Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Vanessa Ajagu

Vanessa Ajagu

Vanessa Ajagu is an attorney in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group.

Vanessa has broad experience in high-stakes complex litigation before federal and state courts, representing clients in the technology, labor and employment, and finance sectors. These matters include defending a major technology company in a securities class action, representing clients in multiple shareholder litigation matters before the Delaware Court of Chancery, achieving victory on behalf of a leading beverage company in arbitration, and reversing a lower court ruling in favor of a streaming company in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Vanessa has a robust pro bono practice centered on appellate advocacy and women’s rights. She has argued and briefed matters before appellate courts, including successfully challenging a decision that reduced attorneys’ fees awarded to The Legal Aid Society based solely on its nonprofit status. She has also contributed to multiple amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court. Beyond her appellate work, Vanessa advocates for survivors of domestic violence—obtaining a restraining order on behalf of one client following an evidentiary hearing and successfully achieving a reduced sentence for another under New York’s Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA).

Before joining the firm, Vanessa served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerard E. Lynch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Margo K. Brodie of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Vanessa received her Juris Doctor in 2020 from Columbia Law School, where she was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and served as a Senior Editor of the Columbia Law Review. At Columbia Law, she was awarded a Parker School Recognition of Achievement in International and Comparative Law and selected as a fellow for the Salzburg Lloyd N. Cutler Fellows Program in International Law. She received a Master’s in International Criminal Law from the University of Amsterdam in 2020 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with high distinction from Queen’s University in 2017.

Vanessa is admitted to practice before the Southern and Eastern District Courts of New York as well as New York state courts.

Vanessa Ajagu is an attorney in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Vanessa has broad experience in high-stakes complex litigation before federal and state courts, representi... 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

Frank Köhne

Frank Köhne

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software development and architecture, often in insurance or logistics.
He is currently leading a BMBF-funded consortium with the goal of leveraging process workarounds in the context of Industry 4.0 for process innovation.

Frank Köhne is co-head of viadee's Data Science division. He has a research background and has spent the last 15 years coordinating the company's collaborations with universities in the region, but he has also spent a lot of time on software developm... Show more

Samantha Ridgway de Lory

Samantha Ridgway de Lory

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we live and work. Uniquely, she is a pioneer in "Persona Engineering," having developed proprietary frameworks to architect Custom AI Agents that mimic human empathy and intuition. She teaches leaders how to build "teams of teammates" that include both humans and AI, fostering a symbiotic relationship between biological and digital consciousness to solve complex health and business challenges.

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we... Show more

Jake Truemper

Jake Truemper

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a variety of industries, including everything from fortune 500 companies to startups. Jake has built human-centered design practices for multiple prominent agencies and is currently Co-Founder of his own Human-Centered Design consultancy.

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a... Show more

Francisca Márcia Gomes Sampaio

Francisca Márcia Gomes Sampaio

Apaixonada por pessoas, agilidade, gestão e conhecimento. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência em tecnologia e transformação organizacional, atuo no SERPRO — a maior empresa pública de TI do mundo — onde já contribuí em diversas frentes: transformação ágil, gestão ágil, experiência do usuário (UX), LGPD, técnicas de facilitação e, atualmente, como gestora do time Sinergia, apoiando o desenvolvimento de lideranças inspiradoras e a construção de times de alto desempenho.

Doutoranda em Engenharia de Software pela UFPE, sou também especialista em Gerência Estratégica da Informação (UNIFOR - 2004), mestre em Informática Aplicada (UNIFOR - 2008), MBA em Gerência de Projetos (FGV - 2012), pós-graduada em Psicologia Positiva, Ciência do Bem-Estar e Autorrealização (PUCRS - 2021), MBA em Liderança, Inovação e Gestão 4.0 (PUCRS - 2022) e pós-graduada em Psicologia Organizacional e Gestão de Pessoas (PUCRS - 2024).

Certificada PMP desde 2005 e Personal Coach pela SLAC, atuo também como professora em cursos de pós-graduação e palestrante em grandes eventos de agilidade, como Agile Trends, Agile Trends Gov, TDC, Agile Brazil, entre outros. Sou ainda partner do Coletivo Ação no Workshop Team Facilitator.

Movida por propósito, sigo em constante evolução pessoal e profissional, acreditando que ambientes de trabalho felizes, colaborativos e humanos geram, naturalmente, os melhores resultados.

