Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Jenifer Pepen Aquino

Jenifer Pepen Aquino

Jenifer Pepen Aquino, known as SirenAi, is a first-generation American of Dominican descent and an AI artist. As the owner of a digital art gallery, President and Co-Founder of One Love Art DAO, Jenifer is deeply involved in both creating and curating digital art. Her work explores themes like spirituality, mythology, history, relationships, and her Latina heritage, influenced by her multicultural background. After starting as an avid NFT collector, she has grown into a recognized artist in the space. Through AI, SirenAi tells stories that resonate with universal human experiences. As a public speaker and writer, Jenifer is committed to empowering other artists and fostering the growth of the digital art community.

Jenifer Pepen Aquino, known as SirenAi, is a first-generation American of Dominican descent and an AI artist. As the owner of a digital art gallery, President and Co-Founder of One Love Art DAO, Jenifer is deeply involved in both creating and curatin... Show more

Güldeniz Bektaş

Güldeniz Bektaş

Güldeniz is graduated in Astronomy and Space Sciences but works as a Data Scientist for 1.5 years. She also loves to contribute to community. She organizes workshops, events and give talks and workshops herself in her country.

Güldeniz is graduated in Astronomy and Space Sciences but works as a Data Scientist for 1.5 years. She also loves to contribute to community. She organizes workshops, events and give talks and workshops herself in her country. Show more

Ouafa Benterki

Ouafa Benterki

Ouafa Benterki is a pioneering figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for her remarkable contributions and leadership. She is the CEO and Founder of MTY Intelligent Software, the first women-led technology startup in Algeria that specializes in AI and natural language processing (NLP). Founded in 2014, MTY Intelligent Software has been at the forefront of innovation in Algeria's tech industry.

Trainer and President of the first Algerian Association that promotes AI and Natural language Processing since 2013 in Algeria

In recognition of her expertise and influence, Ouafa was named a Microsoft Regional Director in May 2019, becoming the first Algerian IT professional to receive this prestigious title. As a Microsoft Regional Director, she is recognized for her cross-platform technical expertise, community leadership, public speaking experience, and commitment to business results.

Ouafa has also been acknowledged as one of the 100 Technologists to Watch by Women Who Code in 2023, highlighting her groundbreaking contributions to the technology industry .

Furthermore, Ouafa BENTERKI Was featured on the US Innovation report (Prescouter edition January 2023) among the most innovative Tech Thought Leader in the World.
Her efforts to promote Women in Data Science led her the be named Women In Data Science Ambassador to Algeria by the Stanford University since 2017
She is an expert advisor at the Arab International Investor Forum and frequently contributes to Algeria's AI space as a speaker and thought leader.

Her journey and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, especially women in technology, and underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech world.

Ouafa Benterki is a pioneering figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for her remarkable contributions and leadership. She is the CEO and Founder of MTY Intelligent Software, the first women-led technology startup i... Show more

Melody Passemante Powell M.Ed (she/her)

Melody Passemante Powell M.Ed (she/her)

Melody is an early childhood leader and specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Melody currently works as a Child Care Specialist III as a Supervisor within Fairfax County’s Institute for Early Learning. She Supervises Child Care Specialists II as they design and facilitate professional development for early childhood educators enrolled in the Neighborhood Community Services (NCS) Institute for Early Learning. Melody holds a BS in Early Childhood Education as well as a MEd in Education Management. She has been working with young children, families, and early childhood educators for over two decades in a variety of roles including the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center – Center Director and Office of Engagement Director. She was honored to be a member of the 2021-2022 NAEYC Regional Advocacy Fellowship, collaborating with other DC AEYC, Northern Virginia AEYC and Maryland AEYC fellows to build community, a network for advocacy, and create a shared policy agenda. Melody is passionate about meeting families, educators, and children where they are and creating responsive professional development workshops and curricula that meet their individual needs. She is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and continuous personal reflection. She has participated in various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, both professionally and personally. Melody is dedicated to supporting educators in their understanding of relationship based and empathy driven support, to provide high quality, equitable educational experiences for all families and children.

