Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Kristen Engelke

Kristen Engelke

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is difficult, time-consuming, and needs to be performed in private. Her workshops share fast, free, focused exercises that swiftly alleviate stress anywhere, anytime. She is a speaker, author, trainer, and workshop facilitator. Embracing creativity at every step, Kristen is seasoned in appealing to all types of participants and loves sharing a message of empowerment and hope.

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is diffi... Show more

Emanuele Pastorino

Emanuele Pastorino

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino.

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino. Show more

Tobias Schmohl

Tobias Schmohl

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestaltung von Hochschulbildung.

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestal... Show more

Jennifer Brussow

Jennifer Brussow

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to conduct research to assemble construct and criterion validity evidence for certification and licensure assessments. She also develops predictive models around student success, leads psychometric discussions during product development, and develops score reports and reporting guidelines. In her years of experience in the field of assessment, she has also worked as a psychometrician for examinations for students with significant disabilities and led evaluations of educational interventions. Her research projects include investigating factor structure, differential item functioning, and scores’ relationship to external variables; and she has published peer-reviewed articles, research briefs, and whitepapers.

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to condu... Show more

Mohamed Laghdaf

Mohamed Laghdaf

Mohamed Laghdaf is a 22-years old certified software engineer from BlueCrest College, where he obtained a diploma in software engineering. He also holds a diploma with distinction in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sierra Leone. Currently, he is in the final stage of pursuing an LL.B alongside an LL.M (Master of Laws) simultaneously, with a particular interest in technology law.

Professionally, Mohamed Laghdaf is an academia, aspiring to become a global expert in AI accountability and liability frameworks. In 2024, he serves as the director of the FALAS Human Rights Student Wing at the Republic of Sierra Leone. In October 2025, he serves as a keynote speaker in Liberia and has also been invited to Kigali for a subsequent session in October 2026. Additionally, he is the president of the Njala Association of Law Mooters. He is fluent in English and Arabic and a beginner in Spanish.

Mohamed's professional memberships include being a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Freetown Peninsula, a young student member at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (England), and an honorary member of the Honours Society (USA).

His currently trying to obtain a license from the Chartered Institute of Professional Security Studies in AI governance and risk management. He is also a PhD applicant at the University of Canberra, Australia, focusing his research on "Assessing the Concept of Legal Personhood in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."

In summary, Mohamed Laghdaf is an emerging international legal scholar dedicated to integrate law, technology, and conflict resolution, with the aim of promoting a better global policy framework.

Mohamed Laghdaf is a 22-years old certified software engineer from BlueCrest College, where he obtained a diploma in software engineering. He also holds a diploma with distinction in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Peace and Conflict S... Show more

Verena Honkomp-Wilkens

Verena Honkomp-Wilkens

Seit 2025 ist Verena Honkomp-Wilkens an der Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg im Verbundprojekt Digitale Lehre Hub Niedersachsen (DLHN) tätig und gehört zum Team des Teilprojekts InnoTools. Das Projekt verfolgt das Ziel, systematisch ausgewählte und erprobte digitale Lehr-/Lerntools dauerhaft an niedersächsischen Hochschulen zu verankern. Zuvor war Verena Honkomp-Wilkens an den Universitäten Bremen und Vechta tätig. Ihren Schwerpunkt bilden geschlechter- und diversitätssensible Perspektiven in der Medienpädagogik.

Seit 2025 ist Verena Honkomp-Wilkens an der Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg im Verbundprojekt Digitale Lehre Hub Niedersachsen (DLHN) tätig und gehört zum Team des Teilprojekts InnoTools. Das Projekt verfolgt das Ziel, systematisch ausgewähl... Show more

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos is the Public Editor of the Public Broadcasting Service -- the audience representative before PBS and its community of producers and journalists. He is an award-winning investigative reporter and multimedia editor who helped shape reporting teams of nonprofit newsrooms and recently co-founded palabra, the digital magazine of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Ricardo is a former supervising editor of NPR’s Morning Edition broadcast, an editor with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and The Sacramento Bee, and a Latin America correspondent for the Dallas Morning News and the San Jose Mercury News. Before that, he was an investigative business reporter in California and co-author of the award-winning biography, "The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers Movement."

