Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Annabel Kramp

Annabel Kramp

- seit 2018 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Zentrum für Qualitätssicherung und - entwicklung/Zentrum für Wissenstransfer und Weiterbildung an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz mit den Schwerpunkten Schreib- und Lesedidaktik, tutorielle Lehre und Lehrendenberatung, digitale Lehre, KI in der Lehre, Gutachterin für Habilitationen
- 2023 Dr. phil. in Germanistik
- 2016 Master of Education in Germanistik, Philosophie, Bildungswissenschaften und Master of Arts in Germanistik mit Schwerpunkt Neuere deutsche Literaturwissenschaft
- 2016/17 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Bereich Neuere deutsche Literatur und ihre Didaktik an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main

- seit 2018 wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Zentrum für Qualitätssicherung und - entwicklung/Zentrum für Wissenstransfer und Weiterbildung an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz mit den Schwerpunkten Schreib- und Lesedidaktik, tutorielle Lehr... Show more

Jan Schlatter

Jan Schlatter

Studium der Geschichtswissenschaft (Passau, Potsdam)
Arbeitsorte:
ZDF (Redaktion Zeitgeschichte / ZDF History), Mainz
Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Halle
Lehrstuhl Neueste Geschichte, Universität Würzburg
Lehrstuhl Fränkische Landesgeschichte, Universität Würzburg
Stabsstelle Kompetenzentwicklung in Studium und Lehre, Universität Passau

Aktuell Instructional Designer, mediendidaktische Beratung zu digitaler Lehre, KI-Implementierungen in der Hochschullehre

Studium der Geschichtswissenschaft (Passau, Potsdam) Arbeitsorte: ZDF (Redaktion Zeitgeschichte / ZDF History), Mainz Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Halle Lehrstuhl Neueste Geschichte, Universität Würzburg Lehrstuhl Fränkische Landesgeschichte, Univ... Show more

Tobias Meixner

Tobias Meixner

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

Sreeja Varnam

Sreeja Varnam

A Software Engineer passionate about Kubernetes and virtualization, currently working on the NGN (Nvidia Grid Network) platform, delivering GPU as a Service (Iaas) in the cloud.

A Software Engineer passionate about Kubernetes and virtualization, currently working on the NGN (Nvidia Grid Network) platform, delivering GPU as a Service (Iaas) in the cloud. Show more

Ishita Verma

Ishita Verma

Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Netflix working on Core Recommendations

Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Netflix working on Core Recommendations Show more

Mai-Linh Hong

Mai-Linh Hong

Mai-Linh K. Hong is a poet and literary scholar whose work explores how refugees know, imagine, and re-create their worlds. Her debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, won the 2025 Trio Award and will be published by Trio House Press in July 2026. Her current research,"Perilous Telling: Story in the Shadow of the Refugee Regime," theorizes refugee storytelling as knowledge-making under duress. Dr. Hong's articles and essays on Asian American literature, refugees, race, and human rights appear in Amerasia, Verge, MELUS, Law, Culture, and Humanities, and other journals and edited volumes. She is coeditor and coauthor of THE AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD GUIDE TO MASK MAKING, RADICAL CARE, AND RACIAL JUSTICE (U. of Calif. Press, 2021). Dr. Hong's research has been supported by fellowships from ACLS, AAUW, and the Institute of Citizens & Scholars, and her poetry has received support from Voices of Our Nation, Tin House, and the Vermont Studio Center. She is Assistant Professor of Literature at the University of California, Merced.

Mai-Linh K. Hong is a poet and literary scholar whose work explores how refugees know, imagine, and re-create their worlds. Her debut poetry collection, CONTINENTAL DRIFT, won the 2025 Trio Award and will be published by Trio House Press in July 2026... Show more

Amar Naik

Amar Naik

I am a Senior Vice President of Engineering at Divum Corporate Services Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of digital solutions and services for startups and enterprises. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I have a proven track record of delivering complex and scalable products across multiple domains and platforms, leveraging my expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

My core competencies include product building and architecting, IT consulting, and delivery management. I have successfully created and implemented roadmaps, standards, and processes for various clients and stakeholders, ranging from fintech and banking to healthcare and non-profit organizations. I have also led and mentored a global team of engineers, consultants, and analysts, ensuring high-quality performance and professional growth. My mission is to empower businesses and organizations with innovative and impactful digital solutions that enhance their value proposition and customer experience.

