Joe Dana is a multi-media journalist in Phoenix covering public education, energy policy and climate.
Reports on schools examine:
-funding, academics and policy debates in the nation's first universal private voucher program, launched in 2023
-how federal, state and local tax dollars support three systems of education in Arizona (school districts, charter schools, ESA private vouchers)
-how billions of dollars flows from the state, to private voucher accounts, and then to education vendors, tutors, and retailers like Amazon. This multi-year investigation has led to an ongoing public records lawsuit brought by investigative reporter/colleague Craig Harris against the AZ Superintendent and Treasurer.
Joe's series, Power & Influence, examines climate and justice concerns in Arizona's energy sector. His stories exposed faulty customer service at Arizona's largest utility in 2019, prompting a $25 million class settlement. A 2025 investigation about utility shut-off deaths during extreme heat was credited by the AZ Attorney General for helping lead to a $7 million civil settlement for low-income customers.
Joe gets easily distracted, chasing random stories about stuff like birdwatching technology, the science of art therapy and what its like to walk Arizona's first barefoot forest trail.

Joe Dana is a multi-media journalist in Phoenix covering public education, energy policy and climate. Reports on schools examine: -funding, academics and policy debates in the nation's first universal private voucher program, launched in 2023 -how... Show more

Adedire Abiodun Christopher, widely known as @oacthecreator, is a visual storyteller and global changemaker using the power of storytelling to inspire action and amplify unheard voices.

Via his storytelling abilities, he’s made unknown people celebrated across the world, he’s made some who had nothing, millionaires overnight.

With a digital footprint that has reached over 100 million people across social media, his work blends creativity with purpose, reminding people that storytelling can be more than just entertainment. Through powerful visual stories, he challenges people to look beyond virality and views, and instead, to create with intention.

His storytelling continues to motivate thousands to create not just for clout or money, but to create for something greater: change, impact, and legacy.

Adedire Abiodun Christopher, widely known as @oacthecreator, is a visual storyteller and global changemaker using the power of storytelling to inspire action and amplify unheard voices. Via his storytelling abilities, he’s made unknown people cele... Show more

I'm Josh Nel and I'm a Johannesburg-based freelance data analyst, storyteller, and community strategist working at the intersection of data analytics, content marketing, and community engagement. I have a background in both the Humanities and Data Science with Master's degrees in Philosophy and Social Data Science. That combination lets me bring a combination of rigorous analytical thinking and curiosity to every project. To me, any good form data-driven work means staying focused on why the data matters and who needs to hear it.

I've been a lead contributor to South Africa's largest tech careers report and dataset, as well as the country's largest community salary benchmarking dataset for tech professionals. My seasonal spend report series for Yoco examined domestic and international tourism behaviour during South Africa's peak travel seasons. This series earned national media syndication and a direct invitation to present findings to the Mayor of Cape Town.

Today, I work across FinTech, InsurTech, tech recruitment, and the nonprofit sector, with clients including Yoco, Feather Insurance, OfferZen, and the People's Water Anti-Corruption Forum. Across my clients my approach remains to find the story hiding in the numbers, and tell it in a way that helps people make better decisions.

I speak on topics related to data-driven storytelling and its applications for businesses, community research, and ways of translating data or statistical insights for non-technical audiences.

I'm Josh Nel and I'm a Johannesburg-based freelance data analyst, storyteller, and community strategist working at the intersection of data analytics, content marketing, and community engagement. I have a background in both the Humanities and Data Sc... Show more

Ann Marie Awad is an award-winning independent audio journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the news business. As a host and reporter in public radio newsrooms across three different states, their work has also aired nationally on NPR and Here & Now. Ann Marie has produced, edited and consulted on podcast projects with clients including Audible, SONOS and WAMU.

Ann Marie Awad is an award-winning independent audio journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the news business. As a host and reporter in public radio newsrooms across three different states, their work has also aired nationally on NPR an... Show more

Heather Satterley is the Director of Education of Media at Woodard.

