​​D’Lo (he/they) is a queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian whose work range includes stand-up comedy, solo theater, plays, films and music production, poetry and spoken word. Rooted in social justice, D’Lo brings the fierce with the funny through his stories and stand-up comedy.

Sheena Allen is a visionary entrepreneur, sought-after keynote speaker, author, and creative architect who has transformed the intersection of technology, social impact, and innovation. As Founder of App It Out, she has expanded her expertise in the mobile app industry for non-technical entrepreneurs and SMBs, and as Founder of Capway, Sheena revolutionized inclusive banking and was the youngest female in the U.S. to own and operate a digital bank.

Eleanor Allen is a global executive with over a decade of C-suite experience in Fortune 500 companies and international nonprofits, driving revenue growth, market expansion, and employee engagement. As a former CEO of B Lab Global, she managed significant infrastructure projects and was inducted into the National Academy of Engineers in 2020. Eleanor speaks on leadership and operational excellence at global events like TEDx and the World Economic Forum. She is passionate about empowering leaders and supporting women.

Rebecca Altamirano has dedicated her professional life to working within underrepresented communities to open up access to the culture of power. Her professional path has given her deep hands-on experience on working with the underserved and underrepresented. Many of these experiences she has shared as a co-author of “Be The Change: Reinventing Schools for Student Success”

Ivelyse Andino is an Afro-Latina health equity innovator born and raised in The Bronx. She is the founder and CEO of Radical Health and a Commissioner on the New York City Commission on Gender Equity. In 2015 she founded the first Latina owned Public Benefit Corp in New York State.

Sekou Andrews is a dynamic spoken word poet and CEO of SekouWorld, Inc. His innovative "poetic voice" seamlessly melds inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, making him a sought-after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and global brands like Google, Nike, and Paypal. With two National Poetry Slam championships and a GRAMMY nomination, Sekou is a fearless disruptor of the speaking industry and a coach to leaders seeking to become more dynamic communicators.

Kwame Anku is the CEO and Chairman of the Black Star Fund, an early-stage innovation fund. Kwame has worked extensively in business development and media marketing for over two decades, entering into the tech industry after being personally recruited by the late legendary rock star Prince to develop his mobile app, overseeing business and development teams on Africa, Asia, and the US.

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is America's first Black female combat pilot, a diversity liaison officer, entrepreneur, and author. As a top keynote speaker and consultant, she helps individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results using her "Zero to Breakthrough" success model. Vernice is also a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/ NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. Her story has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, and Oprah Winfrey.

Jayce Baron is an accomplished Afro-Latinx screenwriter, director, and advocate for the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community. He is the founder of jBaron Creative House and has worked with prestigious organizations such as Forbes, Billboard Magazine, and GLAAD. Jayce is also known for his advocacy work, including his involvement in passing bill SB816 and his role as an Advisory Board Member at Yale University. In 2024, he was elected to the Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles.

Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark. An advocate for equity inclusion in the entertainment industry (and the entire working world), Best regularly speaks at conferences and events about leveraging entertainment to build equity and sustainability for everyone, crowdfunding, and pitching, building equitable startups, and serves as an advisor and mentor to dozens of early-stage companies.

Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano is The Mathpath (Math Nerd + Empath), VP of Equitable Operations at Culture Amp, and a startup investor, and advisor. She questions, reimagines, and redesigns the systems that surround us to ensure that all people access equitable opportunities.

Dia Bondi helps transformational leaders find their voice and lead with it. She worked with Rio de Janeiro to win the right to host the Summer Olympics and catalyzes leaders across industries to speak powerfully. Her first book “Ask Like an Auctioneer : How To Ask For More and Get It” is relevant to everyone but has a goal to help 1 million women ask for more and get it.

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew is the President and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, providing guidance on philanthropy, community engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture support. She founded the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation and is an adjunct faculty member at Tulane University. She authored four books, including Empowering Charity. She also co-founded HERitage Giving Circle, Power in Action-Dallas, and the South Dallas Employment Project.

Dr. V Boykin is a keynote speaker, published researcher, and leader in the organizational leadership and equity space. Dr. V’s expertise is creating equitable work experiences for women and people of color. Dr. V established clear evidence to illustrate the importance of social support systems in tackling workplace equity through shifts in the social environment.