I am a Senior Vice President of Engineering at Divum Corporate Services Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of digital solutions and services for startups and enterprises. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I have a proven track record of d... Show more

K.C. Raniero

K.C. Raniero

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work.

I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out of a car on the streets of NYC and at a lighthouse on the California coast, I have navigated the elite corridors of South West London, and I have stood in the halls of power coaching the Director of the United States Mint on how to command a room. I have built punk venues from the ground up and managed talent for the world’s biggest film franchises.

My non-linear path wasn't a detour. It was an elite training ground. It taught me how to spot the operational leaks that 99% of people miss. It taught me how to scale a movement by 400% with zero financial backing and how to engineer a 3,675% growth spike in a week with just $20 for strategic advertising.

I am an expert in zero-waste scaling, engineering systemic overhauls, and extreme lean operations. I don’t need a $1M budget to find a $1M solution. My experience building venues, brands, events, and organizations from nothing means that I see efficiency leaks that traditional consultants are trained to ignore.

My credits include:

The United States Mint | Coached the 38th Director on executive presence & rhetorical logic at Voice Academy NYC

The New York Times | Featured contributor

The Julliard School | Provided private coaching to dual-enrolled Julliard students

Josh Groban / Madison Square Garden Support: Headliner | Headlined a performance at the Delancey, featuring Iain S. Forrest (Eyeglasses), cellist known for accompanying Josh Groban at Madison Square Garden

Mariah Carey / Star Wars / Avengers: Composer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Jonathan Bartz, composer with credits including Mariah Carey, Star Wars and Avengers.

Ed Sheeran Team: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Mark Pusey, drummer for Ed Sheeran.

Foo Fighters / Neil Young: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Bradley Kohn, producer with credits including Foo Fighters and Neil Young.

The Recording Academy: Booking | Created Unity Fest, Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition, and The New York Music Awards (Rockwood Music Hall). Booked Recording Academy member Ryan Cassata to headline Unity Fest and booked Recording Academy member Apollo Flowerchild to co-headline Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition and The New York Music Awards.

American Idol: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Clark Beckham, American Idol runner-up.

The Voice: Collaborations | Collaborated with finalist Jamal Corrie (Season 18, Team Blake Shelton) at The Bowery Electric and headlined Queerchella, a festival founded by finalist Dan Kiernan (Season 27, Team Kelsea Ballerini).

Chaka Khan / Brandy / Todrick Hall: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Kofi Agyei, producer with credits including Chaka Khan, Brandy, and Todrick Hall.

Logic: Featured Artist | My song "Nothing Lasts Forever" was highlighted and featured by Logic on his personal Discord server.

Met Gala / Gossip Girl / Coldplay: Co-Feature | Co-featured in NYC_Storytime media highlights as a recurring collaborator and featured artist within the NYC arts and culture scene.

Matty Beats: Collaboration | Studio collaboration at Rec Philly.

VIAL: Opening Act | Opened for VIAL at Femme Fatale Fest.

Maria Elisabeth von Trapp: Opening Act | Opened for Ms. von Trapp at the F.M. Kirby Center.

The Apollo Theater: Recurring Performer | Performed at The Apollo Theater three times.

Sinfonia Smith Square: Performer | Performed at London’s Sinfonia Smith Square.

Carnegie Hall: Coaching | Achieved placement for Voice Academy NYC student at Carnegie Hall.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Coaching | Coached contracted touring keyboardist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Voice Academy NYC.

