Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Sandya Venugopal

Sandya Venugopal

Dr. Sandya Venugopal is an award-winning neurosurgeon-scientist, public policy scholar, and interdisciplinary leader with accomplishments across academic, government, and private sectors. Her global expertise spans healthcare, public health, scientific research, health policy, data analytics, bioethics, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation—all applied to advancing impactful solutions for societal and policy challenges.

Committed to fostering inclusive and forward-thinking dialogue, Sandya leverages her diverse background to inspire meaningful change. Her contributions bridge the gap between advanced technologies and humanity’s needs, offering fresh perspectives on how innovation can transform lives ethically and equitably.

Dr. Sandya Venugopal is an award-winning neurosurgeon-scientist, public policy scholar, and interdisciplinary leader with accomplishments across academic, government, and private sectors. Her global expertise spans healthcare, public health, scientif... Show more

Yunning Zhang

Yunning Zhang

Yunning Zhang is the Arnaldo Momigliano Postdoctoral Scholar at the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. in August 2025. Bridging global early modern studies, critical race studies, and Asian American studies, her research examines how race, religion and aesthetics intersect in textual sources and visual arts of colonial Latin America and Iberian Asia. More broadly, her teaching and scholarship engage questions of extractive and settler colonialism, queer relationalities in the archive, and the afterlives of transpacific slavery and indenture labor in contemporary visual, literary, and curatorial practices. Her work has appeared and is forthcoming in Colonial Latin American Studies, postmedieval, ASAP/Review, GLQ, Romance Notes, and Symposium. She is also currently teaching at Parsons School of Design (The New School).

Yunning Zhang is the Arnaldo Momigliano Postdoctoral Scholar at the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. in August 2025. Bridging global early modern studies, critical race studies, and Asian... Show more

Simon Collins

Simon Collins

SB Collins (he/they) is a resilience facilitator and speaker with Resilient Insight Consulting, specializing in the Insight to Wellbeing framework. His professional background includes work as an American Sign Language interpreter, nonprofit operations director, and senior planner in local government—roles that required navigating complex human dynamics, high stress, and constant change.

SB discovered the Insight to Wellbeing program while working with formerly incarcerated individuals and found the experience profoundly transformative. Inspired by its impact, he became a certified facilitator dedicated to helping others uncover their own capacity for resilience and clarity. Today, SB works with organizations and individuals to help them better understand the role of thought in shaping experience, unlocking new possibilities for performance, wellbeing, and leadership.

SB Collins (he/they) is a resilience facilitator and speaker with Resilient Insight Consulting, specializing in the Insight to Wellbeing framework. His professional background includes work as an American Sign Language interpreter, nonprofit operatio... Show more

Wagner Souza

Wagner Souza



Information Security Specialist with extensive experience in protecting data and systems. Instructor at Udemy and RSquad Academy, sharing knowledge in practical and accessible courses. Passionate about history, philosophy and psychology books, he combines technical expertise with a humanistic vision, promoting learning and innovation in digital security. Always seeking to inspire and empower professionals for a safer digital world.

... Show more

Sainan Zhang

Sainan Zhang

Sainan Zhang is a Programme Specialist on Megatrends in the Programme Division at UNFPA Headquarters. Her work focuses on exploring the linkages between population dynamics, megatrends, and broader sustainable development issues. She has worked on projects including geospatial analysis for climate change and population vulnerability mapping, degree of urbanization, demographic dividend, small area estimation, and mapping access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health services. She also supports countries in building national capacity for census data analysis.

Her technical expertise includes geospatial analysis, statistics, demographic analysis, and data visualization. Previously, she worked with the Chinese central government and international organizations on UN- and EC-funded sustainable development projects. She holds a Ph.D. in Sustainability and an M.Sc. in Urban Environmental Management.