Candice Matthews is a General Partner at Lightship Capital, where she finds and funds high growth, minority-led companies operating in underserved ecosystems throughout the Midwest. She also directs programming at Lightship Foundation, the inclusion-focused entrepreneur enrichment program guiding minority founders with instruction in product development, brand building, leveraging artificial intelligence for business and fundraising.

Brian Brackeen is a General Partner at Lightship Capital, the Cincinnati-based VC firm dedicated to backing underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Midwest. Brian lectures extensively around the world on entrepreneurship, code, the digital economy, AI and machine learning — and participates in mentorship programs for organizations like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code and The School District of Miami.

Jennifer Brandel is an award-winning journalist, founder and organizer whose work spans journalism, civic engagement, democracy and entrepreneurship. She’s a dynamic, sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. Brandel began her career in journalism reporting for outlets including NPR, CBC, WBEZ, The New York Times, and Vice. She is the founder of Hearken, which helps institutions better listen and respond to their stakeholders.

Cindi Bright is the President of The Bright Group, a management consulting firm focusing on the ecosystems of corporate America impacting and impeding progress for brown and black people.  She is the Producer and Host of HeartBeat radio. Cindi serves on the board of the Urban League, Metropolitan Seattle. Additionally, she is sitting on the Advisory Board to Opportunity PAC.

Madison Butler is a Black, queer woman, and a survivor. Her work is focused around designing spaces and creating scalable strategies to achieve psychological safety. An outspoken advocate for mental health, she is passionate about facilitating hard conversations through storytelling, data, and tough empathy, removing stigma around trauma, and advisor for being “human at work”.

Paula Caligiuri is the founder & CEO of Skiilify and a renowed work psychologist dedicated to helping companies, teams, and professionals become effective in today's multicultural environment. As a Distinguished Professor of International Business, she shares her expertise through books, research articles, and podcasts. Paula's work influences multicultural effectiveness, global leadership development, and cultural agility. Paula holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and is a Fellow of SIOP and AIB.

A Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach to self-aware visionaries, Kelly L. Campbell’s work exists at the cross section of trauma integration and conscious leadership. They are an inspiring keynote speaker and host a popular podcast on conscious leadership. Kelly writes for Entrepreneur, has written for Forbes, and has been featured in Woman Entrepreneur and The Startup on Medium.

Cheryl Campos is a serial maverick, aligning her passions to achieve success across multiple arenas. As the CEO of a leading financial nonprofit and a professional model and actress, Cheryl possesses a unique and powerful dual perspective that bridges the analytical and creative worlds. Her dynamic career embodies innovation, resilience, and the limitless potential of following one's diverse passions.

Kim Carson, the dynamic force behind Parallax Futures, is a catalyst for change in the tech landscape. With a diverse background encompassing political science and tech leadership, she sparks dialogue on the need for diverse perspectives in AI, evolving workforce landscapes, launching new businesses, post-disciplinary ethos, and authentic self-expression. Kim's journey resonates with resilience and purpose, inviting others to embrace innovation and inclusion for a better tomorrow.

Kanika Chadda Gupta is a seasoned CNN television journalist turned podcaster and mother of three (including twins). As a television personality and seasoned journalist, Kanika knows how to deliver as a live speaker, moderator, and emcee. She speaks on topics including modern motherhood, women’s empowerment, DEI, guiding corporations to better serve their employees who are parents (parental leave, benefits, etc), living a life of purpose (discovering your dharma), AAPI & South Asian heritage, lifestyle and entertainment.

Kelly Charles-Collins, is a Keynote & Award-Winning TEDx Speaker, Speaker Mentor, Retired Law Partner & Trial Attorney, and Author. She’s sought-after authority specializing in courageous conversations, unconscious bias, and bystander intervention. As a transformative keynote speaker and mentor, Kelly has been featured in some of the biggest media publications and outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, Time.com, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Thrive Global and more.

