Riccardo Patriarca wants to manage risk. From making a pilot's cockpit safer during an emergency to minimizing adverse events on a process plant, he's leveraging knowledge to make things safer when interactions between humans and machines go awry. He's worked with organizations like INAIL, EUROCONTROL, ESA, and Australian airline QANTAS.

Riccardo Patriarca wants to manage risk. From making a pilot's cockpit safer during an emergency to minimizing adverse events on a process plant, he's leveraging knowledge to make things safer when interactions between humans and machines go awry. He... Show more

Constantinos Patsakis received his B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Athens, Greece, his M.Sc. in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London, and his Ph.D. in Cryptography and Malware from the University of Piraeus. He has previously held research positions at the UNESCO Chair in Data Privacy at Rovira i Virgili University, Trinity College Dublin, and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. He is currently a Professor at the University of Piraeus and an Adjunct Researcher at the Athena Research and Innovation Center. Dr. Patsakis has authored more than 150 publications in leading peer-reviewed international conferences and journals and has participated in numerous national and European research and development projects. His primary research interests include cryptography, security, privacy, blockchain technologies, and cybercrime.

Constantinos Patsakis received his B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Athens, Greece, his M.Sc. in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London, and his Ph.D. in Cryptography and Malware from the University of Piraeus. He h... Show more

Yusheng Zheng is an open-source maintainer and researcher focused on improving complex systems through comprehensive understanding and strategic, small-scale modifications. As the co-founder of the eunomia-bpf open-source community and a PhD student, Yusheng is at the forefront of integrating eBPF and AI technologies to enhance large-scale systems like the Linux kernel. Her work also extends the flexibility and power of eBPF into userspace. Yusheng is a frequent speaker at leading industry conferences, including KubeCon, Linux Plumbers, and OSS Summit, where she shares insights on the evolving roles of eBPF and AI in modern systems.

Yusheng Zheng is an open-source maintainer and researcher focused on improving complex systems through comprehensive understanding and strategic, small-scale modifications. As the co-founder of the eunomia-bpf open-source community and a PhD student,... Show more

Meagan Jackson is the founder of M. Jackson Accounting & Bookkeeping, a firm built on resilience and service. Her journey as a business owner has been shaped by caregiving, profound loss, and personal trauma — experiences that taught her how to keep a business running when life turns upside down. Today, she helps small business owners implement systems, automations, and financial practices that protect their firms and support sustainable growth.

Meagan takes a hands-on approach and becomes a trusted advisor to small businesses by working with them to simplify, update, and streamline their bookkeeping practices and software to support their business objectives. Meagan utilizes her accounting expertise to pave the way toward financial transparency and stability for her small business clients. She is passionate about teaching and coaching clients to have confidence and understanding of their numbers, helping them accept where they are, dream big, and take the right steps to grow stronger.

Meagan draws over 30 years of experience providing expert advisory and consulting services, bookkeeping, internal audit controls, and QuickBooks implementation services to clients across diverse industries, including professional services and skilled trade sectors.

Meagan holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Northeastern University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from Worcester State University, and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Massachusetts Bay Community College. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, she works with clients to help them optimize their use of the software to support their business objectives.

Meagan Jackson is the founder of M. Jackson Accounting & Bookkeeping, a firm built on resilience and service. Her journey as a business owner has been shaped by caregiving, profound loss, and personal trauma — experiences that taught her how to keep ... Show more

Jelena Miodragovic is M.Eng(IT) and Software Engineer, with focus on FrontEnd technologies. She is regional speaker and MVP - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Developer Technologies category. CO-leader of BLbit user group in Banja Luka and CO-organizer of IT conference INIT.

