Dr. Jodie Burchell is the Developer Advocate in Data Science at JetBrains, and was previously a Lead Data Scientist at Verve Group Europe. She completed a PhD in clinical psychology and a postdoc in biostatistics, before leaving academia for a data science career. She has worked for 9 years as a data scientist in both Australia and Germany, developing a range of products including recommendation systems, analysis platforms, search engine improvements and audience profiling. She has held a broad range of responsibilities in her career, doing everything from data analytics to maintaining machine learning solutions in production. She is a long time content creator in data science, across conference and user group presentations, books, webinars, and posts on both her own and JetBrain's blogs.

Dr. Jodie Burchell is the Developer Advocate in Data Science at JetBrains, and was previously a Lead Data Scientist at Verve Group Europe. She completed a PhD in clinical psychology and a postdoc in biostatistics, before leaving academia for a data s... Show more

As the Head of EMEA Operations at One Task, Bert leads the deployment of innovative camera systems designed to combat mobile phone usage while driving, combining his tech expertise with a strong commitment to road safety. He is also the founder of FabCore Consulting, where leadership, communication, and agile training and coaching are provided to organizations and individuals worldwide, fostering environments that emphasize empathy and efficiency.

An international speaker, he regularly shares his insights at conferences, engaging audiences with his deep knowledge in technology, leadership, and agile practices. With a background spanning the arts, technology, and international development, he draws on a diverse array of experiences to champion empathic leadership and continual learning. His journey through personal challenges has fueled his dedication to professional growth and making a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, he indulges in cooking and storytelling, enhancing life's flavor as a culinary enthusiast and a veteran tabletop roleplaying game master.

As the Head of EMEA Operations at One Task, Bert leads the deployment of innovative camera systems designed to combat mobile phone usage while driving, combining his tech expertise with a strong commitment to road safety. He is also the founder of Fa... Show more

After a decade in social work, Magali decided to change course and became a web developper. She tries to find a delicate balance between the technical aspects of the job (fun !), the creativity (fun too !) and trying to follow her ethics and change the culture of the industry (the less fun aspects of it anyway) by being an advocate and an activist. She recently chose to specialize in web accessibility by joining Access42.

She is co-founder and president of Compositech, an organization advocating for the inclusion of women and non-binary people in tech. She also is the founder and president of La Première Ligne, a feminist magazine created by tech women and non-binary people. She has a dog, Trufa and talks either way too much about her (according to people) or way not enough (according to herself).

After a decade in social work, Magali decided to change course and became a web developper. She tries to find a delicate balance between the technical aspects of the job (fun !), the creativity (fun too !) and trying to follow her ethics and change t... Show more

Sarah is a detail-oriented leader with twenty years of experience in marketing and cloud-based technology, specializing in sales, marketing, customer service, and reporting tools. As principal and founder of Ulster Technologies (www.ulster-tech.com), Sarah drives innovation to foster collaborative, data-driven decisions with her clients.

She has served as an enterprise architect, product owner and program/project manager at leading regional and national healthcare institutions. Sarah led dynamic, cross-functional teams through multiple product and platform migrations, passionately improving business processes and driving sales growth.

A graduate of Rosemont College with a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, Sarah is also an active volunteer, serving on various boards and committees, including as Vice President of Communications, Technology & Marketing for Village on the Ridge and as a Board Member and Technology Co-Chair for Philanos.

Areas of Expertise
Through an intentional and winding professional path, Sarah has had the opportunity to gain expertise across a variety of industries, domains, and organizations, continually expanding her knowledge base. At the intersection of marketing, technology, and leadership, Sarah is comfortable and engaging while speaking about a variety of topics including, but not limited to: project and change management frameworks; leadership and communication styles; building trust; managing customer data and experiences; marketing technology and integrations; professional development and empowerment.

