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

Dr. Saara Haapanen is a performance strategist, speaker, and PhD in Sport & Exercise Psychology who helps organizations improve leadership, retention, motivation, and human performance without burnout.

With more than 25 years of coaching high performers, from elite athletes to executives and growth-focused teams, she translates performance science into practical systems leaders can use immediately.

Her work focuses on leadership effectiveness, workplace well-being, communication, accountability, and unlocking the strengths of neurodivergent talent in modern organizations.

Saara has been featured in Forbes Health, Shape, Reader’s Digest, and other national media. Known for energetic, thought-provoking sessions, she helps audiences rethink what drives performance and what quietly destroys it.

Her sessions help leaders identify costly blind spots and the strategic initiatives worth funding next.

Dr. Saara Haapanen is a performance strategist, speaker, and PhD in Sport & Exercise Psychology who helps organizations improve leadership, retention, motivation, and human performance without burnout. With more than 25 years of coaching high perf... Show more

Shardul Vaidya is a Partner Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, where he focuses on generative AI and developer experience. As the former worldwide architect for Next-Generation Developer Experience, he's spent years at the frontier of how AI is reshaping software engineering — evaluating and building developer tools that actually ship. Today he leads initiatives around agentic governance and AI agent infrastructure at AWS, tackling the exact verification and trust problems at the heart of this talk: how do you prove an autonomous system is doing the right thing? His background spans cloud-native architecture, open-source contributions, and research in optical communications at Georgia State University. He's based in Atlanta and self-hosts everything he can get away with.

Shardul Vaidya is a Partner Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, where he focuses on generative AI and developer experience. As the former worldwide architect for Next-Generation Developer Experience, he's spent years at the frontier of how AI... Show more

Nofar, a distinguished graduate of the IDF's prestigious MAMRAM programming course, served as a software developer and team leader in the OFEK software unit of the Israeli Air Force. She was the first developer at Joonko and later rose to the position of CTO. Currently, she serves as an engineering manager at Payoneer, where she applies her extensive technical and leadership expertise to drive innovation and team success.

With over a decade of hands-on experience as a software engineer and technology leader, Nofar brings a wealth of knowledge to her endeavors. She is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders, managing the simulation program at BAOT, Israel's premier community of senior software engineers, data scientists, and women researchers. Beyond this, she actively mentors young women, empowering them to thrive in the tech world.

As a proud mother of three young children, Nofar exemplifies the balance of a multifaceted, accomplished professional and a dedicated parent.

Nofar, a distinguished graduate of the IDF's prestigious MAMRAM programming course, served as a software developer and team leader in the OFEK software unit of the Israeli Air Force. She was the first developer at Joonko and later rose to the positio... Show more

Bonjour, moi c’est Halima. Je suis experte en données spatiales et systèmes d’information géographique (SIG), avec plusieurs années d’expérience dans le développement et l’analyse de données.

Au cours de mon parcours, j’ai travaillé comme développeuse et analyste data, ce qui m’a permis de concevoir des solutions SIG concrètes, de l’architecture des bases de données à la visualisation interactive et aux pipelines de traitement des données.

Je suis passionnée par le potentiel des données spatiales pour comprendre, simuler et modéliser le monde réel, et j’aime partager cette expertise avec la communauté afin d’inspirer de nouvelles approches et solutions.

Bonjour, moi c’est Halima. Je suis experte en données spatiales et systèmes d’information géographique (SIG), avec plusieurs années d’expérience dans le développement et l’analyse de données. Au cours de mon parcours, j’ai travaillé comme développ... Show more

Dr. Rajesh Kumar K V is a distinguished academic and researcher with a robust background in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interdisciplinary research. As the Chief Technological Scientist at the AI Research Centre and an Associate Professor in Business Analytics at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Dr. Kumar brings a unique blend of technical expertise and practical insight into AI-driven innovation. Dr. Kumar's experience spans various critical domains, including Human-Computer Interface-based signal data analytics for biomedical applications, machine learning, deep learning, and business analytics. He has made significant contributions to these fields, and his work has been recognized on international platforms. His research leadership is further evidenced by his role as the Chair Professor of France Belanger of Information Systems and the Co-Chairperson of the Centre of Excellence – Sports Analytics and Management. Additionally, his work as the Advertflair Chair Professor in Marketing and Advertising underscores his ability to bridge the gap between AI technology and practical business applications.

