Agilist, feminist, humanist

Agilist, feminist, humanist Show more

Dr. Abbie Maroño is an internationally recognized behavioral and social scientist, acknowledged by the U.S. Department of State as a top 1% expert. She has delivered behavioral analysis training to representatives from 29 U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, as well as to senior leadership at INTERPOL. Dr. Abbie is the creator of The Upper Hand, a proprietary framework for understanding human decision-making and influence. After delivering this training, the U.S. Secret Service recognized her expertise with an award for outstanding contribution to their forensic services. ​

​Earning her PhD in Psychology, Abbie became a Professor of Psychology at 23 and now specializes in behavior analysis. She contributes regularly to Forbes, Court TV, and Apple News and has been featured on BBC News, Fox News, WIRED, Reuters, Forbes Breaking News, and many more. Dr. Abbie is also a highly sought-after expert witness, retained for high-profile cases, including lawsuits involving A-list celebrities.

As an active member of internationally recognized research groups, Abbie was honored as Reviewer of the Year for her significant contribution to the academic community. Additionally, she is an author, expert consultant, coach, and a TEDx speaker.

Dr. Abbie Maroño is an internationally recognized behavioral and social scientist, acknowledged by the U.S. Department of State as a top 1% expert. She has delivered behavioral analysis training to representatives from 29 U.S. federal agencies, inclu... Show more

Lena Chen (she/her) is an artist and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her scholarship examines the figure of the Asian America woman as (Tiger) Mother and Whore. Her work appears in the edited volumes Curating as Feminist Organizing (Routledge, 2022), Sex Work Now (NYU Press, forthcoming), and To Be Named (Routledge, forthcoming). She has taught classes on feminist theory, performance art, and socially engaged art. As an artist, she has exhibited, performed, and screened her work internationally. She has been awarded grants and residencies from Mozilla Foundation, Sundance Institute, Millay Colony for the Arts, Center for Cultural Power, Burning Man Global Arts Fund, Office of Public Art, and others. Currently, she is hosting community workshops on AAPI sexuality to devise a collective performance as part of her practice-based research.

She is a co-founder of JADED, the largest AAPI arts and cultural platform in Western Pennsylvania, and a founding member of MATERNAL FANTASIES, an interdisciplinary collective of mothers/artists and their children. She coordinates the Performing Asian American and Diasporic Sexualities working group at UC Berkeley’s Center for Race & Gender.

Lena Chen (she/her) is an artist and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her scholarship examines the figure of the Asian America woman as (Tiger) Mother and Whore. Her... Show more

Guido Thys (b. 1956) studied General, Psycho- and Neurolinguistics and the Philosophy of Language in Antwerp (B), Leuven (B), Brussels (B) and Salzburg (AT). As a Lecturer in Strategy, Marketing and Database Management at a Business School, he (co-)authored 20 books & dozens of articles on these subjects and has presented over 2,600 times to business audiences. Wrote the (dBase-II) code for his first database in 1985 and has been at the forefront of database use ever since.
He is an avid collector of books (printed in Antwerp) and vice-president of the Antwerp Bibliophile Society.

Guido Thys (b. 1956) studied General, Psycho- and Neurolinguistics and the Philosophy of Language in Antwerp (B), Leuven (B), Brussels (B) and Salzburg (AT). As a Lecturer in Strategy, Marketing and Database Management at a Business School, he (co-)a... Show more

Dr. Fanny Jimenez specializes in the psychology of personality, social relationships and organizational behavior. She is VP Performance & Collaboration at the newly formed PREMIUM-GRUPPE (Politico, WELT, Business Insider) after having worked as the head of the Career & Science Department as well as the head of the Audio Department at Business Insider Germany. Fanny studied psychology and neuroscience in Berlin and the USA before completing her doctorate at the International Max Planck Research School/Humboldt University in Berlin. She is hosting the weekly psychology podcast "Never Mind – Psychologie in 15 Minuten".

