Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Julie Williamson, Ph.D.

Julie Williamson, Ph.D.

Julie is a dynamic and engaging speaker who brings her combined expertise in business and social science to help leaders understand the power of alignment to deliver on ambitious strategic goals. Her keynotes explore the HOW of leadership - the ways in which leaders can step into enterprise level roles and start to solve problems, set tough priorities, and inspire colleagues to connect to each other in ways that help them to break down silos and unlock the untapped potential of their businesses.

Julie is a best selling author on Amazon, with her book Make HOW Matter topping the list in several categories! Her book is available to support keynotes and workshops, and it comes with many supporting resources for participants to try. Check it out here: www.makehowmatter.com

On her podcast, The Failure Gap, Julie explores leadership journeys and how they align to deliver on ambitious goals. You can see it here: www.thefailuregap.com !

Julie is a dynamic and engaging speaker who brings her combined expertise in business and social science to help leaders understand the power of alignment to deliver on ambitious strategic goals. Her keynotes explore the HOW of leadership - the ways ... 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

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

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

Arthur Doler

Arthur Doler

Arthur (or Art, take your pick) has been a software engineer for 22 years and has worked on things as exciting as analysis software for casinos and things as boring as banking websites. He is an advocate for talking openly about mental health and psychology in the technical world, and he spends a lot of time thinking about how we program and why we program, and about the tools, structures, cultures, and mental processes that help and hinder us from our ultimate goal of writing amazing things. His hair is brown and his thorax is a shiny blue color.

Arthur (or Art, take your pick) has been a software engineer for 22 years and has worked on things as exciting as analysis software for casinos and things as boring as banking websites. He is an advocate for talking openly about mental health and psy... Show more

Nicole Enders

Nicole Enders

Nicole Enders, aka “Die Agentin”, is a software architect, consultant, developer, and Microsoft MVP. Her mission is to make complex technology accessible and share knowledge. She focuses on Agentic AI, Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, Azure, and Microsoft 365, combining technical depth with practical experience, curiosity, and enthusiasm.

Nicole Enders, aka “Die Agentin”, is a software architect, consultant, developer, and Microsoft MVP. Her mission is to make complex technology accessible and share knowledge. She focuses on Agentic AI, Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, Azure, and Mi... Show more

Namrata Agrawal

Namrata Agrawal

Namrata Agrawal is a technology professional and speaker exploring the intersection of AI, sustainability, and digital innovation. She is passionate about how emerging technologies can solve real-world challenges and create meaningful business and societal impact. Her speaking interests include AI, digital transformation, sustainability, accessibility, emerging technologies, and responsible innovation.

Namrata Agrawal is a technology professional and speaker exploring the intersection of AI, sustainability, and digital innovation. She is passionate about how emerging technologies can solve real-world challenges and create meaningful business and so... Show more

Hafedh Messaoudi

Hafedh Messaoudi

Hafedh is an independent consultant, coach and trainer based in Paris. For over 13 years he has worked inside organisations going through large-scale agile transformations, Lean and flow improvement, and now AI adoption.

He looks at change through two lenses: systemic practice from the Palo Alto school, and the cognitive science of learning, as a certified Training from the Back of the Room trainer. He has spoken at many conferences worldwide.

His current question: how do organisations protect their capacity to learn and adapt when technology moves faster than people can absorb it? His sessions start with an experience participants live through, then give them tools they can use the very next day.

Hafedh is an independent consultant, coach and trainer based in Paris. For over 13 years he has worked inside organisations going through large-scale agile transformations, Lean and flow improvement, and now AI adoption. He looks at change through... Show more

Jigyasa Grover

Jigyasa Grover

12-time award-winning AI visionary and 'Sculpting Data For ML' author Jigyasa Grover drives rider personalization innovation at Uber after transforming Twitter/X, Facebook/Meta, Faire, and Bordo AI with large-scale ML systems. Handpicked by Google for their I/O keynote, she serves on Google's Developer Advisory Board while advising social search engine Diem and other Silicon Valley startups.

