Media & Information

Esteemed specialists working in the fields of media education, digital media, multimedia and radio services

Rafael Peña

Rafael Peña

Rafael Peña is a travel journalist, consultant, and cultural strategist whose work explores how destinations can tell deeper and more inclusive stories. His reporting has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, Travel Noire, the Miami Herald, and others. Through his fieldwork, Rafael has documented the people and places shaping travel today and developed a clear perspective on how culture, representation, and visitor experience intersect.

Drawing on his background as a Black and Latino traveler with roots in the Dominican Republic, Rafael helps destinations and hospitality brands understand the expectations of modern, multicultural audiences. His consulting work guides DMOs and tourism teams in developing messaging, content, and on-the-ground experiences that feel authentic, community grounded, and relevant to a diverse global traveler base.

Rafael is also a sought-after speaker on content strategy, inclusive storytelling, and the evolving needs of BIPOC travelers. He works with PR, marketing, and destination leaders to strengthen traveler trust, expand representation, and design experiences that reflect the full cultural fabric of a place. Through his journalism and his speaking engagements, Rafael pushes the travel industry toward richer stories, better hospitality, and more intentional destination marketing.

Rafael Peña is a travel journalist, consultant, and cultural strategist whose work explores how destinations can tell deeper and more inclusive stories. His reporting has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, Travel Noire,... Show more

Terra L. Fletcher

Terra L. Fletcher

Terra L. Fletcher is a fractional CMO and marketing strategist known for helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in simplifying complex marketing strategies and empowering organizations to rebrand, scale, and succeed. Terra is the author of Flex Your Marketing and a dynamic speaker who has inspired audiences nationwide with her actionable insights and values-first approach.

Terra L. Fletcher is a fractional CMO and marketing strategist known for helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in simplifying complex marketing strategies and empowering organizations to rebrand, ... Show more

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has dedicated her career to shedding light on critical social issues and promoting transparency in Africa.

Mercy's work extends beyond traditional reporting. She is well-versed in utilising Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to gather and analyse digital information, adding a new dimension to her investigative reports. Her expertise in OSINT has garnered attention and recognition within the industry, and she is often sought after for her insights on leveraging digital tools and technologies in investigative journalism.

Passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others, Mercy frequently conducts workshops and training sessions on investigative journalism, OSINT, and ethical reporting practises. She believes in nurturing the next generation of investigative journalists and equipping them with the skills necessary to make a significant impact.

Owilla Abiro Mercy is a seasoned researcher and writer specialising in investigative journalism at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ). With a passion for uncovering hidden truths and holding the powerful accountable, Mercy has ... Show more

Sadie Peterson Hattan

Sadie Peterson Hattan

Sadie Peterson Hattan has spent more than 20 years helping B2B and SaaS companies figure out what to say, who to say it to, and how to make it matter.

Her background is in product marketing, messaging, and positioning, working closely with sales and marketing teams to turn complex products into clear, powerful stories.

Today, Sadie is the CMO at We-Connect.io, where she works hands on with teams trying to improve their outreach and start better conversations without sounding salesy or generic. Her work is rooted in real examples, real mistakes, and what she sees working right now across growing B2B teams.

As a speaker, Sadie shares practical ideas teams can use immediately, from tightening their messaging to rethinking how they show up in crowded inboxes. Her sessions are direct, thoughtful, and focused on helping people communicate more clearly and connect more effectively.

Sadie Peterson Hattan has spent more than 20 years helping B2B and SaaS companies figure out what to say, who to say it to, and how to make it matter. Her background is in product marketing, messaging, and positioning, working closely with sales a... Show more

Monica "moe" Anderson, DDS, DBA, FICD

Monica "moe" Anderson, DDS, DBA, FICD

Dr. Monica “mOe” Anderson, DDS, DBA is a dentist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning podcast host who has been inspiring audiences for more than three decades. Known for her top-ranked TEDx Talk on Unconscious Bias, she blends humor, heart, and hard data to ignite conversations about communication, leadership, and health equity.

She has delivered high-impact keynotes and workshops to organizations such as Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Aetna, National Network for Oral Health Access, American Academy of Dental Group Practice, the University of Minnesota, the American Association of Dental Consultants, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Association of Purchasing Management, LSU, TCU, Girl Scouts, OKC Urban League, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, Americredit Corporation, U.S. Department of Justice, American Association of Dental Consultants and Rotary International.

A licensed dentist and Senior Dental Consultant for a global Fortune 500 financial services organization, Dr. mOe brings lived experience and rare insight into how systems, stories, and social determinants intersect in healthcare. Her career spans private practice, corporate leadership, and community advocacy, including founding the nonprofit Drop the Drugs, Inc., which promotes safe medication disposal.