Speaking History and Expertise

Dr. Kumar has a proven track record of delivering insightful and impactful presentations at major international conferences. Some highlights of his speaking engagements include:

Data Con LA+ IM Data 2022, California: Dr. Kumar showcased his expertise in sports analytics, highlighting the application of AI in enhancing sports performance and decision-making processes.

ICRA 2023, UK: As a participant in the workshop on Computer Vision for Wearable Robotics, organized by Harvard University, Dr. Kumar contributed to discussions on the future of AI in robotics and wearable technology.

Digital Innovation Summit, Bucharest, Romania: He was a panel member discussing the theme “Digital Landscape – Beyond AI,” where he shared his insights on the evolving role of AI in the digital economy.

AI Tech Summit, Malaga, Spain: Dr. Kumar addressed the topic “How AI is Changing the Landscape of Work,” exploring the transformative impact of AI across various industries and the future of work.

MOVE Conference 2024, London, UK: He discussed “Future Cars: How Does it Look Like,” focusing on the role of AI in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles and smart transportation.

Health Tech Asia Conference 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia: Dr. Kumar delivered a keynote session, where he discussed the integration of AI in healthcare, emphasizing innovations in biomedical applications and patient care.

Egypt Mining Forum 2024, Cairo, Egypt: Most recently, Dr. Kumar led a technical session, bringing his expertise in AI to the mining sector, exploring how AI-driven data analytics can optimize mining operations.

Technical Speaker “AIML for Network Optimization” at NetworkX Paris, France, on 8th Oct 2024.

Technical Speaker: “Air Quality Monitoring and Gas Detection Using AI Technologies” at the Air Quality and Emission conference in Birmingham, UK, on 10th Oct 2024.

Exclusive Keynote Speaker: “Transforming the Mobility Industry using AI and IoT,” Manufacturing and Mobility Live, UK, London—6th Nov 2024.

Keynote Session: “Sports Data Analytics using AI/ML Methods and Models” Data Festival GmbH, Virtual – 13th Nov 2024.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar K V is a distinguished academic and researcher with a robust background in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interdisciplinary research. As the Chief Technological Scientist at the AI Research Centre and an Associate Profe... Show more

I work as a Validation Specialist and Business Development Manager at Feicon Oy in Finland. My primary responsibility is equipment validation, supporting pharmaceutical and life science companies in ensuring that critical equipment is installed, tested, and documented in compliance with GMP requirements. This includes planning and executing qualification activities, reviewing documentation, and working with project teams to ensure systems are ready for routine operation.

In addition to technical validation work, I am involved in business development activities, particularly identifying new project opportunities, supporting client relationships, and contributing to our company’s expansion into new markets and services.

I hold a PhD in Applied Physics from the University of Eastern Finland. My professional focus is on practical, compliant validation of pharmaceutical equipment and supporting organizations in maintaining reliable and inspection-ready operations.

I work as a Validation Specialist and Business Development Manager at Feicon Oy in Finland. My primary responsibility is equipment validation, supporting pharmaceutical and life science companies in ensuring that critical equipment is installed, test... Show more

Oliver Hebnes is a seasoned Data & AI tech lead. He specializes in ensuring machine learning models are not only accurate and efficient but also maintainable and scalable. A physicist by training, Oliver completed his MSc in computational physics at the University of Oslo (UiO), where he studied new quantum material platforms using machine learning methods. Transitioning from computational physics to the practical realms of technology, Oliver's professional journey has spanned multiple industries, including energy, educational technology, and finance.

Oliver Hebnes is a seasoned Data & AI tech lead. He specializes in ensuring machine learning models are not only accurate and efficient but also maintainable and scalable. A physicist by training, Oliver completed his MSc in computational physics at ... Show more

David Fung is a former Salesforce Senior Director and executive leadership coach with 23 years in tech. After leading teams through a decade of high-change environments, he now works with technical leaders on practical tools for clarity, influence without authority, and sustainable high performance, grounded in Self-Determination Theory and evidence-based leadership science. He hosts the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast and speaks to technical audiences on leadership that actually moves the needle on delivery.

David Fung is a former Salesforce Senior Director and executive leadership coach with 23 years in tech. After leading teams through a decade of high-change environments, he now works with technical leaders on practical tools for clarity, influence wi... Show more

Greer Dolby is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research centers on how wild plants and animals evolve and adapt to their environments, using large multi‑omic datasets and integrative statistical approaches to solve complex biological questions. With a background spanning earth processes and evolutionary biology, she earned her Ph.D. at UCLA and completed postdoctoral training at Arizona State University.