Sainan Zhang is a Programme Specialist on Megatrends in the Programme Division at UNFPA Headquarters. Her work focuses on exploring the linkages between population dynamics, megatrends, and broader sustainable development issues. She has worked on pr... Show more

Ronny Schüler

Ronny Schüler

Koordinator „Bauhaus.Module“
Zentrum für Universitätsentwicklung
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Koordinator „Bauhaus.Module“ Zentrum für Universitätsentwicklung Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Show more

Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales

Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales

I am a Pinay community engaged motherscholar. I am a full professor of Asian American Studies/Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. I am also the founder of Pin@y Educational Partnerships and co-founder of Community Responsive Education.

I am a Pinay community engaged motherscholar. I am a full professor of Asian American Studies/Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. I am also the founder of Pin@y Educational Partnerships and co-founder of Community Responsive Education... Show more

Erik Zito

Erik Zito

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends real-world change management expertise with authentic and engaging storytelling. His work includes open conversations around mental health, suicide awareness, and well-being, creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends re... Show more

Stefan Muža

Stefan Muža

Rođen 1991. godine. Veliki ljubitelj SF-a i stripova još od ranog djetinjstva. Ljubitelj povijesti letova u svemir i istraživanja svemira.

Rođen 1991. godine. Veliki ljubitelj SF-a i stripova još od ranog djetinjstva. Ljubitelj povijesti letova u svemir i istraživanja svemira. Show more

Victoria Price

Victoria Price

Victoria Price is the founder of Organize Design Create (ODC) and the creator behind @intentionallyvee_, where she teaches real, repeatable systems that help single parents run their households without burning out. A single mother of five, Victoria built her expertise the only way she knows how — out of necessity.

After becoming a solo parent in 2019, she developed the frameworks she now teaches: meal systems, routines, screen time boundaries, and the kind of household infrastructure that keeps a family of six running when there's one adult at the helm. Her content series, "Nobody's Coming, Save Yourself" and "Raising Them Kids," has resonated with hundreds of thousands of parents navigating the same reality.

With 15+ years of professional experience spanning nonprofit, real estate, insurance, and communications — and systems work with 200+ organizations since 2019 — Victoria brings operational precision to a space that's usually ruled by Pinterest aesthetics. She's proof that the systems you build to survive can become the systems you teach to change lives.

Victoria Price is the founder of Organize Design Create (ODC) and the creator behind @intentionallyvee_, where she teaches real, repeatable systems that help single parents run their households without burning out. A single mother of five, Victoria b... Show more

Sarah McGregor

Sarah McGregor

Sarah is an Agile Master and certified coach who supports leaders and teams in building human-centered, high-performing organizations - especially within tech-driven environments.

Her professional journey began in physics, where she learned to understand complex systems and structures. With a strong foundation in technology, she soon realized that the most powerful system of all is human behavior. This insight led her into leadership development, coaching and team development.

Today, she works at the intersection of technology and humanity, helping teams become resilient, high-performing, and people-centered. Guided by empathy, communication, and authentic connection, she empowers leaders to grow into inspiring role models while fostering inclusive environments where individuals can step into their full potential. A passionate advocate for women in tech, she is committed to creating environments where diverse voices are heard and valued.

On stage, she inspires through clarity, warmth, and real-world experience. Her talks combine empathy with practical insights, helping organizations strengthen communication, foster motivation, and build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Sarah is an Agile Master and certified coach who supports leaders and teams in building human-centered, high-performing organizations - especially within tech-driven environments. Her professional journey began in physics, where she learned to und... Show more

Jennifer Majunke

Jennifer Majunke

She completed a Bachelor's degree in American Studies at the University of Heidelberg, later earning a Master's degree in Digital Humanities from the University of Stuttgart. Since 2023, she has worked at Heilbronn University's Faculty of Computer Science as a research assistant for digital and innovative education. She also works as a project member on the Bildung verNetzt (BiNe) cooperation project.

She completed a Bachelor's degree in American Studies at the University of Heidelberg, later earning a Master's degree in Digital Humanities from the University of Stuttgart. Since 2023, she has worked at Heilbronn University's Faculty of Computer Sc... Show more

Alex Znamenskiy Znamenskiy

Alex Znamenskiy Znamenskiy

I have been working in sales since 2011 starting as a regular sales representative managing mostly cold sales. In 2013 I qualified for a corporate training specialist and further became a head of a training department. Later on in 2021 I transitioned to be fully responsible for managing sales and business growth which I have quite a significant experience with. I will be glad to share this experience with you.