The bestselling author of eight books and host of the globally ranked podcast Perpetual mOetion with Dr. mOe Anderson, she has been featured in national magazines and media outlets, testified on access to care before legislative bodies, and given workshops on global stages. Whether delivering a keynote on inclusive leadership and cross generational communication or moderating a panel on resilience and life balance, Dr. mOe’s mix of expertise and authenticity transforms audiences long after the applause.

Available for keynotes, workshops, panels, and SME interviews. Reach out to book or collaborate.

Dr. Monica “mOe” Anderson, DDS, DBA is a dentist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning podcast host who has been inspiring audiences for more than three decades. Known for her top-ranked TEDx Talk on Unconscious Bias, she blends humor, heart, and hard dat... Show more

Ryan Bn. de Ropp

Ryan Bn. de Ropp

Former data architect, current Geopolitical Strategist with Risk Ready Research.

I have worked on just about every database system under the sun, and now use those software development skills to map OSINT to track and forecast global events.

I hope to shed light on the possible futures we may find ourselves in over the next decade involving AI, our CPU supply chain, and their relationship, that most people aren't prepared for.

I'm also a niche celebrity in the Dungeons and Dragons community, have a successful YouTube channel called Dungeon Masterpiece, and have parlayed that success into founding and running a premium RPG Retreat at Ancient Lore Village called Green Dragon Fest which has sold out every year.

Former data architect, current Geopolitical Strategist with Risk Ready Research. I have worked on just about every database system under the sun, and now use those software development skills to map OSINT to track and forecast global events. I ... Show more

Dr Pedro A González Jr MJ MAC

Dr Pedro A González Jr MJ MAC

Dr. Pedro A. González, Jr., M.J., MAC, is a Cuban American exiled professor, Author, and Researcher who teaches the Theory of Communication in U.S. universities after retiring from a successful career as a Journalist and War Correspondent on TV.
He is a member of and participates in national and international professional journalism and academic organizations.
In total, he has published 20 books.

Dr. Pedro A. González, Jr., M.J., MAC, is a Cuban American exiled professor, Author, and Researcher who teaches the Theory of Communication in U.S. universities after retiring from a successful career as a Journalist and War Correspondent on TV. He... Show more

Marina Hrvacanin

Marina Hrvacanin

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns.

I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language can make brands feel current without chasing trends.

I speak about writing for new audiences and new media, where attention is short, expectations are high, and authenticity alone isn’t enough.
My topics explore how to translate human behavior into clear, relatable communication that cuts through noise and earns response.

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns. I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language... Show more

Jenny Wynter

Jenny Wynter

Jenny Wynter is what happens when a stand-up comedian and a mental health advocate collide. Based in Queensland, she’s known for taking the stuff workplaces usually tiptoe around - the messy reality of creativity, culture, and mental load - putting it onstage, and turning it into something genuinely unforgettable.

Jenny doesn't deliver keynotes; she runs an intervention. Instead of lecturing on leadership or diversity, she uses her extensive training in improv, comedy, and musical timing to pull the audience into a shared experience. This deliberate method transforms what could be another corporate talk into a session that actually sticks - because people weren't just passively listening, they were playing.

Before she was delivering keynotes, Jenny was navigating the wards of children's hospitals as a Clown Doctor for close to five years - a gig that taught her more about high-stakes improvisation, tough audiences, and managing emotional complexity than all her training with the best of the best, (including Second City and The Groundlings in the States and Loose Moose in Canada) combined. She funnels that rare mix of stagecraft and genuine empathy into her movement, Funny Mummies™, a community built to help mothers protect their mental health through connection and laughter.

Her work has been recognised with significant accolades: the PSA Kerrie Nairn Fellowship, the first-ever ABC iView Pitch Perfect win, Excellence in Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe, Best Variety Show at United Solo Festival in New York, and a Green Room Award nomination for cabaret writing. She’s also a two-time TEDx speaker and holds a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Business Marketing. Online, she leads a Facebook community of around 30,000 women, and performs nationally and internationally, often utilising her knack for improvising songs on the spot, supported by years of vocal and keyboard training.

For event planners, Jenny also brings the practical side: full AV support, a studio with green-screen capability for virtual events, recording facilities, and a tour-ready PA system. She’s comfortable working globally, having delivered virtual keynotes to teams across the Asia Pacific, clients in the US, and organisations in the UK - always ensuring the event happens during the client's business hours, even if it means logging on in the middle of the night from Queensland.

Clients describe her the same way: warm, sharp, and genuinely inclusive. She doesn't just deliver a message; she shifts the energy of the room in minutes, leaving people feeling lighter and ready to act. If you’re looking for a keynote grounded in the messy reality of life, but delivered with the precision of a trained comedian, Jenny is the go-to speaker for an event that is truly energising and grounded in humanity.

