GatherVerse
Men’s Health Summit:
November 19-20, 2025 (8:00 AM PST)
Meet the speakers
Nathan Wantatah: Bio
Lifelong fitness enthusiast
Wrestled thru highschool in Ohio and remained active throughout college
1998 Began my professional training journey at Bally’s fitness after college
2007 Moved to Cali and began training highschool and professional baseball, football, and basketball athletes while working at a private gym
2013 Became independent owner/instructor of natetotalfitness
2013 Began doing crossfit
Competed and placed in top 10 at MastersCrossfit games in 2024
Currently training private clients as well as training for 2025 Crossfit Games
Dr. Muhsinah Morris: Bio
Meet the first ever Metaversity Director, Dr. Muhsinah Lateefah Morris. A BS chemistry graduate of the HBCU Clark Atlanta University, she obtained an MS & PhD from the Harvard of the South, Emory University, in Biomolecular Chemistry. Dr. Morris has been part of and leader of Morehouse’s Metaversity project since the Spring of 2021. She has won numerous distinguished honors, including 2025 Leading Woman in AI by ASU+GSV, 2024 XR Women Global Trailblazer of the Year, 2023 Atlanta Technology Professional Innovator of the Year, 2023 Top 100 Women in Emerging Technology, Teaching Excellence at Morehouse College, Best Emerging Technology and Innovation from CBRE, First Place Unconventional Innovation in Industry by T-Mobile, and 2022 STEM Women Atlanta Educator of the Year.
She resides in McDonough GA with her husband and five sons. One of her sons has autism and she advocates for the entire autism community as a member of the Community Advisory Council and advocacy Ambassadors for Autism Speaks. She’s a VR pioneer in education and is transforming learning globally. She is affectionately known as Dr. M.O.M. (Molder of Minds) by all her students. She continues to mold the minds of educators and students globally in the Metaverse. She is a member of the XR Advisory Council for the XR Association and Futurist Council for Jobs for the Future (JFF). Her goal is to authentically transform the educational system for our future leaders using immersive technologies in the Metaverse. She currently trains both pre-service and in-service educators on how to create and optimize their own institutional Metaverse Culture. More recently, she founded Metaverse United, LLC where she helps people find where they belong in the embodiment of the internet called the Metaverse. Learn more at UnitetheMetaverse.com.
Skyh Black: Bio
Through his work, Skyh champions the power of representation, modern Black masculinity, and creative entrepreneurship. Alongside his wife, actress KJ Smith-Black, he co-founded “The BlackHouse,” a production company and lifestyle brand designed to inspire ownership, legacy, and generational wealth within the Black community.
Skyh’s commitment to purpose-driven storytelling and real-life impact has made him a sought-after voice for conversations on artistry, identity, and building a career on your own terms.
Dr Mari Cairns: Bio
Dr Mari Cairns is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to building humanity into the heart of artificial intelligence. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and an MBA; with a longstanding career spanning academia, clinical practice, and industry at the intersection of AI, psychology, and human factors. Her unique combination of background and expertise focuses on connecting people, processes, data, and technology—in how and why we build, regulate, and adopt AI.
Christopher Lafayette: Bio
Christopher Lafayette, an influential emergent technologist, speaker, and humanitarian is making remarkable strides in the metaverse, AI, medtech and applied sciences. Through eco-convergence, He’s currently studying 270+ emerging technologies.
His contributions and influence extend from Silicon Valley to the international stage, as he passionately advocates for a more equitable culture in technology.
He strongly adheres to the principle that everyone, irrespective of color or gender, should have the opportunity to build the fabric of technology.
GatherVerse, a brainchild of Christopher Lafayette, is an inspired response to an age of unprecedented technological growth.
He established Gatherverse to merge technology and human experience, ensuring every digital innovation reflects and caters to the aspirations of its users. He also founded HoloPractice, merging healthcare and technology. Along with Co-Founding Aug Lab, intersecting life sciences with AI and immersive technologies.
Christopher is a highly sought-after brand developer renowned for his exceptional ability to elevate brands to new heights placing specific emphasis on design principles, emerging technologies and humane intersections.
His advisory and keynote speaking roles span prestigious organizations, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, NFL, Mayo Clinic, Merlin Entertainments, CES, Cornell Tech, Juniper Networks, The Linux Foundation, European Commission, Nikko Hotels, Linux Foundation, Cisco, Microsoft, Salesforce, The WICT Network, NCFL, ATD, Summerfest, COABE, IME West, Verizon, Stanford University, Berkeley Haas, Tübingen University, Cal Poly, Lethbridge College, Duke University, San Jose College of Engineering, and UCLA, among others.
Additionally, his influence has reached renowned chefs, musicians, and hundreds of startups.
Lafayette consistently advocates for the integration of humanity in technological progress.
Matthew Zakreski: Bio
Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken nearly a thousand times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives. When it comes to working with organizations, Dr. Matt is an expert at helping everyone to grow in a meaningful, authentic way based on skills that stick with you well after he’s left the stage. Everyone deserves to have a better life; the more we know about ourselves and our brains, the better we can meet those goals. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, LLC and the author of the Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World.
Savannah Rogers: Bio
Rennie Curran is a former professional athlete who currently serves as an active Keynote Speaker, Author and the CEO of Game Changer Coaching. Recently Inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall Of Fame, Georgia vs Florida Hall of Fame, and UGA 40 Under 40, he uses his platform to inspire students, athletes and business professionals to reach their fullest potential.
Born in Atlanta, GA and the son of Liberian immigrants, Rennie and Josie Curran, he has a diverse background with humble beginnings. He began his football career at Brookwood High School in Snellville, GA becoming the all-time leading tackler in Gwinnett County history. He was initially considered undersized according to various critics, but quickly silenced the doubters by exploding onto the field as a true freshman at the University of Georgia.
His experiences of overcoming many circumstances to reach his childhood dream of becoming a 3-time All American, Butkus Award Finalist, permanent team Captain a 3rd round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft (Tennessee Titans) and transitioning into becoming a successful entrepreneur has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to handle adversity and maximize opportunities while having a positive impact on others.
Jonathan Snow: Bio
Dr. Jonathan Snow is a pioneering voice in digital commerce, known for building human-centered strategies at the frontier of marketing, media, and technology. As Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z, he guides brands through complex digital landscapes, ensuring that growth is not just fast, but ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.
A four-time DTC founder and U.S. Air Force veteran, Snow brings operational rigor and entrepreneurial vision to every initiative. His expertise spans Shopify Plus, TikTok Shop, and Gorgias (where he serves as Board Director), and he partners with 50+ leading commerce platforms to help businesses scale accessibly and responsibly in the global economy.
Snow’s innovation ethos extends beyond corporate growth. He’s an active advisor to investment banks like KeyBanc and a frequent speaker at major tech and venture summits, including FounderMade, DTCx, and KeyBanc’s Emerging Tech Summit. His focus is in leveraging emerging tools like AI and social commerce to empower communities, elevate consumer experience, and ensure that technology serves people, not the other way around.
With a background in orthodontics and public service, Snow brings a rare combination of clinical precision, civic duty, and digital fluency to every conversation. Whether advising startups or Fortune 500s, he champions strategies that balance performance with purpose, ensuring tech innovation uplifts, rather than excludes.
Aileda Lindal: Bio
Specializing in the convergence of technology and humanity, she empowers clients to navigate the complexities of the digital era with a human-centric approach.
Her consultancy fosters innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainable success, making her a beacon for those seeking to harmonize business excellence with the essence of human values.
A visionary in her field, Aileda is redefining leadership for the future.
Renee Carr: Bio
Renee G. Carr, EdD has been working in education and related programmatic work since 2007. She is multilingual: she speaks Modern Greek, French, and Spanish. Dr. Carr has worked at a university, government contractors, non-profits, associations, and two school districts in the Washington, DC area.
Dr. Carr’s areas of expertise include social-emotional learning, international exchange, and world languages. She has a background in educational research including qualitative coding, case studies, literature reviews, and project management. She has presented at conferences and shared research findings with peers in her field.
During the pandemic, she wrote a book for the publisher Rowman & Littlefield called Accountability in the Classroom: Using Social-Emotional Learning to Guide School Improvement. The premise of this book came from her dissertation topic, social-emotional learning and school accountability systems. She added her own experiences as an educator both from the perspectives of World Language education and the COVID-19 crisis.
The idea behind her second book Kids Before Content: An Educator’s Guide on Social-Emotional Learning Competencies came from both her dissertation and her experiences with recommending a pilot social-emotional learning program at her school.
In 2022, Dr. Carr became a trainer and coach with Octo, now IBM for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). She offers education and training in emotional intelligence and leadership.
Dr. Carr received her EdD in Educational Leadership from the George Washington University in 2019 and her MA in Political Science in 2009 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She obtained her BA in French and International Studies in 2007 from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Sabrina Princessa Wang: Bio
Sabrina ‘Princessa’ Wang is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon best-selling author of The Lazy Person’s Guide to Success, and an international speaker specialising in AI, automation, and entrepreneurship.
