Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Melanie Deziel

Melanie Deziel

Melanie Deziel is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, and Creative Systems Architect who helps individuals and organizations turn scattered ideas into structured strategies. With a background in journalism, content marketing, and storytelling, Melanie has spent over a decade helping businesses create more effective, scalable, and sustainable creative systems. Now, she applies those same skills to her work as an advocate for late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing clarity and structure to complex and often misunderstood topics.

Melanie is the author of "The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas," a book that has helped thousands of marketers, entrepreneurs, and content creators develop a system for consistently producing high-quality ideas, and "Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust," which teaches communicators how to build trust in a skeptical consumer environment. As a sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes and workshops for organizations like Google, H&R Block, and many others, equipping teams with the tools to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and maximize creative output.

In her role as a Creative Systems Architect, Melanie specializes in helping teams and individuals build repeatable processes for content creation, communication, and brand storytelling. Her unique ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop structured solutions makes her a trusted advisor for businesses looking to scale their creative efforts without sacrificing quality. She also offers coaching for professionals looking to turn their expertise into proprietary frameworks, helping them develop intellectual property for books, talks, courses, and digital products.

Beyond her work in marketing and creativity, Melanie is a passionate advocate for late-diagnosed autistic women, a mission inspired by her own autism diagnosis at age 31. She speaks to educators, employers, and general audiences about the ways autism presents differently in women and girls, why so many go undiagnosed, and how we can create more inclusive systems to support neurodivergent individuals. Her newsletter, The Late-Diagnosed Diaries, explores the experiences of women who discover their autism in adulthood, and she is currently writing a book on the topic.

Whether speaking about content marketing, storytelling, creative systems, or autism advocacy, Melanie is known for her engaging style, research-backed insights, and highly actionable takeaways. Her presentations blend expertise with personal experience, ensuring that audiences leave feeling both informed and inspired.

To book Melanie for your next event or to learn more about her work, visit MelanieDeziel.com

Melanie Deziel is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, and Creative Systems Architect who helps individuals and organizations turn scattered ideas into structured strategies. With a background in journalism, content marketing, and storyte... Show more

Darya Yegorina

Darya Yegorina

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, technology, and business innovation, Darya is a driving force in digital transformation, AI, and future workforce development.

As a C-level executive, entrepreneur, and mentor, Darya has shaped the success of enterprises, startups, and global initiatives by integrating emerging technologies with strategic growth frameworks. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work, addressing audiences at major global conferences, corporate summits, and executive retreats.

A passionate advocate for future-ready leadership, Darya believes that true innovation begins with a bold vision and the courage to challenge the status quo. She inspires business leaders to embrace AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, unlock new opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Impact & Achievements:
✅ Executive & Board Leadership: C-Level strategist with expertise in business transformation, revenue operations (RevOps), and strategic growth across global markets. Advisor to enterprises, government bodies, and tech innovators.
✅ Digital Transformation & AI Thought Leader: Recognized as a Top Thought Leader in AR/VR, AI, and Digital Transformation by Thinkers 360, shaping the dialogue on the future of business and technology.
✅ Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Speaker: Winner of the Global Female Leader Award in Entrepreneurship, Young European Leader (#EYL40), Women in IT, and featured in Forbes, Inc.com, Business & Finance, and Irish Times.
✅ Future Workforce & EdTech Visionary: Led transformative EdTech initiatives, including EU-backed projects on AI and AR in education, impacting thousands of students across Europe.
✅ Women in Leadership & DEI Advocate: A strong voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mentoring female founders, startup leaders, and executives to break barriers in tech and business.

