Dr. Cynthia Bentzen Mercer is an elite talent and organizational development strategist, social psychologist, and author of her first book, Now, Near, Next. With three decades of experience transforming company culture through her nationally recognized approaches to identifying, unleashing, and actualizing human potential, she is a leading authority on premier workforce cultivation. Cynthia’s unique ability to inspire professional growth galvanizes a flourishing culture of innovation and discovery. Known as a visionary in organizational design, succession planning, leadership advancement, and executive coaching, she assembles top-tier teams with deep, balanced bench strength.

Cynthia’s experience traverses domestic and international, public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit, start-up, and aggressive growth companies within the real estate, gaming, hospitality, and healthcare industries. She has been recognized as one of Ingram’s 50 Missourians You Should Know, among Becker’s 143 Women Leaders of Hospitals and Health Systems to Know, a St. Louis YWCA Leader of Distinction, and one of St. Louis’s Most Influential Businesswomen.

Cynthia holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Film, and is a Board-Certified Executive Coach. A proud mother of two adult children, grandmother of three, breast cancer survivor, and servant leader, Cynthia’s passion for helping executives and organizations amplify possibilities and realize their potential is a personal mission.

Dr. Cynthia Bentzen Mercer is an elite talent and organizational development strategist, social psychologist, and author of her first book, Now, Near, Next. With three decades of experience transforming company culture through her nationally recogniz... Show more

15+ years architecting and supporting mission-critical environments for top-of-the-line companies. Experience running on-prem or in the cloud, using diverse database technologies like Oracle, MySQL and MongoDB.
Regular speaker & contributor to the open-source community.

15+ years architecting and supporting mission-critical environments for top-of-the-line companies. Experience running on-prem or in the cloud, using diverse database technologies like Oracle, MySQL and MongoDB. Regular speaker & contributor to the o... Show more

As architect and business analyst Jeroen has a lot of experience at complex and political sensitive organisations as Nato Communication & Information Agency (NCIA), tax authorities , unemployment authorities (UWV) and Dutch Home
Office (IND). Besides that he teaches Business analysis at Le Blanc Advies.

As architect and business analyst Jeroen has a lot of experience at complex and political sensitive organisations as Nato Communication & Information Agency (NCIA), tax authorities , unemployment authorities (UWV) and Dutch Home Office (IND). Beside... Show more

Vachan firmly believes that ‘everything can and must be deZined!’ With over two decades of experience, he is a passionate advocate for Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and has dedicated himself to helping start-ups thrive through his agency, KDC.in

With a background in architecture (brick-n-mortar), Vachan’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-learning drives his exploration of new ideas. This has led him to pioneer industry-first concepts for alternative access mediums.

Currently, Vachan is deeply immersed in the exciting realm of NFC technology [qTap.card], pushing boundaries and discovering new possibilities.

Vachan firmly believes that ‘everything can and must be deZined!’ With over two decades of experience, he is a passionate advocate for Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and has dedicated himself to helping start-ups thrive through his agency, KDC.in ... Show more

I started as an algorithms developer working for 2 years at Mobileye, developing image processing algorithms for self driving cars. After that I served in the IDF intelligence unit for 5 years. In the last 3 years I have been working at Sygnia, building high scale security analytics products. I love building new products and designing large data pipelines, enthusiastic about new technologies.

I started as an algorithms developer working for 2 years at Mobileye, developing image processing algorithms for self driving cars. After that I served in the IDF intelligence unit for 5 years. In the last 3 years I have been working at Sygnia, build... Show more

Mayank is an Architect at Salesforce who is passionate about building large scale distributed systems and policy based datacenter and compute management solutions. He has previously worked at Microsoft and Cisco. He has been an active contributor and reviewer to open source projects like core Kubernetes since its early days. He drives architecture and product strategy for the Salesforce Hyperforce and HyperCompute (managed K8s) offerings. Mayank actively shares his knowledge and his work using blogs and by speaking at conferences like KubeCon, DeveloperWeek Enterprise and CloudWorld. He has spoken previously at four KubeCon sessions.