Melody is an early childhood leader and specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Melody currently works as a Child Care Specialist III as a Supervisor within Fairfax County’s Institute for Early Learning. She Supervises ... Show more

Thomas Weibel

Thomas Weibel

Thomas Weibel ist freier Journalist und Professor für Media Engineering. Nach einem Germanistik- und Anglistikstudium an der Universität Bern und nach journalistischen Lehr- und Wanderjahren bei führenden Schweizer Tageszeitungen war er Mitglied der Programmleitung von Radio SRF 2 Kultur, wo er crossmediale Formate entwickelte.

Als selbständiger Multimediaproduzent lehrt Thomas Weibel heute multimediales Erzählen und konvergente Medienproduktion an der Fachhochschule Graubünden sowie an der Hochschule der Künste Bern.

Thomas Weibel ist freier Journalist und Professor für Media Engineering. Nach einem Germanistik- und Anglistikstudium an der Universität Bern und nach journalistischen Lehr- und Wanderjahren bei führenden Schweizer Tageszeitungen war er Mitglied der ... Show more

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

I'm Dr. Sonia Daniels, a multi-passionate business owner and digital creator. As the founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, I empower mission-driven organizations to achieve sustainable growth and transformative results. With over 15 years of experience in Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, and senior operations, I lead projects that inspire change and build lasting capacity. From global corporations like Amazon to local nonprofits, my team combines strategy with heart to drive meaningful impact.

Beyond consulting, I channel my creativity into solo travel and adventure, sharing stories that inspire curiosity and exploration. I’m proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of New Orleans, and Southern University. I’m also a 2023 Goldman Sachs Black in Business alumna and 2024 Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Executive Education graduate. I’m dedicated to a life of purpose, adventure, and connection—sparking growth in organizations and individuals alike.

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT:
To live with purpose, inspire growth in myself and others, and create meaningful connections that foster equity and lasting impact.

I'm Dr. Sonia Daniels, a multi-passionate business owner and digital creator. As the founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, I empower mission-driven organizations to achieve sustainable growth and transformative results. With over 15 years of expe... Show more

Sheryn (Chirine) Knaider

Sheryn (Chirine) Knaider


Sheryn Knaïder, known as "The Disruptive Creator," is a professional who believes in unlocking solutions within challenges by embracing the power of perspective.

With a focus on transforming adversity into achievement and the need for constant reinvention, Sheryn emphasizes the importance of creativity and Problem Solving in navigating today's complex business landscape.

She applies her expertise in various ways: as a Multilingual Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Consultant, and Author.

Fluent in French, Italian, English, and Arabic, she excels in creative problem-solving, offering solutions to individuals and organizations seeking to thrive in challenging environments.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Sheryn is the Founding President of the Professional Speakers Association of MENA & GCC - PSA Arabia, where her mission is to give a voice to women in these regions and empower them to speak up.

She is also a stand-up comedian in both English and Arabic language.

Sheryn Knaïder, known as "The Disruptive Creator," is a professional who believes in unlocking solutions within challenges by embracing the power of perspective. With a focus on transforming adversity into achievement and the need for constant r... Show more

Tariq Ali Cayne

Tariq Ali Cayne

Tariq Ali Cayne, also known as TAC, is a distinguished educator, speaker, and business professional dedicated to fostering growth and development across diverse audiences. As the Co-Founder and Coaching Director of Pitch Play Co., he integrates gamification into career coaching, making professional development both engaging and accessible.

With a robust background that includes teaching mathematics and serving in various capacities at Fortune 500 companies, Tariq has honed his expertise in business analysis, operations management, and program management. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Georgia State University, complemented by Lean Six Sigma, Scrum Mastery, Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation certifications from esteemed institutions such as Cornell University and MIT.

