Eugene Willis Jr. is an Application Analyst, Red Hat Systems Administrator, and Helpdesk professional who built his career in tech from the ground up. Starting without a formal background, he worked his way from support roles into managing Red Hat systems and higher education applications. With degrees in Business and Marketing, Eugene blends technical expertise with creative strategy to solve real-world problems. Outside of tech, he’s a touring emcee and author who enjoys mentoring others and helping them carve out their own path forward.

Eugene Willis Jr. is an Application Analyst, Red Hat Systems Administrator, and Helpdesk professional who built his career in tech from the ground up. Starting without a formal background, he worked his way from support roles into managing Red Hat sy... Show more

Nathaniel Nunes is a developer, musician, and professional broadcaster. He currently works as a Software Developer at ClerksWell, specializing in Umbraco CMS, pragmatic API design, and modern web frameworks.

This is his spot on the web for posts, projects, experiments, notes, and everything else. Nathaniel loves documenting and sharing what he learns — whether through code, demos, or teaching sessions. His talks focus on making technical concepts approachable, showing practical workflows, and helping others build with confidence.

He enjoys connecting with the community and encourages people to reach out via his social handles to say hi.

Nathaniel Nunes is a developer, musician, and professional broadcaster. He currently works as a Software Developer at ClerksWell, specializing in Umbraco CMS, pragmatic API design, and modern web frameworks. This is his spot on the web for posts, ... Show more

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

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

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

Collette helps businesses translate how people strategy directly underpins business strategy. Crucially how to engage the potential 90% of your team who, according to Gallop, are disengaged and increasingly unhappy. Collette she's a neuroscience informed practitioner, fixing engagement is not easy - but it is not as hard that you'd imagine.

Employee engagement is at a crisis low and it is probably silently killing your businesses - if your average employee paid to work 37.5 hours a week - an average you might be getting less than 4 hours a week from them.

We can cut through the noise and talk openly and honestly about human operating systems that help build high-performing teams and joyous workplaces (remote or other) based upon the combined strengths your people are today, not continuing being suffocated by environments and ways of working that were built for a imaginary human being that doesn't even exist!

Collette combines 25 years in digital marketing space, 15 in leadership including an CEO role; with her accredited Leadership coaching qualification (AC) + qualified neuroscience for change practitioner (APMG), making her uniquely qualified to help your teams, help themselves and your businesses thrive again.

Collette helps businesses translate how people strategy directly underpins business strategy. Crucially how to engage the potential 90% of your team who, according to Gallop, are disengaged and increasingly unhappy. Collette she's a neuroscience info... Show more

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

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

Joe Ruiz is a journalist and advocate for mental health and diversity in newsrooms.

He recently finished the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University, and was previously managing editor at CBS News and a senior editor at CNN Politics.

In 2010, Ruiz was part of the Seattle Times team that won the Pulitzer Prize. He currently serves on the board of directors at the San Antonio Report, the board of advisors at Vita Activa, and is a past vice president of NAHJ.

Joe Ruiz is a journalist and advocate for mental health and diversity in newsrooms. He recently finished the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University, and was previously managing editor at CBS News and a senior editor at CNN Pol... Show more

With two decades of professional experience, my expertise in digital marketing and neuromarketing has been the cornerstone of my success. At La de Rojo Marketing & Talks, I have honed key skills in applied neuroscience and sensory marketing, consistently seeking creative solutions to drive growth and increase sales for the brands I collaborate with.

My passion for continuous learning and innovation is evident in every project and strategy I design, as my team and I work to maximize the impact of our digital campaigns and events, helping our clients achieve their business goals and strengthen their market presence. Additionally, I am the author of "STIMMA," a book on self-love and personal branding for success.

As a motivational, energetic, and charismatic speaker, I am dedicated to educating and entertaining your audience, ensuring they leave inspired and informed.

