GatherVerse SHE Summit 2026
Super Hero Engine
January 20-22, 2026 (8:00 AM PST)
Meet the speakers
Shamane Tan: Bio
Shamane Tan, a visionary influencer and TEDx speaker, excels in aligning C-Suite and Board members with cybersecurity imperatives.
As the author of “Cyber Risk Leaders,” she unravels executive communication nuances and distills C-Suite expectations.
Her work extends to “Cyber Mayday and the Day After,” a roadmap for navigating crises by mining the wisdom of global C-level executives. Her recent book, “Building a Cyber Resilience,” featured on Forbes Australia’s top list of CEO books.
Shamane also founded a transcontinental cyber risk and executive meetup fostering mentorship and thought leadership across seven cities.
Recipient of the IFSEC Global Top 20 Cybersecurity Influencer award, Shamane is the Chief Growth Officer at Sekuro, leveraging technical prowess and business acumen to advance security maturity.
Robin Rise: Bio
🌿 Dr Robin Rise — Psychologist | Executive Coach | Futurist | Author | Founder of Woman Optimized
Dr Robin Rise is a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and visionary entrepreneur devoted to advancing human consciousness, performance, and wellbeing in an age of accelerating technology. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and deep expertise in neuroscience, organizational behavior, and performance psychology, Dr Robin bridges the worlds of science and spirituality to help leaders, organizations, and women evolve consciously and thrive sustainably.
As founder of Woman Optimized, a humane-tech platform designed by women for women, she champions data sovereignty, feminine intelligence, and the decentralization of power through human-centric innovation. Her work integrates evidence-based neuroscience with divine feminine wisdom to unlock human potential and reimagine success for the next evolution of humanity.
Dr Robin’s upcoming book, Wire Monkey, explores the paradox of modern connection — how technology shapes attachment, empathy, and love in the digital age. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and soulful storytelling, it examines our collective longing for authentic human warmth in a wired world. Through vivid insights and lived experience, Wire Monkey invites readers to reclaim their humanity while embracing the future.
Her coaching and advisory practice supports CEOs, visionaries, and changemakers in navigating complexity, burnout, and transformation with clarity and compassion. Inspired by thought leaders such as Andrew Huberman, Brené Brown, Joe Dispenza, and Peter Diamandis, she remains devoted to integrity, healthspan, and collective flourishing.
Her mission: to empower the evolution of humanity — through love, consciousness, and technology aligned with human values.
Railey Molinario: Bio
Railey Molinario is a globally recognized Relationship Intelligence Expert on a mission to guide people out of isolation and into a life filled with authentic human connection. Her journey from feeling “not enough” to transforming her relationships—and herself—became the spark for her life’s work.
Railey blends compelling personal narratives with science-backed frameworks. Past audiences report greater empathy, stronger communication, and a tangible shift in how they connect with others.
Viveka Rydell-Anderson: Bio
Lawyer, CEO, advisor board member and investor.
From Sweden, having lived in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the US. In US since 1990 and also do a lot of transatlantic work.
Deeply committed to equality and sustainability.
9 years as an antitrust lawyer in San Francisco, working a lot with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and the George Soros Foundation.
I raise money, gather and inspire talent to do “impossible” things.
From 2006-2020, led the funding, startup and scaling of a healthcare service providing critical specialty care to children on Medical, and to people with Special Needs.
Pivoted to tech in 2020, as we need to harness it for good. Led blockchain initiatives at a startup while getting my MSc from Stanford in Al, ML, design thinking, informatics. Was recruited to turnaround a new surgery center/eye institute in SF during heavy headwinds 2022-2025. Was President of HIMSS Northern California, and brought American mental health leader to the Nordics to collaborate with Nordic innovation ecosystem.
Currently, I serve in 2 boards, have invested in a Stanford led health startup, have led American to Sweden to learn about sustainable forest management and fire prevention strategies, and am advising startups in the US and the Nordics.
Etoulia Salas-Burnett: Bio
Etoulia Salas-Burnett is a speaker, educator and systems thinker who works to remove the barriers that make technology feel difficult or out of reach, turning it into a tool for growth and leadership.
As founding director of the Howard University Center for Digital Business, she designs programs that connect students with digital skills, industry partnerships, and real-world experiences in AI, entrepreneurship and tech leadership. A proud Howard alumna, she also holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Etoulia’s philosophy is simple: everyone is a technologist. The question is never whether we use technology, but how we shape it to serve our vision and values. That belief has taken shape in her work at Howard University, where she has built initiatives that now define the Center for Digital Business. She leads The Yard @ Afrotech, a national platform for HBCU innovation; MeccaTech, an on-campus tech conference, and The Digital Literacy Project, a certificate-based program designed to help students build fluency in AI and digital skills.
Outside of titles and programs, Etoulia is most at home teaching and building systems that make life feel more possible. She is deeply committed to empowering communities of color to not just keep pace with technology, but to shape it – creating pathways for leadership, innovation and generational success.
Malvika Jethmalani: Bio
Malvika Jethmalani is a 3x CHRO, Certified Executive Coach, and the Founder of Atvis Group – a human capital advisory firm driven by the core belief that to win in the marketplace, businesses must first win in the workplace. Learn more at www.atvisgroup.com.
Malvika’s career has spanned over 15 years, and she possesses experience in the consulting, manufacturing, CPG, healthcare technology, and mobile gaming industries. She has led global, distributed People teams across multiple geographies and supported up to 5,000 employees in 50 countries. Her expertise includes HR strategy, talent management, talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. Malvika adopts a data-oriented approach to solving people challenges such as improving employee engagement, reducing turnover, developing leaders, transforming cultures, and developing talent strategies that power sustainable and profitable growth. Having served as Interim CFO and Interim COO, and given her extensive M&A (buy and sell side) and turnaround experience, she brings exceptional business acumen to her HR work.
Malvika earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Lavinia Osbourne: Bio
Lavinia is a recognised agent for change, an entrepreneur right at the front of Blockchain technology development and a futurist for web3 and AI. Through her advocacy and internationally recognised work with WiBT, she has won and been nominated for numerous accolades including a LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech & Innovation.
Passionate about bringing blockchain back to its egalitarian ideals of equal opportunity for all,
Lavinia works tirelessly to break down barriers and open doors by raising up underrepresented voices, and has created global chapters in different parts of the world.
Alison McMurtrie: Bio
Alison is a respected serial entrepreneur, who is an active contributor in the start up eco system. Her background in Exec level international corporate gave her the business and growth knowledge essential in the startup ecosystem. Alison co-founded and served as the COO of CyberPie, an Irish startup that achieved successful investment and exit strategies.
Not put off by the founder journey she then co-founded and became COO of Trrue, a Layer 1 blockchain protocol for the Financial Services ecosystem, focused on Impact, and Green finance, UK and Ireland based. She spearheads Idunn Consulting, where she serves as the Founder and Principle, leveraging her extensive expertise to offer strategic management consulting services, research and thinktank to startups and SME’s. Focusing predominately on female startups and SME’s, in Ireland and Northern Ireland, iDunn Consulting advises on long term business sustainability and scaling. Alison is also an Advisor to a number of startups.
Alison is cofounded emerging VC, Equisscore, focusing on under represented founders with impact startups.
Marian Villa: Bio
Marian Villa es Diseñadora Senior Full-Stack. Fellow de la Real Academia de Ingeniería de Londres. Mentora de Google Launchpad, pertenece al programa de Google Developers Experts en Desarrollo Web, y es embajadora de Women Techmakers a nivel global y forma parte del equipo de la Fundación Interledger fortaleciendo la relación con desarrolladores.
Megha Chawla: Bio
Megha Chawla is the Co-Founder of Menlo AI, where she leads strategic initiatives to bridge emerging technologies and human-centric solutions. With over 5 years of experience in AR, AI, and spatial computing, Megha has worked closely with global enterprises to implement innovative XR and multiscreen solutions that enhance productivity and engagement. She has a proven track record in building partnerships, scaling tech products, and consulting Fortune 500 companies on integrating immersive technologies into their operations. Passionate about humanity-first tech, Megha is dedicated to exploring how AI and XR can create more accessible, ethical, and impactful experiences for people worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
Catherine (Katy) Kavanaugh: Bio
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.
Athena Demos: Bio
Athena Demos is co-founder and CEO of Big Rock Creative (BRC), an award-winning XR experience company creating groundbreaking experiences for global clients. Big Rock Creative won the Producer’s Guild Award for Innovation, the Aurea Award for creativity, the No Proscenium award for Best VR experience of 2020, the Hermes’ Platinum Award, the Auggie Award for Best Societal Impact of 2022 and the Global LiveWire Creative Innovators of the Year for 22/23, Auggie for Best Indie Creator 2023, XR Women’s Trailblazer award, and most recently the Gold Telly for Best Branded Immersive Content and named in the Top 50 Business & Marketing Visionaries by Adello magazine.
With over 20 years of experience producing iconic events, like the LA Burning Man Decompression Arts and Music Celebration, as well as the Art of Change Inaugural Ball for President Obama in LA, she transitioned to the metaverse to produce BRCvr presents BurnerSphere. BurnerSphere is an official virtual Burning Man Experience whose scope is unprecedented in the VR space. Athena produced internationally recognized social impact projects such as Breonna’s Garden which premiered at SXSW 2022 and Pride has no borders which was a finalist in the VR Awards. She has developed a philosophical approach to guiding humanity to build a foundational fabric for creative collaboration in the metaverse. As a result, she has been quoted in leading books, articles, delivered key notes, and spoken at leading industry events and universities across the globe.
In August of 2022-25,, Athena and the BRCvr team went to Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert to film the community, art, event, and ethos in 360 and 180 3D formats to combine with the VR worlds and models they cultivated the past two years. Currently in post production, she plans to deliver a new format for storytelling that brings them all together into one participatory experience called BRCvr presents BurnerSphere.
She spent 8+ years as the PM of two time Academy Award-winning documentary film company, Moriah Films.
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.
Salvation Chigereoka: Bio
Salvation Chigereoka is a Product and Operations Manager known for driving startup growth, product development, and community-driven innovation across Web2 and Web3. She has launched and scaled user-centered products at Eachblock and coordinated operations for global initiatives like ETHAccra and The HUB. She is passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful impact and empower underserved communities.
Pam Howland: Bio
Pam Howland is a certified global speaker, best-selling author, and seasoned employment law attorney who helps business leaders stay out of the courtroom. With more than two decades of experience defending employers, HR leaders, and supervisors in high-stakes litigation, Pam knows firsthand how preventable issues can turn into costly lawsuits.
She launched the Law for Leaders training platform to close that gap, equipping audiences with the legal insights every leader needs to protect themselves and their business. She is also the author of the Amazon best-seller, Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits, a practical guide based on the issues she’s seen most often lead to claims.
Pam has spoken at prestigious events nationwide including the Human Resource Association of the Treasure Valley Annual Conference, CDO Leadership Conference, and the Idaho State SHRM Council 2025 Employment Law Conference. Her presentations deliver practical, actionable takeaways with memorable real-world examples.
As one business owner put it: “A few minutes of your time with Pam could help you avoid ever stepping foot into a courthouse.”
Marisa Zalabak: Bio
Marisa Zalabak is an AI ethicist, psychologist, and thought leader specializing in responsible AI, education, sustainability, and human well-being. Her talks emphasize adaptive leadership, ethical innovation, and climate action through sustainable practices. A two-time TEDx and international keynote speaker, Marisa has participated in global forums such as Stratcom, UN Summit of the Future, and AI House in Davos during the World Economic Forum.
As Co-Founder of GADES (Global Alliance for Digital Education and Sustainability), Resident Fellow with The Digital Economist Center of Excellence and faculty member at the Trocadéro Forum Institute, Marisa champions education aligning responsible technology with regenerative design for human and planetary flourishing. Chairing IEEE’s AI Ethics Education and Planet Positive 2030 initiatives, Marisa has co-authored ethical AI standards for human-wellbeing with AI technologies. Collaborating across sectors with organizations and institutions like Microsoft, AWS, nClouds, SAP, Columbia, MIT, and Stanford University, Marisa explores emerging challenges and opportunities in artificial intelligence for every generation to help shape a thriving future.
