Hi, I’m Jesimiel Williams. I’m an innovative Creative with experience in Design, UX and Content Development and Marketing. In 7 years, and through possibly hundreds of visuals, interfaces and written content, I’ve learned to craft interactions toward consumer-centric values, and as such have developed an understanding of consumer trends and how to optimize experiences and stories to drive adoption and growth for tech products. I’ve worked and consulted for brands in AI, Telecoms, Mobility, Edtech and many other spheres in Africa, Europe and the US including Lara.ng, Stutern, Chess in Slums Africa and many others, whilst also building a product for accessible Mental Health for Africa called Uncloudy.

Hi, I’m Jesimiel Williams. I’m an innovative Creative with experience in Design, UX and Content Development and Marketing. In 7 years, and through possibly hundreds of visuals, interfaces and written content, I’ve learned to craft interactions toward... Show more

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven track record of implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations solutions across diverse industries.

I am passionate about streamlining business processes, enhancing service innovation, and enabling customer value. I have successfully led and contributed to multiple projects involving finance, operations, supply chain, and retail modules, using agile methodologies and Six Sigma tools. I am also skilled in Microsoft products and business analysis, and I constantly seek to expand my knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of Microsoft Dynamics 365.

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven tra... 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

Erica Hakonson is the CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, the leading Marketing Partner for Microsoft Partners. CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, Hakonson has guided her team to over 160 industry awards, earning accolades such as PR Daily’s B2B Agency of the Year and MarTech Outlook's Top Digital Marketing Company. Celebrated for championing women in tech, Erica has been honored as the Female Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized among the 2024 Top 50 Women We Admire in Marketing and Tech, also featuring in The Globe & Mail. With nearly two decades of expertise in tech, Erica’s leadership has positioned Maven Collective as a forefront of digital marketing innovation.

Erica Hakonson is the CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, the leading Marketing Partner for Microsoft Partners. CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, Hakonson has guided her team to over 160 industry awards, earning accolades such... Show more

With over 25 years of experience building digital products, including 12 years in senior product leadership roles such as CPO, I bring deep expertise in product development and leadership. Today, I advise businesses on product leadership while co-organizing Product at Heart, one of Europe's leading product conferences, keeping me closely connected to emerging industry trends and challenges.

With over 25 years of experience building digital products, including 12 years in senior product leadership roles such as CPO, I bring deep expertise in product development and leadership. Today, I advise businesses on product leadership while co-org... Show more

Surya Narayana Reddy Chintacunta is a data engineer focused on building large-scale, AI-driven systems across cloud platforms. His work spans privacy-preserving customer analytics, real-time feature engineering for LLMs, and reinforcement learning for media optimization. At WPP Media, he leads data and analytics initiatives across AWS and GCP, including clean room integrations, ML-powered audience modeling, and global campaign intelligence systems. He has built distributed pipelines for e-commerce, insurance, and retail clients, and holds a master’s degree in Data Science from UMBC. Surya’s interests sit at the intersection of AI, distributed systems, and applied marketing science.

Surya Narayana Reddy Chintacunta is a data engineer focused on building large-scale, AI-driven systems across cloud platforms. His work spans privacy-preserving customer analytics, real-time feature engineering for LLMs, and reinforcement learning fo... Show more

Accomplished executive and visionary leader, recognized as one of the top women in Web3 and AI by Unstoppable Women of Web3/AI and shortlisted by Wirex for Best Founder. With a distinguished track record in immersive entertainment, blockchain, and decentralized tech education, Stacy has built and scaled transformative ventures, including the first fully immersive, technology-driven entertainment complex in the U.S. and pioneering blockchain platforms in education and entertainment. A leader in tokenizing ticketing, streaming educational content on-chain, and using NFTs as souvenirs for events, she has also driven initiatives to fund artists and release new music through blockchain-backed models, enabling creators to connect directly with audiences and unlock new revenue streams. Known for driving strategic growth, building influential partnerships, and leading high-profile, tech-driven projects, Stacy excels at creating transformative opportunities within the Web3 space across industries. Skilled in investor relations, brand positioning, and team development, she is dedicated to reshaping the future of tech, entertainment, and decentralized learning, empowering communities, and fostering innovation in high-growth sectors.