Speaking & Expertise:
🔹 Leadership in the Age of AI & Digital Disruption
🔹 The Future of Work: Skills, Adaptability & Innovation
🔹 Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies
🔹 Strategic Growth & Business Transformation
🔹 Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose & Resilience

Darya’s leadership journey, from entrepreneurial success to executive impact, serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and human-centric leadership, making her a powerful voice in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

🚀 Inspire. Lead. Transform. 🚀

Dr. Darya Yegorina is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and transformational business strategist who empowers organizations and individuals to thrive in the era of digital disruption. With a career spanning 20+ years at the intersection... Show more

Evelyn Rothkranz

Evelyn Rothkranz

Evelyn Rothkranz gestaltet als Bildungswissenschaftlerin die Gegenwart von Studium und Lehre an der Universität zu Köln mit und entwirft Szenarien zur Bildung der Zukunft (beispielsweise zur hybriden Lehre). In Köln hat sie den Master der Interkulturellen Kommunikation und Bildung absolviert und zuvor Erziehungs- und Bildungswissenschaften in Marburg studiert.

Evelyn Rothkranz gestaltet als Bildungswissenschaftlerin die Gegenwart von Studium und Lehre an der Universität zu Köln mit und entwirft Szenarien zur Bildung der Zukunft (beispielsweise zur hybriden Lehre). In Köln hat sie den Master der Interkultur... Show more

Tony Holmes

Tony Holmes

Tony Holmes is a talent and workforce development leader from Houston. TX. He specializes in leadership development and diversity as a speaker and consultant. He has managed change and scaled impact across multiple sectors as an award-winning leader. At the United Way of Greater Houston, he led employee engagement programming and the organization's strategy to center DEI across all operations and programs, leading to the organization receiving the Best Places to Work Award 2024, from the Houston Chronicle and the Diversity in Business Award 2024 from the Houston Business Journal. His private coaching practice, CoachedxTony unlocks talent, vision, and awareness for clients and provides tools and assessments on how to maximize strengths within personal development.

Tony is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Southern California's Organizational Change and Leadership Program at the Rossier School of Education. His certifications include Gallup Global Strengths Coaching through Gallup, Inc., and Professional Diversity Coaching through the CoachDiversity Institute. He is a two-time graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a BA double-major in Interpersonal Communications and Sociology (2012), and a Master of Public Administration (2015). Tony is the CEO of Blue Chip Works, a Workforce Development company founded by him and his wife, Crystal in 2018. Through this work, they are able to create positive change in the world of business through hiring, staffing, and upskilling individuals across the nation. Tony is dedicated to uplifting his community and helping others reach their maximum potential one person at a time.

Tony Holmes is a talent and workforce development leader from Houston. TX. He specializes in leadership development and diversity as a speaker and consultant. He has managed change and scaled impact across multiple sectors as an award-winning leader.... Show more

Elizabeth Ruiz

Elizabeth Ruiz

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human capital, and organizational growth. As a Leadership Psychology Architect and Transformation Facilitator, Elizabeth empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential through tailored business solutions, cutting-edge training, and strategic insights. Elizabeth’s passion for helping others grow is the driving force behind her career. She specializes in developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence and resilience. Through learning assessments, leadership training, or strategic business solutions, Elizabeth’s work empowers others with the skills they need to succeed. Elizabeth is not just a scholar-practitioner—she is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring leaders to reach new heights and organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

Elizabeth A. Ruiz, PhD, is a Leadership Psychology Scholar-Practitioner. She is a dynamic force in strategic communication and leadership development. With over 35 years of experience, she has honed a unique expertise in leadership psychology, human ... Show more

Jeremiah Lee

Jeremiah Lee

Jeremiah Lee develops monetization tools for digital creators. He previously worked on cloud infrastructure at Stripe, hardware integrations at Spotify, and web APIs at Fitbit. He grew up under the California sun, but now calls Stockholm home.

Jeremiah Lee develops monetization tools for digital creators. He previously worked on cloud infrastructure at Stripe, hardware integrations at Spotify, and web APIs at Fitbit. He grew up under the California sun, but now calls Stockholm home. Show more

Sherin Mathew

Sherin Mathew

Sherin Mathew is a recognised AI Leader and leading AI Ethicist in the UK. A Founder, CEO, and Serial Entrepreneur, with a deep-rooted passion for wider AI Awareness, Impact, Ethics, and Intellectual Privacy.

