Law & Regulation

Legal experts and regulators who drive the discourse in law, governance, and policy-making, shaping the legal landscape with their knowledge and experience

Debra Cleaver

Debra Cleaver

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. A serial founder whose previous organizations have included Vote.org (2016), ElectionDay.org (2018), Long Distance Voter (2008), and Swing the State (2004), she's been working at the intersection of technology and democracy since 2004, several years before “civic tech” and “online organization” entered the cultural lexicon. Her various organizations have collectively registered over 4 million people, conducted mass marketing campaigns reaching tens of millions, and pioneered tactics now considered industry standards. She is an alumna of Pomona College and Y Combinator, a former Draper Richards Kaplan Fellow for Social Entrepreneurship. She frequently speaks on issues impacting voter turnout and digital innovations to increase access to the polls, with appearances at events such as SXSW, Netroots Nation, Harvard Law, the Harvard School of Government, University of Michigan, SUMMIT Ideas Festival, Lesbians Who Tech, and Accelerate Good Global.

Debra Cleaver is the Founder & CEO of VoteAmerica, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization which conducts data-informed campaigns to register and turnout the 100+ million Americans traditionally excluded by partisan political outreach efforts. ... Show more

Martin Schimak

Martin Schimak

At the age of ten Martin fell in love with coding. Later he left his love and studied business and law. Only to find out: that’s awesome for programming business software! In the 15+ years since then he talked to energy traders, telecom people, wind tunnel experts and many others. They formed a hands-on domain decoder with a passion for DDD and a soft spot for colored sticky notes. Martin is a trainer with experience in 50+ companies and 10+ countries. He regularly speaks at meetups and conferences across Europe - and from time to time in the US.

At the age of ten Martin fell in love with coding. Later he left his love and studied business and law. Only to find out: that’s awesome for programming business software! In the 15+ years since then he talked to energy traders, telecom people, wind ... Show more

Lana Lesik

Lana Lesik

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a software architect with a background in full-stack engineering - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond code, I’m dedicated to accompanying organizations through their digital and cultural transformations.
Passionate about DX and designing solutions that empower users and adapt to diverse environments.

With my two core strengths - I'm a psychologist and a software architect with a background in full-stack engineering - I have a keen eye for both technical aspects and team dynamics. In startups or large-scale projects, my contribution extends beyond... Show more

Akshay Rana

Akshay Rana

Akshay Rana is a Product Manager specializing in SaaS, E-Commerce, and Cybersecurity. He currently serves as a Product Manager at ThriveCart in the UK. With a foundation in computer engineering and an MBA from Durham University Business School, Akshay bridges the gap between technical execution and global business strategy.

Previously, as a Senior Product Manager at Lowe's India, Akshay managed the Customer Identity & Access Management (CIAM) and cybersecurity product portfolios. His work designing user journeys for account upgrades unlocked a potential annual revenue of over $500M. Additionally, by collaborating with the cybersecurity team to implement measures like Multifactor Authentication and reCAPTCHA, he helped reduce online fraud chargebacks by 30%, saving the company $4.5M annually. He also pioneered an omnichannel strategy that digitized the onboarding experience for 6 million non-digital store customers.

More recently, Akshay has focused on applied AI, evaluating Large Language Models (LLMs) to build data collection pipelines and designing AI Copilots to streamline user workflows in the US debt relief and legal tech sectors. Holding a rigorous Certification in Cybersecurity (CC), Akshay combines a deep understanding of user experience with a commitment to building secure, scalable, and intelligent digital products. From his early days co-founding an AI-based startup to scaling enterprise platforms, his career reflects a constant evolution driven by resilience and adaptability.

Akshay Rana is a Product Manager specializing in SaaS, E-Commerce, and Cybersecurity. He currently serves as a Product Manager at ThriveCart in the UK. With a foundation in computer engineering and an MBA from Durham University Business School, Aksha... Show more

Verónica Recchia

Verónica Recchia

Verónica Analía Recchia is an Argentine lawyer and psychologist, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology (UBA) and instructor at the Centro de e-Learning, UTN FRBA, where she teaches leadership, cognition, and applied decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Her research combines cognitive science, ethics, organizational psychology and AI-driven decision architectures. She is the author of Agilidad y Talento. Egoísmo y Altruismo del Poder (A pesar de la Mente Click) and is currently developing her new book MenteClick.IA (La continuidad de la especie) — ISBN 978-631-01-1706-5 — on artificial intelligence, evolutionary continuity and human-machine alterity.