I have been working in sales since 2011 starting as a regular sales representative managing mostly cold sales. In 2013 I qualified for a corporate training specialist and further became a head of a training department. Later on in 2021 I transitioned... Show more

Bernadette Murphy

Bernadette Murphy

25 years of experience in strategic fundraising, marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement across the UK and New Zealand. Championing a culture of insight-led, donor-focused innovation and digital-first engagement.

25 years of experience in strategic fundraising, marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement across the UK and New Zealand. Championing a culture of insight-led, donor-focused innovation and digital-first engagement. Show more

Shirley Koss

Shirley Koss

Shirley Koss is a relationship cultivation expert and community building specialist currently serving as Community and Member Success Manager at Woodard. With her natural talent for fostering authentic professional connections, Shirley has developed a proven approach to network development that transforms casual contacts into valuable business relationships.
Throughout her career, Shirley has demonstrated exceptional skill in creating environments where professionals can meaningfully connect, collaborate, and grow together. She understands that powerful networks aren’t built on business card exchanges, but through genuine engagement and strategic relationship nurturing.
In her role at Woodard, Shirley applies her expertise daily by creating opportunities for bookkeeping and accounting professionals to build supportive communities that drive both personal and business success. Her practical insights on relationship-building in professional contexts have helped countless individuals transform their networking approach from transactional to transformational.

Shirley Koss is a relationship cultivation expert and community building specialist currently serving as Community and Member Success Manager at Woodard. With her natural talent for fostering authentic professional connections, Shirley has developed ... Show more

Petra Grundler Glavica

Petra Grundler Glavica

Petra Grundler Glavica has built a successful career spanning over 14 years in global companies and various industries, including INA, Carlsberg Croatia, and A1 Hrvatska. As a strategic HR business partner, her expertise lies in organizational design, performance management, people and leadership development, employer branding, and talent management.
In July 2022, Petra founded Strive and worked at Toptal as a Talent Coach, supporting IT freelancers in their job opportunities. She also cooperated with international and local companies to provide education and training for managers and employees, implement strategic HR projects, and offer individual coaching for managers and employees.
Petra is a psychologist with certifications as an SDI and DISC Flow facilitator and AOPL practitioner. She is an EMCC Accredited Coach at Practitioner level and a Mentoring Byte volunteer mentoring community member.
Petra is dedicated to supporting organizations in creating a highly productive environment for their employees and helping individuals unlock their full professional potential.

Petra Grundler Glavica has built a successful career spanning over 14 years in global companies and various industries, including INA, Carlsberg Croatia, and A1 Hrvatska. As a strategic HR business partner, her expertise lies in organizational design... Show more

Ahniyah Perry

Ahniyah Perry

Born and raised in Texas, Ahniyah Perry is a community advocate renowned for her innovative ventures and steadfast commitment to social impact. Embarking on her college academic journey at the age of 15, Ahniyah demonstrated exceptional potential as a leader.

In 2017, she launched an online retail company, achieving remarkable success with a threefold increase in profits. Her entrepreneurial zeal led her to establish numerous startups, further solidifying her reputation for creative business ventures. Ahniyah's philanthropic spirit shone through with the founding of Santa's Helpers, a seasonal initiative offering free, gift-wrapping services to local community members. She currently works as an Aide for the District 6 office of Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, while also pursuing a dual master's degree in Organizational Leader and Business Administration. Her outstanding achievements earned her statewide recognition, highlighting her exceptional entrepreneurial and servant leadership qualities.

Born and raised in Texas, Ahniyah Perry is a community advocate renowned for her innovative ventures and steadfast commitment to social impact. Embarking on her college academic journey at the age of 15, Ahniyah demonstrated exceptional potential as ... Show more

Marieke Prien

Marieke Prien

Marieke arbeitete in mehreren Projekten an der Hochschule Osnabrück zu den Themen KI im Gesundheitswesen sowie digitale und KI-gestützte Hochschullehre. Seit Oktober 2025 koordiniert sie das Projekt "Innovative Lehr-/Lern-Tools entdecken, testen, bereitstellen" innerhalb des Digitale Lehre Hub Niedersachsen.