Heather’s passion for helping others and her love for technology have shaped her career in public accounting. Her affinity for facilitating change within an organization is paramount to her work, helping businesses design and automate their business processes using cutting-edge technologies. Heather wholeheartedly believes in the power of community and the magic that is created when people work together toward the same purpose.

In addition to her work with Woodard, Heather is the co-host of The Appy Hour with Liz and Heather, a webinar series devoted to demystifying the world of technology and apps in the accounting profession. She is also the co-creator and producer of Appy Hour Camp, a collaborative retreat experience created to connect and nurture the relationship between accounting professional educators and software developers.

Heather was named a categorical top 10 ProAdvisor in 2017 and 2019 and was listed as one of the top influential people in accounting by Accounting Today in 2019.

Heather Satterley is the Director of Education of Media at Woodard. Heather’s passion for helping others and her love for technology have shaped her career in public accounting. Her affinity for facilitating change within an organization is param... Show more

Steve Geimann was a reporter, editor, manager and executive for more than four decades in print, broadcast, trade press and wire services. He is active in professional journalism groups and leads the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the agency that accredits 118 international college journalism and mass communications programs. He was elected in 2025 to a three-year term as Council president.
Geimann was 1996-97 president of the Society of Professional Journalists, the 117-year-old group of U.S. professional and student journalists. He was president of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, now the SPJ Foundation, the educational arm of the Society, from 2006-12. He won the Wells Memorial Key, the Society's highest honor, in 2001.
The long-time Washington, D.C., resident managed weekend coverage of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Bloomberg News in London for more than three years, after leading coverage of regulation, transportation, politics and technology in Washington. For two years, he anchored Bloomberg Radio’s “The Final Word,” a daily wrap-up of market, company and political news broadcast in New York and on satellite radio.
Geimann spent 11 years at United Press International, including two years as executive editor and spokesman.

Steve Geimann was a reporter, editor, manager and executive for more than four decades in print, broadcast, trade press and wire services. He is active in professional journalism groups and leads the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and... Show more

I am a Podcaster and Public Speaker who creates content, workshops and talks for businesses as well as the youth . I am always looking to offer my services, and support the youth through my talents and experience. My topics that I touch on are Personal branding, storytelling and Podcasting (media).

I am a Podcaster and Public Speaker who creates content, workshops and talks for businesses as well as the youth . I am always looking to offer my services, and support the youth through my talents and experience. My topics that I touch on are Perso... Show more

Gift Kingsley is a media personality, broadcast journalist, television presenter, and digital content creator passionate about storytelling and audience engagement.

Her work spans television presenting, red carpet hosting, event hosting, social media management, and digital media production. Through both on-screen and behind-the-scenes experience, she has developed a unique perspective on how storytelling, personality, and cultural awareness shape audience engagement in today’s digital landscape.

As a content creator and entrepreneur, Gift is particularly interested in how media can be used not just for visibility but for meaningful conversations and community building. She is passionate about helping creators, brands, and media professionals understand the deeper dynamics behind audience connection in the modern media space.

Gift Kingsley is a media personality, broadcast journalist, television presenter, and digital content creator passionate about storytelling and audience engagement. Her work spans television presenting, red carpet hosting, event hosting, social me... Show more

Harmony Sithole is the Founder of One Percent Academy, a communication and leadership development platform focused on helping professionals, founders, executives, and teams speak with clarity, confidence, and influence.

A Pan-African speaker, strategist, and communication coach, Harmony is the creator of the S.P.E.A.K Framework™, a practical communication model designed to help leaders structure their message, command attention, and communicate with impact.

Through his work, he has trained and coached over 500 leaders, startups, professionals, and executives, equipping them with tools for public speaking, executive presence, persuasive communication, and leadership articulation.

His mission is simple:

“Your voice is a weapon. Wield it.”