Mayank is an Architect at Salesforce who is passionate about building large scale distributed systems and policy based datacenter and compute management solutions. He has previously worked at Microsoft and Cisco. He has been an active contributor and... Show more

Full-Stack Engineer with an outstanding track record in the development of professional digital experiences. His specialization in Vue.js and Laravel (PHP) is complemented by his mastery of essential technologies such as JavaScript (ES6+), Typescript, Node.js, and Linux. With meticulous attention to detail, he has successfully delivered professional web solutions while adhering to industry standards and best practices. His experience positions him as a proficient developer who aims to exceed user expectations.

Full-Stack Engineer with an outstanding track record in the development of professional digital experiences. His specialization in Vue.js and Laravel (PHP) is complemented by his mastery of essential technologies such as JavaScript (ES6+), Typescript... Show more

Olamilekan is a highly experienced Data Analyst with a proven track record of excellence in competitions and hackathons. With over three years of experience working in the field of data, he has served as a Data Science instructor, a Machine Learning enthusiast, and a successful competitor.

His recent achievements include being among the finalists at DataFest, securing a top 10 spot at the Deep Learning Indabax Nigeria hackathon, winning the DSN mainone AI quiz competition, and consistently performing well on platforms such as Kaggle and Zindi.

Olamilekan is an expert in his field and currently holds various certifications from reputable institutions, including Coursera, Udacity, Data Camp, WorldQuant University, a mini-MBA in Business Administration, and a Financial Modelling certificate.

He is an active member of the DSNAiplus Futa and currently holds the position of Data Analytics Pro Coach at HerTechTrail. He is also the lead tutor for the GDSC Machine Learning and AI track, Futa, and has worked as the lead tutor for the DSN AI invasion for Akure in 2022. Additionally, he serves as a Zindi ambassador.

Currently, Olamilekan works remotely as a data analyst with a real estate company and is also a research assistant on a Tetfund project in Futa, where he contributes his expertise to other research projects. He is a highly motivated individual with a passion for data analytics and is constantly seeking new opportunities to utilize his skills and experience.

Olamilekan is a highly experienced Data Analyst with a proven track record of excellence in competitions and hackathons. With over three years of experience working in the field of data, he has served as a Data Science instructor, a Machine Learning ... Show more

Peter Steffek is the managing partner of KTC. He leads and is responsible for the success of the company.

His core competencies are the digitalisation of companies, internal controlling and accounting, and the optimisation of business processes.
After graduating, he worked as a project manager for six years before founding KTC with his partner Horst Wenske; he is responsible for the entire. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central area of KTC. He implements Business Central and offers customers a holistic solution in the Microsoft environment.

Peter Steffek is the managing partner of KTC. He leads and is responsible for the success of the company. His core competencies are the digitalisation of companies, internal controlling and accounting, and the optimisation of business processes. ... Show more

Brittany Jonaitis is an Alignment Activator. Her company, No Bull Ventures, allows her to works with individuals and businesses to get back on their path to their truth by applying her life and corporate experience to her coaching and mentorships.

Brittany Jonaitis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Vermont and a Graduate Certificate in Life and Business Coaching from Grand Canyon University as well as is a Certified Scrum Professional from the Scrum Alliance.

Brittany Jonaitis is an Alignment Activator. Her company, No Bull Ventures, allows her to works with individuals and businesses to get back on their path to their truth by applying her life and corporate experience to her coaching and mentorships. ... Show more

Welcome to my speaking profile! I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, drawing from my extensive experience in talent acquisition, DEI, and economic development.

With a background working for notable companies and driving positive change in the DEI space, I offer valuable insights and expertise on creating inclusive environments, improving hiring processes, advocating for underrepresented people, and fostering diversity in organizations.

As a motivational speaker, I share my personal journey of overcoming adversity as a teenage mother, inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals.

