Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Tori Brenneison

Tori Brenneison

Tori Brenneison is a senior software developer and former art historian whose mission in life is to serve as a warning to others. With her background in enterprise software development and technical education, Tori has built a reputation for modernizing solutions, developing impactful web applications, and mentoring the next generation of developers. Beyond her technical skills, she is deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and servant leadership in the tech community.

Tori’s wide-ranging experience and dynamic teaching style make her a compelling conference speaker and workshop facilitator. When she's not at her keyboard, you might find her hiking, petting strange cats she found on the street, or admiring her collection of midcentury bakeware. Best to approach her in the wild with a sacrificial cup of coffee, and be forewarned: she's a hugger.

Tori Brenneison is a senior software developer and former art historian whose mission in life is to serve as a warning to others. With her background in enterprise software development and technical education, Tori has built a reputation for moderniz... Show more

Emanuele Moscato

Emanuele Moscato

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and finally to organizational methodologies. In these experiences I was able to put into practice what I learned in my studies and learn new things using my ability to see and my propensity to think out of the box. Now is the time to help companies improve themselves by providing them with an external, competent and sometimes visionary, point of view. That's why I decided to take care of companies, and even before the people who make them live, from outside as a consultant.

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and... Show more

Gilles Brieux

Gilles Brieux

Convaincu des valeurs que véhicule l’agilité, je donne mon énergie pour accompagner des équipes et des organisations désirant se transformer.

Convaincu des valeurs que véhicule l’agilité, je donne mon énergie pour accompagner des équipes et des organisations désirant se transformer. Show more

Bruno Sbille

Bruno Sbille

I am from Belgium, the country of chocolate and beers.
I am one of the pioneers of Agile in Belgium, I carried out my first Scrum project back in 2008.
I am also a Certified Scrum Trainer from the Scrum Alliance.

In addition to my Agile hat, I also have one foot in the world of Psychology. I am a life coach, therapist and author of the book “Discovering soul families” https://www.amazon.fr/dp/236188299X which has sold more than 7,000 copies. My book talks about a model that helps us understand ourselves and others. All based on our greatest strengths, often underexploited, instinct, intuition, connection to others and the quest for meaning.

I am from Belgium, the country of chocolate and beers. I am one of the pioneers of Agile in Belgium, I carried out my first Scrum project back in 2008. I am also a Certified Scrum Trainer from the Scrum Alliance. In addition to my Agile hat, I a... Show more

Aanvi Dogra

Aanvi Dogra

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. She takes pride in uplifting her community, especially young students and she does this by volunteer organizations and clubs. In her free time, she enjoys working with kids and fostering a passion for STEM within children, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Aanvi Dogra is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School who is also attending Columbus State Community College to earn her Computer Science Cybersecurity Major AAS. She is passionate about technology and learning about new technological advancements. Sh... Show more

Maxime Sciare

Maxime Sciare

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime !

À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé).
Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier.
Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide les gens à oser passer à l’action avec un cap clair et motivant.

Ah oui, et je suis fan de randonnée, de fromage suisse et… de Taylor Swift ! 🎵🧀🥾

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime ! À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé). Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier. Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide... Show more

Cathrin Möller

Cathrin Möller

Cathrin is a professor for applied computer science, teaching how to create distributed applications and building web and mobile apps. She loves sharing pitfalls and lessons learned from more than 10 years in IT consulting.

Cathrin is a professor for applied computer science, teaching how to create distributed applications and building web and mobile apps. She loves sharing pitfalls and lessons learned from more than 10 years in IT consulting. Show more

Rashmi Watel

Rashmi Watel

Are you a first time author, scared at your own book launch ?

Do you come from a diverse ethnic background and English is not your first language?

You want to share your story with the world, however you are not confident about crafting your message or does fear of speaking always paralyses you ?

I can help you, I empower my clients get over their fear of public speaking.

My “Make yourself heard-with Rashmi Watel” program helps you build your confidence as you work on your mindset and learn to calm your nerves.

My simple to implement strategies help you use your voice effectively adding the right pauses and modulations.

I teach easy to follow yet effective techniques to master your breathing to deliver your signature speech.
Once you master your craft, I also teach my clients to monetise their public speaking skills.

Public speaking is one of the worlds highest paying careers and 75% of the world’s population is scared of speaking in public.

If you are ready to take your career / business to the next level. Get in touch !

E: rashmi.watel@gmail.com

Are you a first time author, scared at your own book launch ? Do you come from a diverse ethnic background and English is not your first language? You want to share your story with the world, however you are not confident about crafting your m... Show more

Haidy Shehata

Haidy Shehata

Dr. Haidy Mahmoud Shehata

Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering | Smart Cities | Sustainability | Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Haidy Mahmoud Shehata is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, specializing in Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Smart Cities, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for sustainable development.

