Speakers
Subject To Change
Abimbola Abikoye
Social Impact Analyst
Abimbola Abikoye is the Founder of Revamp Rave Network Initiative and Coordinator for the Climate College Hub, currently training 200 young advocates from across the world's six continents and the Kadara Waste Reduction Project. Abimbola is a social impact analyst, copywriter, and an Early Ocean Career Professional. She has worked as an environmental justice research policy consultant with Henrich Boll Stiftung, a coordinator for the establishment of the Youth Climate Innovation Hub by the Department of Climate change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, and she is a youth advisor to the EU in Nigeria on Digital and Green Economy.
Janet Adeyemi
Founder & National President, Women in Mining in Nigeria
Engr Janet Adeyemi a recipient of the "100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2017 is a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, a Fellow of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientist and a Fellow of Nigeria Society of Engineer Engr. (Mrs) Janet Adeyemi is a graduate of Geology from Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly known as University of Ile-Ife). Masters' degree in Engineering from Loughborough University of Technology, Loughborough, U.K. Ph.D from British Columbus University.Her post degree experience spans over 40 years which has enabled her to work in various capacities with a diverse group of organizations with her broad based educational qualifications, which includes Law from Nigeria Open University, Grant writing from University of Houston, Gender and Mining Governance from UNDP, IISD& IGF, trained as a Human Rights Consultant from US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights and Tulane University in New Orleans. She was recognised awarded a Doctoral degree from Columbus International University, U.K in 2002 Member of Nigeria Association Of Global Alliance for Hydrogeologists, International Society for Environmental Geotechnology & Disaster reduction, Association of Environmental Impact Assessment Her work experiences spans through geology, prominent of which is Bitumen Exploration in Nigeria, water and waste engineering, ESG, Extractives, Renewable energy, Climate and smart innovation. Her recent job as was as lead consultant on the ESIA of Ondo State multipurpose deep sea port. She served as a legislator in the Federal House of Representatives, Nigeria and worked in the executive arm as Presidential Aide to three Presidents in Nigeria, Chairperson of Cocoa Processing Company, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State and currently serving on the Governing Board of the Board of Infrastructural Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigeria, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic etc. Mrs. Adeyemi is also committed to giving back to the society that helped raise her and for that reason founded Succour for Battered Lives (SUBATEL) during her tenure in Congress - a charity organization fending for victims. In 2006, she launched the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) - an organization championing the challenges of mining in Nigeria and rebranded in 2015.She is appointed as the Head of the Technical Committee of African Women in Mining and a member of International Women in Mining network.
Ibilola Amao, Ph.D.
Executive Consultant, Lonadek Global Services
Dr. Ibilola Amao is the Principal Consultant of Lonadek Global Services (See: https://www.lonadek.com). Lonadek is a multi-award-winning, women-owned, ISO: 9001: 2015 Engineering Technology and Information Management Company. Lonadek builds capacity, capability and competence of STEM talent to deliver value through the democratization of technology in the Energy, Power, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas Since establishment in 1991, Lonadek has trained over 5,000 Engineers and empowered over 100,000 STEM Talent. Lonadek is currently collaborating with Microsoft, LinkedIn and GitHub to digitally empower over 10,000 STEMpreneurs and TECHpreneurs in Africa. We focus on Human Capital Development Initiatives (HCDIs) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
Ibilola is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Energy Institute (EI) UK, Nigeria Academy of Engineering and Nigerian Society of Engineers. She is an EI International Energy Week Board Member, Member of the panel of judges for the Royal Academy of Engineering UK Africa Prize as well as the EI Annual Awards. Ibilola is a Co-Founder of the Women In Energy Network (WIEN), a council member of WEConnet International, Nigeria and provides Engineering Technology Expertise on boards.
Ibilola is a 2021 WEConnect Rise To The Challenge Engineering Sector Awardee, 2020 C3E International Energy Women of Distinction Awardee, Forbes Rising Star 2019, Vital Voices VV100 Fellow, an International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Awardee and a 2016 Energy Institute Champion. She mentors STEMpreneurs and TECHpreneurs. As a Vital Voices VV GROW, VV100, GAP 2017 fellow and WeConnect International certified member she is involved in Girls in STEM and Women in Entrepreneurship activities with WimBiz. Ibilola pays it forward for national development and socio- economic transformation.
Reyn Anderson
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Women in Digital Transformation
Reyn Anderson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Women in Digital Transformation, is a born lawyer, digital development specialist, and excellent project manager. She loves building and working with teams of great people who can bring innovative solutions to clients’ toughest challenges. Reyn has a broad range of experience, from a global corporate and competition law practice to local government advocacy work, from innovative social entrepreneurship to international digital development. She brings more than 25 years of multi-disciplinary knowledge and perspective across the private, public and non-profit sectors to help clients identify their challenges and find solutions. Reyn’s digital development consulting work focuses on getting the enabling environment right (and ripe) for digital transformation. She advises on digital leadership, effective institutional structures, organizational change management, legal and regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures. Reyn has worked on digital development projects in Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Russia. Sectors include digital infrastructure, digital government services, open data, and data protection and privacy. She speaks fluent Russian (in addition to native English and Swedish) and is proficient in French and Spanish.
Tosin Arowojolu, P.E.
Network Advocate, WITI Bahrain
Tosin Arowojolu is a professional civil engineer who moved from the United States to Bahrain in 2009. She is a certified leadership coach, speaker, and trainer and DISC behavioral analysis consultant with the John Maxwell Group. She is the CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy, a company focused on delivering bespoke leadership and communication strategies for building cohesive and productive high-performance teams. As well, Tosin is the current president of the Lioness Club, a branch of the Lions Club of Riffa; and past president of the American Women's Association of Bahrain (AWA), with over 200+ members with more than 40 nationalities. During her term as President of the AWA, the association became the first non-Bahraini NGO to receive a grant for the award-winning Bahrain Quilt Project. Tosin is an active member of several organizations including the American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, Bahrain Business Women's Society, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, Bahrain Society of Engineers, Bahrain Society of Training and Development, Lions International, Migrant Workers Protection Society, Toastmasters International. Her passion is to inspire positive life transformation, and she is dedicated to equipping and leading others to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Yewande Awe, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Engineer, The World Bank
Dr. Yewande Awe is a Senior Environmental Engineer in the World Bank's Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy global practice, with over 25 years' experience on issues at the intersection of pollution management, climate change, poverty alleviation, and development policy. She is the Program Manager of the World Bank's Pollution Management and Environmental Health program. Dr. Awe leads the Air Quality Management Community of Practice, a group of 200 specialists at the World Bank. She led the preparation of the World Bank Group's Environment Strategy for 2012-2022, which influenced World Bank operations in the environment and pollution management across Africa; East Asia and the Pacific; Eastern Europe and Central Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; the Middle East; North Africa; and South Asia. Dr. Awe has led the preparation and supervision of analytical work and development policy and investment lending operations on sustainable development, pollution management, environmental health, solid waste management, and environmental management various countries, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Poland, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, OECS countries, Lao PDR, and Yemen. Dr. Awe co-led the organization of a side event on Linking Air Quality Management to Climate Change Mitigation during the UNFCCC COP 26.