Through my speaking engagements, I address a range of topics including talent acquisition, DEI strategies, economic development, access, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors.

I am dedicated to igniting positive change, empowering individuals, and creating a more inclusive society. Thank you for considering me as a speaker for your event!

Welcome to my speaking profile! I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, drawing from my extensive experience in talent acquisition, DEI, and economic development. With a background working for notable companies and driv... Show more

👷🏾‍♂️ Mike Kalya is a 24-year-old highly motivated and multi-talented individual who is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Kenyatta University (5th Year). He is a hardworking student who is dedicated to achieving success in both his academic and professional pursuits. Despite his busy schedule, he has maintained good grades and has participated in several team projects and activities in school. In addition to his studies, Mike is an entrepreneur, artist, and graphic designer, and actively seeks out opportunities for personal and professional growth.

👷🏾‍♂️ Mike Kalya is a 24-year-old highly motivated and multi-talented individual who is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Kenyatta University (5th Year). He is a hardworking student who is dedicated to achieving success in both hi... Show more

Software developer hobbyist since 1989, web developer since 1996 and professional full-stack developer since 2000, Asbjørn enjoys every aspect of development; from design and architecture to implementation, maintenance and operations. He is a passionate believer in the free and open web, dabbles in web standards when time permits and thinks Fielding might be on to something with his 2000 doctoral dissertation. He loves to both create and listen to music, the taste of whisky and beer and spending time with his wonderful daughter and wife.

Software developer hobbyist since 1989, web developer since 1996 and professional full-stack developer since 2000, Asbjørn enjoys every aspect of development; from design and architecture to implementation, maintenance and operations. He is a passion... Show more

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior to architect level. He has built a career at TRIRIGA, IBM, Wipro, and now as the Global Director of Software for Arcadis, a leading design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services across every phase of asset creation and management for projects all around the world.

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior... Show more

Akhil is a pragmatic designer with expertise in conceptual design, augmented reality, and construction administration. Passionate about integrating AI and automation into the AEC industry, he's also a self-taught programmer creating applications for applied technology. His diverse portfolio includes single-family homes, commercial buildings, senior-living, K-12, and mixed-use developments. Actively involved in the community, Akhil has served on the board of Freedom by Design and is the President of the AIA Savannah Young Architects Forum. Committed to democratizing emerging technologies, he pushes boundaries in AEC with AI and innovative tech solutions.

Akhil is a pragmatic designer with expertise in conceptual design, augmented reality, and construction administration. Passionate about integrating AI and automation into the AEC industry, he's also a self-taught programmer creating applications for ... Show more

Andrew Block is a Distinguished Architect at Red Hat that works with organizations to design and implement solutions leveraging cloud native technologies. He specializes in Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery methodologies with a focus on security to reducing the overall delivery time. Andrew is the author of several publications on solutions within the Kubernetes ecosystem, a maintainer on the Helm project, and a contributor to several Open Source projects including Sigstore.

Andrew Block is a Distinguished Architect at Red Hat that works with organizations to design and implement solutions leveraging cloud native technologies. He specializes in Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery methodologies with a focus on ... Show more

Valentino Palomba, born on May 29, 2000, in Naples, is a passionate iOS developer and a fervent fan of Napoli football and Formula 1. Currently studying Computer Science, he works as a iOS Software Engineer for Intesa Sanpaolo, where he had the possibility to attend WWDC 2024. Beyond coding, Valentino loves watching Napoli matches and Formula 1 races, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every project he undertakes.

Valentino Palomba, born on May 29, 2000, in Naples, is a passionate iOS developer and a fervent fan of Napoli football and Formula 1. Currently studying Computer Science, he works as a iOS Software Engineer for Intesa Sanpaolo, where he had the possi... Show more

Stephen Rust is a Principal Architect at Akamai, where he leads Cloud Native architecture within the Akamai Linode Cloud. Stephen has over 20 years of experience in operating systems, storage, and working in open source with containers, Kubernetes, and Cloud Native systems. At Akamai, Stephen is helping build Managed Kubernetes Services, Kubernetes Platforms, and Managed Services built with Cloud Native technologies.

