Real Estate & Architecture

Experts in the design, construction, and management of buildings and structures, as well as professionals involved in the buying, selling, and development of real estate properties

Mansinh Chaudhari

Mansinh Chaudhari

Mansinh Chaudhari, also known as Monsi Koova, was born in a rural village in western India. Growing up close to nature and tradition, he learned early the importance of resilience and self-reliance. From a young age, he was curious about how things worked and looked for ways to expand his understanding. After earning a Master’s degree in science in India, he moved to New York City, starting a journey that would lead him across industries and continents.

Mansinh became an entrepreneur with experience creating ventures in computer science, hospitality, and healthcare. Numerous setbacks marked his early years, but he viewed each challenge as a valuable lesson that shaped his approach to life. Over time, he developed a diverse portfolio of businesses, investments, and consulting projects that connected him with people worldwide.

Mansinh's current focus includes real estate projects, a media investment fund, and a Real-World Asset-backed digital token fund. He works to bring tangible assets into decentralized finance, believing this will make investing more accessible to a broader range of people. He attends the World Economic Forum, technology conferences, and finance gatherings to stay current and build trusted relationships. For him, collaboration and trust are essential to any success.

Monsi Koova has a strong interest in real-world asset tokenization using blockchain technology and believes it can transform how ownership and investment are managed. His media fund shows his view that business and culture often shape each other.

Outside of his professional work, Mansinh mentors young people and supports entrepreneurs as they start their ventures. He believes in working hard, being honest, and helping others build stable foundations. Philanthropy is an integral part of his life, and he has contributed to charities in Africa and India, believing that giving back is a crucial aspect of true success.

Mansinh Chaudhari hopes to be remembered as someone who led with integrity, formed strong connections, and made a lasting positive impact.

Mansinh Chaudhari, also known as Monsi Koova, was born in a rural village in western India. Growing up close to nature and tradition, he learned early the importance of resilience and self-reliance. From a young age, he was curious about how things w... Show more

Prince Malani

Prince Malani

Enterprise cloud architect and a storyteller transforming manufacturing and logistics through secure digital solutions. Expertise in responsible AI implementation and sustainable technology, delivering measurable business impact across complex industrial environments. Focused on turning digital challenges into competitive advantages.

Enterprise cloud architect and a storyteller transforming manufacturing and logistics through secure digital solutions. Expertise in responsible AI implementation and sustainable technology, delivering measurable business impact across complex indust... Show more

Jake Petrasch

Jake Petrasch

Jake Petrasch, also known as Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., runs Valley Anglers in Vermont's Mad River Valley, providing guided fly fishing trips and a comprehensive selection of fishing equipment. With over two decades of experience in education, property management, site coordination, and fly fishing, he combines his professional expertise with personal interests like surfing, skateboarding, cycling, and hunting, creating a rich, outdoor-centric life.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University in 2001 and a Master's in Education from Johnson State College in 2007. His educational background is further solidified by coursework completed at the National Outdoor Leadership School, recognized by the University of Utah.

Throughout his career, he has worked in various capacities, including as a teacher, property manager, and site coordinator. In 2005, he founded Valley Anglers LLC, where he passionately teaches fly fishing. He enriches clients' experiences with his deep knowledge of casting techniques, entomology, and knot tying.

His journey in education began at Counseling Services of Addison County in 2010, where he developed specialized lesson plans for high school students outside the traditional school system. He later served at Harwood Union High School and Montpelier High School, engaging in roles that enhanced educational and extracurricular programs for students.

Since 2018, he has managed property with Integrated Property Services LLC, overseeing the maintenance and care of properties in the Mad River Valley. This demonstrates his versatility and commitment to community service.

His personal story is deeply woven into the fabric of his career. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted shortly after, he grew up in Nantucket, absorbing the coastal life that sparked his lifelong passions. His most cherished personal moment came during his time at St. Lawrence University, where he met his wife. They married in Stowe, Vermont, in 2005 and have since relocated to Williston, Vermont, for their children's education and sports activities.

Fly fishing is more than a hobby for him; it played a pivotal role in his sobriety journey starting in 1999. He has since helped with trout stocking in New York and enjoys both freshwater fishing in Vermont and saltwater fishing in places like Belize. His experience also extends to piloting fishing boats in Nantucket before GPS became mainstream.