Vans Warped Tour: Marketing | Represented Gypsy Warrior as a high-visibility brand ambassador and model during the Vans Warped Tour.

Beach Weather / A Rocket to the Moon: Marketing | Led street-team initiatives and grassroots marketing for former lead singer of A Rocket to the Moon and current lead singer of Beach Weather, Nick Santino, at the Vans Warped Tour.

Never Shout Never: Collaboration | Performed with Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never at a backstage performance at the Vans Warped Tour.

Kelly Osbourne: Talent Operations | Managed on-site logistics and talent flow during NYC World Pride.

BroadwayWorld: Featured Contributor | Featured three times in BroadwayWorld.

Digital Growth Architecture: 3,675% Viral Surge | Engineered a high-conversion digital marketing strategy that yielded a 1,361% increase in 24 hours and 3,675% growth within 7 days. Utilized advanced demographic and psychographic research to deploy a high-efficiency, low-spend ($20) ad campaign, proving the power of data-driven targeting over traditional high-budget spend.

Bloomsbury Arts Festival: Operations and Marketing | Contributed to logistics and promotion at London's Bloomsbury Arts Festival.

International Ambassador | Represented Klein College of Media and Communications at an international recruitment event while studying at Imperial College in London through Foundation for International Education.

Foundation House: Original Rhetorical Performance | Authored and premiered an original monologue at Foundation House in London.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Choir Director | Directed a specialized vocal ensemble focused on mental health advocacy and therapeutic music engagement. Developed choral programming to support community wellness and provided creative leadership for a national-tier advocacy organization.

Z Poetry Series: Internationally Published Poet | Featured in the Z-Poetry: An Anthology of International Indie Poetry.

VH1: Collaboration | Co-headlined Harrisburg's Stop The Violence Talent Festival with Yvng Swag from VH1's Wild N' Out.

FRIGID New York: Featured Playwright and Performer | Co-authored and co-starred in the original musical revue "Dead Superstars," featured in the FRIGID New York "Days of the Dead" Festival.

Founder & Executive Director: Unity Fest NYC | Conceptualized and executed a large-scale annual music festival in New York City, built from the ground up with zero initial capital. Leveraged strategic partnerships and community grassroots organizing to raise thousands of dollars for global and national charities, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), NAMI, and anti-gun violence initiatives.

Wolven: Executive Presence Coaching | Provided strategic performance and narrative coaching to the Founder of Wolven.

Founder & Executive Director: The Atlantis Movement | Engineered a bicoastal cultural movement and multi-week festival circuit (The Atlantis Movement) starting from grassroots DIY venues in Philadelphia to 10-day takeovers in New York City. Operating with $0 initial capital, generated thousands in philanthropic revenue for the ACLU, St. Baldrick’s, and local LGBTQ+ shelters. Featured in Rock the Pigeon for pioneering a sustainable, artist-led model of social advocacy and live production.

300+ Original Compositions | Executed a high-intensity creative sprint, authoring 300 original songs in a single year, resulting in the release of 24 EPs and 2 LPs. Achieved global distribution across 101 countries and secured international radio play.

David Guetta: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included James Grover (YCONN), producer with credits including David Guetta.

Cassandra Jenkins: Headliner | Headlined a Trans Day of Visibility Ball; opened for by Cassandra Jenkins

My educational background includes Imperial College London, Berklee College of Music, and Temple University.

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work. I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out... Show more

Tom Sherman

Tom Sherman

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using modern math, science and logic that divides time evenly, precisely, and accurately, for the first time in the history of time. With humor, philosophy, and curiosity, Tom is able to expand your perception of reality and uncover new systems and patterns that are currently hiding in plain sight.

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using mode... Show more

Etienne Jacquot

Etienne Jacquot

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all things Open Source! My career interests are in supporting scientific computing and open-source adoption at the intersection of Law, Ethics, and Technology.