Sarah is a detail-oriented leader with twenty years of experience in marketing and cloud-based technology, specializing in sales, marketing, customer service, and reporting tools. As principal and founder of Ulster Technologies (www.ulster-tech.com),... Show more

Software engineer with 10+ years under his belt. At Chattermill, he turns AI research into real-world products. A fan of diving deep into black boxes, he has unusual hobby of writing regular expressions by hand and arguing about their speed. When he’s not coding, he shares knowledge as a university instructor, speaker, and meetup organiser.

Bookworm, hiker, history nerd - ask him about Napoleon!

Software engineer with 10+ years under his belt. At Chattermill, he turns AI research into real-world products. A fan of diving deep into black boxes, he has unusual hobby of writing regular expressions by hand and arguing about their speed. When he’... Show more

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime !

À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé).
Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier.
Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide les gens à oser passer à l’action avec un cap clair et motivant.

Ah oui, et je suis fan de randonnée, de fromage suisse et… de Taylor Swift ! 🎵🧀🥾

Enchanté, moi c’est Maxime ! À 18 ans, j’étais en quête de sens (= paumé). Puis pendant 5 ans, j’ai exploré le développement personnel… et j’en ai finalement fait mon métier. Aujourd’hui, je suis coach professionnel et conférencier, et j’aide... Show more

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient of the PASSion award for being an outstanding volunteer. She is a featured blogger on sqlservercentral.com and also blogs infrequently at curiousaboutdata.com.

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient o... Show more

Lani Gonzales helps successful women and high achievers who look accomplished on the outside—but feel exhausted, disconnected, or unfulfilled on the inside—create success without burnout and power without losing their soul.

Many of the women Lani works with have done everything “right.” They’ve built impressive careers, achieved financial independence, and earned respect—yet inside, they feel stuck, overextended, or quietly empty. The constant pressure to perform, produce, and prove has pulled them further from their intuition, their body, and their deeper sense of purpose.

After becoming a law firm partner at 23, Lani lived that same story. From the outside, she had it all. On the inside, she was driven by subconscious survival patterns and a nervous system locked in overdrive. Her own awakening led her to leave the legal profession and devote her life to studying the subconscious mind, human behavior, and the wisdom traditions that have guided healing and leadership for thousands of years.

Today, Lani blends neuroscience-based hypnotherapy, performance psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions to help high-achieving women:
- Rewire burnout and overdrive at the root
- Break free from subconscious self-sabotage
- Reconnect to clarity, intuition, and inner authority
- Build success that feels aligned, sustainable, and alive

Her talks are known for being raw, strategic, and deeply activating—combining modern science with timeless wisdom to create real, lasting transformation. Audiences leave with tools they can use immediately to change how they lead, live, and work.

Lani Gonzales helps successful women and high achievers who look accomplished on the outside—but feel exhausted, disconnected, or unfulfilled on the inside—create success without burnout and power without losing their soul. Many of the women Lani ... Show more

Driven by courage, curiosity, and compassion, Becca "Bex" Hiller knows valued people deliver value. She helps humans reach agility potential, and her own agility shines through sharpened improv skills, a mighty pen, a hungry brain, and a passion for teaching and coaching.

Bex is currently based in Rochester, NY.

Driven by courage, curiosity, and compassion, Becca "Bex" Hiller knows valued people deliver value. She helps humans reach agility potential, and her own agility shines through sharpened improv skills, a mighty pen, a hungry brain, and a passion for ... Show more

Developer Advocate and Software Engineer with over a decade of experience in technology, specializing in AI/ML and Developer Experience.

I work at the intersection of Developer Relations, product, and UX, creating accessible workflows and clear paths to success for developers.

I’ve delivered talks, training sessions, and workshops at conferences across the Americas and Europe, sharing insights on Web Development, AI, Developer Experience, Neurodiversity, and inclusion in tech. Beyond the stage, I write code, content, and support open source and community initiatives. When not working, I'm co-organize GDG Lisbon and learning Rustlang.

My goal has always been to lower the barriers of entry into the tech world for “the rest of us.”

