Muhammad Rashid is an Industrial PhD researcher at the University of Turin and RuleX Labs, focusing on Explainable AI and trustworthy computer vision. His research integrates interpretability and reliability in deep models for anomaly detection and human–robot interaction. With multiple publications in AAAI and XAI-World, he contributes to the EU project DistriMuSe, designing interpretable AI systems for industrial safety and transparent decision-making.

Muhammad Rashid is an Industrial PhD researcher at the University of Turin and RuleX Labs, focusing on Explainable AI and trustworthy computer vision. His research integrates interpretability and reliability in deep models for anomaly detection and h... Show more

Alexis Roig is the CEO of SciTech DiploHub, the world-leading think-and-do tank working at the intersection of science, technology, and foreign affairs, where he leads an international team of over 20 members committed to empowering science and technology to face global challenges.

He also serves in the pioneering role of Barcelona’s Chief Science and Tech Envoy, bringing the voice of evidence-based urban policies and innovations before the UN’s ECOSOC, UNESCO, UNFCCC, the United Nations Sustainable Solutions Network, the International Science Council, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the European Committee of the Regions, among other international organizations. He has over 15 years of experience as a Senior Advisor on Science Diplomacy and City Diplomacy for ministries of Foreign Affairs, Science, Research, and Education across Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

His academic roles include being a Professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), Associate Researcher at the Barcelona Centre for International Relations (CIDOB), Associate Professor at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), and the Barcelona Institute for International Studies (IBEI) and Associate Research Fellow at United Nations University (UNU-CRIS), where he works as part of the Regions and Cities Governance Lab in the fields of Science and Technology Diplomacy. Professor Roig is a founder and board member of numerous non-profits and think tanks on Public Diplomacy, Science Advice, and Innovation Policy.

Among other roles, he has served as an advisor to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation of the Government of Spain, and to the European Commission and the United States’ Department of State on their respective Science, Technology, and City Diplomacy strategies, and as Commissioner for International Affairs of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region strategic plan.

Alexis Roig has developed numerous policy reports, strategic plans, and training programs in Science Diplomacy for regional and national governments of the United States, Mexico, Chile, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, China, Korea, and Japan. He has taught in institutions such as Harvard University, Georgetown University, Sciences Po, CEIBS, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, and Johns Hopkins University, and in the last decade trained over 1,000 government officials from over 50 different nationalities.

He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, an MBA from EM Normandie Business School, a Postgraduate degree in Diplomacy from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, an Executive Diploma in Nonprofit Foundation Management, and has completed Executive Education programs in Leadership and Public Administration at ESADE and IESE. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan, and is continuously improving his proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

Alexis Roig is the CEO of SciTech DiploHub, the world-leading think-and-do tank working at the intersection of science, technology, and foreign affairs, where he leads an international team of over 20 members committed to empowering science and techn... Show more

Sheetal Kaul is a seasoned Senior SOC Design Engineer at Intel Corporation with over 10 years of specialized experience in digital IP and System-on-Chip (SOC) design. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, she has established herself as a leading expert in low-power design technologies and digital IC development.
Sheetal holds a Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Portland State University (2015), specializing in Digital IC Design, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Jammu, India (2006). Her strong academic foundation, reflected in her 3.78 GPA, has served as the cornerstone for her distinguished career in semiconductor design.
At Intel Corporation, where she has progressed through multiple engineering roles since 2015, Sheetal has made significant contributions to power optimization and SOC integration. Her expertise encompasses developing low-power features including Dynamic Frequency Scaling (DFS), Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS), and Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to improve Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) metrics. She has successfully designed FPGA acceleration platforms, implemented APB protocol specifications, and managed comprehensive quality flows including Clock Domain Crossing (CDC), Reset Domain Crossing (RDC), and Unified Power Format (UPF).
Her technical proficiency spans multiple programming languages including Verilog, System Verilog, C, TCL, and Perl, along with industry-standard tools such as VCS, Design Compiler, and Quartus. Sheetal's role as a partition owner has given her end-to-end responsibility for backend flows, from synthesis through place and route to timing convergence.
Prior to her semiconductor career, Sheetal gained valuable experience in software development across the telecom domain, working with prestigious organizations including Nokia, Renesas Mobile Corporation, and HSBC Global Technology. This diverse background has enriched her understanding of system-level design and cross-functional collaboration.
Sheetal is an active contributor to the engineering community, holding senior memberships in IEEE and fellowships in multiple professional organizations including IETE and NIPES. She has authored several publications on low-power design techniques and telemedicine applications, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field through research and knowledge sharing.