As a sought-after LinkedIn Learning instructor, Jigyasa educates thousands of professionals worldwide on cutting-edge AI-powered applications and agentic AI systems, solidifying her status as a thought leader in artificial intelligence education. As a Google Developer Expert, Women Techmaker Ambassador, and World Economic Forum Global Shaper, Jigyasa has also been featured in Business Insider, VentureBeat, and International Business Times, and has elevated panels with Harvard University, Preston-Werner Ventures, Norwegian Business School, Humanitarian Frontier in AI, Women in Data, and more to her name.

The UC San Diego alumna has secured funding from the Canadian and Norwegian governments, the Linux Foundation, and multiple tech giants, enabling work that transcends geographical boundaries. With 200+ media features and contributions to open source recognized by Apache and Python Software Foundations, she mentors next-generation talent while shaping AI's future through advisory roles at Bezoku AI, Las Positas College, and various AI forums.

12-time award-winning AI visionary and 'Sculpting Data For ML' author Jigyasa Grover drives rider personalization innovation at Uber after transforming Twitter/X, Facebook/Meta, Faire, and Bordo AI with large-scale ML systems. Handpicked by Google fo... Show more

Sarah Wimberley

Sarah Wimberley

Sarah F. Wimberley is a strategic technology executive with a multidisciplinary background spanning enterprise architecture, technology consulting, AI governance, privacy, and organizational strategy. She has a proven ability to develop enterprise roadmaps, guide executive decision-making, and lead cross-functional transformation initiatives that balance innovation, compliance, and customer trust. Sarah brings a collaborative leadership style, strong business acumen, and extensive experience communicating complex technical concepts to executives, boards, and diverse stakeholder groups.

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 President of Village on the Ridge and a Co-Leader and Higher Award Coach for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.

Sarah F. Wimberley is a strategic technology executive with a multidisciplinary background spanning enterprise architecture, technology consulting, AI governance, privacy, and organizational strategy. She has a proven ability to develop enterprise ro... Show more

Michelle Frost

Michelle Frost

Michelle Frost is an AI and machine learning practitioner, Microsoft AI MVP, and AI Advocate at JetBrains. She is also the founder of Accountable Intelligence, where she consults on AI governance and responsible AI strategy.

She holds a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Johns Hopkins University and brings over a decade of experience across data science, engineering, and enterprise AI systems to questions of fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and risk. Her work spans AI and machine learning strategy, responsible AI development, and governance for high-risk domains, with a particular interest in building systems that keep humans meaningfully in the lead.

Michelle speaks on AI ethics, accessibility, inclusion, and the human impact of emerging technologies. Outside of work, Michelle can usually be found in her garden or with her nose in a book.

Michelle Frost is an AI and machine learning practitioner, Microsoft AI MVP, and AI Advocate at JetBrains. She is also the founder of Accountable Intelligence, where she consults on AI governance and responsible AI strategy. She holds a Master of ... Show more

Hanna Engel

Hanna Engel

Indiana Jones of cloud technologies, Hanna Engel takes customers on exciting expeditions through the world of Azure, helping them navigate complex architectures, decode networking challenges, tame wild acronyms, and uncover the hidden treasures of modern cloud and AI solutions.

As a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, Hanna helps organizations realize their cloud and AI ambitions through strategic guidance, technical expertise, and hands-on implementation experience. She is a former Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), quantum computing evangelist, and representative of the Belgian Quantum Circle.

A frequent conference speaker and podcast guest, Hanna is passionate about making complex technology accessible to everyone. Through public speaking, community engagement, and social media, she focuses on democratizing access to IT knowledge and empowering professionals to embrace cloud and AI with confidence.
Combining experience from both the customer side and the Microsoft ecosystem, Hanna brings a pragmatic, real-world perspective to every challenge. Her approach is simple: focus on business outcomes, keep technology approachable, and ensure customer success remains at the heart of every journey.