Besides fishing, he has a strong affinity for surfing, motorcycling, and hunting, activities that connect him to nature and his adventurous spirit. He values the serene experiences along the Maine Coast and holds a deep connection to Nantucket, reflecting his appreciation for heritage and family history.

Jake Petrasch's life embodies a profound commitment to personal growth, community involvement, and a deep-seated love for the natural world. He maintains a legacy of resilience and dedication through all aspects of his life.

Jake Petrasch, also known as Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., runs Valley Anglers in Vermont's Mad River Valley, providing guided fly fishing trips and a comprehensive selection of fishing equipment. With over two decades of experience in education, pr... Show more

Victory Aghazie

Victory Aghazie

Victory Aghazie is a multidisciplinary designer with deep expertise in Product, Brand, and System Design. For over six years, I’ve collaborated with early-stage startups and growth-driven teams to design MVPs and shape experiments. My work spans industries like web3, real estate, wellness, and more, at companies like Andela and The Nigeria High Commission, United Kingdom. Etc.

I am developing an AI-powered tooling system designed to reduce the gap between design and code. The goal is to bring designers and developers closer together; not just in workflow, but in shared languages.

Victory Aghazie is a multidisciplinary designer with deep expertise in Product, Brand, and System Design. For over six years, I’ve collaborated with early-stage startups and growth-driven teams to design MVPs and shape experiments. My work spans indu... Show more

George Zoto

George Zoto

George is currently the Director of Responsible AI and Data Science at the National Association of Realtors, providing AI products and services to 1000+ small and large real estate businesses as well as 1.5+ million real estate agents. He is a seasoned AI/ML and Data Science expert, recognized for leading Top 100 innovative tech initiatives.

George is a believer in building, learning from and growing within communities and is the founder of Deep Learning Adventures, a community of AI practitioners with 3K members around the world.

When he is not presenting or attending an event, he enjoys running and biking all around DC or planning his next trip abroad.

George is currently the Director of Responsible AI and Data Science at the National Association of Realtors, providing AI products and services to 1000+ small and large real estate businesses as well as 1.5+ million real estate agents. He is a season... Show more

Dan Rossiter

Dan Rossiter

Dan Rossiter is the Owner and Operator of Rossiter Realty, a small locally owned business focused on providing quality long term rental housing to families across the Alamo City. Prior to his focus on real estate, Dan spent a decade at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), where he worked primarily with state departments of transportation across the nation, from California to Florida, designing tech-forward solutions to get millions of residents where they needed to go faster and safer through innovative use of big data and novel algorithms. During his time at SwRI, Dan managed tens of millions of project dollars and was a regular speaker at industry conferences across the nation.

Outside of paid employment, Dan is a tireless public servant. Dan serves in numerous volunteer positions with a focus on driving equitable capital investment and positive environmental impact.

As the elected President of Thunderbird Hills Neighborhood Association, Dan has steered this underserved Westside neighborhood to new highs. Under his leadership, the organization has secured millions of dollars in public funding to drastically increase road safety where school kids walk every day, to increase shade tree canopy along heavily trafficked multi-modal roadways, and worked to build a multi-neighborhood coalition representing nearly 40,000 residents across the Westside to advocate for even greater regional wins in the future.

Additionally, Dan has served on the Board of Directors for Brooks (formerly Brooks City Base) since 2021 and is currently the Board Treasurer. In this role, Dan works closely with Board peers and the Brooks leadership team to craft impactful economic development strategies which uplift the surrounding communities, creating quality jobs and quality of life for one of the most economically disadvantaged zip codes in the city.

Wherever Dan goes, he remains singularly focused on challenging existing systems and norms with an eye toward moving the communities and organizations he cares for toward increasingly greater heights!

Dan Rossiter is the Owner and Operator of Rossiter Realty, a small locally owned business focused on providing quality long term rental housing to families across the Alamo City. Prior to his focus on real estate, Dan spent a decade at Southwest Rese... Show more

Bryan Brattlof

Bryan Brattlof

Bryan is currently working with the Linux baseport team for Texas Instruments’ Sitara class of SoCs and other embedded processors TI produces. When he’s not playing with chips, Bryan is learning everything he can about everything: general aviation, baseball statistics, embedded real-time systems. He’s a pretty cool guy, you should say hello

Bryan is currently working with the Linux baseport team for Texas Instruments’ Sitara class of SoCs and other embedded processors TI produces. When he’s not playing with chips, Bryan is learning everything he can about everything: general aviation, b... Show more

Fred Assini

Fred Assini

Fred Assini, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Tech Lending, celebrated his 37th year in the real estate industry in 2024. Since assuming leadership in 2019, he has skillfully steered the company across the complexities of asset-based lending, facilitating partnerships nationwide. Initially established 2007 in the Northeast United States, Alpha Tech Lending has since broadened its reach with headquarters in New York and Boca Raton, Florida.