Angela Chee is a media expert, speaker, and coach who helps leaders and changemakers build strong, authentic communication skills. Drawing from her background in television, she teaches clients to refine their on-camera presence and connect with audiences effectively. Through her YOU, Amplified!® program and The Power of The Only podcast, Angela empowers individuals to embrace their voice, overcome limitations, and amplify their influence in their industries.

Misa Chien, CEO & Founder of The Authentic Asian and Autopilot Reviews, is an authentic leader known for inspiring and helping people through positivity and transparency. Her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial style make her a sought-after speaker, podcast host, and TV personality. She has been featured in Inc. Magazine's 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs, Forbes Women to Watch, and LinkedIn Top Voices. Misa has spoken at industry-leading events including CCW and TEDx.

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Bestselling author Kwame Christian and host of Negotiate Anything,  the world’s  #1 podcast on the subject, sees negotiation as an invaluable life philosophy that will build stronger relationships, teams, and leaders, promote cultural harmony and empathy,  and foster more productive and inclusive workplaces. His highly interactive talks provide practical tools that have helped countless individuals and organizations overcome the fear, anxiety and emotion associated with negotiation.

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Zion Clark is an All-American wrestler, an MMA fighter, a Guinness World Record holder, the subject of an EMMY Award winning Netflix documentary, an author, and an internationally acclaimed speaker who infuses humor, wit, powerful life lessons, and infectious energy into each and every presentation that he gives—allowing him to connect with audiences on a level that is undeniably unparalleled.

Chris Clews combines 22 years of marketing experience in a variety of industries with global brands and ad agencies with his unmatched passion for all things 80s to bring a fun, informative and unique presentation to your group.

Anne Cocquyt, CEO and Founder of the GUILD, is an inspirational speaker on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. She speaks on how to start businesses, prototyping, building successful partnerships, and how to attract and retain winning diverse teams. She moderates and joins panels on gender bias in AI, product management and technology trends, and teaches design-thinking workshops on building innovation ecosystems.

Dr. Marcus Collins, best-selling author of For the Culture, is a leading expert on using culture to influence behavior and inspire action. A marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and former head of strategy at Wieden + Kennedy, he's also a Forbes contributor and an inductee in the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement. Collins has been the creative force behind major campaigns for Nike, Apple, Budweiser, and Beyoncé.

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Dr. Magie specializes in sharing the power of mindfulness in the workplace. She uses research-backed strategies to optimize performance & improve employee happiness and transform workplace cultures into more equitable, creative environments for leaders to grow. She delivers high-energy keynotes that integrate data and inspirational storytelling, offering a pragmatic approach to tackle work and life challenges. Her charismatic humor, vulnerability, and practical mindset shift inspire audiences to realize their potential for success.

Erika Cramer, also known as The Queen of Confidence, is a renowned international speaker, confidence coach, and bestselling author. Overcoming a turbulent past marked by trauma and adversity, she has empowered millions of women worldwide to reclaim their confidence and transform their lives. With an award-winning podcast boasting over 2 million downloads and a Bachelor’s degree in psychotherapy underway, Erika is a dynamic and inspiring force, dedicated to helping people everywhere create the lives they dream of.

Tania Desa, CEO of Desa Global Leadership Inc., is a renowned keynote speaker specializing in workplace inclusion and leadership empowerment. With experience in over 87 countries and collaborations with global brands like Google and American Express, she empowers leaders to build diverse, high-performing teams and foster cultures of belonging. Tania's mission is to inspire inclusive leadership that transforms workplaces worldwide.

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Dawn Dickson is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with over 20 years of experience in technology, marketing, and business development. Her most recent ventures are Flat Out of Heels and PopCom. Dawn is a seasoned professional speaker, business advisor, and angel investor.  She continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s top retail tech entrepreneurs.

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Empovia, Melinda works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change, she is a strategic advisor for tech companies, tech hubs, and governments around the world.

Michael “Manny Faces” Conforti is an award-winning journalist, podcast professional, public speaker and independent scholar. Much of his work focuses on advocating for the use of Hip Hop music and culture as a tool to improve lives, livelihoods and communities throughout the nation and the world, in areas including education, science and technology, health and wellness, politics and social justice, business and entrepreneurialism, the fine arts, spirituality and self-help, and more.