Cyril Azubuine
Non-Executive Board Member, African Youth Ignited 4ir
Cyril Azubuine (Nigeria) is an advisor and curriculum developer on Robotics, Aviation, and Drone education for African Youth Ignited 4ir (AYI). He is supporting AYI to broaden its reach and impact on the African continents to ensure the early development of 4ir skills for Africa's future innovators. An experienced STEM Instructor, Cyril is passionate about cutting-edge technologies (UAV, UAM, VR, ML, IoT, 3D design & ROS), with a demonstrated history of working in the downstream - Oil and Gas Industry, EdTech Organizations, and other research-oriented firms at home and abroad. He is skilled in embedded systems and electronics, alongside drone technology, and the Internet of Things for home automation applications. Cyril's goal is quite in line with the SDG goals to create sustainable growth and development in the future.
Aditi Banerjee, Ph.D.
Vice President, Aerospace, Defense & Manufacturing, DXC Technology
Dr. Aditi Banerjee is responsible for driving P&L, business growth, and delivering excellence for her customers for Aerospace, Defense, and Manufacturing business in AMS. She is a member of America's Leadership team at DXC Technology. Aditi was Managing Director at Accenture where she served as the Global Lead for the company’s Cloud First and Industry X business. She drove strategic enablement of Digital Transformation across priority markets and clients. Prior to Accenture, Aditi was Vice President of Digital and Internet of Things business in HCL America. Prior to HCL, she led the Engineering Services business for Lifesciences, Healthcare, and Semiconductor industries at Infosys Limited. Aditi started her career at Texas Instruments where she served in key Global leadership roles in Security, Quality, Product Innovation, and Marketing. Aditi received her Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University, M.S. from Penn State University, and MBA from Southern Methodist University. She holds three Patents, has co-authored multiple publications, and is a member of the Advisory board of Women in Technology International.
Jane Barr
Executive Coach , Kinnexion, LLC
- 191 - Coaching Circle: Powerful at Any Age
- 291 - Coaching Circle: Transcending Rules, Roles & Controls in the Workplace
Jane Barr is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Master Facilitator for Regenerating Images in Memory and author of "WiseWoman Leadership.” Her heart is for promoting the growth of women leaders in technology. For 30 years she consulted with the national retail industry leading system, reengineering projects for companies such as CVS, GAP, and REI. Jane knows what it takes to deliver projects on time and on budget, to build strong teams, and to generate business worth millions of dollars. She is an active member of WITI and Corporate Alliance Chair for WITI/Tampa Bay.
Ngozi Bell
Partner, Trans-Sahara Investment Corporation
Ngozi Bell is a partner at Trans-Sahara Investment Corporation, a Private Equity and Business Development Consulting Company. Prior to that, she was the appointee for regulatory affairs for the Mid-Atlantic States, with the United States Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. As a corporate strategist and motivational team builder with vast trans-Atlantic experience, Ngozi Bell has a Physics degree (University of Port Harcourt) and an electrical engineering degree (Florida State/Florida A&M University), Ngozi launched her career in telecommunications (AT&T, Lucent, and Agere Systems) and today specializes in venture capital strategies, technology strategies, new business development, and business growth and rescue. As Director at Lucent Microelectronics, Agere Systems and LSI Corporation in Allentown, PA, Ngozi was responsible for designing and executing the long-term business and strategic direction of semiconductor communications wired and wireless applications. In addition, Ngozi is the Co-Founder of the African Leadership Alliance, and Founder of Entrepreneurship University, Diaspora Bell, Miranet LLC, Womenshistorymonth-LehighValley, and a Board Member of the Lincoln Leadership Academy, the Women Empowerment Project, Association of Women In Science S2M, and the Association of African NGOs. Prior to public service, Ngozi was Vice President, Birchmere Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm with $160M to $250 Million under management.
Vashinee Bheemul
Managing Director, Vector Technology & Solutions
Vashinee Bheemul is currently Managing Director of Vector Technology & Solutions (VTS), a company she founded in 2017 as an entrepreneurial venture with only two services. Vashinee began her career in 2003 as a software engineer, paving her path consistently in the corporate world to achieve management to C-level positions. She has some 16 years of experience in Sales Operations, Strategic Marketing, Business Expansion, Product Development, Vendor-Client Relations, Human Resources, and Government-Private Services Contracting. VTS currently works with many non-profit organizations throughout Africa, assisting women and girls start up at-home businesses. As well, in South Africa VTS is working in close collaboration with Women Africa Arise to empower Women Voices through different media platforms including radio, social media, magazines, and more. The company's mission is mentoring and powering future leaders at work, helping them to keep unlocking Human Potential at its best.
Naomi Buckwalter
Executive Director, Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation
Naomi Buckwalter, CISSP CISM, is the Executive Director of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to breaking down the barriers to entry-level cybersecurity jobs. She has over 20 years' experience in IT and Security and has held roles in Software Engineering, Security Architecture, Security Engineering, and Security Executive Leadership. As a cybersecurity career adviser and mentor for people around the world, her passion is helping people, particularly women, get into cybersecurity. Naomi has two Master's degrees from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Sheila Bugbee
Founder & CEO, Bugbee Dronography
Sheila Bugbee is the Founder and CEO of Bugbee Dronography, LLC, a Drone Service Provider currently serving the energy, insurance, and real estate industries, as well as volunteer search and rescue. Sheila is an FAA Certified Remote “Drone” Pilot since April 2021; she trained recently through the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue to utilize drones in a variety of disaster responses. After 10 years of Teaching in Texas and 12 years as a Public Servant for the State of Alaska, she returned to Western New York “Buffalo / Niagara Falls,” her roots. Sheila’s desire to assist others is now entwined with her passion for Drone Technology to be used for good. Co-Author of “Women and Drones at Disaster City,” article for the Women and Drones Vertical Space e-Magazine. Spotlight speaker for Women and Drones Coffee Connections. Volunteer for the Western New York Missing and Unidentified Persons Network. Women and Drones member. Bugbee Dronography - Come Fly With Us.
