression, equipping listeners with the mindset and tools for lasting change.

Just Isaac - Your Breakthrough Specialist Just Isaac is renowned for his powerful and transparent approach to public speaking, empowering audiences to break through personal barriers and discover their true potential. A six-time boxing champion, T... Show more

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads initiatives that explore how AI can be harnessed to enhance humans’ ability to thrive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape Committed to placing humans at the heart of AI, she partners with organizations to help them a create work environments where technology and people work in harmony, driving exceptional results.

Tamara Lechner is a distinguished expert in flourishing science and peak performance, specializing in individual and cultural change. As Chair of the AI for Human Flourishing think tank within the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, Tamara leads in... Show more

Matthew Dickson helps people with mental illness in developing countries so they can get access to basic mental health care at MindAid.ca.

Mind Aid is the world's first website with all the organizations working on mental health in developing countries on one site (they are otherwise scattered across the web).

These organizations use models of basic mental health care that are low-cost, proven effective, and scalable.

Some of these organizations have been endorsed by Bill Clinton, Forest Whitaker, Arcade Fire, Ashley Judd, as well as Zak Williams (son of Robin Williams) and Tim Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics.

Matthew has successfully recovered from schizophrenia and has bicycled across Canada twice.

Matthew Dickson helps people with mental illness in developing countries so they can get access to basic mental health care at MindAid.ca. Mind Aid is the world's first website with all the organizations working on mental health in developing coun... Show more

Pavel Fedotov is a seasoned Full Stack Blockchain Developer with over 4 years of experience in engineering decentralized applications using a diverse tech stack that includes Rust, Solidity, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, and Next.js. He successfully completed the Filecoin grant related to decentralized identity and secured a RetroPGF grant from the Optimism foundation with 25 ballots for his project, Pin Save.

Pavel holds a BA in Business Studies and Economics from the University of Manchester, where he published a popular academic article on the electric vehicle industry, amassing over 50,000 downloads. Notably, he has received approximately $40 million in delegated ARB tokens during pivotal committee elections on Arbitrum.

An active contributor to the Web3 community, Pavel has presented at significant conferences, including ETH Belgrade 2024 and IPFS Camp 2024. His data science achievements in Web3 include a comprehensive analysis report on Gitcoin Grants data and innovative ideas for Ethereum security data collection.

Pavel Fedotov is a seasoned Full Stack Blockchain Developer with over 4 years of experience in engineering decentralized applications using a diverse tech stack that includes Rust, Solidity, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, and Next.js. He succ... Show more