GatherVerse SHE Summit 2024
Speakers
January 16-18, 2024 (8:00 AM PST)
Joanna Popper: Bio
Joanna Popper is an award-winning Hollywood and Silicon Valley C-level media executive with a track record of launching cutting edge content and technology to drive revenue, audience engagement and brand love.
She was most recently Chief Metaverse Officer at CAA, a leading Entertainment and Sports agency. Prior she led HP’s initiatives for Go-To-Market & Location Based Entertainment for Virtual Reality, and was EVP of Media & Marketing at Singularity University and VP Marketing at NBCUniversal.
Joanna is passionate about supporting Creators & building out Metaverse & XR Content Ecosystem. Joanna is executive producer “Fight Back” by Coven premiering at Venice 2022. She was EP on Double Eye Studios’ “Finding Pandora X,” winner Venice Golden Lion Best VR Experience, SXSW Audience Award for Virtual Cinema Spotlight. Finding Pandora X is a modern day take on Greek mythology live theatre interactive experience in VRChat.
She is executive producer for “Breonna’s Garden,” a Tribeca premiere VR + AR experiences created by Lady PheOnix, Sutu and Breonna Taylor’s family to honor her life. She did these projects because of her passion for VR content. Winner: 2 Best Societal Impact Auggie Awards, Best Social Impact at Art Basel/ Filmgate Interactive, PGA Innovation Finalist, Aurea Award, Unity Award.
Selected “50 Women Can Change the World in Media and Entertainment,” “Top 50 Original Voices in VR,” “Top Women in Media: Game Changers,” “Top Women in Media: Industry Leaders,” “Digital It List,” “101 Women Leading the VR Industry” & Coalition for WXR Fund.
- Silicon Valley & Hollywood experience in Metaverse, AI, web3, VR/AR, Location Based Entertainment, Gaming, TV, Film, Music, Digital, Social, OTT & Tech
- Focus on building adoption for what’s next: emerging markets, languages, audiences & tech
- Sought after speaker at CES, SXSW, Cannes Film Festival, Collision, NAB, Siggraph, Comic Con, Berlin Film Fest, Sundance Film Festival
- Experience in TV, VR & Digital Content Development
- Collaborative leader building top teams + managing Advertising/ Creative/ Digital/ Social/ PR/ MCN/ Upfront Agencies
- Startup Advisor/ Angel Investor
- Top-tier Strategy Consulting + Banking experience
- Board member
Passion for creating inclusive environments & empowering teams to fully realize their dreams. Advocate - Trilingual: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Entertainment marketing, Television, Media, VR/AR/XR, Gaming, Metaverse, influencer Strategy, Content Partnerships, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Brand Partnerships, Multicultural, Global, Team Building, Author
Muhsinah Morris: Bio
Metaversity Director, VR Enthusiast, Innovator, Chemist, Educator, Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author, Wife, Mom 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 leading Morehouse’s Metaversity project since the Spring of 2021.
She’s won awards for Teaching Excellence at Morehouse College, Best Emerging Technology and Innovation from CBRE, First Place Unconventional Innovation in Industry by T-Mobile, and Educator of the Year for 2022 by STEM Women Atlanta.
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).
She was named a Top 100 Woman of the Future for 2023 by Women of the Future and has been featured on CNN International, The Next Frontier. 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.
Sheri Byrne-Haber: Bio
Sheri Byrne-Haber is a prominent global subject matter expert in the fields of disability and accessibility in the business and educational settings. She is best known for launching digital accessibility programs at multiple Fortune 200 companies including McDonald’s, Albertsons, and VMware, as well as consulting on government accessibility. Her programs have positively impacted millions of the more than 1 billion global people with disabilities.
Sheri firmly believes that holistic accessibility programs provide people with disabilities the best chance to achieve equality as either customers or employees in an organizational world largely established for the abled. To assess how well an organization is doing with respect to employees and customers with disabilities, Sheri co-authored the Digital Accessibility Maturity Model while a Principle Accessibility Policy Consultant at Level Access, the foremost global consultancy dedicated entirely to accessibility. Her integrated approach links Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) creation, a core component of accessibility programs, to most major departments in an organization including product design, development, testing, marketing, research, human resources, procurement, and diversity/inclusion.
Her extensive accessibility professional career has been supported by an comprehensive, multi-disciplinary educational background, including:
- B.Sc. in Management Information Systems (University of San Francisco)
- J.D. (University of San Francisco)
- M.B.A with an emphasis on Health Care from The George Washington University
Continuing education has included:
- Post-MBA entrepreneurship program run by the NSF at the Haas School of Business (University of California).
- One of the first people to complete the new (v5) US Trusted Tester (Section 508) Certification Training
- In the first group of people certified in Professional Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP/G3ICT), recently renewed for a second three-year term.
- Certificate in ADA coordination (University of Missouri, Columbia)
Her passion for accessibility initially stemmed from the desire to help her deaf daughter navigate the world, alongside the accessibility issues she personally faced as a lifelong wheelchair user. With degrees in computer science, law, and business, in addition to two accessibility-related professional certifications, Sheri has a complete 360-degree view of issues that impact implementing a high-quality accessibility program.
Sheri is the author of a popular Medium blog called “This Week in Accessibility” where she summarizes legal cases and issues facing people implementing accessibility programs. She is a frequent panelist and speaker at accessibility related conferences, and an active member of several accessibility committees and non-profits, helping drive and communicate the evolution of accessibility standards.
Sorcha Mulligan: Bio
Venture Partner supporting FinTech, Blockchain, Metaverse & Web3 innovators who are seeking to achieve sustainable growth through Investment, Joint Venture Partnerships & direct Client Acquisition, globally.
Essentially, matching people with people who can work together to achieve a combined, aligned objective in their field. EQ with IQ is the winning formula.
Katarina M.V. Galic: Bio
I come from an entrepreneurial family with 4 generations of successful business owners.
At the age of 15, I started my first business venture in Europe, and subsequently established businesses in Singapore, Canada, and in Portugal. I had a tremendous opportunity to help, support and advise more then 5,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs. My true passion is supporting and empowering entrepreneurs to understand impact, qualities and benefits of sustainable operations – enabling start-ups to scale, expand and grow as they create a long term impact. I enjoy helping start-ups and SMEs develop strategies for advancement, build foundational partnerships, and drive change with a purpose to create global impact.
Most of all, I love supporting women in tech and all start-ups that leverage sustainable technology for the benefit of mankind. Sustainability is ingrained in our mindset, it’s the way we live our lives.
Currently I am PhD candidate in Sustainable Energy Systems @ MIT Portugal and Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. I am proud to be part of the Instituto Superior Técnico family, the most reputed school of Engineering, Science and Technology, and Architecture in Portugal.
After many years of living around the world, I have come back home, to Europe, and currently live in beautiful Lisbon with my family.
Lynn Gitau: Bio
Lyn Gitau is an entrepreneur, Founder MetaVersations, an organization that evangelizes, educates and creates immersive Metaverse experiences through meaningful collaborations with Metaverse builders.