Developer Advocate and Software Engineer with over a decade of experience in technology, specializing in AI/ML and Developer Experience. I work at the intersection of Developer Relations, product, and UX, creating accessible workflows and clear pa... Show more

Sergès Goma is a Paris-based software developer specialized in Java and JavaScript. When she's not fixing codebases, she gives motivational speeches mostly aimed at junior and would-be developers as well as participating in the tech women's empowerment association Motiv'Her.

Sergès Goma is a Paris-based software developer specialized in Java and JavaScript. When she's not fixing codebases, she gives motivational speeches mostly aimed at junior and would-be developers as well as participating in the tech women's empowerme... Show more

Je suis tombée dans l'agilité il y a déjà pas mal d'années, sans en connaître le nom. Ce mindset, ainsi que ses valeurs et principes, sont pour moi cruciaux pour toute organisation, toute démarche, tout projet. Non pas que les méthodes liées à l'agilité soient toujours les + adaptées, mais ce mindset fondé sur l'humain, l'écoute, la co-construction, l'adaptation et la création de valeur est transposable à toutes les échelles. Je suis aujourd'hui coach pour les équipes agiles, et j'accompagne aussi l'individu et les organisations à se transformer.

Je suis tombée dans l'agilité il y a déjà pas mal d'années, sans en connaître le nom. Ce mindset, ainsi que ses valeurs et principes, sont pour moi cruciaux pour toute organisation, toute démarche, tout projet. Non pas que les méthodes liées à l'agil... Show more

Luca Minudel (he/him) is an Agility/XP/Lean, Complexity-thinking, and modern Product/Engineering Management advisor, mentor, coach, change agent for hire. He is an organisational gardener, culture curator, collaboration orchestrator, and delivery facilitator with over 20 years of experience in professional software development. He is also an author and a speaker.

He contributed to the adoption of lean and agile practices by Ferrari's F1 racing team. For ThoughtWorks, he delivered training, coaching, assessments and organisational transformations in top-tier organisations in the UK, Europe and the United States. He worked as Agile Transformation Lead, Head of Agility, Interim Product Director, Lean/Agile Practice Lead, and as Lean/Agile Coach in companies such as Lloyds, BP, The AA, Japan Tobacco International, HSBC, LexisNexis, Marsh McLennan.

Luca is the founder and CEO at SmHarter.com, a company that helps organisations turn their way of working into their competitive advantage.

https://www.smharter.com/blog/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaminudel/
https://bsky.app/profile/lucaminudel.bsky.social/
https://mstdn.social/@lukadotnet/
https://twitter.com/lukadotnet (inactive)

Luca Minudel (he/him) is an Agility/XP/Lean, Complexity-thinking, and modern Product/Engineering Management advisor, mentor, coach, change agent for hire. He is an organisational gardener, culture curator, collaboration orchestrator, and delivery fa... Show more

Brian Madden is a renowned workplace AI strategist, future of work expert, and dynamic speaker with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation. As a Technology Officer and Futurist at Citrix, he's at the forefront of helping organizations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.

Expertise & Current Focus
• Workplace AI strategy and implementation
• Future of work and digital workplace transformation
• AI's impact on employee productivity and HR practices
• Ethical considerations of AI in the workplace
• Bridging the gap between technology and human resources

Career Highlights
• Currently a VP, Technology Officer & Futurist, Citrix
• Creator of the Workplace AI Strategy Guide project, a comprehensive, continuously-updated resource for organizations adapting to AI
• Author of 6 books and over 2,000 articles on technology and workplace transformation
• Founder of BriForum, the largest vendor-neutral End-User Computing conference (2005-2016)
• Former Distinguished Technologist at VMware, focusing on the Future of Work
• Creator and leader of multiple influential tech community programs (Citrix CTP, VMware EUC vExperts)

Speaking and Thought Leadership
• Delivered 1000+ talks worldwide on technology's impact on work and productivity
• Ranked #1 speaker at major tech conferences multiple times
• Regular contributor to discussions on AI ethics, productivity, and workplace dynamics
• Passionate about democratizing knowledge and fostering inclusive tech communities

Brian's unique blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and engaging presentation style makes him an ideal speaker for conferences exploring the intersection of AI, HR, and the future of work. He excels at breaking down complex technological concepts in humorous and relatable ways for diverse audiences, from C-suite executives to HR professionals and IT teams.