Stephen is a Co-Chair of the CNCF TAG-Runtime.

Stephen Rust is a Principal Architect at Akamai, where he leads Cloud Native architecture within the Akamai Linode Cloud. Stephen has over 20 years of experience in operating systems, storage, and working in open source with containers, Kubernetes, a... Show more

Paul Turovsky is a manager for Foursquare Realty Investments. He graduated from Ave Maria School of Law in 2013 and received his undergraduate degree from Baruch College. Mr. Turovsky has founded multiple real estate firms to serve various functions. He has built a rich resume of experience in real estate transactions and understands the ins and outs of the mortgage process, title services, and the real estate purchase process.

Paul Turovsky is a manager for Foursquare Realty Investments. He graduated from Ave Maria School of Law in 2013 and received his undergraduate degree from Baruch College. Mr. Turovsky has founded multiple real estate firms to serve various functions.... Show more

Bryan is an experienced engineer and leader who designs and builds complex distributed systems. He has spent his career developing mobile and back-end systems whilst building autonomous teams. More recently he has been focused on delivery and cloud native at Thoughtworks. In his free time he plays ice hockey and goes trail running, and tries to break into the champion rank in rocket league. https://olivercodes.com

Bryan is an experienced engineer and leader who designs and builds complex distributed systems. He has spent his career developing mobile and back-end systems whilst building autonomous teams. More recently he has been focused on delivery and cloud n... Show more

Cruz lleva trabajando en el ecosistema Microsoft Dynamics desde hace más de 20 años. Desde desarrolladora a líder técnico o consultora, ha ido asumiendo distintos roles siempre disfrutando del aprendizaje continuo. En los últimos años, ha estado implicada en proyectos de integración con otras aplicaciones y, recientemente su interés se centra en la integración de Finanzas y Operaciones con otras herramientas Dynamics, así como con Power Platform.
Cruz ha participado como ponente en eventos técnicos de la comunidad Dynamics, tanto en español como en inglés y está implicada en la promoción de carreras tecnológicas en niñas y jóvenes.

Cruz lleva trabajando en el ecosistema Microsoft Dynamics desde hace más de 20 años. Desde desarrolladora a líder técnico o consultora, ha ido asumiendo distintos roles siempre disfrutando del aprendizaje continuo. En los últimos años, ha estado impl... Show more

I'm a passionate entrepreneur and software developer specializing in building innovative AI and cloud-based solutions. My career has been driven by a desire to leverage cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems, particularly in the real estate and financial sectors.
I'm currently developing Clairvoyant GenAI, an AI-powered sales assistant designed to streamline lead management and revolutionize customer interactions. This project reflects my deep interest in using AI to enhance productivity and foster more meaningful relationships.
Prior to Clairvoyant GenAI, I founded two successful companies:
Ai Note: Focused on developing AI-driven technology for buying and selling mortgage note securities. We built a sophisticated AI platform and an innovative automated underwriting AI agent, which was acquired by a leading asset management company.
Easy AI Chatbots: Currently participating in the Google for Startups program, we build enterprise-grade developer tools for organizing email and drive data using API technologies. We are exploring potential avenues for growth and partnership, including venture capital funding from Google Ventures.
My technical expertise spans a range of programming languages (Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, among others) and cloud platforms (Google Cloud, AWS, IBM Cloud). I hold certifications as a Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect and an AWS Certified Solutions Architect.
I'm a firm believer in the power of AI to transform businesses and lives, and I'm always eager to connect with others who share this passion. Let's connect and explore opportunities to collaborate and drive innovation.