Ricardo Sandoval-Palos is the Public Editor of the Public Broadcasting Service -- the audience representative before PBS and its community of producers and journalists. He is an award-winning investigative reporter and multimedia editor who helped sh... Show more

Marina Krizman

Marina Krizman

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall breaking to the hilarious and heart-wrenching relationships, Marina can't get enough of Fleabag's antics. She's watched every episode multiple times, analyzed every character's motives, and even started a Fleabag-themed Instagram account. Her friends and family might think she's a bit obsessed, but Marina knows that Fleabag is more than just a show - it's a work of art that speaks to her soul.

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall break... Show more

Rebecca Jo Kinney

Rebecca Jo Kinney

Rebecca Jo Kinney is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar of Critical Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and qualitative research methods, and an associate professor at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. Dr. Kinney's second book, Mapping AsiaTown Cleveland: Race and Redevelopment in the Rust Belt (Temple University Press, 2025) examines the complexities of regional racial formation at work in the urban midwest by analyzing the work of Asian American stakeholders spearheading the redevelopment of Cleveland’s AsiaTown. https://tupress.temple.edu/books/mapping-asiatown-cleveland

Dr. Kinney’s first book, Beautiful Wasteland: The Rise of Detroit as America’s Postindustrial Frontier (University of Minnesota Press, 2016) argues that contemporary stories told about Detroit’s potential for rise enables the erasure of white supremacist systems. Her research has appeared in American Quarterly, Radical History Review, Race&Class, and Verge, among other journals. In 2021-2022 she was an Ewha University affiliated Fulbright Korea Scholar undertaking ethnographic research for the project “Adult Korean Adoptees Making Home and Building Community in South Korea.”

Rebecca Jo Kinney is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar of Critical Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and qualitative research methods, and an associate professor at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. Dr. Kinney's second book, Mapping A... Show more

Shuchi Batra

Shuchi Batra

A globally recognized poet-author pioneering therapeutic storytelling through micro-poetry, hybrid novels, and AI-driven emotional healing tools—bridging South Asian feminine narratives with modern literary innovation.

A globally recognized poet-author pioneering therapeutic storytelling through micro-poetry, hybrid novels, and AI-driven emotional healing tools—bridging South Asian feminine narratives with modern literary innovation. Show more

Jennifer Cowe

Jennifer Cowe

Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing and Media

Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing and Media Show more

Rucha C

Rucha C

I believe in the power of transformation—of mindsets, careers, and lives. My journey has been shaped by challenges, bold decisions, and a relentless drive to break barriers and create impact. As a speaker, I strive to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, embrace resilience, and turn dreams into action. From navigating change and overcoming self-doubt to leading with confidence and purpose, I share stories and strategies that help people unlock their full potential. My sessions are not just about motivation but about real, actionable insights that empower individuals to redefine their limits and own their journey. I speak to dreamers, doers, and changemakers—anyone who is ready to step up, take charge, and build a life of meaning and success.

I believe in the power of transformation—of mindsets, careers, and lives. My journey has been shaped by challenges, bold decisions, and a relentless drive to break barriers and create impact. As a speaker, I strive to inspire others to step out of th... Show more

Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour

Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour

Dr Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour
Trainer, writer and researcher in political science and international relations and interested in affairs

Dr Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour Trainer, writer and researcher in political science and international relations and interested in affairs Show more

Dylan Rodriguez

Dylan Rodriguez

Distinguished Professor, University of California

Distinguished Professor, University of California Show more

Gina Masequesmay

Gina Masequesmay

Queer Viet American sociologist

Queer Viet American sociologist Show more

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of residence and general on-campus life to support students’ development, with functional areas in Student Orientation, Student Housing, Student Governance, Student Life Programs, Auxiliary Services, Disability Support Services, Off-Campus Students, and Student Conduct.

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of resi... Show more

Samuel Tobler

Samuel Tobler

Samuel Tobler is a postdoctoral researcher focusing on the use of narratives and storytelling as well as machine learning and generative AI in education.