She is the COO of the first African Metaverse DAO that seeks to preserve and showcase African culture and heritage in the metaverse. Her educational background has gained her proficiency in PR and Mass Communications.
She is an advent aficionado of exploring global biodiversity and sustainability at the intersection of emerging technologies. Lynn has spoken in major conferences focused on DeFi, Metaverse and other Web 3 concepts.
Currently, she is one of the most sought-after experts in the realm of the Metaverse in Africa and has been featured in popular business articles and shows.
Eva Pascual: Bio
Eva Pascual is a visionary of futuristic solutions possible today, where inner peace and life force upliftment are commonly prioritised in a playful way.
She revealed the unconscious by mapping and color-coding the Structure of Thought, a science replicable as a universal language, which solves the perceptual error of separation.
After a lifetime of studying the source of creation and how to augment happiness and life force, she is motivated to integrate these powers into a conscious society that believes in impacting legacy.
She currently works on the dissemination of ancestral knowledge and new science creating immersive analog and digital experiences.
Eva designs evolutionary “paradigm shift” content to update holistically; entertainment, pedagogy, art, policy making, governance and architecture.
She has recently integrated her body of work about the impact of the invisible through an immersive installation in the building of the University of Industrial Design of Barcelona.
Her intention is to share knowledge in a playful and experiential way, to facilitate transcendental processes that cooperate with evolution and intelligent acts based in inseparability and recognition of teh energy unified field where we are all immersed.
To create a legacy of impact and generate a future for young people where kindness and awareness are the fuel of every relationship. And where creativity is in service of blooming of all life forms.
Andrea Camargo: Bio
Andrea is a visionary at the intersection of biology and business.
With a background in veterinary medicine and a passion for innovation, she’s leading the charge in applying biomimicry principles to create sustainable and regenerative business models.
Join her to explore the exciting world of nature-inspired entrepreneurship.
Paige Dansinger: Bio
Top 25 Women in the Metaverse, Paige Dansinger is the founder of Better World Museum, Horizon Art Museum, and Women in Horizon.
Our programs empower members through world building, summits, and community events.
She prioritizes women, diversity, initiatives for good in the metaverse. Paige currently works at Third Academy as VP of metaverse development.
Trish Kane: Bio
Trish Kane, MBA is the CEO and Founder of Healerverse. She is a Healer, Entrepreneur, and Consultant.
In 2014, Trish was found non-responsive and dead by paramedics with a body temperature of 86* F/30* C, went to “other side,” and was resuscitated twice.
Trish was blessed to receive a second chance at life and healed completely. Her purpose and passion lies in bringing people together to facilitate alternative healing on a global level.
Trish leads an international team at Healerverse, developing the first-of-its-kind community for holistic and spiritual healers and leaders to connect on and offline within their communities. www.5Dhealerverse.com
Trish holds a BBA from Iona University and MBA from Florida Atlantic University.
Charlene Nichols: Bio
Creating the Future of Eyewear Dispensing with Omniverse City With 26 years of experience in the optical industry, I have always been passionate about finding innovative solutions to the challenges faced by independent eyecare professionals and businesses.
As the Chief Imagineer at Omniverse City, I lead the development of the first metaverse platform designed for an entire industry to reimagine how they do business together.
I have a proven track record of launching successful online ordering portals, virtual try-on and measuring apps, and virtual trade shows that have transformed the optical landscape.
My Vision Show, which I founded in 2019, was recognized as one of the most influential innovations in optical by Vision Monday, and Optical Near ME, which I founded in 2017, is the world’s first omnichannel ecosystem for independent opticians and optometrists.
My vision and mission is to empower optical businesses with cutting-edge tools and technologies that enable them to thrive in the digital era.
Geo James: Bio
Geo has been working in social media and with influencers for 15 years, and is a founding leader of the influencer marketing industry in the UK.
She has led strategies in house at global giants such as L’Oréal, Electronic Arts (EA Games) and Charlotte Tilbury, founded an award-winning content agency and nonprofit, and was named one of the biggest influences on the influencer industry in 2022.
She is an educator in best practice in influencer marketing and was named Udemy’s highest rated influencer educator in 2021.
She is now Partnerships Director at a leading fame agency in London, and enjoys judging industry awards, mentoring new talent and speaking at events about the ways in which we can push this industry to be more inclusive, ethical and sustainable.
Safaa Alattar: Bio
With strong leadership skills, business acumen, and technical expertise, she is committed to driving success and growth in the companies she works with.
Ruth Diaz, Psy.D.: Bio
Ruth Diaz is the co-founder and Core Vision Owner (CVO) of Liminal XR, a company that leverages XR (VR/AR/MR) to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in various domains.
With over three years of experience as a VR Ux/Cx Consultant, she helps clients create immersive and engaging spaces that promote human connection and understanding.
As a social scientist and organizational consultant, Ruth has a strong background in clinical psychology, social work, and conflict resiliency.
She is passionate about using XR as a tool for personal and social transformation, and has developed the Deepen, Orient, Transform (DOT) model to facilitate this process.
She has also built hundreds of VR worlds and events, and has been featured in Oculus blog for her work on Belong, a world that celebrates women’s history and contributions.
Sharron McPherson: Bio
Sharron McPherson, an innovative leader with recognized expertise in climate and development finance, brings a global perspective to designing and deploying financial solutions to mobilize private capital for climate-smart development. She specializes in bridging public finance with capital markets and institutional and impact investors to effect the transformation to a low-carbon future that we need.
An accomplished former banking and financial services executive, and attorney with the firm Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, Sharron has over 30 years of experience starting, building, and navigating businesses through competitive and complex regulatory environments. She is co-Founder and former Executive Director of the Centre for Disruptive Technologies, an affiliate of the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business where she serves as a Senior Adjunct in Project Finance. She is a member of the faculty of Singularity University based in Mountainview, California where her focus is on advancing technologies for a climate resilient future. She has served as a strategic advisor on high impact resilience investing for a number of global corporations including the Shell Foundation, Chevron and Alexander Forbes. Her development finance and government advisory work includes the World Bank & IFC, the African Development Bank, the Development Finance Corporation and the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa. More recently she advised the United States Federal Government on the sustainable job creation aspects of the Inflation Reductions Act of 2022 and in 2023 she was awarded a Senior Non-Resident fellowship with the Loomis Council of the Stimson Center, a bi-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C.
An experienced relationship manager with a track record in business development and structuring transactions, Sharron has worked in partnership with development finance institutions, commercial banks, asset managers, corporates, climate funds, philanthropic foundations, and governments. She is also a frequent moderator and speaker on topics of climate finance, the global legal and regulatory framework of ESG, climate technology, and mobilizing private capital.
Sharron earned a Doctorate in Jurisprudence (Columbia University School of Law), Honors in International Trade & Finance (University of Toulon), Bachelor of Arts in Economics (The College of William & Mary), and Post-Doctoral Studies in Exponential Technologies (Singularity University).
She serves as a Non-Executive Director, as well as Strategic Advisor, to a number of publicly traded and private companies. She is a member of the South African Institute of Directors (IOD) and the National Association for Corporate Directors in the United States.”
