VP and Fellow, CTO of Technology and Society, Google

Blaise Agüera y Arcas is a VP and Fellow at Google, where he leads pioneering research in AI, focusing on neural computing, active inference, and sociality. A former Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft, he invented Federated Learning and founded the Artists and Machine Intelligence program. Blaise has delivered multiple TED Talks and authored books, including Who Are We Now? His upcoming book, What Is Intelligence?, will be published by MIT Press in 2025.

Partner, AI Leader - Aerospace & Defense Sector and US Space Program Lead, PwC

Joe Schurman is a PwC Partner co-leading the US Space Program and driving AI innovation in Aerospace & Defense. With nearly 30 years of experience, he advises top space organizations and Defense agencies on responsible AI. Featured on The History Channel, Joe also serves as an advisor to Space Force’s Space Domain Awareness program and is a published author and global speaker.

Professor of Psychology, New York University

Tessa West, Professor of Psychology at NYU, is a leading expert on workplace communication. Her research explores feedback dynamics, cultural influences, and strategies for better professional interactions. With over 80 publications, prestigious awards, and major research funding, she is a sought-after media voice. She’s the author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy, and her TED Talk, The Problem with Being Too Nice at Work, was a top 10 most-watched of 2024.

Former Navy SEAL & Sleep Scientist

Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist, dedicated to optimizing human performance through sleep. As the founder of Sleep Genius, he develops cutting-edge sleep solutions for military personnel, first responders, and high-performance professionals. Combining biometric monitoring, AI-driven optimization, and behavioral science, his work enhances sleep quality in extreme conditions. He has advised military leaders and executives on the role of sleep in decision-making, resilience, and longevity.

Catalyst President & CEO

Jennifer McCollum is a CEO, speaker, and author dedicated to advancing women and inclusive leadership. As President & CEO of Catalyst, she drives gender equity in the workplace. Her book, In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO, blends data and personal stories to highlight challenges and solutions for women in leadership. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, and more, she’s a sought-after speaker worldwide. Offstage, she enjoys tennis, skiing, and family life in the Washington, DC, area.

Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law, New York University

Kenji Yoshino is the Director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU. A Rhodes Scholar and graduate of Harvard, Oxford, and Yale, he specializes in constitutional and antidiscrimination law. He has published in top academic journals and major media outlets and is the author of four books, including Say the Right Thing (2023). He serves on Meta’s Oversight Board and the Brennan Center for Justice. Yoshino has received numerous awards for his teaching and scholarship.

Founder & Custom Apparel Designer, CassB by Design

Cassidy Burel is the founder and head designer of CassB by Design, a Kernersville-based studio specializing in custom bridal and evening wear. A graduate of UNCG’s Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies program, she held leadership roles in Threads and the National Millennial Community and earned multiple scholarships and awards. Launching her brand in 2022, she has since been featured in The O’Henry, Greensboro News and Record, and NewlyWed Magazine.

Director, Author & Advocate

Schele Williams is a trailblazing director reshaping American theater with her bold vision and commitment to authentic representation. In 2024, she made history as the first Black woman in over 50 years to direct a Broadway musical with The Wiz and The Notebook. She also helms Disney’s Aida revival and Hidden Figures. Beyond the stage, she co-founded Black Theatre United and serves on multiple industry boards. An acclaimed author, her books Your Legacy and Your Legacy Begins champion empowerment and social justice.

Medical Director, Catawba Valley Medical Center

Dr. Kathy Wilson is the Medical Director of the Sleep Center and Respiratory Department at Catawba Valley Medical Center. A former medical technologist, she pursued her medical degree at 43, specializing in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Board-certified in multiple specialties, she also directs the School of Respiratory Technology at Catawba Valley Community College and remains active in state and local medical organizations.

Physician & Healthcare Advocate

Dr. Ernest Brown—widely known as the Punk Rock Doc—is a house call physician for the elderly and disabled in Washington DC. He is also founder of Humans for Healthcare, a 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to restoring patient-centered medicine through direct care , advocacy, and advancing technologies. As the host and producer of the Earnest Medicine docu-series, he challenges the status quo in modern healthcare, bridging physicians and communities while integrating technology-driven solutions for better care.

President, BOLD Training Corp & Leadership Development Expert

John Lentini is the President of BOLD Training Corp and a Crestcom International partner, leading leadership workshops in the greater New York City area. With over 21 years in corporate management, he held senior Finance and Operations roles worldwide. His passion for leadership development began in 2014 while designing a coaching program for an NGO in South Africa. An MBA graduate from UConn, he now represents Crestcom across five U.S. states.