Brian Madden is a renowned workplace AI strategist, future of work expert, and dynamic speaker with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation. As a Technology Officer and Futurist at Citrix, he's at the forefront of helping organizations ... Show more

Enthusiastic People Analytics professional and organizational sociologist with over 10 years of experience in HR and more than 5 years in Business Intelligence (BI). She is passionate about transforming HR data into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making and improve organizational performance. She holds a master’s degree in Economic and Organizational Sociology, giving her a unique perspective on the social and behavioral dimensions of workforce analytics.

Founder of ReadyHR.eu, a consultancy service that helps small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) build practical, data-driven HR reporting and People Analytics capabilities.

Based in Kecskemét, near Budapest, Hungary, proud parent of two boys. Outside of work, she loves dancing and is dedicated to continuous learning, always exploring new tools and ideas that elevate the HR analytics profession.

Enthusiastic People Analytics professional and organizational sociologist with over 10 years of experience in HR and more than 5 years in Business Intelligence (BI). She is passionate about transforming HR data into actionable insights that support s... Show more

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Notably, he shared insights on artificial intelligence at forums in Washington, D.C., and Brazil, underscoring his expertise in this evolving field and made appearances discussing mixed reality technology on the BBC.

Growing up in Montana, Gerber's early years were marked by a deep intrigue with communication technologies. His childhood experimentation with radio equipment subtly hinted at an innate curiosity and knack for innovative exploration.

His artistic ventures include appearances on esteemed platforms like the Vans Warped Tour, along with tours throughout the US and EU, where his presence among a vibrant community of artists and fans left an enduring impact. Gerber's career signifies a seamless blend of artistry with inventive exploration, leaving an indelible mark in both creative and technological realms.

Throughout his career, Gerber has curated a diverse portfolio, ranging from music compositions featured in film and television to collaborations with major labels that have yielded gold and platinum records, solidifying his stature within the music industry. His accomplishments have been recognized with an induction into the Marquis Who's Who Publications.

Known for his enigmatic approach, Gerber operates his electronic music persona under the alias Woodrowgerber, leaving an imprint atop underground cyberwave and synthwave charts while effortlessly transitioning into the mainstream spotlight.

His invention of virtual reality music technology, highlighted by appearances discussing technology on the BBC and forums in Washington, D.C., exemplifies his dedication to redefining collaboration. Gerber's captivating presence on global tours underscores his ability to traverse diverse musical terrains, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

Chad Gerber's narrative epitomizes a relentless quest to expand the horizons of creativity, artistry, and technological innovation, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of interdisciplinary exploration.

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boun... Show more

Els van Vessem (they/them) works as a Data Engineer and Scrum Master for the House of Representatives in the Netherlands, after some years working as general data specialist and project lead for several healthcare organizations. They focus on topics of diversity, non-data skills needed for data jobs, compassion and mental health. Outside of work they hang out on bluesky (@geekingthething.bsky.social), help events with their code of conduct and harassment/abuse policies, read too many books, and watches political debates for fun.

Els van Vessem (they/them) works as a Data Engineer and Scrum Master for the House of Representatives in the Netherlands, after some years working as general data specialist and project lead for several healthcare organizations. They focus on topics ... Show more

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them to become effective leaders. Elena is the President of and Lead Consultant with Marquetti Consulting.

Elena is a highly-rated professional speaker with 20+ years of experience as a leadership coach, group facilitator and collegiate faculty member. Elena works with groups, individuals, and organizations to amplify their authenticity and empower them t... Show more

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a trainer and finally as a coach, I'm working to ensure that modern Agile models are used less strictly and more respectfully of people.