Jelena Miodragovic is M.Eng(IT) and Software Engineer, with focus on FrontEnd technologies. She is regional speaker and MVP - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Developer Technologies category. CO-leader of BLbit user group in Banja Luka and CO-... Show more

Dr. Rolando Masís-Obando is a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and computational neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University. Rolando uses VR/AR, EEG, fMRI, AI, machine learning, and brain-computer-interface type methods to study how contexts shape the way we think and remember our day-to-day experiences. His academic journey spans from his Bachelor’s in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University to his PhD in Computational Neuroscience at Princeton. During his undergraduate studies, he co-founded Shuflix, the largest activity search engine (at the time), to help people interact with their environment in a playful way while helping small businesses get more exposure. Beyond academia, he channels his creativity through his YouTube channel where he shares programming tutorials on generative AI, AR/VR development, and CGI for sci-fi films. Additionally, he directs mini-documentaries exploring the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Recently, he co-founded one of the first, if not the first, hybrid academic/industry conference on the future of reality (Neuroethics & the Future of Reality; https://futurerealities.org/NFR2023/). Rolando and his brothers have an upcoming book titled “DIY AI” slated for release in 2025 with the practical know-how for coding and running your own AI models from home. Rolando also provides consulting for small businesses and start-ups in neuroscience, AI and XR.

Dr. Rolando Masís-Obando is a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and computational neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University. Rolando uses VR/AR, EEG, fMRI, AI, machine learning, and brain-computer-interface type methods to study how contexts shape th... Show more

Dr. Adnan Masood is the Chief AI Architect at UST, visiting scholar at Stanford AI Lab, and Microsoft Regional Director, and MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Artificial Intelligence. As Chief AI Architect at UST, he collaborates with Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab, MIT CSAIL, and lead a team of data scientists and engineers building artificial intelligence solutions to produce business value and insights that affect a range of businesses, products, and technology accelerators.

Dr. Adnan Masood is the Chief AI Architect at UST, visiting scholar at Stanford AI Lab, and Microsoft Regional Director, and MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Artificial Intelligence. As Chief AI Architect at UST, he collaborates with Stanford Ar... Show more

Accidental Application Security Architect!

Accidental Application Security Architect! Show more

Dr. Margaret Alabi
I'm the pharmaceutical executive who learned that the most powerful career moves happen when you stop conforming and start pivoting authentically.
By day, I champion patient voices as a Global Dermatology Patient Advocacy executive. By night, I lead The Pivot Consulting Group, guiding executives from Wells Fargo, Genentech, and Eli Lilly through strategic transformations that honor their true selves, the teams they lead, and the organizations they serve.

My unconventional path: PharmD from Xavier University → MBA from Yale → 36,000+ coaching hours → Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
The Pivot: Despite my pharmacy doctorate, I've never actually dispensed medications. Instead, I've spent my career proving that authenticity yields boundless progress.
Core belief: You don't have to choose between success and authenticity. The most resilient leaders and innovative companies emerge when we show up with courage.

When I'm not helping executives pivot, I'm practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, singing, or walking in Brooklyn with my standard poodles, Belle and Beau.
Here, I share insights on: Strategic career pivoting, authentic leadership, healthcare equity, and building resilient cultures.

Ready to pivot from potential to purpose?

Dr. Margaret Alabi I'm the pharmaceutical executive who learned that the most powerful career moves happen when you stop conforming and start pivoting authentically. By day, I champion patient voices as a Global Dermatology Patient Advocacy executi... Show more

As an SMTS AI Software Engineer at AMD, I work on cutting-edge agentic AI, generative AI and LLM solutions across multiple industries. I have over 6 years of experience in AI, 2 years in cybersecurity, and 5 years in the energy industry. My aim is to empower AI developers and professionals with the software, code, and tools they need to succeed in their businesses.

As an SMTS AI Software Engineer at AMD, I work on cutting-edge agentic AI, generative AI and LLM solutions across multiple industries. I have over 6 years of experience in AI, 2 years in cybersecurity, and 5 years in the energy industry. My aim is to... Show more

Java developer for 25 years, Frontend (React and Angular) developer for 5 years. Fan of Test Driven Development. Cycling fan.