Jenny Wynter is what happens when a stand-up comedian and a mental health advocate collide. Based in Queensland, she’s known for taking the stuff workplaces usually tiptoe around - the messy reality of creativity, culture, and mental load - putting i... Show more

Annu Augustine

Annu Augustine

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

Alex Lieberman

Alex Lieberman

Alex Lieberman is a visionary serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding Morning Brew, the business media brand that grew from a small student project into a multimillion dollar company with more than four million subscribers. The newsletter’s success led to a $75 million acquisition by Business Insider.

He has earned spots on Forbes 30 Under 30 and AdAge 40 Under 40. Since exiting Morning Brew, Alex has built several new ventures including Storyarb, Distro, GrowthPair, and Tenex. Tenex focuses on helping large companies move fast on AI strategy and implementation. Across his work, Alex blends storytelling, technology, and growth to help teams communicate more clearly and innovate at pace.

As a speaker, he draws on real experience building and selling a major media brand. He covers entrepreneurship, content strategy, revenue growth, and leadership in an AI driven world. He also explores these themes on his podcasts Founder's Journal and Imposters. His sessions focus on practical tools that help audiences refine their messaging, build trust, and turn creative ideas into results.

With a combined following of more than 730,000, Alex has a reputation for clear thinking and straightforward advice on business growth and AI transformation.

Alex Lieberman is a visionary serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding Morning Brew, the business media brand that grew from a small student project into a multimillion dollar company with more than four million subscribers. The newsletter’s su... Show more

Sheena Katz

Sheena Katz

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

Nicolás Bianchi Falco

Nicolás Bianchi Falco

[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

John Elbing

John Elbing

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

Rocky Mar

Rocky Mar

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

Lauren V. Davis

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

Railey Molinario


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

Tim Pietrusky

Tim Pietrusky

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

Thimo Buchheister

Thimo Buchheister

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

Vontavius Hurd

Vontavius Hurd

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

Nadiia Kuzmenko

Nadiia Kuzmenko

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

James Kaminsky

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

Denise Zubizarreta

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 Darré

Mena Darré

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

Mark Techson

Mark Techson

Mark loves to code, teach and create transformational experiences for audiences all over the world. He's spoken at prestigious events, taught at world class institutions and worked for some of the best companies in the world.

Mark loves to code, teach and create transformational experiences for audiences all over the world. He's spoken at prestigious events, taught at world class institutions and worked for some of the best companies in the world. Show more

Arome Ibrahim

Arome Ibrahim

Arome is a Business Analyst, Immersive Technologist and the Executive Director of Immersive Tech Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing and increasing access to Extended Reality (XR) & Human -Centered AI technology across the African continent. Under his guidance, Immersive Tech Africa has leveraged education, training, and research initiatives to foster a thriving and inclusive XR community in Africa.

As the convener of the XR Innovation Summit, Africa's premier virtual XR conference, Arome and his team have played a pivotal role in bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the vast potential of XR technology. Additionally, he serves as the team lead for the XR Innovation Launchpad program, a platform empowering emerging talents in the XR space with the goal of training 2000 VR/AR creators by 2026.

Arome's exceptional expertise and innovative contributions have garnered widespread recognition, including prestigious accolades like the Next Economy Entrepreneurship Hero and the Next Economy Impact Award from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His commitment to advancing XR technology in Africa has been further acknowledged with awards like the Digital Lab Africa #5 XR award and selection for the New Dimensions Lab by Electric South.

Arome has been recognized as one of the ten emerging African creators by Garage Stories and New Images Festival Paris. His efforts in democratizing XR in Africa led to his inclusion among the Top 50 Voices in VR, AR, and 3D (2022/2023) by Threedium UK, a testament to his tireless dedication to the field.

Arome's extensive speaking engagements include the Augmented World Expo Europe, Laval Virtual Paris, New Images Festival Paris, Immersive Global Summit, Global XR Conference, Games for Change Festival, and the WebXR Education Summit, where he discussed XR technology's transformative potential in education, business and social development.

Beyond his speaking engagements, Arome has received numerous awards, including the Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship in Impact Entrepreneurship and the Oasis Innovation Challenge Winner in the AR/VR category. He is a proud recipient of the THINC Fellowship Program, Electric South New Dimensions Lab Artists, and the Opportunities Hub 100 Most Influential Young People.

As a dynamic leader and an impact-driven changemaker, Arome continues to shape the XR landscape in Africa, leaving an indelible mark through his innovative projects, impactful initiatives, and commitment to empowering the next generation of XR creatives.