She is a co-founder of EIA LATAM (Ethics of Artificial Intelligence), an emerging collaborative initiative focused on cognitive sovereignty, AI ethics, and human–machine coexistence. The project is currently developing the EIA Manifesto.

Her work examines how intuitive cognition and structured algorithmic systems can coexist to preserve human judgment, ethical direction, and political responsibility within accelerated technological ecosystems.

Verónica Analía Recchia is an Argentine lawyer and psychologist, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology (UBA) and instructor at the Centro de e-Learning, UTN FRBA, where she teaches leadership, cognition, and applied decision-making in high-pressure e... Show more

Philippa Burgess

Philippa Burgess

Philippa Burgess is a geospatial intelligence and data analytics professional who helps organizations bring location into their Microsoft Fabric and Power BI workflows. She holds a Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence from the University of Southern California (USC), a Master of Planning in Urban Planning, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) from USC, and is currently completing a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) with a Privacy Law and Cybersecurity Certificate.

She specializes in integrating ArcGIS GeoAnalytics for Microsoft Fabric with modern lakehouse architectures, enabling data and BI teams to enrich existing datasets with spatial context, scalable geoprocessing, and advanced geospatial models. In her sessions, Philippa shows data engineers, analysts, and BI developers how to design end-to-end geospatial pipelines in Fabric—using Spark-enabled GeoAnalytics functions, OneLake-backed data engineering, and semantic models that light up interactive mapping in Power BI.

Drawing on applied work in disaster risk, critical infrastructure, and cyber-physical security, she demonstrates concrete patterns for joining tabular business data with real-world geography, performing large-scale spatial analysis in Fabric notebooks, and delivering location-aware insights through ArcGIS for Power BI visuals. Philippa is the founder of GeoCyber Systems LLC and an active community speaker, helping the Microsoft data ecosystem unlock “the where” in their data with Fabric, Power BI, and ArcGIS GeoAnalytics.

She is a Women Techmakers Ambassador, Esri YPN Ambassador, Gold Microsoft Student Ambassador, NICE Cybersecurity Career Ambassador, and Favikon Partner.

Philippa Burgess is a geospatial intelligence and data analytics professional who helps organizations bring location into their Microsoft Fabric and Power BI workflows. She holds a Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence from ... Show more

Rachel Kibler

Rachel Kibler

Rachel Kibler is an enthusiastic and eager tester with a varied background of law, music, and entrepreneurship. She brings both analytical and creative thinking to her testing, enjoys the challenges of building something new, and has taken to using artificial intelligence in her work and life with both caution and excitement. She is always looking for ways to improve her competence as a tester and a human. She is based in Salt Lake City, where she works for SeekWell, which sells contact lenses and glasses online, sings semi-professionally, knits for fun, and travels as much as she can.

Rachel Kibler is an enthusiastic and eager tester with a varied background of law, music, and entrepreneurship. She brings both analytical and creative thinking to her testing, enjoys the challenges of building something new, and has taken to using a... Show more

Sebastian Avarvarei

Sebastian Avarvarei

Sebastian Avarvarei is a seasoned security leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as Information Security Manager for EMEA at Canon. Known for his strategic insights into leadership, Sebastian has a proven track record of building and empowering high-performing security teams that deliver impactful results. His career spans a multitude of sectors and security domains, providing him with a comprehensive perspective on organizational security. Passionate about enhancing security team visibility and alignment, Sebastian is a frequent speaker at industry events, where he shares actionable insights on strengthening security culture and operational resilience.

Sebastian Avarvarei is a seasoned security leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as Information Security Manager for EMEA at Canon. Known for his strategic insights into leadership, Sebastian has a proven track record of building... Show more

Alekh Bajpai

Alekh Bajpai

I am an Open Source Compliance Analyst focused on AI development, governance, and open‑source licensing strategy. I work with engineering, legal, and compliance teams to build scalable frameworks for responsible AI use. My work includes FOSS license risk assessment, emerging AI licensing models, and governance practices that balance innovation with regulatory requirements.