Divya Anantharaman: Bio
Divya is the founded Ikabit Inc in 2017. She is an Inventor and holds multiple patents.
A solutions-oriented firmware and software engineering leader with a dedicated 20+ years career enabling companies like Intel, Hughes, & Wipro.
She has extensive expertise in all facets of the project life cycle, on-time and quality delivery of new and next-generation products.
She is passionate about Technology and Women Empowerment (#HelpGetBackToWork)
Alison Morano: Bio
Dynamic XR strategist and business development professional strengthening business & political ventures and organizational innovation within the Metaverse.
Throughout my career, I’ve transformed innovation and development strategies for all types of campaigns from e-commerce to social, and political.
I’ve now turned my focus to virtual, augmented reality, and other metaverse experiences, personally responsible for project conception through application launch. I love the challenge of influencing meaningful and radical change.
I consistently meet and exceed outreach goals and have a passion for building strong cross-functional relationships and successful teams through community building, fundraising, and XR and VR engagement.
With a track-record of organizing awareness and course correction based on legislative goals and revitalizing and rejuvenating organization projects, I am dedicated to effecting long range paradigm change using training, persuasion, and goal-oriented tactics.
Shannon Peel: Bio
Shannon Peel has over 30 years experience in marketing, sales, advertising, and storytelling. Due to her insatiable curiosity and desire to learn new things, Shannon has a unique skill set enabling her to see how all the pieces of a brand story come together to guide an audience from brand awareness to brand advocacy.
She recently published her interactive, multimedia digital book called BrandAPeel: Brand Storytelling in the Digital Age filled with videos, podcast episodes, and downloadable workbooks to help small businesses define their brands and create content to tell their stories.
Margarita Samsonova Bio
Experienced environmental content creator using my platform MarGreen, with a demonstrated history of collaborating with sustainable brands, companies and organisations worldwide to magnify their work and ensure positive environmental news is being spread.
Skilled in public speaking, storytelling with over 15 years experience in content creation, filmmaking and documentary work through social media as an environmental educator.
Founded Behind the Greens, an environmental media company with 7 social media channels on 5 platforms with an expanding professional team focused on capturing a behind-the-scenes overview of environmental organisations striving for a greener future.
Lead retreats and online training programs ‘Creative Greenpreneur Adventure’, “mastering the art of GREENfluencing” aimed at skills development related to sustainable living, wildlife conservation, mindfulness tasks and how the use of social media can be used as a conservation tool.
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.
As a writer, their first book, ‘The 100 Days of Colour: Celebrating Frequetic Beauty,’ is a firm look at the connection between algorithmic and subconscious bias, and discusses the psychology behind discrimination and how we can make positive progress in light of our biases.
Their second book, ‘My Brain: Explained, A Modern Conversation of the Mind,’ explores the relationship between the Conscious and Subconscious Minds in more detail, as well as Mind Management and Thought Organisation to facilitate a happier and more productive Life.
Emily’s brand, It’ll be alwright®, is the foundation of their multifaceted endeavours that focus on cultivating individual potential to facilitate collective healing.
Betty Dannewitz: Bio
Betty Dannewitz is an Immersive Experience Architect with over 19 years in corporate learning and development.
She is also a Speaker, Podcaster, and High-Performance Coach.
Betty’s passion is to help people become better humans and she advocates that innovative technology, like XR and podcasting, have a HUGE role in making that happen.
Mariya Pallais: Bio
Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Mariya Pallais (surprise surprise) – first and foremost a Millennial, meaning memes and wine are a way of life. To further exploit cliches, I love dogs and have a chinchilla, who I call my child.
I started in the Marketing department of AirBnB, which feels on brand, and decided that I wanted to create a life where I do it myself (PR, not home rentals). So, I broke out on my journey to entrepreneurship, which like all good journeys had a few flat tires but resulted in a great view.
Mariya Pallais PR has been around for 5 years now and when I’m not grinding away, I’m in a wetsuit somewhere 100 feet under the sea.
Over the last 5 years, I’ve expanded my connections and fine-tuned my processes – it’s been a wonderful journey indeed.
Tess McKinney: Bio
Meet Tess McKinney, AAS, a trailblazing force in the technology arena with an illustrious 20-year journey that has unfolded at the forefront of innovation. Over the last decade, Tess has been a driving force in the realm of educational technologies, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
As the proud proprietor of Firework Media Studio, LLC for the past 18 years, Tess has seamlessly navigated various roles, donning hats as a technology consultant, trainer, instructional designer, and website architect.
Tess’s insatiable passion for innovation has propelled her through the ever-evolving tech landscape, earning her the reputation of a perpetual learner. Seven years ago, she embarked on a captivating journey into immersive technologies, skillfully incorporating XR, AR, and VR into her expansive skill set.
Her dedication to staying abreast of the latest technological advancements has not only kept her at the forefront but has also positioned her as a vanguard in the field. Notably, Tess is currently spearheading the development of VR labs in collaboration with the University of Texas San Antonio College of Nursing and Dentistry, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersive learning.
Her previous engagements include impactful collaborations with esteemed institutions such as The Ohio State University and Brazosport College, where she left an indelible mark on the landscape of educational technologies.
Tess’s influence extends far beyond her role as a technology maven. She has cultivated a robust network of connections with experts and designers specializing in Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning.
Her involvement in the realms of XR, AR, and VR within healthcare and education has solidified her as a respected figure in the industry. A quick glance at her LinkedIn profile reveals an extensive network, boasting an impressive 10,200+ followers and connections—a testament to her influence and reach.
In essence, Tess McKinney is not just a tech enthusiast; she is a visionary, a pioneer, and a catalyst for change in the dynamic intersection of technology and education. With a legacy spanning two decades, Tess continues to shape the future of immersive learning, leaving an indelible imprint on the ever-evolving landscape of educational technologies.
Her current undertaking with the University of Texas San Antonio College of Nursing and Dentistry underscores her commitment to pioneering transformative advancements in the field.
Cristina Imre: Bio
Dr. Cristina Imre – Amplifying Impact: Empowering Visionary Leaders to Shape a Better Future as a Holistic Executive Coach & Business Strategist With two decades of experience as a seasoned professional, studying human nature, success, and business combined, Dr. Cristina Imre is on a mission to guide tech disruptors toward a brighter future.
Her passion lies in empowering founders and CEOs, serving as their trusted secret weapon in navigating the ever-evolving business landscape.
Cristina works all across North America, and regularly in Europe and Asia. Whether it’s vision alignment, strategic planning, or adept team management, she possesses the knowledge and acumen to steer her clients toward sustained success.
With a background that spans from serial entrepreneurship to biohacking, Cristina is more than an executive coach; she’s a holistic growth partner.
Cristina’s values – Knowledge, Empathy, Respect, Candor, Fairness, Vision, and Purpose – guide her in this transformative journey. However, Cristina’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of typical business acumen and financial expectations.
She’s a holistic growth partner who addresses mental health and personal life matters, making her impact profound and far-reaching.