Glaudia Califano
Agile & Lean Coach, Red Tangerine
Glaudia Califano is a Professional Scrum Trainer with scrum.org and an Accredited Kanban Trainer with Kanban University. She works with a range of organisations in a range of industries, from small digital agencies to large corporate organisations. Glaudia is passionate about the people side of change and about bringing meaningful change into organisations, with a focus on helping teams and organisations deliver true customer value in a sustainable way. In addition to being a practitioner and trainer, Glaudia is co-author of the book “Adopting Agile Across Borders - A Guide to Navigating Cultural Complexity in Agile Teams and Organizations” and the soon-to-be released book “Mastering Collaboration in a Product Team.”
Jacqueline Catala
Senior Consultant, Infrastructure & Cloud Practices, Spearhead Group
Jacqueline Catala is a 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, working in a variety of positions for companies such as AT&T, Qwest, CenturyLink, TCG, and TelePacific. In her current role as Senior Consultant for Spearhead Group she provides technology consulting services to Fortune 100 companies in all business sectors. Jacqueline specializes in voice/data networks, data centers, cloud contact center, cloud phone system, and emerging cloud technologies. She is passionate about dispelling the common belief that tech careers are unachievable for women, and she enjoys helping women of all ages understand the wide scope of unique benefits one achieves with a technology career. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Texas A&M University. Jacqueline's latest passion is following and introducing others to the world-changing technologies of Blockchain and Web3.
Berk Celebisoy
Co-Founder & Executive Coach, Daisuki Coaching
Berk Celebisoy is the co-founder of Daisuki Coaching. He is an executive coach, and an engineer (ex-Apple/Microsoft). He is passionate about helping people create outstanding business results. He brings nearly 20 years of leadership and engineering experience into his coaching. His private clients range from venture-backed startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Marian Cook
Digital Transformation Consultant & Educator, 2U
Marian Cook is an expert digital transformation consultant and educator. At 2U, a premier online education company, she is responsible for classes on corporate innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. She also manages a portfolio of online education from top universities, and teaches an executive MBA course on digital transformation at the Illinois Institute of Technology. She has a long executive career in both the private and public sector, including as the head of the Emerging Technology & Innovation team at Slalom Consulting in Chicago, and as Chief Strategy Officer for the Department of Innovation and Technology for the State of Illinois.
Zienzi Dillon
Founder & CEO, Carmel Global Capital
Zienzi Dillon has over 30 years solid banking experience in Africa including international exposure through work attachments at the World Bank Washington DC, Federal Reserve Bank New York, Bank of England, and Standard Bank London. She recently retired from Barclays Africa where she was Head of Public Sector/ Director Corporate and Investment Banking. There, she was responsible for developing and implementing the Africa Public Sector strategy for corporate and investment banking, including developing innovative financing solutions for National/Local Governments and State Owned Companies. Zienzi is currently an Audit Committee member for the South Africa (SA)’s Department of Mineral Resources; for nine years previous, she was Audit Committee chairperson for the SA Department of Public Enterprises. Audit Committee Chairperson at the Public Service Commission, and Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Government Cluster Two Audit Committee. Zienzi is also President of Marketplace Calling International (MCI), launched in 2008.
Sicelo Dube
Director & Founder, Elevate Trust
Sicelo Dube, a.k.a. STEMLady, is a Mandela Washington Fellow Leader and the current Zimbabwe Science Ambassador. She is a passionate scientist and entrepreneur championing Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) as well as Innovation and Entrepreneurship amongst young people. Her work is aimed at contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education, Industry Innovation, and Infrastructure Development, as well as Gender Equality. Sicelo's work has a deliberate bias towards girl-child empowerment in the STEM field, as she believes that increasing participation of women generates faster income growth and improves livelihood in families. She established the STEMFem network which facilitates the mentoring and nurturing of female students and talented underprivileged girls to help them take up and sustain interest in the STEM field. Sicelo is also the founder of Laboratory Equipment and Chemicals Company (LEC Biotec), a company she started at 23 years of age. Her vision is to fuel a practical approach to teaching Science and Technology in Africa, and thus grow scientists for the future generation. LEC Biotec is also part of the National COVID Task force and involved in distributing medical consumables needed during this pandemic. Sicelo is also the founder of A PLUS Manufacturing, a company which prides itself on environmentally friendly scientific formulation in detergent manufacturing. As well, Sicelo is Co-Founder of Elevate Trust, a youth empowerment foundation which boasts of 87 Innovators Hub Club in rural, urban schools and universities. Elevate Trust's main goal is to advocate for, accelerate, and commercialize innovative ideas and research by STEM students into startup companies. In addition to earning several certificates in entrepreneurship and community development, Sicelo holds an MBA (University of Gloucestershire), an MSc in Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (National University of Science and Technology, Zim), a BSc in Biological Science and Biochemistry (University of Zimbabwe), and a PDM in HIV/ AIDS (University of Stellenbosch, AFRICA Centre for HIV/AIDS Management, SA).
Lisa Dyson, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, Air Protein
Dr. Lisa Dyson, Founder & CEO of Air Protein, is a mission-driven entrepreneur with a passion for creative problem solving. Working as a volunteer to help the people of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, she witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by weather-related disasters and has since been on a mission to address climate change. Lisa has a Ph.D. in Physics from MIT, and is a Fulbright Scholar from the University of London where she received an MS in Physics. She is a researcher and scientist at heart, working on projects in Bioengineering and Physics at Stanford University; the University of California, Berkeley; Princeton University, the University of California, San Francisco, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories. Her background paved the way for her to see through the devastation we are experiencing on the planet and find a way to feed us sustainably.
Winifred Ereyi
Head, WITI Africa
- 221 - A Leadership Moment with WITI Africa Regional Network Leaders
- 283 - African Social Innovators Reimagine Climate-Positive Businesses & Products
- 195 - Coaching Circle: The Alchemy of Resilience
- 122 - Digital Transformation: Mitigating Climate Change's Impact on African Women
Winifred Ereyi is a John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Coach, Leadership Trainer, and Facilitator. She holds a double-major Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master's in Telecommunications and Systems Engineering (Distinction). Winifred has worked in the Oil and Gas Sector and in Telecommunications, and is passionate about STEM Education and PeaceBuilding. She is the founder of ThinkSTEM Foundation, a subsidiary of eWirecommunications, which seeks to increase the number of girls pursuing and thriving in STEM careers by connecting girls with an inspiring community and accessible resources that can help them conquer common barriers to entry, retention, and promotion. ThinkSTEM creates a pipeline of minority women in STEM that will impact the society, contribute to innovation, and become part of the next generation economic workforce. The motto is Strong Girls, Strong Minds, Strong World. In addition, ThinkSTEM provides Coaching, Advocacy, Leadership Training, Mentoring, SAT Preparation, College Essay Review, Letter of Recommendation, College Search, and Scholarship searches.