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all thin... Show more

Laurent Cervilla

Laurent Cervilla

Après plusieurs années à œuvrer en tant que développeur, chef de projet, directeur de projet, j'accompagne depuis 10 ans des leaders, managers et organisations dans le changement.
Que ce soit des PME, ETI et grand groupe, les changements sont une nécessité et l'adaptabilité une aptitude tant personnelle qu'organisationnelle indispensable.
L'accompagnement des personnes n'est pas tout le temps au centre des préoccupations, pourtant c'est un facteur clé de succès ou d'échec. C'est pour cela que je continue de me former, d'échanger et de partager avec passion et conviction.
Le changement c'est tout le temps et connaître ses ressources et freins individuels et collectifs face à lui est un gage d'adaptabilité et de succès.

Après plusieurs années à œuvrer en tant que développeur, chef de projet, directeur de projet, j'accompagne depuis 10 ans des leaders, managers et organisations dans le changement. Que ce soit des PME, ETI et grand groupe, les changements sont une né... Show more

Simon Keller

Simon Keller

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble.

J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus respectueuse. Je suis profondément convaincu par le potentiel de chacun et que nous avons tous en nous la force de réaliser nos projets.

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble. J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus r... Show more

Consuelo Lollobrigida

Consuelo Lollobrigida

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture.
She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Conference (AIWAC) and author of Plautilla Bricci. Pictura et Architectura celebris. L’architettrice del Barocco Romano and Following Women Artists. A Guide to Rome; her forthcoming monograph is The Forgotten Brush: Virginia da Vezzo (1600–1638), The Hidden Muse (Brepols, 2025).
She co-convenes AIWAC (Annual International Women in the Arts Conference) and is series co-editor, with Adelina Modesti, of “Women and Gender in the Arts: New Horizons” (Brepols/https://www.brepols.net/series/wia - https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503606828-1

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture. She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Co... Show more

Wilma Elliott

Wilma Elliott

Hey, I’m Dr. Wilma. I’m a psychologist and experiential designer. I intentionally curate human centered spaces that allow people to heal in community fostering vulnerability, connection, play, and creativity.

Hey, I’m Dr. Wilma. I’m a psychologist and experiential designer. I intentionally curate human centered spaces that allow people to heal in community fostering vulnerability, connection, play, and creativity. Show more

Medina Huggins

Medina Huggins

In Undergrad, public speaking was a huge part of my academia. Sharing biomedical knowledge obtained through research at R1 Institution was something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Today, I would like to share my testing of triumph over trauma. Abused by an undiagnosed schizophrenic mother, raped and molested by 14 individuals by the time I was 16, to enduring a financially abusive marriage to now being on the other side with joy. My goal is to tell my truth to inspire hope that healing is possible!

In Undergrad, public speaking was a huge part of my academia. Sharing biomedical knowledge obtained through research at R1 Institution was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Today, I would like to share my testing of triumph over trauma. Abused by an u... Show more

Ana Monaco

Ana Monaco

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative strategy, and authentic human experience to tell stories that resonate across cultures and industries.
With a career spanning studio, indie, and branded spaces, Ana Lydia brings a rare ability to translate lived experience into compelling, market-aware storytelling. Her creative voice is shaped not only by her international upbringing, but also by navigating chronic illness and cancer — experiences that have strengthened her leadership, empathy, and commitment to meaningful representation.
Ana Lydia speaks on storytelling, creative leadership, cross-cultural narrative development, resilience, and building inclusive creative ecosystems. She is passionate about mentorship, access, and empowering the next generation of culturally fluent storytellers.

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative str... Show more

Marley Blonsky

Marley Blonsky

Marley Blonsky is a nationally recognized speaker, fat adventure cyclist, and co-founder and Executive Director of All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access, representation, and belonging for people of all sizes in cycling and outdoor spaces. She is also the co-host of the All Bodies on Bikes podcast, where she shares stories that challenge who cycling is “for” and celebrates riders of all backgrounds and bodies.