Recognised as one of The Silicon Review’s “30 Entrepreneurs of the Year” and a recipient of the Singapore SME 500 and Spirit of Enterprise awards, she empowers individuals and businesses to achieve freedom in time, wealth, and happiness.
She is the founder of People’s Inc. 360, a SaaS platform scaling beyond 8-figure ARR, and leads the Royal Visionary Society, helping entrepreneurs leverage AI and automation. As the creator of Seraphina AI, she develops AI-driven solutions for business productivity.
As Secretary General of the Association Blockchain Asia, Sabrina is a leader in crypto and blockchain innovation, scaling her portfolio from 5 to 7 digits in two years and achieving 20 to 40 percent monthly returns.
A proud cat mom to 🐈⬛️ Toothless and passionate advocate for education, she is dedicated to building schools for the underprivileged while driving conversations on wealth, mental wellness, and innovation.
Visit https://princessa.beehiiv.com to connect.
Cedric Scott, Jr.: Bio
Cedric Scott, Jr. is a former chemist turned educational leader, founder of Catalyst Cubed and Black AI Media™. With a bold vision for the future, Cedric bridges education, technology, and culture to create meaningful learning experiences and tools that shift narratives and spark innovation. He is the creator of Melanated Mathematics®, STEM 1,000, and the Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship, each reflecting his commitment to empowering underrepresented communities in STEM.
Through his work, Cedric has helped thousands of students, families, and organizations across the globe explore AI, STEM careers, and self-determined success pathways. His mantra is simple but powerful: “I am the algorithm.” He believes we all have the power to design systems, lead change, and build legacy, starting with the impact we make today.
Jesper Hansen: Bio
Jesper is a technologist and health expert having advanced his knowledge in health to bring it into simple universal principles.
He is focusing on athletic performance in his day-to-day life and work, taking fitness and health from an athlete’s perspective and bringing it to everyone else.
He is utilizing technology to create the connections and productivity to utilize it as an enhancement.
Russell Bundy: Bio
Russell is a dynamic multidisciplinary entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across diverse industries, including radio, music, e-commerce, and blockchain. Throughout his career and entrepreneurial ventures, Russell has consistently demonstrated a commitment to positive social impact. This dedication is evident in his radio business, where he strived to entertain listeners and foster a strong community, evidenced by the growth of his station to over 50,000 monthly unique listeners and a thriving 22,000-member Discord community in 2016.
Russell’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch a successful e-commerce business. This venture honed his strategic thinking and business management expertise, encompassing all aspects from operations to finance. Notably, he achieved this success through bootstrapping, demonstrating his resourcefulness and financial acumen.
The e-commerce world opened the door to the burgeoning landscape of Web3 technologies. Recognizing the potential of NFTs, Metaverse, Crypto, DAO, AI and other emerging trends, Russell became an early adopter in 2020. He has since developed a deep understanding of these technologies and their strategic applications. Witnessing both the opportunities and challenges within this new space, Russell is passionate about leveraging Web3 for positive global change.
Driven by the belief that financial success can coexist with social impact, Russell is dedicated to advocating for humanity before technology and creating a better world. His experiences across various industries have reinforced his commitment to using innovative technologies for the greater good. He aims to contribute to a future where technology serves to enhance human well-being and foster a more equitable and sustainable society.
Lynn Gitau: Bio
Lynn Gitau is a distinguished figure in the technology sector, recognised for her innovative contributions and leadership in advancing digital interaction and communication.
As a key organiser in the tech community, Lynn has significantly contributed to bringing together thousands of enthusiasts and experts in a more subdued but impactful manner.
Her initiatives have laid a broad foundation for tech innovation beyond just XR, contributing to a substantial shift in the region’s technical landscape.
She is an emerging technologies explorer, national speaker, communications director for GatherVerse, founding member of the African Meta Club, and passionate about Social Impact XR and Web3.
Wish Born: Bio
Wish Born, a visionary leader in the field of software engineering and AI solutions. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Wish is the President of Renaissance Analytics, a company dedicated to leveraging AI for addressing global challenges. As the creator of Impactivism, the Impact Based Economy, Wish is pioneering innovative and equitable solutions that redefine modern economic principles.
With a strong background in team leadership, Wish has successfully steered projects at renowned organizations like Renaissance Analytics and Asset Quest, known for transforming legacy systems and driving technological advancements. Wish’s career spans various pivotal roles, including IT Director and Marketing Director, demonstrating strategic visioning, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practices.
Having studied Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Wish transforms educational insights into impactful actions in project and product management. With strengths in effective communication, product design, and technical writing, Wish combines analytical thinking with agile methodologies to lead teams to success.
Beyond the professional realm, Wish is passionate about mixed martial arts and is dedicated to teaching kids self-defense. This commitment to personal empowerment reflects Wish’s wider mission to create a better, more just world for all.
Kamilah Sanders: Bio
Kamilah Sanders is an award-winning Global Strategist and Ecosystem Weaver with over 25 years of experience in marketing and executive leadership. She is the CEO of Greater Than Equal, an action-driven think tank helping leaders maximize their impact through self-awareness and strategic action. As an advisor and ecosystem builder, Kamilah specializes in helping leaders realize their vision for impact by facilitating large-scale projects and curating events that redefine the future of global collaboration connecting diverse networks, shifting power dynamics, and accelerating social innovation.
Kamilah is the visionary behind HauteLink, which leverages technology to build interconnected ecosystems and drive future-focused innovation. As a prominent voice in technology, sustainability, and leadership, she co-hosts AI for Creatives podcast and hosts Fashion Futurist, which explores the intersections of humanity and technology while serving as an innovation-driven communication platform drawing on emerging technology to future proof social impact.
As a member of the Governing Council for Catalyst Now, she facilitates collaborations that accelerate social innovation and equity-driven change. Known for her ability to navigate complex systems, Kamilah’s mission is to connect disparate groups and amplify the voices of marginalized communities for real world impact.
Sean Mann: Bio
Sean Mann, CEO of RP1, is a visionary leader with 25 years of entrepreneurial and technology expertise. In 2023, he was named ‘Innovator of the Year’ at the WebXR Awards, ranked as a top 20 Metaverse Industry founder by Metaverse Insider, and a featured Industry thought-leader on CNBC. Sean shapes RP1’s strategic direction, drawing from a diverse background in B2C and B2B sectors, including medical, consumer electronics, software technology, fitness, and wellness. His career highlights encompass business transformation, strategic partnerships, and pioneering marketing strategies. Sean and RP1 are active members of the Metaverse Standards Forum, the Open ARCloud, IEEE, The World Wide Web Consortium.
Ashwed Patil: Bio
With six years of experience, I bring a unique blend of deep technical implementation and strategic business acumen. I’ve led impactful, client-facing projects, delivering measurable outcomes in areas like enterprise AI deployments, cybersecurity upgrades, and infrastructure optimization for diverse organizations, including nonprofits.
My commitment to social justice, particularly through technology, has been a lifelong passion. From my undergraduate days volunteering and leading at an education nonprofit to currently serving on the board of a tech nonprofit building the world’s first open-source verified LGBTQ+ platform, I am dedicated to leveraging technology for positive social impact. I’m passionate about empowering users through technology adoption and believe strongly in the power of community and knowledge sharing.
Lauren Descher: Bio
I recently acquired my Master’s degree in Virtual Reality at the University of the Arts London, where my passion lies in exploring various facets of the technology industry. Specifically, I am captivated by emerging technologies like AR, VR, and MR, and I aspire to contribute to their advancement in this rapidly evolving field.
My primary goal is to create a positive impact in the world, striving to make a difference in the lives of those I encounter. I firmly believe in the power of imagination and its ability to manifest reality. Guided by the motto “If I can dream it, I can create it,” I embrace every new idea and connection as an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and learning.
Driven by motivation, outgoing nature, and an optimistic outlook, I have gained practical experience in various VR sectors such as entertainment, education, health art and design I aim to enhance human interaction and elevate it to a whole new level through future Intelligence. I excel both as a team player and a leader, and my colleagues find inspiration in my ability to radiate positivity and empower others.
Brian Selzer: Bio
Brian Selzer is a seasoned executive and innovator in AI, gaming, spatial computing, and immersive media, with over two decades of experience shaping interactive technology and digital-physical storytelling. He specializes in bridging virtual and real-world environments, empowering brands, intellectual property, and creators to succeed across AI-driven platforms, mobile, and location-based experiences.
As CEO of BlueSe7en Media, Selzer consults with startups and Fortune 500 brands, integrating AI, XR, and environmental computing into their roadmaps. His recent work includes bringing Visa, the Olympics (IOC), and The Louvre into Roblox, creating large-scale immersive digital experiences that engage global audiences and redefine brand storytelling in interactive spaces.
In 2009, Selzer co-founded Ogmento, the first venture-backed AR gaming company, where he led the development of the world’s first location-based AR games for brands like NBA, Pepsi, and 7-Eleven, setting the stage for geospatial gaming and laying the foundation for Apple’s ARKit after the company’s acquisition.