Carol Evanoff
CEO, Mapping Your Career Success
Mentored 1,095 proteges and 3,000 employees in 40 years. 36 years in Leadership in Aerospace supporting the deployment of the Trident Missiles including: Engineering, Digital Engineering, Model Based Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Assurance, IT, Calibration, Machining, Composites, Electronics, Chemical Processing, Tooling, Maintenance, Transportation, Warehousing, Human Resources, Safety, Security, Explosive Processing for DoD/DoE with 100% Mission Success. 167 consecutive successful Trident Missile Launches. Currently working for Systems Planning and Analysis on strategic planning for the next 60 years of Trident II D5 Missile.
Marti Evans
Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships, WITI
- 212 - Keynote - Flipping VUCA: The Time Has Come
- 141 - Keynote: Getting Better Results from Resources We Already Have
Marti Evans, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Women in Technology International (WITI), is an innovative technology executive grounded as an Industry 4.0 Digitization and Operational Excellence thought leader. She has worked for Fortune 50 technology companies leading large-scale strategic business transformation pursuits and overseeing their successful implementation. Managing sales teams, cross-functional pursuit teams, delivery teams, and client relationships at all levels, Marti has been noted for her authentic leadership, business acumen, and deep relationships. Her work has taken her from the C-Suites of North America to operational sites in the US, Canada, Chile and Mongolia. As a WITI PowerSource Coach, Marti brings tools, methodologies, and human performance understanding to help those women who are following her to bring their A-Game to work each day and reach their highest level of performance.
Magdalena Firlit
Professional Scrum Trainer & Agile Transformation Consultant, magdalenafirlit.com
Magdalena Firlit is a Professional Scrum Trainer, trainer, mentor, business coach, and Agile transformation consultant at magdalenafirlit.com. She is also a University lecturer, teaching a postgraduate course for managers. Magdalena is the founder and CEO of the company Agile in the Spotlight. She works worldwide with large companies (+10,000) as well as with medium and small size ones, helping them improve their empirical approach, value delivery, and business agility. As a consultant and trainer, she collaborates with several business domains: IT, pharmacy, medicine, banking, gaming, marketing, automotive industry. Magdalena cooperates with the entire organization, from decision-makers to Scrum Teams, to better understand their needs and be more effective in terms of consulting and training. She was awarded the "Strong Women in IT" title in the 2019 and 2021 Come Creations Group report.
N. Absa Gningue
Founder, JEADER
Ndeye Absa Gningue from Senegal calls herself "a serial entrepreneur born to bring change." Her participation in the 2014 Young African Leaders Fellowship Program helped further her mission. She is founder of a clothing company, Love Africa.Wear Africa, and of a youth think tank that encourages entrepreneurship: the Young African Entrepreneurs working for Regional Economic Development, or J.E.A.D.E.R. Ndeye was chosen in 2014 to be a Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to that, at age 27 she was an IBM Software Group marketing leader in charge of generating leads for IBM in North and West Africa. She also worked at Samsung as a marketing and communication coordinator and as a product manager at Procter & Gamble. In 2011 she started a company named Desi'Gning/ABC, designing Africa-inspired outfits and accessories under the Love Africa.Wear Africa label. The ABC stands for "Aduuna Bul Comprendre" - in French, "life goes on." Ms. Gningue is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. The Young African Leader Initiative gave her a chance to visit the U.S. for the first time, meet President Obama, and further her business studies.
Kate Gromova
Co-Founder, Women in Digital Transformation
Kate Gromova, Co-Founder of Women in Digital Transformation, is a business development professional, digital and innovation development expert. She loves working with innovative ideas and emerging technologies to help developing countries to leapfrog their development. Kate has vast experience supporting emerging technology and innovation development for the private sector, government relations, and product development initiatives. She worked for more than 15 years at the intersection of economics, law, technology, and entrepreneurship development. Kate has a strong understanding of digital technology and digitally-enabled business models and trends. She has a vast portfolio of digital and innovation development projects. She designs and advises startup ecosystem development, high-tech export promotion, building overseas investment, strategic planning, and communication for high-tech companies and policy recommendations. She also runs digital economy country assessments to help governments identify gaps and opportunities for digital growth. Kate has worked on business and digital development projects in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Jovita Jenkins
Executive/Leadership Coach, GOOYOW GROUP
Jovita Jenkins is a global executive/leadership coach, peer coaching group facilitator, strategist, author, and speaker. Jovita supports and collaborates with aspiring and seasoned leaders as they come up to speed more quickly in new roles, adapt to rapidly changing global environments, and discover ways to raise their levels of confidence, executive presence, influence, and effectiveness. As a speaker, seminar leader, author, and west coast aerospace "hidden figure," Jovita inspires audiences to shift their mindsets and overcome their success roadblocks.
Renee Jones-Welch, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, With Kids in Mind Foundation
Renee Jones-Welch, Ph.D., is an accredited resilience coach. Resilience Coaching is a model of life-coaching which teaches individuals to be their own healer and manage traumatic or painful experiences skillfully, leveraging tools and approaches needed to be their best selves. Renee is avid about learning and making life lessons fun and relatable to kids. As a new FAA certified drone pilot, she looks forward to introducing disadvantaged youth to the world of unmanned aerial systems and drones designing STE(A)M skills in and out of school programs. Renee's high energy engages groups in sharing and exploring, always leaving them with practical tools, reflective practices, and ah-ha moments. Renee's most inspiring role to date is that of Grandma to her two granddaughters, Aaryn and Aarys. She is also a children's book author and currently serves as a board of director member for multiple non-profit youth focused organizations and spends time between Chicago and Las Vegas.
Sheron Kaviua
Technical Lead, Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine
Sheron Kaviua is the Technical Service Manager and the incoming Vice President - Operations at Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation as of 1 July 2022. She has 17 years’ experience in the mining sector and was part of the teams that converted major exploration projects into operational mines in Namibia: the Langer Heinrich Uranium mine, Skorpion Zinc Mine, Trekkopje project. She is the first female Mineral Resources Manager in Namibia and the first woman in the Namibian mining sector who has gone through the Namibia Affirmative Action Understudy Programme and appointed to lead a mining company. As a Mineral Resource Manager, Sheron increased the life of mine at Rosh Pinah Mine from 7 years in 2016 to 12 years in 2022. She also managed the successful implementation of the technology projects aimed at reducing cost, and transforming the Rosh Pinah Mine into the future of mining and the world’s most sustainable mining company. Sheron holds a master’s in business administration (Project Management) from the London School of Business and Finance and a master’s in engineering (Mining) from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is also a University of Namibia (UNAM) alumna, having completed BSc (Geology and Environmental Biology). Sheron is the president of the Namibia Future leaders Association, an association that assists students from previously disadvantaged communities with STEM subjects to enhance their chance of future employment in the mining sector.