Marieke arbeitete in mehreren Projekten an der Hochschule Osnabrück zu den Themen KI im Gesundheitswesen sowie digitale und KI-gestützte Hochschullehre. Seit Oktober 2025 koordiniert sie das Projekt "Innovative Lehr-/Lern-Tools entdecken, testen, ber... Show more

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

Justin Paluku Mbunzule

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safety.

To support refugee and low income communities to access quality education and advanced technology in Africa, Justin has founded an organisation named Up With Africa based in Uganda.

About his work engagement, Justin has worked as a Research Enumerator with the University of Oxford - Refugee Study Center on a Refugee Economy Study in Uganda in 2018, where he successfully conducted interviews with 123 adult refugees from different slums and households.

Justin has also worked on many projects with the University of Toronto (for 6 years) in Uganda such as: refugees reproductive health, stress management and Virtual Reality as an mental health intervention, managing communication from online systems to refugees' WhatsApp massaging as part of the study.

Additionally, Justin has worked in refugee settlements in Uganda like Nakivale, Kyaka II, Bidibidi and Kiryandongo where he supported the creation of ICT, Entrepreneurship and Conflicts Resolution online course contents for refugees to learn remotely.

Justin Paluku is an IT Specialist and currently taking the MIT MacroMasters Data science course. Justin was born in May 1991, in Butembo, eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was forced to flee to Uganda in 2012 looking for safet... Show more

Riccardo Tommasini

Riccardo Tommasini

Riccardo Tommasini is a researcher, associate professor, and educator specialised in streaming data management, with a particular focus on rich query languages, data integration, and multimodal streaming systems. Currently a Maître de Conférences at INSA Lyon, he leads the POLYFLOW project (ANR JCJC), which pioneers solutions for polyglot query processing over multimodal data streams.

Riccardo holds a PhD in Information Technology from Politecnico di Milano, where his research laid foundational work in Stream Reasoning, integrating continuous data with semantics for real-time analytics. He has significantly contributed to threshold-based and time-based scheduling strategies, streaming knowledge graph management, and incremental query processing.

Since 2015, Riccardo has been an active contributor to the Stream Reasoning initiative, advancing continuous data integration with semantics for real-time decision-making. His work spans foundational contributions to threshold-based and time-based scheduling, query maintenance, and streaming knowledge graphs.

Previously, he held academic and research roles in Estonia, Italy, Belgium, and the US, collaborating with leading institutions and research labs such as Kno.e.sis and Politecnico di Milano. Riccardo regularly shares his insights at top-tier conferences and industry forums, including TheWebConf, VLDB, ICDE, DEBS, and ISWC.

Riccardo has also delivered hands-on tutorials and industry-focused talks at industrial venues, notably at DockerCon 2017, Kafka Meetup Milano (2019), and Time Series Meetup Tallinn (2020). He was also Influx Data official trainer from 2018 until 2021.

Riccardo Tommasini is a researcher, associate professor, and educator specialised in streaming data management, with a particular focus on rich query languages, data integration, and multimodal streaming systems. Currently a Maître de Conférences at ... Show more

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to captivate a room.

A longtime Comedian, Film & Television Actor, Writer, and Producer: Mark has honed his craft across multiple entertainment mediums, bringing an unparalleled depth of experience to the stage. A Two-Time Emmy Award Nominee, his talent has been recognized at the highest levels,

Mark is an International Headliner, sharing stages with comedy legends such as Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy, entertaining audiences around the globe.

When you Book Mark For Your Next Event, You Get:

A Skilled Speaker and Natural Storyteller: Armed with a BFA in Theater from USC, earned through a Public Speaking Scholarship, Mark combines academic rigor with his inherent flair for storytelling.

An Experienced Event Emcee: Mark is adept at keeping audiences engaged and events running smoothly, ensuring your occasion is both memorable and timely.

Engaging, Inspiring, and Funny Presentations: His presentations are a perfect blend of humor, inspiration, and audience engagement, leaving lasting impressions on all who attend.