Harmony Sithole is the Founder of One Percent Academy, a communication and leadership development platform focused on helping professionals, founders, executives, and teams speak with clarity, confidence, and influence. A Pan-African speaker, stra... Show more

Creative Brand/Product Design Specialist, Digital Educator, and CEO of Cudose Creative Agency.
Adetunji Tunmise is an accomplished Creative Brand/Product Design Specialist, Digital Educator, and CEO with a strong background in Computer Science. He is renowned for mentoring students within and outside the African diaspora and assisting brands in developing timeless products and boosting revenue. Adetunji is an exceptional teacher, coach, speaker, polymath, and solution-oriented professional, known for his ability to inspire and educate. He currently leads Cudose Creative Agency, dedicated to empowering Africa and beyond with seasoned skills and expertise.

Creative Brand/Product Design Specialist, Digital Educator, and CEO of Cudose Creative Agency. Adetunji Tunmise is an accomplished Creative Brand/Product Design Specialist, Digital Educator, and CEO with a strong background in Computer Science. He i... Show more

D.J. Moore is a creative marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. His career has been dedicated to advancing institutional goals through strategic marketing, brand development, and cross-sector collaboration.

Across leadership roles at Suffolk University, Worcester Academy, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, D.J. has led integrated enrollment marketing initiatives, guided institutional brand evolution, built and scaled social media strategies, and developed high-impact partnerships that expand visibility, strengthen engagement, and drive measurable growth. His work has included comprehensive publication redesigns, award-winning rebranding efforts, and partnerships that connect institutions more deeply to their communities.

D.J. is also a dedicated educator. He has served as adjunct faculty at Simmons University and Wentworth, where he developed and taught courses focused on film studies. His teaching explores the intersection of entertainment and marketing, examining film as a reflection of—and response to—broader cultural forces. He is a frequent guest speaker at high schools, colleges, and conferences across New England, presenting on marketing, film studies, career pathways, and strategic partnership development.

D.J. Moore is a creative marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. His career has been dedicated to advancing institutional goals through strategic marketing, brand development, and cross-sector collabora... Show more

Aristeia is an award-winning creative strategist, AI-driven creator and advisor to creative entrepreneurs, with a background in marketing, branding and building creative-led businesses. Their work spans film, content and emerging technologies, focused on helping creators navigate shifting markets, position their work and develop sustainable, forward-looking strategies.

Known for a systems-level, data-informed perspective, Aristeia combines creative intuition with a deep focus on market signals, audience behavior and evolving economic models. Their work explores how AI is accelerating content creation while forcing a rethinking of where value lives — from content itself to ownership, access and audience relationships.

As the founder of PromptingPros, a professional network for AI creatives, Aristeia explores new models for how creators build, connect and generate value in an era of infinite content.

Aristeia is an award-winning creative strategist, AI-driven creator and advisor to creative entrepreneurs, with a background in marketing, branding and building creative-led businesses. Their work spans film, content and emerging technologies, focuse... Show more

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Houston has traveled to 49 of the 50 United States, 5 Canadian Provinces, and 26 countries. He also has Down syndrome. His photos have been in magazines and books, won awards in numerous competitions, and been shown in galleries in three countries.

He shares the positives surrounding disability on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For his photography sales, he started on ETSY, moved to his own website, and now sells his photography as NFTs. To date he has been part of three sold-out NFT collections.

Houston inspires others, both inside and outside of the disability community. By sharing his gift of photography he also shares gifts of beauty and hope.

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Houston has traveled to 49 of the 50 United States, 5 Canadian Provinces, and 26 countries. He also has Down syndrome. His photos h... Show more

Mr. G is an ai and greentech startup founder, and business coach for startups for the New Zealand Government, United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia and for the Social Tides programme for ai and impact startups across the EU.

His sustainable business approach has won him the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation's Green Business Awards and helped push the sustainable business agenda for organizations such as the United Nations and Oxfam to the Royal Government of Cambodia.

He has a strong belief that empathetic dialogue and design are key life skills to both personal and professional success, and is currently on a mission to solve real world issues through empathy, entrepreneurship and principled leadership.