Hanna is based in Brussels, Belgium. Personally, fan of Dungeons&Dragons, couchsurfing and foreign languages.

Indiana Jones of cloud technologies, Hanna Engel takes customers on exciting expeditions through the world of Azure, helping them navigate complex architectures, decode networking challenges, tame wild acronyms, and uncover the hidden treasures of mo... Show more

Ixchel Ruiz

Ixchel Ruiz

Ixchel Ruiz has been developing software applications and tools since 2000. Her research interests include Java, dynamic languages, client-side technologies, and testing. As a member of the JCP Executive Committee, Java Champion, Oracle ACE Pro, Testcontainers Community Champion, CDF Ambassador, Hackergarten enthusiast, Open Source advocate, public speaker, and mentor, Ixchel is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and collaborative tech communities. She actively mentors aspiring developers and champions initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and accessibility in the technology sector.

Ixchel’s work is characterised by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep understanding of user needs, and an unwavering commitment to ethical technology development.

Ixchel Ruiz has been developing software applications and tools since 2000. Her research interests include Java, dynamic languages, client-side technologies, and testing. As a member of the JCP Executive Committee, Java Champion, Oracle ACE Pro, Test... Show more

Johan Smarius

Johan Smarius

Johan has been developing software since 1996 and has worked with .NET since version 1.0. With extensive experience as a lead developer and architect for .NET solutions, he is deeply passionate about clean coding and test-driven development. At JMAC Software Solutions and Bergler, he designs architectures for .NET solutions and coaches and trains developers in the domain of software engineering in general and Microsoft technologies in particular.

Johan has been developing software since 1996 and has worked with .NET since version 1.0. With extensive experience as a lead developer and architect for .NET solutions, he is deeply passionate about clean coding and test-driven development. At JMAC ... Show more

Damian Synadinos

Damian Synadinos

Damian Synadinos has many labels. He spent 25 years as a software executive across diverse industries, gaining deep experience in technology, quality, and leadership. Along the way, he’s also been a schoolteacher, a children’s book author, a comedic improviser, and a portrait artist - experiences that sharpened his ability to communicate, connect, and think creatively. In 2016, he founded Ineffable Solutions to become a full-time speaker focused on people and fundamental topics such as communication, empathy, risk, identity, and trust – areas that are timeless and universal. His keynotes, talks, and workshops feature original content that blends conceptual depth, practical insight, and interactive humor, engaging the audiences’ hearts, minds, and funny bones. The result is a thought-provoking, relatable message that creates a lasting impact in any context.

Damian Synadinos has many labels. He spent 25 years as a software executive across diverse industries, gaining deep experience in technology, quality, and leadership. Along the way, he’s also been a schoolteacher, a children��s book author, a comedic ... Show more

Jon Jarvis

Jon Jarvis

Jon Jarvis is a Microsoft MVP and Endpoint Management Specialist at Advania UK, specialising in Microsoft Intune and Windows 365. His work centres on the security side of modern endpoint management, with a particular focus on Microsoft Defender and Intune integration, Intune Premium features, and the design and operation of Cloud PCs.

An active member of the global Microsoft community, Jon is a regular speaker at events across the UK, Europe, and the US, including Workplace Ninjas, Experts Live, MEM Summit, and M365Conf. He shares practical, real-world guidance through his community presence at CloudEndpoint.ai, where he writes about getting the most out of Intune, Windows 365, and Defender in production environments.

Jon is passionate about cutting through the noise and giving IT professionals content they can actually use. When he's not working with endpoints, he coaches youth football, runs a Brazilian jiu-jitsu club in Kent, and follows Arsenal.

Jon Jarvis is a Microsoft MVP and Endpoint Management Specialist at Advania UK, specialising in Microsoft Intune and Windows 365. His work centres on the security side of modern endpoint management, with a particular focus on Microsoft Defender and I... Show more

Anja Schröder

Anja Schröder

Anja Schröder is a Microsoft MVP and Modern Workplace Architect at Skaylink. She designs and builds Microsoft 365 architectures and leads their technical implementation from initial concept to rollout. Her approach ensures that solutions are not only secure and reliable but also improve the day-to-day work experience. Her expertise lies in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot. In her sessions, she combines deep technical knowledge with practical examples to show how organizations can unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365.