Sheetal Kaul is a seasoned Senior SOC Design Engineer at Intel Corporation with over 10 years of specialized experience in digital IP and System-on-Chip (SOC) design. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, she has established herself as a leading expert in low-... Show more

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨
I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our connections in remote environments from a DEIB and neuroaffirmative standpoint. I have led tech teams, where I discovered that each brain processes and collaborates from different parameters. My passion lies in designing inclusive environments—not by correcting people, but by configuring teams to learn better together

As a gifted AuDHD girly 💅🏼 I bring a unique perspective that bridges neuroscience, communication, and technology. My talks inspire audiences to rethink collaboration, embrace neurodiversity, and foster truly inclusive cultures in both remote and in-person settings. I am committed to sharing actionable insights that help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by understanding how our brains work and how we can design environments where everyone thrives. And have fun. Fun is key, neuroscience says.

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨ I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our... Show more

Burke Scott is an academic writer at Native Assignment Help Australia from the last many years. Known for precision-driven solutions, he empowers students with reliable, high-impact academic support, including Help With Physics Assignments, that simplifies complex formulas and theories. His approach blends clarity, accuracy, and deadline-focused delivery to boost academic confidence fast. If you’re struggling with tough numerical problems or theoretical concepts, now is the time to act. Connect today and turn academic stress into academic success.

Burke Scott is an academic writer at Native Assignment Help Australia from the last many years. Known for precision-driven solutions, he empowers students with reliable, high-impact academic support, including Help With Physics Assignments, that simp... Show more

Growth Coach for professionals and Businesses | Startup Mentor | Scaling Impact-Driven Leadership Without Burnout | International Keynote Speaker | Peak Performance for Leaders in AI age

Growth Coach for professionals and Businesses | Startup Mentor | Scaling Impact-Driven Leadership Without Burnout | International Keynote Speaker | Peak Performance for Leaders in AI age Show more

Visionary CTPO who led teams across Amazon, Yahoo, Oracle and have held leadership roles at Walmart, Indeed, Coupang etc Currently CTPO with Actionable Analytics a TaaS firm leveraging Gen AI, cloud, data to provide exceptional CX to enterprises across the world. Focus on eCom, FinTech, Telco, AdTech, EdTech and HealthTech

Visionary CTPO who led teams across Amazon, Yahoo, Oracle and have held leadership roles at Walmart, Indeed, Coupang etc Currently CTPO with Actionable Analytics a TaaS firm leveraging Gen AI, cloud, data to provide exceptional CX to enterprises acro... Show more

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating for ethical AI design, she has a focus on building inclusive technology that brings positive societal impact.

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating f... Show more

Sydney Parriott, MA, CCC-SLP, MBA, is a well-recognized communication expert and founder of Speak Like a Professional. A former Kansas State Champion and Top-12 National Finalist in Informative Speaking, Sydney now brings the same energy and mastery of message design to her work as a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Drawing on nearly a decade of clinical experience, she helps professionals, executives, and organizations master the mechanics and mindset of effective communication. This includes everything from vocal power and body language to emotional regulation and audience connection. Sydney’s approach blends science, psychology, and strategy to make communication not just a skill, but a competitive advantage.

Whether speaking on stage or consulting behind the scenes, Sydney empowers every audience to find their authentic voice and use it with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Sydney Parriott, MA, CCC-SLP, MBA, is a well-recognized communication expert and founder of Speak Like a Professional. A former Kansas State Champion and Top-12 National Finalist in Informative Speaking, Sydney now brings the same energy and mastery ... Show more

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned transformational speaker and coach, Byron blends neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality to help people unburden emotional weight and rise into their highest, most healed selves. Through his signature framework, SoulScience: Alchemy™, and his R³ Method—Recognize, Reframe, Release—Byron helps individuals and organizations bridge the gap between mental health and emotional intelligence.

His approach is simple: he doesn’t just help you heal—he enables you to rise by rewiring your mind, healing your heart, and launching your legacy. At the heart of his work is W.H.O.L.E. (We Heal Out Loud Every Day), a global movement helping people transform pain into power through practical tools, embodied healing, and authentic connection.

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned tra... Show more

Geethika is an AWS Ambassador and a Community Builder, highly experienced Solutions Architect and a Principal Consultant for Mantel Group. When he's not busy helping organisations migrate and adopt cloud native solutions, he is also a very active supporter of local communities and meetups.