Greer Dolby is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research centers on how wild plants and animals evolve and adapt to their environments, using large multi‑omic datasets and integrative statistical approaches to so... Show more

Alex is a Distributed Spatial Systems DevOps Tinkerer with many years of experience in geospatial data management and web- and cloud-based geoprocessing with a particular focus on land use, soils, hydrology, and water quality. His interests include open geospatial standards and web-services for location-based data sharing, modelling workflows, machine learning, and interactive geo-visualisation. Alex has been involved with web-based spatial data infrastructures for a long time as a developer, researcher and project leader. He is based at the Chair of Geoinformatics and Cartography at the Department of Geography of the University of Tartu.

Alex is a Distributed Spatial Systems DevOps Tinkerer with many years of experience in geospatial data management and web- and cloud-based geoprocessing with a particular focus on land use, soils, hydrology, and water quality. His interests include o... Show more

Stephanie Lee Hayes is a somatic educator and writer specializing in nervous system education and the biological foundations of emotional safety, learning, and human behavior. Her work focuses on helping people understand how the nervous system shapes attention, perception, and emotional responses, and why physiological safety is the foundation for learning and meaningful change.

She is the founder of Roots & Rituals Somatic Education, where she develops educational guides and resources that translate nervous system science into clear, practical frameworks. Her teaching helps individuals recognize protective nervous system patterns and understand how safety supports engagement, clarity, and connection.

Her work is informed by both scientific research and her own lived and embodied experience navigating nervous system dysregulation, which deepens her ability to translate complex concepts into practical, accessible education.

Stephanie Lee Hayes is a somatic educator and writer specializing in nervous system education and the biological foundations of emotional safety, learning, and human behavior. Her work focuses on helping people understand how the nervous system shape... Show more

Rambabu Mandalapu is an accomplished Physical Design Engineer with over 15 years of experience in advanced SoC and IP-level physical implementation. He has executed multi-million gate designs across technology nodes ranging from 45nm down to 3nm, incorporating ARM cores, DSPs, and complex low-power architectures. He brings deep expertise across the full RTL-to-GDSII flow, including synthesis, floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, timing closure, signoff, and tapeout.
Currently serving as a Physical Design Domain Lead at a leading semiconductor company in Cupertino, California, Rambabu leads physical design efforts for multiple Power Management Unit (PMU) chips at both block and top levels. He is responsible for physical signoff and tapeout to TSMC, ensuring manufacturability and quality, and acts as the primary physical design contact for TSMC, coordinating tapeout milestones and technical readiness. His role involves close collaboration with analog design, system integration, RTL, and packaging teams to resolve integration and constraint challenges while driving timing, power, and physical verification convergence across complex low-power domains.
Previously, Rambabu served as Engineering Manager, Physical Design at Calsoft Labs, where he managed top-level and block-level PnR efforts for advanced-node test chips and delivered high-performance partitions and subsystems for clients including Qualcomm and Samsung. He also contributed to multiple partitions at Microsoft by supporting PnR closure and sign-off. Earlier, at UST Global, he led hard macro implementation and full-chip place and route for networking SoCs at Microsemi. At Qualcomm India, he served as a subsystem physical design lead for modem blocks in MSM chipsets, executing complete physical design cycles across multiple technology nodes.
Rambabu began his career in physical design at CMC India and completed an internship at Intel, where he contributed to the Ivy Bridge processor during his M.Tech program. He holds an M.Tech in VLSI System Design from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, and a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Acharya Nagarjuna University.
With extensive experience across advanced process nodes and a consistent record of delivering production-ready silicon, Rambabu brings strong technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and execution excellence to complex semiconductor programs.

Rambabu Mandalapu is an accomplished Physical Design Engineer with over 15 years of experience in advanced SoC and IP-level physical implementation. He has executed multi-million gate designs across technology nodes ranging from 45nm down to 3nm, inc... Show more

I am Rajesh Mannam and I am a BioPharma Data Scientist specializing in biologics and
small-molecule analytics across release testing, stability, quality, and commercial
performance.