I'm a passionate entrepreneur and software developer specializing in building innovative AI and cloud-based solutions. My career has been driven by a desire to leverage cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems, particularly in the real es... Show more

Willonius Hatcher's journey began with a burning passion for creativity and technology, sparking an insatiable curiosity that would lead him into uncharted territories. Driven by innovation, he quickly became an award-winning Digital Strategist, AI expert, and Comedian, a modern renaissance man unafraid to break boundaries.

On Clubhouse, he took a daring leap, creating the first live serialized audio drama, the critically acclaimed soap opera, 'The Young and The Thirsty.' This bold endeavor was more than a creative feat; it marked a groundbreaking frontier in interactive entertainment.

Hatcher's technological prowess and artistic flair have reached beyond the expected. He's guided world-renowned brands like Samsung and Google to transformative marketing success, and his vibrant community on Clubhouse, the largest comedy community on the platform with over 250,000 members, stands as a testament to his ability to engage, entertain, and inspire.

His innovations have not only been celebrated on esteemed platforms like CNN and MTV but have also earned him speaker roles at Art Basel, Tedx, EthDenver, SXSW, and MIT Reality Hack. As the visionary founder of Blerd Factory, Hatcher's disruptive approach continues to reshape conventional strategies, reflecting his commitment to creative excellence and diverse voices.

But what truly sets Hatcher apart is not just his professional acumen. He's a man guided by the stars, finding joy in stargazing and constant learning. Whether performing stand-up comedy in the Metaverse using virtual reality or watching YouTube videos at double speed to fuel his relentless curiosity, Hatcher's life is a blend of creativity, technology, and joyous exploration.

A Fellow of prestigious programs and a beacon for diverse voices, Hatcher's story is one of continual growth, laughter, and unparalleled achievement. His tale paints the portrait of a man ever ready to explore, learn, and create, driven by a deep-seated mission to inspire others through his unique blend of humor and innovation.

Willonius Hatcher's journey began with a burning passion for creativity and technology, sparking an insatiable curiosity that would lead him into uncharted territories. Driven by innovation, he quickly became an award-winning Digital Strategist, AI e... Show more

Bios:
Pete Tunkis is Lead Data Scientist with Arcurve’s Advanced Analytics team. He has over a decade of experience in data-driven research, analytics, and project management. His strengths lie in combining deep knowledge of research best practices with industry application, adapting to changing scenarios and quickly learning and understanding new skills and complex systems. Pete earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from The Ohio State University with a focus on behavioural analytics, and he brings with him a strong understanding in both statistical/machine learning approaches and qualitative research methodology. Before joining the Arcurve family, Pete worked in government, academia, banking, and insurance in Europe and the United States. Otherwise, he enjoys yelling at the TV when the Calgary Flames are losing and is always up for a game of darts.

Mike Morley is Director of AI/ML Strategy with Arcurve’s Advanced Analytics team. He developed his first knowledge system in 1986 and has been developing software designed to augment the abilities of people, organizations and industries ever since. Leveraging a degree in Geological Engineering, Mike has spent the past 25 focusing on addressing the needs of engineers, data scientists, and analysts across the Environmental, Mining, Oil and Gas industries with innovative software solutions and technology inventions. He is a sought-after speaker on the subject of innovation, data and machine learning as applied to environmental and engineering industries. He speaks at a range of forums and events including technical forums such as Data for Good, R Users Group, Women in Big Data and at executive events to provide strategic insight to executive teams on innovation and digital transformation strategies.

Bios: Pete Tunkis is Lead Data Scientist with Arcurve’s Advanced Analytics team. He has over a decade of experience in data-driven research, analytics, and project management. His strengths lie in combining deep knowledge of research best practices ... Show more

Working in the cloud

Working in the cloud Show more

Tengo 26 años y soy Diseñadora Industrial graduada de la Universidad Autónoma de Colombia. Mi trayectoria profesional abarca diversas áreas, incluyendo el diseño industrial de mobiliario, el diseño gráfico, y actualmente Diseñado de experiencia de usuario, así como experiencias en otras disciplinas que han enriquecido tanto mi vida personal como profesional.

