Humanities & Social Sciences

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

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

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

George Woodard

George Woodard

I help organizations grow their online presence and create experiences that convert visitors into supporters. I am a Technical Marketing Specialist with extensive experience in website marketing management and building systems that enhance your team's effectiveness.

The digital world changes fast. Whether it's the latest on SEO or building out AI, I stay on top of what's working now so you don't have to figure it out yourself. Your time is better spent on what you do best.

I help organizations grow their online presence and create experiences that convert visitors into supporters. I am a Technical Marketing Specialist with extensive experience in website marketing management and building systems that enhance your team'... Show more

Stephanie Sylvestre

Stephanie Sylvestre

Are you searching for a conference speakers who can make artificial intelligence approachable, actionable, and deeply human? Meet Stephanie Sylvestre—a technologist, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who’s on a mission to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in the age of AI.

Stephanie’s unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and passion for human development makes her the perfect presenter for conferences focused on leadership, innovation, technology, and the future of work. She doesn’t just talk about AI—she brings it to life with stories, strategies, and a contagious sense of possibility.

Signature Topics Stephanie Brings to Your Audience
1. Top 5 Quintessentially Human Skills for Success in the AI World
AI is transforming the way we work, but the most valuable skills remain deeply human. Stephanie reveals the five essential traits—resilience, creativity, resourcefulness, problem-solving, and critical thinking—that every professional needs to cultivate to stay ahead. She shares actionable strategies for adapting to technological change, devising innovative solutions, and navigating complex challenges, all while fostering collaboration and continuous learning. Perfect for leadership development and motivational speaking.

2. Understanding the AI Alphabet: LLM, SLM, and AI Agents
AI can feel like an alphabet soup of acronyms and jargon. Stephanie demystifies the digital landscape, breaking down the differences between Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and AI Agents. With practical examples and a step-by-step approach, she empowers listeners to understand how these components work together—and how anyone can leverage them to solve real-world problems. Ideal for audiences new to AI or seeking a clear, engaging introduction.

3. Responsible AI: Ensuring Human Oversight
Worried about rogue technology or AI “hallucinations”? Stephanie provides a roadmap for responsible AI implementation, sharing proven strategies for integrating human oversight, setting up effective guardrails, and ensuring outputs are verified and trustworthy. Listeners will walk away with a clear understanding of AI accountability, ethical standards, and how to build trust in technology. A must-hear for IT leaders, AI practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of ethical tech.

4. Beyond Software: Considering AI’s Social Impact
AI isn’t just about code—it’s about culture, values, and the way we live and work together. Stephanie invites audiences to reimagine AI implementation as a catalyst for positive social change. She explores the ethical, cultural, and human dimensions of AI, showing how anyone—not just technologists—can lead in our AI-transformed future. This session is perfect for social impact, nonprofit, and philanthropic audiences.

Why Invite Stephanie?

Relatable Storytelling: Stephanie translates complex AI concepts into engaging, real-world stories.
Actionable Insights: Every session with Stephanie leaves attendees with practical takeaways they can use immediately.
Inspiring Perspective: She champions the human side of technology, empowering audiences to embrace change with confidence.
Ready to bring a fresh, human-centric voice to your podcast?
Invite Stephanie Sylvestre and give your audience the tools—and the inspiration—to thrive in the AI era.

Are you searching for a conference speakers who can make artificial intelligence approachable, actionable, and deeply human? Meet Stephanie Sylvestre—a technologist, entrepreneur, and corporate leader who’s on a mission to empower professionals and o... Show more

Ryan Bn. de Ropp

Ryan Bn. de Ropp

Former data architect, current Geopolitical Strategist with Risk Ready Research.

I have worked on just about every database system under the sun, and now use those software development skills to map OSINT to track and forecast global events.

I hope to shed light on the possible futures we may find ourselves in over the next decade involving AI, our CPU supply chain, and their relationship, that most people aren't prepared for.

I'm also a niche celebrity in the Dungeons and Dragons community, have a successful YouTube channel called Dungeon Masterpiece, and have parlayed that success into founding and running a premium RPG Retreat at Ancient Lore Village called Green Dragon Fest which has sold out every year.

Former data architect, current Geopolitical Strategist with Risk Ready Research. I have worked on just about every database system under the sun, and now use those software development skills to map OSINT to track and forecast global events. I ... Show more

Elle Younker

Elle Younker

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intelligence federal contracts in the United States.

I made a promise to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I take that VERY seriously, and will fight for your right to hate me. I will not, however, tolerate acts of violence directed at individuals for simply taking up space, acts of coercion through threats of violence, or any attempt at using violence as a way to maintain power. I will speak out and take the defense for any victim of violence (in all of its forms) and all individuals impacted by the use of power-based violence.