Java developer for 25 years, Frontend (React and Angular) developer for 5 years. Fan of Test Driven Development. Cycling fan. Show more

Danique Motzheim is a visionary founder, author, and global entrepreneur who refuses to accept a world where mental wellbeing is a privilege.

She is the CEO of BYOU, a wellbeing platform connecting people worldwide to holistic health, beauty, and mental health services, and the founder of the BYOU Impact Foundation, which provides free support for those who need it most.

Her journey began after personally experiencing how broken and slow today’s healthcare systems are. Instead of waiting for change, she set out to build it herself, accessible for all, global from the start, and rooted in our own Human Rights.

Her bestselling book, The Global Thought Leader Mindset, inspired thousands to shift their thinking and step into their own power.

Today, her work goes beyond mindset. She is leading a worldwide movement that breaks down barriers, challenges outdated healthcare systems, and proves that one vision, backed with relentless drive, can scale into global change.

Known for her raw honesty and bold presence, Danique speaks and writes with the urgency of someone who has lived what she is fighting for.

When she isn’t building BYOU, she is mentoring, speaking to the next generation of leaders, or recharging in nature with her dog, Noa.

Danique Motzheim is a visionary founder, author, and global entrepreneur who refuses to accept a world where mental wellbeing is a privilege. She is the CEO of BYOU, a wellbeing platform connecting people worldwide to holistic health, beauty, and... Show more

I lead software- and systems development in open data and open science, with a focus on ethics and curation. I am fascinated by the frontiers of human progress: innovation vs ignorance; wealth vs poverty, migration vs stasis. I spent more than a decade in economic and business development initiatives in South Africa before moving to the UK where I entered the fledgling open knowledge industry, going on to lead open data technical and research projects around the world, including Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mauritius, Australia and in Europe and the Americas. I have extensive experience in leading research projects, implementing open source software initiatives, and developing and leading seminars and workshops. I am currently an Interledger Ambassador and a previously-funded ILF grantee for my Qwyre.com epub reader app.

I lead software- and systems development in open data and open science, with a focus on ethics and curation. I am fascinated by the frontiers of human progress: innovation vs ignorance; wealth vs poverty, migration vs stasis. I spent more than a dec... Show more

Verena is a young professional at Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, where she has been working since April 2025. Prior to that, she successfully completed the ZEISS Graduate Program, specializing in embedded software development. During her time in the program, she became deeply involved in the community spirit of the Zephyr Project. Verena holds a degree in Computational Science and Engineering. She's known for her determination and warm open mindset.

Verena is a young professional at Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, where she has been working since April 2025. Prior to that, she successfully completed the ZEISS Graduate Program, specializing in embedded software development. During her time in the program,... Show more

With over 8 years in the payments industry, I am one of the founding engineering team members in Hyperswitch. My responsibilities include reliability, strategizing and implementing the open sourcing of our payments solution and the Hyperswitch's solution construct.

With over 8 years in the payments industry, I am one of the founding engineering team members in Hyperswitch. My responsibilities include reliability, strategizing and implementing the open sourcing of our payments solution and the Hyperswitch's solu... Show more

Retired Microsoft & Microsoft Research. Ph.D. in CS and Machine Learning.

Retired Microsoft & Microsoft Research. Ph.D. in CS and Machine Learning. Show more

I am a hands-on cybersecurity architect and technical leader operating at the forefront of AI and Cloud Security. With a 21-year track record of defending globally recognized organizations, my mission is to solve tomorrow's security challenges today by building security into the fabric of technology.

I am passionate about pioneering security in emerging domains and leading teams to secure complex, next-generation systems. My core focus includes:
- AI & LLM Security: Architecting novel security frameworks for Generative AI. Specializing in prompt injection defense, threat modeling for model integrity, and mitigating data poisoning risks.
- Cloud Security: Engineering resilient, multi-cloud security architectures. Implementing zero-trust principles, and managing advanced threat detection (IDS/IPS).
- Proactive Defense: Leading "purple team" initiatives that combine offensive penetration testing with proactive threat hunting to continuously harden defenses against sophisticated adversaries.