She just founded Tech Leadership Lab, a movement with an audacious purpose of uniting visionary and good-hearted tech leaders to solve Earth’s biggest problems and build a better future for all.
In short: Tech for good, led by good hearts. Beyond the professional sphere, Cristina is a reader, sports enthusiast, coffee lover, and forensic science enthusiast. Her multifaceted interests have earned her nicknames like People Reader, Sherlock Holmes, Secret Weapon, and The No-BS Coach.
She authored and co-authored several books, and her powerful quotes surrounding the internet.
Concluding with what her clients say, working with her is a deep dive journey you don’t expect but you get hooked instantly because, on the other end, you’ll get out a different person, a better one.
Lisa Atkinson: Bio
Lisa Atkinson ‘Filmmaker, Futurist-Storyteller, Artist-Technologist, Peacemaker’ Lisa started as a 2D animation artist in film opticals, in-camera visual effects, then analogue computer, then digital visual effects and live-action visual effects combined with animation. She worked in USA, Canada & Asia as a Visual Effects Supervisor, Second Unit Director, Pre-Production Assistant Director, and Post-Production Supervisor. International coproduction credits include: Heavy Metal, Tron, Star Wars, Inspector Gadget, Curious, Aladdin, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Philip Marlowe, Ray Bradbury Theater, Outer Limits and X-Files.
Lisa was the first Visual Effects Supervisor to use digital effects in a television series “The Twilight Zone” (1988-1989 – 30 episodes). She was recognized with Honorary Membership in Society of High Definition Arts & Sciences; and memberships in British Academy of Film and Television Arts; American Film Institute; British Kinematograph, Sound & Television Society; IEEE; SMPTE; ACM SIGGRAPH.
Invited to work at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, Lisa set up a ‘Radio, Film and Television Department’ to create content & technology pipelines for TV and long-distance education. Lisa left Embassy work to become the first Digital Visual Effects Supervisor in China, working on Chinese films at the Beijing Film Studio and Shanghai Studio. Later, Lisa worked for Sundance Film Institute to bring Sundance Film Festival to China, and Eastman Kodak as their China Strategist to Chinese filmmakers re: technology.
During the Hollywood and Silicon Valley digital cooperation phase, Lisa’s work included converting pipelines at studios (Rhythm & Hues, Dreamworks, Pacific Data Images, ILM) into digital pipelines capable of moving large shot count feature films (Batman, Star Trek, Speed, Mousehunt) and full digital CG animation feature film pipelines (Bugs Life 3D, Atlantis, Star Trek: Experience, Antz, Shrek, Frankenstein, Final Fantasy).
Lisa served on the Board of Directors for the Visual Effects Society (Global Committee start-up and Education Committee start-up), Women in Animation (Education Committee), and on the Board of Directors for the Directors Guild of America (Canada branch). As Technology Rep for the Director’s Guild, she created training for film directors to transition to computers. Lisa also sat on the Director’s Guild committee to draft the North American Free Trade Agreement for Entertainment & Technology (USA/Canada/Mexico); the International Co-Production Agreement (USA/Canada); and International Co-production Agreement (Canada/China).
Lisa took a hiatus from Hollywood to be a Co-Founder, and Chief Technology Officer, for the world’s first climate-change carbon-reduction technology fund (UK, USA, Canada, Asia). She returned to LA’s independent production focusing on storytelling, content creation and mentoring. In China, Lisa consults at their 1st Free Trade Zone: “Hainan Island Technology Park”; the Digital Civilization Conference; and Student Digital Bootcamp. Lisa also participates in the United Nations SciTech Digital Cooperation “No One Gets Left Behind” global technology development and digital education initiatives.
As a teenager Lisa interned summers at the National Film Board of Canada in the Optical Film Lab Department. She studied Fine Arts at Ottawa Collegiate Institute of Technology’s High School of Commerce, Computer Language Programming at Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology, Broadcast Engineering at Carleton University, Filmmaking at Beijing Film Academy.
MoniGarr: Bio
MoniGarr is a tech founder of MoniGarr.com LLC with more than 30 years of professional experience working in tech & media industries as an XR Producer, Technical Artist, Mobile Software Architect, Tech Mentor, Tech Writer and Tech Trainer.
MoniGarr.com LLC is based in the Akwesasne Indian Reservation and produces content to support Kanien’kéha Revival & Retention efforts. Kanien’kéha is also known as Mohawk Language and it’s the first language MoniGarr spoke as a baby.
Christelle Esposito: Bio
I’m a digital lead and empathetic writer who’s passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of resilient individuals from around the world. Through my work, I aim to empower and uplift by telling stories that celebrate the human spirit.
As a firm believer in the power of connection, I’m committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of my work. Whether it’s through my travels or my professional experience, I’m always seeking out new perspectives and experiences that broaden my understanding of the world and the people in it.
As a passionate traveler, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible individuals from all walks of life and share their stories with others. From the resilient people I’ve met in developing countries to the innovative leaders I’ve encountered in the tech industry, I’m constantly inspired by the strength and perseverance of those around me.
In addition to my work as a digital lead and writer, I’m also passionate about creating meaningful connections and fostering diversity and inclusion.
I believe that everyone has something unique and valuable to contribute, and that by creating a more equitable and inclusive world we can all thrive. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio.
Debbie Deer: Bio
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Debbie is a Creative Technologist, living in Toronto Canada. As the CEO/Founder of her multi-media companies Debbie Deer Productions and Orion Digital Innovations and Creations Inc., she collaborates as a Producer, Performer and Educator.
She studied Psychology at The University of The West Indies (Jamaica) and Radio and TV Production at Toronto Metro University formerly Ryerson University (Toronto).
Debbie’s work has been featured at The Next Stage Summit Los Angeles, VRTO, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Toronto International Film Festival (Deep Focus), Luminato Festival, and selected for the Toronto Fringe Festival.
She is currently the Director for the Performance and XR Conference IBPOC XR Fellowship, championing the program’s curriculum and visibility.
She is an ambassador and advocate for the conscientious advancement of humanity.
Katarzyna Koba: Bio
I have several years of experience in business development and startups mentor, working with a network of artists, scientists and medical experts.
I take on leadership challenges by sharing my experience and knowledge of digital transformation with young entrepreneurs.
Using my creativity, I move innovation ideas into successful digital solutions ready to be implemented in the healthcare, education, and culture markets.
I back up my experience by actively contributing to the success of the startups I work with.
I specialize in the design and prototyping of immersive technologies (VR, XR, haptic solutions), including the processing and visualization of biometric data, as well as the use of AI-based tools, with a special focus on the digital therapeutics (DTx) and telemonitoring industries.
Emma Hall: Bio
Emma HALL Oil Painting, Watercolours, Charcoal portraits.
URL/WEBSITE: https://emmahall.art/
A few words about Emma! Emma was born and brought up in South India and since a young age has always designed in charcoal and painted in oils.
Having lived in Italy, and France, with her son Alexander, two golden retrievers, Leo and Layla and let’s not forget the tabby cat Tigger.