Anja Schröder is a Microsoft MVP and Modern Workplace Architect at Skaylink. She designs and builds Microsoft 365 architectures and leads their technical implementation from initial concept to rollout. Her approach ensures that solutions are not only... Show more

Gustavo Andrés Montalvo Espinosa

Gustavo Andrés Montalvo Espinosa

Ayudo a personas y organizaciones a desarrollar pensamiento analítico para tomar mejores decisiones mediante el uso inteligente de los datos.

Durante más de 20 años he liderado proyectos estratégicos en los sectores de banca, telecomunicaciones, medicina prepagada y educación superior, transformando datos en información útil para optimizar procesos, diseñar indicadores de gestión y apoyar la toma de decisiones.

Mi experiencia combina la consultoría empresarial con la docencia universitaria, donde enseño Business Intelligence, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Excel y análisis de datos mediante casos reales. Mi objetivo no es únicamente enseñar herramientas, sino ayudar a desarrollar la capacidad de interpretar la información, formular mejores preguntas y convertir los datos en decisiones que generen valor.

Soy fundador de BI Datos en Acción, una iniciativa desde la cual comparto artículos, análisis, conferencias y contenido educativo para promover una cultura basada en datos. Además, participo activamente en LinkedIn y YouTube difundiendo conocimientos sobre Business Intelligence, indicadores de gestión y pensamiento analítico.

Creo firmemente que los datos, por sí solos, no transforman las organizaciones; son las personas, mediante el pensamiento analítico, quienes convierten la información en mejores decisiones.

Ayudo a personas y organizaciones a desarrollar pensamiento analítico para tomar mejores decisiones mediante el uso inteligente de los datos. Durante más de 20 años he liderado proyectos estratégicos en los sectores de banca, telecomunicaciones, m... Show more

Traci Sewell

Traci Sewell

Traci joined the community to take the tech down a notch! She lives in Somerset with some (very cute) cats, some horses, some sheep, and her husband, Rob. When not looking after all of those, she also works to sooth people's minds as a psychotherapist. Being tech-adjacent she has been drawn into the tech event organising world and the wider community, where she brings her life long knowledge, expertise and fearsome determination to empower and protect those who are outside of the generic majority box. Over the past few years she has also found a voice as a speaker, sharing information and insights into all things mental health and wellbeing - which has lead to providing Team Dynamics training and Project Management.

Traci joined the community to take the tech down a notch! She lives in Somerset with some (very cute) cats, some horses, some sheep, and her husband, Rob. When not looking after all of those, she also works to sooth people's minds as a psychotherapis... Show more

Makan Sepehrifar

Makan Sepehrifar

Makan Sepehrifar is a software architect whose fascination with the intricacies of organizational behavior and cognitive psychology has led him to redefine the way technology interfaces with human understanding. Looking at software architecture as a craftsmanship process, he realized that the more abstract you look at it, the more complexities arises. His career has been a testament to his commitment to bridging the gap between technology and human behaviour, resulting in innovative software solutions that not only work efficiently but also self-adaptive teams that embrace the mindset of agile.

Makan Sepehrifar is a software architect whose fascination with the intricacies of organizational behavior and cognitive psychology has led him to redefine the way technology interfaces with human understanding. Looking at software architecture as a ... Show more

Kristyna Ferris

Kristyna Ferris

Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about participating and growing the data community, she enjoys co-writing on Data on Wheels (dataonwheels.com) and speaking at various events. She also a co-organizer for Lexington Data Technology Group.

Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about ... Show more

Divya Akula

Divya Akula

Hosting 16+ years with AI, Copilot,Azure, SharePoint & M365 technologies.

Hosting 16+ years with AI, Copilot,Azure, SharePoint & M365 technologies. Show more

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