With two decades of professional experience, my expertise in digital marketing and neuromarketing has been the cornerstone of my success. At La de Rojo Marketing & Talks, I have honed key skills in applied neuroscience and sensory marketing, consiste... Show more

Advancing the state-of-the-art by bringing radical creativity and innovation to the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, software, cybersecurity, and real-time streaming data at scale in the Joint All-Domain (JADO/JADC2) battlespace.

Specializes in massively scaled, fully autonomous, all-domain swarm warfare ( UxS ).

Cohost of one of the world’s most popular and longest running AI podcasts. Making artificial intelligence practical, productive, and accessible to everyone.

Advancing the state-of-the-art by bringing radical creativity and innovation to the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, software, cybersecurity, and real-time streaming data at scale in the Joint All-Domain (JADO/JADC2) battlespace. ... Show more

KAMPIRE NADINE Temba is Congolese young Lawyer, she is the cofounder and the coordinator at Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs a community based online media outlet which provides news and educational contents on health, peace, natural disaster management and fight against fake news, disinformation and hate speech online for the communities of the Great Lakes countries, she is based in Goma in the North province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Before founding AFIA-AMANI Grands Lacs, she served as media consultant for many regional and international organizations such as INTERNEWS which have been operating in Eastern DRC.
She is among the first intake of East African women fellow at Media Defence (a UK based Ngos’which trained lawyers to advance digital rights and Technology law through strategic litigation and provide support and legal assistance to journalists, bloggers and independent Media), where she was a 2022 Fellow. She is a 2023 and 2025 CIPESA fellow and digital security trainer.
She has a particular interest in Human rights and Digital Rights with a special focus on Freedom of expression, Tech & Internet governance, regulation and Policy, digitat inclusion and digital transformation.

KAMPIRE NADINE Temba is Congolese young Lawyer, she is the cofounder and the coordinator at Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs a community based online media outlet which provides news and educational contents on health, peace, natural disaster management and fi... Show more

Eraina Ferguson is a special needs advocate, journalist, and TEDx event curator, and TEDx speaker. Her company, My Good Life, enables families of children with special needs to live their best life despite their circumstances. Her recent monologue, Listen to Her, was read by actress Marla Gibbs and featured at the WACO Theatre’s 50in50 event. Her writing has been featured on NBC Universal, Red Tricycle, LA Parents Magazine, and the LA Times. Eraina lives in California with her husband and children.

Eraina Ferguson is a special needs advocate, journalist, and TEDx event curator, and TEDx speaker. Her company, My Good Life, enables families of children with special needs to live their best life despite their circumstances. Her recent monologue, L... Show more

Daniel Bron is a builder, operator, and researcher focused on turning complex technology into real, valuable companies. An entrepreneur from an early age, he launched his first venture at 12 and has since built and scaled multiple businesses across marketing, design, development, fintech, and emerging technology.

Today, Daniel leads Fulcrum and Superposition Capital, where he works across research-led strategic advisory and investment. His work centers on understanding how systems actually function, identifying where leverage exists, and helping turn ambitious ideas into businesses, infrastructure, and execution that hold up in the real world.

Daniel has advised major brands and public institutions, including DeLorean and Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, and has spoken at the Javits Center in New York and the LA Convention Center. His edge is a combination of first-principles thinking, operational discipline, and the ability to move from insight to execution in complex, high-stakes environments.

Daniel Bron is a builder, operator, and researcher focused on turning complex technology into real, valuable companies. An entrepreneur from an early age, he launched his first venture at 12 and has since built and scaled multiple businesses across m... Show more

An award-winning bilingual journalist, TV personality, mom, speaker and Latina content creator featured on Good Morning America, Today, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and other shows, Jeannette Kaplun is the founder of bilingual lifestyle magazine Hispana Global, where she offers inspiration, tips and information in English and Spanish. Previously she cofounded multimedia parenting company Todobebé and was one of the first Latina mom bloggers. She was a Special Advisor to The Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell and was included in the Forbes #Next1000 2021 list. Her latest venture is Midlife Elevated, which hosts workshops for women over 40. Find her on social media @jeannettekaplun.