As a former IBM AI Expert at Global Business Services UK, Sherin’s specialism is transforming businesses into cognitive enterprises. Sherin is an award-winning CEO of AI Tech UK (https://www.ai-tech.uk/) and is responsible for delivering the National AI Strategy and democratising AI Awareness with UK businesses since 2018.

Sherin is a Tech4good champion and a pioneer in the space of Ethics and Sustainability Management in Digital Transformation. Sherin is the founder of http://smartethics.net/, a groundbreaking AI Management platform forged with global partners and institutes.

Sherin is an AI Strategist and board advisor for West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and also the Chief AI advisor for ambitious SMEs, DeepTech Startups, and the UK AI policy team (DSIT) with a mission to "Disrupt the AI Disruption"! Sherin is an untiring advocate for the creative, innovative, and ethical elements of intelligent technologies. As an accomplished Public Speaker, AI Ethicist, and Evangelist, Sherin promotes thought-provoking ideas, shares his technical knowledge, and advises on best practices.

As an AI Influencer, Sherin is recognised for delivering national-level strategy and engagements with global partners from the North. He has published thought-provoking papers and is listed as a Top leader in
60 Leaders in AI: https://www.60leaders.com/leader/sherin-mathew
Top 5 Asians in Tech: https://asiansintech.com/top-100-asian-stars-in-uk-tech-2023-top-5s/
DataIQ-Top100 Leaders: https://www.dataiq.global/dataiq100-2021/profile/sherin-mathew-chief-executive-officer-and-founder-ai-tech-north
Prolific North: https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/unveiling-the-dark-side-of-ai/

Sherin founded the idea of Intellectual Privacy, proposing the sanction of new Human Rights to Intelligence. To inspire and educate others on this evolving topic, he produced a documentary about Intellectual Privacy, which can be found in full here: https://smartethics.net/ or take a look at the 1-minute documentary trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHPBkquR9Pw

Sherin Mathew is a recognised AI Leader and leading AI Ethicist in the UK. A Founder, CEO, and Serial Entrepreneur, with a deep-rooted passion for wider AI Awareness, Impact, Ethics, and Intellectual Privacy. As a former IBM AI Expert at Global B... Show more

itza Zujuy Blanco

itza Zujuy Blanco

Passionate about tech and creativity. Graphic design roots, IT engineering background. Former marketing lead, now crafting frontend magic at Warner Bros Discovery. Embracing technology's limitless canvas to create captivating experiences!

Passionate about tech and creativity. Graphic design roots, IT engineering background. Former marketing lead, now crafting frontend magic at Warner Bros Discovery. Embracing technology's limitless canvas to create captivating experiences! Show more

Janosch Felde

Janosch Felde

Janosch Felde ist Softwareentwickler und Psychosozialer Berater. Er arbeitete viele Jahre freiberuflich als Coach in der DACH-Region und war Verantwortlicher für Mitarbeiterentwicklung im Technischen Bereich des Weltmarktführer für Carsharing-Technologie. Seine Leidenschaft liegt darin, Menschen und Organisationen durch Klarheit und Wertorientierung dabei zu unterstützen, die Belastungen und Herausforderungen ihres Alltags konstruktiv zu gestalten.
Im Moment arbeitet er bei der REWE Digital als Agile Coach und liebt es, als Coach und Berater Menschen und Organisationen aller Art zu verstehen und gemeinsam mit ihnen auf eine positive Zukunft hin zu arbeiten.

Janosch Felde ist Softwareentwickler und Psychosozialer Berater. Er arbeitete viele Jahre freiberuflich als Coach in der DACH-Region und war Verantwortlicher für Mitarbeiterentwicklung im Technischen Bereich des Weltmarktführer für Carsharing-Technol... Show more

Fred Brandon

Fred Brandon

Fred is a SharePoint Solutions Architect and Microsoft Certified Professional. With over 20 years of IT experience, he has developed solutions for clients across the globe. He's been a part of the SharePoint community since 2007 and enjoys using his creativity to solve problems. He's a visionary, world traveler, author, and avid Blockchain enthusiast.