Tariq's speaking engagements are characterized by his strategic mindset and competitive nature, which he attributes to his lifelong passions as a curious scholar, enthusiastic gamer, and basketball aficionado. He emphasizes the importance of personal investment and continuous learning, inspiring audiences to view business as a game that can be mastered with the right approach.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Tariq is an avid gamer, traveler, and culinary enthusiast, bringing a well-rounded perspective to his coaching and speaking engagements. He aims to empower individuals to achieve their career goals by making career development fun and approachable.

Tariq Ali Cayne, also known as TAC, is a distinguished educator, speaker, and business professional dedicated to fostering growth and development across diverse audiences. As the Co-Founder and Coaching Director of Pitch Play Co., he integrates gamif... Show more

Eran Yahav

Eran Yahav

Eran Yahav is the CTO of Tabnine and a professor of Computer Science at the Technion, Israel. His research interests include program synthesis, machine learning for code, program analysis, and program verification. Eran loves long-distance running, and while he hasn’t yet won any medals, he has suffered at least one instance of heatstroke while trying.

Eran Yahav is the CTO of Tabnine and a professor of Computer Science at the Technion, Israel. His research interests include program synthesis, machine learning for code, program analysis, and program verification. Eran loves long-distance running, a... Show more

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, MAML is on a mission to make the world, or at least her corner of it, a better place. Since the age of 12, Cortina has been a student of creativity and entrepreneurship, learning at the hands of elders, mentors and teachers in the rural South about how to serve, how to build good business and how to be a leader in life. Having to overcome the challenges of being born to teenage parents, the strife of poverty and the slippery slope of wanting to “make it out”, Cortina had an early passion to build the life God envisioned for her and go beyond the limitations imposed upon her by society. The early teachings to pursue an education, keep God first in all things and be a good human paid off and her life is an ongoing testament to the power of hard work, strategy, resilience, authenticity and working from the heart. Since 2004, Cortina has been speaking to audiences all over the world, seeking to ignite hope and courage in others. Notable achievements in her career include:

EPA & Tuskegee University, Environmental Justice Fellow, 2024;
River City Company, Emerging Producers Fellow, 2024;
ArtsBuild Periscope CHA Fellow, 2024;
Certified ICAgile Professional, 2023;
KNOW Global, Notable Women: Asheville, 2020;
Tzedek Impact Award, 2019;
Certified Grant Writing Professional, 2018;
Certified Creative Facilitator, 2016;
Masters of Art in Business Management & Leadership, 2015;
40 Under Forty: Asheville, 2013;
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2012;
Phi Alpha Honor Society, 2008; and
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, 2005.

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, MAML is on a mission to make the world, or at least her corner of it, a better place. Since the age of 12, Cortina has been a student of creativity and entrepreneurship, learning at the hands of elders, mentors and teachers ... Show more

Cosme Aristides

Cosme Aristides

I have a degree in Physics and Astronomy, but I work in IT. Okay, nothing special there. The unlikely thing is that before I ventured into the "exact sciences" (a somewhat inaccurate label, by the way), I actually completed 6 semesters of Literature. So, I have some "humanities" in my academic background. Okay, but what career doesn't? Details of my profile that might give you an idea of ​​the line I want to take in my content production.

My completed writing projects are: editorial and writing for the pop culture and science dissemination magazine Geeky~iD, as well as authoring the book “A Paisagem Limpido ~ Gênese vampírica”. I also wrote research and dissemination articles on Physics, Epistemology, Ancient History, Comparative Religions and Mythology.

As academic activities, I coordinated the UFF/Unesco extension project in Environmental Education, gave lectures at research institutes on Climate Change, clean energy, sustainable development, astronomy, quantum theory, relativity, philosophy of science, data science and artificial intelligence.

I have a degree in Physics and Astronomy, but I work in IT. Okay, nothing special there. The unlikely thing is that before I ventured into the "exact sciences" (a somewhat inaccurate label, by the way), I actually completed 6 semesters of Literature.... Show more

Renata Frade

Renata Frade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benyamin Uber ]aya Prana

Benyamin Uber ]aya Prana

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

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

Susi Bauer

Susi Bauer

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

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

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

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

Just Isaac

Just Isaac

Just Isaac - Your Breakthrough Specialist

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

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

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

Matthew Dickson

Matthew Dickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pavel Fedotov

Pavel Fedotov

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

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

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

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

Guilherme Diaz-Berrio

Guilherme Diaz-Berrio

With over a decade of experience in analytics, Guilherme has a proven track record in transforming data into actionable insights across various industries, including automotive with BMW Group and financial services with BMW Bank. He also led marketing analytics at Kindred Group and authored “Data Analytics for Marketing” by Packt Publishing.