I hold elite cybersecurity certifications and provide expert-level consulting to teams worldwide, turning cutting-edge technology into secure, enterprise-ready solutions.

I am a hands-on cybersecurity architect and technical leader operating at the forefront of AI and Cloud Security. With a 21-year track record of defending globally recognized organizations, my mission is to solve tomorrow's security challenges today ... Show more

When the pandemic hit, Mariya Koteva found herself at a crossroads: juggling new motherhood, career pressures, and chronic fatigue. It forced her to uncover a powerful truth: the capacity for change begins with wellbeing.

With 12+ years of experience in ERP and Change Management, including six years with Microsoft leading projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mariya has seen firsthand why transformations fail—it’s not the technology, it’s the people.

Her approach centers on building Change Capacity: unlocking the resilience, adaptability, and innovation teams need to thrive in a fast-changing world. By combining her expertise in digital transformation with neuroscience, resilience, and leadership, Mariya bridges the gap between the technical and human sides of change.

Through workshops, keynotes, and coaching, Mariya empowers leaders and teams to stop resisting change and start embracing it as their greatest opportunity for growth.

When the pandemic hit, Mariya Koteva found herself at a crossroads: juggling new motherhood, career pressures, and chronic fatigue. It forced her to uncover a powerful truth: the capacity for change begins with wellbeing. With 12+ years of experie... Show more

I’m a Bioinformatician and data science professional passionate about transforming complex biological data into actionable insights. My work focuses on genomics, transcriptomics, and machine learning applications in life sciences, with a strong interest in bridging biology and AI to enable data-driven discoveries. I have worked on multiple projects, including GeneFix AI, an AI-powered platform for predictive genomics and mutation analysis; GenomeHouse, an integrated Python framework for genome data preprocessing, sequence alignment, and visualization; and Bio Data Hub, a centralized platform for storing, analyzing, and sharing omics datasets. My technical expertise includes Python, R, Biopython, Pandas, NumPy, Seaborn, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, BLAST, NGS data analysis, and Git. I am particularly interested in cancer genomics, biomarker discovery, precision medicine, and computational biology.

"Mubashir Ali making history in Bioinformatics and Data Science"

I’m a Bioinformatician and data science professional passionate about transforming complex biological data into actionable insights. My work focuses on genomics, transcriptomics, and machine learning applications in life sciences, with a strong inter... Show more

With an extensive career dedicated to DevOps applied to Fintech and Insurance, Bruno has been a driving force behind the integration of DevOps principles in the Fintech sector shaping the landscape of financial technology. He had played a pivotal role in crafting robust and scalable platforms, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge financial services that seamlessly blend innovation with security, fostering a culture of continuous improvement

With an extensive career dedicated to DevOps applied to Fintech and Insurance, Bruno has been a driving force behind the integration of DevOps principles in the Fintech sector shaping the landscape of financial technology. He had played a pivotal rol... Show more

Nikita Kibitkin is a Senior Java Engineer and Tech Lead with 8 years designing high-throughput, event-driven payment platforms. He has successfully delivered financial systems for both the European and Asian markets. At Ducatpay, he leads the event-driven payments team, processing over 5 million transactions per year. Nikita combines modeling based on discrete mathematics with a classic high-load tech stack to build fault-tolerant, predictable, and cost-efficient distributed systems under extreme spikes.

Nikita Kibitkin is a Senior Java Engineer and Tech Lead with 8 years designing high-throughput, event-driven payment platforms. He has successfully delivered financial systems for both the European and Asian markets. At Ducatpay, he leads the event-d... Show more

I am a passionate cloud developer on the cutting edge of research in the genetics of disease. I'm originally from Canada and have been in the Boston area for the past 10 years working as a software engineer and volunteering with educational organizations, GDG being one of them. I'm always happy to connect and share my skills and experiences with others to support them on their journey through the technology space, be it locally or globally.