Geethika is an AWS Ambassador and a Community Builder, highly experienced Solutions Architect and a Principal Consultant for Mantel Group. When he's not busy helping organisations migrate and adopt cloud native solutions, he is also a very active sup... Show more

Graduated with engineer titled degree. Actively doing side projects. Data-domain practical knowledge in telco companies and developing geospatial analytics solutions on Google Cloud. Having had experience in the research field in deep learning for biomedical imaging. Having good communication skills in various languages. Teamwork and project lead experience during my time at mesh., creating a web app for customizable visual storytelling.

Graduated with engineer titled degree. Actively doing side projects. Data-domain practical knowledge in telco companies and developing geospatial analytics solutions on Google Cloud. Having had experience in the research field in deep learning for bi... Show more

Indra is a postdoctoral fellow in applied mathematics at the University College Dublin, Ireland, working on all things "dynamical systems". He takes a computational approach to tackle complex problems, and his current research is focused on understanding collective behaviour exhibited by coupled neurons. He is an avid Python user and has been a speaker at multiple Python-related conferences before. More information can be found in his website: https://indrag49.github.io/.

Indra is a postdoctoral fellow in applied mathematics at the University College Dublin, Ireland, working on all things "dynamical systems". He takes a computational approach to tackle complex problems, and his current research is focused on understan... Show more

https://passion4it.de/speaker-profil-christian-kirsch/

Entrepreneur | Author | Business Coach

Leadership, Technology & AI – with Purpose and Pragmatism

Christian Kirsch ist Unternehmer, Autor und Business Coach. Mit PASSION4IT begleitet er mittelständische Unternehmen bei Digitalisierung, IT‑Strategie und Change‑Management. Als Mitgründer von amaiko.ai entwickelt er den persönlichen KI‑Buddy für den Microsoft‑365‑Alltag – pragmatisch, sicher und menschenzentriert.

In seinen Büchern Digital Mindset und Building Leaders for the Digital Era zeigt er, wie Führung und Technologie zusammenwirken, um echte Wirkung zu erzielen. Mit dem Programm Building Leaders befähigt er Führungskräfte, Wandel aktiv zu gestalten – mit Klarheit, Haltung und messbarem Erfolg.

Seine Vorträge verbinden strategische Tiefe mit praxisnaher Umsetzung. Er spricht über Führung im digitalen Wandel, KI im Arbeitsalltag und die Zukunft der Zusammenarbeit in Microsoft 365 – immer mit Fokus auf Wirkung statt Show.

Aktuelle Themen:
Der KI‑Buddy im Microsoft 365‑Alltag – wie Kontext KI Arbeit wirklich leichter macht
Building Leaders for the Digital Era – Führung mit Haltung und Technologie
From Hype to Help – How AI Becomes a Real Colleague

Kontakt:
www.passion4it.de | www.amaiko.ai | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christiankirsch

https://passion4it.de/speaker-profil-christian-kirsch/ Entrepreneur | Author | Business Coach Leadership, Technology & AI – with Purpose and Pragmatism Christian Kirsch ist Unternehmer, Autor und Business Coach. Mit PASSION4IT begleitet er m... Show more

Shivendu is a Software engineer at Qdrant. He loves search, distributed systems, observability, and AI. He has been building developer tools for the last 3 years and has worked with different startups and institutes like Qdrant, SuperTokens (YC 20), FamPay (YC 19), Inria (Paris), etc.

He lives in Bangalore (India) and loves trying different cuisines and learning about different cultures.

Some of his previous talks can be found at https://talks.kshivendu.dev

Shivendu is a Software engineer at Qdrant. He loves search, distributed systems, observability, and AI. He has been building developer tools for the last 3 years and has worked with different startups and institutes like Qdrant, SuperTokens (YC 20), ... Show more

Samuel Fuge is a Licensed Professional Counselor, educator, and doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. He provides counseling at Dr. Mary Berge and Associates in Johnstown, PA, where his clinical work includes trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), he specializes in working with first responders and other professionals in high-stress environments, combining lived field experience with evidence-based psychological care. His doctoral dissertation in progress examines the role of interpersonal relationships in mitigating burnout among paramedics.

Samuel is also an experienced educator with a strong background in both psychology and health sciences. At Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, he teaches courses that blend psychology with health-science perspectives, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world application. Prior to his counseling career, he was nationally certified as an EMS educator and taught extensively at the Conemaugh School of EMS under the direction of the late Dr. John Karduck, MD. His educational work included training paramedic students, designing integrated out-of-hospital scenarios, leading continuing education programs, and presenting to providers at the local, regional, and national levels.