Mr. G is an ai and greentech startup founder, and business coach for startups for the New Zealand Government, United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia and for the Social Tides programme for ai and impact startups across the EU. His sustai... Show more

Gary J. Nix is a consultancy founder and speaker who is known for combining traditional marketing principles with modern marketing techniques. Moreover his firm, the brandarchist: strategy as a service serves its client partners understand how the road to ultimate success is via a foundation of building or bolstering the indivisible connectivity between culture and commerce.

Gary J. Nix is a consultancy founder and speaker who is known for combining traditional marketing principles with modern marketing techniques. Moreover his firm, the brandarchist: strategy as a service serves its client partners understand how the ro... Show more

Murrough Foley is a technical SEO consultant and researcher who builds open-source tools and benchmarks for web content extraction. He is the creator of rs-trafilatura — a high-performance Rust library achieving F1=0.966 on the ScrapingHub benchmark — and WCXB, the Web Content Extraction Benchmark: a public dataset of 2,008 pages across 1,613 domains used to evaluate 12 extraction systems (10 heuristic and 2 neural). With 15+ years in technical SEO spanning multi-regional and multi-lingual deployments, his research examines how content quality signals correlate with Google rankings.

His work draws on analyses of 44,000+ pages, including research grounded in the Google API leak signals. Alongside rs-trafilatura, he has shipped web-page-classifier — an ML-based page-type classifier — and html-cleaning, a general-purpose HTML preprocessing library.

Speaks on: web content extraction at scale, benchmark design for search systems, page-type classification with ML, applied machine learning for SEO, Rust tooling for the modern web, technical SEO for multi-lingual sites, content quality evaluation in the age of LLMs, and crawling / indexing strategy.

He is currently a Technical SEO Consultant at BairesDev, based between London and Plovdiv. Open to speaking engagements at SEO conferences, technical community events, and research-adjacent gatherings.

Murrough Foley is a technical SEO consultant and researcher who builds open-source tools and benchmarks for web content extraction. He is the creator of rs-trafilatura — a high-performance Rust library achieving F1=0.966 on the ScrapingHub benchmark ... Show more

In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam has discovered that the most powerful form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the oldest—great storytelling. With rich support from neuroscientists, psychologists, and behavioral economists, he shows audiences why that is, and how they can use it to their advantage.

Best of all, the insights in Adam’s keynotes explain phenomena that many people sense are true without knowing why. Armed with the tools, research, and empathy Adam brings to the stage, they emerge as more confident communicators in their personal and professional lives.

Based in Rhode Island, Adam has earned rave reviews by audiences from Boston to Borneo. And with the rise of AI, Adam is determined to empower as many people as possible to become compelling, connection-building storytellers.

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In this high-energy, aha-moment-filled keynote, you’ll learn why stories have such a powerful hold on us, how they work, the transformative effect storytelling can have on your business, and how to do it.

Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy immediately:
- Unparalleled ROI
- Increased sales and fundraising revenue
- Greater productivity
- Higher retention
- …and much, much more

Learn more at https://www.rustleandspark.com/story

In over 25 years of creative leadership in branding and marketing, Adam has discovered that the most powerful form of connection, communication, and persuasion is also the oldest—great storytelling. With rich support from neuroscientists, psychologi... Show more

Goodness Nwani is a Communications & Operations Professional, Web3 Community Builder, and Cybersecurity Advocate with over 10 years of experience driving impact across education, nonprofits, and emerging technology. At the moment, she serves as the Grants Lead at Superteam Nigeria — a community championing the adoption of the Solana ecosystem in Nigeria — where she oversees communications and operations for the Solana Foundation Nigeria grants program, having managed over $491,000 in grants to date. From building grassroots communities for Shardeum Blockchain to coordinating programs for Technovation Girls Nigeria and mentoring young women in tech — Goodness has consistently shown up at the intersection of strategy, people, and purpose.