Fred is a SharePoint Solutions Architect and Microsoft Certified Professional. With over 20 years of IT experience, he has developed solutions for clients across the globe. He's been a part of the SharePoint community since 2007 and enjoys using his ... Show more

Himanshu Patel

Himanshu Patel

A technologist with a solid breadth and depth, firm believer of simplistic, sustainable design and practitioner of agile methodologies and lean management Techniques.
Ability to influence Top to Down and drive executive strategic decisions pertaining to Technology and Process for the organization.
Most Importantly, keeping up very close with time and changing industry.
Help organizations transform into new era of building software systems for increased efficiency, quality & predictability while reducing the cost.
Outstanding motivator and builder of the culture full of passion, hunger to continuous improvement, positive synergy, independence, innovation and creativity.
Hands on with Spring Boot, Microservices, Docker, Vagrant, MongoDB, ElasticSearch, Big Data (Hadoop, Spark), Kafka, Cloud and Virtualization (AWS, Cloudera, Azure), CI/CD and DevOps areas.
Ability to drive Development Efficiency, Tool standardization, Vendor Management, Technology Governance, Continuous Integration, Estimation, Budgeting, Build vs. Buy Analysis, Prototyping, Resource/Talent Management and Performance Reviews.

A technologist with a solid breadth and depth, firm believer of simplistic, sustainable design and practitioner of agile methodologies and lean management Techniques. Ability to influence Top to Down and drive executive strategic decisions pertaini... Show more

Mathias Segerlund

Mathias Segerlund

Har jobbat med området mellan IT och människor samt kostnadsanalyser sedan 2011, innan dess har det varit inom olika serviceyrken

Har jobbat med området mellan IT och människor samt kostnadsanalyser sedan 2011, innan dess har det varit inom olika serviceyrken Show more

Andrea Mota

Andrea Mota

Andrea is currently a second-year student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration master's program at Virginia Tech. She serves as the Graduate Assistant for New Student and Family Programs, where she primarily supports new student orientation, welcome experiences, and family engagement initiatives.

During her time in her master's program, she's had the opportunity to complete a practicum with Student Conduct in Spring 2026 and serve as a Preview Intern at the University of Florida during Summer 2026. As Andrea enters my final year of graduate school, she is excited to continue growing as a student affairs professional, broaden my experiences, and prepare for the transition into a full-time professional role.

Andrea is currently a second-year student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration master's program at Virginia Tech. She serves as the Graduate Assistant for New Student and Family Programs, where she primarily supports new student... Show more

Michelle Huang

Michelle Huang

Michelle N. Huang is assistant professor of English and Asian American Studies at Northwestern University. She is the author of Racial Beings: Experiments in Asian American New Materialisms (Duke, 2026). Her film essay, INHUMAN FIGURES: Robots, Clones, and Aliens, can be viewed online at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center website.

Michelle N. Huang is assistant professor of English and Asian American Studies at Northwestern University. She is the author of Racial Beings: Experiments in Asian American New Materialisms (Duke, 2026). Her film essay, INHUMAN FIGURES: Robots, Clone... Show more

Jack Sessions

Jack Sessions

# jack_sessions.py

class Human:
def __init__(self):
self.name = "Jack Sessions"
self.role = "Mobile Security Researcher && Rapper"
self.specialty = "Android/IOS bug hunting"
self.skills = [
"Finding exported components vendors forgot existed",
"Breaking weak token storage with gentle disappointment",
"Bypassing certificate pinning (for educational purposes)",
"Writing reports that actually get replies"
]
self.fuel = "Coffee"
self.enemy = "Slow WiFi"
self.alignment = "Lawful Good... Sometimes"
self.status = "Probably decompiling something right now"

def bio(self):
return (
f"{self.name} hunts Android bugs in public bug bounty programs "
f"and turns 'huh that’s weird' into responsible disclosures. "
f"Powered by {self.fuel} and personally attacked by {self.enemy}. "
f"{self.alignment} alignment. {self.status}."
)

if __name__ == "__main__":
print(Human().bio())