Dr. Fanny Jimenez specializes in the psychology of personality, social relationships and organizational behavior. She is VP Performance & Collaboration at the newly formed PREMIUM-GRUPPE (Politico, WELT, Business Insider) after having worked as the h... Show more

Maarten is a polymath trying to make sense of the exponential times we are living in.

He is doing so by is creating an art-collection mirroring our times and opening up expositions around these artworks, with the Project Copernicus collective.

The art is also the foundation in creating Your Guide into the Exponential Age, a set of theoretical frameworks that support us in consciously applying exponential technologies.

Maarten is a polymath trying to make sense of the exponential times we are living in. He is doing so by is creating an art-collection mirroring our times and opening up expositions around these artworks, with the Project Copernicus collective. ... Show more

Julie Ham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University.

Julie Ham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brock University. Show more

Barbara Salani

Barbara Salani, a graduate of the Juan Manuel Olivares Conservatory in Caracas, furthered her studies in Italy and the US, earning a Bachelor of Music from the Philadelphia University of the Arts and a Master's in Piano Performance from Florida Atlantic University, where she's now a Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Studies LLC in Musicology and Italian Studies. She serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at FAU in Boca Raton. Her research bridges musicology, philology, and digital innovation, focusing on 19th-century Italian opera. Notably, she is leading the revival of Pietro Carlo Guglielmi’s forgotten 1812 opera semiseria, Amalia e Carlo, set to debut on September 12, 2025, in Massa at the Teatro Guglielmi (named after the composer), and later at Florida Atlantic University’s Performing Arts Theatre, aiming to connect historical art forms with modern audiences through digital technologies. Barbara’s innovative teaching projects, such as the “Music Module” at FAU and the composition “Dante’s Anthem,” sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, showcase her commitment to interdisciplinary education and the promotion of Italian language and culture. An accomplished pianist and educator, Barbara has performed internationally as a soloist and in piano duos. She has published in three languages and received various awards, including recognition for her book "Music for Life: The Salani Brothers." Barbara is passionate about innovative teaching and interdisciplinary research in music and Italian studies.

Barbara Salani Barbara Salani, a graduate of the Juan Manuel Olivares Conservatory in Caracas, furthered her studies in Italy and the US, earning a Bachelor of Music from the Philadelphia University of the Arts and a Master's in Piano Performance ... Show more

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja
(Born November 10, 1989)

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF), she is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Her tireless advocacy work was recognized in 2023 when she was awarded the prestigious Hivos/Winq Diversity International Activist Award.

Early Life and Education
Born at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, Gracie was raised in Luzira, a suburb on the outskirts of the city, within a large family and a strict Catholic upbringing. From an early age, she faced significant challenges due to her disability. Growing up in a society that often viewed disability as something needing correction, Gracie’s childhood was shaped by efforts to find solutions to her condition, including visits to witch doctor shrines, Born-again churches, and hospitals. Despite these hardships, she developed a strong sense of determination and resilience, gaining the respect of those around her.

Gracie pursued higher education at Kyambogo University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counseling. Her academic background, combined with her personal experiences, prepared her to tackle the social challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Career and Advocacy
In 2018, Gracie founded the Foundation for the Differently Abled (FDA), aimed at supporting people with disabilities, particularly in overcoming employment barriers. However, she soon realized that the organization lacked space for her lesbian identity, making her feel like a "unicorn" within her own creation. This experience underscored the limitations of single-issue advocacy in addressing the complex intersections of identity, prompting Gracie to seek a more inclusive approach.

In 2020, a pivotal moment in her personal life occurred when she came out to her friends and family after falling in love with her partner. This decision marked a turning point, leading Gracie to co-found the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF) to address the unique challenges faced by the "double minority" community—LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Through DEF, Gracie has created a safe and inclusive space where members can access socio-economic skills, build their confidence, and advocate for their rights and inclusion within society and the broader LGBTQ movement.