She holds a PhD in Architectural Engineering from Alexandria University and a Diploma in Sustainability in Education from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Ireland. Her academic and research work focuses on Fifth-Generation Smart Cities, AI-driven urban innovation, sustainable architectural design, and strategies for intelligent, resilient, and human-centered urban transformation.

Her research interests encompass smart and sustainable cities, environmental design, energy-efficient buildings, climate-responsive architecture, human-centered design, and the integration of AI and emerging technologies into the built environment. She has contributed to scientific publications, international conferences, academic peer reviewing, professional training, and interdisciplinary sustainability initiatives.

Dr. Shehata serves as THE Impact Rankings Coordinator at Pharos University in Alexandria and Coordinator of the Community Service and Sustainability Center at the Faculty of Engineering. She is also a Certified Trainer at EDC and under the “Be an Ambassador for Sustainable Development” initiative.

Through her research, teaching, and institutional leadership, Dr. Shehata is committed to advancing sustainable engineering education, fostering interdisciplinary innovation, and promoting AI-enabled solutions for the development of smarter, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities.

Dr. Haidy Mahmoud Shehata Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering | Smart Cities | Sustainability | Artificial Intelligence Dr. Haidy Mahmoud Shehata is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Pharos University in Alexand... Show more

Liene Freija Lund

Liene Freija Lund

Liene Freija Lund is a leadership and communication consultant with over 15 years of experience in international organisations, including senior roles within the United Nations system.

She works with leaders and teams to improve how they think, communicate and make decisions in complex and high-pressure environments. Her work focuses on attentive communication, emotional intelligence and decision-making as practical leadership tools — not abstract concepts.

Liene is the co-founder of Pathfinder Duo, SIA, a consultancy combining leadership development with cybersecurity and organisational resilience. She designs and delivers executive trainings, workshops and coaching programmes for organisations across Europe.

Alongside her professional work, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis, where her research explores how emotional intelligence and communication directly impact team performance.

Her speaking style combines clarity, depth and real-world experience, offering audiences practical insights they can apply immediately in their leadership and professional roles.

Liene Freija Lund is a leadership and communication consultant with over 15 years of experience in international organisations, including senior roles within the United Nations system. She works with leaders and teams to improve how they think, co... Show more

Theo Gonzalves

Theo Gonzalves

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has taught in the United States, Spain, and the Philippines since 1991. His acclaimed book Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects (2023) earned the Smithsonian Secretary’s Research Prize. An accomplished musician and past president of the Association for Asian American Studies, Dr. Gonzalves was appointed to the Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship Program and has served on the board of directors of the American Council of Learned Societies.

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has ta... Show more

David Leslie

David Leslie

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

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

Gregory Trzeciak

Gregory Trzeciak

Gregory Trzeciak has his master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida. He has 9 years of teaching experience in high school, college level, and summer programs where he was recognized as a top educator and leader in interactive education. As a trainer at Pragmatic Works, his primary goal is to help individuals gain confidence in using Power BI and the Power Platform. While not in the office, he enjoys fantasy football, walking his dog, and running half-marathons!

Gregory Trzeciak has his master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida. He has 9 years of teaching experience in high school, college level, and summer programs where he was recognized as a top educator and leader in interactive educati... Show more

Svetlana Malkarova

Svetlana Malkarova

Dr.Svetlana Malkarova, PH.D ( Sociology), Fulbright Program Alumna
Director for the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Dubai.
Dr.Svetlana's professional interests include research in the field of comparative analysis of students' value orientations "Comparative Analysis of Value Orientations of Students in the Northeast of Russia and the North of the USA" and in the field of developing a knowledge society as the head of the UNESCO Chair "Societal, Legal, and Ethical Frameworking of a Knowledge Society".

Dr.Svetlana Malkarova, PH.D ( Sociology), Fulbright Program Alumna Director for the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Dubai. Dr.Svetlana's professional interests include research in the field of comparative analysis of students' valu... Show more

Checo Cadena

Checo Cadena

Checo Cadena is a New York–based creative technologist and music producer who builds systems where audio, robotics, and AI meet. As a Computer Control Engineer at Amorphic Robot Works, Checo leads technical development of Getty-funded robotic art installations, including Dual Pneuma at UC Irvine's Beall Center for Art + Technology. Checo holds an M.A. from Berklee NYC and a degree in Integrated Design and Media from NYU Tandon, and trained at IRCAM in Paris. Checo created oneapi-agent-toolkit, an open-source project that teaches coding agents to port CUDA to SYCL and verify the results. Two of its first examples are audio effects.

