Cat Karow is the Founder & CEO of ZoraSafe, a zero-trust cybersecurity platform built to protect the most targeted (and most overlooked) users online: seniors, kids, and everyday people navigating a world of AI-driven scams and digital manipulation. After two decades building complex, high-impact systems for others, Cat is now building something that hits close to home: real-time protection with human-first design.

Cat led product at Apple, ran U.S. ops for McLaren F1, and secured systems for the White House. She scaled HiPerGator, built enterprise tools for Fortune 100s, and now heads Tech Ops at GuidePoint Security. She's a founding member of Hack The Box and Women in HPC.

But despite the prestige, Cat’s proudest work isn’t behind firewalls, it’s in the living rooms of people who never had protection in the first place. ZoraSafe is her answer to the digital threat crisis: an AI-powered platform that doesn't just detect scams, but teaches users how to defend themselves in real time. Think scam detection meets Duolingo (with teeth).

A disabled, self-taught technologist who built her career without a degree, Cat blends elite experience with unshakable grit. She’s not just here to talk about security—she’s here to rewire how we think about it.

Cat Karow is the Founder & CEO of ZoraSafe, a zero-trust cybersecurity platform built to protect the most targeted (and most overlooked) users online: seniors, kids, and everyday people navigating a world of AI-driven scams and digital manipulation. ... Show more

Chicago-based and proudly a natural creature of winter, I thrive on snow, OSS, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether sipping Grand Mayan Extra Añejo or warding off cyber threats with a mix of honeypots, magic spells, and a very opinionated flamingo named Sasha (the BSidesChicago.org mascot), I keep things interesting. Honeypots and refrigerators rank among my favorite things—though my neighbors would likely disagree.

Chicago-based and proudly a natural creature of winter, I thrive on snow, OSS, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether sipping Grand Mayan Extra Añejo or warding off cyber threats with a mix of honeypots, magic spells, and a very opinionated flam... Show more

Brian Sam-Bodden is a Principal Applied AI Engineer at Redis as well as an author, instructor, speaker, developer advocate, open-source contributor, and Java Champion who has spent over thirty years crafting software systems. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University in computer science and physics and a Master's in Data Science from Harvard. Brian is a frequent speaker at user groups and conferences nationally and abroad and is the author of “Beginning POJOs”, co-author of the “Enterprise Java Development on a Budget”, and a contributor to O'Reilly's “97 Things Every Project Manager Should Know”.

Brian Sam-Bodden is a Principal Applied AI Engineer at Redis as well as an author, instructor, speaker, developer advocate, open-source contributor, and Java Champion who has spent over thirty years crafting software systems. He holds dual bachelor’s... Show more

Sohan is a Lead Developer Advocate at AuthZed, based in the Netherlands. He started his career as a developer building mobile apps and has been living in the cloud since 2013, in companies such as Amazon, Fermyon and Gupshup. He is also an O' Reilly author, having created a course on Cloud Concepts for Everyone. He has always been interested in emerging technologies and how it shapes the world around us.

His interests outside work include visual arts, trivia, and playing frisbee.

Sohan is a Lead Developer Advocate at AuthZed, based in the Netherlands. He started his career as a developer building mobile apps and has been living in the cloud since 2013, in companies such as Amazon, Fermyon and Gupshup. He is also an O' Reilly ... Show more

Marco Gonzalez, a Senior Software Engineer at Red Hat, brings over 13 years of international experience designing and integrating 3G, 4G, and 5G networks worldwide. A US patent creator and sought-after international speaker, he's a recognized subject matter expert in Telco Automation. His contributions include strategic and innovative roles in critical projects for Network Design and 5G Core Automation. Marco is also an AWS Community Builder focusing on Network & Content Delivery topics and is currently advancing his expertise with a second Master's degree in Applied AI.

Marco Gonzalez, a Senior Software Engineer at Red Hat, brings over 13 years of international experience designing and integrating 3G, 4G, and 5G networks worldwide. A US patent creator and sought-after international speaker, he's a recognized subject... Show more

I'm Mati Armándola, an Information Security leader with over 20 years of experience in technology and more than a decade dedicated exclusively to asset protection, regulatory compliance, and organizational culture.