As an intersectional feminist, Gracie emphasizes the importance of considering multiple aspects of identity, such as sexual orientation, disability, and gender, in the fight for equality and human rights. Her work with DEF is a testament to her commitment to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Writing and Intersectional Approach
Beyond her activism, Gracie is a passionate writer, known by her pen name Lunah Steph. Through her writing, she amplifies the voices and experiences of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities, contributing to a deeper understanding of their intersecting identities. Her literary work further complements her advocacy efforts, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to human rights.

Gracie’s approach is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism, recognizing that individuals often face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination. By addressing the intricate interplay between sexuality, gender identity, and disability, she strives for a comprehensive understanding of social justice and human dignity.

Vision and Legacy
Gracie Brendah Nanyunja’s journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a respected and influential advocate demonstrates her unwavering resilience and dedication. Through her leadership at DEF, she continues to inspire many, working tirelessly for a Uganda where equality, inclusion, and justice prevail for all. Her determination is encapsulated in her guiding philosophy: "When I want to achieve something, I don't rest until I've succeeded."

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja (Born November 10, 1989) Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundati... Show more

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of the UCLA Black Alumni Association. Her passion for youth and parents drives her to empower parents and youth to demand the public school system properly educate students of all colors, starting with capable African-American students who, as a whole, underperform their peers at every level of education.

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of t... Show more

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!”

Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author

Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, rooted in positivity and pure happiness. Once Amy learned that she may only have 20 more years left to live, she started to think differently, make different choices, and help others to design the life they are meant to have.

Influenced by her mom, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Amy researched the science of positivity and happiness as illustrated in her latest book, “SEVEN MORE DAYS: Live a Life That's Bursting with Positivity and Happiness ... Before It's Too Late.” Seven More Days celebrates the transformative power of positivity and the potential of ultimate joy. It became a bestseller in eight countries and eight categories.

She now brings this message to the stage, creating a gripping experience of emotion, catapulting happiness, and challenging the chaos in today’s world.

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!” Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, roote... Show more

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY?
Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sector. With a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector, she has gained extensive expertise in various areas, including organizational development and change, executive transition consultancy, strategic planning, leadership development, and board governance.

Academically, Benson holds an MBA in organizational change and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She has obtained certifications in BoardSource and Group Facilitation to support nonprofit board of directors.

Notably, Benson's thought-provoking TEDx talk, titled "A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh," has catapulted her into the spotlight as a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Benson's passion for sharing wisdom extends to her writing as well. She is the author of two books that focus on mindfulness and happiness. Her publications, "Cultivate Your Happiness: Mama-to-Be" and "Cultivating Calmness in Children," provide practical strategies and insights making happiness obtainable daily. Through her books and keynote presentations, Benson aims to empower individuals and teams to cultivate wellbeing in their lives.

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY? Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sect... Show more

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen
🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience Show more

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

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

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

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

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

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educational institutions. She also specializes in designing and teaching social-emotional curricula. The heart of her work is in communities of color. Kathryn has served throughout California and in New York City. She has extensive experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in K-12 and college settings.

Kathryn earned a B.A. in Social Work from Cal State LA and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming. Her focuses included school-based social services and the integration of mental health practitioners in educational leadership. As a current doctoral student, Kathryn researches the social-emotional intelligence and well-being of educational administrators, the motivation and retention of educators, and what it takes to lead school communities of color effectively. Through opportunities in political advocacy at California’s capital, several media appearances, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and various committee leadership roles, Kathryn is driven to make a difference in the future of education.

Kathryn Lige, LCSW (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist and certificated school social worker. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of a school-based mental health program, providing psychotherapy, and consulting with staff in educatio... Show more

Ellie M. Hisama is Distinguished Professor of Music, Society, and Culture at the University of Toronto, past Dean of the Faculty of Music, and Professor Emerita of Music at Columbia University. A social historian and music theorist, she has published widely on gender, sexuality, and race in musical modernity, critical listening in relation to music by Asian American musicians and representations of East Asians in U.S. and British popular music, and sound and culture. She is a member of the Science, Technology, and Social Values Lab at the Institute for Advanced Study and held the Edward T. Cone Membership in Music Studies at IAS. She is writing a book on the composer and musician Julius Eastman.