Samuel’s educational journey reflects both breadth and depth. He began his career in emergency medical services at just 16 years old, completing EMT training at the Conemaugh School of EMS. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from West Virginia University in 2010, before returning to Conemaugh to complete paramedic training in 2011. His passion for mental health and education led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Messiah University, which he completed in 2021, and he is currently pursuing his PsyD in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University, with anticipated completion in 2028.

As a speaker, Samuel brings a rare dual perspective shaped by over 16 years in emergency medical services and years of clinical counseling practice. He has delivered engaging presentations across a wide range of topics—wellness, trauma, burnout, mental health treatment, resilience, and educational pedagogy—at both regional and national events, including the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) Conference. His style is research-informed yet accessible, drawing on professional expertise, teaching experience, and frontline credibility to connect with diverse audiences.

With a professional journey that bridges emergency medicine, education, and psychology, Samuel is passionate about building systems of care that promote resilience, reduce burnout, and improve well-being for both providers and the communities they serve. His work reflects a commitment to insight, empowerment, and the belief that growth happens at the intersection of education and lived experience.

Samuel Fuge is a Licensed Professional Counselor, educator, and doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. He provides counseling at Dr. Mary Berge and Associates in Johnstown, PA, where his clinical work inclu... Show more

Oussama is a seasoned Android engineer with roots dating back to the Java and ADT era. Passionate about native mobile development, he thrives in building robust Android apps with Kotlin as his language of choice. Oussama enjoys connecting with people from around the world, whether it's to discuss mobile tech or share cultural insights.

Oussama is a seasoned Android engineer with roots dating back to the Java and ADT era. Passionate about native mobile development, he thrives in building robust Android apps with Kotlin as his language of choice. Oussama enjoys connecting with people... Show more

Experto en transformación personal. Consultor estratégico en cultura organizacional. Master Training en Liderazgo, Coach de Vida, certificado por MB CONSULTORES-MEXICO, Coach Profesional Ontológico, Coach Organizacional, y Mentor con certificación internacional por FICEO-Federación Internacional de Consultores y Entrenadores organizacionales.

Administrador Financiero de la Universidad UFPS, Especialista en Gerencia de Mercadeo de la Universidad Autónoma UNAULA.

Experto en transformación personal. Consultor estratégico en cultura organizacional. Master Training en Liderazgo, Coach de Vida, certificado por MB CONSULTORES-MEXICO, Coach Profesional Ontológico, Coach Organizacional, y Mentor con certificación in... Show more

David has worked across the globe in varying industries from Fiserv to LiSci. The only thing he likes more than a smooth Agile-led project, is a data-driven smooth Agile-led project.

David has worked across the globe in varying industries from Fiserv to LiSci. The only thing he likes more than a smooth Agile-led project, is a data-driven smooth Agile-led project. Show more

Azure is a Senior Consultant at Hitachi in the Washington, DC area. Prior to joining tech consulting in 2022, she spent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, discovering Power Automate in late 2019.

Passionate about people and hoping to assume her final form as a bot, she's on a mission to educate and enable more women and underrepresented groups into tech, one Flow at a time.

Azure is a Senior Consultant at Hitachi in the Washington, DC area. Prior to joining tech consulting in 2022, she spent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, discovering Power Automate in late 2019. Passionate about people and hoping to assume her fina... Show more

Rakesh is a visionary, innovator, and technical leader, who has worked in the computer software industry for around 14 years. After completing his bachelor's in engineering from India and Master's from the USA, he worked for big enterprises like Zscaler, Microsoft, CISCO, Dell, and others, where he led multiple product development in the networking space. He loves to call himself a 'full-stack network software engineer', as he has worked on all the layers of networking; be it VOIP, Secure Calls, WebRTC, Switch NOS, SDN, Programmable data plane, data center underlay network, network observability and many more. At present, he is leading an 'industry-first' network security product development at Microsoft. He is also a security researcher and was awarded by Facebook in 2013, for exposing a deep vulnerability in their stack. Rakesh is also an innovator and researcher. He collaborates closely with universities, IEEE, and open-source communities and gives back his wealth of knowledge and ideas in terms of technical contributions and papers. Rakesh is an avid painter and a people person who endorses best practices and great culture in the workspace.