I have led teams and projects in companies with regional reach and have participated as an international speaker at conferences such as Ekoparty, DevOpsDays, Nerdearla, and DEF CON, addressing topics such as offensive security, awareness, applied AI, and governance.

In addition to my work as a teacher at various institutions and educational platforms, training the next generation of professionals in security, cloud computing, and leadership.

My motto is LEAD – TEACH – PROTECT

I'm Mati Armándola, an Information Security leader with over 20 years of experience in technology and more than a decade dedicated exclusively to asset protection, regulatory compliance, and organizational culture. I have led teams and projects in... Show more

Bram de Jager is a seasoned professional with a passion for architecting robust solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem. His expertise lies at the intersection of Data Security & Compliance and Information Management in the Microsoft 365 environment. Bram’s commitment to excellence has earned him the prestigious Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) certification, a testament to his deep technical knowledge and practical experience.

As a Microsoft 365 & Security Architect at Advice Matters, Bram leverages his expertise to design and implement secure and efficient Microsoft 365 solutions. Whether it’s configuring compliance features, managing identities, or safeguarding sensitive data, Bram ensures organizations can harness the full potential of Microsoft’s productivity suite and helps navigate their cloud journey.

His dedication to enhancing data security and protection within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem makes him an invaluable asset to organizations seeking to thrive in the digital age.

Bram’s commitment extends beyond technical excellence. He actively contributes to the community as a Microsoft MVP, sharing insights, best practices, and real-world experiences through conferences, webinars, and blog posts. He is active as a board member of two user groups in The Netherlands: the DIWUG and DSSCC. His passion for continuous learning and knowledge dissemination makes him a sought-after speaker at industry events.

When not immersed in technology, Bram enjoys exploring Europe with the family, workout at the gym or play tennis, and savoring a good cup of coffee.

Connect with Bram on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest endeavors and insights.

Bram de Jager is a seasoned professional with a passion for architecting robust solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem. His expertise lies at the intersection of Data Security & Compliance and Information Management in the Microsoft 365 environment... Show more

Dr. Quentin Reul is an AI Strategy & Innovation Executive who bridges the gap between high-level business goals and deep technical implementation. As a Director of AI Strategy & Solutions at expert.ai, he specializes in the convergence of Generative AI, Knowledge Graphs, and Agentic Workflows. His focus is moving companies beyond "PoC Purgatory" into production-grade systems that deliver measurable ROI.

Unlike traditional strategists, he remains deeply hands-on, continuously prototyping with emerging AI research to stress-test its real-world impact. He doesn't just advocate for AI; he builds the technical roadmaps that translate the latest lab breakthroughs into safe, scalable, and high-value enterprise solutions.

Dr. Quentin Reul is an AI Strategy & Innovation Executive who bridges the gap between high-level business goals and deep technical implementation. As a Director of AI Strategy & Solutions at expert.ai, he specializes in the convergence of Generative ... Show more

Lavoro da quasi 30 anni nel mondo dell’Information Technology e ho avuto la fortuna di vivere l’importante evoluzione che questo splendido settore ha avuto.
Attualmente sono Technical Account Manager e Senior Cloud Architect in PA Expertise, Alveo S.p.A.
A inizio 2025 sono diventato Microsoft MVP nelle categorie Azure Compute Infrastructure e Azure Hybrid & Migration.

Lavoro da quasi 30 anni nel mondo dell’Information Technology e ho avuto la fortuna di vivere l’importante evoluzione che questo splendido settore ha avuto. Attualmente sono Technical Account Manager e Senior Cloud Architect in PA Expertise, Alveo S... Show more

Bunmi Akinremi operates at the convergence of rigorous academic research and industrial-scale engineering. As a Machine Learning Engineer at Kochava, she architects production-grade pipelines that drive decision-making in the advertising technology space. Simultaneously, as an incoming Research Intern at EPFL, she explores the frontiers of Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Generative AI, focusing on how theoretical advancements can solve complex, real-world problems.