Samuel Tobler is a postdoctoral researcher focusing on the use of narratives and storytelling as well as machine learning and generative AI in education. Show more

Suzanne Persard

Suzanne Persard

Suzanne C. Persard is Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies in the Department of Critical Race, Gender and Culture Studies at American University, Faculty Affiliate of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center and a faculty member of the Ethnographies of Empire research cluster. As an interdisciplinary scholar, writer and curator, her research, teaching and curatorial practice center histories of gender and sexuality within indentured Indian archives; queer and feminist visual cultures; and theories of decoloniality.

Suzanne C. Persard is Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies in the Department of Critical Race, Gender and Culture Studies at American University, Faculty Affiliate of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center and a faculty mem... Show more

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the United States Forest Service and the President of the Yale Asian Graduate Network. She is part of the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership. Zoe will pursue her PhD in Jurisprudence and Social Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Zoe Lee-Park is a second-year Master of Environmental Science student at the Yale School of the Environment. She studies the theory of environmental justice, within a law and society framework. Outside of academics, Zoe is a Graduate Intern at the Un... Show more

Ian Siderits

Ian Siderits

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University. Ian’s research focuses on employee contact with nature, organizational trust, technology in the workplace, and employee health and well-being. He has presented on various topics at conferences such as the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the Academy of Management (AOM), the First International Network on Trust (FINT), and 21st Century Summit on Positive Psychology Women's Mental Health & Entrepreneurship.

Ian O. Siderits is a Ph.D. Candidate and primary instructor at North Carolina State University and an adjunct instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Meredith College. He has a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University.... Show more

Kanjana Thepboriruk

Kanjana Thepboriruk

Dr. Kanjana is a linguist and an historian. She is an associate professor of Thai language in the Department of World Languages & Cultures and is a research affiliate at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University. Her work examines the notion of "Thainess" and how Thais define, perform, understand, transmit, and regulate "Thainess" both in Thailand and in the US diaspora, in the past and in the present, including the role(s) that the Thai language may or may not have in these processes.

Dr. Kanjana is a linguist and an historian. She is an associate professor of Thai language in the Department of World Languages & Cultures and is a research affiliate at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University. Her work... Show more

Amanda Kavner, PhD

Amanda Kavner, PhD

Dr Amanda Kavner is a cognitive neuroscientist with a research focus on mapping cognitive processes using neurocognitive measurements and machine learning algorithms.

As a professor, Kavner has always focused on the understanding, utilization, and teaching of current and upcoming technological innovations that are positioned to become a mainstream tool for her students' future lives, which is what has brought her to blockchain technology and NFTs.

Dr Amanda Kavner is a cognitive neuroscientist with a research focus on mapping cognitive processes using neurocognitive measurements and machine learning algorithms. As a professor, Kavner has always focused on the understanding, utilization, an... Show more

Marianna Lyulchenko

Marianna Lyulchenko

Marianna Lyulchenko is interested in identifying the key factors associated with school readiness and long-term school success from early childhood through elementary and beyond. Lyulchenko is regularly engaged in research that collects surveys, direct assessments, standardized test scores, and observational data linked to children and classrooms along with qualitative data from sources such as interviews, focus groups, and extant document reviews.

Marianna Lyulchenko is interested in identifying the key factors associated with school readiness and long-term school success from early childhood through elementary and beyond. Lyulchenko is regularly engaged in research that collects surveys, dire... Show more

Liliana Castillo -Neira

Liliana Castillo -Neira

I'm Liliana Castillo Neira, a Colombian-Mexican historian and Sr. UX Writer at Mercado Libre, working in the Cross Border Trade business unit. I'm also pursuing a master's degree in Digital Humanities, focusing on various fields such as data visualization, data painting, museums and imaginary archives, metaverse architecture, and developing digital tools for teaching history to different communities, including indigenous people and seniors.

As a content writer, I constantly strive to innovate and explore new methods to create engaging content. I believe that exploring theories from various disciplines, such as philosophy, anthropology, design, physics, and astronomy, can enrich our work and make it more interesting and productive.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, visiting museums, painting, rock climbing, fishing, spending time with my dogs, exploring fashion, and learning new languages.

I'm Liliana Castillo Neira, a Colombian-Mexican historian and Sr. UX Writer at Mercado Libre, working in the Cross Border Trade business unit. I'm also pursuing a master's degree in Digital Humanities, focusing on various fields such as data visualiz... Show more

Caroline Kikisch

Caroline Kikisch

Caroline ist Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftlerin, arbeitet als Coach, Mediatorin und Organisationsberaterin und unterstützt Menschen und Systeme dabei, für sich einzutreten und miteinander ins Gespräch zu kommen.