Actualmente desempeño el rol de Diseñadora UX/UI en Homecenter Colombia, una empresa líder en el mundo del e-commerce. Formo parte de un equipo dedicado a la personalización de los canales digitales, donde nuestra principal meta es la satisfacción del usuario.

He tenido el privilegio de liderar equipos de practicantes y dirigir proyectos que no solo me han enriquecido, sino que también me han permitido contribuir al desarrollo de otros. Además, soy parte del grupo de voluntarias de ''#Másmujeres en UX Colombia'', una iniciativa donde compartimos conocimientos a través de las redes sociales, fomentando el crecimiento y la colaboración en esta comunidad.

Me considero una persona dedicada y apasionada por mi trabajo, siempre buscando aprovechar las oportunidades que se me presentan y enriquecerme tanto con el conocimiento teórico como con las experiencias y enseñanzas de quienes me rodean.

Tengo 26 años y soy Diseñadora Industrial graduada de la Universidad Autónoma de Colombia. Mi trayectoria profesional abarca diversas áreas, incluyendo el diseño industrial de mobiliario, el diseño gráfico, y actualmente Diseñado de experiencia de us... Show more

Philip is a passionate developer with half a decade worth of experience in web from small scale applications to larger enterprise solutions. With a start as a frontend developer he switched focus to be more backend oriented but he couldn't let go of frontend completely.

Today Philip is a full-stack developer at Voyado where he creates a smoother onboarding process for new customers. When he's not developing he enjoys exercising in all its forms, motorcycle riding and makes a killer Shepards Pie.

Philip is a passionate developer with half a decade worth of experience in web from small scale applications to larger enterprise solutions. With a start as a frontend developer he switched focus to be more backend oriented but he couldn't let go of ... Show more

Elma is senior adviseur architectuur bij Highberg. Zij helpt organisaties graag met vraagstukken irt architectuur waarbij zij een passie heeft voor data/informatie vraagstukken. Ze heeft een scherp analytisch vermogen samen met de kwaliteit om minder voor de hand liggende verbanden te (laten) zien.

Elma is senior adviseur architectuur bij Highberg. Zij helpt organisaties graag met vraagstukken irt architectuur waarbij zij een passie heeft voor data/informatie vraagstukken. Ze heeft een scherp analytisch vermogen samen met de kwaliteit om minder... Show more

Ido is a big data team lead at Nielsen. His work focuses on building massive data pipelines (~250 Billion events/day) and infrastructure for running machine learning algorithms. Ido's projects run on AWS using a variety of technologies like Kafka, Spark, Airflow, Kubernetes, and more. He likes to continuously experiment with new technologies, tackle challenging problems, and find those better, more elegant, and cost-effective solutions.

Ido is a big data team lead at Nielsen. His work focuses on building massive data pipelines (~250 Billion events/day) and infrastructure for running machine learning algorithms. Ido's projects run on AWS using a variety of technologies like Kafka, Sp... Show more

Nura Bishir is a dedicated and detail-oriented Engineering Assistant with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University and ongoing pursuit of a Professional Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Base University Abuja. With over 1 year of experience in the construction industry.

Nura's professional journey includes roles such as Chief Marketing Officer(CMO) of ShantEx, Assistant Site Engineer at MotherCat Limited, Secretary General at A B I Consult, then as the Founder of Dropped It, a logistics delivery startup, Nura demonstrated entrepreneurial skills and a passion for revolutionizing delivery services.

Nura is an active member of professional organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, International Association of Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Data Science Nigeria, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Fluent in English and Hausa, with proficiency in Arabic and Fulani, Nura values communication and cultural diversity in their work.

Outside of work, Nura enjoys reading, learning, teaching, researching, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in technology hackathons and competitions.

Nura Bishir is a dedicated and detail-oriented Engineering Assistant with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University and ongoing pursuit of a Professional Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Base University Abuj... Show more