Under Fred's guidance, Alpha Tech Lending has cultivated a reputation for strategic growth and client-focused solutions, streamlining the lending process to support successful real estate projects. The company offers a variety of loan programs such as Fix & Flip, New Construction, various DSCR loans, Bridge Loans, and Tru No Doc Loans, each designed to cater to the unique needs of real estate investors, brokers, and developers.

The Fix & Flip program assists investors in purchasing properties to renovate and sell at a profit, while the New Construction loans provide crucial funding for ground-up building projects. DSCR Loans are tailored for acquiring rental properties, with terms favorable to the projected income of the investments. For commercial ventures, Assini offers loans covering offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and more.

Alpha Tech Lending's Bridge Loan program supports clients needing short-term solutions before securing traditional financing. The Tru No Doc Loans rely solely on the asset's value, requiring no borrower credit or financial review. Additionally, the company's Registered Broker Partner Program allows mortgage brokers and consultants to expand their offerings and benefit from competitive compensation structures.

Previously, Fred Assini founded First Rehab Lending in 2012, focusing on short-term commercial loans for non-owner-occupied residential properties. His team ensured fast service from loan application to closing, striving to build lasting relationships through competitive rates and exceptional service.

At 27, Fred founded Franklin First Financial, becoming a significant player licensed in 40 states and recognized among the nation's top mortgage makers. He led Franklin First in offering a diverse range of mortgage products, including FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, and Reverse Mortgage Loans, leveraging technology and a customer-first approach to expand its reach significantly.

Assini's early career also included managing a general contractor company, providing him with firsthand insight into the construction and renovation challenges his clients faced. Over his career, he has completed nearly 100 fix-and-flip projects, further solidifying his expertise in real estate investment.

Assini is a business leader and a committed philanthropist, sponsoring numerous local and national charity events. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys family time, golf, travel, and maintaining his fitness.

Born in Brooklyn and a graduate of Saint John's University with a degree in finance, Fred Assini has devoted his career to advancing the real estate financing industry, making significant contributions through innovative lending solutions and leadership.

Fred Assini, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Tech Lending, celebrated his 37th year in the real estate industry in 2024. Since assuming leadership in 2019, he has skillfully steered the company across the complexities of asset-based lending, fac... Show more

Mara Riviello López

Mara Riviello López

Mara Riviello López
Nacida en una familia de madre ceramista y padre ingeniero, se formó desde temprana edad en el taller de cerámica familiar, donde aprendió el oficio. Con una trayectoria de casi cuarenta años en la práctica cerámica, es fundadora y coordinadora de PAC – Prácticas Alternativas Cerámicas, un proyecto que promueve la autonomía cerámica en diálogo con el territorio,construyendo saberes a partir de la propia experiencia.
Integra el colectivo Soberanía Cerámica y, en 2021, recibe el apoyo del programa Mecenazgo Cultural del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y la Beca SID (Secretaría de Investigación y Desarrollo, UNTreF) para desarrollar la investigación durante el bienio 2023–2024. Participa también en la iniciativa Recuperar lo ausente del Colectivo de Arquitectas, apoyada por el Fondo Nacional de las Artes, centrada en la recuperación urbanística del Río de la Plata.
En 2024 realiza una residencia en FabLab Bilbao, donde produce piezas con arcilla local mediante impresión 3D, participando en la MakerFaire. Paralelamente, investiga la formulación de pastas cerámicas y sus procesos de cocción en la Fundación Bilbao Arte.
Actualmente impulsa la creación de un taller de cerámica dentro del Museo Comunitario de Isla Maciel, al tiempo que dicta clases en el espacio familiar, abordando la cerámica situada combinando técnicas tradicionales con prácticas alternativas.

Mara Riviello López Nacida en una familia de madre ceramista y padre ingeniero, se formó desde temprana edad en el taller de cerámica familiar, donde aprendió el oficio. Con una trayectoria de casi cuarenta años en la práctica cerámica, es fundadora... Show more

Brian Casella

Brian Casella

Brian Casella is a professional event lighting designer and commercial real estate owner based in Connecticut. He creates lighting designs for live events throughout the Northeast, applying a mix of technical skill and creative planning. In addition to his work in event production, he owns and manages a portfolio of commercial properties through BDC Realty LLC, combining design expertise with practical business leadership.