With over a decade of experience in analytics, Guilherme has a proven track record in transforming data into actionable insights across various industries, including automotive with BMW Group and financial services with BMW Bank. He also led marketin... Show more

Paul Hylenski

Paul Hylenski

Paul Hylenski is an accomplished Aerospace Business Leader based in Maryland. Paul started his leadership journey during his time in the United States Marine Corps. With over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Paul is passionate about leadership and human dynamics. Paul has implemented psychological safety and social engineering principles to create environments where individuals can thrive.
As a thought leader, Paul has written numerous articles on human-centric leadership and maintains a popular LinkedIn newsletter dedicated to the subject. He has also authored books such as "Culture Change through Environment Change," "Coaching for Growth," and "Error-Proofing Humans." These publications showcase his expertise and provide guidance for aspiring leaders in the aerospace industry.
With a track record of success and a genuine commitment to empowering others, Paul Hylenski continues to make significant contributions to aerospace manufacturing. His leadership philosophy and dedication to human dynamics inspire positive and transformative change within organizations.

Paul Hylenski is an accomplished Aerospace Business Leader based in Maryland. Paul started his leadership journey during his time in the United States Marine Corps. With over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Paul is passionate about... Show more

Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou

Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou

M. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou holds a PhD in Statistics-Probability and is a post-doctoral researcher in Biostatistics and Artificial Intelligence at the Research and Training Center in Infectiology of Guinea (CERFIG), Gamal Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea. Previously, he was a Lecturer-Researcher at the Laboratory of Biometrics and Forestry Estimations at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. He actively participates in various scientific communities, contributing to fields such as biostatistics, applied statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, climate change, agriculture, environment, and public health. He has received several awards, including the best poster award for his doctoral thesis work at the Doctoral School of Excellence Centers of Benin of the World Bank in 2021, and was nominated in 2024 among 'World Top Scientists' in the 'Best Research Article Award' category in Biostatistics. Recently, he has been appointed as a Lecturer-Researcher in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Labé. Contact: +22995306612/+224627812787, castrohounmenou@gmail.com

M. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou holds a PhD in Statistics-Probability and is a post-doctoral researcher in Biostatistics and Artificial Intelligence at the Research and Training Center in Infectiology of Guinea (CERFIG), Gamal Nasser University of Cona... Show more

Alice Brosey

Alice Brosey

I am a Senior Developer at Hitachi Solutions and a freelance developer for my company The Bunny Network. I'm a wife, and mother of an amazing 10 year old. A third generation printer on both sides of my family, I have ink in my veins and a love of the printed word. I'm also into genealogy, historical preservation, and bicycling.

I am a Senior Developer at Hitachi Solutions and a freelance developer for my company The Bunny Network. I'm a wife, and mother of an amazing 10 year old. A third generation printer on both sides of my family, I have ink in my veins and a love of the... Show more

Eleonora Buonocore

Eleonora Buonocore

Eleonora Buonocore is Associate Professor of Italian Studies at the University of Calgary, Alberta (Canada). She holds a PhD in Medieval Philosophy from University of Siena, (2009) and in 2016 she completed her second PhD from Yale University. In 2017 she was Visiting Assistant Professor of Italian at Colby College, before moving to Canada. In 2022 she won the Student Union award for excellence in teaching at the University of Calgary. In 2021-22 she was a fellow at the Calgary Institute for the Humanities working on her monograph on the concept of memory in Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Her research lies at the intersection between philosophy and literature in the Medieval world, in Dante and in early Renaissance thought. She co- edited a volume of Studium (2021) in which she also published an article on Dante’s Convivio and Monarchia as well as she has published on Italian women writers such as Carolina Invernizio and on Italian Film.