Britteny Floyd-Mayo, affectionately known as “Yoga Bae”, is the mastermind behind one of the most diverse and inclusive wellness spaces across the globe. In her untouchable lane, she’s curated an innovative yoga experience designed to affirm lifestyles of wellness and total self-care.

Diane Flynn, an entrepreneur, author, and coach, stands out as a speaker for her deeply personal and transformative approach to empowering leaders. She shares invaluable insights cultivated through her journeys at Stanford, HBS, and as a successful business executive and entrepreneur. With an unwavering passion for nurturing strong leadership skills, particularly among women, Diane's compelling narrative resonates on many levels. Her two acclaimed books and best-selling Udemy course on Growth Mindset, which boasts over 60,000 students, underscore her ability to connect with diverse audiences and effect positive change.

Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks, a social justice education firm that explores the intersection of conflict and DEI. Jen facilitates conversation and skill-building with organizations, leadership and C-suite groups, small and large teams, affinity groups, and more. She advises on best practices that create more equitable organizations, communities, and teams, where each person feels a sense of belonging.

Pinquelton Group was founded by Andy Eninger and John Loos, two learning designers & facilitators who are partners in business, comedy and life (yep, we’re married, which is why we often dress alike.) What started 10 years ago as a critically acclaimed sketch and improv comedy duo called Pinque Pony has evolved into a dynamic employee development business that marries our unique comedic perspective and sense of play with our 25+ years of combined corporate facilitation experience. We also proudly resource a deep well of experienced talent with similarly unique corporate learning perspectives to deliver memorable, fun and discovery-filled ideation, collaboration and storytelling experiences.

Andrea Guendelman is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who specializes in Expansive Leadership—helping individuals and organizations unlock potential through openness. She is a leading force in creating platforms for minority professionals and the tech industry. Through her own experiences as a Harvard-trained corporate lawyer and an entrepreneur, she co-created Bevisiblelatinx, Wallbreakers, and most recently, Speak_.

Arlan Hamilton is a remarkable entrepreneur who built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a VC firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+.

Chante Harris is a climate tech strategist and Founder and Managing Partner of Eunoia Group. She is also Co-Founder of Women of Color Collective in Sustainability (WOC/CS), a champion of social and finance innovation, and ACEEE Champion of Energy Efficiency. Throughout her career, she has successfully scaled nationwide campaigns, technologies, and ideas for the Obama Administration, Fortune 500 companies, and startups. Chante is at the helm of driving climate innovation and advancing the energy transition across cities.

As workplaces strive for greater transparency, trust, and employee engagement, leaders like Erin Hatzikostas have emerged as pioneers in championing authenticity as a catalyst for positive change. With a career spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership, Erin Hatzikostas has established herself as a foremost expert on the transformative impact of authenticity in the workplace.

Denise Love Hewett is the host of the podcast, Do the Work, which focuses on redefining leadership to be more holistic. This was birthed out of her time as a founder of Scriptd, an entertainment tech company working to dismantle the inefficient and exclusionary practices of Hollywood. She comes from the world of entertainment, fashion, and hospitality, starting her career as the Director of Sales and Marketing at famed nightclub The Box.

Wema Hoover is a renowned DEI leader and executive coach known for her transformative work at Google, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. She specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, authentic leadership, and women’s empowerment, working with multinational companies to drive global organizational change. Throughout her career, Wema has championed DEI as a competitive advantage, emphasizing its critical role in fostering a culture that brings out the best in individuals.

Jin-Ya Huang founded Break Bread, Break Borders, a social enterprise. She's a published writer, and TIME Magazine-featured Community Uniter focusing on equity, design, and social justice. A PLS Presidential Leadership Scholars fellow, Huang excels in bridge building, women's empowerment, and race relations for lasting social impact.

Tamar Huggins, a pioneering Canadian tech entrepreneur, author, and educator based in Toronto, is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector. She founded DRIVEN, Canada's first tech accelerator for BIPOC leaders, raising $1.1 million for underrepresented tech startups.