As the founder and principal of BDC Realty, Brian oversees various commercial properties across Connecticut. His responsibilities include identifying new investment opportunities, managing renovations, and maintaining tenant relationships. His understanding of market conditions, property values, and long-term planning supports the company's growth and success.

Brian works as a lighting designer with an event production company in Brookfield. His lighting includes corporate functions, weddings, brand activations, gala events, and large-scale productions. Each project is approached with care and attention to the space, purpose, and audience experience. His clients span multiple industries, including entertainment, fashion, healthcare, automotive, finance, technology, and education. Schools across the region have also trusted his lighting designs for special events.

Brian incorporates lighting technologies such as LED fixtures and wireless control systems to ensure efficiency, adaptability, and safety. His designs meet modern standards while aligning with each event’s specific needs. He collaborates with event producers, planners, and venues to deliver reliable and visually impactful results.

Brian studied technical theater and lighting design at Western Connecticut State University and earned an Electrical Design and Management degree. This educational foundation allows him to manage the artistic and technical aspects of his work. He also served as a volunteer board member at a local theater, contributing to the support of community arts.

When not working, he enjoys hiking and being outdoors with his dog, Oakley. These moments away from work help him stay balanced and focused. Brian Casella continues to develop his work in lighting design and real estate, building a reputation through thoughtful service, consistent results, and dedication to quality.

Brian Casella is a professional event lighting designer and commercial real estate owner based in Connecticut. He creates lighting designs for live events throughout the Northeast, applying a mix of technical skill and creative planning. In addition ... Show more

Ayeotan Oluwanishola

Ayeotan Oluwanishola

I’m a Data Scientist, with cross-sector expertise, where I’ve deployed cutting edge and innovative products to scale company services and bottom line.

I’m a Data Scientist, with cross-sector expertise, where I’ve deployed cutting edge and innovative products to scale company services and bottom line. Show more

Marcin Łapaj

Marcin Łapaj

An adult programmer and enthusiast of the craft approach to coding. For 18 years, he’s been writing code of varying quality. He has journeyed from developer to manager and back again. Personally, he’s passionate about cycling and travel.

An adult programmer and enthusiast of the craft approach to coding. For 18 years, he’s been writing code of varying quality. He has journeyed from developer to manager and back again. Personally, he’s passionate about cycling and travel. Show more

Divyanshu Bansal

Divyanshu Bansal

Global Head of Design - Lenskart
Ex - Head of Design - Blinkit
Ex - Head of Design - WeAreHolidays (Acquired)
3x Founder, Angel Investor

Global Head of Design - Lenskart Ex - Head of Design - Blinkit Ex - Head of Design - WeAreHolidays (Acquired) 3x Founder, Angel Investor Show more

Sai Sahiti Nemalikanti

Sai Sahiti Nemalikanti

I'm a Senior Software Engineer at AWS, working on the Xanadu Storage team. With over eight years of experience in distributed systems, I've led major projects, collaborated with senior leaders, and mentored engineers. Previously, I worked at Meta (Ads Storage), Microsoft, and AWS Systems Manager for SAP. I’m passionate about cloud infrastructure, high-performance storage, and scaling distributed systems.

I'm a Senior Software Engineer at AWS, working on the Xanadu Storage team. With over eight years of experience in distributed systems, I've led major projects, collaborated with senior leaders, and mentored engineers. Previously, I worked at Meta (Ad... Show more

Raghavendra Mallela

Raghavendra Mallela

Software Engineer | Nerd | Gamer | No.1 cook/hanzo in my house.

Software Engineer | Nerd | Gamer | No.1 cook/hanzo in my house. Show more

Darrell Howell

Darrell Howell

Darrell Howell is a strategic and results-driven CFO with an extensive track record spanning over two decades. His financial leadership has catalyzed growth and operational excellence across multiple sectors, including construction, real estate, and technology. Adept at navigating complex financial landscapes, he has successfully expanded business operations and implemented groundbreaking cost-saving strategies. His proficiency in financial planning, analysis, and reporting has solidified his reputation as a leader who not only meets but exceeds corporate goals.