Arome is a Business Analyst, Immersive Technologist and the Executive Director of Immersive Tech Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing and increasing access to Extended Reality (XR) & Human -Centered AI technology across the Af... Show more

Aleya Harris

Aleya Harris

Aleya Harris, CPCE is the founder and CEO of Flourish Marketing, an agency dedicated to helping empire-building entrepreneurs and executive teams differentiate themselves through radically authentic messaging strategy and copywriting. She believes that every leader has the potential to transform into a legend. She uses her proprietary Flourishing Empire Framework to help her clients and audience get real, get clear, and get connected so they can stand out from the crowd and stand in a league of their own.

Her framework combines energy alignment and business strategy to build a flourishing empire. Gone are the days of compartmentalization and cookie-cutter marketing. To reach the discerning audiences of today and the future, you and your business must dive more deeply to become radically authentic. Then, you need to infuse that radical authenticity into your
messaging platform and marketing assets.

Aleya combines her StoryBrand Guide and NES Health BioEnergetic Business Coach certifications to look at problems from a holistic perspective and work simultaneously on improving the wellness of her clients’ mindset, energy fields, and business strategy. Always with a keen eye on ROI, Aleya helps clients fast track their growth through intuition, science-based systems, and business savvy strategies that allow them to build their empire and establish a legacy for generations to come.

Aleya is a regular guest on the Marketing Made Simple podcast, a featured presenter in StoryBrand’s Business Made Simple course platform, and has been featured in Thrive Global, Authority Magazine, and Special Events. A recent “Speaker of the Year” award winner, Aleya has been a guest on over 125 podcasts and rocked over 100 stages where she edutained her audience with her business acumen and energetic personality.

Aleya Harris, CPCE is the founder and CEO of Flourish Marketing, an agency dedicated to helping empire-building entrepreneurs and executive teams differentiate themselves through radically authentic messaging strategy and copywriting. She believes ... Show more

Michelangelo Capraro

Michelangelo Capraro

I'm an Experience Design Architect working on the user experience of Autodesk APIs. We call this APIX. I've been a designer and coder for over 25 years, and have always believed strongly that designers can design and build anything they put their curious minds to. Curiosity has lead me through many design adventures designing online games, operating systems, medical devices, cloud APIs, virtual reality experiences, and several indoor theme parks. Throughout my career, I've enjoyed combining my love of design and code to make things come to life - whether on the screen, in your hand, or as a spatial experience all around you. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an amazing organization helping to create delightful experiences for developers inside and outside of Autodesk.

I'm an Experience Design Architect working on the user experience of Autodesk APIs. We call this APIX. I've been a designer and coder for over 25 years, and have always believed strongly that designers can design and build anything they put their cur... Show more

David Poindexter

David Poindexter

David is the CEO of nvisionative, Inc. nvisionative is a Creative Marketing and App Development agency located in Mooresville, North Carolina. David has been an active member of the DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) community since its inception. His early development of popular iBuySpy modules made a perfect segue into the iBuySpy Workshop and subsequently the DotNetNuke world. David is a proud and active DNN MVP. His open-source contributions are staples in nearly every DNNer's tool belt, and he serves as one of just a select few Git Approvers for the DNN open source project itself. David has played a key role in organizing DNN community meetups, events, and conferences across the United States and Europe, including DNNCon, DNN Summit, DNN Connect, Southern Fried DNN, and more. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for DNN Connect. He previously served on the Board of Directors for DNN Association, the organization responsible for DNN Summit. David is also the DNN Strategy Lead.

David is the CEO of nvisionative, Inc. nvisionative is a Creative Marketing and App Development agency located in Mooresville, North Carolina. David has been an active member of the DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) community since its inception. His early d... Show more

Jose Ardila

Jose Ardila

As Americas Lead at GSIC powered by Microsoft, Jose leads the organization’s strategy, partnerships, and member engagement across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, helping expand GSIC’s footprint and strengthen its position as a global connector within the sports technology ecosystem.

GSIC – Global Sports Innovation Center is a global platform that brings together sports organizations, technology companies, startups, and institutions to accelerate digital transformation through collaboration, research, and curated business development. In his role, Jose focuses on identifying high-potential organizations, building strategic partnerships, and creating meaningful connections that translate into tangible business outcomes.

His work sits at the intersection of sports, technology, and business. He collaborates with leagues, clubs, federations, and global brands to navigate innovation, adopt emerging technologies, and unlock new revenue streams through data, AI, and digital solutions.

Prior to GSIC, Jose built a diverse background across consulting, business development, and entrepreneurship, with experience at Accenture, Procter & Gamble, and in investment banking. He also founded and led ventures in the sports space, bringing an operator’s perspective to growth and execution.

He is currently a candidate for the Master’s in Football Business at the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona and holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia.

As Americas Lead at GSIC powered by Microsoft, Jose leads the organization’s strategy, partnerships, and member engagement across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, helping expand GSIC’s footprint and strengthen its position as a global co... Show more

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