Selzer’s portfolio includes launching and managing Marvel’s mobile games and apps division, producing hit titles for Spider-Man, X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. He also held senior leadership roles at DAQRI (AR wearables) and Neurable (BCI technology), leading AI-driven spatial computing, brain-computer interfaces, and human-AI interaction strategies.
Committed to advancing technology in ways that enhance human experience, Selzer focuses on creating impactful, immersive, and human-centered digital experiences. Based in Los Angeles, he balances his mixed-reality lifestyle with time outdoors, sharing adventures with family and friends while staying at the forefront of AI and immersive media’s next evolution.
Rachel Spinka: Bio
Rachel Anne is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive life coach renowned for her dedication to empowering women navigating menopause.
As the founder of the Menopause Education Center, she has become a pivotal figure in providing comprehensive education and support to women, their partners, and employers.
Christian Brown: Bio
Christian Brown is the co-founder and CEO of Blimish, a global initiative focused on advancing mental health and wellness through innovation and connection.
Based in the southwest of France, Christian is dedicated to developing a global perspective on mental wellness, bridging cultural insights, and creating impactful solutions for individuals and organizations worldwide.
Chad Lauer: Bio
Chad Lauer
President
“How do you go from where you are to where you wanna be? And I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it.”
– Jim Valvano
Founder & President
As Founder & President of Lauer Media Company, Chad is the driving force behind a digital marketing organization that strives to tread a path that melds dependability and innovation in the industry. While employed by AT&T Interactive (owner of YP.com) for a decade, he gained valuable insight into the successful operations of North America’s most prominent digital marketing agency, with 2 billion dollars in annual revenue. Chad benefited from the tutelage and experience of early giants in the digital marketing industry, utilizing the firm’s vast knowledge and resources to grow one of the most extensive digital advertising business books within the nationwide company.
However, Chad was also privy to the pitfalls that often befall a massive company. He yearned to offer his clients a more personalized and nuanced service. An entrepreneur at heart, from selling antiques on eBay as a college student to co-owning a Medicare insurance business, Chad seized an opportunity to follow this passion and founded Lauer Media Company with years of experience under his belt and lofty dreams of doing better in his head. He wasted no time orchestrating these dreams into a reality of servicing his business partners with digital media plans tailored to their best interests and flexible to grow and evolve with their needs. With determination and drive, Lauer Media Company achieved Google Partner status in the shortest time possible according to strict guidelines of revenue management and client retention, as well as quickly developed key partnerships with Constant Contact, WIX, and Localogy. Lauer Media Company has experienced exponential growth and now stands as a new leader in the industry, managing millions of dollars in revenue for their clients.
Chad has achieved rapid success in establishing his company by drawing on the lessons he has learned through his cumulative life experiences. No stranger to overcoming adversity, Chad faced some seemingly insurmountable challenges during his most formative years. He lost a close friend while playing basketball together at age 15, lost his father at age 17, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 21 (forcing him to miss his senior college basketball season), and received two kidney cancer diagnoses requiring surgical resections in 2013 and 2015. Through these challenges, Chad has learned to seize life and all its opportunities for success and joy. He has gained perseverance, grit, and wisdom, all of which he pours into Lauer Media Company daily.
Chad also learned valuable lessons in communication, collaboration, compassion, and leadership through the positive influence of sport, which offered him both an outlet and a community during his most challenging hours. He scored 1,000 points in his high school basketball career but also scored essential experience in comradery and leadership as the captain of a team striving for success while grieving the loss of a teammate and friend. Chad was also a Pennsylvania state finalist in the long jump, earning an athletic scholarship to Monmouth University, but later transferred to Susquehanna University to pursue his passion for basketball. He led his team as captain for two years and leaned on them for support during rehab after brain surgery. The reality of teamwork has been formative to Chad’s perspective on life and business. He understands how essential it is to be an enthusiastic and flexible team member and an empathetic and decisive team leader. During his tenure at Susquehanna, he earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, melding perfectly with his developing interest in serving others, whether in sports, life, or business, helping them to reach their full potential.
Married to his high school sweetheart with four children, Chad pours passion and perseverance into every area of his life. In his free time, he golfs, fishes, and dances with his daughters, all with equal zeal. He feels a calling to better the lives of his clients, colleagues, and his community. Whether it comes to business, sports, friendship, or family, you will see that Chad cherishes every day and will make the best out of the time we have here on this earth. Carpe diem!
Andrea Camargo: Bio
Andrea is a Veterinary Medicine professional and business leader dedicated to fostering collaboration and resilience on both local and global scales. As Co-founder and Storyteller at ReFi Collective, she and her team accelerate the transition toward regenerative systems across Latin America by connecting visionary teams with essential tools, support, and funding. Drawing on her scientific background and expertise in communication, biology, and innovation, Andrea crafts narratives that spark transformative changes in lifestyle choices and mental paradigms, ultimately cultivating a profound sense of abundance and love.
In addition, Andrea serves as a global community leader in Yoga and Mindfulness, sharing well-being practices worldwide and championing cultural shifts toward conscious lifestyles that prioritize both personal and planetary health.
Liam Broza: Bio
Liam Broza is an engineer and multi exit founder in AI and XR. Notable projects include Ethereal Engine, BitScoop Labs, LifeScope and Laguna Labs.
Companion Intelligence originated from project LifeScope in 2015 with the goal of building an open platform for anyone to personal digital memory database.
In 2019, the LifeScope Time Machine was released to give anyone access to global travel into their history through AR and VR.
In 2020 Laguna Labs founded Ethereal Engine with a core community of WebXR engineers building the most powerful 3D web engine. After exiting Ethereal Engine to Infinite Reality in 2024.
Liam restarted the dream of Companion Intelligence and is now offering CI Private Servers allowing individuals and businesses to use personal private agents with confidence, trust, and control.
Christina Lott: Bio
I’m Christina Lott— Speaker, Learning & Development Leader, Culture Champion, and Founder of Life with CGL. My mission? To help people and organizations navigate the messy middle of growth, lead with purpose, and build cultures where talent doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
With over a decade of experience designing scalable training programs, coaching bold leaders, and leading values-driven culture initiatives, I bring strategy, storytelling, and soul into everything I do. From main stages to team workshops, I create experiences that inspire real transformation and real results.
I’ve partnered with franchisees, corporate teams, educators, and emerging leaders—delivering talks and trainings that fuel leadership development, adult learning, cultural alignment, and navigating change. I believe culture is more than perks—it’s the heartbeat of any successful team.
Michael Allison: Bio
Michael W. Allison, MBA, is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart Veteran, award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group. He is a globally recognized authority on identity-driven leadership and resilience under pressure, blending over two decades of battlefield-tested experience with transformational leadership strategy. Michael has worked with leading organizations including Microsoft, TEDx, NBC Universal, Salesforce, and Columbia University. His signature keynotes—Break The Bottle™ and Protect The House™—have inspired thousands to break internal limitations, lead with emotional clarity, and thrive in uncertainty. His work transforms adversity into sustainable leadership and peak performance.
Anita Roach: Bio
Anita Roach is a consultant, speaker, coach, and founder of the Safe & Sound Workplace Alliance. She is the author of Safe & Sound: Cultivating a Whole-human, Trauma-informed Approach for Employee and Employer Well-being.
Anita has over 30 years of experience working for and consulting with professional services firms throughout the United States. She has guided teams in creating environments and processes where both people and profits flourish.
Her work has included facilitating over $20 billion in project wins, leading successful brand transformations, and developing innovative approaches that prioritize both results and well-being.
Anita’s passion for fostering whole-human, trauma-informed workplaces stems from her deep personal understanding of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. This lived experience, combined with her professional expertise and background in psychology, global leadership, and wellness, informs the research, frameworks, and strategies she shares to help organizations create Safe & Sound Workplaces.
Thomas Wilson: Bio
Thomas R Wilson is a professional Advocate, Writer, Consultant, Business Owner, and Sensory Friendly Event Specialist. His work is centered around an empathic and person-first mindset that works to empower and uplift community voices. His work is inspired by his own personal experiences within his life as a member of the Neuro-diverse and Mental health community. His work has been highlighted internationally and he has partnered with over 40 + businesses in the United States. Overall, Thomas’ work continues to be a bright spot that is celebrated by the community.
Kai Heng Tan: Bio
Kai Heng helps men feel safe to be themselves in a fast-changing world. He talks about the pressure men feel to be tough all the time and how that can make it hard to open up.
Kai believes real strength comes from feeling safe enough to share emotions and connect with others. His mission is to help people build the tools to create safe spaces—both for themselves and for others. He teaches men how to trust, be open, and support each other. His message is simple: When we feel safe to be ourselves, we become stronger and more compassionate together.
Christopher Thompson: Bio
At the heart of my role is the advocacy for human connectivity—a sincere commitment to fostering meaningful relationships that transcend barriers. With a track record marked by successes in guiding expansive and intricate endeavors, I am motivated by a deep dedication to harnessing purpose-driven technologies and innovative solutions for the betterment of society. My genuine enthusiasm propels me to pursue initiatives aimed at generating positive outcomes for all.