Accomplished executive and visionary leader, recognized as one of the top women in Web3 and AI by Unstoppable Women of Web3/AI and shortlisted by Wirex for Best Founder. With a distinguished track record in immersive entertainment, blockchain, and de... Show more

Taylor Sisco Maez is the Principal Product Manager at Capital Group, where she leads the end-user experience strategy for Enterprise Generative AI and core productivity platforms. With extensive expertise in implementing Microsoft 365 solutions, Taylor is dedicated to driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and fostering collaboration through cutting-edge technologies.

Outside of work, Taylor is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines with her husband. She is also a devoted dog owner, cherishing time spent with her Havanese, Jack. Committed to sharing knowledge, Taylor helps others maximize their use of Microsoft technologies, believing that technology can unite people and create meaningful connections.

Taylor Sisco Maez is the Principal Product Manager at Capital Group, where she leads the end-user experience strategy for Enterprise Generative AI and core productivity platforms. With extensive expertise in implementing Microsoft 365 solutions, Tayl... Show more

Annu Augustine is a leading product management coach and consultant who works with product teams and leaders across Africa to build products that truly make an impact. She’s the founder of NedRock, a product management training and consulting company she started in 2016 to elevate the role of product in Africa.

With over 25 years of experience, starting out as a software engineer before moving into product - Annu has seen firsthand what it takes to bridge business goals with real user value. Her work focuses on helping teams adopt modern product discovery practices, and guiding companies to move from feature factories to empowered, outcome-driven teams.

Annu is a regular speaker at product conferences across the continent, known for bringing global best practices into the African context with honesty and practicality.

In recognition of her impact, she was named one of the 50 most inspiring South African women in STEM (2018) and later selected as one of 50 global product coaches to attend Marty Cagan’s exclusive product coaching workshop (2022).

She’s also the founder of the Cape Town Product Meetup, where she continues to grow and connect the local product community, and serves as a mentor and product advisor to emerging product leaders and startups across the continent.

Annu Augustine is a leading product management coach and consultant who works with product teams and leaders across Africa to build products that truly make an impact. She’s the founder of NedRock, a product management training and consulting company... Show more

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide.

With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation, and creative storytelling, Ilya spearheaded ADB SAFEGATE’s collaboration with CBS News for the Economy 4.0 documentary — a landmark project that combined marketing, engineering, and purpose-driven communication.

He speaks on topics including B2B storytelling, brand innovation, marketing ROI, and the intersection of technology and creativity in industrial sectors.

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide. With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation,... Show more

After 17 years at NBC Universal, Sheena transitioned from corporate executive to mission-driven storyteller and global partnerships leader supporting underrepresented communities. She now speaks internationally and co-hosts a cultural wellness podcast, empowering individuals and audiences to lead with purpose, identity, and impact.

Her work includes speaking alongside civic leaders and moderating global conversations — including at the Cannes Film Festival — on belonging, reinvention, and storytelling as a force for meaningful change.

After 17 years at NBC Universal, Sheena transitioned from corporate executive to mission-driven storyteller and global partnerships leader supporting underrepresented communities. She now speaks internationally and co-hosts a cultural wellness podcas... Show more

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies her skills in communication, design, and collaboration to fast-paced, high-growth environments. This blend of creative and technical experience has equipped Calypso with a deep understanding of how to foster constructive feedback, empower teams, and drive continuous improvement. Calypso also thrives on building strong, connected communities. She brings a fresh perspective on collaboration, communication, and community building in both creative and tech spaces.

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies ... Show more

Working since 12 years for Germany's biggest financial daily "Handelsblatt", since 2024 as Deputy Lead of Weekend & Report. Since 2022, covering as well Web3, crypto, and NFTs and building the first newspaper-driven NFT community in Europe. Moderated several events in Germany and Italy. Founder of the digital art platform VistaVagabond.xyz in 2023.

Working since 12 years for Germany's biggest financial daily "Handelsblatt", since 2024 as Deputy Lead of Weekend & Report. Since 2022, covering as well Web3, crypto, and NFTs and building the first newspaper-driven NFT community in Europe. Moderated... Show more

[ENG]

Nicolás works as a Sr. UX Designer at Mercado Libre, and is part of the Google Experts program as an expert in UX/UI and Product Strategy, in addition to being a Google Launchpad Mentor and Google Design Sprint Master.

After a long career in the advertising industry and technology companies, he has more than 12 years of experience working in user experience design. He has dedicated the last few years to sharing his knowledge throughout Latin America, giving conferences and workshops on User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Material Design, and Google Design Sprint to hundreds of students and professionals in Latam, providing advice and consulting to different tech startups, fintech startups, agro startups, and more.