I believe in the power of storytelling energy as a renewable resource capable of magic, the kindness of strangers, and ability to overcome hardship through communal care. I use the arts of satire, drag, and boudoir performance to make light of extremely controversial and traumatic but historical events that surround United States Post World War II Military History.

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intel... Show more

Sarang Sarage

Sarang Sarage

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER | Seminars for Global Sustainable Development
IM: 917218150760 & Email: creatorsarangprojectyogworld@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER | Seminars for Global Sustainable Development IM: 917218150760 & Email: creatorsarangprojectyogworld@gmail.com Show more

Sagar Kesarpu

Sagar Kesarpu

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to continuous learning, I enjoy exploring the latest trends, sharing knowledge and contributing to tech communities.

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to contin... Show more

Caro Sabatini

Caro Sabatini

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨
I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our connections in remote environments from a DEIB and neuroaffirmative standpoint. I have led tech teams, where I discovered that each brain processes and collaborates from different parameters. My passion lies in designing inclusive environments—not by correcting people, but by configuring teams to learn better together

As a gifted AuDHD girly 💅🏼 I bring a unique perspective that bridges neuroscience, communication, and technology. My talks inspire audiences to rethink collaboration, embrace neurodiversity, and foster truly inclusive cultures in both remote and in-person settings. I am committed to sharing actionable insights that help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by understanding how our brains work and how we can design environments where everyone thrives. And have fun. Fun is key, neuroscience says.

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨ I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our... Show more

Velma Brooks-Benson

Velma Brooks-Benson

Velma is an event production professional with 15+ years of experience managing events from 50 to 15,000+ attendees. Known for creating large signature fundraising events for major nonprofits, she specializes in strategic event design, partnership development, and delivering exceptional experiences that exceed organizational objectives.

Velma is an event production professional with 15+ years of experience managing events from 50 to 15,000+ attendees. Known for creating large signature fundraising events for major nonprofits, she specializes in strategic event design, partnership de... Show more

Nicholas Lavery

Nicholas Lavery

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a series of curriculums on leadership, resilience, and goal achievement. As one of the most sought-after speakers and mentors in the country, Nick and his team of assets share valuable insights on discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, in turn empowering others to unlock capacity and increase capability. 

Nick has a long and distinguished list of military awards, but to name a few, he has been awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, three Bronze Stars for service, the Bruce Price Leadership award, and the Special Operations Command Excalibur award. 

Nick is the best selling author of Objective Secure- the battle-tested guide to goal achievement, and most significantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys. 

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a s... Show more

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive.

A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time delivering workshops and presentations on introversion, leadership, and communication. Founder of The Introvert Space, a community interest company dedicated to empowering introverts in the workplace, Richard authors popular ebooks like Self-Promotion for Introverts. He’s also learning to play the piano, having realised he could no longer help his son with his piano homework!

Richard Etienne is an award-winning personal brand and communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals and businesses thrive. A former official videographer for UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Richard now spends his time deliveri... Show more

Darryl Kanouse

Darryl Kanouse

Darryl Kanouse has led enterprise-scale data science, AI/ML, and analytics product development at global organizations including AWS, Amazon, Canva, and Activision. For over two decades, he has built and scaled data systems and capabilities that enable large, complex organizations to make better decisions, optimize performance, and operate with precision at scale. Throughout his career, Darryl has built cross-functional teams that bridge engineering, product, analytics, and business strategy, focusing on structural alignment over strict process.

In recent years, Darryl has evolved his work in systems thinking to focus on the structural foundations of organizational success. As a Viability Architect, he identifies and addresses the underlying causes of dysfunction: misaligned feedback loops, boundary ambiguity, and resource allocation failures. His systems-level approach helps executive teams move beyond surface-level fixes to implement durable, high-leverage structural change.

Darryl Kanouse has led enterprise-scale data science, AI/ML, and analytics product development at global organizations including AWS, Amazon, Canva, and Activision. For over two decades, he has built and scaled data systems and capabilities that enab... Show more

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within organizations. His leadership style focuses on creating positive, engaged workforces while driving operational success, and he is known for his strategic approach to managing human resources in diverse and challenging environments.

Luis has accumulated extensive international experience, working in China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His exposure to different business cultures and regulatory environments has shaped his ability to craft HR solutions that work across regions while supporting the broader objectives of global organizations. His expertise in tailoring HR practices to meet the needs of diverse markets has been a key factor in his success as an HR leader.

Over the years, Luis Herrera of Racine has built expertise in various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, supply chain, and food production. His background spans B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how HR can impact different sectors. Luis has also specialized in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development, helping companies improve their HR functions and drive significant growth and transformation.

Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic credentials have helped him hone his leadership and strategic management skills, providing a strong foundation for his successful HR career.