A cornerstone of his success is his knack for process improvement. He has enhanced financial operations by introducing robust internal controls and leveraging advanced technology to boost efficiency and precision. This expertise played a pivotal role when he expanded Bluebird Roofing's operations, establishing a commercial division that saw revenue soar from $28 million to $40 million within a single fiscal year.

His strategic insight is matched by his comprehensive business knowledge, which has been instrumental in scaling a single Pizza Hut franchise to ten locations across three states, significantly boosting sales. Furthermore, he led a Fortune 500 company's implementation of a stock equity program, fostering employee engagement and retention.

He studied at the University of North Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management. Following this, he pursued and obtained a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. Notably, his time in college was not just about academic pursuits; it was also where he met his future wife. Married since June 1990, they have raised two wonderful children.

Beyond his professional commitments, Howell is deeply invested in his community. He serves as the treasurer for his local church, Donelson First Baptist, reflecting his dedication to his faith and community service. He also actively participates in Gobble Gobble Give each Thanksgiving, helping ensure local families can celebrate the holiday. This sense of community and giving back is a value he passionately imparts to his children.

Howell enjoys staying active and maintaining his physical health. An avid sports fan since childhood, he relishes playing golf and attending Tennessee volunteer football and basketball games. Traveling with his family is another joy, providing them all with enriching experiences and diverse perspectives. Whether on the golf course, at a sports event, or exploring new destinations, Howell values these moments for the joy and relaxation they bring. Always looking forward to the next adventure, Darrell Howell continues to lead a fulfilling and impactful life.

Darrell Howell is a strategic and results-driven CFO with an extensive track record spanning over two decades. His financial leadership has catalyzed growth and operational excellence across multiple sectors, including construction, real estate, and ... Show more

Ravindu Nirmal Fernando

Ravindu Nirmal Fernando

Seasoned DevOps Lead/Consultant with 8+ years of expertise in cloud computing, security, platform engineering, and software development. Passionate about transforming engineering processes, driving speed, reliability, and quality. Proven in adopting DevOps practices across diverse organizations. Expert in scalable cloud architectures, regulatory compliance, and enhancing security in cloud environments. Skilled in platform engineering to streamline and optimize developer platforms.

Seasoned DevOps Lead/Consultant with 8+ years of expertise in cloud computing, security, platform engineering, and software development. Passionate about transforming engineering processes, driving speed, reliability, and quality. Proven in adopting ... Show more

Joe Peluso

Joe Peluso

Joe Peluso is a Georgia-born engineer, adventurer, and lifelong learner blending Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and city planning to drive community improvement and build a brighter future for all.

Joe Peluso is a Georgia-born engineer, adventurer, and lifelong learner blending Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and city planning to drive community improvement and build a brighter future for all. Show more

Leon de Vries

Leon de Vries

Leon is consultant en architect bij ArchiXL, een Nederlands adviesbureau gespecialiseerd in enterprise- en informatiearchitectuur. Hij is gefascineerd door architectuur, ArchiMate-modellering en repositories, en past dit graag toe bij organisaties.

Leon is consultant en architect bij ArchiXL, een Nederlands adviesbureau gespecialiseerd in enterprise- en informatiearchitectuur. Hij is gefascineerd door architectuur, ArchiMate-modellering en repositories, en past dit graag toe bij organisaties. Show more

Sachin Francis

Sachin Francis

Sachin is a Senior Software Engineer and Lead Android Developer with over 13 years of distinguished experience in mobile application development, specializing in Android platforms. His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, scalability, and user-centric design, consistently delivering high-performance applications that redefine industry standards. Sachin’s expertise spans server-driven UI development, hybrid app strategies, and lightweight mobile solutions, making him a trailblazer in the field of mobile technology.

As the technical lead for LinkedIn’s Android search platform, Sachin has engineered scalable, reusable search features that empower partners to integrate seamless search functionalities across multiple applications. His groundbreaking work on LinkedIn Lite (Android)—a 1MB lightweight version of the app—garnered over 20 million downloads, earned the Best Social App of 2017 title on the Google Play Store, and was awarded Editor’s Choice. This achievement underscores his ability to optimize performance and accessibility for global audiences, even in low-bandwidth environments.