Emma mainly uses oils and has also branched out in watercolours, charcoal and pastels. The vibrant colours are remembered from her trips to Japan and Italy and childhood memories in India.
Emma often uses a unique knife technique giving the impression of depth notably in paintings of flowers and landscapes and also paints directly with her fingers.
She has held several exhibitions in Shoreditch, London, Paris and Los-Angeles.
Isabel De Peuter-Rutten: Bio
Introducing Isabel De Peuter-Rutten, a dedicated virtual explorer and entrepreneur in emerging technologies.
As President of Euromersive and GatherVerse EU Director, she advocates for a human-centric approach and accessibility within the emerging tech industry.
Following the GatherVerse standards, Isabel fosters ethical development & connecting people.
Her role as Community Manager at WIIT Europe, XR4Heritage representative in Flanders and co-founder of the Community of Change highlights her commitment to a positive impact, shaping an inclusive future.
Elisabetta Rotolo: Bio
Elisabetta is a business strategist and brand management executive, creative & executive producer, art director, interior architect and keynote speaker, with international experience in XR, spatial computing, virtual worlds, immersive art and Metaverse.
She is CEO and founder of MIAT Multiverse Institute For Arts and Technology and created the first creative and educational hub integrating an Immersive Academy to train future talent with emerging technologies and an Immersive Studio to produce research-based immersive experiences, including for the Web3 and Metaverse.
She has over 20 years of experience as Global Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Corporate Communications and Strategic Consultant in Brand Management, Marketing, Communications, Innovation and Change for international organisations such as the State of New York, Omnicom Group, Walt Disney, Mattel, Heinz, Plasmon, Italian Railways, Olympic Games.
She is a sought-after speaker. She has spoken at VR/AR Global Summit, Bocconi University, Police Academy, Italian Army, Immerse Global Metaverse Summit, Stereopsia, AWE, Artissima, Gatheverse Global Summit, ITTV global Festival, Venice Biennale and many other venues.
She is a contributor to Artribune, member of OnLive Campus, board member and Italian representative of Euromersive, the European federation of XR professionals and board member of Fondazione Cariplo.
She graduated in Interior Architecture and holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and was awarded Student of the Year in 2016-2017.
Lucie Coudret: Bio
Lucie Coudret is a Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Solutions Lead at Cappfinity and a VR coach. Lucie has 7+ years’ experience in Learning & Development and has been working as a leadership and career coach for 5 years.
Lucie is passionate about all things learning, tech, innovation, coaching, management and leadership development! She is curious about how people learn and grow and dedicates the majority of her time to enhance the learning experiences of employees.
She has rolled out global leadership programmes for different industries and has recently been combining her interests of learning, coaching and tech and leveraging the power of virtual reality in her work.
Most recently, she’s been involved in developing leadership development solutions using VR as a tool to raise self-awareness by gaining insights on ourselves as well as VR experiences for students and early careers to develop future skills to prepare them for the world of work and bridge the skills gap.
Lately, you can find Lucie in her VR coaching island space, coaching individuals around various topics in different environments to stimulate thinking.
Norma De Saint Picman: Bio
Franco-Slovenian artist Norma De Saint Picman recent work is a sustainable project NORAVISIONSOLARMETAVERSE The Garden of Eden, linking her Art and paintings on solar panels’ personal message with Cultural heritage, NFT presentations, 3D Sculptural models and a vision to embed Phygital into Virtual Twin Galleries of Vaduz, Bogensperk and Mirna Castles, melting classical and contemporary Art with newest technologies.
Norma De Saint Picman is renowned for her work in bridging and intertwining classical arts with the virtual NFT (Non-Fungible Token) worlds. For a brief period, she also served as an expert at the UNECE. She is a founding member of the World Metaverse Council and a member of the Order of St. George of Carinthia.
Norma De Saint Picmano pursued her studies and honed her skills in painting, deep and high print graphics, ceramics, sculpture, and art therapy at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, and the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana. She is renowned for her ability to blend classical arts with virtual worlds, a theme prominently featured in her Gesamtkunstwerk NFT project within Noravisionsolarmetaverse. Her artistic themes are characterized by expressive and symbolic figurative elements, initially inspired by artists such as Egon Schiele, Emil Nolde, and the Fin de siècle period. These inspirations have evolved into more impactful, thickly textured, large-format paintings. She also operates in the realm of installations and performances, which harmoniously combine diverse techniques and expressive practices, in line with the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk. Since 2018, she has been working on repurposing decommissioned solar panels as part of the sustainability-oriented NORAVISIONSOLAR project.
Norma is an internationally acclaimed artist who possesses a diverse skill set spanning various artistic disciplines, seamlessly blending postmodern and classical expressions, expressionist and impressionist styles, as well as figurative and abstract forms. Her artistic endeavors encompass painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, video, and performance art, creating a multifaceted portfolio.
In 2018, she initiated the project Noravision Decentralized Arts Ecosystem, within the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and tokenization. Since 2018, the concept of a global art platform based on blockchain technology, interoperability, and the idea that artworks are trustworthy financial investment assets. The core objective of Noravision is to position artists as autonomous value producers or “nodes” at the heart of the ecosystem. They engage dynamically with investors, collectors, gallerists, and auction houses, offering features like traceability, royalties, and the tokenization of artworks through a Global Blockchain-Based Art Platform. As blockchain technology and interoperability progressed, Norma entrusted the further development of this ambitious endeavor to others, redirecting her focus towards bridging the gap between Classical Arts and the NFT (Non-Fungible Token) realms through the GesamtkunstwerkNFT project in the NoravisionsolarMetaverse Gallery.
Norma’s academic journey commenced with a Diploma Degree in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana, under the guidance of Professor Janez Bernik in 1986. Her dedication to the arts led her to France, where she spent two years at the ENSBA (Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Beaux Arts) in Paris. During her time there, she worked in various studios, under the mentorship of renowned professors such as Vladimir Velickovic, Abraham Hadad, Christian Fossier, Michel Charpentier, George Jeanclos in fields such as drawing, sculpture, ceramics, lithography, and etching. Her graphics from this period are now part of the Bibliothèque Nationale collections, and in 1993, she was granted French citizenship.
Throughout her career, Norma has presented her works in over fifty solo exhibitions and participated in international art expositions, including prestigious events like the Figuration Critique, displaying works such as the :“Sarcophage for immortal love,” a polyester sculpture in 1990, and a performance piece in 1992 at the Salon Figuration Critique in Paris, the Ceramic Biennale in Cluj and Contemporary Venice in 2019, she collaborated with the Fürstenberg Gallery and the Hugues Bourdin Gallery. She has also been involved in interdisciplinary projects like “Priestesses” in 1997 at Kongress Square, Ljubljana, and “Consonances – color dances” at Casemate Hall, Ljubljana Castle, in 2011, among others.