Harold Hughes is the CXO and co-founder of Catalyst Labs, an entrepreneur support organization he co-founded to help provide entrepreneurs with the resources and community they need to launch, build, and scale their companies. As a web3 builder, he is the founder of Bandwagon, a South Carolina-based live experience technology company. Harold published "A Kids Book About Blockchain" to help educate people "from 6 to 60" about the revolutionary technology that Bandwagon specializes in. Harold is also an active angel investor, primarily investing in women, people of color, and Black founder-led companies.

John Iino is a proven change agent, global law firm leader, diversity professional, and executive coach. He founded Cumbre Alta Advisors, providing DEI consulting, training, and coaching. As Chief Diversity Officer for Reed Smith, he increased the number of diverse lawyers by 79% and improved the firm's ranking in the American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard from #120 to #22. Currently, John is the Interim ASVP for Alumni Relations at USC and a frequent keynote speaker on DEI, leadership, and effective management.

Mazin Jamal is the founder of Holistic Underground: a leadership & organizational development agency for social movements & businesses. He honed his craft working with leaders and teams around the world. He has coached, consulted, and presented for executive leaders and teams from Apple, Google, Postmates, Atlassian, and more. He is also the creator of the PurposePlace™ Methodology.

Yelitsa Jean-Charles founded Healthy Roots after recognizing a need for more diverse toys and representation in children’s publishing. She has been recognized as Essence’s 50 Founders to watch and frequently speaks about entrepreneurship, social justice, and cultural competency.

Shontavia Johnson is an entrepreneurship and innovation expert who has helped hundreds of people build personal brands, businesses, and intellectual property portfolios. Founder of the Brand and Business Company. Shontavia is an entrepreneur, creator, Liberty Fellow through Aspen Institute, and a Fulbright Specialist. She shares her message to audiences globally.

Omar Johnson, a remarkable leader, played a pivotal role in Beats by Dre's rise to a $3 billion acquisition by Apple. He is the CEO and Founder of ØPUS United and ØPUS Intelligence Labs, revolutionizing marketing tech. Johnson's dynamic human-centric approach to marketing and popular speaking engagements with Fortune 500 companies, such as AT&T, Salesforce, and ServiceNow, have earned him the title of one of the "Most Innovative CMOs" by Business Insider.

Maral, also known as, ‘Maral from Twitter’, ‘Powerhouse’, ‘energy pack’ or ‘Curly’ is one of the most familiar faces in the Nordic tech scene. Maral is the CMO at Watty, one of the hottest startups in Europe. She is also the co-founder of Peppy Pals, an active ambassador for diversity in tech. Former StartupGrind chapter director and SUP46 Femtech co-organizer.

Maja Kazazic is a Bosnian genocide survivor, certified empathy coach & trainer, and an acclaimed inspirational speaker who shares her remarkable journey of resilience and triumph. As a Bosnian war survivor and an amputee, Maja's journey of overcoming adversity has inspired audiences worldwide. Her powerful messages of resilience, determination, and finding hope in the face of challenges resonate deeply with listeners. Maja's story of resilience and triumph has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets worldwide.

Russell Ladson is a creative technologist whose work sits at the intersection of emerging technologies, purposeful design, and visual art. His work investigates the use of emerging technologies like AR/VR (XR) to heighten the human-to-human experience through experimental concepts around information discovery in a post-smartphone world.

Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, top NeuroGeneration and innovation speaker, Tan Le, is the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley-based EMOTIV, the leader in EEG-Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Her work on non-invasive 'brainwear' offers groundbreaking potential to transform various aspects of human life, shedding light on current and future transformative technologies. Her talks provide unique insights into how these advancements will redefine our existence and work.

Mark Levy is a seasoned globally-minded Employee Experience Leader who has chosen to work for big-hearted companies and focus on how he can unleash the talents and passions of a company’s employees. Mark was the pioneer of designing the Employee Experience at Airbnb and most recently at Allbirds, showing organizations what is possible when you empower employees and rethink HR.

Chaunté Lowe is the story of determination, perseverance, and strength. Not only is Lowe a mother of 3, a wife, and a business owner; she is also a professional athlete, an American Record Holder, a 4-time Olympian, a 3-Time World Championship medalist, and 12 times US National Champion. She has been in high demand since she decided to train for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics while undergoing chemotherapy and a double mastectomy for breast cancer.