You can find my work in my book: https://tinyurl.com/darroux

As enthusiastic Agilist, I spent a long time in the world of Agility applied to large industries and I gradually understood why this model was withering away year after year without us accepting the real causes. First as a project player, then as a t... Show more

Moran Weber is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the Founder of Women on Stage, a public speaking training platform amplifying women’s voices and helping tech professionals share their expertise with confidence. Formerly a Tech Lead at Wix, she has over a decade of experience in software development and holds an MA in Social Psychology, along with a BSc in Computer Science and Psychology.

A former software engineer who once struggled with stage fright and impostor syndrome, Moran turned her biggest fear into her life’s mission: stepping onto countless stages, organizing dozens of tech events, building communities, and training hundreds of engineers to find their voice, driven by her belief that everyone has a story worth telling.

She’s now building products that help professionals become impactful speakers, combining her technical background with deep psychological insight to help tech leaders turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that inspire audiences and create lasting impact.

Moran Weber is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the Founder of Women on Stage, a public speaking training platform amplifying women’s voices and helping tech professionals share their expertise with confidence. Formerly a Tech Lead at Wix, she has over ... Show more

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as numerous SQL Saturdays and other events. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University. He currently works as a technical writer and trainer for The Professional Development Program at The Research Foundation for SUNY.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments (piano, clarinet, mallet percussion, saxophone). He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their tuxedo cat, Bernard.

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG) and a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC). He has spoken at PASS Summit and STC Summit, as well as nume... Show more

Osita Ifezue is a researcher, international keynote speaker, and storytelling strategist. He is the founder of Njiko Storytelling, with over 25 years of experience training individuals and developing storytelling strategies. He has created the Storyboard Backcasting and Origin Story-Loop Strategic Frameworks, strategic storytelling tools designed to enhance learning in the storytelling process. Beyond entrepreneurship, Osita founded Entergrate, an NGO in Finland that focuses on social inclusion, and he hosts the podcast Think About It! With Osita Ifezue.

Osita Ifezue is a researcher, international keynote speaker, and storytelling strategist. He is the founder of Njiko Storytelling, with over 25 years of experience training individuals and developing storytelling strategies. He has created the Storyb... Show more

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant individuellement dirigeant·es et particuliers dans leurs objectifs personnels et professionnels. TEDx speaker, je crée des conférences interactives en mobilisant les sciences humaines, une approche systémique et des expériences concrètes d’accompagnement en entreprise.
Mon objectif : faire bouger les lignes sur des sujets qui impactent profondément notre quotidien.

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant ind... Show more

Born in Orlando, FL, Kimasia Ayers is a multidisciplinary creative, sociologist, and entrepreneur who has forged her own path by merging sociology, creativity, innovation, and technology to empower communities. She founded The Ultimate Muse, a creative consulting and production company that strengthens brands through strategic market research, innovative marketing, and transformative storytelling.

In her free time, Kimasia hosts Kim'z Corner: Humanizing the Creative Experience, a podcast amplifying the voices of those navigating the realities of innovation, social change, creativity, and emerging technology. Through interviews, professional panels, and community events, she fosters conversations highlighting how creativity can drive social change and lay the groundwork for future innovation.

With over seven years of experience, Kimasia blends technology, sociology, and creativity to foster innovation within underrepresented communities. Her work, including coining several terms and a theory in sociology, exploring how post-traumatic slave syndrome affects Black-owned businesses, and uncovering how social perceptions of "text" reveal systemic implicit bias, continues to influence the creative tech space and inspire impactful change.

Born in Orlando, FL, Kimasia Ayers is a multidisciplinary creative, sociologist, and entrepreneur who has forged her own path by merging sociology, creativity, innovation, and technology to empower communities. She founded The Ultimate Muse, a creati... Show more

Brad Nelson is a public speaker and content creator specializing in scientific thinking, high-performance, and product development. As host of 'The Agile For Agilists Podcast,' he leverages his extensive cross-functional expertise to engage industry leaders in thoughtful conversations about complex topics. With over 15 years of experience in applying his skills and educating others—from individual contributors to senior executives—Brad has become a respected voice in the field. An avid learner, he acquires books faster than he can read them and is constantly experimenting with (and usually breaking) new technologies. Likewise, he holds numerous credentials, including a 'Happiness Leadership' certification from HarvardX.