Chantelle Botha: Bio
Some people inspire. Chantelle ignites.
She’s a speaker, coach, and Identity Architect who helps people stop performing and start living—from the bedroom to the boardroom and everywhere in between.
Chantelle doesn’t do motivational fluff. She does truth. The kind that makes you squirm before it sets you free.
Her story is raw, real, and unapologetic. She’s built a life, and a movement, rooted in one non-negotiable: integrity. Not the corporate buzzword kind. The kind that asks, “What is the cost of compromising Who I Am”
As founder of Phoenix and author of Phoenix Rising, she’s built a global community of people who’ve chosen reinvention over resignation. Her work challenges the tired narratives we’ve been sold about confidence, leadership, and what it means to show up whole.
She’s straight-shooting, occasionally provocative, and delivers every kick in the ass with a truckload of love.
When she’s not on stage or in a coaching session, she’s chasing adventure across the globe. But no matter where she is, when Chantelle connects, she connects deep—the kind of deep that stays with you long after she’s gone.
Sequoia Blodgett: Bio
Sequoia Blodgett is a former venture-backed tech entrepreneur and award-winning music video and commercial director. She is the founder of Lexore Spark, a co-created commerce platform that helps emerging CPG brands collaborate with their audience to gain real-time feedback and only create what their customers actually want.
Kara Peterson: Bio
Kara Peterson is the co-founder of Descrybe, a Boston-based legal tech startup launched in July 2023. Descrybe leverages AI to democratize legal access, disrupting the legal research landscape by making powerful tools dramatically more affordable and accessible. Today, the platform serves more than 70,000 users each month. Kara leads Descrybe’s marketing and business development, driving product innovation, strategic partnerships, and national outreach.
She is also the co-founder and co-host of Building AI Boston, a widely recognized and fast-growing show that debuted in December 2024. Broadcast on radio stations across New England and reaching over 20,000 downloads per month on podcast platforms, the show features leading voices in AI and has become a trusted resource for making technology more accessible to all.
A seasoned marketing communications executive, Kara has dedicated her career to advancing social justice. She has held leadership roles at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health, and Suffolk University Law School. Kara is an active leader and volunteer across the AI ecosystem, particularly within legal tech, FemTech, and women-in-business communities. She previously served as Chair of the Communications Committee for the Justice Technology Association and is the inaugural co-chair of Boston University’s Questrom Women in Business Alumni Affinity Council. Kara also contributes to the all-volunteer AI Blueprint for Massachusetts initiative.
Kara is a frequent public speaker and published thought leader. Her leadership at Descrybe has earned multiple accolades, including a 2024 Anthem Award for Best Use of AI, a Webby Award nomination, and two American Legal Technology Awards for Startup of the Year and AI Innovation. She was named a “Woman of Legal Tech 2024” by the American Bar Association and, in 2024, was invited to serve as a judge for both the Webby and Anthem Awards as a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).
Kara earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and her MBA from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. She lives in Greater Boston with her husband, two human children, and two canine children.
Kee Jones: Bio
Kee Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of Black Girl Ai, the CoFounder of Including Us in Tech, and the Founder/CEO of RESET. At Black Girl Ai, she empower and inspire girls to become future leaders in the tech industry, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to excel in AI. Her passion lies in helping women and young girls learn all things tech-related, fueling their aspirations in the field. As CoFounder of Including Us in Tech, she further extends her mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. In her role as Founder/CEO of RESET, Kee helps women conquer and defeat trauma, combining her tech expertise with a deep commitment to emotional healing and empowerment.
Currently also serving in the healthcare industry, Kee Jones has accumulated an impressive 25 years of experience in various specialties. Her dedication to healthcare and her commitment to excellence are clear in her work.
Before transitioning into tech, Kee worked in education for 10 years, an experience that ignited her drive to establish Visions Academy—an online tutoring and enrichment program. Her commitment to education and learning remains unwavering especially when it involves using artificial intelligence ethically and responsibly.
A dedicated philanthropist, Kee’s commitment to serving others is evident in all her endeavors.
Nehal El Naggar: Bio
Dr. Nehal is a distinguished Business Professor and Dean of Student Affairs at the Royal University for Women, dedicated to empowering students and advancing women’s initiatives. With a strong background in strategic management and entrepreneurship, she mentors students to enhance their personal and professional development within an inclusive environment. As a respected consultant and trainer, Dr. Nehal inspires her students to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
Additionally, she serves as the Lead Researcher for the Bahrain National Team of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Recently, Dr. Nehal was honored as the MENA Award Winner at the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards. She also received the Woman of the Year Award in Education for 2024, recognizing her entrepreneurial efforts in supporting students and the ecosystem in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Prof. Veera Talukdar: Bio
Prof (Dr.) Veera (Pateria) Talukdar
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
linkedin.com/in/dr-veera-pateria-talukdar-26930b17/
Scopus ID: 26041100300 | Vidwan ID: 333133 | Google Scholar User: azy2nTkAAAAJ&hl ACM Professional Member – 2338244
Professional Summary Dynamic university administrator with extensive experience in strategic planning, NEP2020 implementation, and driving academic excellence. Proven leader in elevating institutional positioning through quality improvements, aligning with NAAC, NBA, and accreditation standards. Spearheaded cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, securing numerous publications and patents while fostering innovation. Expertly cultivated national and international partnerships, negotiating MOUs with universities and industries to enhance collaboration. Optimized administrative efficiency and elevated academic standards by effectively managing key departments.
● National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Present
Member Coordinator
Work Experience
● Brainware University – Kolkata July 2025 – Present
Professor & Pro Vice Chancellor
● Karnavati University – Gandhinagar September 2024 – July 2025
Professor & Controller of Examinations
● DY Patil International University – Pune June 2023 – June 2024
Professor & Director IQAC
● The Assam Kaziranga University – Jorhat October 2022 – May 2023
Professor & Registrar
● Shri Ram College of Commerce, Arts & Science – Mumbai June 2016 – September 2022
Professor & Principal
● M K College of Science, Arts and Commerce – Kalyan June 2014 – May 2016
Associate Professor & Vice Principal
● NSHM College of Management and Technology – Kolkata April 2008 – May 2014
Associate Professor
● Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management (IISWBM)May 2001 – March 2008 Assistant Professor
Professional Responsibilities
● Spearheaded timely, efficient, and progressive execution of academic, administrative, and financial tasks through comprehensive audits and a quarterly review system.
● Developed a strategic roadmap for high-quality academic and research programs by integrating NEP 2020 guidelines and adhering to the latest UGC standards.
● Implemented a continuous feedback mechanism engaging various stakeholders to enhance educational quality and outcomes.
● Optimized and incorporated modern teaching and learning methodologies to elevate instructional effectiveness.
● Strengthened the credibility of evaluation processes by integrating the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework within the university system.
● Ensured the adequacy, upkeep, and equitable allocation of services to meet stakeholder needs effectively.
● Facilitated the dissemination of research findings and fostered networking collaborations with institutions in India and globally.Organized Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) to sensitize faculty toward holistic development and professional growth.
● Contributed as a Board of Studies (BOS) and Academic Council member to initiate curriculum updates aligned with NEP 2020.
● Formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for committees, streamlining operations and documentation for accreditation and government compliance.
● Assembled a pool of seasoned industry experts to design an industry-aligned curriculum enhancing employability.
● Launched industry-academia collaborations, including engineering projects with Tata Motors and Anand Motors, to bridge skill gaps.
Education
University of Mumbai (2023)
LLB 76%
Jadavpur University (2013)
Ph. D NA
Jadavpur University (1996)
B.Ed. 59.8%
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh (1994)
M.Com 61.5%
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya-Jabalpur (1992)
M.Sc. 68%
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya-Jabalpur (1990)
B.SC 51.5%
Certification _
Marketing Management-I IIT Kanpur via NPTEL
Sales and Distribution Management IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Managerial Skills for Interpersonal Dynamics IIT Roorkee via NPTEL
Consumer Behaviour IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
E-Business IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Intellectual Property Rights and Competition Law IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Qualitative Research Methods and Research Writing IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Marketing Research and Analysis – II IIT Roorkee via NPTEL
Supply Chain Analytics IIT Roorkee via NPTEL
Introduction to Machine Learning IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Simulation of Business Systems – An Applied Approach IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
Building transformer Based NLP Applications Nvidia
Workshops
Name Organizing Institute
National Workshop on “Proteomics and Bioinformatics”
BOSE Institute
Quality Improvement Program (QIP) on Drug Delivery and Drug Targeting Research Department of Pharmacy, Jadavpur University
National Workshop on “Protein Folding
and Bioinformatics”
BOSE Institute
Workshop on National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Health Care
Quality Council of India, Kolkata
Seminar on Importance of NABH in Hospitals Quality Council of India & ACME, Kolkata
MHRD/AICTE Sponsored Summer School on
Bioinformatics (Staff Development Program) NIT Durgapur
Short-Term Course on Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology The NIIT Institute, New Delhi
6-Months Course on Genetic Pathologies Dept. of Biophysics, Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Calcutta
1-Year Course on C and C++ Programming LMIIT, Jodhpur Park Centre, Kolkata
6-Months Computer Basics Course NIIT, Hazar Road, Kolkata
Faculty Development Program on “Research Methods and Techniques”
Ramananda Arya DAV College
Online Learning Workshop for Faculty QASPIR (International Assessment Body)
Virtual Ten-Day FDP on Research Methodology Course MVN University + Shankar Narayan College+ ICSSR WRC
FDP on “Research Methodology & Survey Data Analysis” MVN University
FDP on “ICT Tools for Effective Teaching Learning” Kamala Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur
Generative AI for Text with Large Language Models IIIT Nagpur + IIITDM Jabalpur
Patents _
Application No.
Type
Country
Title of the Invention
202022100697 Utility Patent Germany Smart Hybrid Management System for Predicting E-Commerce User Churn Using Data Mining and Deep Learning
202211036577
Patent
India Blockchain-Based Commercial Inventory Management System and Method
202241048285
Patent
India Smart Management System for Online Technical Learning and Advanced Training Based on Information Literacy
407331-001 Design Patent India IoT Weather Reporting Device
433340-001 Design Patent India Intelligent Robot for Assisting Human Resource Department
443869-001 Design Patent India Smart Digital Watch
467081-001 Design Patent India Machine Learning Based Device for Enhancing Computer Network Safety
Technical and Language Skills
Category Details
Operating Systems Windows, Linux
Computer Skills MS Office Applications, Bioinformatics, Educational Technology Applications, Academic Auditing
Programming Languages
Python, R, C++, Java, SQL, HTML, CSS, PHP, Apex, Perl
Frameworks/Libraries TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, React.js, Node.js
Cloud Platforms AWS, Google Cloud Platform
Data Skills Data Analysis and Visualization (Power BI, Tableau), Academic Auditing
Language Skills -Fluent (Speak, Read, Write): English, Hindi
-Intermediate (Speak, Read): Bengali, Marathi
-Beginner: French (A1 Level)
Debbie O'Connell: Bio
Debbie is a dynamic, engaging, knowledgeable speaker and leadership advocate who makes a lasting positive impact. Her authentic, positive nature and high energy motivate the audience to strive to reach their full potential in all areas of their lives.
She challenges participants to take bold, courageous steps toward real change. Her leadership coaching builds camaraderie and helps accelerate success.
Debbie offers several unique programs designed to enhance motivation, execution, and performance. These programs utilize proven methods to help people develop a mindset focused on achieving goals.
Tobe Nneji Agbelusi: Bio
Tobe Nneji is a corporate speaker, leadership trainer, and senior program leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning media, consulting, and technology. She currently leads high-impact delivery programs at Amazon Web Services and serves as Director of Professional Development for BEN Nig, where she designs programs that support the professional and leadership growth of Nigerian immigrants in corporate America.
As the founder of ProjectYOU, Tobe develops frameworks that help individuals strengthen their voice, presence, and personal leadership — including Daily Agile, a human-centered growth model practiced in cohorts and workshops. Her work sits at the intersection of communication, identity, cultural intelligence, and faith. She speaks with warmth, depth, and lived experience — helping people lead with clarity, confidence, and humanity.