I am an Open Source Compliance Analyst focused on AI development, governance, and open‑source licensing strategy. I work with engineering, legal, and compliance teams to build scalable frameworks for responsible AI use. My work includes FOSS license ... Show more

Erin Sydney Welsh

Erin Sydney Welsh

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce enforcement matters, and family offenses. She handles both trial and appellate matters and has developed particular experience in parental alienation cases. After completing law school in 2024, she passed the New York bar exam and was admitted to practice by the Appellate Division: Fourth Department, in January 2025.

In her daily work, Erin represents individuals and families facing legal disputes that often carry emotional and financial impact. Matrimonial and family law requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of both statutory and case law. Her involvement in trial proceedings allows her to present evidence and arguments before the court, while her appellate experience focuses on reviewing legal errors and drafting persuasive briefs. Through this combination, she works to ensure that her clients’ positions are clearly and effectively presented at every stage of litigation.

Attorney Erin Welsh, Buffalo, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Middle East Studies from Syracuse University. She attended on a full-tuition merit scholarship through the Coronat Scholar Program, which supports students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving others. During her undergraduate years, she was also selected as a Remembrance Scholar, one of the institution’s highest honors recognizing academic excellence and community involvement. In addition, she completed the Renee Crown University Honors Program, which emphasizes interdisciplinary study, communication, and civic engagement.

After graduating from Syracuse University, she continued her academic work at Trinity College Dublin, earning a Master of Philosophy in Sociology with first-class honors. While pursuing her graduate degree, she authored and published a peer-reviewed article titled “Assessing Microfinance as a Means of Socioeconomic Empowerment for Vulnerable Women in Jordan.” Her research examined how financial programs can influence economic stability and opportunity for women in underserved communities. This work reflected her broader interest in how legal and social structures affect access to resources and individual advancement.

Erin then attended the University at Buffalo School of Law to complete her legal education. During law school, she served on the Buffalo Law Review, contributing to the editing and publication of scholarly legal articles. She received the Robert J. Connelly Trial Technique Award in recognition of her courtroom performance and practical advocacy skills. She was also named a James Kent Scholar and served as a Property Fellow, assisting with academic instruction in foundational legal subjects.

Her practical training included internships at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and in the Attorneys for Children Unit at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo. These experiences provided exposure to both prosecution work and child advocacy within the legal system. Erin Welsh also participated as a New York State Bar Association Family Law Section Fellow, further strengthening her focus on family law practice.

Outside her professional responsibilities, Erin Sydney Welsh, Buffalo, volunteers as a judge for mock trials and moot court competitions. Born and raised in Western New York, she resides in Williamsville with her spouse. In addition to her work as an Attorney, she is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who continues to write and perform music.

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements... Show more

Aleksander Bjørkhaug

Aleksander Bjørkhaug

Aleksander Bjørkhaug is a digital forensic investigator with specialization in incident handling and malware analysis. With seven years of experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Security Center, he now works in Defendable with digital investigation and incident handling. Aleksander is also co-responsible for the course "Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering" at the NTNU university, where he does lecturing, planing and developing the curriculum, and creating and grading exams.
Through his work in Defendable, Aleksander has worked cases like ransomware, investigating sale of company information on the Dark Web, investigating unfaithful employees, system revision and other scenarios that require digital investigation.

Aleksander Bjørkhaug is a digital forensic investigator with specialization in incident handling and malware analysis. With seven years of experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Security Center, he now works in Defendable with digital inves... Show more

Marius-Daniel Stratila

Marius-Daniel Stratila

Viewing systems and organizations through the lens of cyber security risk.‏‏

Viewing systems and organizations through the lens of cyber security risk.‏‏ Show more

Peter Huether

Peter Huether

Peter conducts research and analysis for the transportation program at ACEEE, with a focus on light-duty fuel efficiency and electric vehicles. Peter works on promoting equitable access to electric vehicles and leads the annual life-cycle emissions analysis of light-duty vehicles for ACEEE’s Greenercars.org. Peter also leads ACEEE’s State Transportation Electrification Scorecard, a biannual assessment of progress by states to promote electrification and reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

Peter holds a master of science in public policy and management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor of arts in economics and global environmental change and sustainability from Johns Hopkins University.