Eleonora Buonocore is Associate Professor of Italian Studies at the University of Calgary, Alberta (Canada). She holds a PhD in Medieval Philosophy from University of Siena, (2009) and in 2016 she completed her second PhD from Yale University. In 201... Show more

Katherine Volkmer

Katherine Volkmer

Katherine Volkmer, PhD candidate in the Italian Specialization of Comparative Literature at CUNY Graduate Center, holds a certificate in Global Early Modern Studies. She is the 2024-25 recipient of the ATBL Transatlantic Fellowship of the British Library and Harvard Houghton Library and a 2025 MLA Professional Development Grant. Her dissertation explores the poetry of Laura Terracina.

Katherine Volkmer, PhD candidate in the Italian Specialization of Comparative Literature at CUNY Graduate Center, holds a certificate in Global Early Modern Studies. She is the 2024-25 recipient of the ATBL Transatlantic Fellowship of the British Lib... Show more

Steve Adolph

Steve Adolph

Steve is a Strategic Advisor at Scaled Agile, where he pursues his passion for improving people's working lives by working differently and building the future.
Steve's been in this industry longer than he cares to think about, and if you remember Fortran, TTL, 8 bit logic, and can solder, then you’re probably in his demographic. Steve started his career actually doing engineering and building cool things like telephone switches and railway signaling systems. Around the late 90s, he was seduced by the dark side of a greater salary, plus an office with a door that could close, and moved into management. There, he became interested in how ways of working and organizational culture influence enterprise outcomes. Steve has worked with a wide variety of clients using SAFe to better their way of working for nearly 15 years.
Steve has written numerous papers on agility, analysis, and software engineering. He has authored several books on analysis, including the recently published “The Rock Crusher.”
Education-wise, Steve holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and is a SAFe SPCT. But, despite that, he is still an OK guy. For fun, Steve enjoys the usual West Coast lifestyle: skiing, hiking, kayaking, and complaining about housing prices. There is a nasty rumour circulating that Steve is an opera fan.

Steve is a Strategic Advisor at Scaled Agile, where he pursues his passion for improving people's working lives by working differently and building the future. Steve's been in this industry longer than he cares to think about, and if you remember Fo... Show more

Priscilla Rippe

Priscilla Rippe

Je suis consultante en conduite du changement. J'interviens en entreprise pour travailler sur des projets de transformation (réorganisation, nouveaux processus métier, nouvelles méthodes de travail). Les méthodes agiles, les techniques du Design Thinking, le leadership et l'agilité comportementale viennent enrichir chaque jour mes missions d’accompagnement auprès des équipes.

Je suis consultante en conduite du changement. J'interviens en entreprise pour travailler sur des projets de transformation (réorganisation, nouveaux processus métier, nouvelles méthodes de travail). Les méthodes agiles, les techniques du Design Thin... Show more

Arnab Banerji

Arnab Banerji

Arnab Banerji is an Associate Professor of Theatre History and Dramatic Literature at Loyola
Marymount University located in the unceded lands of the Gabrilieno Tongva people also known
as Los Angeles. He is the author of Contemporary Group Theatre from Kolkata, India
(Routledge 2020). Arnab’s essays and reviews have been published in Theatre Journal, Theatre
Topics, Asian Theatre Journal, TDR, BOOM California, Ecumenica, Theatre Symposium,
Sanglap, Cerebration, and SERAS. His current research is in performances by the Indian diaspora, translations of Indian vernacular plays, and contemporary Bengali theatre.

Arnab Banerji is an Associate Professor of Theatre History and Dramatic Literature at Loyola Marymount University located in the unceded lands of the Gabrilieno Tongva people also known as Los Angeles. He is the author of Contemporary Group Theatre... Show more

Eric Wada

Eric Wada

Bio :
Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Division of Indigenous Language Revitalization and Education. His work bridges performing arts, language, and ceremony to explore Okinawan identity, diaspora, and decolonial practice. Through the philosophy of Nadayashiku—conciliation as a pedagogy for survival—Wada examines how Indigenous and land-based education can foster responsible allyship, heal generational trauma, and inspire language revitalization grounded in ancestral worldview.