Apaixonada por pessoas, agilidade, gestão e conhecimento. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência em tecnologia e transformação organizacional, atuo no SERPRO — a maior empresa pública de TI do mundo — onde já contribuí em diversas frentes: transformação ... Show more

Mija Rabemananjara

Mija Rabemananjara

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en
région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en
s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coach agile en 2015 et
construit 2 cursus de formations :
 Devenir coach agile Agilopathe®
 Devenir un manager/gestionnaire agile avec Montessori Extended®

Son ambition est d’accompagner les organisations vers plus d’auto-organisation et au-delà pour
plus d’engagement, plus de performance, plus d’innovation, pour une société plus saine.

Sur son site http://lesagilopathes.com vous retrouverez ses publications, des vidéos de ses
conférences précédentes, la description de ses offres et les événements à venir !

Née à Madagascar, Mija Rabemananjara a grandi à la Réunion, à Bordeaux, en région parisienne et décide de tenter l’expérience de l’Amérique du Nord en Septembre 2019 en s’installant au Québec. Avec une forte expérience dans l’IT, elle devient coa... Show more

Rachidi Djibo Issa

Rachidi Djibo Issa

Rachidi Djibo Issa est titulaire d’un Master en droit privé et possède des certificats en éducation en situation d’urgence et en prévention des violences basées sur le genre (VBG). Il cumule une expérience pratique significative dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la protection de l’enfance, ayant exercé en tant que superviseur éducation dans des contextes de crise.

Parallèlement, il s’engage activement dans le secteur associatif en tant que responsable d’association, et contribue à des initiatives internationales en ligne comme volontaire pour les Nations Unies, mettant ses compétences au service de projets de sensibilisation, de plaidoyer et de mobilisation communautaire.

Son parcours allie expertise juridique, gestion de programmes éducatifs et humanitaires, et engagement citoyen, avec un accent particulier sur l’inclusion, la protection des enfants et l’utilisation du numérique pour renforcer l’éducation en contexte difficile.

Rachidi Djibo Issa est titulaire d’un Master en droit privé et possède des certificats en éducation en situation d’urgence et en prévention des violences basées sur le genre (VBG). Il cumule une expérience pratique significative dans le domaine de l’... Show more

Hala Anwar

Hala Anwar

Hala Anwar is a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, where she leads the Consulting Product Management practice. She partners with Microsoft’s most strategic enterprise customers to design and scale multi-agentic AI products while advancing their Responsible AI, Product, and Design practices. With experience across industries from mining and biodiversity to finance and public transit, Hala is passionate about creating products and experiences where people truly matter.
She also mentors within Microsoft’s Agile, Design Thinking, Accessibility, and Women in Product communities, as well as the MENA, Disability, and Women at Microsoft networks. Known for her energetic, practical approach, Hala brings agentic insights from diverse global industries - offering audiences thought-provoking stories, actionable takeaways, and a few playful provocations about the future of AI-driven human-centered innovation.

Hala Anwar is a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, where she leads the Consulting Product Management practice. She partners with Microsoft’s most strategic enterprise customers to design and scale multi-agentic AI products while advancing their ... Show more

Georgiana Bigea

Georgiana Bigea

Georgiana Bigea is the founder of StorytellingArchitect.Com, where she delivers creative works, workshops, and consulting for public and private purposes. She has a degree in Journalism and is currently completing her PhD research on workplace conflict. Her experience includes being a social trends analyst at an international think tank, a storytelling architect in international IT start ups, and a teaching assistant at Babes Bolyai University (Romania) and University of Fribourg (Switzerland).

Georgiana Bigea is the founder of StorytellingArchitect.Com, where she delivers creative works, workshops, and consulting for public and private purposes. She has a degree in Journalism and is currently completing her PhD research on workplace confli... Show more

Karl Wester-Ebbinghaus

Karl Wester-Ebbinghaus

Currently being most passionate about Azure Local and Azure Arc. Coming down a long way with Microsoft tech only, since the 90s

Currently being most passionate about Azure Local and Azure Arc. Coming down a long way with Microsoft tech only, since the 90s Show more

Stephan Swart

Stephan Swart

Stephan is a consultant, advisor, and Fractional CTO. He has held a range of titles including: developer, architect, agile coach, and CTO. He is passionate to help organisations and their leaders to get the best out of their dev teams. He is passionate about creating work-environments where software teams and individuals can flourish. He has seen the insides of small, medium, and large organisations. In all teams he has been part of, he has grown a reputation of bringing clarity, trust, and courage.

Stephan is a consultant, advisor, and Fractional CTO. He has held a range of titles including: developer, architect, agile coach, and CTO. He is passionate to help organisations and their leaders to get the best out of their dev teams. He is passiona... Show more

Kamal Rawat

Kamal Rawat

With expertise spanning SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media, I help brands elevate their visibility, skyrocket organic traffic, and drive measurable engagement. Whether it’s optimizing site structure, crafting high-impact content, or building performance-driven campaigns, I believe in strategies rooted in data and designed for results.