Brad Nelson is a public speaker and content creator specializing in scientific thinking, high-performance, and product development. As host of 'The Agile For Agilists Podcast,' he leverages his extensive cross-functional expertise to engage industry ... Show more

Ben Greenberg is the Developer Relations Lead at Arbitrum and has been recognized by Docker as a Docker Captain. He serves on the board of Ruby Central and is deeply involved in the open-source community. Before moving into software development, Ben spent a decade in adult education, community organizing, and non-profit management. He writes regularly about the intersection of technology, ethics, and community, and is the author of numerous technical articles and publications, including his latest book, Vector Search with JavaScript.

Ben Greenberg is the Developer Relations Lead at Arbitrum and has been recognized by Docker as a Docker Captain. He serves on the board of Ruby Central and is deeply involved in the open-source community. Before moving into software development, Ben ... Show more

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the SME Focus Group on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, European Community.

Mauro Bennici is active in the R&D area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Generation (NLG). He is a Data Scientist, Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and .NET foundation member. Member of the ... Show more

Winner of three AI awards, I’ve been working in AI and machine learning for 25 years, designing and developing AI and computer graphic algorithms.

I’m very passionate about AI, focusing on Audio, Image and Natural Language Processing, and predictive analysis as well.
I received several national and international awards that recognize my work and contributions in these areas.

Microsoft MVP for Artificial Intelligence Category, I have the pleasure of being a guest speaker in national and international events.

Winner of three AI awards, I’ve been working in AI and machine learning for 25 years, designing and developing AI and computer graphic algorithms. I’m very passionate about AI, focusing on Audio, Image and Natural Language Processing, and predicti... Show more

With 15 years in the Java industry, I’m a dedicated community builder and senior marketing professional focused on growing and supporting the global Java and Jakarta EE ecosystems. I specialise in creating spaces for developer collaboration, driving open source engagement, and promoting education across Java communities.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported developers by organising educational events, creating technical content, and fostering meaningful connections. I’ve spoken at Java and open source conferences, worked closely with Java Champions and Jakarta EE experts, and contributed to the growth of developer communities worldwide.

As one of the original team members at Payara, I played a key role in shaping the Payara brand and building its user community from the ground up. In my current role as Community Manager, I continue to support and grow developer communities by amplifying their voices, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and driving innovation in the enterprise Java space.

With 15 years in the Java industry, I’m a dedicated community builder and senior marketing professional focused on growing and supporting the global Java and Jakarta EE ecosystems. I specialise in creating spaces for developer collaboration, driving ... Show more

Meet Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fathers and families through support, education, and advocacy.

With over two decades of service, Samuel has established himself as a licensed substance abuse counselor, Certified Lactation Education Counselor, author, court-appointed gang culture expert, motivational speaker, and community advocate. He is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations—Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization (MOJO) and Distinguished Outreach Services—both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Merced County residents with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, prevention, and fatherhood initiatives.

Samuel’s work extends beyond titles. He is widely recognized for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often using his own experiences to inspire others. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the struggles many in his community face today. His story of resilience fuels his mission: to help individuals break cycles of hardship and to create pathways toward healthier families and stronger communities.

Outside of his professional and nonprofit leadership, Samuel has lived a dynamic and inspiring life. He is a former MMA coach and fighter, a recording artist with seven albums, and a five-time competitive BBQ rib champion. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in discipline, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fully.

His passion and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including Safeway’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognition as Hispanic Man of the Year by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber, and formal accommodations from both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also the profound impact he continues to make on families, youth, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Samuel remains committed to expanding his work in advocacy, mentorship, and fatherhood education. His vision is to see every father equipped with the tools to lead with love, responsibility, and purpose—because stronger fathers create stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities.

Samuel often shares this guiding belief:

“You can spend a lifetime looking for your purpose, but when you find your passion, you begin to live.”

Meet Samuel Rangel Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fa... Show more