Marley’s work sits at the intersection of advocacy, sport, and culture. Through keynotes, workshops, and consulting, she helps organizations, brands, and event producers better understand size inclusion and translate inclusive values into meaningful action. Her approach blends lived experience, practical tools, and humor, making conversations about access and equity both approachable and actionable.

An avid cyclist, Marley loves long gravel rides, overnight adventures, and cruising around town on her cargo bike with her dogs in the front box. She may not be the fastest rider—but she rides with determination, grit, and perseverance, proudly earning multiple last-place finishes along the way. Marley believes that everyone deserves full access to life—at work, in sport, and at home—and she is committed to helping create spaces where all bodies truly belong.

Marley Blonsky is a nationally recognized speaker, fat adventure cyclist, and co-founder and Executive Director of All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access, representation, and belonging for people of all sizes in cycling and out... Show more

Margaret Lee

Margaret Lee

Margaret Juhae Lee is the author of the award-winning Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History (Melville House), which was named a best book of 2024 by the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets. A former editor at The Nation, she received a Bunting Fellowship from Harvard University and a Korean Studies Fellowship from the Korea Foundation. Her articles have been published in The Nation, Newsday, Elle, ARTnews, Writer's Digest and The Rumpus. A seasoned public speaker, she has lectured and taught workshops on searching for family history and how to talked to loved ones about the past, She lives in Oakland, California, with her family.

Margaret Juhae Lee is the author of the award-winning Starry Field: A Memoir of Lost History (Melville House), which was named a best book of 2024 by the San Francisco Chronicle and other outlets. A former editor at The Nation, she received a Bunting... Show more

Anna van Dillen

Anna van Dillen

Anna van Dillen is a freelance consultant, trainer and coach working with tech organisations on agile leadership, product development and ways of working – currently supporting a German industrial tech company in the Black Forest alongside other clients. Previously a travelling consultant at Thoughtworks, a tribe master building a big data organisation, and a people development manager in a cloud-native startup, she brings over a decade of hands-on experience in delivery and organisational change. In recent years she has integrated systemic coaching and breathwork training into her practice, using simple, evidence-informed nervous system tools to help leaders and teams stay clear-headed, collaborative and sustainable in high-pressure environments.

Anna van Dillen is a freelance consultant, trainer and coach working with tech organisations on agile leadership, product development and ways of working – currently supporting a German industrial tech company in the Black Forest alongside other clie... Show more

Laxmi Vanam

Laxmi Vanam

Laxmi Vanam is a data and analytics professional with 16+ years of experience across multiple industries, from financial services to retail and beyond. She designs decision intelligence frameworks that merge analytics, predictive modeling, and human insight—driving innovation, trust, and ROI in high-stakes, regulated environments worldwide.

Laxmi Vanam is a data and analytics professional with 16+ years of experience across multiple industries, from financial services to retail and beyond. She designs decision intelligence frameworks that merge analytics, predictive modeling, and human ... Show more

Peter Vasey

Peter Vasey

Higher-order cognitive skills are required in businesses that want to thrive in the modern world but the reality is that those skills are in steep decline, The more we offload to technology, the greater the decline. Learn how to push back and prepare your business.

Higher-order cognitive skills are required in businesses that want to thrive in the modern world but the reality is that those skills are in steep decline, The more we offload to technology, the greater the decline. Learn how to push back and prepare... Show more

Bri Williams

Bri Williams

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently.

She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development.

An international speaker, she has delivered talks worldwide to culturally diverse audiences in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

She brings 20 years of experience in talent, learning, and development within financial services and IT industries, from graduate programs to leadership development.

Her talks help emerging leaders develop unshakeable speaking confidence and skills for:
🟢 Internal and external meetings
🟢 Presentations and Training
🟢 Media
🟢 Events

Her clients are regularly featured in the media, including CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg, COP26, and Macy's, at top industry events or making waves internally with their teams and stakeholders.

Bri has been featured on Thrive Global, International Women's Day and is the in-house communication expert for the wellness app LiveMore.