He also teaches UX and interface design classes in technology degree programs, is the local leader of the Google Developer Groups Montevideo, local leader of the Interaction Design (IxDA) community in Uruguay, and has an active participation in the Google Developer Groups and Google Developer Experts communities throughout Latin America and Hispanic America.

In 2022, he went to perform the first mapping for Google Street View in Antarctica, and in 2025, he did the first mapping in the Falklands/Malvinas Islands. Additionally, he has carried out smaller mappings in different Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

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[ESP]

Nicolás se desempeña como Sr. UX Designer en Mercado Libre, y forma parte del programa de Experts de Google como expert en UX/UI y Product Strategy, además de ser Google Launchpad Mentor y Google Design Sprint Master.

Luego de una larga trayectoria en el medio publicitario y empresas de tecnología, cuenta con más de 12 años de experiencia trabajando en diseño de experiencia de usuario. Ha dedicado los últimos años en compartir su conocimiento por todo Latinoamérica, dando conferencias y workshops de User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Material Design y Google Design Sprint a cientos de estudiantes y profesionales de Latam, dando asesoramiento y consultorías a diferentes startups tecnológicas, startups fintech, de agro y más.

También, dicta clases de UX y diseño de interfaces en carreras de tecnología, es local leader del Google Developer Groups Montevideo, local leader de la comunidad de Interaction Design (IxDA) en Uruguay, y tiene una participación activa en las comunidades de Google Developer Groups y Google Developer Experts de todo Latinoamérica e Hispanoamérica.

En el año 2022 fue a realizar el primer mapeo para Google Street View en la Antártida, y en el 2025 hizo el primer mapeo en las Falklands/Malvinas Islands. Además, de realizar algunos más pequeños en diferentes países de Latinoamérica como ser, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador y Uruguay.

[ENG] Nicolás works as a Sr. UX Designer at Mercado Libre, and is part of the Google Experts program as an expert in UX/UI and Product Strategy, in addition to being a Google Launchpad Mentor and Google Design Sprint Master. After a long career... Show more

Tracy is the CEO and Chief Technologist at This Dot Labs, a consultancy focused on helping leaders achieve their most ambitious digital initiatives through technology leadership and engineering talent.

She is also a Github Star, Google Developer Expert, Microsoft MVP, RxJS Core Team member, and a frequent keynote speaker at conferences.

You can find her on Linkedin at /in/tracyslee, on Twitter @ladyleet or at thisdot.co

Tracy is the CEO and Chief Technologist at This Dot Labs, a consultancy focused on helping leaders achieve their most ambitious digital initiatives through technology leadership and engineering talent. She is also a Github Star, Google Developer E... Show more

John Elbing helps brands stop sounding like everyone else. As a business storytelling expert and author of Storybuilding: Your Brand From Their Standpoint, he guides marketing and leadership teams to flip the script—from pushing messages to building stories people actually care about. Drawing on his work with startups, corporates, and nonprofits, John blends strategy, storytelling, and sharp humor to help organizations stand out, connect, and convert. His sessions are lively, practical, and rooted in real-world experience—whether you need to rally a team, realign a brand, or rethink the story you’re telling the market.

John Elbing helps brands stop sounding like everyone else. As a business storytelling expert and author of Storybuilding: Your Brand From Their Standpoint, he guides marketing and leadership teams to flip the script—from pushing messages to building ... Show more

Hi, I’m Rasagy Sharma. I love making data meaningful, and I’ve spent 12+ years leading design teams & building data-heavy products.

I currently head the design team for DataLabs at Capital One, and was earlier heading the design team at Gramener. I’ve designed apps & data visualizations at large orgs like Microsoft & Barclays, and been one of the first designers at early-stage startups like Sundial, Mapbox (Data team) & Capillary Technologies.

In my free time, I love to make sense of knowledge through sketchnoting, create art using data & code, and support design communities through speaking, teaching & volunteering. I’m an Adjunct Assistant Professor at IDC, IIT Bombay, and I regularly teach for NID’s M.Des. in Information Design program (my alma mater).

I’m currently diving deep into design leadership & knowledge management, and I’m passionate about data visualization, cartography, creative coding & sketchnoting.