Rakesh is a visionary, innovator, and technical leader, who has worked in the computer software industry for around 14 years. After completing his bachelor's in engineering from India and Master's from the USA, he worked for big enterprises like Zsca... Show more

Peter Y. Mwinlaaru is a Data Scientist at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) specializing in environmental statistics, alternative data sources, and innovative approaches to official statistics production. He leads Ghana's pioneering AIS-based maritime emissions monitoring initiative, applying the IMO Fourth GHG Study methodology to quantify CO₂ emissions from vessels in Ghana's territorial waters—the first such system implemented by a National Statistical Office in West Africa.
His expertise spans the full data science pipeline: from processing millions of AIS vessel tracking records to developing interactive R Shiny dashboards for policy-ready visualization. He is proficient in R, Python, and Quarto, with advanced skills in spatial data analysis, machine learning, and Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP) for transparent and sustainable statistical production.
Peter has extensive experience working with alternative and large-scale data sources, including satellite imagery (night-time lights), Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, and call detail records (CDRs), integrating these with traditional survey and administrative data to expand the scope of official statistics. He was a member of the winning team at the 2023 UN Datathon.
He holds an MPhil in Economics, a Bachelor of Education in Economics and Mathematics, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of Cape Coast. Peter is passionate about building statistical capacity across Africa and believes that open-source tools and knowledge sharing are essential for data-driven climate action on the continent.

Peter Y. Mwinlaaru is a Data Scientist at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) specializing in environmental statistics, alternative data sources, and innovative approaches to official statistics production. He leads Ghana's pioneering AIS-based marit... Show more

Matic Petrič studied theoretical physics at University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics in physics.

During his studies, Pertič worked at T-Labs, the Deutsche Telekom Laboratories, where he derived a problem formulation for optimizing traffic flow in real time with Quantum Annealing.

After finishing his degree during the pandemic, he is now working as a Quantum Computing Researcher at Fraunhofer FOKUS, focusing on hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, and working on Eclipse Qrisp - a high level programming language he'll be presenting on stage together with Raphael Seidel during WAD'24.

Matic Petrič studied theoretical physics at University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics in physics. During his studies, Pertič worked at T-Labs, the Deutsche Telekom Laboratories, where he derived a problem formulation for optimizing traffic ... Show more

Caroline deRichemond, CRNP, CLS, FNLA, recognized for her knowledge of lipid disorders, is a Certified Lipid Specialist (CLS) and is a Fellow of the National Lipid Association (FNLA) associated with Geisinger Health in Pennsylvania. She has more than 25 years of experience in adult health, cardiovascular prevention and lipidology. She has clinic at multiple Geisinger Health System sites, including Wilkes Barre, Scranton, Danville, Lewistown, and State College.
Her academic roles include Instructor of Lipidology, Assistant Professor at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Caroline is frequently invited to present at professional conferences focused on lipidology and reducing cardiovascular risk, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners national meeting, Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners clinical conference, National Lipid Association, and the American Society for Preventative Cardiology.
She holds the position of Board Officer for the Northeast Lipid Association, and was also appointed as Co-Chair for TEACH-ASCVD, a national lipid trial led by the National Lipid Association. Caroline is a Mentor for the Lipid Scholars program of the National Lipid Association. She has twice received the National Lipid Association President’s Service Award in 2023 and 2024 for her leadership.
Currently, she participates in four lipid trials at Geisinger, has been published on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, and the transition from pediatric to adult lipid care. Caroline's contributions span clinical practice, education, and advocacy, earning her respect as a leader in inherited Lipid disorder management and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Caroline deRichemond, CRNP, CLS, FNLA, recognized for her knowledge of lipid disorders, is a Certified Lipid Specialist (CLS) and is a Fellow of the National Lipid Association (FNLA) associated with Geisinger Health in Pennsylvania. She has more than... Show more