I am a passionate cloud developer on the cutting edge of research in the genetics of disease. I'm originally from Canada and have been in the Boston area for the past 10 years working as a software engineer and volunteering with educational organizat... Show more

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Scientific Python communities. She is the founder of The Turing Way, a collaboratively created guide for reproducible, inclusive, collaborative, and ethical data science. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience (2012) and is a Fulbright Scholarship alumna.

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Sc... Show more

Dr. Asankhaya Sharma is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Patched.codes, a deep-tech startup with the vision to automatically fix every software vulnerability in code. Dr. Sharma is a well known technology expert, author, and public speaker. He has close to two decades of experience in research and product development, holding leadership roles at startups and large enterprises.

Prior to Patched.codes, he was the Global Director of Innovation and Incubation at Veracode, an application security company. Before that, he was the Head of R&D at SourceClear (acquired by CA Technologies in 2018), the first software security company focussed on open-source security and software supply chain.

He has a PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore, and has been an Adjunct Professor at the Singapore Management University, and the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Dr. Asankhaya Sharma is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Patched.codes, a deep-tech startup with the vision to automatically fix every software vulnerability in code. Dr. Sharma is a well known technology expert, author, and public spea... Show more

Erin Howland has lived in more countries than U.S. states and collects university degrees like other people collect coins. She has master's degrees in data science and Nordic studies (history) and baccalaureate degrees in accounting and history. She uses these accumulated skills and experiences in her role as a consultant for EJ Enterprises LLC, a company she and her husband created.

She can usually be found at acro, yoga, running and hiking outdoors, and picking up heavy things and setting them back down repeatedly. When not wiggling, she's probably asking why/why not something is the way it is (or isn't) and furiously researching. She also watches way too many horse videos.

Erin Howland has lived in more countries than U.S. states and collects university degrees like other people collect coins. She has master's degrees in data science and Nordic studies (history) and baccalaureate degrees in accounting and history. She ... Show more

Bandana Kaur is a recent high school graduate and cybersecurity researcher passionate about securing technology at every layer - from networks and APIs to AI systems and the humans behind them. Currently working as a Security Research Engineer at APISec, she investigates real-world vulnerabilities and explores the offensive side of cybersecurity, with a growing focus on AI red teaming.

Bandana has been discussing the impact of AI on the cybersecurity workforce since she was 15 and now serves as a board member at the UN Dynamic Teen Coalition, where she brings a youth perspective to global digital safety policy and leads their cybersecurity discussions. Her work bridges technical research and public impact, whether through hands-on testing, policy engagement, or speaking at international conferences and podcasts on topics ranging from OSINT and Social Engineering to attacks against LLM APIs.

An influential speaker, she's delivered talks on international forums while blending deep technical insight with clarity and simplicity. Through her online persona HackWithHer, Bandana is building a reputation as part of a new generation of researchers who see security not just as a profession, but as a responsibility.

Some of her previous talks include:
'Talk to Hack: Why the future of API abuse is conversational' at APISec | Con 2025
'OSINT and Social Engineering for CISOs' (2x) at the CISO Deep-Dive training programme, MeitY, NeGD & IIPA, 2024
'The Hackers Among Us: The Gen-Z guide to Cybersecurity' at NICE Cybersecurity Career Week 2024
STEAM Speaker Series Inaugural Speaker representing Technology at AWIS Washington DC, 2024
Also a guest speaker on various podcasts...

Her guiding motto as HackWitHer is “making the cyberspace liveable for all” - a vision that drives her to build safer, more inclusive systems. Blending curiosity with responsibility, she represents a new generation of security thinkers shaping the future of ethical hacking, AI safety, and internet freedom.