Peter conducts research and analysis for the transportation program at ACEEE, with a focus on light-duty fuel efficiency and electric vehicles. Peter works on promoting equitable access to electric vehicles and leads the annual life-cycle emissions a... Show more

Mirko Boehm

Mirko Boehm

Mirko Boehm is a free and open source software contributor, community manager, licensing expert and researcher, with contributions to major open source projects like the KDE Desktop, the Open Invention Network, the Open Source Initiative and others. He is a visiting lecturer and researcher on free and open source software at the Technical University of Berlin. Mirko speaks English and German and lives in the Berlin area.

Mirko Boehm is a free and open source software contributor, community manager, licensing expert and researcher, with contributions to major open source projects like the KDE Desktop, the Open Invention Network, the Open Source Initiative and others. ... Show more

Marisa Burn

Marisa Burn

Marisa Burn is a entrepreneur, and creative professional based in Zürich, Switzerland. She is the Co-Lead of E-Learning at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), where she develops innovative digital learning strategies and leads the CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) in Digital Learning and Teaching Cultures. In this role, she explores the future of education, shaping teaching methods to meet the needs of a new generation of learners.

As the Co-Founder and Head of Innovation & Process at House of Change Burn Pichler, Marisa helps organizations navigate digital transformation and creative processes. She is also the Co-Founder of the holistic design agency Burninglights, where she specializes in creating holistic experiences, fostering collaboration, and designing authentic branding and mindful lifestyle solutions.

Marisa holds a degree in Postindustrial Design with a focus on Process Design and Interaction Leading from HyperWerk FHNW. Her artistic pursuits span multiple disciplines, including music, performance art, painting, and sculpture. As an interdisciplinary artist and activist, she co-founded the Peace Club, an initiative that organizes events fostering genuine human connections and promoting a more intentional way of living.

With over 15 years of experience as an independent entrepreneur, Marisa brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and mindfulness to everything she does, driving forward-thinking approaches in both business and education.

Marisa Burn is a entrepreneur, and creative professional based in Zürich, Switzerland. She is the Co-Lead of E-Learning at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), where she develops innovative digital learning strategies and leads the CAS (Certificate ... Show more

Emmanuel Kwasi Gadasu

Emmanuel Kwasi Gadasu

Emmanuel K. Gadasu is a seasoned Data Protection Professional, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Adjunct Lecturer, with a strong background in information security, privacy, and legal compliance. With a career spanning over a decade, he has established himself as a trusted expert in data governance and privacy frameworks.

Emmanuel holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), MSc in IT and Law, and a BSc in Information Technology. His expertise is further strengthened by professional certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional – Europe (CIPP/E), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Data Protection Supervisor. These qualifications place him at the forefront of the evolving landscape of data protection and cybersecurity. As a Data Protection Practitioner, Emmanuel has worked extensively with organizations across various sectors, helping them implement privacy frameworks, conduct compliance audits, and align with global regulatory standards such as the GDPR, Ghana’s Data Protection Act, and other regional privacy laws. His work emphasizes building legitimate and trustworthy data systems, ensuring businesses integrate privacy by design into their operations.

As an Adjunct Lecturer, Emmanuel is dedicated to shaping the next generation of privacy and security professionals. He teaches courses on data protection, cybersecurity law, digital forensics, and ethical hacking, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world case studies. His teaching approach emphasizes practical application, ensuring students and professionals alike gain hands-on experience in safeguarding digital assets. Driven by a vision to create a resilient and privacy-conscious digital ecosystem, Emmanuel continues to advocate for strong data governance practices, ethical cybersecurity measures, and inclusive digital policies that empower individuals and organizations in the digital age.

Emmanuel K. Gadasu is a seasoned Data Protection Professional, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Adjunct Lecturer, with a strong background in information security, privacy, and legal compliance. With a career spanning over a decade, he has established h... Show more

Joseph Tromba

Joseph Tromba

Joseph Tromba brings almost five years of experience in the energy industry and seven years of experience as an attorney. As an Enforcement attorney, he has made significant contributions to many different projects and initiatives at SERC and the ERO Enterprise.