Previously, Bunmi engineered the first GenAI-powered fact-checking platform for CJID, leveraging Large Language Models to combat misinformation in journalism. Her technical breadth spans from designing open-source RL platforms to optimizing timeseries data interpolation for cohort analysis.

Beyond the code, Bunmi is a recognised voice in the global AI community. She serves as a technical reviewer for workshops at top-tier conferences, including ICLR and ECCV, and actively builds capacity for the next generation of researchers through Deep Learning Indaba and the Women in Data Science community.

Bunmi Akinremi operates at the convergence of rigorous academic research and industrial-scale engineering. As a Machine Learning Engineer at Kochava, she architects production-grade pipelines that drive decision-making in the advertising technology s... Show more

Aamiruddin Syed is a Cybersecurity Professional with over a decade of experience specializing in DevSecOps, Shift-Left Security, Cloud Security, and Internal Penetration Testing. He is the OWASP Agentic AI Supply Chain Project Co-Lead and active contributor to the CSA Agentic AI initiative.
He authored Supply Chain Software Security – AI, IoT, Application Security (Apress/Springer) and has deep expertise in automating security in CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and cloud hardening. He routinely conducts internal security assessments of critical systems and is known for bridging the gap between security and engineering teams to embed security directly into products.
As recognized advocate for secure development, he is a frequent speaker and session chair at leading industry conferences including RSA Conference, DEFCON, and Black Hat. In 2024, he was honored with the Impact Award for Professional Excellence in Dubai.

Aamiruddin Syed is a Cybersecurity Professional with over a decade of experience specializing in DevSecOps, Shift-Left Security, Cloud Security, and Internal Penetration Testing. He is the OWASP Agentic AI Supply Chain Project Co-Lead and active cont... Show more

Andrew Poole has been writing code for a living since 2005, most recently as a Senior Backend Engineer at Flagstone, and ClearBank before that. He loves solving problems, design and architecture, communicating ideas and the incredible creativity of software engineering. He’s interested in event sourcing, immutable architecture and distributed systems. He also enjoy mentoring others and building great team culture. He has previously been a successful team lead, but what really drives him is striving to write elegant, intentional code which is easy to understand and maintain. He absolutely loves C# and only really dabbles in other languages in order to write better C#. Outside of work Andrew is a husband and father of 2 who enjoys making music, especially playing bass guitar and making things in his shed.

Andrew Poole has been writing code for a living since 2005, most recently as a Senior Backend Engineer at Flagstone, and ClearBank before that. He loves solving problems, design and architecture, communicating ideas and the incredible creativity of s... Show more

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and social engineer whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity, guiding insight from discovery through decision and into action in ways that hold under real-world conditions.

Rooted in social innovation, Kimasia brings a rare blend of creative human-centered insight and rigorous structure to change enablement. Her work centers on preserving meaning under pressure, designing for adoption, and strengthening how understanding moves across strategy, technology, governance, and execution. She is known for developing original frameworks that help teams communicate complexity, align across disciplines, and sustain transformation within the complexity of society.

Through her consulting practice, Kimasia partners with organizations, institutions, and leaders to support thoughtful, resilient change. She also leads a social enterprise dedicated to translating complex social and organizational dynamics into accessible, actionable understanding that empowers individuals, teams, and communities. Grounded in empathy, systems awareness, and deep analytical discipline, Kimasia’s work reflects a core belief that meaningful change emerges when human insight and structured analysis work together.

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and social engineer whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate... Show more

CTO and Technology Executive with over 28 years of experience driving digital transformation across diverse industries including Telco, Healthcare, Banking, Startups, and Digital Marketing. I specialize in designing and delivering mission-critical cloud solutions for organizations across Latin America, leading high-performing teams in complex environments. Recognized as a Microsoft Regional Director and AWS Ambassador, I have deep expertise in cloud architecture, DevOps, and responsible AI-driven transformation within both the Microsoft and AWS ecosystems. A frequent speaker at industry conferences and a mentor, I am passionate about empowering professionals by sharing knowledge and real-world experiences. I work closely with organizations to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, helping them leverage automation, machine learning, and intelligent platforms to create long-term value, drive innovation, and deliver measurable business impact.