Luaskya Nonon: Bio
Luaskya C. Nonon, Esq., is a seasoned attorney, equity strategist, executive leadership coach, and author with over two decades of experience in employment and corporate transactional law. As the founder and CEO of Equity Principle Consulting, she partners with corporate leaders to mitigate workplace risks, redesign human and AI-powered systems, and build high-performing, people-first cultures.
Kristelle Siarza Moon: Bio
My name is Kristelle Siarza, and I am the owner of Siarza Social Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My vision has been to demystify the digital world for the incredible small businesses that form the heart and soul of our Southwestern community.
My journey has been shaped by my identity as a Filipino-American woman and my passion for advocating for New Mexico’s underserved communities. As the founder of a strategic communications firm, I’ve built a career on amplifying voices. This work led me to co-found the Asian Business Collaborative (ABC), a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) with a mission to support, empower, and advocate for Asian and Pacific-Islander (API)-owned businesses in New Mexico. We provide API-owned businesses with direct support, including financial consulting, language services, permitting assistance, and business advising.
As its Volunteer CEO, I commissioned and helped fund a comprehensive economic impact report on the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (APINH) business community in New Mexico. I would like to present the remarkable findings of this report at the conference. The data reveals wonderful successes yet also highlights concerning trends that demand attention.
Though the data is specific to New Mexico, its implications are significant and potentially impactful for the broader US APINH community. My goal is to spark a larger, ongoing conversation about how the metrics we discovered can be utilized to support APINH entrepreneurs nationwide.
Golden Johnson: Bio
She is recognized for her work at the intersection of GTM strategy, AI × human collaboration, and mindset frameworks, guiding early-stage and Series B founders to build credible, fundable, and future-proof businesses.
Her approach—anchored in clarity, confidence, and refinement—has helped founders across North America, Europe, and Africa turn raw ideas into scalable systems.
A published strategist and certified success and mindset coach, Golden J. Johnson has been featured in The Guardian, USA Wire, and Vanguard, and serves as a sought-after speaker on digital legacy, leadership psychology, and AI-powered growth.
Through House of Golde, she teaches entrepreneurs how to align vision with execution, build receipts that speak for themselves, and design systems that outlast trends.
Amy Yamada: Bio
Amy Yamada is a keynote speaker, Business Coach, and AI strategist who helps entrepreneurs use AI to deepen human connection, build authentic messaging, and create more mental and financial freedom. With over 24 years of experience, Amy blends personal growth, emotional intelligence, and business strategy to empower leaders to become the best version of themselves, while growing businesses they love.
Lynn Dowdell: Bio
Lynn Dowdell is a visionary leadership strategist, global speaker, and founder of The Dowdell Experience™, a leadership and client engagement consultancy built around her E.L.E.V.A.T.E.™ Framework. She empowers leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations to elevate every interaction through intentional engagement, high-touch branding, and people-centered strategies. A recipient of international recognition, including the Most Inspiring Visionary Leader Award in Dubai, Lynn’s work bridges community, corporate leadership, and global empowerment initiatives. She also serves as a mentor with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, guiding women entrepreneurs to achieve business milestones and lead with confidence.
Jebet Chepkoyo: Bio
I am a community development practitioner working at the intersection of peacebuilding, climate justice, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.
I have passionately coordinated grassroots initiatives and leading strategic partnerships and implemented impactful programs across Northern Kenya.
I have played roles in peace and reconciliation dialogues, working closely with women, elders, and youth from conflict-affected communities to promote healing, build trust, and promote nonviolent coexistence. My work in climate-responsive programming complements my peacebuilding efforts by addressing resource-based tensions and advocating for sustainable, community-led solutions.
Additionally, I am a strong advocate for digital inclusion and has collaborated with organizations such as Ajira Digital to train over 500 youth in Baringo and Isiolo through hands-on programs that teach digital literacy.
I am also deeply passionate about virtual reality (VR) and its potential to tell immersive stories that drive empathy and social change. I envisions using VR to elevate underrepresented voices and spotlight the lived realities of marginalized communities across Kenya and beyond.
Nolwenn Germain: Bio
Her work spans the pillars of Innovation and Marketing— Strategy, Project, and Operations—while fostering Change Management and enhancing organizational efficiency, including sales performance.
Beyond strategy, she designs and implements serious games, both digital and physical, to address market needs innovatively. As part of ARCEP’s Scientific Committee, she contribute to exploring the future of networks, and her advocacy with UNESCO on the behalf od BPWI focuses on empowering women and girls in science, education, and economic independence. (#STEAM sector)
Stephanie Sylvestre: Bio
Stephanie Sylvestre: Transformational Leader, Innovator, and Champion for Black Excellence
Stephanie Sylvestre is a powerhouse transformational leader whose career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to elevating communities, advancing equity, and leveraging technology for social good. As the co-founder of Avatar Buddy, an AI solution that uses generative AI to help people become the best version of themselves, Stephanie is at the forefront of democratizing access to personal and professional development—especially for marginalized communities.
A 2022 fellow of Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative, Stephanie designed an asset-based framework for Black wealth creation in Miami-Dade County, focusing on access, income diversification, and courageous conversations. Her approach blends social-emotional wellness with practical strategies, empowering individuals to rewrite their narratives and unlock generational wealth.
Stephanie’s impact spans both public and private sectors. As Chief Programs Officer and Chief Information Officer at The Children’s Trust, she managed a $184 million portfolio, transforming fragmented agencies into a high-performing partnership that delivered measurable results for children and families. Her visionary leadership in IT modernization earned her the South Florida Business Journal’s CIO of the Year award and enabled a seamless transition to remote work during the pandemic.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Stephanie co-launched the “Vote The Future” initiative, mobilizing thousands of new voters in Miami-Dade. She has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the Aqua Foundation, and was honored with “Stephanie Sylvestre Day” by Miami-Dade County.
Stephanie holds degrees from the University of Southern California, the University of Miami, and Harvard University. Her legacy is one of innovation, inclusion, and impact—building bridges, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of Black professionals to lead with brilliance and purpose.
Quiana Bradshaw: Bio
Born and Raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I have a vast love for technology! Dr. Bradshaw has worked in higher education for 17 ½ years and previously before that in IT as a help desk and technical support agent and telecommunications. I am married with 3 wonderful children! The love of Technology happened when my father took me to see the original Tron movie (1982). I received my Doctor of Computer Science with a concentration in emerging media in September 2013 and was noted for making a significant contribution to the field. Serves a (SIIA) Software & Industry Information Association Codie Judge since 2016 to present & Serious Play Conference 2018 International Serious Play Awards Game Judge. My current research focuses on how applicable games are to education and how they can help curriculum designers create engaging curriculum for instructional technology. My goal is to create new emerging technologies and expand the STEM learning/distance education environment. I have various research interests in data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, metaverse, virtual world environments, video game development, games-based learning, game-based learning, machine learning, data analytics, human-computer interaction, information security, and educational technologies.
Linda Porter: Bio
Professional Biography
Linda L. Porter
Linda L. Porter currently serves as the Assistant Director of Assessment at Tennessee State University, where she develops and refines comprehensive assessment plans and strategies. She is instrumental in designing and implementing data collection processes, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations. Linda employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze assessment data accurately, providing valuable insights that drive decision-making and continuous improvement efforts within the university.
Linda’s responsibilities also extend to preparing detailed assessment reports and presentations, effectively communicating findings to stakeholders. She provides guidance, resources, and training to faculty, staff, and administrators involved in assessment activities, fostering a culture of assessment and accountability within the organization. Her contributions to program review processes and accreditation efforts have been pivotal, ensuring compliance with standards and promoting evidence-based practices.
Academic Background
Linda L. Porter is a seasoned professional with a robust background in educational assessment, administration, and leadership. With over two decades of experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology Christian Studies and a Master of Science in Leadership and Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Linda is currently pursuing a PhD in General Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health at Grand Canyon University.
Professional Experience
Prior to her tenure at Tennessee State University, Linda served as Director of Imperial Child Development, where she managed staff, handled payroll and data entry, and ensured compliance with state regulations. Her leadership and problem-solving skills were evident as she trained staff to achieve productivity and professional development goals. Linda managed complex travel arrangements, organized workshops and conferences, and created efficient administrative systems. Her ability to train and mentor administrative staff has had a lasting impact on organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Linda also studies as an AI Consultant Student with Alicia Lyttle and is an AI Superuser with Tennessee State University. She serves as Treasurer for the Hadley Park Line Dancers and is a former board member and founder (Treasurer) of the Nashville Panthers Little League Football team.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Linda is actively involved in her community. She founded and built an accredited travel agency, iTravel Global Too Inc., ghostwrote several books, and authored two books of her own: Peeling of a Peach and The Road to Positioning. Linda’s diverse professional and personal experiences demonstrate her commitment to excellence, youth development, and community building.
PhD Student
Linda is currently a PhD student at Grand Canyon University, specializing in General Psychology with a focus on Mental Health. Her professional journey reflects her unwavering dedication to improving educational practices and fostering positive outcomes, making her an asset to any organization.
Lorraine Jenks: Bio
BIOGRAPHY
Lorraine Jenks
Global TEDx Speaker | African Climate Reality Leader |Multiple Award-Winner
The Fundamental Principles of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Sustainability, Circularity, Regeneration, Net Zero and ESG.
Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Guide
All Industry Sectors
Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Hospitality
Ethical Food and Regenerative Agriculture| Motivational Change Agent
Speaking website (due for update): www.lorrainejenks.com
Directories (non-profit): www.hotelstuff.co.za and www.greenstuff.co.za
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainejenks/
Change agent, tireless activist, thought leader and multiple award winner, Lorraine Jenks has followed climate change, responsible lifestyle, sustainability, environmental, ESG (before it had a name!) and greening trends for 50 years.
Her experience in sustainability began during her gap years in California in the 70s, working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before returning to South Africa to serve for 15 years as Contracts and Procurement Manager for the 82 hotels in Africa’s largest hotel chain.
Now with 30 years in hospitality and her remarkably wide and varied travel history before that, Lorraine has a deep understanding of challenges related to environmental issues, impacts and adaptations on climate change, the devastation of ecosystems and social injustices.
Her brainchild and business, Hotelstuff (an online directory of products and services for all sectors), was born in 2001 and was followed in 2009 by its sister, Greenstuff, a database of only eco-friendly products. (Not a selling portal; just a free directory). Lorraine and Greenstuff stood at the forefront of the green wave in South Africa, breaking new ground in many quarters.
She has been honoured with 25 awards to date.
EXPERTISE and SPEAKING TOPICS
• Climate Change and Ecocide for all private and public sectors – mitigate, prepare and how to adapt.
• Fundamental Principles of Climate, Greening, Sustainability, Circularity, Regeneration, Net Zero, ESG and AI.
• Green, Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Management
• ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and Net Zero– essential values. Why, what, how.
• Responsible Tourism and Green Hospitality – Economic, Social, Environmental, Circular, Regenerative
• Green and Sustainable Interior Design & Décor
• ESG: Risk impacts on Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing… or any industry
• Ethical Food and Regenerative Agriculture
• Self-sufficiency and off-the-grid living for underprivileged youth – “Victim of Circumstance or Master of Your Destiny”.
• Gurus have Guts (TEDx)
EDUCATION
• Pretoria High School for Girls
• Wits Teachers’ Training College – HDipEd
• Montessori Education – two diplomas – American Montessori Association
• Purchasing and Supply Chain Management – CIPS
• International Purchasing Management – CIPS
• African Climate Reality Leader – Personal training with former US Vice President, Al Gore
• Eco Labelling – UNEP (UN Environmental Programme Course)
• Carbon Auditing, Sequestration and Certification – Training with Green Leaf
• Green Interiors Design and Decor – Green Building Council South Africa
• Green Homes – Training with Green Building Council South Africa
• NCPC (National Cleaner Production Centre) – via UNEP (UN Environmental Programme)
GENERAL WORK EXPERIENCE
• St Albans College of Further Education – (lecturer), Hertfordshire, England
• Department of Sociology (researching escape routes for slaves from the US prior to abolition) Windsor, Ontario, Canada
• Deloitte, Haskens, Plender & Sells, Los Angeles, USA – Personal Assistant
• Systems, Science and Software, (research assistant under EPA – Environmental Protection Agency) San Diego, California, USA
• Montessori Primary School, RSA funded by Anglo Chairman’s Fund. Founder member and General Manager. First multiracial school in South Africa.