Norma’s artistry extends to various expressive oil paintings on solar panels, an innovative project called Noravisionsolar, emphasizing sustainability and creative upcycling. Examples of this work series include “Luce dell eterno, at the Glass Cathedral Santa Chiara in Murano in 2020, Artes Dei, Ljubljana Festival, same year, and “Metamorphoses” at the Ministry of Culture, Ljubljana, in 2021. More recent artistic contributions include the “Noravisionsolar The Garden of Eden” at the Digital Center of Slovenia during the Slovenian Presidency, “Between Night and Day” at Strmol Castle, “Noravisionsolarmetaverse The Garden of Eden” , at Bogenšperk Castle Norma’s current areas of focus encompass Noravisionsolar with a tunnel and auction project employing solar panel surfaces for artists, all tied to the principles of sustainability and creative upcycling.
Additionally, she was engaged in the Noravisionbridge project, exploring blockchain technology’s applications for sustainable objectives, with notable appearances at events such as WEFLjubljana 2020 and WEFEgypt, 2020, WEF Bangalore, 2021where she received awards for her contributions to these efforts. ( Exceptional Women of Excellence, Iconic Woman Creating Better World for All.
Awards: Exceptional Women of Excellence, WEF2020 Ljubljana, February 2020 Iconic women creating a better world for all award , Annual WEF2020 Cairo, March 2020, by a founder of ALL Dr. Harbeen Arora Iconic women creating a better world for all award, WEF2020 Bangalore, July 2020, Digital Edition 2020, Star of World Book of Records award 2020 cooperating with Indian educational platform MentorX 2021 – Golden Pinnacle Award 2021, by National Sports & Youth Development Council, Dr. Biren Dave, National president, Dr. Munish Jindal National Director GLOBAL literature FESTIVAL 2021, Certificate of Honor, by Revup, MentorX Women of Vision Award 2021, Art and Culture . Most creative Artist of the Year, 2022
Namrata Dhasmana: Bio
Namrata Dhasmana is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management -Lucknow. She did Senior Leadership in Strategy for Leaders from IIM Lucknow and is a Certified Strength Finder Trainer and Coach. She is a Master Trainer and a Certified Design Thinking Practitioner. She is a Global Gallup Professional. Namrata has given her views on Strength-based Leadership in Ventage HR Podcast, Relationship Management, and Purpose Driven Leadership in Leaders Hum.
She has led Mid-size to Large-size teams in organizations like Vedanta, Wells Fargo, and Genpact and held Corporate Leadership Positions. Her exemplary career in corporates in the diversified industry has evolved her into a Seasoned Leader and expert. Namrata Dhasmana is a known name brand in the Industry to provides solutions for business and Leadership Training. She has taken several pieces of training on Leadership and types of Leadership and has been on various panels of Future of Work. Namrata is a Global name and is recognized as 100 most Influential Coaches by the World HRD Congress. As a Global Thought Leader- Most followed Woman Leader by Thinkers 360. Recognized by Leaders Hum as Global Top 50 Culture Champions.
She has done corporate talks and sessions on Understanding Creative Confidence innovation and Leadership Excellence. Her in-depth knowledge about subjects is her USP as a Speaker and Leadership Trainer. Namrata is also engaged with Colleges and Universities as a Guest Lecturer and college-to-corporate model. She has taken multiple pieces of training in Wells Fargo, Manilla Team- Analytical Thinking with working models of identifying Problems to the testing phase and Marketing Intelligence, Genpact, and Vedanta. She has conducted workshops on Design Thinking and Innovation for Leaders of the Manipal Group of Hospital. Namrata is a global Leadership coach and also wishes to refrain some of the clients from maintaining privacy and ethics. Situational Leadership is one of her forte and USP.
She has also conducted sessions in the Global Education & Training Institute, Leaders Hum, Inspirit, Vantage Circle, and Voila Experts. As a business consultant, she has gained an edge while being an impaneled Expert for consulting in Global organizations like Guide Point, GLG, and Knowledge Ridge. Namrata is an Army Veteran. She is an active researcher in the space of International Relations and Global Economics. She is associated with the BRICS Institute for her work on publications. Her focus area is Drug Trafficking and Information Warfare in the space of Global Research.
Hadeel Arja: Bio
Hadeel Arja is the lead editor of Frontline in Focus, the winner of the Google News Initiative 2021, and a journalist with more than 16 years of experience.
She has also worked for HuffPost Arabic, Al-Hayat, the BBC, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, and IJNET.
She is the founder of Tinyhand and a member of the Marie Colvin Journalists’ Network.
Hadeel is known for her innovative use of VR and AR technologies in covering stories from the frontlines.
Karen Alexander: Bio
Karen Alexander is a serial community builder and one of the Co-Founders of XR Women, and organization that meets weekly in virtual worlds and recently celebrated 2 years in existence and 100 events.
Karen’s background is in higher education, but she took a deep dive into XR in 2016 and hasn’t looked back.
She loves being a part of the XR community in general and XR Women in particular.
Aileda Lindal: Bio
“Awaken the Spirit, Engage the Mind, Embrace the Body, and Flourish Consciously!” Everyone can lead an extraordinary life on their terms.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to elevating your life, as each individual is unique in their perception of the world and has their means of tapping into their full potential. The notion that life should be lived in loving and supporting conditions should not be rare; rather, it should be a mandate. Don’t let unknown challenges hold you back from realizing your true potential.
Learn how your operating system works and how to maximize it for your true potential. As a seasoned entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience, Aileda brings a wealth of consulting knowledge and expertise to the table, including understanding of quantum physics, neuroscience, epigenetics, and a proven track record of facilitating breakthroughs, including business consulting at Fortune 500 companies, advising on trade agreements for The White House, and assisting individuals in finding their true passion.
Aileda is committed to helping clients overcome limitations and reach new heights. As a transformational coach, Aileda specializes in uncovering and developing hidden potential personally and for organizations.
Her approach is centered on positivity, growth, and love; she educates people and inspires her clients to achieve their aspirations through expansion and growth.
Every path to success and fulfillment is unique, and Aileda is dedicated to helping you discover and take the journey that will lead you to new heights.
An abundant life awaits you, and Aileda is confident in her ability to guide you toward it with her expertise, experience, and support.
Hanan Merabi: Bio
Hanan is a mother, nurse leader, certified nurse case manager, author, and founder of Earth’s Angels non profit organization. Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, and orphaned at a very young age due to the lack of good healthcare, Hanan always knew that she wanted to help others that were in such desperate need in Ghana.
At age 15, she moved to the Unites States and became a U.S citizen, still knowing that she would somehow go back to Ghana and give back to those who need it most.
In 2012, she founded Earth’s Angels with the dream that she could make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies all over the world. Hanan is called on to share her story around the country, as an inspirational speaker.
She has been asked to speak at nursing events, including nursing school presentations, charitable functions, and many other speaking engagements.
Hanan coined the term The Legacy Is Me® when she had a cathartic moment in 2013, realizing she could use her life’s many struggles and painful experiences, as catalysts for greatness.
She believes that we can all write our own legacy, and does her best to live to her fullest expression of herself in each role she takes on.
Lisi Linares: Bio
About Lisi Linares: Lisi Linares is an industry-leading publicist at the forefront of the XR revolution.