Guy Kawasaki
Chief Evangelist, Canva
Guy Kawasaki did not invent secular evangelism, but he popularized it. This goes back to 1983 and his work with the Macintosh Division of Apple. He is currently the chief evangelist of Canva, an online, graphics-design company from Australia. Guy is the author of 15 books. These are textbooks for the finest academic institutions in the world, and have been both New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. His writing focuses on the tactical and practical in order to empower and inspire. Guy gives over 50 keynote speeches per year. His clients include Apple, Nike, Gartner, Audi, Google, Microsoft, and Breitling as well as dozens of trade associations. His topics include innovation, enchantment, social media, evangelism, and entrepreneurship. Guy holds a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
Diana Kelley
Executive Board Member, Cyber Future Foundation & WiCyS
Diana Kelley serves on the boards of Cyber Future Foundation, WiCyS, and The Executive Women’s Forum (EWF). Diana was Cybersecurity Field CTO for Microsoft, Global Executive Security Advisor at IBM Security, GM at Symantec, VP at Burton Group (now Gartner), a Manager at KPMG, CTO and co-founder of SecurityCurve, and Chief vCISO at SaltCybersecurity. Diana’s extensive volunteer work has included serving on the ACM Ethics & Plagiarism Committee, Cybersecurity Committee Advisor at CompTIA, CTO and Board Member at Sightline Security, Advisory Board Chair at WOPLLI Technologies, Advisory Council member Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics, Bridgewater State University, and RSAC US Program Committee. A sought-after keynote speaker, Diana is the host of BrightTALK’s The (Security) Balancing Act, co-author of the books Practical Cybersecurity Architecture and Cryptographic Libraries for Developers; she has been a lecturer at Boston College's Masters program in cybersecurity, the EWF 2020 Executive of the Year and EWF Conference Chair 2021 and 2022, an SCMedia Power Player, and one of Cybersecurity Ventures 100 Fascinating Females Fighting Cybercrime.
Tinku Khanwalkar
Managing Attorney, AVK Counsel
Tinku Khanwalkar is an environmental attorney with over 30 years of experience working in-house at an international power company headquartered in Pennsylvania. In that position, Tinku played a key role in the company’s sustainability strategy and climate action planning, including the evaluation of risks and opportunities related to electrification of the transportation sector, renewable power generation, and a clean energy economy. She recently retired in order to establish a law firm (AVK Counsel) devoted to climate action, and is the founder of Energy 18H LLC, a benefit company established to promote the Energy 18H technology.
Peggy Kilburn
Managing Director, Peggy Kilburn Conferences & Events
Since 2013, Peggy Kilburn has served as Program Director for WITI's annual Women in Technology Summit, as well as Managing Director for the Women in Technology Hall of Fame Awards. A seasoned director of such major conferences as COMDEX, AppleFest, ComNet, Harvard Computer Graphics Week, and Softcon, Peggy was the founding conference director for Macworld Expo and ran it for 14 years, zestfully growing the program to over 100 sessions with 375+ speakers. Since its founding, Peggy Kilburn Conferences has developed and administered more than 2,000 programs for such clients as Boston University, CeBIT America, Clasma Events, Customer Engagement Technology World, Harvard University, pulvermedia, Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP), SRI International, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She currently serves as Operations Director for Project Voice. Peggy is webmaster for RSVP Community Theatre of Asheboro, NC, while dabbling as a character actress and voice-over artist. As well, she manages The Heart of Christmas Dinner - a free Christmas Day party for seniors who would otherwise be alone on the happiest day of the year. Peggy is also an incipient champion for sustainability, FASD, and Intellectually Gifted Adult Aspergians, and holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of South Carolina.
Helen Knight
CIO & Strategic Advisor, Helen Knight Consulting
Helen Knight fights poverty with technology. With 25 years of experience, Helen leads award-winning transformations at non-profits. She is the founder of H. Knight Nonprofit IT Consulting Inc, where she designs and implements strategic technical change for local, provincial, and international social service organizations. In her spare time, Helen lectures on Business Management Technology at the University of Calgary, runs TechLeadHer.ca as a support hub for women in IT, serves on the governing board of The CIO Association of Canada as the first female president of the Calgary Chapter, and serves on the governing board of Cybera Inc., helping communities across Alberta gain affordable and reliable internet. Helen is also an advisor to the Canadian Centre of Nonprofit Digital Resilience, as well as Charity Navigator NYC.
Patricia Kong
Head of Enterprise Solutions & Learning Enablement, scrum.org
Patricia Kong is the Product Owner of the Scrum.org enterprise solutions program which includes the Nexus Framework, Evidence-Based Management, Scrum Studio, and Scrum Development Kit. She also created and launched the Scrum.org Partners in Principle Program. Patricia is a people advocate and fascinated by organizational behavior and misbehaviors. She emerged through the financial services industry and has led product development, product management, and marketing for several early stage companies in the US and Europe. At Forrester Research, Patricia worked with their largest clients focusing on business development and delivery engagements. Having lived in France, she now lives in her hometown of Boston. Patricia is fluent in 4 languages.
Professor Rachel Kyte
Dean, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
Rachel Kyte is the 14th dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University, the first woman to lead the United States' oldest graduate-only school of international affairs. Prior, Professor Kyte served as special representative of the UN Secretary-General, and as CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), a public-private platform created by the UN and World Bank. In her UN role and as CEO of SEforAll, Professor Kyte led efforts to promote and finance clean, reliable, and affordable energy as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She served as co-chair of UN Energy. She previously was the World Bank Group vice president and special envoy for climate change, leading the run-up to the Paris Agreement. She was also vice president at the International Finance Corporation responsible for ESG risk and business advisory services.
Professor Kyte is a member of the UN Secretary-General’s high-level advisory group on climate action and an advisor to the UK presidency of the UN climate talks. As well, she is co-chair of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), and chair of the FONERWA, the Rwanda Green Fund. She serves on the boards of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), the Climate Policy Institute, and CDP. She advises investors, governments, and not-for-profits on climate, energy, and finance for sustainable development. A British citizen, Professor Kyte earned degrees from University of London and the Fletcher School. She has received numerous awards for leadership in climate and sustainable development and was named by Time magazine as one of the 15 Women Leading the Fight Against Climate Change.