• Lindsay Smithers Advertising
• Ernest Christie, TV Documentary Studio
• Al Venter, Author and Photojournalist
• Southern Sun Hotel Group (now Tsogo Sun) – Contracts and Purchasing Manager – 15 years.
• Hotelstuff and Greenstuff online directories (Founder) 25 years
• Global TEDx Speaker, consultant, writer, trainer, eco-exhibition builder, change agent. 25 years.
WORK EXPERIENCE RELATED TO SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTISE
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
My grounding in Environmental Challenges was in California where I worked with environmentalists, Systems,
Science and Software, when the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was being developed, in the early 1970s
PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
As Contracts and Procurement Manager for the Southern (Tsogo) Sun Hotel Group’s 82 hotels, I completed both the Purchasing and Supply Chain Diploma and the International Purchasing Diplomas.
In addition to managing the Group’s Purchasing Manual, I was responsible for contract tendering and the selection of preferred suppliers for Operating Equipment, Furniture and Fittings, Food and Beverage, Maintenance and Services, Housekeeping and Capital Equipment.
During these 15 years, I tried to implement “greener” procurement practices before going on my own.
CLEAN PRODUCTION CERTIFICATION
I subsequently completed the training at the CSIR for the NCPC (National Cleaner Production Centre), with UNEP (UN Environmental Programme). Sustainable and clean factory and manufacturing standards: Carbon auditing, energy, water, waste and procurement.
ECO LABELLING – UNEP
I completed the training for the United Nations Environmental Programme’s Eco Labelling course. Studied detailed LCA (Lifecycle Analysis) assessment tools – global standards and criteria for environmentally friendly, green, ethical and sustainable products.
AFRICAN CLIMATE REALITY LEADER
I was invited to attend the Climate Reality Programme with ex US Vice President, Mr Al Gore, and am now an accredited “Leader” for the Climate Leadership Corps. Mr Gore presented the latest research, opinions, adaptation, prevention and solutions to the critical conditions the planet and its people are facing. I have the latest statistics from Mr Gore, have researched these in an African context and speak professionally on the effects of climate change on tourism, hospitality, the private sector, business – with advice on how to mitigate, prepare and especially. adapt using opinions and experiences of those on the ground in Africa.
SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL FOOD
A member of Slow Food International and a committee member of the Johannesburg branch. I was invited to attend the Slow Food International convention in China and The Terra Madre Salon del Gusto festival in Italy. With my team, I organise events, presentations, conferences and education about good, clean and fair food. Aside from protection of biodiversity, promotion of organic practices, regenerative agriculture and protection of indigenous, heritage foods, a major focus is the “10,000 Gardens in Africa” project – a United Nations initiative. SF has a million supporters in 160 countries.
COP26 -SCOTLAND
I was invited by the UNFCCC to attend COP26 in Scotland. I attended as many events as I could manage, participated in interactive sessions, and was privileged to be given a seat in Al Gore’s presentation.
AWARDS and HONOURS
Aside from general awards for her work, to prove that it is possible and easy to build, equip and furnish an entire luxury hotel, office or home with only eco or “greener” products and services (everything you use every day).
With the help of her Hotelstuff/Greenstuff team, Lorraine built and furnished 100 m2 versions of an hotel and a home at the major industry related trade and home decor shows/exhibitions, Hostex, Decorex, BBC Lifestyle Grand Designs, Inspire Design & Decor Show and the new Hotel Show Africa. Up to 120 companies were invited to sponsor or display their products to build and furnish each of the structures. These won top awards.
The rest of the awards are for Lorraine’s on-going activism and speaking engagements.
EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME 2025 – Professional Speakers Association South Africa (PSASA)
MOST CLIENT-FOCUSED HOTEL INDUSTRY SUPPLIER 2023 – South Africa
HOSPITALITY EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – Corporate Livewire Award – 2023
ONE HUNDRED MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN AFRICA’S TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY – Int’l Hospitality Institute 2022
100 TOP SUPPLY CHAIN WOMEN IN Africa – Sinkpoint (IWASA) – 2021
AMERICAN ASSN OF ENERGY ENGINEERS USA – Energy Innovator of the Year – Sub-Saharan Africa Region – 2020
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Woman of Stature – 2020
AFRICA WOMAN LEADER AWARD – Environment 2019
CAPE TOWN EXPERIENCES MAGAZINE AWARDS – Greenest Business 2019
HOTEL SHOW AFRICA – Enviropoedia Gold Award 2017
EXSA – GREENEST EXHIBITION STAND – 2015
WOMEN IN QUALITY – Environmental Quality Award 2015
MEETINGS AFRICA – Top Forty Women in MICE Industry 2014
INSPIRE DESIGN & DECOR EXPO – Bronze Award for fully furnished Greenstuff Eco Guest Suite Project. 2014.
ESKOM – ETA AWARD 2013 – Special Award Winner for creating Energy Efficiency Awareness throughout South Africa.
SA ENERGY EFFICIENCY -(SAEE) – Energy Patron of the Year 2013, Runner up against PnP.
ENVIROPOEDIA ECOLOGIC AWARDS – Eco Warrior
2013 Certificate of Recommendation for workshops, website, articles, exhibitions.
2014 Certificate of Merit.
2015 Certificate of Merit.
2017 Eco Warrior Gold Award
2019 Certificate of Merit
IMVELO RESPONSIBLE TOURISM – FEDHASA Chairman’s Award 2011
HOSTEX 2010 for fully furnished green 80 m2 mock hotel exhibit
EXSA – GREENEST LARGE INDOOR PAVILION
EXCELLENCE AWARD – Decorex Cape Town 2010 our initial Green Home
BEST STAND AT SHOW – Decorex Johannesburg 2010 against 700 other exhibitors for 100 m2. Green Lifestyle Home.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Lorraine has presented at scores of conferences, workshops, and seminars in South Africa and internationally.
So-Ja Soybean Celebration – Pretoria Protein Traders – Keynote
SASDC (SA Supplier Diversity Council) – Sustainable Supply Chain
SAATCA (SA Auditor & Training – Fundamental Principles
USBI (Unique Speaker Bureau Int’l) Kenya Showreel
Metair for BDO Audit and Assurance – ESG workshop
18th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba – ESG keynote
Sustainability Summit – Tech Solutions – Panel Moderation
Insight Waste Summit – keynote
Woman of Stature Dream Bigger Summit
Smart Procurement World Sustainable Procurement Day
Unique Speakers Bureau International – 5 Star Showcase
ABSA Bank – Real Estate Industry, Private Property
Eswatini Tourism Association. Climate and Sustainable Tourism
Africa Aviation Sustainability Conference
Organic and Natural Expo. Keynote.
ABTA. African Business Tourism Roundtable pitch.
Smart Procurement World Indaba. Training workshop
Decorex: Sustainable Interior design and décor keynote
Masterclass ESG Training, two keynotes
Chartered Institute of Logistics. MC and keynote.
Residential Investment Development Conf. Interiors.
Deloitte Africa Summit. Breakaway five-hour workshop.
Hotel Show Africa, Exhibit and keynote. Sandton Convention Centre
AfriArena ESG for Startups. Keynote.
Global State of Banking. Masterclass Training. ESG Risk. Keynote.
GIB Africa Alliance Insurance Conference. Keynote.
Manufacturing Indaba, Sustainability & ESG
Hotel and Hospitality Show. Eco hotel exhibit and keynote.
PSA Women’s’ Summit AFGANISTAN
Sustainable Supply Chain Forum, keynote. AZERBAIJAN
Rotary, Wall Street, NEW YORK
Les Roches International Hotel Academy SWITZERLAND
Africa Trade Summit
Ethical Culture Society BROOKLYN NEW YORK
Ethical Culture NEW JERSEY, USA
Rotary Wall Street, NEW YORK
Organic and Natural Virtual
Smart Procurement Africa Panel
WTM World Travel Market Africa
TEDx Climate Countdown Cape Town CIPS Chartered Inst. Purchasing & Supply, Virtual keynote, DUBAI
Kamrul Hasam, Graduates Summit, Virtual Keynote, BANGLADESH
WTM World Travel Market Africa. Virtual Keynote
Organic & Natural Expo. Virtual Trade Show & Conference
CMO Asia. Climate and CSR, Mumbai, INDIA
AEE American Assn. of Energy Engineers Award. Virtual thanks, USA
Tourism Summit, Climate, ZAMBIA
Chanel Fashion House Global Seminar, Purchasing, SINGAPORE
EXXARO Mining Group. Annual Convention
Event Greening Forum – Climate Masterclass, Cradle of Humankind
Sustainable Travel and Tourism, Mombasa, KENYA
GBCSA Green Building Council Convention
SAOTA Architecture and Design
CGCSA Consumer Goods Council Summit
2nd Green Tourism Summit, Nairobi, KENYA
World Travel Market
Slow Food Festival, Food Security, Beijing, CHINA
IDE Hotelier Summit
Woman of Stature Intl. Lifetime Achievement Award
SAPICS Annual Convention 2017. Sustainable Supply Chain
PEWA Power Energy World Africa
MICE Industry. Lifetime Achievement Award – thanks
BBC Lifestyle/DSTV Grand Designs. Exhibition and keynote
SA Institute of Chartered Accountants Showcase
HTA School of Culinary Arts. Regenerative Agriculture
TEDx Littleton. Green Gurus have Guts
Prue Leith Chefs Academy. Organic Food Academic Experiment
Free State Green Summit. Chamber of Commerce
African Hotel Investment Summit, GHANA
Eskom: Energy Efficiency, IDM Roadshow. 15 workshops
WiseHub Int’l Summit. Global Educators
Fierra Milano. Ethical food
Sustainability Week, CSIR. Responsible Tourism
Women in Quality Assurance
Regional Tourism Organisation of SA
Pan African Waste Convention
International Tourism Indaba workshop (6 years)
SPEAKING and CONSULTING FEES – negotiable
• Master Class/ Training – R50,000 – R70,000 ($2,500- $3,500)
• Keynote/ Workshop – R35,000 ($2,000)
• Master of Ceremonies – R35,000 ($2,000)
• Guest Speaker (e.g., Social Club) – R10,000 ($500)
• Tertiary Education Lecture – R8,000 ($400)
• Consulting per hour – R2,000 ($100)
• Trade exchange option
ORGANIC, ETHNIC FOOD EXPERIMENT
Lorraine ran the first such conference in South Africa: a professional, academic double-blind experiment to compare organic and industrial foods. Eight speakers on food topics, 100 executive chefs, caterers and food professionals. Identical meals were prepared by Prue Leith Chefs Academy at a sit-down lunch. One table with free rage beef roast and organic veg. The other with supermarket beef and veg. The chefs formally guessed and judged differences in taste – and most importantly – an analysis of the differences in cost surprised us.
TOURISM EXPERIENCE
For her talks on Responsible Tourism and Green Hospitality, her passion for travel (53 countries), stands Lorraine in the unique position to have real points of reference and benchmarks of the full range of good and bad tourism and changes in international food trends. She is especially attracted to remote and unspoiled regions in her personal capacity, but also high-end destinations through her work.
LIVED AND WORKED IN
England for 4 years
Canada for 2 years
United States for 5 years
South Africa for the rest
COUNTRIES VISITED
Overland and Backpackers
Tibet from Kathmandu overland to Lhasa
Amazon from Iquitos by dugout to remote tribe in Peru
Alaska from Kodiak by float plane to an uninhabited island
Fly, train, bus or self-drive
All of West Europe
All of the United Kingdom
Azerbaijan
East Africa by train from Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam
Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya
West Africa: Ghana for keynote to Hotel Investment Convention
North Africa: Egypt and Morocco
Seychelles
Singapore
America: 32 States
Canada: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon
South America: Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina
Australia
India, Nepal, Tibet
China, Hong Kong, Mongolia
ASSOCIATIONS
As testimony to her philosophy of compassion, awareness and commitment to positive change, Lorraine has over the years been affiliated to – or involved with – groups ranging from National Organisation of Women USA (founder member – women’s liberation and feminism in the 70s), anti-Apartheid groups, then the ANC, IFP, DA, Slow Food International Movement , Rotary, Event Greening Forum, Professional Speakers Assn., Virtual Speakers Int’l., Greenpeace, Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, Circular Economy, African Climate Reality and many more.
ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Over and above this work, Lorraine – with the support of her indomitable team – manages her non-profit online directories, like “yellow pages” registers.
1. Hotelstuff which lists everything you use in a hotel, but now used by every industry sector: private, public, hospitals, government, architects, designers, retail, etc.
2. Greenstuff which lists only eco-friendly products and services from Hotelstuff.
Used by up to 33,000 buyers a month
No commission or fees charged on connections
Launched 24 years ago
27,000 opted-in subscribers and followers
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECOCIDE
Climate change is in the news just about every day. Lorraine has a new presentation based on the latest statistics and opinions from top international climate scientists, her training with Sen. Al Gore and his latest material, and based on research she has personally carried out on “The Impact of Climate Change on Africa”.
This work was done for keynotes to tourism and hospitality specialists in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria but applies to all sectors around the world.
It isn’t only about mitigation now. It is not only about reaching Net Zero. It is, urgently, about how to prepare and adapt.
People are confused and afraid.
Lorraine offers tips and advice for people and companies and leaves her audience feeling in control of an uncertain future. It is the culmination of 50 years as an activist and observer. It is not possible to talk about climate without addressing the damage to our ecosystems, what is causing this and how to stop the destruction.
SUSTAINABLE, CIRCULAR, REGENERATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, Net Zero and ESG
Lorraine has practiced these principals for 35 years, and now they have a name! Thanks to the pandemic there has been a phenomenal increase in understanding and action in this discipline. Lorraine offers workshops and master classes on the “Fundamental Principles of Climate, Sustainability and ESG”.
She presents a pragmatic overview without jargon and “geek speak” which encourages and details why and how to achieve better practices in energy, water and waste management, identify “products of concern”, ecocide and social injustices. She presents practical tips and techniques, net zero considerations and greenwashing warnings for the full value chain and lifecycle of products and services of all stakeholders to meet increasing demands for audits to measure, improve and report on Environmental, Social and Governance standards.
INTERIOR DESIGN AND DÉCOR
Here too, there is a remarkable spike in interest and action. Whereas green building practices are well entrenched, interiors were often neglected. This is Lorraine’s area of experience and expertise. To illustrate the increased interest, she recently participated in a global workshop for architects and designers that attracted 14,000 participants! When invited to be interviewed that evening, 7,000 delegates listened online.
SPEAKING
On the speaking circuit, Lorraine is known for her fresh, engaging signature style and impactful delivery, laced with well-placed humour. Her environmental messages are hard hitting yet practical. Speaking engagements can be tailored as short presentations and workshops to full day master classes for groups of all sizes from all industry sectors.
CONSULTING AND EDUCATION
Thanks to her Montessori training, Lorraine understands the effectiveness of seeing, touching and experiencing instead of chalk and talk. Interactive workshops. No jargon. No “geek speak”. Practical examples like her incredible eco homes and hotels built and furnished throughout with only eco-friendly items at major exhibitions. For consulting, a presentation on the basic principles of sustainability and/or a virtual or in-person walk-about through your property to identify best choices for all items.
ARTICLES, RADIO, TV AND BOOK
Lorraine has written articles for Financial Mail (series of 12), Engineering News, Simply Green, Hotel and Restaurant,
Hospitality Magazine, Life in Balance, Butler, Tourism Tattler, Decor Magazine, Decorex Magazine, Environment Magazine, Business Travel, Green Times, Imvelo Magazine, Engineering News, Grand Designs BBC Lifestyle and featured in many others.
She has been interviewed by SABC, 702 and Cape Talk with local and BBC TV coverage of exhibition green living projects. She was invited to write the Sustainable Procurement module for the Department of Tourism’s Responsible Tourism Manual and is expanding the module into a book applicable to all sectors.
JUDGING
For two years Lorraine was Chief Judge for the South African Tourism Lilizela Awards, for the Greenest Accommodation category in the country.
WOMENS’ ENTREPRENEURIAL ROLE MODEL
Sustainability aside, Lorraine has evolved as a role model for professional women, an example that a career-minded woman in her 60s and 70s has as much, if not more, guts and gumption as any professional 40-something. Her personality and inspiring personal journey as a mother, wife and career woman engenders inspiration in those seeking to build their own personal brand based on an inherent passion or belief.
TESTIMONIALS
On behalf of Private Property, ABSA Bank and the organizing team of the Real Estate Industry Summit, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your valuable contribution to the summit held on November 17, 2023, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Your presentation on Thursday at the launch event hosted by ABSA was a highlight of the event along with the panel discussion you were a part of hosted by Zintle. The depth of insight and expertise you shared has not only enriched the experience of our 1500 attendees but also significantly contributed to the overall success of the summit. We have received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many participants specifically applauding the quality and relevance of the content presented. The real estate industry, as you know, is rapidly evolving, and your perspective provided a much-needed lens through which we could view the future of this vibrant sector. Your thoughts “around the fact that our children are watching us” were particularly thought-provoking and have sparked ongoing discussions among our attendees. Theo Mseka. CEO. Private Property at ABSA BANK
Folks, this lady is one cracker of a speaker with a very important message, expertly delivered. Do yourself a favour and go and see her. PAUL du TOIT – PSASA Professional Speaker, CPS
“The Little Green Queen” An absolute GEM – Thank you, Lorraine, for the powerful delivery of a crisp message that cut through all the fluff to the crux of matters. It was amazing to see how, without any prior discussion, your presentation at the final gala dinner drew together all the key messages shared by the other keynote speakers! This really made me smile – a perfect ending to a fantastic conference! Gwen Gosney. VP, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority. LaRSSA (LAND REHABILITATION SOC. OF SA)[
I had the pleasure and privilege of sitting in on Lorraine’s talk last Thursday morning, and what and insightful morning it was.
Lorraine, you are one of the most remarkable women I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I came away feeling inspired to continue my learning on Sustainable Procurement, and how I can help! Thank you for an amazing morning.
Karen Bydawell. Procurement specialist. Delegate at my DELOITTE SUSTAINABILITY TRAINING WORKSHOP
I remember the time spent with you during the Supply Chain Forum and during walking in Baku. You inspired many people for your speech and motivation. It is really amazing. It is grateful that we recognized you. Thank you.
Karimov Parviz. SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM, BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Thanks for a great MC job, Lorraine. Andries Rossouw. Director. PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS INC.
That was breathtaking. Seriously. Absolutely inspiring just to see your work and your quest to leave a better planet behind. A well-presented piece, even in the short time you had.
Paul McCannon. CEO. UNIQUE SPEAKERS BUREAU INTERNATIONAL
Your intimate knowledge on the topic “The what, why and how of going Green” set a solid foundation for the event! MAKING
MANGAUNG THE GREEN CAPITAL OF SOUTH AFRICA PETER METCALFE (Chairman) The Foundation for The Development Of
Africa
As a fellow professional speaker my expectations are generally high — Lorraine exceeded mine. Lorraine not only shares her insightful wisdom with finesse and professionalism, she does so with brilliant humour keeping you engaged and attentive. CELYNN ERASMUS, Professional Speaker, Author, Passionate Foodie
Lorraine speaks with knowledge, integrity and authority on her subjects. But that’s not what makes her captivate her audience – she is clear, practical and has a terrific sense of humour. But more importantly… watch this lady… she will leave a legacy!
JONI PEDDIE -CEO, BizCom. PSASA Professional Speaker
Lorraine’s presentation was one of the most popular of the entire regional conference programme. They say that dynamite comes in small packages and they are right. Lorraine is dynamite. Her frank, factual and direct presentation on Sustainable and Green Procurement was both interesting and enjoyable and was highly rated by the attendees. Lorraine changed some of my paradigms and I encourage you, if you have to opportunity to hear what she has to say. MUNGO PARK, President, SAPICS , SA Supply Chain Professionals
This is the keynote I will remember. The one I will think about late at night. This was the best at the summit – factual, entertaining and inspirational. EXXARO Mining Sustainability Summit
Your unique style of presenting definitely woke up the audience and made them aware of the necessity of ecological and responsible procurement in the hospitality sector in Africa. The humour and pictures during the presentation were a fresh breeze during the heavy loaded conference without missing their goal: Many delegates rated your presentation amongst the highest regarding new insights and useful information. BARBARA CORNELISSEN, Conference Manager Africa, Lnoppen Bvba, Belgium. AFRICA HOTEL SUMMIT, GHANA
I still have the images in my head. What a great presentation, engaging, thought provoking and dare I say a wake up call! A perfect balance between relevant and actually crucial information for us to sit up and listen. It is inspiring to hear someone speak with so much passion and conviction about a topic that is so important. The case studies used presented the information in a very digestible and relatable fashion. RUDI VAN DER VYVER, Chief Executive Officer – SAACI CONGRESS(SA Association for the Conference Industry)
It was great to see such passion and such thorough belief in every element that encompasses sustainability. I think for many of the staff you brought issues to their attention that they have never thought of. I had renewed energy after leaving your talk, to hit my books and study! ROXANNE NORMAN, Customer Relations Executive, HOTEL VERDE.
Lorraine I loved your presentation. In an age of pussy footing around with careful language choices and being very careful not to point fingers you, my friend, are a straight-talking finger pointer! Your use of pictures to illustrate your point and letting the audience grasp the meaning of the picture while your soft voice penetrates like a stiletto and pricks them in their comfort zone! Irreverent, to the point, polished and fun. I wish we could bottle you and send you to all the meetings where our ‘greenies’ are sitting on their laurels and add some thorns to those comfy seats! Gordon Ayres, Agama BiogasPro, HOTELIER SUMMIT IDE
Lorraine’s delivery was so engaging that I lost all track of time. By any measure she is a very effective speaker and sustainability “educator”. I found her personal experiences and views regarding fast-tracked decay in a modern world extremely informative and my eyes will never be closed again. CARLA LYON LLB, Provincia
Kerry Siggins: Bio
Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, a 9-figure, employee-owned manufacturing and technology company based in Colorado. In 2023, Kerry was named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and Colorado’s CEO of the Year. StoneAge is recognized as a top company to work for by Outside Magazine and Inc. Magazine. She is a dynamic, sought after speaker who presents worldwide at corporations, universities, and conferences. Kerry hosts Reflect Forward, a popular leadership podcast, and is an author, blogger, and contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur. Her blog is visited by thousands of readers each month, and she released her first book, The Ownership Mindset.
Carmen Milagro: Bio
Carmen Milagro is a dynamic speaker and multi-faceted “entrepren-artist” dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations worldwide. With her engaging storytelling, insightful expertise and infectious energy, Carmen leaves audiences inspired and poised to act.
As the Visionary, Founder & Chair of the DIVINA WORLD Foundation’s Indigenous & World Music Hall of Fame Project, Carmen champions InterGenerational and MultiCultural connections, fostering cultural preservation as a necessity for the present and the future and drawing upon the past for growth, resilience and an international community in the Metaverse.
As a life coach who empowers and motivates she is passionate about supporting youth as well as women over 50, offering a unique blend of wisdom and experience. As the host of her livestream Wellness 360 with Carmen Milagro series, now in its 4th season on expandiTV, she approaches health and wellness from a holistic, 360-degree perspective.
Whitney Hart: Bio
Whitney Hart is a strategist at the intersection of innovation and humanity. As Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z, she leads transformative initiatives that elevate both revenue and reputation for mission-driven organizations. Her approach fuses AI, blockchain, and finance into communications frameworks that prioritize accessibility, ethical innovation, and long-term societal impact.
With a career spanning Web2 and Web3, Whitney has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and global institutions through complex digital transformations. She was Executive Director of Feral File, where she helped democratize access to software art and forge partnerships between artists and institutions. As Interim Chief Marketing Officer of Trilitech, she championed the responsible expansion of the Tezos blockchain ecosystem, centering community engagement and cultural relevance.