An award-winning bilingual journalist, TV personality, mom, speaker and Latina content creator featured on Good Morning America, Today, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and other shows, Jeannette Kaplun is the founder of bilingual lifestyle... Show more

Founder of Clair, the media that turns AI information into decisions. For over 20 years, I worked with major brands : CHANEL Renault, Schneider Electric on their digital transformation at DDB, BETC and Publicis. On stage, I explore the complexity of AI and translate it for those who need to decide.

Founder of Clair, the media that turns AI information into decisions. For over 20 years, I worked with major brands : CHANEL Renault, Schneider Electric on their digital transformation at DDB, BETC and Publicis. On stage, I explore the complexity of ... Show more

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth.

Drawing from trauma-informed principles, psychology research, and lived experience, Char teaches leaders how the brain’s survival systems influence decision-making, leadership style, workplace culture, and long-term performance.

Her work focuses on helping professionals recognize when they are operating from “survival mode” and equipping them with practical strategies to shift into what she calls SurThrival Mode — a leadership framework centered on awareness, resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable impact.

Char’s work has resonated across leadership, wellness, and transformation spaces, where she speaks on topics including trauma-informed leadership, mindset transformation, resilience under pressure, and creating psychologically safe environments that allow people and organizations to thrive.

Through her speaking, coaching, and media platform, Char continues to lead transformative conversations that reshape leadership from the inside out.

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth. Drawing from trauma-info... Show more

Anca Platon Trifan is an AI strategist, technical producer, and founder of Tree-Fan Events Productions LLC. With over 20 years of experience in AV production, event technology, and systems design, she works at the intersection of software, operations, and human performance.

Her focus is practical AI integration. Not experimentation. Not surface-level prompt tricks. She helps business leaders and technical teams design structured AI workflows that reduce friction, compress decisions, and scale execution responsibly.

Anca leads AI workshops for enterprise teams, advises on automation and agent integration, and speaks internationally on strategic AI adoption. She also hosts the Top 5 industry podcast Events: Demystified, where she interviews founders and technologists building the future of intelligent systems.

Her approach blends technical precision with performance discipline through her #fit4events framework, emphasizing resilience, clarity, and execution under pressure.

Anca Platon Trifan is an AI strategist, technical producer, and founder of Tree-Fan Events Productions LLC. With over 20 years of experience in AV production, event technology, and systems design, she works at the intersection of software, operations... Show more

Scott Turman is an American technologist, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of BrightRay Publishing, a company that provides writing and publishing services for industry leaders. He is the host of the podcast Entrepreneurs, Executives, & Eccentrics.

Scott has authored or co-authored several books on business and technology, including Conversations That Convert: Why Your Company Needs a Podcast That Scales Your Brand and How to Build Your Brand with a Book.

Prior to founding BrightRay, Turman worked as a software engineer and technologist, designing cryptographic systems for organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Disney. He is based in Orlando, Florida.

Scott Turman is an American technologist, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of BrightRay Publishing, a company that provides writing and publishing services for industry leaders. He is the host of the podcast Entrepreneurs, Executiv... Show more

I show CMOs and Marketing Leaders how to build world-class creative firepower without the overhead.
Straight from someone who’s spent 25 years ‘on the tools’ and scaling global agencies.

Hi, I’m Dan Day 👋

A creative business leader and founder who thrives on building ideas, brands, and the people behind them.

After nearly a decade bootstrapping and scaling Invisible Artists from a single desk into a global production powerhouse (working with brands like Spotify, Facebook, and The Body Shop), I realised that the "new age" of digital asset creation requires a different approach: agility over ego.

Now, through The Guroos, I help challenger brands and marketing departments get noticed.

📣 Creative Operations for CMOs: Plugging in world-class content through web, design, film, and animation experts exactly when your internal team needs the boost.

📣 Strategy for Heads of Marketing & PR: Navigating the "new age" (AI) of digital assets—ensuring your content isn't just "made," but made to move the needle.