I am Rajesh Mannam and I am a BioPharma Data Scientist specializing in biologics and small-molecule analytics across release testing, stability, quality, and commercial performance. Show more

Jack is the Lead Software Architect at Layer, where he builds the technical foundation for a platform that connects building data to Building Information Models (BIM). A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Raikes School, Jack combines a lifelong passion for solving complex problems with deep technical expertise to help the architecture, engineering, and construction industries work smarter.

Jack is the Lead Software Architect at Layer, where he builds the technical foundation for a platform that connects building data to Building Information Models (BIM). A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Raikes Scho... Show more

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. Show more

Sinchan Banerjee is currently a Director of Enterprise Architecture at UST who architects and drives delivery of enterprise-grade data platforms, large-scale data migrations, and digital transformations for the US healthcare industry. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, he has architected, implemented, and delivered data engineering solutions for both batch and streaming workloads with terabytes of data in cloud and on-premises environments.He develops data strategy of next generation products, leads research on how Generative AI can augment data engineering and drives delivery of enterprise-grade data platforms, large-scale data migrations, and digital transformations for the US healthcare industry.His research interests include Agentic AI, data engineering automation, and intelligent data applications.

An expert in scalable data architectures, AWS and Azure stack, service-oriented architectures, and various big data and streaming tools. For his decade long expertise in building data engineering solution, Packt invited him to author their flagship book on data engineering - “Scalable Data Architecture with Java”. He is also lead author of a patent on Predictive analytics and has published several research papers.

Sinchan Banerjee is currently a Director of Enterprise Architecture at UST who architects and drives delivery of enterprise-grade data platforms, large-scale data migrations, and digital transformations for the US healthcare industry. With over 15 y... 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

Dr. Charles Lebon Mberi Kimpolo has played a crucial role over the last decade in guiding the Industry Initiative and the Future of Science Forum (FSF) throughout the AIMS Network to widen the scope and scale of partnerships with industry across Africa and beyond. He leads the implementation of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs, focusing on developing capacity development programs that respond to the emerging industry demands while also supporting AIMS graduates as they transition into the workforce, entrepreneurship, and further academic pursuits. His goal is to position the AIMS Network as the leading academic partner in Africa, dedicated to promoting economic transformation on the continent.

He is a passionate scientist, technologist, and change agent with over 19 years of industry experience in data analysis, business intelligence, and project management. His experience includes teaching and research in the field of computational and applied mathematics. He also has hands-on experience in agile software development, delivery, and consulting, and client engagement working in Africa, the United States, and Asia.

Dr. Mberi Kimpolo has contributed to several global consultations and conferences on the global education industry, in particular. As a key Subject Matter Expert, he contributed to the report on the co-design of the AI Hub for
Sustainable Development, led by the Italian G7-Presidency and UNDP New York. He has authored several blogs, articles, and book chapters to share his perspectives on several topics, including work-integrated learning as a pathway to stimulate youth transition to employment and entrepreneurship in Africa. He joined a group of global experts to participate in the International Steering Committee (ISC) of the 2026 Global Data Festival. He is also a member of the Global Strategy Council of the World Association for Cooperative Education (WACE).

He holds a Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa).

Dr. Charles Lebon Mberi Kimpolo has played a crucial role over the last decade in guiding the Industry Initiative and the Future of Science Forum (FSF) throughout the AIMS Network to widen the scope and scale of partnerships with industry across Afri... Show more

I am passionate about technology, a Python developer, backend engineer, and data scientist. Currently, I am a research in computer vision applied in medecine. Founder of Code, Growth Alive (CGA) and a content creator.

I am passionate about technology, a Python developer, backend engineer, and data scientist. Currently, I am a research in computer vision applied in medecine. Founder of Code, Growth Alive (CGA) and a content creator. Show more

Passionate about maps, data and technology with extensive experience in working with BI class systems as well as ERP, BPM and CRM. He started his adventure with data over a quarter of a century ago. Connected with Krakow in Poland - always and rather forever. Born with the option of analyzing data and topographical space. Thanks to his extensive knowledge and experience, he helps to save hundreds of hours needed to successfully implement the planned project within the given time and budget. He loves demanding implementations, if there is such a need, he trains and broadens horizons - his own and clients', obtaining their satisfaction and contentment. By the way, he enjoys observing and disseminating IT knowledge. Actually he is Microsoft Certified Trainer and leader of Cracow Power BI & Fabric User Group (#KRPBIFUG). He helps attendees take the first step to becoming a speaker, shares his experience during few user group meetings and sometimes conferences (SQLDay or Global Power BI and Fabric Summit). Seasonally, in his free time, he rides a bike and skis, and throughout the year he plays football and raises three of his children.