Whitney’s work reflects a deep respect for the intersection of culture, technology, and communication. From reshaping public perception in times of crisis to building systems of trust in decentralized platforms, she blends strategic foresight with a human-centered mindset. Her clients, ranging from financial leaders like Easterly to culture-defining platforms like FashionNova, share a commitment to innovation that empowers people.
She also contributes her time as an advisor to the Blaffer Art Museum, Feral File, and Rhizome, supporting initiatives that amplify creative and inclusive voices. Whitney is passionate about creating ethical frameworks for digital engagement, where influence is measured in reach, responsibility, transparency, and positive impact.
Sybil Stewart: Bio
Sybil Stewart is a Fractional Chief Strategy Officer and Brand Architect who builds sustainable, profitable brands rooted in ethics and cultural impact. As host of Experience the EDGE with Sybil radio show, she curates conversations at the intersection of sustainability, fashion, and innovation. Her passion is helping founders and organizations align their values with visibility, scale, and long-term growth. With a background spanning global expansion, nonprofit leadership, and post-merger culture alignment, Sybil is known for translating complex challenges into clear strategies that drive both profit and purpose.
Anne Phey: Bio
Anne’s high performance in consistently achieving global ranking in sales and marketing, and organization-wide collaboration won her a Role Model award and was the only Asia Pacific leader enrolled to Harvard Business School for leadership development. Known for cracking the most challenging issues and working with difficult bosses, Anne learnt coaching and was able to transform many leaders including herself from Boss from Hell to Boss from Heaven.
Wanting to create that ripple effect, Anne now speaks about leadership and communications, trains and certifies coaches for the International Coaching Federation. Her forte is to work with leaders to understand change to transform the business and the teams, and to master the art of communications.
Anne is an award-winning global speaker, Amazon #1 Author and Trainer. She has held C-Suite positions as Chief Learning Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Industry Solutions Sales Director roles across international & home-grown agencies, MNCs and start-ups across B2B and B2C industries, notably IBM and MTV Asia.
She has received over 50 awards for best practices in strategic and creative business and digital transformation with multiplier business impact. These include Asian Woman Leader 2023, Global #2 Coach 2021-2022, World Most Influential Marketing Leader, LinkedIn #2 Social Seller, Global Think Award and more.
A popular speaker, Anne has been featured in over 60 media. She is a popular Adjunct Fellow and coach at several to universities.
Anne has written for CEO Magazine and Forbes Council. She has co-authored white papers and books – Unlikely Innovation, Anxiety & Us, and Venus Rising: The Phoenix Awakens, which won the Amazon #1 Best Seller Award.
She holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Hull UK, a Masters of Arts from the National University of Singapore and is a Leadership Development graduate from Harvard Business School.
Esther Mwangi: Bio
Esther Wanjiru Mwangi is an accomplished AI researcher, technology strategist, and academic leader with over 15 years of experience in research, innovation, and digital transformation. As the Director of Research and Innovation at Zetech University, she spearheads AI-driven research initiatives, fosters industry-academic partnerships, and advocates for the ethical adoption of emerging technologies. Her expertise spans machine learning, data science, and AI applications in sustainability, education, and health. She has contributed to projects such as developing AI-driven predictive models for climate-related diseases and designing data science curricula for capacity building in Africa. A champion for ESG-focused innovation, she integrates responsible AI practices into academic research and policymaking. Esther is an active member of multiple research committees, an experienced mentor, and a speaker at global conferences. She holds an MSc in Information Systems and is pursuing a PhD in Information Technology, with certifications in AI, data science, and cloud computing.
Danielle Roberts: Bio
Danielle is a future of work architect, keynote speaker, and multi-passionate entrepreneur redefining what it means to work, lead, and succeed. Known as the Anti-Career Coach®, she helps people and organizations rebuild a relationship with work rooted in autonomy, well-being, and meaning.
Through her keynotes, consulting, and online platform, Danielle draws from over a decade of experience in career development to offer a radically human-first approach to work and leadership. She specializes in helping organizations—and the humans inside them—break up with outdated definitions of success, build cultures where purpose and profit coexist, and make the most of this one precious life we get.
What sets Danielle apart isn’t just her expertise—it’s her willingness to challenge the status quo. She understands that the future of work isn’t about working harder or climbing higher; it’s about working human. Her approach combines personal transformation with organizational change, recognizing that sustainable success requires both individual healing and systemic shifts.
Danielle has built a digital community of over 70k, and her TEDx talk, “Why Working Harder Isn’t Working,” has reached more than 50,000 viewers. She is an upcoming bestselling author, and her work has been featured in news outlets including Forbes, Yahoo!, NBCNews, and Entrepreneur.
Tiffani Martin: Bio
Tiffani Martin is a Social Tech Entrepreneur, Creator of the Accessible AI Quotient, Author, and Accessibility Specialist with 15+ years of experience transforming business strategies across non- profit, entertainment, retail, education, and tech. Known for her expertise in omni-channel strategy, Tiffani drives innovation, uncovers actionable insights, and enhances operational efficiency through advanced automation technologies. A dedicated advocate for equity and accessibility, Tiffani passionately supports STEM education and workforce development. Her achievements include being named to both Black Enterprise’s and Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 lists, receiving the AI Innovator of the Year award from the Black AI Think Tank, and being named Executive Board Member of the Year by the North Texas Disability Chamber. She was also honored as an Emerging Leader by the AI 2030 Women in AI Leadership initiative. As a former spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association’s Black History Month initiative, Tiffani earned two proclamations from the city of DeSoto, Texas, for her contributions to the Americans with Disabilities Act and National Employee Disability Awareness Month. She also received the prestigious Lex Frieden Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Governor Greg Abbott, underscoring her impact in the disability and tech communities. Certified as a ScrumMaster and Product Owner/Product Manager, and classically trained in web and digital accessibility by the Blind Institute of Technology, Tiffani applies artificial intelligence and agile methodologies to bring innovative ideas to fruition. She excels at developing compelling user experiences, creating unique solutions, and forming cross-disciplinary partnerships that drive high- impact projects. As founder of Jancynco and VisioTech, Tiffani pioneers digital strategies and tech solutions to bridge accessibility gaps in product development. Founded in 2019, VisioTech focuses on the research and development of accessible technologies, leveraging AI. Tiffani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship from the University of North Texas and is pursuing an MBA in cybersecurity at Baylor University, where she was inducted into the international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. Despite losing her vision at 28 due to diabetic retinopathy, she champions STEM equity and accessibility. A published author of “Branding the Heart” and the upcoming book “eyeRobot,” Tiffani inspires others through national speaking engagements, encouraging them to embrace and transcend their differences. Featured in national publications and podcasts, she amplifies her impact and voice. Living in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, her story is a testament to advocacy, innovation, and technology’s role in cultivating inclusivity and positive change.
Tracy MacDonald: Bio
Tracy MacDonald is a writer, Risk and Fraud consultant, and public speaker who captures her travels and life as a Diplomat on her personal blog, Carpe Diem Creative. She’s an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA), and has participated in Writing Day Workshops. Additionally, she was selected to participate in an Algonkian Fiction Mentorship this year. Her freelance articles have been published in Bella Grace Magazine and on Stampington & Company’s official blog, ‘Grace Notes’.
Tracy is a passionate advocate for advancing women in unprecedented fields, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her professional journey in challenging environments, such as her time as a federal agent with the U.S Secret Service is a testament to a woman’s resilience and determination.
Leena Joshi: 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.
Lav Chintapalli: Bio
Living at the intersection of Leadership, Tech, Strategy & Consciousness, Lav Chintapalli helps high-performing leaders stay connected to themselves in environments where performance never pauses, while building thriving teams. Lav has coached leaders at Cisco, MIT, and has helped global companies navigate through growth, change, and complex people issues.
An International Speaker and Thought Leader, Lav has taught leadership seminars all across the country including academia and her work is published in technical and literary journals. Once a Geneticist, a Programmer, and a meditation teacher, Lav brings a vast understanding of disciplines to her passion for developing heart-centered and powerful leaders and increasing talent capacity within organizations. Developer of the Awareness Leadership framework, Lav speaks on organizational success, workplace wellness and balanced leadership.
Joy Wiggins: Bio
Dr. Joy L. Wiggins is a TEDx speaker, author, and global consultant specializing in cross-cultural communication, leadership development, and organizational change. She helps companies increase profitability and innovation by strengthening collaboration during global expansions, mergers, and culture transformation initiatives.
As Founder and Global CEO of Joy Wiggins, Ph.D.: Cultural Agility Consulting, she partners with Fortune 500 companies and universities worldwide to build culturally agile organizations that thrive across borders. Her clients include Siemens Energy, Microsoft, Charles Schwab, Penske Media Corporation (PMC), and NXP Semiconductors.
Dr. Wiggins is the creator of the Cultural Agility Change Model™, a framework that equips leaders with the tools to navigate complex identity dynamics and communicate effectively across global teams. She is also the co-author of From Sabotage to Support: A New Vision for Feminist Solidarity in the Workplace, which explores how women can build collective power to drive systemic change.
A former professor at the University of Texas Arlington and Western Washington University, and the former Global DEI Content and Research Lead at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Dr. Wiggins bridges academic insight with corporate strategy to help organizations align culture with performance and profit.
Currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, she works with executive teams around the world to create workplaces where people — and business — thrive together.
Tania de Jong AM: Bio
Tania de Jong AM is the co-Founder and Executive Director of Mind Medicine Australia. Tania has garnered an international reputation as an award-winning social entrepreneur, acclaimed soprano, inspirational speaker and storyteller, creative alchemist, philanthropist and spiritual journey woman. She is a passionate leader for social change. Her mission is to change the world, one voice at a time!
She regularly presents on creative, innovation, leadership, purpose, psychedelic-assisted therapies, mental health and wellbeing at major conferences and events around the world across the business, government, creative arts and community sectors. Tania is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators developing 6 businesses and 4 charities including Creative Universe, Creativity Australia and the With One Voice programs, Umbrella Foundation, Creative Innovation Global, Pot-Pourri and The Song Room.
Tania was named in the 100 Women of Influence, the 100 Australian Most Influential Entrepreneurs and named as one of the 100 most influential people in psychedelics globally. Her TED Talk has sparked global interest.
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.
Shari Leid: Bio
Shari Leid is a former litigator turned Connection Creator, 4x published author, and nationally recognized speaker who helps leaders and teams ignite purpose, drive retention, and rebuild workplace culture through authentic human connection.
She is the creator of the Flip the Box® movement and Flip the Box Day (March 5)—a nationally recognized initiative promoting connection through shared meals. With her signature blend of heart, humor, and real-world tools, Shari empowers audiences to flip their limiting beliefs, reconnect with what matters most, and create lasting results at work, at home, and in their communities.
Shari’s journey—from being abandoned in a cardboard box as a baby to becoming a national speaker—serves as a moving reminder that every obstacle can be flipped into opportunity.
Her dynamic voice has been featured on a number of media outlets including NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC, CBS, FOX, CTV, TIME, People, HuffPost, Us Weekly, AARP, Real Simple, National Enquirer, Yahoo News, and CEO World.
Anu Rames: Bio
Anu is the founder of Sustainable Investment Partners LLC, an investment advisory firm specializing in long-term value creation, financial stewardship, and portfolio strategies guided by client-led values. She is an investor with nearly two decades of experience, having held senior roles at Liberty Mutual Investments, BNP Paribas, and other global institutions. Anu empowers women and intentional wealth builders to enter financial conversations with clarity and confidence through her speaking engagements.
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.
Janice Fortman: Bio
Dr. Janice Fortman is a renowned relationship coach, and author, celebrated for her expertise in effective communication dynamics. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Jan has become a leading voice in transforming interpersonal relationships. Her unique approach combines practical communication strategies with deep psychological insights, empowering individuals to foster healthier, more fulfilling personal and professional connections.
Her charismatic presence extends to television, where she hosts the popular show “Relationship Matters tv.” She has impactful conversations with her guests, focusing on how their relationships have impacted their personal and professional lives. The show is educational, inspirational, and entertaining.