Sachin’s contributions extend beyond product development. He is a pioneer in server-driven UI frameworks, enabling faster iterations and reduced maintenance for large-scale applications. His proficiency in server driven and hybrid mobile technologies, using custom DSL, TWA, PWA, WebView, and CCT, demonstrates his versatility in bridging native and server driven solutions. His US Patent (#10417119) for Dynamic Testing Based on Automated Impact Analysis highlights his innovative approach to test automation, significantly improving efficiency by targeting only impacted code areas during testing.

Recognized for his technical leadership, Sachin has played pivotal roles at LinkedIn, Intuit, and Huawei, where he designed CI/CD pipelines, test automation frameworks, and performance-optimized systems. His work on QuickBooks Online and Intallo BPMS showcased his ability to streamline complex workflows and enhance system reliability for enterprise-level applications.

Beyond his technical prowess, Sachin is a thought leader committed to advancing the mobile development community. His insights into Kotlin, Java, Jetpack Compose, and test automation are highly regarded. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Sachin’s academic foundation complements his hands-on expertise.

Sachin’s impact on mobile technology is both profound and far-reaching. His ability to merge cutting-edge innovation with practical usability has not only elevated user experiences but also inspired peers and mentees alike. Whether through architecting scalable solutions, mentoring emerging talent, or driving patent-worthy advancements, Sachin Francis stands as a visionary engineer shaping the future of mobile development.

Sachin is a Senior Software Engineer and Lead Android Developer with over 13 years of distinguished experience in mobile application development, specializing in Android platforms. His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, scalabili... Show more

Iacovos Constantinou

Iacovos Constantinou

Iacovos Constantinou is the CTO of QOBO, leading the development of Qobrix, an advanced real estate CRM platform. With over 20 years of experience in software development, he has a strong focus on PHP while maintaining broad expertise across various aspects of engineering, including full-stack development and DevOps. Previously, he played a key role in Cablenet Communication Systems, where he led in-house software development for one of Cyprus’ leading telecommunications providers.

Beyond his leadership role, Iacovos is an active open-source contributor, with an approved RFC in ESLint that introduced a feature for suppressing existing lint violations. This allows teams to enable new rules without being overwhelmed by past issues, making it easier to gradually adopt stricter linting practices without disrupting development. He also enjoys working on side projects, such as importOK and DNSDone, where he explores ways to simplify complex workflows for developers.

At Web Summer Camp (Croatia), Iacovos will showcase how developers can leverage the Symfony Expression Language to build powerful and flexible search functionality for REST APIs. By dynamically parsing expressions into ORM and SQL queries, this approach enables intuitive and efficient filtering while keeping the underlying implementation clean and maintainable.

Iacovos Constantinou is the CTO of QOBO, leading the development of Qobrix, an advanced real estate CRM platform. With over 20 years of experience in software development, he has a strong focus on PHP while maintaining broad expertise across various ... Show more

AnneMarie Otanez

AnneMarie Otanez

Anne Marie Otañez is an accomplished Chief of Staff, author, and executive coach with over 20 years of experience leading in high-tech, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. As a Chief of Staff at Microsoft, she built executive offices, led strategic initiatives, and coached high-performing teams. She is the founder of Own Your Power with Anne Marie and creator of The Chief of Staff Academy™, a CPD-accredited global program that prepares professionals for one of the most dynamic roles in leadership. As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, Anne Marie brings a deeply empathetic and strategic lens to her work, emphasizing alignment, resilience, and leadership without burnout.

Anne Marie Otañez is an accomplished Chief of Staff, author, and executive coach with over 20 years of experience leading in high-tech, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. As a Chief of Staff at Microsoft, she built executive offices, led strategi... Show more

Alex Porcelli

Alex Porcelli

Alex Porcelli is a seasoned Architect and Engineer Leader with over 25 years of professional development experience. A passionate open-source advocate, he has actively contributed to projects like Drools, jBPM, Kogito, Hibernate, and more for over 15 years. Alex spent more than a decade at Red Hat, where he played key roles as an individual contributor and leader in the Business Automation product line. Most recently, at IBM, he led the establishment of BAMOE, IBM's first open-source Business Automation product. Alex is also a frequent international speaker at events such as IBM TechXChange, QCon, JavaOne, CodeOne, Red Hat Summit, and DevNation.