A passionate advocate for digital safety and inclusive tech adoption, Goodness has spoken at 15+ events on cybersecurity awareness, Web3, and community building — and is actively building cybersecurity education content and classes to make digital security accessible to underserved communities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and brings a rare blend of operational excellence, community intelligence, and communications strategy to every stage she steps on.

Goodness Nwani is a Communications & Operations Professional, Web3 Community Builder, and Cybersecurity Advocate with over 10 years of experience driving impact across education, nonprofits, and emerging technology. At the moment, she serves as the G... Show more

Consultora y Mentora en Comunicación Estratégica, Marca Personal y Corporativa | Ayudo a personas y empresas a conectar, posicionarse e influir con impacto | Speaker |CMO

Soy Estratega en comunicación, creación y posicionamiento de marca. Llevo más de 18 años trabajando en contextos donde lo que se dice y cómo se dice influye directamente en decisiones, percepción y resultados.
Con el tiempo entendí que, para comunicarnos mejor, no es suficiente tener un buen mensaje. Sino que este debe que ser comprendido, recordado y generar una reacción.

Por eso decidí ir más allá de la estrategia tradicional y profundizar en cómo funciona la mente cuando interpreta, conecta y decide. Me especialicé en Gerencia de Mercadeo, cursé un Máster en Neuromarketing y actualmente profundizo en Programación Neurolingüística.

He liderado equipos y procesos en áreas de mercadeo, publicidad y comunicaciones en compañías como; Casa Editorial El Tiempo, LATAM Airlines, Tigo y Grupo Bolívar, además de mi trabajo actual como CMOm en JFC Group y mi plataforma Comunicar es Poder.

Integro estrategia y comportamiento humano para trabajar sobre cómo las personas y las organizaciones se posicionan a partir de lo que comunican… incluso cuando no son conscientes de ello.

Consultora y Mentora en Comunicación Estratégica, Marca Personal y Corporativa | Ayudo a personas y empresas a conectar, posicionarse e influir con impacto | Speaker |CMO Soy Estratega en comunicación, creación y posicionamiento de marca. Llevo má... Show more

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Realites, a leading metaverse company, to create immersive and interactive experiences for his fans. Kae9mm aims to push the boundaries of music and technology and to explore new dimensions of creativity and expression.

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Rea... Show more

https://linkedin.com/in/lee-twito

https://linkedin.com/in/lee-twito Show more

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immigrating to Canada — clients include Universal Music, Nettwerk, and AWAL.

Her work sits at a rare intersection: creative direction and performance marketing. She delivers $0.16 CPCs and 631% website traffic growth from single campaigns, alongside brand work that holds up visually. She taught at cimdata Bildungsakademie (IHK-accredited, Germany), served as an industry mentor at Symphonic (March 2026), and mentored at Measure of Music 2026 — a global music and data conference reaching 1,400+ participants across 63 countries. She has been featured in CEO Times and Women's Insider.

She speaks on brand strategy, creative direction, performance marketing, and building a creative business as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur. Available in-person in Toronto and virtually worldwide.

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immig... Show more

Chris Gargotta is a Developer Relations leader, software engineer, and content creator focused on helping developers learn, build, and succeed with complex platforms. At Twilio, he leads Developer Media and ecosystem programs, scaling technical content to reach millions of developers while driving meaningful product adoption.

Chris is known for combining hands-on building with clear, practical education. He creates tutorials, demos, and live experiences centered on real-world use cases, from AI agents to communication systems. His work emphasizes developer activation—helping developers move from idea to working implementation quickly and effectively.

He brings a unique perspective shaped by his background in software development, live streaming, and production, enabling him to design engaging technical experiences both on and off the stage.

Chris Gargotta is a Developer Relations leader, software engineer, and content creator focused on helping developers learn, build, and succeed with complex platforms. At Twilio, he leads Developer Media and ecosystem programs, scaling technical conte... Show more

Tiankai Feng is a Data & AI leader, musician, and optimist. As Director of Data & AI Strategy at Thoughtworks and author of "Humanizing Data Strategy" & "Humanizing AI Strategy", he brings 13+ years of experience in analytics, governance, and transformation. Passionate about the human side of technology, he makes data and AI more approachable—and even fun—through music, memes, and fresh perspectives.