Before transitioning to human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline, leadership, and adaptability—traits integral to his approach to HR leadership. His time in the military shaped his values, instilling a sense of duty, responsibility, and resilience that guided his career.

Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. At Motorola, he gained valuable experience aligning HR strategies with business objectives, laying the groundwork for his future roles. He then moved to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. Luis worked with Kellogg’s global workforce in this capacity, helping the company adapt its HR strategies as it grew internationally.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR operations at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He was instrumental in developing strategies to improve employee engagement, streamline operations, and drive performance. Luis led the company’s shift toward a “pay for performance” culture, which impacted the organization’s HR practices and employee performance.

Luis's next career milestone came at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he served as HR lead for the Components Division. While at Navistar, he was selected for a six-month assignment in China to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This role allowed Luis to develop HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and handle HR due diligence for several acquisitions.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leading manufacturer in the marine industry, as HR Director. There, he managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue across six locations in the U.S. and Canada. Luis led efforts to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance productivity. His leadership contributed to Brunswick’s recognition as an “Employer of Choice” at three locations, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace environment.

Luis later worked at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was critical in ensuring a smooth transition to remote work and implementing employee health and safety measures. He also led the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping create a more inclusive work culture that supported employee well-being.

At Hendrickson International, a global leader in commercial vehicle trailer and suspension manufacturing, Luis served as HR Director. He managed HR for eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. His efforts to enhance the company’s HR function helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic labor market.

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. He worked to drive employee engagement and retention while ensuring alignment with the company’s core values. His strategic leadership in this role helped maintain a positive and productive workplace culture.

Outside of his professional career, Luis is deeply involved in volunteer work. Since 2016, he has volunteered with the "By the Hand" organization, supporting at-risk youth in Chicago through educational programs and mentorship. Luis also participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, where he helps maintain Boy Scout facilities, ensuring these spaces remain functional and accessible.

Luis enjoys various activities that help him relax and recharge in his time. He has a passion for welding, home brewing, and gardening, which allow him to explore his creativity and unwind. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as scuba diving, cycling, and kayaking, which help him maintain a healthy work-life balance and energize him for personal and professional challenges.

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, ... Show more

Ken Chase

Ken Chase

Ken Chase has over 25 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies related to infrastructure and end user computing. He has worked with and led teams that have spanned multiple geographic areas and whose team members have spanned generational, geographical, and social differences. Ken is married and with his wife shares the joy of raising four daughters. Ken takes joy in being active in his community by supporting the local schools and politics.

Ken Chase has over 25 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies related to infrastructure and end user computing. He has worked with and led teams that have spanned multiple geographic areas and whose team members have spanned generatio... Show more

Werner Van Zyl

Werner Van Zyl

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, managers and leaders can navigate the human and technical challenges of the modern world. His work focuses on making complex systems—from teams to organisations—more predictable and aligned with human behaviour, offering actionable strategies to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, m... Show more

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned transformational speaker and coach, Byron blends neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality to help people unburden emotional weight and rise into their highest, most healed selves. Through his signature framework, SoulScience: Alchemy™, and his R³ Method—Recognize, Reframe, Release—Byron helps individuals and organizations bridge the gap between mental health and emotional intelligence.

His approach is simple: he doesn’t just help you heal—he enables you to rise by rewiring your mind, healing your heart, and launching your legacy. At the heart of his work is W.H.O.L.E. (We Heal Out Loud Every Day), a global movement helping people transform pain into power through practical tools, embodied healing, and authentic connection.

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned tra... Show more

Arthit Suriyawongkul

Arthit Suriyawongkul

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in Bangkok, and help maintain SPDX system bill of materials projects.

My interest is in software engineering standards and how it can facilitate interactions between the technical layer and the legal layer for an accountable AI. Part of my PhD work is around system trustworthiness and accountability vocabulary.

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in ... Show more

Chinonso Ohakwe

Chinonso Ohakwe

Nonso Ohakwe is the Business Operations Manager at Waza, a fintech infrastructure company powering cross-border B2B payments and liquidity for African businesses. At Waza, he leads critical work across partner onboarding, compliance, OTC readiness, and cross-functional execution—ensuring partners are onboarded with speed, structure, and scale.

Nonso’s professional journey spans fintech, legal-tech, policy, and social impact. He has worked with over a dozen justice-focused startups across Nigeria, helping them define their customer segments, validate solutions, and launch to market. As a facilitator at Hill’s Justice Entrepreneurship School, he has coached startups tackling issues from land transactions and domestic violence to electoral accountability and legal transparency.