David Leighton
President & Co-Founder, WITI - Workforce Innovation, Trust anf Influence
David Leighton is Co-Founder and President of WITI - Women in Technology International - a global organization founded in 1989. WITI is the leading global organization for women who consider technology central to their careers, businesses, and personal lives. David is a creative, highly motivated relationship builder with a strong network covering multiple Industries. He has launched and led several start-up companies. He was formerly the Chairman of Risk Analysis Group, a security strategies firm specializing in Integrated Risk Management, (SM), the enterprise-wide application of business principles that protect and streamline organizations. David is also the Co-Founder of Criterion Research, a research firm that identifies highly specialized technologists and executives for Internet, software, semiconductor companies, and venture capital firms. He worked closely with Borland International helping to grow Borland to the #2 software company in the world, key with Transmeta as they were transforming the way chips were built, and for Marc Benioff's last project at Oracle before he started Salesforce. David also co-founded Webolution, an Internet infrastructure and custom web-presence consulting firm whose clients include Sun Microsystems, Paramount Pictures, and Intel.
Hailey Lennon
Partner, Anderson Kill
Hailey Lennon is a shareholder in Anderson Kill's Technology, Media, and Distributed Systems Group. She is based in California and affiliated with Anderson Kill's Los Angeles office. Hailey is also Regulatory Analyst at Forbes Crypto and Founder of Crypto Connect. Prior to joining Anderson Kill, Hailey was regulatory counsel at leading cryptocurrency platforms Coinbase and bitFlyer. At Coinbase, Hailey helped oversee regulatory relationships with the SEC, CFTC, OFAC, and state regulators. She worked with the New York Department of Financial Services to obtain approvals for new products, services, and digital assets, and managed the organization's Bitlicense and Trust Company supervisory relationships, reporting, and audits. Prior, Hailey helped bitFlyer Japan's expansion into the United States, obtaining money transmitter licenses for 33 states, as well as the coveted New York BitLicense. At bitFlyer, Hailey served as board secretary for the Virtual Commodity Association, a working group seeking to establish an industry-sponsored self-regulatory organization for the cryptocurrency industry. Previously, Hailey was AVP of regulatory compliance at Silvergate Bank.
Crystal Lister
President, Omniangle Technologies
Crystal Lister has spent more than 17 years in the private and public sectors working on cyber risk to business operations at the intersection of security and technology. She is currently leading Omniangle's early warning cyber threat intelligence capabilities, expanding the company’s strategic partnerships in multiple sectors, and driving innovation throughout the cyber intelligence community. Ms. Lister leverages her background in advanced cyber adversaries and insider risk management to help executive clients protect intellectual property, data, and other critical assets from theft, industrial espionage, and information technology sabotage. Ms. Lister previously served as a Cyber and Counterintelligence officer for the CIA, leading technology initiatives to address complex national security challenges and cyber threat teams protecting operations and critical assets worldwide. She served overseas in Europe and the Middle East supporting the U.S. intelligence mission. More recently, she led cyber and insider risk management at Global Professional Services Group where she served as a trusted cyber risk advisor for executive clients and boards. Ms. Lister holds B.A. degrees in Finance and International Business from the University of Oklahoma and a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa. She regularly contributes to multiple cybersecurity websites.
Enjy Mamdouh
Operational Excellence Manager, System One / EMA Group
Enjy Mamdouh is a Business Process / Data Analyst and People Management Consultant with more than 20 years of international work experience in Egypt, India, and the GCC Region (Gulf Cooperation Council that includes the countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman). Enjy is a Professional Expert in Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Operational Excellence. She holds a BA in English Literature and Culture from Ain Shams University, Certified Organizational Leadership from Oxford University, Google PMP, and ongoing SHRM-CP. Enjy believes in the value of the people; she is always passionate about helping people feel empowered, connected, and driving them to reach their dreams. Enjy describes herself as "a dreamer and a Changemaker."
Kim Meninger
Executive Coach, Your Career Success
- 292 - Coaching Circle: Using Self-Promotion Strategies to Advance Your Career
- 192 - Coaching Circle: Walking the Tightrope: Mastering the Balance between Likability & Respect
Kim Meninger is an executive coach, TEDx speaker and host of the Impostor Syndrome Files podcast. She helps individuals/organizations to understand and embrace the human experience at work to reach their full leadership potential. Kim has coached hundreds of clients and has presented on career advancement and leadership topics to corporate, non-profit and academic audiences. She leverages her psychology degree, MBA and over a decade of experience as a high-tech leader to empower professionals to lead themselves and others more effectively. Kim is especially passionate about helping women and members of other historically marginalized groups to become more confident, visible and influential leaders.
Kim has a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach and CCE Board Certified Coach with certifications in confidence, career, executive and leadership development coaching. Kim also holds a certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University.
Nomazwi Mhloma
Deputy Head, IT, eThekwini Municipality
Nomazwi Mhloma is an ICT Professional, a 2021 Finalist for Africa Women in Tech Award leader, and a strategist who has become well-respected in her line of work, by virtue of achievements, skills, and knowledge built on a strong 21-year ICT profession. Nomazwi has successfully implemented turnaround strategies through best practices and innovative thinking. She has traveled to countries including the USA, Singapore, Belgium, and Spain, gaining insights in her field, learning best practices, and extending her network of strategic partnerships. Nono holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), and is pursuing a Doctorate degree in Business Administration research on Digital Transformation. She has held managerial positions in South Africa's top local government departments and institutions such as eThekwini Municipality, University of Johannesburg, Transnet National Ports Authority, and Walter Sisulu University. Nomazwi is passionate not only about ICT Service Delivery, but is also a community builder who is passionate about women's development, especially in ICT. She has a remarkable talent for working in harmony with staff, communities, and various stakeholders in a manner that builds strategic partnerships.
Pooja Munshi
Head of Web, Digital Transformation Task Force, UN Environment Programme
Pooja Munshi is the Head of Web at UN Environment Programme (UNEP), driving an ecosystem of corporate and campaign sites that inform, inspire, and enable environmental action. She is a key member of the UNEP Digital Transformation Taskforce where the vision is to bring the digital transformation and environmental sustainability agendas together. After spending years working on global brands like Nike, Möet Hennessy, P&G, and startups across the US, Europe, and Asia, Pooja now brings this digital acumen to the development world, where the need to engage beyond the echo chambers is critical for large-scale, accelerated impact. Her work is rooted in human-centered design (HCD), data-driven decision-making, and an agile scrum methodology. Pooja has a foundation in design and strategy, an MSc degree from Northwestern University in big data analysis, certification on Circular Economy and Sustainable Business Strategies from Cambridge University, and is currently completing studies in Digital Transformation from Stanford University.