Tiankai Feng is a Data & AI leader, musician, and optimist. As Director of Data & AI Strategy at Thoughtworks and author of "Humanizing Data Strategy" & "Humanizing AI Strategy", he brings 13+ years of experience in analytics, governance, and transf... Show more

I've spent 25+ years proving a thesis most organisations resist: that value lives at the edges, not the centre. The best talent isn't where you expect it. The best ideas don't come from headquarters. And the biggest returns come from reconceiving how work gets done — not optimising how it's always been done.

My route in was making things — directing commercials, editing, VFX, hanging from helicopters to get the shot. That hands-on creative background shapes everything I do now: I don't theorise about transformation, I build it. From a startup that moved high-end visual effects off six-figure hardware onto the desktop, to a globally-distributed operation spanning 1,000+ people across seven countries, built years before remote work went mainstream. Same pattern each time: find value trapped behind an artificial barrier, build the mechanism to release it.

Now I focus on what happens when AI meets real operations — not the demo, but the deployment.

I speak about operational transformation, growth, culture, AI beyond the proof-of-concept, and the patterns that repeat every time new capability demands new ways of working.

I've spent 25+ years proving a thesis most organisations resist: that value lives at the edges, not the centre. The best talent isn't where you expect it. The best ideas don't come from headquarters. And the biggest returns come from reconceiving how... Show more

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Music Press), and with collaborators Tamiko Nimura, Ross Ishikawa, and Matt Sasaki was named a Finalist in Creative Nonfiction for the Washington State Book Award. He won an American Book Award with Cheung and Greg Robinson as co-editor of JOHN OKADA: The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy (University of Washington Press), in which he authored the first-ever biography of Okada and traced the origins of his novel. He is currently developing a new stage adaptation of NO-NO BOY in partnership with Seattle Rep.

Abe wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning PBS documentary CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION on the largest organized resistance in the camps, and with writer Frank Chin helped organize the first-ever “Day of Remembrance” in Seattle in 1978. He was an original member of Chin’s Asian American Theater Workshop in San Francisco and studied at the American Conservatory Theater.

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Mu... Show more

Damilola Ogunleye is a seasoned creative professional and multidisciplinary designer with 12+ years of experience in visual communication, design, and animation. He began his creative journey during his undergraduate years, working on impact-driven projects and collaborating with non-governmental organizations, which laid the foundation for his problem-solving and storytelling approach to design

He is the Founder and Creative Director of Spectarkle Design & Multimedia, a design and animation studio focused on helping brands stand out through thoughtful design systems, compelling visuals, and immersive storytelling. Through Spectarkle, he has delivered branding, product design, and multimedia solutions for local and international clients across diverse industries.

Over the years, Damilola has held senior and leadership design roles across multiple organizations, including Creative Manager at FirstFounders Inc., where he led visual storytelling and brand experiences for portfolio companies, collaborated closely with developers and product managers on UI/UX for fintech and credit assessment platforms, and produced high-impact marketing and presentation materials.
He has also served as Lead Graphics & UI/UX Designer for brands such as Orokii, OrokiiPay, Ecomoto, InternSify, and Deezydecks, where he led design teams, built scalable design systems, revamped brand identities, and delivered user-centred digital products that improved brand recognition and engagement.

Beyond client and corporate work, Damilola is passionate about community building and talent development. He is a mentor at SheFoundry Limited, where he has guided and supported a community of 100+ women founders teaching them design and branding fundamentals that has uplifted their brand and businesses and positioning them for growth.
He also serves as the Director of Meetings, Design, and Multimedia at Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lagos Metropolitan, where he oversees the organization’s end-to-end design and multimedia initiatives, ensuring consistent visual communication across events, campaigns, and digital platforms.