With a background in business management in college then primarily intellectual property law throughout law school, Joseph started his legal career as an Associate Attorney at Glynn, Mercep, and Purcell LLP (GMP) in East Setauket, New York. During his tenure at GMP, Joseph concentrated in many different types of civil litigation. His practice areas included, but were not limited to, real property litigation, commercial litigation, personal injury litigation, construction litigation, trust litigation, restrictive covenants, product liability, breach of contract, defamation, civil forfeiture, traffic violations, real estate transactions, and the drafting and execution of wills. As outside counsel, he aided and assisted in board meetings, disciplinary hearings, and depositions. Joseph received one of the Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements, which was also one of the Top 50 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements, in New York in the year 2019.

Since June 2021, Joseph has been involved in SERC’s Enforcement department where he has acted as the case manager for a number of violations involving different entities and including various CIP and O&P NERC Reliability Standards. He has had several other responsibilities as well, such as handling Procurement at SERC Reliability Corporation and hosting the official SERC Podcast, “What’s the Bright Idea with SERC”. Before Joseph’s time at SERC and in the energy industry, he previously published an article that provides an analysis of the Fair Use Doctrine in copyright law.

Joseph is a staunch advocate for leaving a positive impact, believing strongly in leaving this world better than how you found it. By extension, he is dedicated to improving both SERC and the energy industry, aiming to leave a positive impact that will continue on.

Joseph Tromba brings almost five years of experience in the energy industry and seven years of experience as an attorney. As an Enforcement attorney, he has made significant contributions to many different projects and initiatives at SERC and the ERO... Show more

Tonje Østgård

Tonje Østgård

Tonje Østgård er utdannet kriminolog og lektor fra Universitetet i Oslo. Hun har jobbet med sikkerhetsfaget siden 2017, da hun ble ansatt i Nasjonal sikkerhetsmyndighet. Siden februar 2022 har hun jobbet med personellsikkerhet i DNB.

Tonje Østgård er utdannet kriminolog og lektor fra Universitetet i Oslo. Hun har jobbet med sikkerhetsfaget siden 2017, da hun ble ansatt i Nasjonal sikkerhetsmyndighet. Siden februar 2022 har hun jobbet med personellsikkerhet i DNB. Show more

Gabriela Soledad Coronel

Gabriela Soledad Coronel

Soy Gabriela, mamá, programadora, desarrolladora de soluciones de inteligencia artificial y música.
Cuento con más de 14 años de experiencia en el sector legal y administrativo, y actualmente estoy cursando el último año de la Tecnicatura en Ciencia de Datos e Inteligencia Artificial.

Trabajo como QA en sistemas de IA y también como desarrolladora independiente y freelance, donde diseño y desarrollo aplicaciones y productos basados en datos e inteligencia artificial. Además, estoy fundando mi propia startup, con posibilidades de salir al mercado este año.

Me apasiona crear tecnología con impacto real, combinando programación, datos e IA aplicada.

Soy Gabriela, mamá, programadora, desarrolladora de soluciones de inteligencia artificial y música. Cuento con más de 14 años de experiencia en el sector legal y administrativo, y actualmente estoy cursando el último año de la Tecnicatura en Ciencia... Show more

Adeoye Bolatito

Adeoye Bolatito

Bolatito Adeoye is a Nigerian policy researcher with interests in data protection, AI governance, digital rights, and technology policy in Africa. Her work focuses on the relationship between legal frameworks, institutional practice, and the lived experience of users in digital environments.

She leads YHSP, a youth-focused legal magazine and knowledge platform that connects young people to accessible legal analysis, relatable legal opinions, and interviews with legal practitioners on contemporary legal and policy issues. Through YHSP, she has worked to bridge the gap between formal legal discourse and youth engagement, particularly on issues relating to technology, rights, and governance.

Bolatito has contributed to research and assessment projects examining data protection laws, policies, and compliance practices across multiple African jurisdictions, supporting broader conversations on regulatory effectiveness, governance gaps, and responsible data use. She has also worked on initiatives exploring the risks associated with artificial intelligence, with attention to ethical considerations, accountability, and human rights impacts.

In addition to research and policy work, she has been actively involved in capacity-building and public engagement, contributing to programmes and discussions that have reached over 900 young people on topics including data protection, privacy, and responsible use of digital technologies. Her work is guided by a commitment to inclusive digital governance, practical ethics, and public-interest approaches to technology regulation.