# jack_sessions.py class Human: def __init__(self): self.name = "Jack Sessions" self.role = "Mobile Security Researcher && Rapper" self.specialty = "Android/IOS bug hunting" self.skills = [ "Fi... Show more

Christopher Nocera Walg

Christopher Nocera Walg

Christopher ist maßgeblich am Aufbau sowie an der Entwicklung der ONE Business & Technology GmbH beteiligt und verantwortet dort die methodischen Beratungsschwerpunkte. ONE ist eine innovative Beratung, die in außergewöhnlichem Maße von seiner Begeisterung für moderne Organisationsformen und agile Führungsstile profitiert. Agilität begleitet Christopher schon seit mehr als 10 Jahren, vom Startup bis zum Großkonzern. Als Berater und Organisationsentwickler begegnet er heute unterschiedlichen Organisationsmodellen und ist somit von Haus aus dem ständigen Perspektivwechsel ausgesetzt. Mit Leidenschaft begleitet er Transformationen hin zu Agilität und Selbstorganisation, gestaltet digitale Produktorganisationen und berät Führungskräfte im strategischen Management.

Christopher ist maßgeblich am Aufbau sowie an der Entwicklung der ONE Business & Technology GmbH beteiligt und verantwortet dort die methodischen Beratungsschwerpunkte. ONE ist eine innovative Beratung, die in außergewöhnlichem Maße von seiner Begeis... Show more

Eleanor Sigel

Eleanor Sigel

Eleanor is a Security Architect at Casco where she hastens the Singularity. She received B.A. degrees in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Southern California in 2025. In her free time, she is a competitive endurance runner and writes about her three special interests: 1) running 2) food 3) herself.

Eleanor is a Security Architect at Casco where she hastens the Singularity. She received B.A. degrees in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Southern California in 2025. In her free time, she is a competitive endurance runner and writes ... Show more

Jackie Bull

Jackie Bull

We spend a lot of time talking about leadership, success, and performance, but not always enough time talking about what it takes to sustain them. That’s something I’ve come to appreciate through my own experiences in leadership and life, and it’s a big part of why I started Havenwild Wellness.

I am the Senior Vice President of Care Team & EMS Partnerships at RightSite Health, hold a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and am the founder of Havenwild Wellness. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building relationships, supporting others, and helping people and teams succeed.

As a healthcare executive and single mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance competing priorities, show up for others, and still make time for yourself. I’ve learned that being a good leader isn’t just about pushing through challenges or getting things done. It’s also about recognizing when we need to slow down, reset, and find ways to take care of ourselves along the way.

That perspective is what inspired me to build Havenwild Wellness, a business focused on resilience, burnout prevention, positive psychology, and well-being. I’m continuing to build my knowledge in these areas, with a focus on bringing research and practical strategies into workshops and experiences that help people navigate stress, build resilience, and prioritize their well-being.

My message is simple: Reset. Reconnect. Return. Sometimes we need to step back from the demands of work and life, take a breath, and reconnect with what matters most. From there, we can move forward with more clarity, intention, and confidence.

Through speaking engagements and interactive workshops, I want to create opportunities for people to have honest conversations about burnout, stress, resilience, boundaries, and what it means to lead in a more sustainable way. My goal is to share practical ideas that people can take with them and put into action, not just leave inspired for the day.

I’m also developing guided outdoor experiences for organizations that bring these ideas to life in a different way. There’s something valuable about stepping away from our usual surroundings, getting outside, and having the space to think, connect, and see things from a fresh perspective. Whether in a workshop or out on a trail, I want to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves and one another, and return to their daily lives with a renewed sense of purpose.

Through Havenwild Wellness, I hope to help people recognize that they can pursue meaningful goals, grow as leaders, and care for others without continually putting their own well-being last. Sometimes, moving forward starts with giving ourselves permission to pause.

Reset. Reconnect. Return.