With a rich background in crypto/blockchain publicity and a lifelong love affair with virtual reality, Lisi’s expertise and passion for the Metaverse have propelled her to the top of the industry.
As the Megalodon Publicist behind PR SHRKS, she combines her boundless creativity and strategic prowess to redefine the narrative of XR and elevate her esteemed client roster to new heights.
Diane Tucker: Bio
Diane Tucker is a remarkable individual who demonstrates extraordinary resilience and determination throughout life. Since her youth, she has encountered significant health challenges that could have hindered her path, but instead, she transformed them into opportunities to make a lasting impact on a global scale.
In 2005, Diane faced a life-altering event when she underwent brain surgery and woke up unable to see for 3 months. This medical ordeal posed immense physical and emotional challenges, threatening to derail her ambitions and aspirations. However, with unwavering faith, a positive mindset, and a strong family support system, Diane emerged from the surgery with a newfound perspective on life. The experience ignited a flame of perseverance within her, inspiring her to push forward despite the hurdles.
Two years later, in 2007, Diane had to make a difficult decision and to go on permanent disability due to the lasting effects of her surgery. For many, this might have meant giving up on their dreams, but not for Diane. Instead of letting disability define her, she saw it as an opportunity to redirect her energy and focus on her skills and passions. To this day, Diane struggles with debilitating pain and various complications, but it does not define her nor hold her back. Even with her limited physical capacity she channels her energies into entrepreneurship, technology, and making a difference in the world.
Diane’s relentless pursuit of success and her passion for innovation led her to become a trailblazer in the fields of EdTech, entertainment, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and technology. Despite facing challenges, Diane is the Founder and CEO of three for-profit corporations and the COO of three corporations, leaving an indelible mark on each industry she touches.
Diane’s experiences have nurtured a heart of compassion and a no-nonsense mindset. Her knowledge and expertise have been paramount in developing streamlined processes and fostering relationships in many business ventures, regardless of their nature. As a result, her ventures have flourished, and her leadership is an inspiration to many.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Diane’s ambitions extends into the nonprofit sector. In pursuit of making a difference on a larger scale, she founded the Impact Innovation Foundation (IIF) with the aim of mentoring, funding, and supporting startups addressing critical global issues like climate change, education, technology, and youth mental health.
Throughout her journey, Diane never forgets her roots and her passion for technology. Although she no longer codes, her technical background remains an essential part of her innovative approach to problem-solving and business development. Combining her programming skills with her creative talents in singing and writing, as well as her business acumen, Diane has become a powerhouse for any organization aiming to reach new heights.
Her inspiring story of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Despite facing significant health challenges and going on permanent disability, Diane Tucker’s refusal to be defined by limitations continues to catapult her to success and makes her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Today, Diane’s influence spans across borders and cultures, touching the lives of countless individuals through her ventures, mentorship, and philanthropic efforts. Her story stands as an inspiration for anyone facing adversity, demonstrating that with perseverance, innovation, and determination, one can overcome any obstacle and create a lasting impact on the world.
Juliana Loh: Bio
Juliana Loh is a Creative Technologist/Artist working hard to change the world by bringing imagination, critical thinking and a sense of play + wonder to the forefront. Drawn to global perspectives, she identifies with the storytellers, futurists and game changers in a world in need of a better vision.
Juliana crafts narratives and user experiences to create VR Aspirational worlds and public art pieces that facilitate transformation using the power of social VR. Her work has been showcased in various global XR festivals where she and her team were recently awarded the Passive Immersive Experience Award from AUSTXR Festival 2023. She is excited to be experimenting in the theater and public art space in 2024. Her background lies in education, branding and ux design where she works in the entertainment/games-adjacent space.
Mariam Brian: Bio
Mariam leads Holo Art, where art, science, technology, space, and consciousness converge.
Our global team of renowned artists, scientists, and technologists from quantum physicists to artificial intelligence pioneers to neuroscientists represent 30+ countries from 6 continents.
Our team holds over 330+ patents and has participated in 30+ space missions. Our vision is to reshape humanity’s future.
By merging art and science across six continents, we pioneer inclusive solutions for the common good through cultural co-authorship. Our achievements in less than one year of being founded include sending art via SpaceX NASA Mission to the ISS in March 2023, later returning in April 2023.
Currently, we’re trailblazing brain-computer interfaces and never-before-released neurotech, patented AI and a series of global firsts.
We launched with a talk from NASA about the JWST and held 20 global dialogues on topics such as copyright in ai, the standard model for creativity and quantum biology for longevity.
Tiffany Patterson: Bio
Tiffany C.J. Patterson has developed innovative enterprise data products for roughly nine years.
She recently accepted an invitation to join Virgin Galactic’s Astronaut Program and has also been invited to participate as a fellow in the 2024 Wine Writer’s Symposium in Napa Valley.
Tiffany is a passionate traveler fascinated by our beautiful planet, the vast universe that surrounds it, and the cultures that inhabit our world. Her interests lie in cosmology and geology, and she loves to write about her diverse experiences in enotourism.
Furthermore, Tiffany’s work has been published in Panorama Journal.
Spending time between the United States and the Caribbean, she explores themes of displacement, culture, language, and self-discovery—striving for reflection, not perfection.
Tammy Francis: Bio
Affectionately called Dr. Tammy, The Catalyst, she is the founder and CEO of Catalyst 4 Change Global, LLC.
Dr. Tammy is an edupreneur. She is a Global Strategist, Educator, Consultant, Educational Researcher, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Mentor, and Traveler.
Dr. Tammy has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and has taught for over 23 years in the traditional educational system–grades 6-12 and higher education.
Dr. Tammy has a holistic approach to learning and development (talent development).
She helps women, educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs all over the world leverage the opportunities of the digital economy and emerging technologies.
She helps others create a strategy and action plan to upskill, reskill, and retool and provide access to resources to assist in their transition and growth.
She has served as a catalyst and helped people in more than 15 countries with purpose-driven, creative solutions while preparing for the future.
All that she does is grounded in and inspired by her work and philosophy as a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion >>> Belonging + Access) advocate.
Akemi Carter: Bio
Meet Akemi, an International Certified RTT™ Practitioner & hypnotist. As the driving force behind Reset My Lifestyle, she embodies a rare combination of insight, empathy, and expertise dedicated to guiding individuals from their pain to purpose, despair to triumph.
Trained directly under the tutelage of renowned therapist Marisa Peer, she not only carries the weight of credentials but also resonates with personal experience—a testament to the life-altering prowess of RTT™.
By taking you through a proven system, step by step, using award winning RTT sessions, guided meditations, hypnosis, and energy clearings, her programs will give you effective permanent results that are deep and profound. It just works. You’ll notice a difference after your first session. You won’t need affirmations or repeat sessions for the same issue. You’re set free.
With her expertise, dedication, and firsthand understanding of transformation, she stands ready to illuminate your path to a brighter tomorrow.
Maria Vilar: Bio
I’m an electrical engineer, specializing in systems, decision-making, and control (AI, ML, and robotics).
I own a company that develops XR experiences (immersive technology: virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse).