Hi, I’m Rasagy Sharma. I love making data meaningful, and I’ve spent 12+ years leading design teams & building data-heavy products. I currently head the design team for DataLabs at Capital One, and was earlier heading the design team at Gramener. ... Show more

Coach Rocky Mar (she/her) helps Drupal teams turn training into Tuesday habits that ship. An Amazon bestselling author and Founder & CEO of Smart Life Investments, she teaches a 90-day, manager-led playbook of EI micro-skills, crisp standups/1:1s, and a lightweight delivery scorecard—tool-agnostic and community-first. Her sessions emphasize inclusive leadership, psychological safety with accountability, and responsible use of AI as a practice partner for feedback, reviews, and onboarding. Attendees leave with open templates they can use next sprint to raise velocity, improve first-time-right, and reduce burnout.

Coach Rocky Mar (she/her) helps Drupal teams turn training into Tuesday habits that ship. An Amazon bestselling author and Founder & CEO of Smart Life Investments, she teaches a 90-day, manager-led playbook of EI micro-skills, crisp standups/1:1s, an... Show more

Lauren V. Davis is a speaker and business strategist who helps entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, and organizations grow with practical, actionable strategies. Audiences leave her sessions with proven tools they can apply immediately to strengthen visibility, attract loyal customers, and build personal brands that create lasting impact.

Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 19 when she opened a brick-and-mortar record store that grew into a iconic community hub for 15 years. During that time she built a non-for-profit to help local businesses market themselves in her community. She hosted conferences that rivaled national scale gatherings and knows what it takes to pick a good speaker, and provide a memorable experience. She will take an unforgettable hands-on approach to your audience.

Lauren's real-world experience taught her how to build customer loyalty, create marketing systems that work long-term, and see beyond one-hit-wonder tactics. Today, as a marketing and business strategist, she brings that same real-world perspective to the stage, equipping professionals with strategies that drive sustainable success in branding, marketing, and business growth.

As the founder of Lauren Davis Creative, she has guided speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs in establishing personal brands that generate consistent engagement and long-term clients. Her work has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Huffington Post, and across global top-rated podcasts. She also hosts The Real Personal Branding Podcast, rated as a top 2% podcast worldwide, where she interviews thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts about building authentic visibility.

Event organizers book Lauren because she delivers more than inspiration—she delivers outcomes. Her presentations are engaging, accessible, and designed for immediate action. Whether delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or facilitating a mastermind, Lauren ensures audiences walk away with strategies they can implement right away.

Popular topics include:
Building a personal brand that attracts opportunities
Creating a marketing strategy without overwhelm or burnout
Using social media to connect with the right audience
Growing visibility and impact through authentic branding
Practical systems for long-term business growth

Lauren speaks at conferences, association meetings, masterminds, and corporate events across Rockford, Chicago, Northern Illinois, and nationwide. She is equally effective in virtual formats and in-person events, tailoring content to the needs of each audience.

Audiences benefit by gaining:
Clarity in their personal brand and marketing approach
Tools to create immediate traction with customers and clients
Frameworks for social media and marketing that are simple to implement
Confidence to communicate authentically both online and on stage
Long-term strategies that build community, visibility, and loyalty
Lauren knows how to talk to everyone, from well-established associations to low-tech, blue-collar communities and will meet your audience where they are.

Associations, small and medium businesses, and leadership groups turn to Lauren when they want a speaker who delivers actionable insights with relatable energy. Her background as a business owner and strategist allows her to connect with audiences who want practical solutions, not just theory.

When you book Lauren V. Davis as your marketing speaker, your audience will leave with the clarity, confidence, and strategies they need to take their brand and business to the next level.

Keywords: marketing speaker, business coach speaker, personal branding speaker, workshop facilitator, entrepreneur speaker, small business speaker, association conference speaker, mastermind facilitator, social media speaker, Rockford IL, Chicago, Northern Illinois, nationwide speaker.

Lauren V. Davis is a speaker and business strategist who helps entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, and organizations grow with practical, actionable strategies. Audiences leave her sessions with proven tools they can apply immediately to... Show more

Railey Molinario is a two-time TEDx-selected international speaker, media personality, and the Founder of RI (Relationship Intelligence™)—the revolutionary framework redefining how we lead, connect, and thrive. From corporate boardrooms to global stages, Railey delivers transformative keynotes on the future of AI and human connection, emotional intelligence in business, and the relationship education the world has been missing.

Featured in Forbes, BBC, Yahoo Finance, and Fox59, Railey is recognized for blending actionable strategy with compelling storytelling. Her work equips leaders and organizations to prevent burnout, cultivate high-performance cultures, and build meaningful lives through emotional clarity and aligned relationships.