An Expert at Event Alignment: Mark excels at tailoring his presentations to meet your event goals, ensuring your audience receives a message that’s as aligned as it is impactful.

Whether you seek a hilarious anecdote or a moving inspirational story, Mark’s ability to align his presentations with your event’s needs makes him an invaluable addition to any lineup. Book him now to guarantee your event's success!

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to capti... Show more

Eva Weyer

Eva Weyer

Eva Weyer, M.A. Erziehungswissenschaft, bringt Expertise und Leidenschaft für Bildung, Kompetenzentwicklung und nachhaltiges Lernen mit - in verschiedenen Kontexten von Kindheits- bis Erwachsenenpädagogik, vom informellen bis zum institutionellen Lernen.

Eva Weyer, M.A. Erziehungswissenschaft, bringt Expertise und Leidenschaft für Bildung, Kompetenzentwicklung und nachhaltiges Lernen mit - in verschiedenen Kontexten von Kindheits- bis Erwachsenenpädagogik, vom informellen bis zum institutionellen Ler... Show more

Claire Van Der Meulen

Claire Van Der Meulen

Claire is a seasoned Agile Coach with a passion for people and building relationships that matter. She has a creative mind in continuous search of new conundrums to master and solve.

With close to 2 decades of experience in project and program management, working in diverse sectors ranging from automotive to government, Claire has a down-to-earth approach when it comes to people, processes and challenges. Over the past decade, her focus grew more towards the people side, so she took the lead in setting up a mentorship program, mentoring & coaching coworkers.

She loves the outdoors, takes pleasure in the simple joys of life and recently grew her family with Tess, the German Shepherd, and Wolf, the Malinois. She firmly believes in mens sana in corpore sano. Her motto? Live. Love. Life!

Claire is a seasoned Agile Coach with a passion for people and building relationships that matter. She has a creative mind in continuous search of new conundrums to master and solve. With close to 2 decades of experience in project and program man... Show more

Debralyn Arellano

Debralyn Arellano

Debra Andres Arellano was born and raised on Maui, Hawaiʻi. Her roots in the Philippines are Marcos, Ilocos Norte and San Fernando, La Union. She holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa Educational Foundations Program. Her dissertation research includes critical pedagogy, culturally-responsive teaching, and liberatory education for Lahaina. She aspires to contribute to Ilokano research, the Nakem Conferences movement, and to education programming and policy. She is passionate about empowering Filipino youth through education, community and social justice, and is passionate about her hometown and people of Lahaina.

Debra Andres Arellano was born and raised on Maui, Hawaiʻi. Her roots in the Philippines are Marcos, Ilocos Norte and San Fernando, La Union. She holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa Educational Foundations Program. He... Show more

Michèle Ruffault

Michèle Ruffault

Michèle a mené des transformations Lean et Agiles d’organisations. Au fil de ses expériences, elle a constaté l’importance du facteur humain au-delà des processus, des méthodes et des outils. Elle étudie les difficultés relationnelles et les facteurs qui les entretiennent. Son travail s’appuie sur l’approche systémique, les techniques de médiation et la communication non violente.

Michèle a mené des transformations Lean et Agiles d’organisations. Au fil de ses expériences, elle a constaté l’importance du facteur humain au-delà des processus, des méthodes et des outils. Elle étudie les difficultés relationnelles et les facteurs... Show more

Kevin Paczkowski

Kevin Paczkowski

I solve the $2M problems that happen when brilliant technology meets confused humans.

Over the past decade, I've built AI platforms that generate $5M ARR, transformed failing products into 340% growth stories, and led 50,000+ user migrations with zero downtime. But here's what I've really learned: the biggest technology challenges aren't technical at all. They're psychological.