With expertise spanning SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media, I help brands elevate their visibility, skyrocket organic traffic, and drive measurable engagement. Whether it’s optimizing site structure, crafting high-impact content, or buildi... Show more

Vered Robinzon

Vered Robinzon

Agile Organiziational leader and manager, Certified board facilitator with TAB (The Alternative Board) and a graduate of the StratPro leadership and strategy program, bringing over 20 years of experience in establishing and leading corporate training and education centers. Skilled in managing cross-cultural educational initiatives across Eastern Europe and North America, with a strong background in organizational development and leadership.

Currently serves as Deputy Head of the pioneering Education Authority and Director of Business Development at Sheba Medical Center, consistently ranked among the world’s Top 10 hospitals. Leads innovation processes, organizational learning and strategic growth initiatives and played a central role in establishing the Education Authority as a trailblazing organizational unit within the medical center.

Dedicated sports enthusiast with a particular passion for the English Premier League and an Executive Board Member of The Association of Independent Sport Organizations,
contributing energy, curiosity and a people-centered approach to every professional role.

Agile Organiziational leader and manager, Certified board facilitator with TAB (The Alternative Board) and a graduate of the StratPro leadership and strategy program, bringing over 20 years of experience in establishing and leading corporate training... Show more

Dan Rochon

Dan Rochon

Dan Rochon, founder of the Consistent and Predictable Income (CPI) Community, believes that with the right tools, mentorship, and training, you can learn to influence human behavior and achieve your fullest potential—and you can inspire others to do the same.

By teaching his clients and students how to “Teach to Sell,” Dan helps professionals - just like you - create a continuous flow of leads and transactions so you have No Broke Months, transform yourself into an all-star seller, and scale your businesses to the point where you have the freedom to step back and have real control over your future without ever missing a beat.

One of Dan's proudest accomplishments is his own track record of having “No Broke Months” in real estate sales since 2008, with an average of ten monthly sales.

He is also a certified NLP practitioner and the author of

Real Estate Evolution:

The Ten-Step Guide to CPI - Consistent and Predictable Income and

Think and Grow Rich: Increase Your Influence,

Avoid the #1 Sales Mistake and Get What You Want.

And as you might imagine,

Dan is a constant student of human experience and potential.

Dan Rochon, founder of the Consistent and Predictable Income (CPI) Community, believes that with the right tools, mentorship, and training, you can learn to influence human behavior and achieve your fullest potential—and you can inspire others to do ... Show more

Ashley Stallings

Ashley Stallings

Hey there—I’m Ashley, the voice behind Audibly Ashley. I’ve spent over a decade in the nonprofit world, building things from scratch, standing up for kids and families, and cheering on the helpers who make it all happen.

In addition to founding and running Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center, I speak, consult, and create space for people to rediscover their why—especially when the work gets heavy. I’m all about heart-led leadership, honest conversations, and reminding folks they don’t have to lose themselves to make a difference.

If you’re into purpose-driven work and real talk—let’s connect.

Hey there—I’m Ashley, the voice behind Audibly Ashley. I’ve spent over a decade in the nonprofit world, building things from scratch, standing up for kids and families, and cheering on the helpers who make it all happen. In addition to founding an... Show more

Rebecca Grier

Rebecca Grier

Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to be more customer obsessed. Previously she moved Ford to consider people with disabilities in the design of their autonomous vehicles and the US DoD to include user experience in testing of systems. She currently lives in Dublin with her husband and son.

Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to ... Show more

Selam Moges

Selam Moges

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

Sami Diaf

Sami Diaf

Sami is an experienced, polyvalent data scientist with a strong background in statistics, computer science and economics. He has held various positions at the intersection of industry and academia. He worked as a research associate on an interdisciplinary project at the University of Hamburg. His expertise ranges from applied statistics to advanced AI applications. He holds several degrees and has published in top journals.

Sami is an experienced, polyvalent data scientist with a strong background in statistics, computer science and economics. He has held various positions at the intersection of industry and academia. He worked as a research associate on an interdiscipl... Show more

Massimiliano Luca

Massimiliano Luca

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MIT Connection Science and a Visiting Ph.D. Student at CSIC-IFISC. I am currently working on socially aware foundation models, human-intelligent agents cooperation and spatially-aware deep learning for urban, transportation and mobility.

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MI... Show more

Chris Brousseau

Chris Brousseau

Chris is the Founder and Data Scientist at Surface Owl, where he focuses on machine learning and data science to develop a transformative decision support platform and implement digital transformation programs for clients. As an active contributor to the Bay Area's technical communities and Conference Chair of PyBay, Chris helps support the development of tech skills and our local Python and ML community.