Manuela Pauer
Career & Leadership Coach, Pauer Coaching
Manuela Pauer is a Career and Leadership Coach in Silicon Valley. She works with professional women in their mid-career who are craving more meaning, fulfillment, and happiness. Through her signature "Create a Career and Life You Love" program, she helps them uncover their purpose, passions, and strengths and clearly define what they want to do, so they can create a fulfilling career and life they love. Manuela has over 20 years of experience in helping professionals thrive in their life and career. She is an ICF-certified Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UC Berkeley. She had a successful corporate career spanning Strategy Consulting at Bain & Company, Product Management and Strategic Development at a Silicon Valley startup, and Executive Director of Product Management and Strategic Planning at AOL.
Kasandra Perez
IT & Business Training Strategist, Computer Coach IT Training
Kasandra Perez is a highly experienced IT & Business Training Strategist with an extensive background in IT Recruitment and Career Coaching. With a unique perspective, having worked in both talent acquisition as well as helping build the talent pipeline through innovative career and skills training, she understands the struggles of the modern job search. And having worked with clients at all levels of their careers, Kasandra specializes in strategic career enhancement for continuous career growth.
Rachelle Putnam
Global IT Director, General Dynamics Land Systems
Rachelle Putnam serves as the Global IT Director for General Dynamics Land Systems, and is responsible for managing Information Technology for the US, Canada, Australia, and UK. Rachelle oversees the development of IT strategy, deployment of new technologies, and maintains daily operations. Over her tenure, Rachelle has successfully led the company through several transformation projects, including multiple application implementations, a transition from a fully outsourced IT model to an insourced organization, and an engineering digital transformation project focused on reducing configuration churn. Rachelle joined General Dynamics in 2005, after nearly 10 years of implementing Oracle software with consulting firms Arthur Anderson and BearingPoint. In this role she worked closely with clients to re-engineer global business processes to gain full advantage of ERP technology. Rachelle is a proud member of the Detroit Chapter of the Society for Information Management and has served as Secretary Chair since 2020. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics and Management from Albion College.
Suzanne Ricci
Chief Success Officer, Computer Coach IT Training
Suzanne Ricci is the Chief Success Officer at Computer Coach Training Center. Since 2000, Suzanne has helped thousands of IT and business professionals, in Tampa Bay, achieve their career goals through customized training strategies. Starting off her career as a Web Designer, she possesses over 25 technical certifications and 20 years of IT and training experience. Suzanne is the Network Director for WITI Tampa Bay.
LeAnn Ridgeway
Chief Sustainability Officer, Collins Aerospace
LeAnn Ridgeway is the Chief Sustainability Officer for Collins Aerospace. In this role, to which she was appointed in November 2021, LeAnn is responsible for leading Sustainability strategy and implementation across the Collins Business Units. She also represents Collins on the Raytheon Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee. Prior, LeAnn served as vice president and general manager Information Management Services (IMS) for Collins Aerospace, where she was responsible for leading the global IMS business, including aviation network services and ground systems, flight support and communications services, and information processing. She joined Rockwell Collins in 1988 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including: vice president and general manager of Integration for B/E Aerospace, which the company acquired in April 2017; vice president and general manager for Simulation and Training Solutions in Government Systems; vice president and managing director, Americas; and senior director, Engineering Services. LeAnn earned her MBA degree from St. Ambrose University. She previously served on several non-profit boards as well as on the Board of Directors for Rockwell Collins UK Limited and as VP of the Board for ARINC, Aeronautical Radio, ARINC, and Radio Holdings, Inc.
Lightness Salema
CEO, Dream Developers Ltd.
Eng. Lightness Salema is Founder and CEO of DREAM DEVELOPERS LIMITED, a Tanzanian company aimed at poverty alleviation and improving the standard of living of people through job creation, increasing household incomes, and advocating healthy bee products. Having started her career at Price Waterhouse Coopers and The Central Bank of Tanzania, Lightness followed her passion to work on women and youth empowerment, becoming a professional networker and health consultant. She is the founder of several organizations, including Women In Mining Operations (WIMO), Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP), Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN Tanzania). In 2019 she won the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Award (AWE) for Best Business Concept. Lightness has inspired and motivated thousands of women and youth, especially from Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, UK, and Zambia, to better their living through owning a business. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Electrical Engineering degree from University of Dar es salaam, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Facilities Management with Leeds Metropolitan University, UK.
Parna Sarkar-Basu
CEO and Founder, Brand and Buzz Marketing
A tech evangelist, Parna Sarkar-Basu serves as a strategic advisor to transformational leaders and technology pioneers, and helps them launch and reinvent companies. Her expertise includes changing industry perception, building market relevance, corporate (re)-positioning and new market entry as well as helping companies raise funds and navigate the digital era. Recipient of multiple awards, Parna has been instrumental in turning experts into thought leaders and propelling tech companies into innovation leaders in highly competitive markets, including artificial intelligence, enterprise software, storage systems, robots, consulting services. A Forbes contributor, she regularly hosts executive sessions on emerging technologies and frequently speaks on a range of topics, including cognitive robotics, innovation for social good, digital transformation, AI, and impact on the workforce.
Samantha Scully
Drone Pilot and Management Consultant, Sam and Drones
Samantha Scully has been managing Scully Staffing, Inc., since 2000. She has an extensive background in IT recruitment and high-technology management consulting. As the liaison between senior-level business and technology executives, Samantha has strategically placed IT consultants across all industries. She has traveled extensively overseas to consult with international corporate operations and successfully implement technology projects. Passionate about locating high-tech opportunities and matching them with the right people, Samantha continues to outreach to universities STEAM.
Noelle Silver
Founder, AI Leadership Institute
Noelle Silver is a multi-award-winning technologist who specializes in conversational AI and Voice Technology, Intelligent Apps and Agents, and Responsible AI Practices. She has led teams at NPR, Microsoft, and Amazon, and is the Founder of #Lovefluencers and the AI Leadership Institute. She is passionate about Mindful Leadership, authentic personal branding, and the ethical and responsible use of technology in business. Noelle is currently Head of Instruction, Data Science, Analytics, and Full Stack Development at HackerU, where she works with universities and leads a team of engineers to create innovative tech education programs to empower learners to get started with a career in the tech industry.
Laxmi Sivashankar
Director, Digital Technologies, Collins Aerospace
Laxmi Sivashankar is Director of Digital Technologies at Collins Aerospace, which specializes in in aerostructures, avionics, interiors, mechanical systems, mission systems, and power and control systems that serve customers across the commercial, regional, business aviation and military sectors. Prior to joining Collins as Director of Engineering Applications for Digital Technology, Laxmi had 20+ years of experience in Digital Transformation in the automotive industry. She headed several domains and projects, with a clear focus on delivery with results, managing cross-functional and global teams, and adopting new methodologies and technologies in day-to-day engineering tasks.