With my Master's in Social Data Science from Oxford, I've spent my career at the intersection where human behavior meets enterprise technology. I've worked across healthcare, finance, and global consulting at Accenture, consistently discovering that the same patterns emerge everywhere: smart people make predictable, irrational decisions about technology adoption.
I'm the product leader who gets called in when expensive AI implementations sit unused, when teams resist change despite obvious benefits, or when leadership needs someone who can translate between C-suite vision and developer reality. My "human first AI" framework is now adopted by 3 Fortune 500 companies because it works with human psychology rather than against it.
My superpower is turning complex technological chaos into revenue generating clarity. I've reduced patient wait times from 48 hours to 4 hours, cut compliance review time by 87%, and helped teams embrace AI tools they initially feared. I understand both the technical possibilities (Python, TensorFlow, cloud architecture) and the human realities (cognitive bias, change resistance, team dynamics) of making technology actually work.

Whether I'm speaking about AI manipulation psychology, the neuroscience of developer attention, or why brilliant teams make terrible technology decisions, I bring data driven insights combined with real world war stories from the trenches of enterprise transformation.
I
believe the future belongs to leaders who understand that every technology problem is fundamentally a people problem. And people problems are endlessly fascinating to solve.

I solve the $2M problems that happen when brilliant technology meets confused humans. Over the past decade, I've built AI platforms that generate $5M ARR, transformed failing products into 340% growth stories, and led 50,000+ user migrations with ... Show more

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson is the founder of Brightwell Leadership, a leadership development consultancy that helps growing organizations build stronger leaders during moments of change. She partners with HR and People leaders who are supporting managers and leadership teams as expectations rise faster than support, particularly during growth, transition, or increased complexity.

Ashley brings over 15 years of experience designing and leading leadership development, facilitation, and advisory work across multiple industries. Her background includes leading enterprise leadership development and talent initiatives at Hilton, Levi Strauss & Co., and BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, where she supported leaders and teams navigating scale, evolving expectations, and organizational change.

Her work focuses on helping organizations move beyond one-off programs toward clearer leadership expectations, capability-based development, and learning approaches that are embedded in real work. Ashley is known for her human-first, systems-aware approach and her ability to translate leadership theory into practical tools leaders can actually use.

She speaks frequently on leadership transitions, manager capability, and designing development that drives both performance and trust.

Ashley Johnson is the founder of Brightwell Leadership, a leadership development consultancy that helps growing organizations build stronger leaders during moments of change. She partners with HR and People leaders who are supporting managers and lea... Show more

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every engagement is to create transformation and lasting change in her diverse audiences.

Stella is the Co-Founder and Agile Faculty Lead at NSTAR Technologies, an ed-tech work force development institution in Atlanta, GA, where she has transforms the learning landscape for students/professionals through innovative training programs. Her work has enabled countless professionals to advance their careers, contributing to their communities and the local economy.

With over a decade of experience in Agile coaching, Stella leads enterprise agile transformations in the Data and AI organization at Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of open-source solutions. She spearheads initiatives that foster agility, innovation, and collaboration unlocking new possibilities for data-driven customer experiences. Her efforts enhance Red Hat’s products and services, contributing to the company’s ongoing business transformation

Beyond her professional roles, Stella is deeply committed to social and community impact. Passionate about immigrant advocacy, she plays a key role in the African Immigrant Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating the ecosystem and infrastructures for African immigrants to thrive in the diaspora. Additionally, she is involved in diverse-empowered networks such as Women Doing It Afraid, Women of Project Management and Women in Software Engineering. These initiatives align with her mission to create inclusive spaces and advocating for underrepresented groups and championing change.

As a distinct voice in the workplace, she is dedicated to championing the causes where women, immigrants, and business leaders can achieve their fullest potential. Her vision is to uplift diverse voices in the tech industry and beyond and empower individuals to take ownership of their careers and lives.

Stella Ihenacho is a dynamic speaker and multifaceted professional who shares her expertise on global platforms, including TEDx, covering topics such as Agile, Project Management, Leadership, DEI Advocacy, and Career Development. Her goal in every en... Show more

Sreeja Varnam

Sreeja Varnam

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

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

K.C. Raniero

K.C. Raniero

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

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

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

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

My credits include:

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

The New York Times | Featured contributor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matty Beats: Collaboration | Studio collaboration at Rec Philly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BroadwayWorld: Featured Contributor | Featured three times in BroadwayWorld.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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