Bolatito Adeoye is a Nigerian policy researcher with interests in data protection, AI governance, digital rights, and technology policy in Africa. Her work focuses on the relationship between legal frameworks, institutional practice, and the lived ex... Show more

Binuel Phale

Binuel Phale

Binuel Phale is a young politician, youth development practitioner, and creative civic engagement specialist from Malawi. He currently serves as a Youth and Community Engagement Officer at Art & Global Health Centre Africa, where he works at the intersection of policy, digital spaces, and youth participation.

With a background in social work and hands-on experience engaging young people, law enforcement agencies, and civil society actors, Binuel focuses on how cyber laws, digital regulation, and shrinking civic space affect youth civic and political participation across Africa. His work critically examines how legal frameworks intended to regulate online spaces can both enable and restrict young people’s ability to organize, express political opinions, and engage in democratic processes.

As a young politician, Binuel brings lived experience of navigating political participation in increasingly regulated digital environments. He has facilitated and participated in multi-stakeholder dialogues involving political representatives, legal practitioners, students, and youth leaders, using creative and evidence-informed approaches to bridge policy, practice, and lived realities.

Binuel has contributed to national and regional conversations on civic education, governance, climate justice, and digital inclusion, and is particularly interested in comparative perspectives on cyber laws and their implications for youth political agency across Africa.

Binuel Phale is a young politician, youth development practitioner, and creative civic engagement specialist from Malawi. He currently serves as a Youth and Community Engagement Officer at Art & Global Health Centre Africa, where he works at the inte... Show more

Benjamin Nelson

Benjamin Nelson

I am working to build a career filled with empathy, compassion and joy. I enjoy digging deep into a problem and being able to work out a solution that is elegant and easy to understand. I have experience in many programming languages and technology stacks. I was educated at the University of Utah and hold many technology certificates. I love the outdoors, exercise, travel and coffee.

I am working to build a career filled with empathy, compassion and joy. I enjoy digging deep into a problem and being able to work out a solution that is elegant and easy to understand. I have experience in many programming languages and technology s... Show more

Alexander Raif

Alexander Raif

I used to think my ADHD was a bug. It turns out, it’s a CISO’s best operating system.

In a world of non-linear threats, I thrive in chaos. My career is defined by transforming "messy" environments—rapidly scaling SaaS, the explosion of Agentic AI, and shifting regulatory landscapes—into lean, resilient structures that accelerate business instead of slowing it down.

What I do: I translate "Cyber Risk" into "Business Velocity." I don't speak in FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt); I speak in Revenue, Trust, and Resilience.

Core Pillars of my Impact:

🚀 Agentic AI Security: Pioneering the governance layer for the future of autonomous work. We’re not just securing code; we’re enabling AI to drive the business safely.

🛡️ Enterprise Resilience: Building identity-first Zero Trust architectures and maturing vendor risk management for national-scale environments.

📉 Operational Excellence: Proven track record in engineering-driven security, reducing MTTD from 19h to 2h and MTTR from 8h to 1h through SIEM/XDR automation.

🤝 Strategic Leadership: Briefing Boards on risk-to-roadmap alignment and delivering rapid compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001) to unblock multi-million dollar deals.

My Mission: From Zero to Hero I believe the cyber industry has a gatekeeping problem. I am actively building a mentorship initiative to turn non-traditional candidates into the next generation of defenders.

Let’s talk about: Agentic AI Security, Neurodiversity in Leadership, and building high-performance, resilient teams.

I used to think my ADHD was a bug. It turns out, it’s a CISO’s best operating system. In a world of non-linear threats, I thrive in chaos. My career is defined by transforming "messy" environments—rapidly scaling SaaS, the explosion of Agentic AI,... Show more

Joshua Walitt

Joshua Walitt

Joshua Walitt built Walitt Solutions with a vision around supporting all professionals in the valuation and regulatory ecosystem, with an understanding that all related spaces must function compliantly and efficiently for all to succeed, including appraisers, lenders, AMCs, regulators, and real estate agents.

With a skillset including appraisal, banking, regulations, policy, training, licensing, and enforcement, Walitt leads a team of subject matter experts who fill the varying needs of clients.

Joshua is a speaker, AQB Certified USPAP Instructor, past member of the Colorado Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Past President of the National Association of Appraisers, and expert witness. In 2026, he was voted "Instructor of the Year" by the Buzzy Awards.