Bianca Mabute-Louie is a keynote speaker, award-winning sociologist, and forthcoming author. Her speaking, publishing, and research centers Asian Americans in the national discourse on race and politics. Her first book, UNASSIMILABLE, comes out January 2025 with Harper Collins.

Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and cultures. Mita is a passionate storyteller who believes in the power of diversity to spur creative strategic thinking which can ultimately transform brands.

Doug Manuel is a keynote speaker and performer who specializes in purpose-driven engagement, authentic collaboration, and fostering human connection. For over 30 years, he’s delivered dynamic in-person and virtual programs for Fortune 500 companies and top business schools worldwide. His impressive client list includes Harvard Business School, The World Economic Forum, LVMH, Google, Oprah, and many others.

Renowned 1988 US Olympian and media trailblazer, Leslie Maxie, shares her extraordinary life journey with global audiences. From her early days as a 15-year-old speaker addressing 15,000 people to her extensive media career with ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC, CBS, and more, Leslie crafts impactful speeches. Through captivating stories, she provokes thought, inspires action, and leaves a lasting impression, connecting deeply with the hearts and minds of her listeners.

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Called a “master storyteller,” Anthony McLean delivers lively, actionable presentations on Culture, Wellness, and Inclusion. Author of “All Fired Up: Optimize Mental Health to Ignite Joy and Fuel Peak Performance”, he’s worked with leading organizations such as PepsiCo, AT&T, Intel, TD Bank, Coca-Cola, and more. McLean shows audiences how human connection is the key to boosting individual and team performance.

Josh Miller is a queer changemaker, public speaker, photographer, and outdoor explorer who believes that being visible and sharing our stories can shift culture and enhance people's well-being. As a 2x TEDx speaker who has engaged Fortune 500 and international audiences from Colorado to Salzburg. He is the co-founder & CEO of IDEAS xLab, and was honored with the 2022 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First.

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José Morey, M.D., is a top health and technology keynote speaker, bestselling author of Latinx Business Success, and a medical consultant for NASA, IBM, Hyperloop Transportation, and Liberty Biosecurity. Morey consults with other companies and healthcare systems to help create and train their deep learning algorithms and neural networks to create intelligent systems in healthcare and aerospace.

Muta’Ali is an award-winning director renowned for his documentaries like MoviePass and Cassius X. Nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, he also produced notable TV work and entertainment segments. His storytelling, centered on "Love, Art & Activism," has garnered widespread media coverage. Currently, he’s directing a new documentary on an Oscar-nominated artist.

Linda Nazareth is an economist, a futurist, and a respected authority on the future of work.  As a newspaper columnist and an author, she knows how to frame things in ways that both educate and entertain, and as the Senior Fellow for Economics and Population Change at think-tank the Macdonald Laurier Institute she knows what she is talking about.

Julian Newman is the founder and CEO of Culture Creative, an international award-winning leadership development and diversity & inclusion consulting firm. Julian is a certified and Anthem Award-winning Diversity & Inclusion leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a cultural intelligence strategist, author, and motivational speaker, Julian has spoken to more than 100,000 people nationally and internationally during the past 20 years.

Pauline Nguyen is the owner of Red Lantern, the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world. Pauline has achieved outstanding success as an entrepreneur, author, businesswoman, and acclaimed speaker with the unique ability to connect with her audience in a profound way, empowering them to change their story for a better future. She speaks and teaches from direct experience with a unique, dramatic cadence that literally has the audience hanging on every word.

James Norman is a serial entrepreneur who at the age of 16 built his first online company. While previously he may have been known as a visionary in automotive product planning, over the past 10 years in the media and entertainment industry, he has become a thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors.

Whether as a keynote or interactive workshop leader, Tina’s focus is on creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. Using her Shared Sisterhood framework and proven approaches for unearthing blind spots within individuals and organizations. Tina serves as a catalyst for new thinking and needed change.

Damian Pelliccione (they/them) is the CEO and Co-Founder of Revry, the world’s first LGBTQ Global Content Streaming Network. With over 15 years of experience in the digital and new media world and as an avid speaker, passionate about supporting the LGBTQ community in both authentic representation and entrepreneurship, Damian has spoken at more than over 250 conferences and film festivals around the world.