Passionate about maps, data and technology with extensive experience in working with BI class systems as well as ERP, BPM and CRM. He started his adventure with data over a quarter of a century ago. Connected with Krakow in Poland - always and rather... Show more

I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for building better systems. With experience across DevOps, DevSecOps and FinOps, I integrate security, automation and efficiency from day one. I help organizations tame complexity and turn technology into a competitive advantage. I believe in knowledge sharing and lifting teams to their full potential. My focus: stable foundations, faster delivery, and smarter spend.

I’m driven by curiosity and a passion for building better systems. With experience across DevOps, DevSecOps and FinOps, I integrate security, automation and efficiency from day one. I help organizations tame complexity and turn technology into a comp... Show more

Tummalapalli Sudhamsh Reddy is an accomplished Principal Data Scientist with over a decade of experience transforming complex data into actionable business insights across fintech, e-commerce, retail, healthcare, and insurance sectors. Currently serving as Principal Data Scientist and ML Architect at QlikTech Inc. in Waltham, Massachusetts, he leads the AI/ML group in developing cutting-edge AutoML solutions that serve over 3,000 customers and generate millions in annual revenue.
With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, where his dissertation focused on Game Theoretic Frameworks for Multiagent Systems, Sudhamsh combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical industry expertise. His academic foundation includes a Master's degree in Computer Science specializing in Distributed Computing and a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Engineering from Madras University.
Throughout his career, Sudhamsh has demonstrated exceptional leadership in data science initiatives. At Philo Inc., he revolutionized user engagement through advanced recommendation engines and algorithmic collections. During his tenure at Kayak Software, he redesigned the hotel ranking algorithm, resulting in over $5.2 million in additional annual revenue. His work at DataRobot Inc. involved leading cross-functional teams to implement critical use cases including customer churn prediction, lifetime value modeling, and healthcare analytics.
A recognized thought leader in the field, Sudhamsh presented on AutoML Best Practices at QlikWorld 2023, achieving an exceptional impact score of 8.03. His expertise spans a comprehensive toolkit including Python, R, SAS, Big Data technologies (Hadoop, Spark, Hive), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and advanced machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, Keras, XGBoost).
Beyond his technical achievements, Sudhamsh has contributed to academia through multiple peer-reviewed publications in prestigious conferences including IEEE ICMLA and SMC. He has also served the scientific community as a reviewer for notable journals including Computing Journal (Springer Vienna) and Computer Communications (Elsevier).
His unique combination of academic rigor, industry experience, and proven ability to deliver measurable business value positions him as a leading voice in the evolving landscape of data science and machine learning.

Tummalapalli Sudhamsh Reddy is an accomplished Principal Data Scientist with over a decade of experience transforming complex data into actionable business insights across fintech, e-commerce, retail, healthcare, and insurance sectors. Currently serv... Show more

Meet Samuel Rangel

Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fathers and families through support, education, and advocacy.

With over two decades of service, Samuel has established himself as a licensed substance abuse counselor, Certified Lactation Education Counselor, author, court-appointed gang culture expert, motivational speaker, and community advocate. He is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations—Mentoring Odd Jobs Organization (MOJO) and Distinguished Outreach Services—both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Merced County residents with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, prevention, and fatherhood initiatives.

Samuel’s work extends beyond titles. He is widely recognized for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, often using his own experiences to inspire others. Having overcome personal challenges, he understands the struggles many in his community face today. His story of resilience fuels his mission: to help individuals break cycles of hardship and to create pathways toward healthier families and stronger communities.

Outside of his professional and nonprofit leadership, Samuel has lived a dynamic and inspiring life. He is a former MMA coach and fighter, a recording artist with seven albums, and a five-time competitive BBQ rib champion. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in discipline, creativity, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions fully.

His passion and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including Safeway’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognition as Hispanic Man of the Year by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber, and formal accommodations from both the California State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. These honors reflect not only his personal achievements but also the profound impact he continues to make on families, youth, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Samuel remains committed to expanding his work in advocacy, mentorship, and fatherhood education. His vision is to see every father equipped with the tools to lead with love, responsibility, and purpose—because stronger fathers create stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities.