We spend a lot of time talking about leadership, success, and performance, but not always enough time talking about what it takes to sustain them. That’s something I’ve come to appreciate through my own experiences in leadership and life, and it’s a ... Show more

Tina Johnson

Tina Johnson

Tina Johnson is a professional speaker, domestic violence educator, and Director of Community Engagement at Hope House. Through education, storytelling, strategic outreach, and advocacy-centered podcasting, she empowers survivors, promotes prevention, and helps communities build healthier relationships.

Tina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mediated Communication from the University of Missouri, with a minor in Public Administration & Policy and a Professional Communication Certificate. She is a 2027 MPA Candidate at the University of Missouri, where she is expanding her expertise in public service, nonprofit leadership, and community impact.

Tina partners with businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver engaging presentations on healthy relationships, workplace well-being, boundaries, domestic violence prevention, and leadership. She is passionate about equipping individuals and organizations with practical tools that inspire lasting change, strengthen communities, and foster hope.

Tina Johnson is a professional speaker, domestic violence educator, and Director of Community Engagement at Hope House. Through education, storytelling, strategic outreach, and advocacy-centered podcasting, she empowers survivors, promotes prevention... Show more

Joni Herriott

Joni Herriott

Joni Herriott is a design leader, researcher and educator. For over a decade, she has helped multinational organisations navigate complexity in IoT connected products, cloud services and enterprise systems, facilitating collaboration between teams and designing solutions that connect customer needs to business and technology. She has taught design at CareerFoundry and ReDi School, is an external examiner for design education in Denmark, and speaks about service design and organisations, most recently at the European Business Analysis Conference.

Joni Herriott is a design leader, researcher and educator. For over a decade, she has helped multinational organisations navigate complexity in IoT connected products, cloud services and enterprise systems, facilitating collaboration between teams an... Show more

Scott Reed

Scott Reed

Scott Reed is a Director of Engineering at Storable, where he leads the Marine division and spearheads the integration of AI coding agents into production software development. He is the author of internal organizational guidance on the planning, verification, and ownership of AI generated code, and the creator of an extensive training series on AI assisted engineering.

Earlier in his career, Scott spent 18 months in a monastery, an experience that cemented his interest in classical philosophy, metaphysics, contemplation, and first-principles reasoning. That formation placed real weight on questions that have become unexpectedly relevant in the age of AI: what it means to be a human being rather than merely a producer of output, the relationship between being and doing, the limits of defining human value through efficiency or productivity, and the nature of knowledge, purpose, and human judgment. Today, Scott brings those questions into modern software engineering, helping developers navigate the surprisingly ancient philosophical problems that emerge as we increasingly collaborate with capable AI systems.

Scott Reed is a Director of Engineering at Storable, where he leads the Marine division and spearheads the integration of AI coding agents into production software development. He is the author of internal organizational guidance on the planning, ver... Show more

Olga Elume

Olga Elume

Olga is a communications professional with 5 years of experience across civil society and private-sector contexts, specialising in strategic communications, digital engagement, advocacy and human rights awareness. Currently pursuing an MSc in Communications and Development Studies, her interests include public engagement, social change and the role of communication in shaping trust and participation. She has contributed to information integrity research in Cameroon, examining how credibility, local contexts and information environments influence public understanding. Having moderated the DRIF26 session, “Communicating Digital Rights Under Repression: Advocacy in Africa’s Shrinking Space,” she continues to explore how inclusive, community-centred communication can strengthen digital rights advocacy, foster meaningful public participation and promote institutional accountability across Africa.

Olga is a communications professional with 5 years of experience across civil society and private-sector contexts, specialising in strategic communications, digital engagement, advocacy and human rights awareness. Currently pursuing an MSc in Communi... Show more

Xin Yao

Xin Yao

Xin Yao is an independent consultant, trainer, and sociotechnical architect based in Copenhagen. She supports organizations across Europe in navigating complex design, architecture and modernization challenges. Her work blends Domain-Driven Design, collaborative modeling, sociotechnical thinking, psychological safety, and conversational leadership.