Railey Molinario is a two-time TEDx-selected international speaker, media personality, and the Founder of RI (Relationship Intelligence™)—the revolutionary framework redefining how we lead, connect, and thrive. From corporate boardrooms to global s... Show more

is a dx engineer at Runpod building agents, a co-organizer of JSConf Budapest / CodePenDay Germany, a mentor, an international speaker, a generative artist, a vj for dnb parties & a series-founder

the most important part of his life are his two daughters (7, 8) <3

is a dx engineer at Runpod building agents, a co-organizer of JSConf Budapest / CodePenDay Germany, a mentor, an international speaker, a generative artist, a vj for dnb parties & a series-founder the most important part of his life are his two d... Show more

Since 2017 Organizer and Speaker of a monthly happening .Net Meetup
Speaker on local events

2004 - 2019 CTO of All about Ashley GmbH
2017 - 2019 CTO of Xircuit GmbH & Co. KG
Since 2019 CEO of ThreeB IT GmbH

Since 2017 Organizer and Speaker of a monthly happening .Net Meetup Speaker on local events 2004 - 2019 CTO of All about Ashley GmbH 2017 - 2019 CTO of Xircuit GmbH & Co. KG Since 2019 CEO of ThreeB IT GmbH Show more

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Experience Decisión Making, sistema que integra teoría de la decisión a los procesos de UX. Mentor de profesionales que quieren dar el salto de ejecutores a líderes.

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Ex... Show more

Vontavius Hurd is an award-winning marketing strategist, licensed real estate agent, and creator of the Presence to Profits Blueprint™ framework. He helps entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate pros, and organizations grow strategically so they stay relevant and never become extinct. When he’s not speaking, he runs his marketing agency, sells out impactful webinars and workshops, and partners with brands as a lifestyle and travel influencer. Off the clock, you’ll probably find him gaming or streaming.

Vontavius Hurd is an award-winning marketing strategist, licensed real estate agent, and creator of the Presence to Profits Blueprint™ framework. He helps entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate pros, and organizations grow strategically so they ... Show more

Based in Bulgaria, I am Nadiia Kuzmenko, an experienced editor, publishing agent, and ghostwriter dedicated to bringing clarity and creativity to every project I undertake. With a strong background in editing, proofreading, writing, translating, ghostwriting, and publishing, I help authors and businesses craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience and meet high professional standards.

My passion lies in transforming ideas into polished and publish-ready content. I work closely with clients to understand their unique voice and goals, ensuring every piece I handle is meticulously refined and tailored for maximum impact in the marketplace. Whether you need a thorough edit or complete ghostwriting services, I am committed to delivering quality work that elevates your message and advances your professional objectives.

Based in Bulgaria, I am Nadiia Kuzmenko, an experienced editor, publishing agent, and ghostwriter dedicated to bringing clarity and creativity to every project I undertake. With a strong background in editing, proofreading, writing, translating, ghos... Show more

James Kaminsky is a senior editorial director and digital content strategist who has overseen editorial teams for leading names in the media industry. His professional experience covers both print and digital publishing, and he has directed content strategy for Maxim, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Realtor.com, and Homes.com.

James was raised in Westport, Connecticut. He attended Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Film and Broadcast Journalism. While still a student, he contributed to the university newspaper and completed an internship at The Boston Globe, which provided him with valuable early newsroom experience. After graduating, he moved to New York and began his career in business publishing, steadily progressing through editorial ranks to become editor-in-chief at Act III Communications. In that position, he guided teams focused on content that spanned entertainment, business, and technology.

As his career advanced, he shifted toward consumer magazines and freelanced for several respected publications. This eventually led to senior editorial roles at Men’s Journal and Conde Nast Sports for Women, where he helped develop editorial strategies and launch new initiatives—his time at Men’s Journal involved shaping the magazine’s direction. At the same time, at Conde Nast, he gained experience with new publication launches.

In 1999, James Kaminsky joined Maxim as executive editor, contributing to the publication’s rapid rise in the United States. He later became an editorial director at Playboy, where he played a pivotal role in evolving the brand and updating its journalistic approach to appeal to a new audience.

He continued to take on leadership roles at Wenner Media, working with both Rolling Stone and Men’s Journal to strengthen content offerings and expand digital efforts. Returning to Maxim, he helped steer the magazine through changing industry dynamics.

James then took on editorial leadership at Life Reimagined for AARP. He went on to serve as Senior Editorial Director at Realtor.com for more than eight years, building a digital news operation from the ground up. His latest position at Homes.com involved directing content about luxury real estate in New York.