📣 Support for Fractional Leaders: Acting as your dedicated creative arm so you can deliver big-agency results without the big-agency headcount.

📣 The Guroos Collective: Access to my hand-picked network of high-performing thinkers, makers, and doers in brand, design, and motion.

My career started in 1999 at DDB, dubbing tapes and teaching myself to edit after hours. That "scrappy" start still defines my work ethic today: a belief that the best advertising blends raw craft with commercial impact.

If you’re a CMO or Marketing Leader ready to turn your content into a competitive advantage, let's talk.

📧 dan@theguroos.com
The Guroos: Good people. Doing good work. For good brands. 🚀

I show CMOs and Marketing Leaders how to build world-class creative firepower without the overhead. Straight from someone who’s spent 25 years ‘on the tools’ and scaling global agencies. Hi, I’m Dan Day 👋 A creative business leader and founde... Show more

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity.

Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived in seven different cities, Lolu has experienced first-hand the complexities of personal and professional transitions. Her journey from finance to change management consulting has taught her one crucial lesson: change is about people.

With an MBA from Imperial College London and 18+ years of experience in the Big 4 leading teams and working with multi-national clients, Lolu brings hands-on expertise in people-centred change management. Her practical, jargon-free approach has helped organisations across finance, retail, government, and media navigate change successfully by putting people at the heart of change.

Known for her engaging #LoluLessons across social media, Lolu makes change management accessible, actionable, and human.

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity. Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived ... Show more

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

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

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

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

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them.

Most recently, I led the architectural transition of a global online dating platform from legacy monoliths to .NET microservices with React frontends, while continuing to operate the existing JVM-based API platform serving over 1 billion interactions per month. I also introduced an AI-assisted software engineering program, integrating tools like Cursor and AI agents into team workflows. I lead distributed engineering teams, own DevOps pipelines, and bridge the gap between product strategy and technical execution.

My work spans hands-on development, system design, and team leadership, often all three simultaneously. I'm equally comfortable debugging a race condition in production, designing a multi-region deployment strategy, or mentoring engineers through a complex refactor.

I run my consulting practice through Ventego Creative, which has allowed me to work with organisations ranging from startups to enterprises including Vodafone, Citibank, Siemens, Cupid Media, Raygun, and DistroKid. I also maintain several open-source SDKs (Android, Flutter, Ruby, Python, Node) for Raygun's error tracking platform.

Beyond client work, I'm an active conference speaker (Droidcon, Android Makers, CFCamp, and others), a technology writer for European IT publications, and have been co-organising community meetup groups since the start of my career. I hold a Master's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and am currently pursuing a Master's in Data Science.

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them. Most recently, I led t... Show more

Josh Sanchez has been recognized as one of the Top Emerging Entrepreneurs by Forbes; The Culture. A Serial Entrepreneur Josh Sold his first company at 24. He has consulted for some of the biggest companies in the Silicon Slopes. His current entrepreneurial endeavor is DFRNT Media - that has garnered over +1,000,000,000 Views across all platforms for his clients' brands. He has produced 5 Podcasts in the Top 10% of Podcasts Globally with one peaking at Top 1% Globally.

Josh builds influence engines. Using video podcasting, media infrastructure, and storytelling systems, he helps founders, executives, and brands turn conversations into capital, authority, and long term leverage.
He is widely recognized for reframing media not as marketing—but as business infrastructure. Josh teaches leaders how to stop chasing attention and instead build owned media systems that compound trust, deal flow, and dominance.
Over the next era of creator and founder-led media, Josh is positioning as the definitive authority on video podcasting and clip-first media as a business acquisition engine.

Josh Sanchez has been recognized as one of the Top Emerging Entrepreneurs by Forbes; The Culture. A Serial Entrepreneur Josh Sold his first company at 24. He has consulted for some of the biggest companies in the Silicon Slopes. His current entrepren... Show more

Shirin is a thought leader, tech pioneer, and media innovator. As Founder of WhizGirls Academy and PlayWerks, she empowers young women to code, create, and lead with confidence. A TEDx speaker, USC professor, and award-winning visionary, Shirin inspires the next generation of innovators through technology, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.