David Harry Stewart
Founder, Ageist
David Harry Stewart is the founder and the face of AGEIST. He is a passionate champion of the modern 50+ lifestyle, and a leading authority on the mindset and aspirations that drive this demographic. (There are 108.7 million Americans over 50)
David brings science to life through his Superage® message. Delivering the cutting edge data of world-renowned scientists, doctors and cultural icons, he demystifies the science and turns it into actionable steps you can easily take to increase your health and enjoy an active, authentic lifestyle.
His unique and aspirational POV is frequently sought after by major media publications including: The WSJ, The Times of London, CNN, South China Morning Post, Forbes and Fortune. He also consults for a wide range of Fortune 500 brands and businesses.
An entertaining and action-oriented speaker, David delivers keynote messaging to audiences both large and small. Before launching AGEIST, he was an award-winning photographer, whose work includes multiple magazine covers and global advertising campaigns.
Eiman Suenaka
Founder, Vertical Air Mobility Media
Eiman Suenaka has nearly 20 years of experience as a data analyst working for multiple companies building her portfolio of work. Her true passion is to utilize her skills to make a positive difference in the aerospace industry and its ecosystem. Her love for aerospace grew as she watched her Father dedicate his life as an Aerospace Engineer and Scientist. Her gateway into aerospace was by utilizing self-taught methods; she learned how to fly a drone and obtained her FAA 107 license in 2018. Since then, she has written, illustrated, and self-published a children’s book series with the first book called “Drone Stories, Juliet and Lima’s Beach Adventures.” She is currently working on her second book and will release it in the next year. In 2022, Eiman launched her global media company called Vertical Air Mobility Media, LLC. Her company is designed to market electric aviation companies and inform the public about the new technologies that will change the world in the next decade and beyond. She is also currently in the process of becoming a certified US Drone Soccer Professional Development Trainer in the Southern California region. Eiman holds a BS in Business Administration with an option in Finance from California State University, Northridge.
Mica Syjuco
Director, Technology Leadership, Avanade
Mica Syjuco is the Industry Network Director for Agile and DevOps at Women in Technology International (WITI). She is also the Global Agile Capability and Delivery Director at multinational company Avanade, the joint venture between Microsoft and Accenture. She was the first woman to take on the role of Global Head of DevOps and Agile Coaching at the organization as well. For over 17 years, Mica has led the successful delivery of complex product development for multiple clients -- some of which are counted among the biggest companies in the world (Fortune 500). She has a strong expertise in implementing and leading both Traditional and Agile / Scrum based development and delivery processes supporting distributed teams on medium to large-scale .NET based enterprise projects.
Mica graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Information Technology and completed Wharton Executive Education's Leadership and Management Certificate Program. She is based in Chicago, and works with teams located across the globe -- from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. She is a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST), Professional Scrum Master, Professional Scrum Developer, Professional Scrum Product Owner, Professional Agile Leader, and certified in Scaled Professional Scrum, Professional Scrum with Kanban, and Professional Scrum with User Experience. She is also a Certified SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and certified in Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Arame Tall, Ph.D.
Senior Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Specialist, The World Bank
Dr. Arame Tall is a Senior Adaptation & Resilience Specialist in the Climate Change Group of the World Bank. With over 15 years of work experience at the interface of climate and society, Dr. Tall is one of the world’s leading experts on climate services, adaptation, resilience, and community-based early warning systems, widely published on research at the nexus of climate science and societal benefits. Dr. Tall leads coordination of the Bank’s work on Adaptation & Resilience and is the team leader for the World Bank Group’s first of its kind Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience. Before joining the World Bank in 2017, Dr. Tall worked for 15 years in climate adaptation and development, holding senior positions with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS), and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre. Prior, Dr. Tall was with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) based in Dakar Senegal, where she managed the Regional office for Africa, supporting all of Africa's 53 governments with policy guidance to mainstream adaptation and establishing effective national/regional frameworks for climate services. From 2012-2015, she worked as a senior climate services scientist and champion at the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), based at ICRISAT in India. Then at IFPRI in Washington DC, she spearheaded several programs to scale up the delivery of climate information services for millions of smallholder farmers in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Dr. Tall holds a Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University-SAIS in Climate Adaptation and African Studies, an M.A. from Columbia University's Climate & Society Program, and a B.A. from Smith College in Anthropology and Environmental Policy.
Eliane Ubalijoro, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Sustainability in the Digital Age
Éliane Ubalijoro, Ph.D., is the Global Hub Director in Canada for Future Earth, as well as the Executive Director of Sustainability in the Digital Age. Her decades of experience span academia, science-policy and the non-profit and international development sectors. She is a Professor of Practice for Public-Private Sector Partnerships at McGill University's Institute for the Study of International Development, where her research interests focus on innovation, gender and sustainable development for prosperity creation. Her teaching over the last decade has focused on facilitating leadership development. She is a member of Rwanda's National Science and Technology Council and has been a member of the Presidential AdvisoryCouncil for Rwandan President Paul Kagame since its inception in September 2007. She is a member of the Expert Consultation Group on the Post COVID-19 Implications on Collaborative Governance of Genomics Research, Innovation, and Genetic Diversity. Éliane is a member of the African Development Bank’s Expert Global Community of Practice on COVID-19 Response Strategies in Africa. She is a member of the newly created Capitals Coalition Supervisory Board. Éliane teaches and advises in Leadership programs to help equip executives in science, innovation and international development with tools that support inner and outer sustainable transformation towards global prosperity.
Dayna Williams-Hunter
Founder & CEO, LA County Drones
Dayna Williams-Hunter is the CEO of LA County Drones and a Publicist with FAA 107 Licensed Pilot. Dayna started her aerial photography and videography services in 2021, a one-stop shop for aerial footage. She and the team drone for movies / television, real estate, construction, print, music, and promo videos. If you conceive it - they will bring it to life!
Diana Wolfe
Principal Applied Researcher, Emerging Technologies, Avanade
In her role as Principal Applied Researcher of Emerging Technologies with Avanade, Diana Wolfe investigates the impacts of technologies on humans, systems, organizations, and environments. Diana is a Ph.D. student studying Industrial Organizational Psychology, specifically researching the relationship between leadership styles and organizational ethics, how psychological safety can be measured, and the decolonization of statistics education. She is the founder of several research advocacy collectives – The Falcon Coalition, The Social Justice League, and EthicaXMachina – which seek to disrupt oppressive systems and empower marginalized groups.
Jessica Yip
COO and Co-Founder, A&K Robotics
Jessica Yip is COO & Co-Founder of A&K Robotics, which develops self-driving technology and mobile platforms to increase accessibility and mobility of people and goods, starting in airports. Jessica has 10+ years experience in business operations across technology, real estate, and hospitality. She actively promotes STEM education for youth and women with local non-profits, and was named Most Influential Women in Tech by BC Business Magazine. Jessica holds a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.