I have a natural inclination towards nurturing communities, where every member is not only supported but also empowered to thrive within a holistic ecosystem. Currently, I’m delving into the realm of human inclusion within the commercial contact space, particularly exploring the convergence of AI technology and human interaction through live contact agents.
This presents a transformative moment with tremendous opportunities to empower human contact through the harmonious integration of today’s technologies and a live human connection, enriching interactions rather than displacing them.
Lindsay Raé Perry: Bio
Lindsay Raé Perry is a healing justice strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Journey to CEO®. Her work explores the intersection of trauma, apathy, systemic oppression, and embodied leadership, inviting individuals and institutions to remember their humanity through truth, care, and restoration. A former tech entrepreneur turned transformational facilitator, Lindsay guides people-first innovation with a lens rooted in ancestral wisdom, somatic intelligence, and equity-centered strategy. Her TEDx talk, Transforming Apathy into Emotional Freedom, challenges dominant narratives about burnout and disconnection, reframing apathy as a protective invitation back to truth.
Orestis Spyrou: Bio
Spyrou Orestis innovative researcher, leader with extensive experience in social creative technologies, NGI services, and XR-driven innovation. Proven ability in multidisciplinary collaborations, strategic partnerships, and impactful results across diverse domains, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and art. We believe in collaboration, transparency, and a shared passion for distruptives technologies.
Shauna Adams: Bio
Shauna Adams, celebrated as “The Muse of AI,” embodies a fusion of community commitment, global outreach, and innovative strides in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
She is a Certified AI consultant. Her narrative was sparked by a Senator’s endorsement for a Japan Exchange Program during high school, cultivating a cherished alumnus bond with Auburn University, echoed through a spirited “War Eagle.”
Shauna advocates for vital policy reforms while nurturing the next generation. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her travel agency and AI consultancy, where her passion for exploration meets her expertise in AI.
Her ability to secure significant funding through grant writing has propelled community-centric projects forward. A seasoned speaker with a tenure spanning 25 years, Shauna’s insights have resonated across both local and international platforms. Embracing her inner nerd, she finds joy in Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars realms, enriching her imaginative outlook.
As an herbalist and metaphysics enthusiast, she delves into the intricate dance between the natural and the abstract, reflecting a continual quest for broader understanding.
Known as “The Muse of AI,” Shauna’s journey is a captivating testament to resilience, perpetual learning, and the boundless domain of AI, intertwining technological foresight with a profound commitment to societal betterment.
Michael O Kane: Bio
Michael O’Kane is a graduate of DCU, University of Oviedo and University of Limerick and has been working in the pharma, biotech, ATMP, Cell & Gene, Clinical, R & D and academic cold chain logistics space for over 20 years with university startup and spin out teams to mid size and larger global companies with key time critical and temperature sensitive materials.
Helping companies map out their logistics and strategic development plans for optimal deliverables for key time critical, complex and temperature sensitive materials is a key focus for Michael and how to use digital technologies to enhance these areas to serve women’s health, men’s health and ensure patients of all ages see a commitment to personalised logistics with a heart.
Liza Lichtinger: Bio
Liza is a multifaceted professional and entrepreneur, known for her work in Health Tech related companies. She specializes her research in Human Machine Interaction (conversational agents) and applied Mindfulness. She is known for her Human Capital Development programs and support of entrepreneurs focused on contributing to the global economy. Her products and services are designed to enable resilience in corporate human behavior promoting the standardization of ethical practices in the Mental health, High-Tech, and FinTech Industries.
Liza is the Founder and Managing Director of Future Design Life particularly focused on High-Tech and Human Behavior, specifically in the context of fostering well-being in the economy.
She started her career in Healthcare at Pfizer in New York where she became interested in and began applying her experience working with the correlation between neurobehavioral drivers of human and financial performances within corporate America which named her a “Futurist” on Ross Dawson’s list of top females and a “Wellness & Tech Oracle” by Lufthansa.
Her background includes a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Psychology, holds a degree in Human Capital Development from Cornell University, degrees in Data Science, Behavioral Analytics, Computer Science, using this knowledge to strategically advise for Digital Health, Venture, Perception Tech, “AI” projects serving greater good such as Reality Defender. Liza serves on Mental Health boards and Universities aligning passion to speak and write based on personal research and executive experience on techs societal impact (podcast) (press) (blog).
Grant McGaugh: Bio
Grant McGaugh is a visionary leader in personal branding and business development, renowned for integrating technology and AI into strategic growth initiatives.
As the founder of 5 STAR BDM, he empowers professionals to enhance their brand presence and market influence.
In collaboration with the St. Croix Economic Development Initiative (SEDI-CASE), Grant has been instrumental in launching the CASE Capital Markets (CCM) Formation and Structure Program. This initiative aims to establish a new financial center in the U.S. Virgin Islands, attracting investments and fostering economic growth in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Grant’s expertise in leveraging AI-driven strategies has been pivotal in creating innovative solutions that bridge technology with economic development, positioning the region as a hub for financial and technological advancement.
Emily Wright: Bio
Emily Wright is a rising voice of their generation, with an eclectic background encompassing child care, education, marketing, and management, to name a few, and they have assisted in the establishment and growth of multiple small businesses.
Their work focuses primarily on the psychology of discrimination, and their organisation, It’ll be alwright®, offers wellness coaching and mental and emotional guidance, which helps to combat bias by improving clarity of headspace and thus decision-making. Emily has written multiple books, including ‘Mind Bites’, which presents simple techniques to reprogram the mind, and ‘The 100 Days of Colour: Celebrating Frequetic Beauty’, which explores the relationship between subconscious and algorithmic bias.
Emily offers insight on the intersection of Humanity and Technology, and how it relates to our evolution as a conscious species. Their research on bias is crucial to the conversation of ethics and equity.
Geoff Hedgepetht: Bio
Geoff Antonio is a musician, keynote speaker, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. With decades of experience in the music industry, Geoff has a powerful story and presence that resonates deeply with audiences. He speaks (and sings) to help people rise above fear, find clarity, and build fulfilling lives—especially youth and those stuck in the “in-between.”
Geoff is known for transforming stages into spaces of emotional breakthrough. His talks blend heartfelt storytelling, music, and real-world strategies to motivate individuals to step up, break out of mediocrity, and pursue a bold vision for their future. His message is raw, real, and relatable—and always leaves a lasting impact.
By merging live musical performance with life-changing insight, Geoff empowers audiences to reconnect with their purpose and take action. His mission is simple: fear can be felt, but it doesn’t have to win.
Jen Fry: Bio
Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm that sits at the intersection of conflict and culture. It specializes in transforming organizational dynamics by addressing how conflict and culture shape leadership and overall business outcomes.
We work with leaders and teams to navigate and resolve conflicts that arise from differences, promoting an environment where diverse perspectives are harnessed as a source of innovation and growth. By combining cutting-edge leadership strategies with a deep understanding of humans and trauma, JenFryTalks helps organizations build resilient, adaptive leadership models that thrive in today’s complex world. Through facilitating conversation, skill-building, tailored coaching, workshops, and strategic advisory services, the team members understand how to engage, speak, listen, hear, interpret, and respond constructively, making them and their teams more likely to leverage conflict rather than be leveled by it. She received her PhD in Sports Geography from Michigan State University (GO GREEN!).
She is a veteran coach with over 15 years of experience at the collegiate level, over 200 speaking engagements, and a TedxDuke talk.
Tyler Ornstein: Bio
Tyler Ornstein is a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and business coach with over 23 years of experience. He specializes in guiding entrepreneurs and business owners to achieve 7-figure growth by blending mindset shifts with strategic execution. His message is deeply rooted in personal and professional development, leadership, and sustainable success.
My Luu: Bio
My Luu, is an organizational psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in learning & development, organizational change, and HR. Known for leading innovative learning technologies impacting +16 million people from start ups to global corporations, she’s on a mission to help 30 million young adults in the US discover careers with purpose, building human skills along the way.
She is the co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of LifeSparkLabs, a personalized AI-powered game that helps young adults navigate early career decisions through play, not pressure.
Vinay Pushpakaran: Bio
Vinay Pushpakaran is a global keynote speaker, educator, TEDx Speaker and the Immediate Past President of the Professional Speakers Association of India. He is India’s leading voice on Customer Centricity, and can be seen lighting up stages across India and South East Asia. He is on a mission to transform how businesses engage, serve and delight their customers.
With more than 21 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy, sales and consumer behavior, Vinay has collaborated with brands like Xiaomi, Toshiba, Royal Enfield, SAP Labs, Bharat Petroleum, Ashok Leylands, DBS Bank, Adaaran Resorts, Saint Gobain, Kone, Lux-Maldives, CADD Centre and City Union Bank.
Vinay is also a senior mentor for aspiring professional speakers in India, Malaysia and Maldives.
He is the founder and CEO of Miyagi Learning Solutions, a boutique corporate learning enterprise that has been empowering students and professionals for more than 14 years. Outside work, he is a published short story writer and movie buff.
Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols: Bio
Ambassador Terry Earthwind Nichols is a recognized pioneer in repetitive behavior, top 10 global thought leader, speaker, author of 10 books, former UN Peace Ambassador at Large, and Chair of Evolutionary Healer – a global transformational performance improvement company currently serving clients in 17 countries, including 27 US States. He is known as the Father of Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression® and works with people who are at their wits end. They know something is in the way of their success, and they just can’t put their finger on it. Amb. Terry discovered how to access an amnesic like memory from early childhood that drives post traumatic stress, suidide ideation, and repetitive behaviors in adults.
Anjinsen Valamootoo: Bio
Anjinsen is a certified soft skills trainer/corporate trainer from the Indian Leadership Academy. He trained over 200 people ranging from university students, young professionals, women entrepreneurs, secondary students, social workers and NGOs (JCI, Rotaract and Rotary). Also, he was a part time lecturer in Public Speaking at the University level for undergraduate studies.
In addition, he was a mentor under the JCI Mentoring Programme (Mauritius) for three
consecutive years (2020-2023) and for Women Entrepreneurs under the Four Faces of Women -Business Rise by JCI City Plus.
Aside from that, Anjinsen is a community journalist who has published over 50 articles in the local press. Being passionate about the world of poetry, he is the co-author of the Anthologies “Jane Jade” and “Cherish your love” published by Spectrum of Thoughts Publication, India.
As a JCI Member, he was awarded as Star Member by JCI International last year for his hard work and dedication showing the amazing leadership and positive change that JCI members bring to their economies, societies and to the world.
Derek Bbanga: Bio
Derek is an accomplished executive trainer, coach, and facilitator who drives high performance for his clients. With a strong track record, he has supported numerous organizations and individuals in their journey to success. Drawing from his extensive experience, Derek has trained and collaborated with countless individuals and teams, empowering leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs to unlock their full earning potential.
Derek thrives on helping individuals bridge the gap between their current state and their desired outcomes, particularly in emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, and executive presence. As a multiple TEDx speaker, he captivates audiences with his insights and strategies. Recognized as a trusted voice, Derek’s media contributions provide invaluable guidance on cultivating a lasting and positive image.
Aaron Delvalle: Bio
Angilie Kapoor: Bio
Angilie Kapoor, a Mindset Architect & Transformation Strategist, empowers women to unlock their potential, reclaim confidence, and create lives of purpose and fulfillment. Drawing on over 20 years of leadership experience, her mission is deeply rooted in her own transformational journey—overcoming chronic health challenges, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs.
An accomplished author of multiple books including the award winning, ‘Leader Mindset Activation’ and host of two inspiring podcasts, “Unveil Your Brilliance” and “Take The Lead: A Consciousness Movement,” Angilie blends mindset mastery with practical strategies to help women break through barriers, reframe their narratives, and thrive.
As the founder of Oversight Global, she leads a global movement to help women rise, heal, and design the impactful lives they deserve. Angilie’s life of resilience and clarity is a testament to the power of intentional transformation.
Ian Kang: Bio
A comprehensive English education platform planner & Instructor (for both teachers & students) inspired by the Aristotelian method, focused on improving linguistic logic and meta-cognitive abilities through presentation- and discussion-based lessons. This hyper-personalized learning system aims to enhance performance across all subjects and tests. The platform integrates principles of logic, cognitive science, and AI.
I entered university as a PE major, but after an injury forced me to pursue a new path, I later entered law school, admitted as the top-ranking student. However, due to the intense competition and sense of caution from those around me, I experienced severe depression. In the process of overcoming this, I gained diverse experiences, knowledge, and insights. Through these challenges, I realized that human intelligence is not a fixed value but a variable attribute, something I experienced firsthand and confirmed through teaching, which is also proven by many recent studies.
I now dedicate my life to sharing this hopeful message with students, leveraging Korean educational strengths—renowned for its high education standards and advanced system—to contribute to the global K-study & K-Edtech initiative. Moreover, I’ve designed an AI-based recommendation system that matches students with compatible teachers and group members. This approach not only helps reduce mental stress and cognitive burden from excessive educational competition but also enhances learning efficiency.
Recently, I have integrated Python with OpenAI API to develop educational tools. These include a program that analyzes students’ presentation videos to assess their grammar and expressions, as well as a tool that provides detailed scoring and feedback for each section of the TOEFL Speaking test. Additionally, I have fine-tuned AI models to generate customized exam materials for various language proficiency tests, which I provide to students.
Currently, I am deeply focused on developing a highly intelligent Virtual Human Talker to further enhance the learning experience. My ultimate goal is to show students that studying can be as enjoyable as their favorite sports or video games. I am deeply committed to helping students enjoy high-efficiency, compressed learning that enables them to rest well, pursue their hobbies, and still maintain strong academic performance. I have guided numerous international school students through a 2-on-1 micro-group learning approach, achieving substantial results, and I am still continuing to research and develop this model further.
Through my life experiences, I have come to realize that there is no greater joy than using my small abilities to ignite powerful change in the lives of those who hold a desperate hope for education in developing nations. Your introductions could make this possible, and for that, I would be deeply grateful.
I was born into a low-income family and described as dumb in many places, but I have had the opportunity to interact with the highest echelons of society. From that, I have come to understand just how hollow the pursuit of wealth and fame can be. I also deeply understand—both experientially and academically—that human intelligence is fundamentally emotional and not a fixed trait, and that social connectedness plays a vital role not only in one’s success in life but also in academic achievement.
If my efforts bear fruit in Morocco, (I am about to help people there through ‘FORUM MAROCAIN POUR (M.L.L.L.FORUM) L’APPRENTISSAGE TOUT AU LONG DE LA VIE’ and if I can live out this earnest and heartfelt mission through your trust and introductions, I am even considering stepping away from my current private international school education business. My true wish is to serve only those who genuinely need support, wherever they may be in the world.
I truly believe that the education model I’ve acquired over my long life journey is the secret code that has been revealed by God, I believe, and this hyper language learning efficiency has never existed so far in human history, since the public use of AI has just started, and there are not many educators or companies that fully take advantage of this kind of techniques. The reason also derives from the fact that once these educational institutes have set their fixed curricular, they cannot update it instantly to the fast-changing pace of AI technologies.
However, when you think about the online education like mine, it is not a big deal as I can flexibly and instantly update the teaching and learning techniques up-to-date anytime and anywhere for learners, making them the cutting-edge education methods with the state-of-the-art technologies.
This is also why some of the international school heads I’ve talked with mention that they fully agree with my viewpoint that if we only focus on the outcome of language proficiency and academic performance, international schools become meaningless, demonstrating that anyone in this world could enjoy the to-be-meaningless international school education, not in the future, but right now.
This just shows how powerful this sort of teaching and learning methods are, and I strongly believe this would be the typical kind of education in the following years.
This is why I’ve been so passionate about this, almost being a bit obsessed with this model. When this can be equipped with the AI Virtual Human Talker technology I envision, the prohibitively high cost international school education or native speakers’ private lessons will all be meaningless, providing a substantial advantage to those in need.
Can you truly believe in my faith and what has driven me so far. I truly believe I have been guided by God (FYI, I don’t even belong to any religion, but I clearly know this.) and this is the mission, duty, and destiny assigned to me by him as well.
I deeply and truly appreciate you recognizing this small business man who has been long described and viewed as a frivolous talkative tutor after I dropped out of Law School. I am well-aware of how important you are and how valuable your support is to me.