Internationally recognized, Dr. Jan is a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging and insightful presentations, in which she shares her expertise on relationship dynamics and communication strategies. Dr. Fortman is not just about solving problems but nurturing understanding, empathy, and connection to improve relationships.
At the age of 80, she was crowned Ms. Senior Illinois America 2022, with her achievements celebrated on a billboard in Times Square, New York City. When not speaking, she enjoys traveling with her husband Keith, who is a two-time cancer survivor, and supporting her son Kevin in his videography and photography business.
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.
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.
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.
Vidya Raman: Bio
Vidya Raman leverages her 25+ years of Fortune 500 leadership experience to help teams transform communication challenges into opportunities for influence. As the creator of the Leader Builder program, Vidya equips individuals and teams with tools to connect, communicate, and lead with impact. As an Influence Architect, she designs strategies to expand influence and achieve previously unattainable goals. Vidya’s book, Lucky You: An Insider’s Guide to Achieving Success and Finding Fulfillment in the Corporate World, explores the path to thriving professionally with curiosity, courage, and confidence, making her a sought-after voice on workplace influence and success.
Lauren Petrullo: Bio
Lauren Petrullo, is a successful multi-founder, owner of digital marketing agency Mongoose Media — a data-driven and design-thinking digital marketing agency based in Orlando, FL.
Former innovation producer for The Walt Disney Company’s in-house idea agency turned award winning agency owner, Lauren has grown dozens of brands from good to great & beyond. At Mongoose Media, her work has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Advertising Week, on CBS, ABC, Fox, & More! She is the co-host of Top 25 Podcast, Perpetual Traffic and known as a Leader in Digital Innovation, she is a sought-after speaker and renowned traffic strategist.
Thalía Diedrick: Bio
Thalía Diedrick is a dynamic marketing executive and currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing at GoTu, a leading digital staffing platform revolutionizing the dental industry. With over two years at GoTu, she has been instrumental in driving strategic growth and forging impactful partnerships, including a notable collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to enhance advocacy and workforce flexibility for dental professionals.
Renowned for her data-driven approach, Thalía excels in lifecycle marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), and retention strategies. Her leadership has significantly contributed to GoTu’s recognition, such as its ranking at No. 42 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
Beyond her professional achievements, Thalía is committed to mentorship and empowering emerging marketing talents. Her dedication to fostering inclusive and innovative marketing practices underscores her role as a transformative leader in the digital marketing landscape.
Antsa Fandresena Rakotoniaina: Bio
Hey, I’m Eagle Victory—an AI artist, storytelling advocate, and blogger passionate about the intersection of tech and culture.
My work lives at the crossroads of animation, advocacy, and immersive technology. I believe AI-generated cinema has the power to elevate voices, challenge existing narratives, and connect cultures—one frame at a time.
I come from a background in tech blogging, but my curiosity for the world around me has always been the driving force. I use tools like Midjourney, Krea AI, and Hedra Labs to bring stories to life—stories that reflect what I care about most: freedom, curiosity, and meaningful impact.
One of my most personal projects is Spring in Qipao, a short film inspired by my time in China. It’s my way of blending tradition with innovation and inviting others to see culture through a new lens.
Latisha Russell: Bio
Latisha B. Russell is an Emotional Wellbeing and Leadership Strategist with over 20 years of HR leadership experience at T-Mobile, The Home Depot, and Anthem. As founder of Latisha B. Russell, LLC, she helps organizations eliminate emotional barriers that hinder performance and create cultures of trust, resilience, and wellbeing.
Her programs for Capital One, Johns Hopkins, Disney, and the FAA have improved engagement and retention across all levels.
A former Adjunct Professor and author of The Naked Truth, Latisha empowers leaders—especially women to move from burnout to breakthrough by leading with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and purpose.
Carolyn Mwenda: Bio
Born into a multi-ethnic family, Akariza embodies the fusion of cultures that enriches her worldview. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity, which she seamlessly integrates into her marketing endeavours, celebrating the richness of varied perspectives.
This Innovative Head of Marketing has demonstrated success in developing and executing marketing, communications, and brand strategies and plans that unearth new business opportunities, capture new partnerships, and elevate brand visibility and influence for organizations across East Africa straddling both private and public sector.
Jackie Roby: Bio
Jackie Roby wants to live in a world where ambitious women can honor their heritage without inheriting the hustle, prioritize their partnerships without the guilt, and reclaim their stolen dreams without the apology.
As founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, Jackie develops the leaders organizations will depend on tomorrow – accelerating C-suite readiness in high-potential talent through her Fulfillment Formula™. A Latina who lives with depression, anxiety, and C-PTSD, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to help leaders find their inner calm and create lives that actually feel good to live.
Specializing in supporting women of color in male-dominated industries, Jackie has spoken across Dubai, Ibiza, Mexico, and the US, chairs the Global Wellness Institute’s Inclusive Wellness Initiative, and co-authored the book “Raw Confident You”. She’s been described as “the magic and the light that others want to be close to.”
Pauline Dougald: Bio
Pauline is a peak performance coach, artist and a multifaceted creator. She is passionate about all aspects of health and wellness and encourages everyone to shift mindset before addressing any challenges of alignment. After a 20 years career in male dominated environments and analytical profession of project management, Pauline now brings best tools and practices for women who want to integrate their creativity and logic in order to be the servant leaders in their communities.
Anil Altas Brug: Bio
WELLNESS INNOVATOR & MINDFUL TECH ADVOCATE |
DLT TALENTS MENTOR | WOMEN IN WEB3 PIONEER
Anil is a Frankfurt-based Web3 consultant, digital artist, and mindful tech expert whose work bridges art, wellness, and emerging technologies. With a master’s degree in Financial Mathematics and IT Applications from the University of London, she has contributed to international tech startups, focusing on strategy, business development, and user experience. As the co-founder of Turboslow Web3 Agency, Anil creates interdisciplinary Web3 formats that explore the intersection of real and digital worlds, particularly in digital fashion design, gaming, entertainment, science, arts, culture, well being, blockchain, and immersive technologies.
Anil’s digital artworks have been showcased at prestigious events such as Cannes Lions, Brussels Blockchain Week, She NFT Netherlands, Metaverse Fashion Week, and the International NFT Biennial. Her personal works have also been featured at music festivals and concerts across Europe. She is the creator of the “Breathe With Me” digital art series and the AI Meditation Twin Calmila Project, both of which
have been acclaimed in digital conferences throughout Europe.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Anil is a certified breathworker and a long-standing member of the International Breathwork Foundation. She integrates interactive “Breathing Games” into her work to promote conscious breathing, especially as a mindful counterbalance to increased digital screen time among adults and children. Her authentic storytelling breathing meditations have been featured ininternational wellness apps like Breath Hub and Uppy for Kids. Anil is also a DLT Talent Mentor and AI Talent at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, a founding member of Crypto Female Germany, and a senior trainer at the EAF Web3 Training project, which supports people with disabilities.
Tammy Francis: Bio
Tammy Francis, Ph.D. or Dr. Tammy is the founder and CEO of Catalyst 4 Change Global, LLC. She is also a tenured Associate Professor at a community college in Texas. She is an edupreneur. Dr. Tammy is an global educator, learning and development strategist, and travel business coach. She is a solutionist and strategist in the classroom (education) and in the boardroom (business). Learning and development are her passion, purpose, and lifelong work.
Dr. Tammy, The Catalyst, helps women on their journey toward more to live with purpose and in purpose on purpose, while also sharing her journey. She believes mindset is the foundation of transformation. Your journey begins with mindset work, because mindset work is the work. Dr. Tammy has a holistic approach to learning and development that incorporates strategy, books, and travel. She also equips women with the strategies and tools to leverage technology, upskill, and position themselves for greater opportunities. Through her signature blend of strategy, books, travel, and technology-driven innovation, she helps women across the globe purpose plan and prepare for the future, so they can step into what has been designed and designated for them. Dr. Tammy’s purpose planning process includes five phases to design lives (and businesses) that merge freedom, adventure, and income. For this process, Dr. Tammy hosts cocoon experiences in the Catalyst 4 Change Global Community that are purpose-driven, transformative, and safe. Whether through education, consulting, coaching, or curated experiences, Dr. Tammy is The Catalyst who helps women bring their ideas and dreams to reality. To connect or learn more, visit linktr.ee/drtammyfrancis
Joy Dixon: Bio
Joy Dixon has worked in the Tech Industry for 25+ years as an engineering leader, software engineer, technical trainer, and network administrator. Additionally, Joy is also a venture capitalist, investing in and advising startups. Currently, Joy facilitates the leadership transformation needed to inspire consistent high performance through regenerative practices to drive success.
Joy holds a Bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies, a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, and several professional certifications. In the course of a diverse career, Joy has led development teams as well as designed and developed applications at start-ups and global companies using several programming languages, including Java and Python. In addition, she has configured and administered networks.
Joy has always been fascinated by leadership. She was the school president in the 5th grade — yes, she was that kid. About 15 years ago, Joy started taking on mentees who were Black and Latine Women, as well as anyone who experienced challenges in the Tech Industry, whose experience ranged from their first job after college to seasoned professionals. What Joy noticed was that regardless of their age and experience, they faced the same challenges in the Tech Industry that Joy has faced and still faces. It was at this time that Joy decided to put down the curly braces and move into leadership.
Since then, Joy has led several engineering teams simultaneously that successfully delivered the company’s highest, most visible, and valuable initiatives.
Joy’s Leadership Expertise includes:
– Building Inclusive, Engaged, and Innovative Teams
– Cultivating Collaborative Cross-Functional Environments
– Guiding Agile Transformations
Joy’s Leadership Style is centered on:
– Collective Genius
– Mindset / Transformational Coaching
– Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion (JEDI)
Mary Collins: Bio
Mary Collins is a certified Hypno-Specialist, therapist, and coach with over twenty years of experience in international multimedia journalism. Combining her background in global media with advanced therapeutic training, she specializes in helping individuals and organizations enhance emotional well-being, performance, and resilience. Mary is also a leading voice on the integration of technology and therapy, delivering talks on immersive XR and the future of the wellness industry.
Micarah Malone-Gawu: Bio
Dr. Micarah Malone-Gawu is an AI researcher, educator, and founder of Carah.ai, where she explores how culture, cognition, and conscience can shape more ethical and equitable technology. Her work bridges research, design, and social impact, redefining how intelligent systems understand the people and communities they serve.
Grounded in cognitive and cultural inquiry, her research examines the evolving relationship between humans and machines, exploring how each learns from, mirrors, and influences the other. Rather than viewing technology as separate from humanity, she studies it as a co-creative force, one capable of reflecting collective memory, emotion, and understanding.
Through Carah.ai, Dr. Malone-Gawu leads initiatives that translate complex ideas in AI ethics into practical frameworks for education, design, and governance, empowering communities to build technology that doesn’t just process information but participates in human meaning.
Serenity Parker: Bio
Serenity “Ren” Parker is the founder of MyEIROS (Emerging Intelligence: Resonant Operating System), a relational-intelligence company pioneering emotionally attuned AI. Her work centers on building technologies that listen, learn, and evolve with humanity—bridging data and empathy, logic and resonance. Ren’s approach blends narrative design, ethics, and emotional cognition to create AI that is not only intelligent, but kind.
Kim Nelson-Wright: Bio
Kim Nelson-Wright
Fractional COO | Founder, K.N.W. Business Advisors | Creator of The Regulated Growth Method™
Kim Nelson-Wright partners with visionary leaders to re-imagine sustainable systems of growth and wellness in the age of innovation. With more than 20 years of experience leading operations in corporate, consultant and non-profit sectors, she empowers high-performance teams to build businesses that work for their people as much as their profits.
Her signature framework, the Regulated Growth Method™, bridges operational excellence, emotional intelligence and human-centric strategy, to disrupt the hustle-only narrative and champion leadership that lasts.
Kim brings this voice to GatherVerse to amplify the intersection of leadership, technology and wellness, because thriving teams aren’t just built on tools, they’re built on people.