Caroline ist Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftlerin, arbeitet als Coach, Mediatorin und Organisationsberaterin und unterstützt Menschen und Systeme dabei, für sich einzutreten und miteinander ins Gespräch zu kommen. Show more

Jodee Gibson, MA | PCC

Jodee Gibson, MA | PCC

Jodee Gibson, PCC is a leading expert on healing leadership. As a professional coach and speaker, she has created massive change and generated millions of dollars for her clients including Keller Williams Realty, National Institute of Health, the University of Michigan and the International Coaching Federation. Jodee has built award winning cultures and recently published her first book, Healing Your Map, encompassing developmental trauma.

Her holistic approach is deeply layered in developmental psychology, NLP, neuroscience, consciousness, trauma, intention, levels of energy, professional coaching and the law of vibration. This unconventional approach emerges from pairing her often tumultuous experiential education with her extensive formal education. The intersection she creates with these is beyond fascinating. Jodee resides in Oakland County, Michigan. She coaches and speaks worldwide. www.jodeegibson.com

Jodee Gibson, PCC is a leading expert on healing leadership. As a professional coach and speaker, she has created massive change and generated millions of dollars for her clients including Keller Williams Realty, National Institute of Health, the Uni... Show more

Luis Cásedas

Luis Cásedas

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (University of Granada), where I recently completed my PhD studies under the supervision of Prof. Juan Lupiáñez. Currently, my research aims to advance our understanding of the neurocognitive and affective mechanisms underpinning mindfulness-related meditation practices, and of their effectiveness in enhancing cognition and emotion. For more information, please visit my personal webpage: www.lcasedas.com

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (University of Granada), where I recently completed my PhD studies under the supervision of Prof. Juan Lupiáñez. Currently, my research aims to advance our understanding o... Show more

Jaqueline Santos de Souza

Jaqueline Santos de Souza

She is Benjamin's Mom, Brazilian of Salvador city, Artist and Teacher. Graduated in Languages at UCSAL, Master in Language and Culture and PhD Student in Applied Linguistics at UFBA. She has taught in a public school for 15 years and develops research in teaching and learning languages from a decolonial perspective. She currently records English classes for TV and publishes technical and literary texts. Member of Kunhã Asé - Network Women in Science and Network of the Black Researchers in Language Studies (REPENSE).

She is Benjamin's Mom, Brazilian of Salvador city, Artist and Teacher. Graduated in Languages at UCSAL, Master in Language and Culture and PhD Student in Applied Linguistics at UFBA. She has taught in a public school for 15 years and develops researc... Show more

Amar Natt, PhD

Amar Natt, PhD

Managing Director at Econ One Research, Inc. specializing in econometric modeling of Big Data and helping firms introduce data-guided decision-making. Lecturer at UCLA in the Sociology Department, teaching Data Science and Statistical & Computational Methods.

Managing Director at Econ One Research, Inc. specializing in econometric modeling of Big Data and helping firms introduce data-guided decision-making. Lecturer at UCLA in the Sociology Department, teaching Data Science and Statistical & Computational... Show more

Emily Harden

Emily Harden

Emily Harden is a knowledgeable consultant, skillful speaker, and community builder dedicated to fostering growth and impact. As the Founder and Owner of Harden Consulting, she provides tailored coaching to help people clarify what they want, navigate pivots, and thrive at work; so your passion becomes a sustainable path.
Emily draws on her deep roots in the tech ecosystem, where she previously served as Techlahoma's Executive Director, to connect challenges with creative solutions.

When she’s not working, you can probably find her playing board games, trying out new video games, or off on an adventure with her husband and their dog, Patches!

Emily Harden is a knowledgeable consultant, skillful speaker, and community builder dedicated to fostering growth and impact. As the Founder and Owner of Harden Consulting, she provides tailored coaching to help people clarify what they want, navigat... Show more

Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers.

Join Speakers Directory

Join our Speakers Directory today and amplify your reach! Showcase your expertise to a global audience hungry for your insights. Let your voice be heard!

Create Profile