Throughout his career, Nonso has been deeply invested in systems-thinking, strategy, and building operational frameworks that scale. He’s led initiatives on KYC/KYB compliance flows, managed multi-stakeholder partnerships, and advised founders on process automation and market positioning. His work often blends legal insight with operational execution and strategic storytelling.

Whether he’s onboarding fintech partners, coaching startup founders, or scaling internal systems, Nonso brings a structured, mission-aligned, and detail-driven approach to every room he walks into.

Nonso Ohakwe is the Business Operations Manager at Waza, a fintech infrastructure company powering cross-border B2B payments and liquidity for African businesses. At Waza, he leads critical work across partner onboarding, compliance, OTC readiness, a... Show more

Lakshmi Pillai Gupta

Lakshmi Pillai Gupta

Lakshmi Pillai Gupta is a technologist, author, and founder of the Human–AI Futures Lab at Ammara Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where she leads research and engagement at the intersection of AI, gender, identity, and society. With more than two decades in product leadership and digital transformation, she has built and advised large-scale technology solutions across corporate, startup, and public-sector contexts.

She is the author of The Gender Glitch: Decoding Identity in the Age of AI, a widely discussed work on how algorithms perform gender and shape human self-perception, behavior, and power relationships. Lakshmi also writes the Equal Bytes column for The Times of India, where she translates complex tech shifts into accessible, human-centered narratives.

As a YASHODA AI Mentor, she contributes to national efforts to expand AI literacy and inclusive leadership among women. Her work blends research, lived experience, and systems thinking to imagine more equitable AI futures.

Lakshmi Pillai Gupta is a technologist, author, and founder of the Human–AI Futures Lab at Ammara Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where she leads research and engagement at the intersection of AI, gender, identity, and society. With more than two decades in ... Show more

Ester Conings Vanvik

Ester Conings Vanvik

Several academic conferences: EUPRERA (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), IRCC (2024), World Association for Communication (2025)
Kristiana Breakfast Sessions 2025
Green Camp 2025
Various in-house presentations for companies such as Thon Gruppen, City Construct association, Befalets Fellesorganisasjon (Norways Military Union), ...

Several academic conferences: EUPRERA (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), IRCC (2024), World Association for Communication (2025) Kristiana Breakfast Sessions 2025 Green Camp 2025 Various in-house presentations for companies such as Thon Gruppen, City Const... Show more

Guilherme Friol

Guilherme Friol

Computing specialist with years of experience in high-demand computing environments, virtualization, and HPC. Works as a consultant in architecture and optimization of high-performance systems. Developed significant projects with leading research institutions and renowned figures in both national and international computing, focusing on machine learning and neural networks. Notable projects include: Prediction of Cysteine Protease Inhibitors for Trypanocidal Agents and Cancer (USP); Simulation of spacecraft control and orbital guidance (LAC-INPE); Research on astrophysical plasmas and space turbulence (ITA); Research in astrophysics and molecular physics (UNIVAP), among others.

Computing specialist with years of experience in high-demand computing environments, virtualization, and HPC. Works as a consultant in architecture and optimization of high-performance systems. Developed significant projects with leading research ins... Show more

Mariana Duffill

Mariana Duffill

Social psychologist specialized in female entrepreneurship and web design with WordPress. Provides training in online marketing, web design, WordPress, and entrepreneurial skills.

Social psychologist specialized in female entrepreneurship and web design with WordPress. Provides training in online marketing, web design, WordPress, and entrepreneurial skills. Show more

Renzo Cáceres Rossi

Renzo Cáceres Rossi

Renzo Cáceres Rossi

R - RStudio - RMarkdown Program Mentor at Data Science Research Peru, he has delivered webinars and workshops across Bolivia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, and Peru.
As an R Package Developer, he has created over 12 packages, with notable contributions including infectiousR, MedDataSets, OncoDatSets, and NeuroDataSets, among others. Renzo is the creator of the first metapackage developed in Peru and Latin America: DataSetsVerse.

Renzo Cáceres Rossi R - RStudio - RMarkdown Program Mentor at Data Science Research Peru, he has delivered webinars and workshops across Bolivia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, and Peru. As an R Package Developer, he has created over... Show more

Aldrich Obach

Aldrich Obach

Aldrich Obach is a GTM Enablement Manager at Deel, leading onboarding and enablement across APAC and EMEA. He is an ICF-accredited coach and Master of Decision Analytics candidate at UNSW Canberra, one of the world’s top 20 universities for AI research. With experience from Google, HubSpot, and Deel, Aldrich helps organizations combine decision science, AI, and leadership to build systems that think and people who decide with clarity.

Aldrich Obach is a GTM Enablement Manager at Deel, leading onboarding and enablement across APAC and EMEA. He is an ICF-accredited coach and Master of Decision Analytics candidate at UNSW Canberra, one of the world’s top 20 universities for AI resear... Show more

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