Alex Porcelli is a seasoned Architect and Engineer Leader with over 25 years of professional development experience. A passionate open-source advocate, he has actively contributed to projects like Drools, jBPM, Kogito, Hibernate, and more for over 15... Show more

Jennifer (JD) Carlston

Jennifer (JD) Carlston

JD works as an Engineering Director and Architect at Stack Overflow and moonlights with an AI Fashion startup as their Chief AI Architect. I have a long-lived passion for understanding complex systems. Throughout my career I've worked on large distributed systems in education, finance, and real estate. Over the years I’ve built many tools to process massive amounts of information and worked with people and systems from all over the world. When I’m not doing that I like to explore the great outdoors, play and "make" with family and friends.

JD works as an Engineering Director and Architect at Stack Overflow and moonlights with an AI Fashion startup as their Chief AI Architect. I have a long-lived passion for understanding complex systems. Throughout my career I've worked on large distr... Show more

Khadijah El-Usman

Khadijah El-Usman

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and capacity-building to advance internet freedom, digital rights, across the region.
With expertise in data governance, artificial intelligence, elections, and women’s rights online, Khadijah has successfully led coalition responses to legislation, policy dialogues, and digital security training for civil society, journalists, and the judiciary. She is also a first responder on PIN’s Ripoti platform, supporting victims of digital rights violations.

Khadijah El-Usman is a digital rights advocate, legal practitioner, researcher, and policy expert leading Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN) Anglophone West Africa programs. As Senior Programmes Officer, she drives policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and... Show more

Steven Hook

Steven Hook

Steven is the leader of CEI’s Modern Web practice, known for leading large, complex, modern web and cloud transformations. He also works with companies looking to build a platform for modern development using DevOps practices. He has experience in a broad range of industries including enterprise retail, healthcare, financial, automotive, real estate, non-profit, warehousing, professional certification industry and even sports and entertainment.

For over 12 years Steven has organized the Pittsburgh .NET User Group and built a community of learners looking to advance their knowledge. Steven, like many others in that group are creators and a tinkerer at heart, working in front of the teams building prototypes and share their findings.

Steven is the leader of CEI’s Modern Web practice, known for leading large, complex, modern web and cloud transformations. He also works with companies looking to build a platform for modern development using DevOps practices. He has experience in a ... Show more

Randy Nicholson

Randy Nicholson

Randy Nicholson is a Sr AI Engineer at Octane Lending, specializing in AI-driven search, cloud infrastructure, and Kubernetes. He has led the development of AI-powered tools using AWS Bedrock and Elastic Search, enhancing company-wide knowledge retrieval. With a background in Site Reliability Engineering, Randy has driven large-scale cloud migrations, CI/CD modernization, and developer enablement. He is passionate about AI, automation, and empowering teams through technology.

Randy Nicholson is a Sr AI Engineer at Octane Lending, specializing in AI-driven search, cloud infrastructure, and Kubernetes. He has led the development of AI-powered tools using AWS Bedrock and Elastic Search, enhancing company-wide knowledge retri... Show more

Cody Fortier

Cody Fortier

Cody Fortier, a successful business leader based in Opelousas, Louisiana, owns a construction company specializing in heavy civil, hydro excavation, and marine construction. As the CEO, he manages various projects across the Gulf South, ensuring each phase, from initiation to completion, adheres to the highest standards.

Under Fortier's guidance, the firm operates a vast fleet of earth-moving equipment essential for tasks along the Gulf Coast. This includes custom-built heavy machinery, which is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in all operations.

Cody Fortier excels in specialized marine construction projects, such as developing ports, harbors, and offshore platforms. His team’s proficiency in dredging is pivotal, deepening harbors and laying foundations for marine infrastructure. Using advanced dredging vessels, they maintain navigable waterways and construct durable offshore platforms capable of withstanding harsh marine environments.

Moreover, Fortier’s work includes marine piling, essential for erecting stable foundations for marine structures like piers and bridges. This involves driving large steel or concrete piles deep into the seafloor. Another area of expertise is the construction of breakwaters and seawalls, which protect shorelines and harbors from erosion by minimizing wave impact.

In heavy civil construction, Cody Fortier's company is adept at handling comprehensive site preparation and stabilization tasks, such as erosion control, excavation, and drainage solutions, which are crucial for the success of any project.

As CEO, Cody Fortier's strategic leadership is instrumental in steering the company’s vision and growth, ensuring operational excellence and profitability. His responsibilities include high-level decision-making, influencing the company’s direction, compliance with regulations, financial management, and fostering client relationships.

Safety is a cornerstone of Fortier’s operational ethos. His company adheres to strict safety protocols, ensuring all personnel are trained to operate in compliance with OSHA standards. This fosters a culture that prioritizes risk management and safety at the workplace.