Talk to me about: PaaS, Cloud Computing, IoT, DevOps, Robotics, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Blockchain, Cloud Operations
Https://ricardogonzalez.me

CTO and Technology Executive with over 28 years of experience driving digital transformation across diverse industries including Telco, Healthcare, Banking, Startups, and Digital Marketing. I specialize in designing and delivering mission-critical cl... Show more

Madona S. Wambua is a Google Developer Expert for Android, an Author, and a Keynote Speaker with over a decade of experience in software engineering. She also serves as a Women Techmakers Ambassador and AnitaB.org Co-Chair, where she advocates for diversity and inclusion in technology. Madona hosts the podcast Tech Talks with Madona and is passionate about sharing her Android expertise, teaching others how to build impactful mobile applications, and inspiring the next generation of developers.

Madona S. Wambua is a Google Developer Expert for Android, an Author, and a Keynote Speaker with over a decade of experience in software engineering. She also serves as a Women Techmakers Ambassador and AnitaB.org Co-Chair, where she advocates for di... Show more

I’m a tech entrepreneur and AI builder based in Zurich, where strategy meets code.
After 18 years in executive banking, I taught myself Python and transitioned from managing large organizations to building AI systems that run on logic, not hierarchy. Over the past three years, I’ve delivered more than 20 AI projects across healthcare, banking, industrial automation, and customer experience - designing solutions that actually survive contact with reality.

My mission is to build client-centric AI factories - scalable agentic systems that transform how businesses operate, scale, and compete. I focus on practical AI engineering: modular architectures, automation orchestration, and measurable ROI.

On stage, I talk about what happens when AI leaves the lab — the financial bubble, the architecture of resilient AI systems, client-centric implementation, and hard-earned lessons from real AI failures.

I bridge strategy and execution - turning AI potential into reliable, auditable business systems that deliver beyond the demo.

I’m a tech entrepreneur and AI builder based in Zurich, where strategy meets code. After 18 years in executive banking, I taught myself Python and transitioned from managing large organizations to building AI systems that run on logic, not hierarchy... Show more

Mathew Caplan is Head of International Professional Services and a Security Advisor for Orange Cyberdefense based in London, England. He is a highly experienced cybersecurity specialist with over 25 years in the field and a proven record in the implementation of information risk management processes.

As a recognised trusted advisor, Mathew has helped many businesses with cybersecurity strategy, governance, process and policy. He works in the Orange Group on many international projects being the go-to guy on security and compliance matters and enjoys finding sustainable solutions to challenging problems.

Mathew loves music, movies, and cats and wherever possible will combine his audio-visual skills to simplify complex topics and breathe life into cybersecurity.

Mathew Caplan is Head of International Professional Services and a Security Advisor for Orange Cyberdefense based in London, England. He is a highly experienced cybersecurity specialist with over 25 years in the field and a proven record in the imple... Show more

My career in information technology spans over many decades, involving a vast array of technologies and solutions. I am very passionate about cutting edge technology, solutions, and knowledge sharing. I have been awarded prestigious community contribution awards such as a dual category Microsoft MVP for Cloud and Datacenter Management and PowerShell, as well as a VMware vExpert and VMware User Group Leader. I am an international speaker at technical conferences, organizations, and user groups.

My career in information technology spans over many decades, involving a vast array of technologies and solutions. I am very passionate about cutting edge technology, solutions, and knowledge sharing. I have been awarded prestigious community contrib... Show more

With a passion for innovative design and a keen eye for detail, I specialize in transforming complex ideas into beautifully simple visuals and seamless digital experiences. My work bridges the worlds of creative design and digital workplace strategy, helping brands not only tell compelling stories but also collaborate and communicate more effectively across platforms.

As a certified Registered Graphic Designer (RGD), I bring a dual focus to my professional services: visual storytelling and digital transformation. On the creative side, I lead content development, oversee brand management, and ensure cross-platform consistency across digital and print media. On the consulting side, I help organizations unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365, leveraging tools like SharePoint, Viva, Copilot and Teams to build connected, collaborative, and user-centered digital workplaces.