Checo Cadena is a New York–based creative technologist and music producer who builds systems where audio, robotics, and AI meet. As a Computer Control Engineer at Amorphic Robot Works, Checo leads technical development of Getty-funded robotic art ins... Show more

Julia Jędrzejczyk

Julia Jędrzejczyk

I am a Business Salesforce Consultant with one year of hands-on project experience, gained almost entirely through practical work on real implementations. I hold a degree in Computer Science engineering and am currently studying Cognitive Science, where I explore how the brain works and how people communicate. I’m passionate about understanding human behavior and combining that insight with technology to create meaningful, user-focused solutions.
Alongside my technical path, I have three years of experience working in a PR agency, which has strengthened my communication, storytelling, and relationship-building skills.

I am a Business Salesforce Consultant with one year of hands-on project experience, gained almost entirely through practical work on real implementations. I hold a degree in Computer Science engineering and am currently studying Cognitive Science, wh... Show more

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself University, and hosts the Soul Seekr Podcast. Despite all of Sam’s ventures and business success and being recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 Under 40” at just age 31 years old and “Rising Star” in the promotional products industry, he soon recognized that something was missing. Sam realized that despite his success, he was unhappy. This understanding catapulted him on his most recent exploration of his life’s purpose.

He is on a mission to bridge the gap between the way we conduct ourselves in business, mindful practices, how we communicate with everyone, especially oneself, all through prioritizing psychological safety and mental health first.

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself Unive... Show more

Horacio Lewis

Horacio Lewis

Contador Publico y Asesor de BI, especialista en power Bi
Docente de Power Bi,Certificado IBCS analyst Experto en aplicacion de IBCS
Manager de Biresults

Contador Publico y Asesor de BI, especialista en power Bi Docente de Power Bi,Certificado IBCS analyst Experto en aplicacion de IBCS Manager de Biresults Show more

Michael Platinum-Williams

Michael Platinum-Williams

Michael is a digital product design leader with 15 years of professional experience, operating at the intersection of design services, tech entrepreneurship and design education. He is the co-founder of The Platinum-Williams Company, a digital product design studio specialising in complex SaaS platforms, web apps and AI production workflows. Parallel to his agency work, he is the CEO of FriendSift, a photo-free, values-first platform designed to help adults build genuine friendships based on core values rather than superficial swiping. Beyond building products and businesses, Michael is a passionate design educator and YouTube creator, actively mentoring the next generation on UI/UX craft, systems thinking and career development.

Michael is a digital product design leader with 15 years of professional experience, operating at the intersection of design services, tech entrepreneurship and design education. He is the co-founder of The Platinum-Williams Company, a digital produc... 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

Joel Alimasi

Joel Alimasi

Joël ALIMASI Kitambala is a dedicated fact-checking journalist based Democratic Republic of the Congo, specializing in political and health reporting, security issues, data, digital and AI contents verification. He holds a master's degree in Economics from the University of Goma and has over four years of experience in digital communication and fact-checking, notably through UNICEF’s Veilleurs du Web program and Eleza Fact. His work focuses on identifying AI-generated misinformation, data manipulation, and visual disinformation, and is distinguished by rigorous investigative methods and a strong commitment to accuracy in complex media environments.

Joël ALIMASI Kitambala is a dedicated fact-checking journalist based Democratic Republic of the Congo, specializing in political and health reporting, security issues, data, digital and AI contents verification. He holds a master's degree in Economic... Show more

Mbi Aziseh Azimboh N/A

Mbi Aziseh Azimboh N/A


Mbi Aziseh is an elections and parliamentary affairs analyst and Executive Director of Politicos, a problem-solving think tank committed to influencing public policy and advancing democratic governance. He previously served as an Election-Related Early Warning and Response (EWER) practitioner and as a trainer in community activism and media and information literacy (MIL) with #defyhatenow – Civic Watch. He has authored two fact-checking articles and three social media health and digital safety pieces addressing disinformation and online harm. Having witnessed and analyzed firsthand the effects of digital violence, disinformation, and online abuse during the Cameroon 2025 presidential as a result of his commentary on the BBC Africa. His advocacy centers on digital wellbeing, safe civic spaces, and inclusive participation, ensuring marginalized voices can engage in democratic processes without fear or harm.

Mbi Aziseh is an elections and parliamentary affairs analyst and Executive Director of Politicos, a problem-solving think tank committed to influencing public policy and advancing democratic governance. He previously served as an Election-Related E... Show more

Jillian Ketz

Jillian Ketz

Jillian is an entry-level higher education professional with a passion for residence life, student development, leadership, and staff wellness. She is an active member of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) and has been since 2023. She enjoys exploring the RA experience and learning how to be an impactful supervisor. In the past, she has presented on topics such as team connectedness, and she has written an article discussing how to bolster team resilience prior to a crisis.