Drawing on her background as a chief architect and years of facilitating large-scale change, Xin brings a structured yet deeply human approach to connecting business, technology, and teams. She helps organizations integrate relational and conversational practices into architecture, strategy, product design, and cross-team collaboration—enabling better decisions, clearer models, and more joyful teamwork.

Xin regularly teaches and speaks at events such as GOTO, DDD Europe, KanDDDinsky, Explore DDD, OOP, JAX, Øredev, CoMoCamp, FlowCon, and Craft.

Xin Yao is an independent consultant, trainer, and sociotechnical architect based in Copenhagen. She supports organizations across Europe in navigating complex design, architecture and modernization challenges. Her work blends Domain-Driven Design, c... Show more

Kim Escobedo

Kim Escobedo

Kim es una ingeniera con una visión holística del liderazgo. Su enfoque se centra en el desarrollo integral de las personas, combinando habilidades técnicas con habilidades blandas como la comunicación efectiva, la resolución de conflictos y la inteligencia emocional. Con más de 17 años de experiencia en la industria IT y certificaciones en la metodología Agile y una maestría en Neuroliderazgo y Coaching Cognitivo, Kim ha demostrado su capacidad para transformar equipos y organizaciones.

Kim es una ingeniera con una visión holística del liderazgo. Su enfoque se centra en el desarrollo integral de las personas, combinando habilidades técnicas con habilidades blandas como la comunicación efectiva, la resolución de conflictos y la intel... Show more

Summer Gibson

Summer Gibson

Dr. Summer Gibson is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University, where her work focuses on supporting students with disabilities and preparing effective special education professionals. With 25 years of experience in education, she brings practitioner-grounded expertise to her teaching and scholarship, drawing on prior roles a Special Education Director, Special Education Coordinator, Behavior Specialist, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI), and as a K–12 classroom special education teacher. Dr. Gibson's research examines the experiences of students with visual impairments and albinism, twice-exceptional learners, behavioral interventions, and transition services for students with exceptionalities. She has authored peer-reviewed scholarship on the views and experiences of secondary students with albinism and maintains an active research agenda. Dr. Gibson serves on the editorial board of the British Journal of Visual Impairment and as a Task Force Member for the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), and she presents nationally on visual impairments, self-advocacy, and transition planning for individuals with disabilities and their families. She earned a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and an M.Ed. from Lamar University, and she holds certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. Dr. Gibson is committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and to bridging the gap between research and practice in service of students with disabilities.

Dr. Summer Gibson is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University, where her work focuses on supporting students with disabilities and preparing effective special education professi... Show more

Karen Kenyatta Russell

Karen Kenyatta Russell

Karen Kenyatta Russell, JD ☘ speaks on winning: voting, democracy, leadership and finding your people. Bill Russell taught her how to win. Now she teaches audiences how to win too.

The daughter of NBA icon Bill Russell and Black Panther Rose Swisher, Karen is a Harvard-trained attorney, resistance historian and tech & AI strategist, and Founder & CEO of Start Winning With Me. She has delivered keynotes, moderated panels and facilitated hard conversations, gave a TEDx talk on mentoring, and served as NBC KING 5's on-air legal analyst. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Seattle Times, Boston Globe and Huffington Post.

Karen Kenyatta Russell, JD ☘ speaks on winning: voting, democracy, leadership and finding your people. Bill Russell taught her how to win. Now she teaches audiences how to win too. The daughter of NBA icon Bill Russell and Black Panther Rose Swish... Show more