Yemi Penn is a courageous, powerful, kind and compassionate thought leader. With over two decades working on the field and in corporate environments in the U.K, USA and Australia; her drive for excellence through energetic brilliance is a rare find. She invites teams, senior leaders and executives to ignite their Rebellious Curiosity. This allows them to achieve superior results in their business functions, providing a point of difference. Yemi shares ways to do this in a sustainable way to ensure wellness in the people and the profits.

Milagros Phillips designs strategic learning initiatives for clients seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion programs by adding race literacy to their initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in learning and development, Milagros has consulted with, designed and delivered customized programs across many industries and services, including financial/insurance, healthcare, higher education, and national and political leaders.

Christie Pitts is an investor, operator, and activist. Formerly VP of Operations at Mahmee and investor at Backstage Capital, she co-founded the VCs for Repro initiative, focused on the intersection of the economy and reproductive justice, and hosts the Moms at Work liveshow to build community, raise awareness, and advocate for better experiences for working moms.

Amy Michelle Purdy is an American actress, model, para-snowboarder, motivational speaker, fashion designer and author. Purdy is a 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist, 2018 Paralympics silver medalist, and co-founder of Adaptive Action Sports.

Ryann Richardson made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America. The tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion advocate spent 10 years building brands and culture for companies spanning early-stage startups to billion-dollar "unicorns" to the Fortune500. Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, and set her on the path to discovering her unique purpose as a champion for underrepresented voices.

Monica M. Rivera (she/her) is a captivating speaker, marketer, and coach with over two decades of experience at renowned companies like Citi, Deloitte, Verizon, and SAP. She founded YOU WANNA DO WHAT?!, a coaching consultancy, aiding business professionals in becoming thought leaders. As a sought-after speaker, Monica has spoken at TEDx, The New York Times, Podcast Movement, and various national events, inspiring personal growth, empowerment, and success in individuals and organizations.

Mike Robbins is the author of five books and an expert in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Teamwork, and Team Performance. He delivers motivational keynotes and seminars, empowering people, leaders, and teams to engage in their work and perform at their best. His clients include Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and many others. Mike is also a member of the National Speakers Association and has been featured in NPR, ABC News, and Forbes. He hosts the podcast, We're All In This Together.

Rachel Rodgers is the CEO/Founder of Hello Seven, a company empowering women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA individuals to build seven-figure businesses. She's a bestselling author and has appeared on major media outlets. As an attorney-turned-entrepreneur, Black woman, and self-made millionaire, Rachel's mission is to help end the cycle of overworking, under-earning, and financial stress. She also runs The Hello Seven Foundation, a non-profit addressing disparities in maternal health care.

Betsy M. Ross is the president of Game Day Communications, a media and marketing agency based in Cincinnati. She is an Emmy® award-winning sports reporter and one of the first women to break into national sports news. Ross worked at ESPN for five years as an anchor and continues to be involved in sports broadcasting. She also teaches at the University level and is a former member of the Ball State Alumni Council.

Dan Roth is an internationally recognized recruiter and professional speaker known for his engaging storytelling and advocacy for mental health, LGBTQIA rights, and neurodiversity. After pivoting to recruitment during the pandemic, he built a platform on LinkedIn that connects job seekers with bias-free resources. Dan has reached millions through his speaking engagements, including international keynotes, and has been featured in major media outlets. His mission is to empower individuals through exploration and awareness.

Rodney Sampson, of Opportunity Hub, is heralded as the leading inclusive startup ecosystem builder and is passionate about reducing poverty and wealth gap by advancing the cause of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and investment as a way of life for all, with an emphasis on socially disadvantaged and under-estimated and sponsored communities in America and beyond.

Dona Sarkar is the Chief Troublemaker of Microsoft’s AI Extensibility Program, a BIPOC woman in tech leader, Multi-published author, and Owner of the ethical luxury fashion brand Prima Dona Studios. She was recently named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Productive People and Cosmopolitan magazine's Businessperson of the Year.