Chris is the Founder and Data Scientist at Surface Owl, where he focuses on machine learning and data science to develop a transformative decision support platform and implement digital transformation programs for clients. As an active contributor to... Show more

Morten Rand-Hendriksen

Morten Rand-Hendriksen

Morten is a developer, designer, educator, and philosopher specializing in web standards, interaction design, and technology ethics. He has made hundreds of courses for Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning covering design, web standards, bleeding edge technologies, and ethics, and is a popular speaker at major conferences around the globe. You may have learned WordPress, or JavaScript, or CSS grid from him, or seen him talking about surveillance capitalism and AI on TikTok. In his spare time he builds Lego space ships with his 6 year old son and dances ballroom with his wife.

Morten is a developer, designer, educator, and philosopher specializing in web standards, interaction design, and technology ethics. He has made hundreds of courses for Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning covering design, web standards, bleeding edge te... Show more

Alex Wolf

Alex Wolf

Alex is a Systemic Engineer from Cologne, Germany in their 30s.

They have extensive experience designing complex distributed systems, complex team topologies, and care deeply about the human component in tech. They are always looking for ways to create a more inclusive, psychological safe, and productive work environment, all to enable engineers to become the best versions of themselves. In the past decade they successfully worked as a colleague to, manager of, and mentor for many engineers and stakeholders.

Alex is a Systemic Engineer from Cologne, Germany in their 30s. They have extensive experience designing complex distributed systems, complex team topologies, and care deeply about the human component in tech. They are always looking for ways to c... Show more

Randy Gonzales

Randy Gonzales

A native New Orleanian of Filipino descent, Randy Gonzales is a poet, writer, and community historian who researches and shares the stories of Filipino Louisiana. He is an associate professor of English at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he holds the Dr. James Wilson/BORSF Eminent Scholar Endowed Professorship in Southern Studies. His book Settling St. Malo (UL Press, 2023) is a history of Filipino Louisiana in verse. You can find out more about Filipinos in Louisiana at www.filipinola.com and more about Randy at www.randygonzales.com.

A native New Orleanian of Filipino descent, Randy Gonzales is a poet, writer, and community historian who researches and shares the stories of Filipino Louisiana. He is an associate professor of English at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, wh... Show more

Joanne Enders

Joanne Enders

Joanne's journey, shaped by her mother's and grandmother's wisdom, exemplifies the transformative power of art. As an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and personal growth. Her emotionally charged work resonates with global audiences, while her trailblazing multimedia creations captivate through digital art, AI, and photography. Joanne has two #1 internationally best-selling books, "The Creative Lifebook: Reflections On The Art Of Living A Fully Expressed Life" and “Radical Self Love: How To Ignite Your Light Through Creativity”. Showcasing her narrative talent and promoting community building and collaboration among artists, authors, and other creatives. Besides being an artist, photographer, and all-around nerd, she is a high-level Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Director and accountant, who always looks for solutions to issues that create risks of derailing projects, movements, and cultures. Being of the viewpoint to consider, communicate, and collaborate but most importantly take action, Joanne is a doer. Her business savvy, combined with her artistic prowess, positions her as a driving force for change and inspiration. From her modest beginnings to her worldwide success, Joanne's life and creativity are testaments to growth, resilience, and authenticity.

Joanne's journey, shaped by her mother's and grandmother's wisdom, exemplifies the transformative power of art. As an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and personal growth. Her emotionally charged wor... Show more

Dr. Amanda Fernandez

Dr. Amanda Fernandez

Dr. Amanda Fernandez is a seasoned education leader with a dynamic career spanning traditional district and county office roles, charter schools, and higher education. She brings extensive experience in designing and leading programs that elevate student achievement, educator development, and organizational effectiveness.

Dr. Fernandez has successfully led cross-functional departments, developed teacher mentoring programs, and collaborated with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) as part of a multi-industry task force to design innovative credentialing pathways. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building sustainable systems that support both teaching and leadership pipelines.

Currently serving as Chief Fiscal Officer for a network of charter schools, Dr. Fernandez oversees financial operations, strategic budgeting, and alignment of fiscal resources with educational priorities. She also leads the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process and facilitates the Parent Advisory Committee, ensuring inclusive engagement and data-driven decision-making.

A Board Certified Coach (BCC) and ACSA Leadership Coach, Dr. Fernandez is passionate about empowering education leaders to create cultures of trust, learning, and impact, where feedback is valued, teams are developed, and every dollar advances student success.

Dr. Amanda Fernandez is a seasoned education leader with a dynamic career spanning traditional district and county office roles, charter schools, and higher education. She brings extensive experience in designing and leading programs that elevate stu... Show more

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