Bio : Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Division of Indigenous Language Revitalization and Education. His work bridges performin... Show more

Barry Burd

Barry Burd

Barry Burd is a Mathematics and Computer Science Professor at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, US. He's the author of several books, including "Java For Dummies", "Quantum Computing Algorithms", and with Michael McCarthy, "Concise Guide to the Internet of Things". In 2020, he was named a Java Champion.

Barry Burd is a Mathematics and Computer Science Professor at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, US. He's the author of several books, including "Java For Dummies", "Quantum Computing Algorithms", and with Michael McCarthy, "Concise Guide to the... Show more

Tony DelaRosa

Tony DelaRosa

Tony DelaRosa is the son of Pampangan & Caviteño Filipino immigrants and the father of two Filipinx-Cuban kids. Tony holds an M.Ed. from Harvard University and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Education Leadership & Policy Analysis department, where he researches how institutions, ethnic studies policies, and coalitions impact leadership practices. Tony is the author of the award-winning book "Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in Schools," published by Jossey-Bass. He co-investigates the USAP Tayo Lab at the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison, where he researches the correlation between politics and the well-being of Filipina/x/o Americans. Before his research, he was a humanities teacher in Indianapolis and Boston, and an instructional coach in Miami-Dade between 2012 and 2022. His work has been featured in CNN, NPR, Harvard Education Magazine, NBC, KQED, the Hechinger Report and other publications. Learn more at TonyRosaSpeaks.com.

Tony DelaRosa is the son of Pampangan & Caviteño Filipino immigrants and the father of two Filipinx-Cuban kids. Tony holds an M.Ed. from Harvard University and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Education Leadership & Polic... Show more

Grace Acton

Grace Acton

Ai Grace Acton is an undergraduate student studying International Relations and Sociology at Tufts University. This past summer, Acton was awarded a grant from the Tufts Summer Scholars program to conduct research on multiracial Asian American identity. She is currently extending this research into a senior honors thesis on how multiracial Asian-white individuals understand and negotiate their racial identities within both their communities and the broader U.S. racial hierarchy, drawing on qualitative methods and critical approaches from sociology, Asian American studies, and mixed-race studies.
Beyond her independent research, Acton is analyzing qualitative data from more than forty interviews examining equity and climate in public exam schools following admissions reform as a research assistant to Professor Warikoo in the Department of Sociology. This collaborative project aims to offer insight into the efficacy of the new policy and ultimately improve its implementation.
Grace’s academic and activist work intersect deeply. As a project lead with the Tufts Asian Student Coalition (TASC), she has designed and facilitated workshops that encourage students to think critically about their Asian American identity as a political category. She co-led a successful campaign to strengthen the university’s ethnic studies program, resulting in expanded resources, funding, and course offerings. She also edits and publishes creative and critical works in Voices, Tufts’ Asian American literary and arts magazine, which uplifts Asian American narratives and cultural expression. Her organizing emphasizes solidarity and collective liberation, particularly through mobilizing students for actions and rallies supporting Palestinian liberation and other social justice movements.
In addition to her research and community engagement, Grace works as a Writing Fellow at Tufts, mentoring peers on advanced academic writing. She is also the founder of Light It Up English, an educational initiative that provides personalized English instruction for children across cultures. Through this work, she deepens her commitment to inclusive education and cross-cultural dialogue, values that also shape her scholarship and activism. She is dedicated to bridging academic inquiry and community engagement through work that amplifies Asian American and multiracial narratives, challenges racial hierarchies, and envisions more inclusive futures.

Ai Grace Acton is an undergraduate student studying International Relations and Sociology at Tufts University. This past summer, Acton was awarded a grant from the Tufts Summer Scholars program to conduct research on multiracial Asian American identi... Show more

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