Samuel often shares this guiding belief:

“You can spend a lifetime looking for your purpose, but when you find your passion, you begin to live.”

Meet Samuel Rangel Samuel Rangel, a proud Merced, California native, is a devoted husband, father of seven, and grandfather of eight. He currently serves with the Merced County Human Services Agency’s All Dad’s Matter Program, where he empowers fa... Show more

A Physics graduate from the University of Milan, he has been working in the semiconductor industry since 2000. Throughout his career, he has worked in various aspects of manufacturing science, gaining extensive experience and expertise in the field.

A Physics graduate from the University of Milan, he has been working in the semiconductor industry since 2000. Throughout his career, he has worked in various aspects of manufacturing science, gaining extensive experience and expertise in the field. Show more

Manjunath Janardhan is a Senior Manager in AI/ML Computational Science at Accenture, with over 21 years of experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale AI systems across healthcare, finance, and cloud platforms.

He specializes in Generative AI, agentic systems, knowledge graph–enhanced RAG architectures, AI observability, and intelligent automation, with a strong foundation in large-scale distributed systems and microservices. His work spans building GenAI platforms, architecting AI-driven operational solutions, modernizing legacy systems, and guiding teams through production-grade AI adoption.

Prior to Accenture, Manjunath held senior technical leadership roles at GE Healthcare, MSG Global Solutions, and Dell EMC, where he led platform modernization initiatives, built internal AI accelerators, designed evaluation pipelines for LLM-based systems, and mentored global engineering teams.

A frequent speaker at IISc, PyData Global, AWS Community Day, Google AI Community, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Open Source India, Manjunath delivers practical, architecture-focused sessions on enterprise AI adoption, agentic workflows, RAG systems, MCP architectures, and real-world GenAI implementation challenges. He is also an active open-source contributor, technical mentor, and author of applied AI articles.

Manjunath Janardhan is a Senior Manager in AI/ML Computational Science at Accenture, with over 21 years of experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale AI systems across healthcare, finance, and cloud platforms. He specializes in Generativ... Show more

Pavan Kumar Adabala is a hands-on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Senior Developer with extensive expertise in both Finance & Operations and Business Central platforms. Currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he leads end-to-end solution design and development at Inspire Medical Systems, where he oversees regulated CI/CD processes, custom development initiatives including reports, APIs, and Azure web jobs, and stakeholder-driven architecture. His role encompasses technical governance, license and security management, and integration strategies aligned with enterprise systems.
With a strong foundation in ERP optimization and integration, Pavan serves as a principal solution architect, translating strategic business goals into scalable technical solutions. He has established architectural standards and development workflows that meet SOX compliance requirements while ensuring high-quality code delivery. His technical expertise spans custom API development, SSRS and Docentric reporting, Azure Functions, and integration workflows with third-party platforms such as Concur, Blackline, and Acterys. He also maintains governance around user access, licensing, and environment management across D365 instances.
Before his current role, Pavan worked as a Technical Solutions Engineer at MCA Connect in Greensboro, where he implemented and supported Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations for external clients. He led technical discovery, solution design, and development efforts while directing teams through full-cycle implementations. His earlier experience at Teksoft Systems in Troy, Michigan, provided him with foundational expertise in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009/2012, where he participated in successful implementation projects for notable clients, including Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Marc Jacobs Inc., and Mott Corporation.
Pavan holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri--Kansas City, where he ranked in the top 7% of his class, and a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering from GITAM University in India, where he graduated in the top 2% of his class. He is a Microsoft Certified Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert and Developer Associate. Beyond his professional achievements, Pavan is an active volunteer in educational and medical outreach programs and has presented research on nano-robots at Andhra University.