Jillian is an entry-level higher education professional with a passion for residence life, student development, leadership, and staff wellness. She is an active member of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO... Show more

Racheal Ncube

Racheal Ncube

Digital Rights Advocate, Racheal Ncube has led various initiatives that empower marginalized communities, particularly women, to navigate the digital world safely and securely. Through Digital Haven, a program focused on digital security training, and Climate Action Haven, which highlights the role of women in climate change advocacy, Racheal has reached hundreds of women, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to protect their online presence while raising awareness of the intersection between digital rights, gender equality, and climate change.

Racheal is also a Poet, using her art to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocate for social change. Through poetry, she engages with critical issues such as digital rights, gender empowerment, and climate justice, creating awareness and sparking conversations about these vital topics. She is also a Digital Governance Incubate at Accountability Lab East and Southern Africa.

In addition to her artistic work, Racheal is a former Internet Society Youth Ambassador, where she advocates for digital rights and inclusion on a global scale.

Digital Rights Advocate, Racheal Ncube has led various initiatives that empower marginalized communities, particularly women, to navigate the digital world safely and securely. Through Digital Haven, a program focused on digital security training, an... Show more

Chad Shomura

Chad Shomura

Chad Shomura is Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado, Denver. His research interests include political thought, affect, biopolitics, new materialism, and ecology. His recent publications are in Catalyst: Feminism, Theory, Technoscience, Capacities To: Affect Up Against Fascism, Theory & Event, American Quarterly, and Oxford Encyclopedia of Asian American Literature and Culture. Chad's current book project, A Life Otherwise, examines minor assemblies of life that upset the good life. His latest zine, New Model Minorities, is a series of aphorisms about people who destroy community in the name of community. His website is chadshomura.com

Chad Shomura is Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado, Denver. His research interests include political thought, affect, biopolitics, new materialism, and ecology. His recent publications are in Catalyst: Feminism, Theor... 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

Kirstie Whitaker

Kirstie Whitaker

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Scientific Python communities. She is the founder of The Turing Way, a collaboratively created guide for reproducible, inclusive, collaborative, and ethical data science. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience (2012) and is a Fulbright Scholarship alumna.

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Sc... Show more

Diane Zajac

Diane Zajac

Founder of OnBelay, I use my nearly 20 years of experience to help teams become more curious, collaborative, and customer-focused. Drawing on systems thinking, psychology, and agile principles, I coach teams through real-world challenges while helping them rediscover joy in their work.

As a facilitator, I design structured, engaging conversations where all voices are heard (not just the loudest) and teams reach actual alignment faster. As a personal coach, I combine empathy with practical tools and a dose of radical candor to help individuals think differently, get unstuck, and grow into their potential.

Founder of OnBelay, I use my nearly 20 years of experience to help teams become more curious, collaborative, and customer-focused. Drawing on systems thinking, psychology, and agile principles, I coach teams through real-world challenges while helpin... Show more

Swapna Chimanchodkar

Swapna Chimanchodkar

Swapna Chimanchodkar is an accomplished transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience enabling sustainable business impact for global organizations through process excellence, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation. She has successfully led strategic initiatives spanning process and IT transformation, enterprise data strategy, and automation integrating technologies such as AI/ML, RPA, Gen AI, and advanced analytics to solve complex business challenges.
In her current role as Director at UBS Financial Services, Swapna drives large-scale transformation and integration programs across various areas of the bank. She oversees strategic integration, data modernization, and digital and process improvement initiatives, collaborating closely with senior leadership and cross-functional global teams.
A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Swapna brings a unique combination of analytical rigor, strategic insight, and change management expertise to every engagement. She has been instrumental in designing target operating models, and implementing automation frameworks that deliver measurable efficiencies.
As a thought leader, Swapna regularly contributes to industry dialogue. She served as a keynote speaker and panelist at the NexGen Banking Summit USA 2024, discussing AI-driven business innovation and data-led digital transformation in the banking sector.

Swapna Chimanchodkar is an accomplished transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience enabling sustainable business impact for global organizations through process excellence, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation. She... Show more

Mathilde Ançay

Mathilde Ançay

I’m a developer with an unusual path: art and design, then literature and philosophy, then software engineering. I approach technical problems with an analytical mind, balancing user needs with technical efficiency to build long-lasting solutions that make sense. I’m especially interested in how AI can support development teams, and in evaluating its output critically.

I’m a developer with an unusual path: art and design, then literature and philosophy, then software engineering. I approach technical problems with an analytical mind, balancing user needs with technical efficiency to build long-lasting solutions tha... Show more

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