Nikki Maginn is a powerhouse at the intersection of engineering excellence and
human-centered leadership. A nuclear engineer, pilot, and former Division I athlete from the
University of Tennessee, she brings a rare blend of grit, curiosity, and compassion to every
stage she steps on. Nikki holds a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and has complemented her
technical foundation with advanced leadership and management training throughout her career.
Currently, Nikki is the founder of Inside Out Engineering, a groundbreaking initiative that delivers
emotional intelligence training to engineers in industry, academia, and beyond. She is also an
advisor and coach to organizations seeking to build cultures of accountability, trust, and
innovation through people-first leadership.
Her career path spans high-stakes roles across the nuclear, logistics, and technology sectors.
As Director of Program Management at the largest material handling and logistics manufacturer
in the country, she drove multimillion-dollar cross-functional programs while cultivating cultures
of accountability, trust, and psychological safety. Prior to that, she held executive leadership
roles in the nuclear startup space, directing engineering operations for small modular reactor
development. Here Nikki negotiated nuclear fuel contracts, built partnerships with global nuclear
suppliers, ran new product development to ensure the ultimate safety and program performance
in one of the most demanding technical environments on earth.
In parallel with her technical and leadership work, Nikki has been a lifelong advocate for mental
health and emotional well-being in STEM. She has conducted research and facilitated programs
on emotional intelligence, resilience, and workplace culture, translating insights from psychology
and behavioral science into actionable tools for engineers and technical leaders. She has also
founded and led mentorship programs, women’s networks, and engineering education outreach
initiatives, ensuring that the next generation of engineers—especially women in STEM—enter
the field with both the technical expertise and human skills to thrive.
Nikki speaks and writes on topics ranging from courageous leadership and emotional
intelligence in technical fields to building mentorship cultures and leading with authenticity in
male-dominated industries. Her story challenges traditional notions of leadership—and reminds
us that empathy is not a soft skill; it is a core skill for the future of work.

Nikki Maginn is a powerhouse at the intersection of engineering excellence and human-centered leadership. A nuclear engineer, pilot, and former Division I athlete from the University of Tennessee, she brings a rare blend of grit, curiosity, and com... Show more

John Ajera is responsible for GeoNet’s platforms, security, and remote networks, ensuring the reliable delivery of critical geoscience information to emergency management agencies, the public, and the global scientific community.

John Ajera is responsible for GeoNet’s platforms, security, and remote networks, ensuring the reliable delivery of critical geoscience information to emergency management agencies, the public, and the global scientific community. Show more

Dyhia Zatout is a 26 year old female electrical engineer specialising in telecommunications with a Bachelor of Science from Qatar and a Master of Science in Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Sussex, UK. She has worked in leading organisations including Petrotech, Oxygen Company Qatar, and TotalEnergies.

At the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Dyhia led cross-disciplinary projects in IoT-based wearable technologies and renewable energy systems, including solar and wind turbine technologies, applying smart engineering solutions to enhance sustainability, performance, and industrial applications. At the university of Sussex , She also led projects in robotics, image processing for car detection, and AI/machine learning applications for corrosion detection using cutting-edge TENG technology, all of which required strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, making her highly aware of the steps and practices critical for successful engineering projects.

Through her participation in the TotalEnergies seminar, Dyhia further expanded her knowledge and practical understanding of renewable energy integration, gaining insights into large-scale energy transition strategies.

Dyhia’s professional journey bridges deep technical expertise with a passion for engineering leadership and culture. She advocates for engineering environments that promote collaboration, innovation, and ethical responsibility, inspiring engineers to lead with precision, purpose, and strategic vision, shaping technology-driven solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Dyhia Zatout is a 26 year old female electrical engineer specialising in telecommunications with a Bachelor of Science from Qatar and a Master of Science in Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Sussex, UK. She has wo... Show more

Undergraduate researcher in 3D vision and open-source developer with experience in systems software and developer tools.

Undergraduate researcher in 3D vision and open-source developer with experience in systems software and developer tools. Show more

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leaders, partnering with school administrators to develop inclusive systems that center students with disabilities, particularly those most marginalized. With nearly two decades of experience, Kari’s work has focused on dismantling barriers, building educator capacity, and improving outcomes for diverse learners. Her previous role as a special education coordinator at Newport-Mesa Unified School District involved district-wide initiatives in inclusion, literacy, and leadership development. Kari’s expertise lies in aligning systems for meaningful change, fostering safe and supportive school environments, and amplifying the voices of students often pushed to the margins. She currently serves as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17, continuing her mission to advance equitable opportunities for all students.

Kari Adams is a recognized leader in inclusive education, systems change, and equity-focused leadership. As the Inclusive Leadership Center Director at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, Kari leads the Coalition of Inclusive School Leade... Show more

Juanita Gomez is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at UC Santa Cruz, where her research focuses on improving the security of scientific open-source software in collaboration with the Open Source Program Office (OSPO) at UCSC. She is a passionate programmer, mathematician, and open-source advocate, former developer of Spyder IDE at Quansight and current community leader for the Scientific Python project, a community effort to better coordinate and support scientific Python libraries. She also serves on the organizing committee of the SciPy Conference and is a co-chair of the Security Track at PyCon US.

Juanita Gomez is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at UC Santa Cruz, where her research focuses on improving the security of scientific open-source software in collaboration with the Open Source Program Office (OSPO) at UCSC. She is a passionate ... Show more