Additionally, I serve as the Portuguese representative and a board member of Euromersive.
As a woman in tech with a diverse background in emerging technology, I believe I’m in a position to inspire young people to be part of a more inclusive and empowered future.
Claire Weingarten: Bio
Claire Weingarten is an immersive tech & experience consultant focused on empowering artists, creators, businesses and non-profits to harness emerging technologies to create experiences that have never existed before.
Claire began her career working in film, television and journalism as both a creator and executive and saw those mediums as the most exciting ways to engage, inform and entertain audiences, but as new media technologies evolve, she has recentered her focus on more interactive mediums that immerse audiences and invite them to become agents in their own experiences.
Advising on emerging technologies like XR, AI, Web3, Spatial Computing and the Metaverse, Claire has continued to focus on audience engagement by advising creators and businesses about the evolution, intersection and impact of new technologies as they evolve the way we live our lives. Ethical uses of technology are a through-line of all of her work.
Robin White Owen: Bio
Robin White Owen Co-founder / President / XR Consultant at MediaCombo Robin has partnered with museums to guide the design and development of interactive storytelling experiences since the late 1990s.
She provides strategic insights and production expertise as clients seek to understand the opportunities and challenges offered by AR and VR in developing virtual cultural experiences.
She is currently involved in developing a new Virtual Reality platform to teach interpersonal skills through discussions about art, using a methodology developed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, widely known as Visual Thinking Strategies.
Robin has produced 3D projects, including an Augmented Reality audio tour for the Morgan Library & Museum and an award winning 6DOF VR experience for the Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center in East Hampton.
She is currently developing a VR experience for The Everson Museum.
She blogs at XR Matters on MediaCombo’s website.
Meghan Sickner: Bio
Meghan Kelly Sickner Who Meghan is a Holistic Health Practitioner with a Passion and purpose to live in harmony with Nature. WHY Tools for Transformation — 2000- Present Her healing education began in 1989 , brought to her knees in physical pain she found a new way of living.
In 2000 Meghan created Tools for Transformation while recovering from another physical and grief related neck injury. The experience catapulted her once again into her own reorganization, and the program sort of created itself.
Certifications: HOW Transformational Breath facilitator, Dr. Demartini Values Determination Facilitator, Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Shamansess with the Sisterhood of the shields, Lyn Andrews Mystery School. Dr. Peter Levine Somatic Experiencing facilitator. 12 stages of Healing, Dr. Donny Epstein.
Transformational Breathe facilitator. Judith Kravitz . Veterans Yoga guide, Trauma , adaptive yoga, resilience, mindfulness coach, and more. Where Luxury Wellness Facilitator: 1996-Present Luxury wellness concierge.Meghan works with the Ritz Carlton Hotel offering yoga, Personal wellness journeys, including sound baths, trauma awareness sessions, pilates, personal training etc. Retreats, Personal ceremonies, celebrations, personalized programs.Zoom, live events.
Personal Meghan is a one-time state championship winner with the Dana Point Outrigger canoe club, one-time Marathon runner, a Current Aerial artist, a Nutrition enthusiast, and Non profit volunteer. Life-time student and teacher of Truth. Time spent playing in Nature is her healing and beauty secret.
Additionally, Meghan is a Luxury Realtor and Eco broker in Laguna Beach California. “In order to heal the planet we must begin with ourselves.” Favorite quote.
Po box 1763. Laguna Beach. CA. 92652. [email protected]. 949-510-1621
Eli Boahen: Bio
Excited | Curious | Problem-solver Eli is a cross-disciplinary communicator and researcher in design, data, ethics, and autonomy. They believe our techno-future is already here, and that it is past time to ask the questions so we can discuss the uncomfortable answers.
Currently, Eli is completing their master’s degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science ( DACSS ) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
At UMass, their work focuses on technology policy and technoliteracy as a means of power and its impact on our understanding of the technology around us, thus our ability to consent or self-advocate.
Their theories intersect with ethnography, cyborg anthropology, biomedicine, education, robotics, and Society 5.0. Mostly recently, Eli led an project analyzing sentiments towards what they call the “technological-other”.
Eli is ready and excited to continue exploring and conducting research in this fascinating field.
Class of 2020 Smithie | Posse Alum | HEAF Alum | SDXD board | UMass RTC
Bernice Omiunu: Bio
Bernice Omiunu, is a passionate advocate for diversity in the tech industry and a staunch supporter of tech startups and businesses.
With a strong commitment to empowering women, Bernice is the founding member of Women in Blockchain Africa, working to increase female representation and opportunities in the blockchain space.
Country Lead at WomenTech Network, she actively fosters a community that supports and uplifts women in technology.
Drawing on her expertise in machine learning and data science, Bernice serves as a Community Builder at Amazon Web Services, driving knowledge sharing and collaboration among tech enthusiasts.
Her dedication to empowering women in tech extends further as she also serves as an Ambassador at Google’s WomenTech Makers and Women in Data Science Global promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the technology field.
With her multifaceted background and passion for technology and entrepreneurship, Bernice Omiunu is a driving force in creating a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their aspirations in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Stacy Whittle: Bio
Stacy Whittle is not just a professional; she’s a storytelling maestro, a digital sorceress, and an architect of impactful experiences.
With over three decades of weaving narratives at the senior level, Stacy’s repertoire spans the roles of producer, director, public speaker, and event maestro, complemented by her accolades as an award-winning stage actor.
At the helm of Block of Love, LLC as CEO, she masterfully blends the art of storytelling with the wizardry of technology, crafting immersive 360 videos that transport viewers to other worlds.
Her leadership at Front Page Live as President and CEO is a testament to her crusade against disinformation, championing the cause of truth in a post-truth world.
Stacy’s flair for orchestrating large-scale events is evident in her groundbreaking work – from pioneering the USDA Forest Service’s first 360 videos to directing a culturally rich and award-winning video series spanning LA to the Pacific Northwest, all under the banner of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
In 2019, Stacy co-produced a globally celebrated Earth Day extravaganza alongside Marc Scarpa, featuring Pope Francis, showcasing her ability to unite the globe in a single, harmonious narrative.
Her globe-trotting adventures have seen her manage multicultural teams across the U.S., the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, infusing her work with the richness of diverse perspectives.
Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Arabic, she’s not just speaking languages; she’s talking to hearts, connecting cultures in her international odyssey.
Stacy’s magic lies in her unique ability to forge alliances with an array of global entities – from academics and governments to the private sector and grassroots organizations.
Amidst this backdrop of professional achievements, Stacy stands proudly as a mother to two sons, balancing the high-wire act of a demanding career with the anchor of family life.
In Stacy Whittle’s world, creativity meets strategy, technology dances with storytelling, and every initiative is a step towards changing the world, one story at a time.
Lubna Dajani: Bio
Curious, creative, conscious, systems thinker, and designer. A polymath cyborg and ubiquitous web OG.
A passionate change-maker inspiring the ethical application of STEAM innovations to regenerate the planet and enable sustainable prosperity and well-being with a focus on empathic AI, hardware security, Web3, and climate tech.
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