He is an advocate for continuous learning and creative excellence, Damilola speaks on design strategy, branding, UI/UX, animation, creative leadership, and building sustainable creative careers. Outside professional work, he is deeply interested in character-driven animation and visual storytelling, and is currently developing short, relatable animated content.

Damilola Ogunleye is a seasoned creative professional and multidisciplinary designer with 12+ years of experience in visual communication, design, and animation. He began his creative journey during his undergraduate years, working on impact-driven p... Show more

Growing up in a small business-focused family and small town in Ohio, Kelly learned her work ethic and customer-first style having worked in every role of the family's local clothing store and hotel. She would go on to amass 30 years of sales, marketing, and management experience focused on growing and leading people, cultivating unique cultures, and developing strategic long-term growth plans for a variety of industries, including two startups of her own. She spent a decade with one of the largest commercial roofing companies, where she helped transition the company to an ESOP before leading their sale to Private Equity as the first female CEO in the national roofing industry.

Since she has held various CEO and Board roles in and around the Building Services space, many backed by Private Equity, and led a dozen M&A transactions. Kelly's latest startup is Woman Up Holdings, which includes media, ecommerce, live programming and investments in female founders and female-led companies. She is the author of Why Assume The Position and is currently writing a life guide book for young female millenials and Gen Z, as well as co-authoring a Vietnamese cooking storybook. She is an active investor in female founder startups and leads discussions with female founders on growth, transition and exit strategies. She obtained her MBA at 50 while in a CEO role.

Kelly is the single mom of two young adult sons and an international high altitude trekker, having climbed Kilimanjaro, Whitney, Elbert, Patagonia's Torres Del Paine, the Haute Route, Corsica's GR20, Sleeping Indian in Jackson Hole, Mt Fuji Sea to Summit 2x, Rim2Rim Grand Canyon, Mt Muhabura Rwanda. She also is an avid skier since learning at 50, practices Yoga, French, tennis, reader and all-around adventureholic.

Growing up in a small business-focused family and small town in Ohio, Kelly learned her work ethic and customer-first style having worked in every role of the family's local clothing store and hotel. She would go on to amass 30 years of sales, market... Show more

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL.

Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She aspires to travel the world, tell honest stories and sprinkle stardust wherever she goes.

She is a Blackhouse Foundation Fellow, a Facebook SEEN initiative winner, and a Paul Robeson Awardee. She has had digital art installations exhibited up and down the east coast including the Anacostia Arts Center, Lycoming College, and Miami Soul Basel. She recently completed a film residency in Ghana through a partnership with the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD). She is also the grant recipient of several creative initiatives including Moment Invitational Film Fest, Late Fee Magazine photography grant, and the inaugural National Black Movie Day Scholarship.

Films directed by Des have screened at renowned national festivals including Martha's Vineyard African American Film Fest, Pan-African Film Festival, Afrikana Film Festival and the esteemed American Black Film Festival - New Voices Category.

When she’s not on set, her interests include poetry, fashion, travel and interior design. Des is an Alumnae of the University of Florida where she completed a unique program infusing photojournalism and innovation. Des holds an MFA in film from Howard University.

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL. Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She asp... Show more

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefining brand development through regenerative creativity, experimentation, and conceptual reinvention.

As founder and president of the Association of Entrepreneurs of Ecuador, Mauro actively fosters entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, solidifying his role as a key figure in Ecuador’s business landscape. His extensive portfolio spans multiple industries, featuring successful projects across diverse sectors. Currently, Mauro focuses on the knowledge economy and digital media, fields where his work continues to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Mauro has shared his projects and ideas on international platforms, including entrepreneurship conferences, art exhibitions, creativity workshops, and specialized publications. His insights have resonated with audiences in Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Ecuador, the United States, Portugal, and Türkiye, highlighting his global influence.

Today, Mauro leverages his expertise as a business coach, brand strategist, executive mentor, entrepreneurship trainer, and digital artist, driving innovation and excellence. His commitment to redefining industries and creating avant-garde business solutions underscores his transformative approach.

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefini... Show more