Today, James Kaminsky enjoys cycling, hiking, and films. He now works independently as a consultant and writer, bringing his editorial expertise to a range of projects and clients.

James Kaminsky is a senior editorial director and digital content strategist who has overseen editorial teams for leading names in the media industry. His professional experience covers both print and digital publishing, and he has directed content s... Show more

Denise Zubizarreta is a cultural strategist, arts leader, and digital resilience advocate working at the intersection of creative expression and social impact. As Director of Business Development and Communications at the New Mexico Local News Fund, she supports sustainable, equity-driven journalism while championing the voices of underserved communities.

With a background in nonprofit leadership, military service, and interdisciplinary art, Denise brings a unique perspective to conversations about cybersecurity, media representation, and cultural preservation. Her work focuses on making complex systems—like digital security and public infrastructure—accessible to small orgs, artists, and mission-driven teams.

She is also an engagement director at Latina Media Co and co-host of the Latina Unpacked podcast. Whether she’s curating an art show, building out a CRM, or training nonprofit staff on digital safety, Denise is all about connecting the dots between creativity, justice, and real-world systems change.

Denise Zubizarreta is a cultural strategist, arts leader, and digital resilience advocate working at the intersection of creative expression and social impact. As Director of Business Development and Communications at the New Mexico Local News Fund, ... Show more

Mena is a certified Hello Seven Business and Mindset Coach and a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs Black In Business Program. Based in St. Louis, she’s a branding photographer, strategist, content creator, and coach on a mission to help entrepreneurs grow their brands and show up like the experts they are.

After three years of teaching in the classroom, Mena made the bold leap into full-time entrepreneurship in 2017. These days, she blends her background in education with her creative skills to coach, photograph, and guide business owners as they build brands that actually sell.

With 8 years of experience as a branding and lifestyle photographer, Mena has worked with major names like Getty Images, Airbnb, Design Essentials, and the American Heart Association. She’s helped countless clients from boutique owners to political figures launch campaigns, boost their visibility, and confidently claim their space in their industries.

Her creative reach also extends into the education space, where she creates social media strategies and video content for institutions like Marian Middle School and Washington University, helping them tell authentic stories and stay connected with their communities online.

Mena’s work has been featured in Forbes, Black Enterprise, St. Louis Magazine, Ladue News, and many more. Whether she’s behind the lens or leading a branding strategy session, she brings energy, intention, and results.

Mena is a certified Hello Seven Business and Mindset Coach and a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs Black In Business Program. Based in St. Louis, she’s a branding photographer, strategist, content creator, and coach on a mission to help entrepreneu... Show more

Antoine is Innovation Projects Manager at Rail Logistics Europe, where he leads two strategic programmes: Monitor (a France 2030 project to digitize freight) and GreenPower (focused on energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies). He is a member of the European working group on Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), a former Research Engineer at Alstom, and holds a PhD in Transport Economics. His research focused on the technical, environmental, and economic assessment of decarbonized rail alternatives. He served as technical referent for the IPCEI Hy2Tech programme. In 2024, he coordinated the Energy Transition Task Force at ANRT, and in 2025, was appointed France’s Ambassador for the European Climate Pact. He also lectures in the Hydrogen Specialized Master’s Program at IFP School.

Antoine is Innovation Projects Manager at Rail Logistics Europe, where he leads two strategic programmes: Monitor (a France 2030 project to digitize freight) and GreenPower (focused on energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies). He is a member of... Show more

Rakia Finley is a 20-year tech veteran, product architect, and the visionary Founder & Managing Partner of Copper & Vine Studio, a digital innovation firm specializing in ethical, enterprise-ready platforms. As one of the first Black women in North America to lead a private AI software firm, Rakia brings an unmatched perspective to the intersection of equity, systems, and technology.

She has architected platforms for the White House, Apple, and NASA’s Space Apps, and currently serves as Fractional CTO for high-growth startups and social impact ventures around the globe. Rakia was recently inducted into the Salesforce Hall of Fame for her leadership in inclusive technology and equity-centered product design.

A sought-after strategist and speaker, Rakia is known for helping founders, brands, and institutions build systems that scale, not just with speed, but with soul.

Rakia Finley is a 20-year tech veteran, product architect, and the visionary Founder & Managing Partner of Copper & Vine Studio, a digital innovation firm specializing in ethical, enterprise-ready platforms. As one of the first Black women in North A... Show more