Whether I’m designing a brand identity or architecting a SharePoint intranet, my goal is the same: to create experiences that resonate, engage, and drive results. I thrive on collaboration with cross-functional teams, integrating diverse perspectives to deliver solutions that are as strategic as they are visually impactful.

What I love most is the opportunity to blend creativity with functionality. Crafting designs and digital environments that not only look great but also empower people to work smarter and communicate better.

With a passion for innovative design and a keen eye for detail, I specialize in transforming complex ideas into beautifully simple visuals and seamless digital experiences. My work bridges the worlds of creative design and digital workplace strategy,... Show more

Business continuity, infrastructure, virtualization, and cloud expert, author, bass player, Styxologist, former Microsoft MVP as well as VMware vExpert, and SQLHA founder Allan Hirt has been working with SQL Server as well as clustering in Windows Server for far too long. He currently works for Microsoft as a Principal Technical Program Manager. He loves to travel the world to empower people through sharing his knowledge.

Business continuity, infrastructure, virtualization, and cloud expert, author, bass player, Styxologist, former Microsoft MVP as well as VMware vExpert, and SQLHA founder Allan Hirt has been working with SQL Server as well as clustering in Windows Se... Show more

Espen is a developer and architect with over 25 years of experience. He has worked on everything from embedded systems, electronics and games to large scale cloud applications. He is as full-stack as they come. Espen started coding at age six on a C64, and has been cranking out software ever since.

He served as the principal architect, tech lead and lead security
engineer on the compensation scheme for Covid-19 suffering
businesses released by the Norwegian government.

Espen was the Senior VP of Technology Exploration for DNB in San Fransisco and is currently doing technology and security research in DNB NewTechLab.

Espen is a developer and architect with over 25 years of experience. He has worked on everything from embedded systems, electronics and games to large scale cloud applications. He is as full-stack as they come. Espen started coding at age six on a C6... Show more

I'm a software engineer that dabbles in data science, as well as an open source & sustainability enthusiast.

My interests range from Data & AI, from traditional ML through to Agentic AI, having been a Microsoft MVP in AI for three years (prior to the LLM boom!), to composable apps and CodeOps.

In terms of open source communities, I'm the Vice-Chair of the Green Software Foundation, and I'm a leader at OpenUK.

Finally, I lead Platforms and Incubations at Avanade, covering the development of new services, and the adoption of new technologies and capabilities.

I'm a software engineer that dabbles in data science, as well as an open source & sustainability enthusiast. My interests range from Data & AI, from traditional ML through to Agentic AI, having been a Microsoft MVP in AI for three years (prior to ... Show more

Courtney Yatteau is a Developer Advocate on Esri's Developer Experience Team, where she helps developers build better web applications with modern JavaScript tools, libraries, and mapping technology. Before Esri, she taught computer science and mathematics, which shaped her approach to making technical concepts clear, approachable, and visual.

Courtney Yatteau is a Developer Advocate on Esri's Developer Experience Team, where she helps developers build better web applications with modern JavaScript tools, libraries, and mapping technology. Before Esri, she taught computer science and mathe... Show more

Rory is a senior advocate for Datadog who has extensive experience with Cyber security and Cloud native computing. In addition to his work as a security reviewer and architect on containerization technologies like Kubernetes and Docker he has presented at Kubecon EU and NA, as well as a number of other cloud native and security conferences. He is one of the main authors of the CIS benchmarks for Docker and Kubernetes, a published author on the topic of Cloud Native Security and member of Kubernetes SIG-Security. When he's not working, Rory can generally be found out walking and enjoying the scenery of the Scottish highlands.

Rory is a senior advocate for Datadog who has extensive experience with Cyber security and Cloud native computing. In addition to his work as a security reviewer and architect on containerization technologies like Kubernetes and Docker he has present... Show more

Community lover and Ambassador of enthusiasm. In 2017 I began my journey within tech communities, becoming an active organizer of various communities such as Google Developers Group Turin and Trento, ngRome, Flutter EXP, Italian Community Managers Summmit and DInA Tech Hub. 