Cody Fortier also has a presence on television, appearing on shows like "Swamp People" and "Swamp Mysteries" on the History Channel, highlighting his adventurous side and deep connection to Louisiana’s culture.

At his core, Fortier is a devoted family man from New Iberia, Louisiana. In his spare time, he enjoys farming, hunting, fishing, and piloting aircraft. A dedicated "girl dad," he cherishes time spent with his daughter and wife. His philanthropic efforts, including contributions to St. Jude’s and his local church, reflect his commitment to his community and heritage.

Cody Fortier, a successful business leader based in Opelousas, Louisiana, owns a construction company specializing in heavy civil, hydro excavation, and marine construction. As the CEO, he manages various projects across the Gulf South, ensuring each... Show more

Venkata anil kumar Nilisetty

Venkata anil kumar Nilisetty

VENKATA ANIL KUMAR NILISETTY is a highly experienced Java/J2EE Fullstack Lead Developer with over 15 years of professional experience in the development of enterprise applications. He has a strong command over Java technologies and frameworks like Spring, Spring Boot, Hibernate, and Angular. Anil is proficient in both SOAP and RESTful web services, as well as microservices architecture, which has been a key component of the enterprise applications he has developed throughout his career. His experience spans across industries, including health insurance, finance, and logistics, where he has worked on developing scalable and high-performance systems.
Throughout his career, Anil has worked with a wide range of technologies, including databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, and cloud platforms like AWS and PCF. He has implemented microservices, built robust backend systems, and ensured seamless integration with third-party APIs. Anil is adept at using tools like Jenkins and Docker to implement continuous delivery pipelines, enhancing the performance and scalability of applications. He also has extensive experience in designing and deploying RESTful APIs and implementing complex solutions using Java and Spring Boot frameworks.
In addition to his technical expertise, Anil has demonstrated strong leadership skills, managing teams in agile environments and ensuring successful project deliveries. He has led development teams through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment. His ability to mentor and guide team members has been a key factor in the success of numerous projects, particularly in driving improvements in code quality and system performance. He has also been involved in troubleshooting and resolving production issues, ensuring that systems remain stable and performant.
Anil's technical skills include proficiency in programming languages such as Java (1.8, 11 & 17), JavaScript, and TypeScript. He is experienced in working with web technologies like SOAP, RESTful services, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. His toolset includes IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, VS Code, Git, Jenkins, Maven, and SonarQube. Anil has worked extensively with cloud technologies such as AWS, including services like S3, EC2, IAM, and CloudWatch. He is also knowledgeable in distributed messaging systems like Apache MQ and has worked with databases like MongoDB and SQL-based systems.
Anil holds a B Tech in Information Technology from PBR VITS, JNTU Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and certifications including Certified Scrum Master (2018) and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (2025). His work has spanned multiple senior roles, including at CTS in the USA, Appstek INC, S&P Global, and Dell Technologies, where he led teams, contributed to application development, and worked on microservices, UI development, and cloud integration projects. His role in these projects involved working on enterprise systems, leading agile ceremonies, designing RESTful APIs, implementing microservices, and utilizing cloud technologies for application deployment.
Anil Kumar’s ability to combine technical proficiency with strong leadership skills makes him a valuable asset to any team. His commitment to continuous learning and improvement, alongside his extensive experience, ensures that he continues to contribute significantly to the success of the projects he leads.

VENKATA ANIL KUMAR NILISETTY is a highly experienced Java/J2EE Fullstack Lead Developer with over 15 years of professional experience in the development of enterprise applications. He has a strong command over Java technologies and frameworks like Sp... Show more

Maxim Yurkovsky

Maxim Yurkovsky

I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Before joining JFrog, I co-founded a pioneering mobile cloud SaaS company, which provided invaluable insights into mobile and cloud technologies. Over the past seven years at JFrog, I've contributed in various impactful roles.

Starting as a developer at Artifactory, I quickly advanced to team lead within the Infrastructure team, then transitioned to the CTO office as a software architect. Currently, I serve as the architect of JFrog Connect, which is the focus of this session. My journey from hands-on development to strategic architectural planning equips me to expertly guide you through securing IoT devices using JFrog Connect.

I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Before joining JFrog, I co-founded a pioneering mobile cloud SaaS company, which provided invaluable insights into mobile and cloud technologies. Over the past seven years at JFrog, I've contr... Show more

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