Joshua Walitt built Walitt Solutions with a vision around supporting all professionals in the valuation and regulatory ecosystem, with an understanding that all related spaces must function compliantly and efficiently for all to succeed, including ap... Show more

William Bello

William Bello

William Bello is a privacy professional and expert in Enterprise architecture design and IT Service Management.
He studied in University of Zagreb and he has a master’s degree in mathematics and informatics.
William build his management carrier in pharmaceutical industry as PLIVA CIO and later INA (gas & oil) and Mladost (publishing). Trained by Apple, Oracle, TechGnosis and IBM he sharpened his professional carrier as CTO of Business System Planning project teams in Pliva and INA. Starting 1993 he founded telecommunication and networking company that build state of the art networking solutions in banking, utilities and telco sector across SEE Europe.
Since many years William has been working as senior business consultant for a number of projects ranging from Data Center Tier-4 design, functional specification management, project portfolio management, SW development and testing and many others.
During more then 30 years of practical work William acquired a broad expertise in the number of ICT and business subject matters running many mission critical projects. William is cofounder of ITSMF Croatia chapter, and he is ITIL and IAPP privacy CIPP/E, CIPM and CIPT certification trainer.
For a long time, William is a privacy and data protection practitioner and “William Bello Lectures on Privacy” trainer. He is Data Protection Officer of EADPP (European Association of Data Protection Professionals) as well as a number of organizations from wide range of industries. William is member of Support Pool of Experts of the EDPB and regular speaker and educator in number of conferences in ICT and business.

William Bello is a privacy professional and expert in Enterprise architecture design and IT Service Management. He studied in University of Zagreb and he has a master’s degree in mathematics and informatics. William build his management carrier in... Show more

Etienne Jacquot

Etienne Jacquot

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all things Open Source! My career interests are in supporting scientific computing and open-source adoption at the intersection of Law, Ethics, and Technology.

Etienne Jacquot is a SysAdmin-turned-DevOps engineer working professionally at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. In my free time I enjoy Running, DJ'ing (vinyl & Serato), Snowboarding, Vibe Coding, and all thin... Show more

Peninah Igaga

Peninah Igaga

Peninah Susan Igaga is a lawyer and digital rights practitioner working at the intersection of law, technology, gender equality, and social justice, with a focus on building inclusive and resilient digital futures across the Global South.

Her work advances gender-responsive technology and promotes digital rights including privacy, freedom of expression, and safe online participation, particularly for women, girls, and underrepresented communities. She works closely with civil society and partners to strengthen people-centred justice systems and inclusive digital ecosystems.

She has contributed to regional digital rights efforts, including serving as a key expert at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2024, where she co-developed a Digital Rights Manual for Beginners. She has also collaborated with Enabel on the Digital for Girls and Women project, supporting digital literacy, data protection, and online safety for women and girls.

She is passionate about ensuring technology is governed in ways that advance gender justice, accountability, and human rights.

Peninah Susan Igaga is a lawyer and digital rights practitioner working at the intersection of law, technology, gender equality, and social justice, with a focus on building inclusive and resilient digital futures across the Global South. Her work... Show more

Jeff Kaliel

Jeff Kaliel

Jeff Kaliel is an experienced attorney with more than fifteen years in legal practice and over a decade dedicated to complex class action litigation. He is widely recognized for managing high-value, legally significant matters with focus and credibility. His professional reputation reflects consistent success in court, strong ethical standards, and a commitment to protecting consumers, shaped in part by his military service background.

Kaliel practices at KalielGold, a Washington, D.C. based civil litigation firm known for its leadership in major class action cases across federal and state courts. The firm has achieved settlements and verdicts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, including notable outcomes involving predatory financial conduct. Its work spans consumer protection, overdraft fee litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance fraud, bank fraud, and false advertising claims.

Before attending law school, Kaliel served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and completing airborne and mountain warfare training. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 during the second Iraq war, where he developed leadership skills under demanding conditions. Following his military service, he joined the Department of Homeland Security Honors Program, where he worked in appellate litigation and assisted with the federal investigation into the Hurricane Katrina response.

Kaliel earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Amherst College, graduating summa cum laude, and spent a year studying philosophy at Cambridge University in England. He went on to earn his law degree from Yale Law School in 2005. Throughout his career, he has served as lead class counsel in central state and national actions, prevailed on certification and dispositive motions, and employed data-driven and technical discovery strategies to present damages clearly.