Alicia Dodge

Alicia Dodge

Alicia Dodge is an emerging motivational speaker, storyteller, and aspiring author whose mission is to inspire others through the power of her personal journey. Having faced profound challenges, heartbreak, motherhood, and moments when her faith was tested, Alicia has learned that strength does not always mean fighting back. Sometimes, strength means finding the courage to keep going, discovering your voice, and allowing yourself to heal.
Through her keynote speeches and memoir, Alicia shares an honest and heartfelt message about resilience, faith, self-discovery, and the importance of knowing you are never truly alone. Her story reminds audiences that it is okay to stand up for themselves, establish boundaries, and reclaim their lives. It is equally okay to acknowledge when life feels overwhelming and take the time needed to find their strength again.
Alicia's passion for motivational speaking comes from a desire to help others feel seen, heard, and understood. She hopes to reach individuals who have experienced difficult relationships, loss, uncertainty, or seasons when they struggled to recognize their own worth.
Her message is simple but powerful: Your past does not define you, your struggles do not diminish your worth, and your voice deserves to be heard.
Through sharing her story, Alicia hopes to remind others that even in their darkest moments, there is still room for hope, healing, and a new beginning.

Alicia Dodge is an emerging motivational speaker, storyteller, and aspiring author whose mission is to inspire others through the power of her personal journey. Having faced profound challenges, heartbreak, motherhood, and moments when her faith was ... Show more

Alyssa Knight

Alyssa Knight

Alyssa Knight, Ph.D., is an educator, researcher, former collegiate athlete, and advocate for women and girls with ADHD. She earned her doctorate from Liberty University in 2026, where her research explored how female student-athletes diagnosed with ADHD leverage athletics to develop self-regulation skills and navigate academic challenges. Her findings highlight the importance of structure, supportive relationships, accountability, and opportunities for personal growth.

Dr. Knight has served as a high school educator at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, since 2012, teaching U.S. History, Government, Advanced Placement, and dual-enrollment courses. Her professional experience also includes academic leadership and coaching youth athletics.

Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Knight combines personal experience with academic research to challenge misconceptions about neurodivergent women, particularly those whose achievements may conceal significant internal struggles. She developed Strong Like a Girl, an advocacy initiative dedicated to raising awareness of ADHD in girls and women and empowering educators, coaches, and families to recognize and support their strengths.

Through research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Knight seeks to amplify overlooked voices, challenge traditional definitions of success, and encourage women to transform their experiences into opportunities for leadership and meaningful community impact.

Alyssa Knight, Ph.D., is an educator, researcher, former collegiate athlete, and advocate for women and girls with ADHD. She earned her doctorate from Liberty University in 2026, where her research explored how female student-athletes diagnosed with ... Show more

Erick Garcia Aragon

Erick Garcia Aragon

Dr. Erick Garcia Aragon is a Filipino American scholar-practitioner and counseling faculty member at De Anza College. His scholarship centers transformative leadership, Filipino American experiences, and community empowerment. Drawing on Filipino history, cultural knowledge, and praxis, he connects research, teaching, and counseling to advance equity, healing, and liberation for historically underserved communities. Through his scholarship and workshops, he engages educators and communities in exploring identity, belonging, and collective transformation.

Dr. Erick Garcia Aragon is a Filipino American scholar-practitioner and counseling faculty member at De Anza College. His scholarship centers transformative leadership, Filipino American experiences, and community empowerment. Drawing on Filipino his... Show more

Kayla Dunkley-Summers

Kayla Dunkley-Summers

Kayla Dunkley-Summers, M.A., is a higher education professional and Resident Director at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. A proud alumna of Norfolk State University, Kayla earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology before earning her Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs from Liberty University.

With experience in residence life, student affairs, student leadership, and community development, Kayla is passionate about creating environments where students and professionals feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. In her current role as a Resident Director, she oversees residential operations, supervises student staff, supports student development, responds to complex student concerns, and works to build inclusive residential communities.

Kayla is particularly passionate about the experiences of Black women in higher education and the importance of sustainable leadership, professional development, and workplace well-being. Her professional interests include student development, residence life, student conduct, leadership development, and creating equitable environments for students and professionals.

Kayla aspires to continue growing as a higher education leader and ultimately serve as a Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Affairs. She believes effective leadership requires authenticity, compassion, accountability, and a willingness to create space for others to thrive.

Kayla Dunkley-Summers, M.A., is a higher education professional and Resident Director at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. A proud alumna of Norfolk State University, Kayla earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology before earning her Mas... Show more

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