Sateesh Kumar Rongali: Bio
By Dr. Sateesh Kumar Rongali Introduction Leadership, vision, and ethical stewardship are more important today because technological advances around artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-driven decision-making are changing all aspects of our world. As challenges related to healthcare, education, climate change, and the impact of misinformation continue to grow, technologists must not only focus on developing systems or code but on envisioning equitable futures, developing policies, and ensuring value-based innovation. In this context, I, Dr. Sateesh Kumar Rongali, submit this justification request for my membership. For the past 10 years, I have built a career that mediates enterprise architecture, applied machine learning, cloud integration, and public impact. I held many roles and led projects across the healthcare sector, education technology, finance, and insurance, but I always promoted ethical solutions that could scale. My academic background has prepared me to solve complicated interdisciplinary problems, including a Doctorate in Computer Science, a Master of Science in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Article my experience in the industry keeps me connected to the reality of implementation and long-term sustainability. This document provides a coherent and credible rationale for my belief that I am a qualified candidate for membership. It is structured into thematic pillars that map with your organizational framework: Academic and Technical Experience, Research Involvement and Research Recognition with Peers, Professional Experience across Sectors, Innovation and Global Impact, Mentorship and Leadership, Vision of Ethical Stance. I will demonstrate sustained commitment to best practice, integrity, and meaningful contributions through each lens. My career work is driven by a commitment to address real-world problems leveraging technology. My experience implementing AI systems into healthcare systems has enabled early detection of diseases and improved patient outcomes. My design of cloud-native architectures has provided resilient infrastructure to financial institutions. My EdTech work focused on adaptive learning platforms that address institutional inequities in education. In every one of these, I drew on the context of the humans we are trying to help, and I don’t believe we give enough attention to humans and ethics in our work. Also, I have consistently gone beyond simply executing the technical aspects of my role to adopting the role of thought leader and community builder. I have served as a peer reviewer for over 20 international conferences, presented keynote presentations on AI ethics and innovation, published impactful works such as “The AI Horizon: How Artificial Intelligence Will Reshape Humanity by 2050,” and received honors such as the best PhD thesis award, ICDAM 2025, and a member of Forbes AI visionaries, which attests to both impact in academia and the public sphere. This is of interest to me, not simply as an opportunity to belong to an esteemed organization, as I want to be part of the community of clinicians and colleagues to harness the potential of technology for the betterment of humankind. I believe working within a community at a high level will amplify so that you can have a bigger impact as an individual and a community. As a social entrepreneur and an advocate for ethical innovation and inclusivity, I want to foster responsible leadership and recognize an opportunity to engage in conversations that matter, engage in initiatives that matter, and participate in shaping the future of our digital ecosystem. This justification represents my journey, principles, and ambitions. More importantly, I hope to have demonstrated my technical credentials and willingness to contribute to a fairer, smarter, and more connected world. The depth and breadth of my experience, coupled with my pursuits of lifelong learning and global service, align well with the mission and vision of your institution. Academic and Technical Expertise My academic training is the foundation for my professional accomplishments and contributions to knowledge. I have an EdD in Computer Science from Judson University (2024), a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Central Missouri (2016), and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from JNTU Kakinada (2014). This degree progression was intentional as I’ve pursued knowledge in the core disciplines that comprise the areas of computing, electronics, machine learning, and systems design. More importantly, studies established a general attitude of questioning, innovation, and rigor. All along my academic pathway, I focused on an applied context. In my doctoral research, I studied AI applications for sustainable agricultural practices and health diagnostics in underserved communities. My thesis, which was awarded the Best PhD Thesis at ICDAM 2025, was focused on developing intelligent models for crop yield prediction and remote diagnostics using satellite data and artificial intelligence algorithms. It brought several disciplines together, applying geospatial analytics, machine learning, and public health informatics. As a result, I received awards for the applicability of the research in low-income environments and for providing ways for responsible AI to contribute to humanity. I have over a decade of industry experience designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-level .NET, MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, and cloud-based solutions (Azure, AWS). My experience includes using ASP.NET Core, Web APIs, Microservices architecture, and Entity Framework. I have led several major integration projects where we leveraged API Gateways, Security Policies, and container orchestration using Docker. In terms of specific domains, I have deep expertise in healthcare interoperability, cloud-native development, and intelligent automation. I have deployed learning models to predict, stratify, and detect anomalies using Python, Scikit-learn, and TensorFlow. These models have been used in real-time clinical decision support systems and by teams supporting claim analytics. I also hold multiple professional certifications, including: • MuleSoft Certified Developer – Level 1 • MuleSoft Certified Integration Architect • MuleSoft Certified Platform Architect These credentials validate my technical expertise and reflect a continuous learning ethos. My active use of Agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines further enhances my ability to deliver resilient, scalable, and secure systems in dynamic enterprise environments. My academic and technical journey demonstrates a lifelong commitment to excellence, innovation, and impactful problem-solving traits I would bring to your esteemed membership community. Research Contributions and Peer Recognition My research trajectory has been profoundly intertwined with real-world challenges and how artificial intelligence (AI) can be transformative. I have made considerable contributions to AI, healthcare informatics, education technology, and systems interoperability, for which I have received numerous peer-reviewed publications, formal academic engagement, and global recognition. I am committed to developing AI solutions that are technically sound, ethically appropriate, and socially valid so that we can start addressing real-world problems. Much of my research outputs are focused on researching healthcare on an operational level, so I have developed several AI-assisted interventions. I have conducted various research projects related to disease prediction, patient risk stratification, and intelligent automation of workflows in healthcare, and I have published and presented at various world conferences. For example, my paper “Smart AI Diagnostics: Transforming Healthcare through Early Intervention,” which I presented at the 6th International Conference on Data Analytics and Management (ICDAM 2025), was on AI algorithms that could assert early warning signals regarding chronic disease through patient-generated health data. This work aimed to assess how NLP and predictive modeling could be applied in primary care, and it generated a lot of attention as an academic output. The deployment of AI in agriculture, the theme of my PhD thesis, has also been a rich area for contributions. My doctoral thesis was recognized internationally, with a multi-faceted AI framework that utilized satellite information, climate data, and crop health indices to provide actionable knowledge for smallholder farmers in developing countries. This work won the Best PhD Thesis Award, ICDAM 2025, from thousands of participants across over 30 countries based on the assessment of an international panel of reviewers. I have researched in EdTech using AI to personalize learning and, more broadly, improve student outcomes and disparities in education systems locally and in developing countries. To date, I have published multiple papers in leading journals and conferences. My Google Scholar profile reflects my growing citation count and academic footprint. I am actively involved in peer-reviewing for international conferences, completing 21 peer reviews. I have contributed as a reviewer for: • AIMV 2025: 2nd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Machine Vision • ICACCP: 5th International Conference on Advanced Computational and Communication Paradigms • ICRTCIS 2025: 6th International Conference on Recent Trends in Communication & Intelligent Systems These engagements not only highlight my expertise but also underscore the trust placed in me by the academic community to uphold standards of scholarly rigor and intellectual integrity. In recognition of my contributions, I have received several notable awards, including: • Best Paper Award at an international AI symposium • Global AI Award – EdTech Disruptor of the Year • World Changing Idea Award – Global Leader in AI & ML for EdTech • Best Industrial Innovation Award for excellence in AI-driven EdTech innovation These awards highlight the originality, societal impact, and cutting-edge technology depicted in my work. Additionally, being featured in a Forbes article called “Visionaries Shaping the Future of AI” speaks volumes to my ramifications as an actor within the global AI landscape, ultimately exemplifying my practice as among a small and select group of thought leaders leading the way with AI for humanity. My ongoing book project titled “AI in Humanity” is an arm of this vision. It seeks to explore AI systems’ ethics, policies, and human-centered design while proposing approaches to support inclusive innovation. It follows my first book, “The AI Horizon: How Artificial Intelligence Will Shape Humanity by 2050, ” available on Amazon. It has garnered worldwide research relevance and readership for its foresight AND clarity. My research record is characterized by scholarly productivity and its tendency to align with the values of social responsibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement. Professional Experience across Industries In the last ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in or lead several innovative initiatives in various industries, which include healthcare, finance, insurance, and public services. Each experience I’ve secured has required technical skills, proficiency in a technical area, leadership, and strategic thinking. I have taken my experiences very seriously and have integrated them into my skill set. The experience and insight I’ve gained have established a solid grounding in all aspects of enterprise systems, working through regulatory constraints and user-centered product design. My current role is Lead Software Engineer with HCSC in Woodbridge, New Jersey. I develop an architectural design for robust server backend services in both Python and .NET, design scalable SQL Server Databases, and deploy secure and performant APIs via MuleSoft to various enterprise platforms such as Salesforce, SAP, and internal databases to provide seamless integration for workflows in CRM, billing, and clinical systems. I’ve automated manual QA work, reduced QA effort by over 50%, and improved throughput by over 30 by performing work to optimize our application systems through automation fully. As needed, I also manage API gateway policies, enforce security through coordinate business acceptance testing in agile environments to confirm solutions and work products meet technical and regulatory requirements. Before working at HCSC, I was at The Health Plan in Trenton, NJ, responsible for designing enterprise applications that managed encounter data submission to the Medicare Advantage Encounter Data Processing System (EDPS). Utilizing .Net Core, with web APIs and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), I was able to comply with CMS guidelines, ANSI X12 requirements, and HIPAA rules and regulations. I also devised lazy-loading schemes and data-pipeline improvements that considerably improved application efficiency and lowered latency. At Samaritan Health Plan in Delaware, I was focused on EDI transaction management and integration with claims. I developed ASP.Net core APIs, automated the ETL workflows, and led the