Pavan Kumar Adabala is a hands-on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Senior Developer with extensive expertise in both Finance & Operations and Business Central platforms. Currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he leads end-to-end solution design and deve... Show more

Venkat is a seasoned Lab Informatics Consultant with over two decades of expertise in laboratory automation, digitization, and regulatory compliance within the life sciences industry. Currently serving as a Principal Product Consultant at Cognizant Technology Services since 2020, Venkat leads strategic initiatives in talent management, competency enablement, and business development while driving laboratory modernization programs for global pharmaceutical companies.
With a B.E. in Instrumentation & Control Engineering from the University of Madras (2001) and an Executive MBA from Karnataka State Open University (2013), Venkat combines technical depth with business acumen. His career spans prestigious organizations including IBM Corporation, HCL America Inc., Mahindra Satyam, Waters India Pvt Ltd, and Agaram Industries, where he has consistently delivered exceptional results in laboratory informatics solutions.
Venkat's expertise encompasses comprehensive management of critical laboratory systems including Empower CDS, LIMS, SDMS, ELN, and NuGenesis SDMS applications. He has successfully supported mission-critical implementations across 31 Global Manufacturing Services sites for major pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co Inc., and Eli Lilly & Co. His technical proficiency extends to regulatory compliance, with extensive experience in USFDA and MHRA audit readiness, CAPA activities, and GxP protocols.
A recognized leader in the field, Venkat was honored as an outstanding performer for five consecutive years in HCL's O Infinity club, demonstrating his commitment to service excellence and innovation. He has established Centers of Competence, mentored numerous professionals, and spearheaded the development of "Lab of the Future" roadmaps that integrate IoT solutions to address real-time business challenges.
Venkat's contributions extend beyond technical implementation to strategic business development, where he has identified and executed new opportunities in laboratory automation, strengthened partner collaborations, and enhanced customer satisfaction through precise project delivery. Received the Life Sciences Star Award. His ability to bridge technical complexity with business objectives has made him a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical leaders seeking to modernize their laboratory operations.
Based in the United States, Venkat continues to drive innovation in laboratory informatics while fostering the next generation of talent in this specialized field.

Venkat is a seasoned Lab Informatics Consultant with over two decades of expertise in laboratory automation, digitization, and regulatory compliance within the life sciences industry. Currently serving as a Principal Product Consultant at Cognizant T... Show more

Vinnie brings over 20 years of global expertise in the Product and Delivery space, having worked with more than 100 teams and trained over 800 professionals. She has worked across sectors like IT and Business Agility, particularly in HR, Marketing, and Finance.
Her work has led to significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and cultural transformation by enhancing communication and engagement.

She makes this happen by helping product and delivery leaders overcome challenges that impact team performance, delivery speed, and product success. By applying systems thinking, team dynamics expertise, and agile principles and practices, she works with leaders to align outcomes ensuring sustainable results.

Her industry expertise includes mining, engineering, retail, education, automotive, security, government, energy, oil and gas and financial services. She has a robust background in Project Management, Delivery, Product, HR, Start-ups, and Strategy.

As an active member of the agile community and an international conference speaker, Vinnie is renowned for delivering actionable insights through engaging storytelling and humour. Her extensive international and cross-cultural experience enriches her dynamic approach.

Vinnie brings over 20 years of global expertise in the Product and Delivery space, having worked with more than 100 teams and trained over 800 professionals. She has worked across sectors like IT and Business Agility, particularly in HR, Marketing, a... Show more

Mohamed Ashraf Kottilungal
Founder and CTO - TCG CertifAI Labs & Anoth International ,TCG global Middle east

An expert in Cloud Architecture AI Governance and IT/OT Cyber Security with 33 years of experience across globe - Verizon Communications, Nokia -Edennet , Lucent Technologies & Orange Telecom .

With a distinguished 33-year career at the intersection of industrial engineering and cutting-edge technology, Ash is a visionary "Architect of the Future." As the Founder of CertifAI Labs, he leads the mission to standardize AI reliability, safety, and compliance through advanced testing and certification frameworks.

Ash currently serves as the lead AI Consultant for one of the largest industrial manufacturing companies in Sharjah, UAE, where he orchestrates the integration of AI, Digital Twins, and the Industrial Metaverse. His strategic footprint includes providing the Deep Vision for over 100 AI tech startups globally and collaborating on the development of the world’s largest AI Health ecosystem.

A prolific innovator with multiple patents in Cognitive Edge and Sustainability automation, Mohamed bridges the gap between complex cloud-native infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) and the practical needs of Fortune 100 enterprises. He is a frequent global speaker and mentor, dedicated to transforming "black-box" AI into transparent, high-value business assets.

Mohamed Ashraf Kottilungal Founder and CTO - TCG CertifAI Labs & Anoth International ,TCG global Middle east An expert in Cloud Architecture AI Governance and IT/OT Cyber Security with 33 years of experience across globe - Verizon Communication... Show more