Shirin is a thought leader, tech pioneer, and media innovator. As Founder of WhizGirls Academy and PlayWerks, she empowers young women to code, create, and lead with confidence. A TEDx speaker, USC professor, and award-winning visionary, Shirin inspi... Show more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable.

With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environments, Jasmine brings a grounded, real-world perspective to conversations about leadership, growth, and self-trust. Her work focuses on helping professionals move beyond burnout-driven definitions of success and toward careers that support clarity, consistency, and long-term fulfillment.

Jasmine speaks candidly about navigating career evolution in real time—making aligned decisions, releasing all-or-nothing thinking, and learning to lead without self-abandonment. Her talks blend storytelling with practical insight, offering audiences tools to grow intentionally while staying connected to their values.

She believes the most effective leaders aren’t the loudest or the busiest—but the ones who know how to sustain themselves as they build.

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable. With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environmen... Show more

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Entertainment, and more, and has interviewed talent including Michael B. Jordan, Halle Bailey, KeKe Palmer, and Edward Norton. Tatyana has hosted red carpets, live interviews, and panel discussions at major industry events and is known for her sharp cultural insight, engaging presence, and ability to lead dynamic conversations in live settings.

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Enter... Show more

Third generation funeral director, award winning journalist

Third generation funeral director, award winning journalist Show more

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "fix", but something to tend, honor, and integrate, her work invites more honest conversations about loss and life after it.

The GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast has surpassed 100 episodes and has received multiple recognitions, including Ear Worthy’s Best Independent Podcasts of 2026 (“Best Life Lessons”), TalkDeath’s Best of 2025 (Readers’ Choice, Best Podcast), a Women Who Podcast Award (2025), and a Women Podcasters Award nomination (2026).

An experienced and sought-after speaker, Nina presents on grief, grief literacy, resilience, sibling loss, and post-traumatic growth. She has spoken at the University of Miami, the Latinas in Podcasting Virtual Summit (2025), and at events co-created with Reimagine, including a three-part series exploring sibling loss, grief and podcasting, and accessible pathways to grief support. Her talks are known for blending emotional depth with practical insight, cultural fluency, and an unwavering respect for lived experience.

Nina’s work is deeply personal. After the sudden and unexpected death of her only sibling, Yosef, in 2019, she launched GRIEF AND LIGHT in 2023 as an honest exploration of grief, meaning-making, and growth after loss. Today, she serves as a grief-informed guide and space-holder, committed to helping individuals and communities live more fully in the “and”, where grief and joy coexist.

She leads the Get Griefy Small Business Collective Podcasters Network, supporting independent creators in building sustainable, grief-informed platforms, and has hosted Reimagine’s Room for Grief gathering on multiple occasions. Nina is also a member of RedBoxMe, a collaborative platform with Cartier at the intersection of philanthropy, art, leadership, and culture, where she brings grief literacy as a lens for connection, empathy, and dialogue.

Nina is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine, writes the Substack Resting Grief Face by Grief and Light, and is a co-author of Resilient A.F., Vol. 2: Stories of Resilience (2025). She is a graduate of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.

In addition to her grief-focused work, Nina brings over a decade of experience in communications, strategy, and sales across fintech, real estate, and higher education, infusing professionalism, empathy, and clarity into every room she enters.

Based in Southeast Florida, Nina welcomes aligned speaking engagements, collaborations, and conversations, virtually and in person.

Learn more via griefandlight.com

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "f... Show more

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and momentum across audiences. With a background in communications and storytelling, she blends mindset, clarity, and practical tools—including AI as a modern support system—to help people take action before they feel fully “ready.”

Her work speaks to students, entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizations navigating growth, self-belief, and execution at every stage. Through her signature message, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, Kharisma challenges audiences to think beyond limits, trust their voice, and turn bold vision into confident action.

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and mome... Show more

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