She has created learning opportunities in digital sound for female-identifying and gender nonconforming youth of color in Toronto and New York, establishing the programs Future Sound 6 and For the Daughters of Harlem. She has worked with numerous international bodies dedicated to anti-racist agendas in the arts and the academy including Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity. She organized the panel We Have to Reimagine: A Conversation about Anti-Asian Racism and Violence and was named an Honorary Member of the American Musicological Society, a lifetime achievement award that recognizes her contributions to musicology, her distinguished teaching career, and her commitment to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and ethical profession.

Ellie M. Hisama is Distinguished Professor of Music, Society, and Culture at the University of Toronto, past Dean of the Faculty of Music, and Professor Emerita of Music at Columbia University. A social historian and music theorist, she has published... Show more

2nd-year PhD student at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University

2nd-year PhD student at the Department of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University Show more

lawrence-minh bùi davis, PhD is a refugee diaspore, curator, writer, and troublemaker who lives as a guest on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway Nation. A co-founder of the arts anti-profit AALR (2009), the Asian American Literature Festival (2017), and the Center for Refugee Poetics (2018), he believes in stewardship of literature as social and ethical ecosystem. As far as anyone knows, he was the first curator of viet descent at the World’s Largest Museum and Research Complex, as well as the first to be exiled from it. Sometimes you can see new things by the light of his neurodivergence.

lawrence-minh bùi davis, PhD is a refugee diaspore, curator, writer, and troublemaker who lives as a guest on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway Nation. A co-founder of the arts anti-profit AALR (2009), the Asian American Literature Festival (2017... Show more

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University (2016), where she worked on Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature, completing a dissertation titled “Ciphers of Remembrance and Fluidity of Oblivion: A Study of Memory in Dante.” Her research lies at the intersection between philosophy and literature in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance. Her work includes a thesis on medieval philosophy, and she has published articles on medieval logic, Ramon Llull and Lullism, Giordano Bruno, Dante, and Italian Cinema. In the modern period, she also has an interest in Italian women poets and novelists. Since August 2017, Eleonora teaches Italian language and literature at the University of Calgary, AB where she is also finishing her book on memory in Dante.

Born and raised in the medieval city of Siena, Italy, Eleonora Buonocore earned a Master in Philosophy and a PhD in Philosophical Sciences from University of Siena (2009). In the USA she earned an MA in Italian from University of Notre Dame, IN and a... Show more

Yves Richez est docteur en sémiologie, anthropologue et lexicologue (historien des mots) ; membre du Syndicat des Serious Game Designer et président de la maison d’édition Les Editions de l’Homo-Viator™, spécialisée dans le développement de dispositifs digitaux et gamifiés.

Yves Richez est docteur en sémiologie, anthropologue et lexicologue (historien des mots) ; membre du Syndicat des Serious Game Designer et président de la maison d’édition Les Editions de l’Homo-Viator™, spécialisée dans le développement de dispositi... Show more

Triple Major Psychology, Anthropology and Māori Visual Art
MA in Kaupapa Māori Art Therapy
PhD Candidate Māori Womens History

Passionate about community and healing.
I share my tools for cohesive environments and well being techniques.

Keynote Speaker at Musical Theatre NZ Conference 2025: Performance Art and Mental Health

I can also run workshops, wānanga pertaining to any of my special areas.
I have been a mentor, tutor, teacher in the arts and social sciences for over 15 years.

Triple Major Psychology, Anthropology and Māori Visual Art MA in Kaupapa Māori Art Therapy PhD Candidate Māori Womens History Passionate about community and healing. I share my tools for cohesive environments and well being techniques. Keyno... Show more

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

Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing and Media

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

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

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