Kati Schmidt is passionate about female entrepreneurship and the transatlantic relationship. As an early former employee of Airbnb, Kati Schmidt worked on launching and scaling Airbnb’s operations in Europe, starting Airbnb’s public policy efforts globally and launching Airbnb Experiences.

Lars Schmidt is the Founder of Amplify, an HR executive search and consulting firm that helps companies build progressive people teams and capabilities. He was named a Top 100 Influencer by HR Examiner and included in The Huffington Post’s Top 100 Most Social HR Experts on Twitter, and named a top 50 recruiting influencer by LinkedIn.

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is a serial entrepreneur in social innovation and systems change. As a recovering nonprofit executive turned tech entrepreneur, Astrid is Co-Founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, and Co-Founder of Zebras Unite. Astrid’s work focuses on democratizing innovation and capital to solve today’s wicked problems.

Dr. Kryss Shane, a renowned LGBT+ expert, boasts over 25 years of experience in guiding leaders globally. Featured in The New York Times, ABC News, and more, she specializes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, helping businesses navigate these areas effectively. Holding a doctorate and multiple master’s degrees, Dr. Shane is an esteemed educator, serving at Columbia University and other institutions. Author of impactful books, including "The Medical Professional's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion," she advocates for LGBT+ rights and inclusivity on various fronts.

Arian Simone is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, best-selling author, and international speaker. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund, the First Venture Capital Fund built for WOC by WOC. She has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “100 Women of Impact".

Dedren Snead seamlessly blends the realms of art, technology, industry, and education in a way that very few can. Snead believes in creating inclusive, interactive storytelling that weaves together every culture and background possible. His creative endeavors encompass an amalgamation of Afrofuturistic graphic novels, animation, gaming, and augmented reality. Snead was recently chosen for a Ford Foundation Fellowship, where he will exercise his thought leadership fusing gaming, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. His work is a transformative journey, ushering executives, educators, and students into a future where creative and technical careers are not just possibilities but achievable realities, with Artificial Intelligence acting as a collaborative ally. Dedren Snead is not just an artist and developer but a pioneer in harnessing the power of gaming as a transformative educational tool.

Melissa Stockwell is an American war hero. She lost a limb in active combat in Iraq and has been awarded the US Army Purple Heart and The Bronze Star Medal. Melissa used sports to overcome her accident and become a Paralympic Bronze Medalist in 2016 & three-time World Champion in Paratriathlon. She Inspires her audiences to embrace change and find motivation in adversity while sharing her remarkable journey of leadership, perseverance, gratitude, and competitive success.

Lolita Taub is a GP at Ganas Ventures where she invests in pre-seed and seed community-driven companies in the US and Latin America. She is a woman of color with 13 years in tech, micro-influencer, an international keynote speaker, 2x TEDx speaker whose work in venture capital and tech has been recognized on Forbes, Inc.com, The Huffington Post and Entrepreneur.com among other publications.

Kunbi Tinuoye is an award-winning British-born journalist and broadcaster based in the United States. She is the founder of UrbanGeekz, a groundbreaking video-centric African-American, Latinx, and multicultural digital news platform focused on technology, science, business, and startups.

Pat Wadors is the Chief People Officer of UKG, overseeing HR functions for their 14,000+ workforce. With extensive experience in tech companies like Procore and ServiceNow, she's a thought leader in HR and a published author in The Harvard Business Review. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Pat has developed frameworks and delivered inspiring speeches worldwide. She's known for her empathy and talent for storytelling, making her a standout speaker.

Rebecca Weaver, Founder and CEO at HRuprise, is an influential figure in human resources with over twenty years of experience. She is known for her strategic leadership and innovative HR solutions. Rebecca is a celebrated author, speaker, and cancer survivor. Her keynotes integrate personal resilience with professional insights, offering strategies for adaptive leadership and empathic culture. Her work has been featured in major publications and conferences.

Aniyia Williams is a systempreneur, creator, inventor, tech changemaker, and investor. She is a principal on the Responsible Technology team at Omidyar Network, and works to help the tech world live up to its promise of changing lives for the better. She served as Executive Director of Black & Brown Founders, co-founder of Zebras Unite, and founded and led the fashion tech company, Tinsel.