From a passion, community management has become my full-time job with GrUSP since 2020 in which I have organized around fifteen events a year on various programming languages ​​and coordinating the activities of 12 PUG communities at a national level.

I am currently Community Program Manager Europe in Codemotion and in my free time lead in GDG Bari, WTM Ambassador, lead of the TEDxCuneo partnership team and tourism councilor of the municipality of Cissone.

I love the world of conferences and public speaking, I always try to make everything I have learned in my journey available at the events in which I participate.

Diversity, community, growth and sharing are the values ​​on which I base my projects which I always carry forward with great enthusiasm and energy.

Here are more info about me: https://bit.ly/pantarei-mb

Community lover and Ambassador of enthusiasm. In 2017 I began my journey within tech communities, becoming an active organizer of various communities such as Google Developers Group Turin and Trento, ngRome, Flutter EXP, Italian Community Managers Su... Show more

With 20 years of experience in web development, usability, and accessibility, Karl Groves is widely regarded as a pragmatic solution-finder and thought leader in the accessibility industry. In his role as accessibility consultant at AFixt, Karl focuses on pragmatic and efficient ways of improving the accessibility of websites and software.

With 20 years of experience in web development, usability, and accessibility, Karl Groves is widely regarded as a pragmatic solution-finder and thought leader in the accessibility industry. In his role as accessibility consultant at AFixt, Karl focus... Show more

Microsoft, Databricks (Spark) and Terraform (HashiCorp) certified consultant with over 15+ years’ technical experience.

Specialising in Business Intelligence, Azure Cloud and Power Platform, with extensive experience on delivering end-to-end cloud solutions across a wide range of industries.

I am a data, cloud & DevOps enthusiast with a passionate for automation and like sharing knowledge with the data community.

I enjoy running, swimming, football and learning new technologies.

Microsoft, Databricks (Spark) and Terraform (HashiCorp) certified consultant with over 15+ years’ technical experience. Specialising in Business Intelligence, Azure Cloud and Power Platform, with extensive experience on delivering end-to-end cloud... Show more

David Gardiner has been creating software for over 25 years. He has a passion for continual learning and improving quality, and enjoys being in and creating environments where these happen. A Microsoft MVP (Development Technologies), he runs the Adelaide .NET User Group and is on the organising team for DDD Adelaide developer conference.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he works as a Senior Developer at SixPivot. In his spare time he contributes to numerous open source projects (including some of his own), and is a package moderator at Chocolatey.org

He blogs at https://david.gardiner.net.au/ and can be found at https://mastodon.online/@DavidRGardiner and https://bsky.app/profile/david.gardiner.net.au

David Gardiner has been creating software for over 25 years. He has a passion for continual learning and improving quality, and enjoys being in and creating environments where these happen. A Microsoft MVP (Development Technologies), he runs the Adel... Show more

Loiane Groner is a Java Champion, Angular GDE, Microsoft MVP, Oracle ACE with over 18 years of experience and a Director at BNY. In her spare time, she loves contributing to the community, and she publishes tech videos on Youtube and creates free programming courses at https://loiane.training.

Loiane Groner is a Java Champion, Angular GDE, Microsoft MVP, Oracle ACE with over 18 years of experience and a Director at BNY. In her spare time, she loves contributing to the community, and she publishes tech videos on Youtube and creates free pro... Show more

Luce Carter is a proudly neurodiverse Microsoft MVP, Contentful Developer Hero, author and Developer Advocate for MongoDB, based in Manchester, England.

When not reading, playing squash, or learning something new, she speaks around the world at user groups and conferences on MongoDB, .NET, Mental Health and Productivity, creates YouTube videos, streams on Twitch occasionally and writes on her blog. Follow Luce on Twitter @LuceCarter1 and also her Blog at lucecarter.co.uk.

Luce Carter is a proudly neurodiverse Microsoft MVP, Contentful Developer Hero, author and Developer Advocate for MongoDB, based in Manchester, England. When not reading, playing squash, or learning something new, she speaks around the world at us... Show more