Bandana Kaur is a recent high school graduate and cybersecurity researcher passionate about securing technology at every layer - from networks and APIs to AI systems and the humans behind them. Currently working as a Security Research Engineer at API... Show more

Antara is a multidisciplinary Cybersecurity Leader, Red Teamer, Strategist, and Product Innovator, known for delivering secure, scalable, and business-aligned solutions across BFSI and enterprise sectors. As SecureNexus Vertical Lead at XBiz TechVentures, she heads a 25+ member cybersecurity team and drives end-to-end execution of projects spanning red teaming, GRC audits, DevSecOps, cloud hardening, and application security.
She has conducted over 200 VAPT assessments across web, mobile, APIs, network, and cloud environments, and built platforms like ASM, SCA, and CSPM to shift clients from reactive to proactive security. Her expertise extends to phishing simulations, malware assessments, and incident response evaluations.
Beyond hands-on execution, Antara shapes business strategy by planning the annual cybersecurity roadmap, scaling service offerings, mentoring talent, and aligning internal processes to standards like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, IRDAI, RBI, HIPAA, and NIST. She played a key role in achieving CERT-IN empanelment and in building proactive GRC maturity models with cyber risk scoring, threat profiling, policy authoring, and audit frameworks.
A respected thought leader and speaker at OWASP AppSec, DevSecCon, and InfosecGirls, Antara contributes actively to the security community via Medium and GitHub. Her leadership spans technical depth, client advisory, board-level risk communication, and enterprise-grade product development.
Her philosophy: “Security isnʼt a checkbox — itʼs a culture. And it must evolve faster than the threats it defends against.”

Antara is a multidisciplinary Cybersecurity Leader, Red Teamer, Strategist, and Product Innovator, known for delivering secure, scalable, and business-aligned solutions across BFSI and enterprise sectors. As SecureNexus Vertical Lead at XBiz TechVent... Show more

"Keep your face toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."
- Walt Whitman

Passionate AI and Machine Learning professional with over a decade of experience driving innovation and delivering transformative solutions. Specializing in extracting insights from data post-exploration while developing relevant models as per the requirement to provide an end-to-end pipeline. Interested in tackling complex challenges and optimizing performance.

As an AI mentor, evangelist, and speaker, I thrive on sharing knowledge and inspiring others while translating intricate technical concepts into actionable insights for the tech and non-tech audiences, which propels business growth.

Also, being a proponent of continuous learning, I try to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, leveraging expertise in deep learning, natural language processing, and AWS cloud to create impactful AI solutions.

Let's connect to explore how we can utilize AI for the better.

"Keep your face toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman Passionate AI and Machine Learning professional with over a decade of experience driving innovation and delivering transformative solutions. Specializing in ... Show more

My online membership from BSAC endorsed my research background and enlighten my digital modelling and creativity web of open science community Amsterdam (OSCA) for research projects and grants. My Ph.D. degree certificate and a trophy become a pride indeed at the auditorium of my school of life sciences, JNU, New Delhi in the year 2007. Appreciation certificate for Life Membership from SAMA and Editorial Board Membership certificate from Edwin In, has become a passion for my research approach.

My online membership from BSAC endorsed my research background and enlighten my digital modelling and creativity web of open science community Amsterdam (OSCA) for research projects and grants. My Ph.D. degree certificate and a trophy become a pride ... Show more

Salvatore is a software developer with a passion for Ops and cloud technologies.
Skilled in .NET and Linux development, he’s always keen to learn new things and share his knowledge with others, both as an attendant and speaker at Italian and international tech conferences.

He brings his knowledge and passion to his team at Ellycode, where he works as a project manager.

Salvatore is a software developer with a passion for Ops and cloud technologies. Skilled in .NET and Linux development, he’s always keen to learn new things and share his knowledge with others, both as an attendant and speaker at Italian and intern... Show more