Lorna McFarlane: Bio
Lorna E. McFarlane helps individuals and organizations break free from limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns. Having overcome imposter syndrome and procrastination herself, she empowers others to transform fear into action through mindset shifts, forgiveness, and self-awareness. From inspiring incarcerated individuals to motivating professionals, Lorna brings clarity, accountability, and purpose to every stage she graces. With a master’s in business administration, she guides audiences toward resilience, productivity, and authentic leadership—helping them remove roadblocks, reframe thinking, and embrace transformation.
Dr. Juliet Agocha: Bio
Dr. Juliet Agocha is the founder of Ultimate Tech, a company focused on providing innovative technology solutions. With her expertise and vision, she has led Ultimate Tech to make a positive impact in the tech industry. Dr. Agocha is passionate about supporting innovation and community initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys family time.
Aileda Bailey: Bio
As a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, Aileda is a Strategic Operations Consultant and Conscious Leadership Development creator/facilitator, blending cutting-edge business strategies with intuitive insights to guide leaders and organizations through transformative growth.
Specializing in the convergence of technology and humanity, Aileda 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.
Tanya Kelen: Bio
Founder & CEO Kelencontent (KCI), a high-impact production, distribution group + venture studios. With 20+ years of R&D product innovation to scaling globally.
Fortune 50-1000 Companies, Family Offices, Foundations, NGO’s, C-Suites, ED’s and Academia work with me to co-design Film-TV-AI-XR-WebXR, (M)EdTech products via curriculum development, marketing/PR, production, distribution.
Boost KPI’s, ROI-ROX with high impact creative content and go-to-market advisory that adds value and customer retention.
🔹Expert Content Creator🔹Producer 🔹Distributor🔹Supervised 8000+ hours of premium content (Films, TV Series, Digital-XR-EdTech Platforms) sold in 180+ territories
🔹$100 M+ revenue over career to date
🔹Venture Studio Partnership Development🔹Award-Winning Researcher/Grant Writer (Media-XR-AI-EdTech)🔹Co-Developed First XR-VR Storytelling and Digital XR Mobile Lab Pilot for Conestoga College’s NSERC-Awarded Grant (22-2025). Industry lead for sustainable model Northern ON Q42025
🔹2000+ buyers A&E, Animal Planet, APTN, Bell Media, BBC, CBC, Corus, Disney, HBO, ITV, Nickelodeon, YouTube & more!🔹Selected Credits: Hero Dogs of 9/11; Little Sedna, Empress of the Sea (Feature+Series Spin Off); Fun2Be (TFO); Faithful Hero Dogs
SERVICES:
🔹Bona Fide Distributor🔹 Investor🔹Executive Producer🔹Producer🔹Co-Producer
🔹Grant / RFP Writer to Secure Partnerships🔹Business Plans🔹Pitch Decks 🔹 Demo Reels🔹Competitive Analysis🔹Comprehensive Audits🔹Audience Development Plans🔹Social Impact Branded Campaigns🔹Go-to-Market Expert🔹PR & Marketing Services🔹IP Evaluation 🔹Tax Credits
ECOSYSTEM CONNECTOR:
🔹Networks, Studios, YouTube, Streamers, Publishers, Museums, Government Agencies, Academic Institutions, Innovation & Economic Development, NonProfits, Foundations, Family Offices, VCs for 🚀🚀🚀
NEWS:
🔹Launched XR Masterclass
🔹The Creative Pitch CoLabs
🔹Secured global distribution and spin-off rights for 250+ episodes www.JerryCo.tv Canada’s leading Indigenous Animation Studio and succession planning underway!
TRAINING PROGRAMS:
🔹The Creative Pitch Lab🔹Future of AI & XR in Premium Branded Content 🔹Medicinal Media Storytelling🔹Next Creative Star Program🔹Story World Building for Impact🔹Co-Production 101 | Non-Fiction | Fiction | Animation
SPEAKER TOPICS:
🔹The Future of AI + XR Learning in the Abundance Economy 🔹The Future of Media: How Film + TV Entertainment + AI-XR + Gaming = Medicinal Media for greater wealth creation for civil society
🔹Why neurodiverse teams perform 30% better than average (HBR 2017)
Halimat Oguntoyinbo: Bio
Halima is an AI Business Expansion Strategist passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to drive growth, operational excellence, and human-centered impact. With a strong background in business development, project management, technology services, and business strategy, she helps organizations integrate AI solutions that not only scale operations but also open new market opportunities and strengthen decision-making.
Her expertise lies in aligning emerging technologies with organizational vision, ensuring that AI adoption is strategic, ethical, and inclusive. She is particularly committed to advancing Tech for Humanity by advocating for responsible AI practices that empower businesses, communities, and individuals across Africa and beyond.
As a strategist, Halima bridges innovation and practical business outcomes, guiding leaders and enterprises to embrace AI as a transformative tool for sustainable growth. She brings a sector-agnostic approach, with experience spanning technology, human capacity development, legal, and research environments, making her uniquely positioned to inspire and equip organizations to thrive in the age of intelligent technologies.
Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson: Bio
Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson is a medical doctor and certified coach with over 20 years of diverse experience in healthcare—spanning pharmaceuticals, public health, clinical research, general practice, and hospital management. Her multidisciplinary background equips her with deep insight into the real-world challenges healthcare leaders face, especially in high-pressure, complex environments.
As the world’s first medical doctor trained and certified in Ubuntu Coaching, Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson draws from the African philosophy of interconnectedness to guide physicians toward authentic, values-driven leadership. Her work empowers clinicians to resolve conflict, build emotionally intelligent teams, and align their personal purpose with professional demands.
A passionate advocate for healing the healers, she specializes in coaching and speaking on physician wellbeing, leadership development, and cultural transformation in healthcare. Her mission is to help healthcare professionals thrive—through every stage of their careers.
Amy Pons: Bio
A former corporate executive who reached the highest of ladders in the corporate world before making it her mission to change workplace culture into competitive edge, Amy now equips boards, senior leaders, and people-managers to build workplaces where psychological safety drives profit.
Business-first, people-powered. Clients credit Amy’s programs with double-digit gains in engagement, retention, and idea velocity within a single quarter.
Certified expertise. Amy is a Master Certified Life Coach-trained, trauma-informed energy practitioner, and pioneer in evidence-based “feminine leadership” models that balance impact with empathy.
Data-backed storytelling. Her keynotes blend real-world metrics, behavioral science, and unforgettable audience experiments that stick with audiences for long after the slide deck ends.
Whether she’s briefing a board, moderating an off-site, or inspiring 5,000 leaders at a global summit, Amy’s message is simple: when every voice feels safe to contribute, innovation and growth both become inevitable.
Beverley Mitchell: Bio
I’m first and foremost a storyteller. The art of crafting stories, using the medium of film and television, is perhaps one of my strongest qualities. I started working in the South African industry in 1993. I’ve worked as an independent producer, director and writer in film and television from 1996 – 2009. From 2010 I worked as a freelance series producer, series director, director, supervising producer, creative producer, development producer, executive producer, line producer, production manager, actors’ coach, trainer, lecturer, consultant, movie magic scheduler, scriptwriter and script editor.
My accumulative experience is over 30 years in the film and television industry. The skills I’ve accrued over the years are varied, but scriptwriting, development and creative producing are perhaps the skills that encompass all of my talents. Thus, getting writers to challenge themselves and think out of the box in developing characters, beats, plot points, major turning points, story cliffhangers and arcs.
Since 2019 to the present, I have mainly focused on development and worked for 5 years as the VP: Scripted for Trace Studios, after working as a line producer, supervising producer and series producer on drama series and feature films from 2013 to 2019. I left Trace Studios in mid-2023 and have gone back to working as an independent producer, development consultant and a freelancer.
As an independent producer I have learnt the art of raising funds internationally, and it is certainly an art! Over the past 30 years I have worked across the African continent, in the Caribbean as well as in Europe. I have thus developed very good working relationships with producers in other parts of the world and have come to realize that co-productions with international partners is the way to raise our projects to international premium standard.
But those who know me know that my greatest passion is history, heritage, memory and identity. I am passionate about the reimagining and retelling of South African history, and on a larger scale, Pan African history and the diaspora. Our history has always been told from the perspective of the colonizers. I am of the generation who seeks corrective action in the retelling of history through storytelling. I was part of the first group of writers who took on the mammoth task of rewriting South African history textbooks after apartheid ended in 1994.
On a personal note, I have a wicked, irreverent sense of humor (some may call it dark).
I love working with people and am an excellent team leader who inspires loyalty as I value the people I work with. For me it’s about empowering and affirming people – that way the best is brought out in everyone.
I believe in staying true to yourself. Never compromising who you are.
Lori Fisher: Bio
Lori Fisher is an activist and Organic Marketing Strategist dedicated to making lead generation and marketing systems accessible to women and LGBTQ business owners. With a background in building funnels, email marketing, and lead capture systems, she helps founders move beyond referrals and endless social media posting to create sustainable, values-driven growth. Lori’s work blends technical know-how with a commitment to equity, ensuring underrepresented entrepreneurs have the tools and strategies to thrive online.
Ama Agyapong: Bio
Speaker, Master Facilitator, certified EEOC investigator, and talented senior-level consultant with 15 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, strategic planning, program development, employee engagement, and culture change management. With an MBA in Global Management, she has implemented functional, inclusive workplace strategies in partnership with key stakeholders focused on representation, retention, and engagement.
Ama works with global and domestic Fortune 500 companies, mid-size companies, non-profits, and universities. Ama is a workplace culture subject matter expert passionate about talent development through cultural competence and giving & receiving feedback.
Muji Bekomson: Bio
Muji Bekomson is a visionary digital health founder reimagining how women access care, without the barriers of traditional health systems.
As the founder of iLIVE Digital Health, she’s leading a quiet revolution: building frictionless, deeply human wellness experiences that meet women where they are and give them the support they’ve long been denied.
Her flagship platform, the FEMME Women’s Health Challenge, offers a first-of-its-kind digital experience; combining AI and intuitive support for women navigating hormone health, mental well-being, and life transitions like menopause.
Built for impact, not complexity, FEMME is redefining what inclusive digital care should feel like.
Named one of She Leads Africa’s Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls, Muji brings a rare blend of scientific insight, lived experience, and bold creativity to the global stage.
Her work is rooted in one belief: healthcare doesn’t need more noise, it needs clarity, connection, and care.
Malaysia Harrell: Bio
Malaysia Harrell is a board-certified psychotherapist, a spiritual transformation coach, award-winning entrepreneur, veteran, keynote speaker, and author who helps women find freedom and fulfillment. But really, she is a healer, an unleasher, and a light that leads women back to their true selves so they can live fully and finally. As a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified clinical social worker, Malaysia blends clinical expertise, spiritual wisdom and intuitive guidance to help women overcome their past trauma, heal their hurts and define their vision for their lives. Her incomparable coaching guides clients on an intimate, insightful journey to break free from limiting beliefs and expectations and discover lives of authenticity, purpose and bliss. Extraordinary at walking women through radical transformation, Malaysia is more than her client’s coach; she’s their champion.
Malaysia is not just a brilliant therapist and coach, but a woman with her own “against all odds” success story. From overcoming a childhood trauma to a life-threatening illness that could have crippled her, she’s built her career brick by brick, fighting fears, failures, and setbacks to have the life she’s always known was hers to claim. Through it all, Malaysa has mastered the art of faith-filled manifestation, proving that whatever a woman believes, she becomes. And today she personifies what it means to ascend over adversity while inspiring countless women to do the same. Whether she’s in front of an audience of one or one thousand, Malaysia’s life-shifting energy propels women towards transformation and empowerment; she awakens women to the possibility of more.
Simply put, it is impossible to be in Malaysia’s presence and leave unchanged. Malaysia is here for the women who need to trade their perception of perfection for true freedom and authenticity. She is here for the women who need to reimagine who they can be and what they can have; she is here for the women who are here for more than coaching; she is seeking a powerful partnership with women who are equipped to help her expand and elevate herself to a life that she could only dream about until now.
Drawing from her personal experiences and deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Malaysia founded Blissful Life Consulting LLC. Her vision is to empower individuals and communities through transformative mindset coaching and holistic wellness practices.
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