A central focus of Jeffrey Kaliel’s practice is challenging predatory financial services that disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable consumers. His work requires financial expertise comparable to industry insiders while remaining accessible and persuasive in court. He has also worked with nonprofit organizations committed to transparency and consumer welfare. Outside his legal practice, he values time with his family and enjoys exploring the Washington, D.C. area and the surrounding countryside.

Jeff Kaliel is an experienced attorney with more than fifteen years in legal practice and over a decade dedicated to complex class action litigation. He is widely recognized for managing high-value, legally significant matters with focus and credibil... Show more

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he continued his studies at the Institute of Criminology before joining Denton, Hall & Burgin. In 1979, during a period of rising oil prices, he opened offices for the firm in Dubai and Sharjah, gaining experience in addressing complex business and legal challenges. This broadened his perspective and shaped his approach to problem-solving. He later earned an LLM from Columbia University in New York, passed the California Bar exam, and opened a Los Angeles branch for the firm, where he would build a long-term career and personal life.

By the early 1980s, he had become well known in Los Angeles, gradually shifting into entertainment law. He represented a growing roster of actors and directors, and in 1989 co-founded Sinclair Tenenbaum & Co., which helped transform the international financing and distribution of independent films. Projects such as Hamlet, Braveheart, 1492, and Green Card showed how ambitious productions could thrive outside the traditional studio system.

In 1996, he transitioned from law to producing, co-founding Intermedia Films and producing titles like Sliding Doors, Hilary and Jackie, The Wedding Planner, The Quiet American, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and Iris. After taking the company public in 2000, he co-founded Spitfire Pictures in 2003, producing music documentaries such as Masked and Anonymous, Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who, and No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.

He later founded Exclusive Media, producing films including Rush, End of Watch, Snitch, and Parkland. In 2014, he co-founded White Horse Pictures, producing acclaimed documentaries like The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, Pavarotti, The Apollo, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Lucy and Desi, Beach Boys, and Stax: Soulsville U.S.A..

His work has received Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Emmys, Grammys, and a CBE. With a lasting commitment to storytelling and cultural history, Nigel Sinclair continues to create films that leave a meaningful legacy.

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he ... Show more

Vajira Samaratne

Vajira Samaratne

Vajira Samaratne's practice serves startups, nonprofits, private companies, investors, and public companies, offering practical legal guidance tailored to each organization’s structure and goals. He works closely with clients on regulatory compliance, contract review, mergers and acquisitions diligence, employment matters, securities issues, and risk management. His role often involves facilitating transactions, supporting strategic decisions, and helping clients navigate complex legal requirements with clarity and confidence.

His professional experience includes drafting and negotiating agreements, advising boards and leadership teams, managing financing activities, structuring acquisitions, and overseeing day-to-day legal matters. He takes a steady and methodical approach to legal work, ensuring that business operations remain compliant while supporting long-term growth. His focus is on helping clients understand their options so they can make informed decisions that align with both legal obligations and business objectives.

From a young age, he was drawn to the legal field by an interest in fairness, advocacy, and structured problem-solving. He values the logic and strategy involved in legal analysis and appreciates the responsibility that comes with advising clients on important matters. The profession also offered an opportunity to build a stable and respected career while continually learning and adapting to new challenges.

Working with clients across many industries is an important part of his professional fulfillment. Each client brings different concerns, regulations, and priorities, which require careful listening and industry-specific understanding. This exposure allows him to broaden his knowledge and provide advice that reflects both legal principles and real-world business needs.

His success is grounded in his ability to analyze complex issues, develop practical solutions, and communicate clearly. Clients value his straightforward explanations, which help them stay informed and comfortable throughout the legal process. He is known for a strong work ethic, careful attention to detail, and effective time management, especially when handling multiple matters at once. Integrity and professionalism guide his work, fostering trust and long-term client relationships. He also remains committed to ongoing legal education and research to stay current with evolving laws and regulations.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading fiction and nonfiction, and staying active through running and pickleball. These interests support balance and reflection, contributing to his focused and thoughtful approach to his practice as Vajira.

Vajira Samaratne's practice serves startups, nonprofits, private companies, investors, and public companies, offering practical legal guidance tailored to each organization’s structure and goals. He works closely with clients on regulatory compliance... Show more

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