effort to migrate data from DB2 and MS Access databases into Oracle databases. My efforts supported accurate Medicaid/Medicare claims submissions and faster turnaround times on prior authorizations. Lastly, I integrated IBM Cognos into the backend systems to provide stakeholders with actionable analytics for informed decision-making. My time at Bank of America was pivotal in my professional career. As an Application Architect, I architected MuleSoft integration designs across cloud and on-premise environments. I created the API contracts using RAML, enforced OAuth2.0, enforced policies to utilize the client ID, and created Rust SDK enhancements for Flex Gateway. I took on the task of integrating third-party services such as Salesforce and SAP with the client’s enterprise business capabilities. At the same time, I utilized the deployment pipelines in Jenkins and Ansible. My work contributed to the enterprise having an environment conducive to secure, high-speed data transmissions across their globally reduced enterprise environment. At CVS Health and CareSource, I led projects to digitize and modernize legacy systems. I modernized their BizTalk applications into MuleSoft flows, established AI-based data pre-processing strategies, tested the use of event streaming with Kafka for developing real-time analytics capabilities, built UI components that considered the user’s experience using Angular and React as well as compliance for users of all ability levels, and helped the clients create custom reports using SSRS. Crystal Reports to provide business intelligence for care management, billing, and claims processing. Earlier in my career, I contributed to projects for organizations such as IEHP and similar organizations. I developed scalable SSIS packages for the import/export of data, data-optimized relational schemas, and single-page applications built with Angular. My work and experience facilitated the claims process, group and member management, and billing for healthcare providers across multiple states. What makes my career journey different is the consistent high-impact outcomes I have delivered in various roles in various industries. Most projects I worked on supported regulatory compliance, performance, and user experience. Being able to execute large data transformation projects, migrate systems to cloud-native, and automate data protection through encryption, role-based access, and audit logging have been the focus of carrying out such projects successfully. Many of these projects demonstrate my technical expertise and that I’m collaborative, empathetic, and a strategic thinker. I work and mentor junior engineers, manage interfaces and projects, work with unintended stakeholders, and facilitate sprint planning activities to drive projects. Delivering products in complex architecture formats is often noted as my strength due to my ability to drive cross-functional teams through impact-driven and easily digestible deliverables. Through this extensive and rich professional knowledge, I have established a complete, systems-oriented mindset that equips me to contribute meaningfully to your notable institution. I have reliably applied ethical judgment, rigorous quality standards, and a promise of superiority that mirrors your membership prospects. Innovation and Global Impact Innovation has always been an overarching theme for me, professionally and in my research. I have always aimed to push traditionalism’s edges, think tech potential, and provide positive disruption through design and responsible innovation. Based on one premise, I have achieved scalable systems, real-world problem-solving, patent-potential products, and worldwide recognition to leverage technology for positive outcomes for people and organizations. I think one of the greatest demonstrations of my innovative capabilities is the award of two UK design patents, one of which is titled Autonomous Device for Pre-processing Data Management for Artificial Intelligence Software Design, which details a method for the automation and simplification of preparing massive, heterogeneous datasets for machine learning models. This tool significantly reduces time, complexity, and resource costs for traditional data wrangling and directly applies to healthcare diagnostics, clinical trials, and insurance fraud detection. The second patent, titled “Cloud-Enhanced Network Monitoring Device for Predictive Analytics and Fault Detection,” addresses the need for a proactive monitoring process that leverages the flexibility of cloud infrastructure with the immediacy of edge computing. As mentioned above, the patent is especially relevant to smart healthcare systems, financial networks, and critical infrastructure systems that benefit from pre-contact fault detection and higher pre-contact resiliency. The patents represent applications that have clear technical value and also show the ability to predict future challenges better and develop positive solutions. Aside from technical patents, I have also contributed to the discussion of global innovation through thought leadership. I wrote and self-published a relevant book titled “The AI Horizon: How Artificial Intelligence will Shape Humanity by 2050” on Amazon. The book is a 21-chapter deep dive into the socio-technical transformations we will see from AI in the decades to come. The book includes case studies, policy advisories, and ethical considerations for AI’s use/acceptance in agriculture, health, education, and public governance. Educators, technologists, and policy-makers have well reviewed it. My next book, “AI in Humanity,” expands on this work by examining the connection between artificial intelligence and human values. This book covers inclusive design, algorithmic fairness, and governance models, encouraging human-centered innovation and global equality in access to AI. Overall, I hope to enact change in how societies roll out new technologies based on dignity, diversity, and democracy. My innovation footprint extends to real-world applications beyond publications and inventions through the projects I drive. At CVS Health, I created predictive models that helped pharmacists engage effectively with high-risk patients likely to be non-adherent to medications based on claims data and behavioral profiles. Modeling medication adherence helped reduce hospitalization rates and improve outcomes amongst some of the highest-risk patients. At HCSC, I led the implementation of AI-based automation in identifying anomalies in billing and reimbursement systems for fraud prevention and cost savings. In addition, I led innovation in healthcare interoperability, applying legacy mapping from HL7 to FHIR and introducing an AI expansion technique that will translate existing legacy mapping architectures to modern APIs instead. A portion of the initiatives from this work was able to reduce 40% of integration processing overhead and enable quicker time-to-value business cases for new healthcare partners. This initiative became a best-practice model throughout several payer-provider ecosystems. My work in education technology is similarly impactful. I was involved in developing adaptive learning platforms that use AI to design and deliver content to learners based on learner profiles, engagement levels, and real-time feedback. I was a part of projects piloted and tested these innovations in poor-resourced schools that showed a 25% improvement in learning outcomes. I have been acknowledged for this work with a Global AI Award – EdTech Disruptor of the Year and the World Changing Idea Award – Global Leader in AI & ML for EdTech, both recognizing breakthrough innovations with the potential for globalization. I have been invited to speak and be a panelist at conferences, webinars, and workshops worldwide. My presentations usually cover the intersections of AI, cybersecurity, ethics, and sustainability, and I support a responsible innovation agenda that includes diverse voices and transparent practices and avoids unintended consequences. Additionally, I have been profiled by Forbes as a part of their Venus Series under the title “Visionaries Shaping the Future of AI.” It indicates that I am not just an innovator but someone who focuses on inspiring and creating communities for positive change through technology. It affirms that I am a globally respected innovator whose work meets the highest standards of quality and relevance – but that also influences people to meaningfully and sustainably transform their communities. Mentorship, Leadership, and Community Service During my professional and academic career, I have always emphasized mentoring up-and-coming talent, leading with integrity, and paying it forward. Leadership is defined by what we accomplish in life and how we encourage, inspire, elevate, and foster growth in others. I have mentored junior professional colleagues, supervised graduate research students, participated in knowledge-sharing and mentorship efforts, and supported the local and international communities in their efforts to leverage digital literacy and advance responsible AI use. In my multiple professional roles, I have been responsible for leading interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams, often in time-sensitive, frontline, mission-critical environments. I have managed agile sprints, performed appraisals, led retrospectives, and ensured alignment between technical teams and business stakeholders on HCSC and The Health Plan projects. I also contributed to translating strategic directions into technical deliverables, troubleshooting cross-functional communication problems, and improving accountability and opportunities for continuous improvement. As a team lead and mentor, I have worked with many junior engineers to develop their technical skills, adopt DevOps, and follow the best software development and data security practices. Regularly, I have conducted code reviews, given internal tech talks, and run hands-on sessions on emerging technology such as Kubernetes, Ansible, and advanced configurations using .Net and MuleSoft. My mentorship has been an important factor in getting engineers’ on boarded faster, reducing employee attrition, and leading to improved projects. In addition to corporate settings, I have brought my leadership to academia and international research. I have been a peer reviewer for over 20 international conference proceedings to ensure that published research is valid and reliable. My designation as a reviewer for many events like AIMV 2025 and ICRTCIS 2025 allowed me to give constructive feedback to scholars across several sectors, contributing to a culture of excellence in academic collaboration. In furtherance of my mission to eliminate the digital divide, I have supported outreach efforts on community engagement and developing digital literacy, especially in traditionally underserved communities. I’ve collaborated with educational NGOs to hold workshops on introducing the fundamentals of AI, safe internet use, and coding for beginners. The intent is to create a culture of demystifying technology and inspire young learners to think of ICT careers in STEM disciplines. I also do thought leadership through conference presentations and public speaking. I often participate as a panelist or presenter and speak to issues like ethical AI, responsible governance of data, and inclusive innovation. I promote collaborative ecosystems that bring together academic, industry, and civil society communities to tackle common challenges. I have elevated international dialogues regarding the social ramifications of technology through my presence on international platforms. Leadership also encapsulates ethical stewardship. I am always mindful of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all projects I lead. For example, in implementing machine learning models in healthcare, I am conscientious about data bias, explainability of model decisions, and patient privacy. These considerations and greater organizations form the basis for trustworthy AI deployment. Another important part of my leadership philosophy is inclusion. I am a supporter of diverse teams and inclusive work environments. In some instances with my clients, I have advocated for inclusive hiring, mentorship opportunities for women in technology, and training on cultural competence. I practice a style of leadership that is collaborative, values-driven, and imbued with empathy. As an experienced technologist, I am responsible for helping shape the next generation of professionals. Whether through established mentorships or informal peer guidance, I am constantly creating opportunities for others to develop. My feedback consistently has three themes: I am patient, communicate clearly, and have an unwavering focus on excellence. Leadership and community service are not an add-on to my role. These are the essence of me as a professional and as a person. Mentorship is an opportunity to support others in developing their skills and experiences and join a broader movement of ethical, inclusive, and impactful technology leadership. These align with your organization’s values, and I will positively impact your community. Ethical Leadership and Vision Alignment In the dynamic realm of technology, ethical