✔️ 94% of hosts book Bri to speak again.
✔️ 93% of her audience rates her talks as Actionable, Engaging, Inspiring, and Relevant.

Australian-born 🇦🇺 and after a decade of living in London 🇬🇧 Bri is now based in the South of France 🇫🇷 (…if you can't pick the accent!) and loves living between the mountains and the sea, but is always happy to speak at your in-person event or deliver virtually.

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently. She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development. An international speaker, sh... Show more

Alena Holligan

Alena Holligan

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

Deborah A. Carroll, Ph.D.

Deborah A. Carroll, Ph.D.

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordability. Dr. Carroll has produced 75 scholarly publications and 25 white papers and technical reports reflecting more than $2.75 million in research funding. She has been invited to share her expertise with academic and practitioner audiences across the U.S. and in several other countries. Dr. Carroll began her career in public service as a budget and policy analyst for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a passion for applied research intended to inform public policy and improve public sector management, Dr. Carroll pursued her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which she completed in 2004 along with a Graduate Certificate in State and Local Taxation from the UWM Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordabilit... Show more

Ashley Thibodeaux

Ashley Thibodeaux

Ms. Thibodeaux has dedicated the past eight years to the field of higher education, excelling in both administrative and faculty roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English from Lamar University. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment for Student Tutoring and Retention (STAR) services at her alma mater. Outside of her professional commitments, Ms. Thibodeaux is passionate about reading, traveling, and innovating new strategies to enhance student success.

Ms. Thibodeaux has dedicated the past eight years to the field of higher education, excelling in both administrative and faculty roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English from Lamar University. Currently, she serves as the A... Show more

Veronika Ilina

Veronika Ilina

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community.

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community. Show more

Kelly Cuesta

Kelly Cuesta

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB.
With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro.
Her commitment to DEI is evident in her role as the founder of Latinas In Tech Madrid, mentoring young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB. With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro. Her commitmen... Show more

Isam Vaid

Isam Vaid

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience includes addressing health issues and disparities affecting specific populations concerning health conditions, health outcomes, and premature mortality. Driven by a commitment to good health, Dr. Vaid maintains a comprehensive skill set as a public health scientist. This includes keeping abreast of current literature, conducting critical research and analyses, preparing analytical and internal technical reports, designing training protocols, and implementing systems approaches to enhance administrative functions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Vaid has also deeply engaged in public health initiatives at the intersection of public health, faith communities, and religious values. This critical area of public health, which closely ties with social determinants of health, has been significantly enriched by his decades of experience in interfaith collaboration within community and academic settings. Here, he focuses on deep learning, bridge-building, peace initiatives, and fostering inclusive communities among people of different faiths or those without a faith affiliation.

Dr. Vaid has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career, including Outstanding Contributions to the Employment of Disabled Persons and Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions. His dedication to volunteerism is equally significant to his professional endeavors; he is an avid proponent of environmental justice, recognizing its critical overlap with social justice. Dr. Vaid has led humanitarian relief efforts for domestic and international disasters and ecological conservation projects. Outside his professional life, he enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, profoundly appreciates the arts, and relishes personal and interfaith travel across the globe.

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience inclu... Show more

Matt Treadwell

Matt Treadwell

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

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

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

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

Anthony Ikubuwaje

Anthony Ikubuwaje

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leicester and an LLB from the University of Abuja.

My work examines how emerging technologies such as AI-driven decision-making, automated systems, and large-scale data processing interact with legal accountability, privacy rights, and regulatory compliance. I am the author of Basic Principles of Contract Law in Nigeria and Artificial Intelligence and the Law in Nigeria: Foundations, Regulation, and Practice, and my writing is aimed at legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators, and technology professionals.

I regularly engage in academic presentations and seminar-style lectures and am keen to contribute to professional discussions, panels, and speaking engagements on the future of law, technology, and innovation.

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leices... Show more

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