leadership is not just important but a professional requisite. As artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud-based solutions grow exponentially in relevance for our personal, professional, and civic lives, the burden on influential people to lead these technologies fairly, transparently, and accountable is significant. As a professional and academic, I have always accepted this burden, publicly advocating for ethical innovation while aligning my work with an aspirational vision of human dignity and societal progress. Ethical considerations are a core part of every system I develop and deploy. Whether in healthcare, finance, or education, I ensure that data privacy, consent, security, and inclusivity are available in the architecture of the solution. My AI and machine learning approach prioritizes explainability, mitigating bias, and outcome accountability. In some of my developments of risk stratification models for healthcare organizations, for example, I have insisted that data sets be diverse, fairness metrics included, and that data obtain validation for predictive accuracy across patients with alternate demographic identities from domain experts. These barriers serve a dual purpose: assisting health organizations in mitigating algorithmic harm and establishing and promoting trust among stakeholders. My doctoral research embodies my strong commitment to ethical innovation. The thesis considered AI applications in agriculture and public health for low-income populations but was designed with articulately defined parameters for equity, transparency, and environmental sustainability. I have considered the socio-economic implications of developing predictive models for underserved communities, and I developed the models with open-access frameworks for collaboration, reproducibility, and shared ownership. My emphasis on ethical AI was part of the reasoning for my work being selected for the Best Ph.D. As part of my broad vision alignment, I provide systematic support to equity-seeking policies, practices, and ethics that enhance inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Within my work with education non-profits and government advisory boards, my responsibility included advocating for the responsible utilization of AI in schools, protecting student data, and facilitating the expansion of STEM education to historically marginalized groups. I believe it is important for technology to be democratized- by, for, and with diverse communities. I have actively facilitated growth in awareness of this through mentorship, hackathons, and public policy talks. Transparency is another tenet of my ethical approach. I prioritize documenting models and systems thoroughly, providing an audit trail of decision processes, and implementing user feedback loops. I collaborate closely with legal, compliance, and ethics officers to ensure that the software solutions I support are aligned with established industry standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the International organization for standardization (ISO) 9001 standards, and the AI Act. At the same time, I also construct my active contributions to open-source projects and ethical review committees that guarantee that peer participation and collective oversight inform my professional actions. In terms of vision alignment, I am inspired by organizations focused on impacting the world, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible leadership that I believe align with your institution. I believe that membership provides a perfect opportunity to contribute and to learn from others committed to creating a better, more equitable technological future. My contributions to conferences, research journals, and international think tanks align with this. I have actively engaged in discussions in global ethics, including workshops with interdisciplinary global bodies focused on ethics in AI and sustainability. In these talks, I advocate for a values-first model of system design where innovation is facilitated by empathy, foresight, and resilience. I also regularly publish blogs and white papers exploring ethical dilemmas in AI, supporting stakeholders to navigate complex choices with clarity and responsibility. Ethical leadership is based on an unstinting commitment to a life of reflective practice, humility, and bravery to challenge the status quo. It means ‘keeping watch’ for unintended consequences and improving those processes for the public good. I aspire to demonstrate this in every role, whether designing a secure health technology platform, working with a first-generation tech student, or participating in a cross-national AI policy. My professional practice is intrinsically tied to my principles and visionary ambitions. I do not doubt that these qualities align with your organization’s mission, and I look forward to an opportunity to contribute positively to your work to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful technology leadership. Conclusion I provide this argument with the best intentions and look forward to it. It illustrated a deep dedication to building technologies that matter, developing systems that empower, and providing accountable contributions to communities emerging around the globe. This makes me a competent and qualified applicant to your esteemed organization. The foundation of my career has always been built on a philosophy of lifelong learning based on both rigor and relevance. I have embodied what it means to be a scholar-practitioner, from the EdD in Computer Science culminating in award-winning research to accessing vast personal certifications and discipline specializations. Additionally, my involvement in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education technology, allowed me to be interdisciplinary and adaptive metrics I deem essential for making sense of a constantly evolving society and earth populated with seemingly endless complex problems. Still, it’s not just knowledge that sets apart this experience but the wisdom in using that knowledge ethically and meaningfully. When I developed solutions in healthcare, it was not just improving patient care and ensuring data was representative. When I developed solutions in education, it used a learning platform to help those who have historically been considered non-participants. When I developed solutions in finance and insurance, it created secure and scalable systems that reduced fraud opportunities and improved transparency. These contributions were more than providing technology – they are our values and impact on innovation. I also made a purposeful effort to build back the ecosystem that built me. From mentoring junior developers and students reviewing research papers and presenting at international conferences, I have shared my experience to elevate the common standard. I am proud to have created collegial, inclusive, high-performing teams across countries and cultures. We have learned that leadership is not about being in command but in service – enabling success, building diversity, and serving ethical outcomes. We find ourselves in an uncertain and increasingly interconnected future where the need for responsible technologists and visionary leaders has never been more important. I view my role as stewarding to protect the integrity of our disciplines but at the same time energizing them to stretch the boundaries of what is possible. This is why I believe it is critical to align with professional communities that advocate for excellence and impact, expertise and ethics, and reward results and responsibility. Your organization embodies these principles and values, and I would be proud to join you in fulfilling this mission. Membership is not a destination for me but a reciprocal partnership with me as a contributor and recipient. I do not expect to work only to share my experiences and expertise but to learn from my peers, participate in collaborative impact initiatives, and help shape the broader space for public discourse around emerging technology while leveraging spaces that advance inclusive, transparent, and equitable innovation. I bring a ton of personal and professional accomplishments, a willingness to collaborate, a teaching, and a commitment to pursue values in common. Further, I am keenly aware that membership entails recognition and responsibility. I am ready to adhere to the standards, participate in your activities, and promote your organization’s mission in all my spheres of influence, professional, and civic. Whether contributing to a research project, involvement in a policy roundtable, or mentoring a future leader, my engagement would be an opportunity to serve and elevate the field. I wrap up this rationale with a deep appreciation for the opportunity to present my candidacy. This document provides a clear, comprehensive, and compelling case for my qualifications and readiness to join your collection of impressive professionals and contribute to its continued growth and reach in any way I can. Thank you once again for your thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, Dr. Sateesh Kumar Rongali Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-913-406-9935
Sanjit Singh: Bio
Sanjit Singh is a visionary technologist, entrepreneur, and future researcher dedicated to transforming trauma care and defense medical systems through advanced AR, AI, and robotics. As the Founder and CEO of Valkyra Technologies, he is leading efforts to deploy cutting-edge wearable solutions that empower medics and frontline responders to save lives in the most extreme environments. A two-time NSF I-Corps grant recipient and the first undergraduate accepted to the MIT Catalyst Fellowship, Sanjit has also collaborated with NASA, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins and spoken at global conferences on immersive technologies. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and real-world impact, planning to pursue a PhD to combine deep research with mission-driven entrepreneurship. Through his work, Sanjit hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers and innovators, building a future where life-saving technologies are accessible anywhere in the world.
Meni Teknikio: Bio
Meni is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and education, especially for underserved communities. He has pioneered initiatives such as the VIRTUAL LABORATORIES/ TOURS Center, a digital learning hub that integrates virtual laboratories, virtual tours, and immersive education technologies to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics more accessible.
In addition to his work in STEM education, Meni is the innovator behind the KIO Sleep Device, a wellness solution designed to enhance mental health, relaxation, and sleep quality through advanced, non-invasive technology.
With a strong background in academic technology, digital education systems, and virtual learning platforms, Meni has contributed to numerous projects, including summit programs on the future of AI, virtual laboratories, and immersive learning in Nigeria and Canada.
His work is driven by the belief that innovation, education, and compassion can create sustainable opportunities for learners of all ages (6–65) and empower communities globally.
Beyond his professional life, Meni is a father, mentor, and community advocate, deeply committed to using technology for social good, agricultural growth, and wellness improvement.
Adeyinka Fakunmoju: Bio
At Kaleidoscope XR, we believe the most powerful technologies are those that enhance human connection and capability. We stand at the intersection of healthcare and education, building innovative solutions to solve some of today’s most pressing training challenges. Our mission is to harness the potential of immersive technology (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create scalable, impactful, and deeply human-centric experiences.
From our groundbreaking AI-driven platform, OSCEai Pro, which revolutionizes clinical exam preparation, to our acclaimed Caregiver VR platform, which fosters empathy and skill in dementia care, our solutions are designed with one goal in mind: to empower people. We provide safe, repeatable, and realistic virtual environments where learners can develop critical skills and emotional intelligence.
We are a team of technologists, strategists, and creators passionate about building a better future. By partnering with leading institutions and organizations, we are scaling access to world-class training and creating new possibilities for learning and care.
Dr Venu GR: Bio
CEO | Independent Director | BOARD DIRECTOR | NED – SNEL Strategy, SPACE | AI | DRONE | ROBOTICS Technology Strategy
APAC , AMEN , EUROPE & US
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Dr VenuGR is a business-oriented strategist & AIM Conference Speaker – AI, who focuses on helping organizations across a range of industries tackle their strategic IT management issues. With more than two decades of industry and consulting experience, he specializes in working with senior stakeholders to set technology strategic direction, assess technology organizations, and mobilize multi-year programs of change. Venu is based in INDIA.
AI – IoT: Changing Face of Technology