Tarja Porkka-Kontturi | Consultant / Director of Community and Communications | The Global Game Jam
I am a Cultural Producer and a Founder of my own Games Industry Accessibility and DEIB Consulting Business.
An award-winning community manager, I foster diversity and equity as Director of Community Engagement at Global Game Jam, and Community Manager at DeepWell DTx. I speak openly about my own obstacles and experiences as autistic woman in tech field, disabled person and visible muslim in games. I also mentor underrepresented people aiming for career in games. I’m an Advisor for white paper and article collection Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Game Development and Design - encouraging the awareness. Also one of the authors of Learning, Education, & Games Volume 4: 50 Games to Use for Inclusion, Equity, and Justice, among many other things with the goal of making tech and games industry more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Sumedha Nagpal | Product Growth Lead | Databricks, Inc.
With a wealth of experience in driving product growth and sales, Sumedha is a seasoned strategist adept in crafting dynamic product-led growth strategies.
Rooted in empathy, she is a strong advocate of creating user-centric products, honing her expertise in both B2B and B2C domains. Currently serving as a product growth leader at Databricks, Inc, Sumedha has previously left her mark at renowned companies like Meta Platforms, Inc., and unicorn startups such as Fair.com.
Beyond her technical acumen, Sumedha excels in navigating complex relationships, advocating for change, and fostering a culture of action. At Databricks, her initiative in spearheading product-led onboarding initiatives significantly enhanced user retention, earning her recognition as the MVP of the year.
Yet, Sumedha`s impact extends far beyond business metrics. As a passionate mentor, she empowers aspiring women in tech and data through free guidance, insightful articles, and mock interviews that she conducts through Criya.co. Her dedication to community-building is further evidenced by her role on the advisory board of the University of California Riverside`s (UCR) Design Thinking program, where she shapes curriculum and ensures its relevance to industry needs.
Sumedha holds a Master`s degree in Computer science from the University of Southern California and was recently nominated for the Innovator of the Year Award at the Indian Achievers Forum. Her journey embodies a commitment to excellence, advocacy, and making a lasting positive impact in her field and community alike.
Kenni Konate | Machine Learning Engineer | Freelancer
I am a Machine Learning Engineer and Artificial Intelligence Trainer who is particularly interested in AI applications in computer vision and data science.
I have completed my master of science degree in data science and AI.
I am co-founder of Mauritanian Engineering Community, founder of TensorFlow Users Nouakchott community, member of women in AI, women in tech and women techmakers communities.
Catalina Vieru | Moodle System Administrator | Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
The common theme through my career is that I need the stimulation of learning new skills and develop continually.
While finishing my Masters` in Psychotherapy, I started a Bachelors in Journalism in Communication. For the next decade, I worked a 9 to 5 job as a magazine chief editor and the other, after hours, as a relationship counsellor.
Growing up in conservative Romania, I heard a lot that technology and science are `boy fields`, so when I moved to Ireland, I knew it was time for a change. I was given a chance in a small charity as a Moodle administrator and had to self-learn everything. I went from never having seen a site administration menu, to developing eLearning content and doing sys admin work.
A year later, I was joining the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, managing a small Moodle platform for one of our schools. I had the opportunity to learn from different stakeholders, working directly with academic staff, students, software developers and after two years, I wanted to develop more. I loved working with Moodle and doing IT support, so when an opportunity arised in the main IT department, I took it. I`ve been here for 3 years now and I am still learning new skills and developing.
My biggest obstacle in learning IT skills was my own self-doubt, which is why now, whenever I deliver training across the university, I encourage participants to befriend and use technology and I 100% believe that they can learn anything!
Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez | Design Engineer | RJC Engineers
I pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Costa Rica. Then, in 2013, I joined SismoConsultores, a consultant company specializing in structural seismic design.
In the professional environment, my passion for the dynamics of structures grew, which led to my decision to seek postgraduate studies. To complete a Master in Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology, I attended courses in two prestigious institutions: the University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Italy, and the Middle East Technical University, Turkey.
Excited by the idea to continue my postgraduate journey in New Zealand, I enrolled in the PhD in Earthquake Engineering at the University of Canterbury (UC) in 2016. Soon after arriving, the Kaikōura Earthquake took place, which shaped my work and research for the following years. I joined a reconnaissance team inspecting the damaged bridges. Then, as a visiting researcher at the Politecnico di Torino, I learned a methodology to quantitatively assess structural resilience of those bridges.
In 2018, a national research programme was initiated to address serious concerns regarding the seismic performance of precast floors. I joined this research team to lead numerical modelling efforts in collaboration with the Eucentre Foundation in Italy.
In 2022, I joined RJC Engineers, an engineering firm specializing in structural engineering, restoration and building science. In my role as a Design Engineer, I have been able to apply my background on Earthquake Engineering to the seismic design of tall buildings in Vancouver, Canada.
Alexandra Mercz | Founder | Synterra Asia
I am Alexandra Mercz, a cybersecurity and technology expert with extensive experience in multinational financial institutions and startups.
My career is marked by leadership roles in CISO and COO offices, where I have excelled in driving innovation and transformation. I specialize in cybersecurity, corporate governance, risk, and compliance, leveraging a deep understanding of industry standards, frameworks, policies, and technical measures.
My passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) is at the core of my work. I am committed to breaking down barriers and challenging unconscious biases within the cybersecurity sector.
As a seasoned public speaker and volunteer, I actively promote diversity and inclusion, advocating for women`s advancement in cybersecurity. My efforts extend to professional development counseling and support, aiding women at various career stages. My recent acceptance into the European Women on Boards organization underscores my readiness for board-level responsibilities and my ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry.
My leadership and advocacy work not only reflects my professional achievements but also my personal dedication to empowering women in cybersecurity. By championing alternative career paths and showcasing female role models, I aim to normalize women`s presence in both leadership and technical roles, contributing to a healthier, more diverse industry culture.
Nikita Thakrar | Director | Journey with Nikita
I work with men and women during their threshold of transition. Drawing on a wide range of transformative modalities including yoga, meditation, breath work, dance, reiki healing and NLP.
I facilitate group coaching, workshops, retreats, treatments, dance school and a digital library. Using a broad range of skills and heightened levels of intuition, I curate a path for clients who are feeling stuck in their present lives.
I equip them with a personalised toolkit and each one progresses with ease and confidence, thriving amidst life’s challenges. When needed I hold their hand, and other times gently tap their finger particularly during periods of change.
My brand `Journey with Nikita` is based on my own professional and personal life experience. Navigating an unconventional career path, changing my name due to an identity crisis and being diagnosed with an incurable chronic illness. Despite this, I continue to thrive and pave the way forward creating new products and services and being a trendsetter in my field.
I dissect the tools and techniques that I use to support my own healing and self-care, to guide otherwise towards becoming unstuck, and empowering them to embrace their potential.
I merge NLP with a spiritual approach to inspire individuals to tap into their own power to overcome turbulence. My signature talk `Discover your Dharma` introduces participants to the concept of living in alignment with their life purpose.
Naireen Asim | Medical Student
Naireen`s dedication to medical excellence is evident throughout her professional journey.
Beginning at St George’s, University of London, where she pursued a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and is currently pursuing an MBBS degree, she quickly emerged as an MBBS Peer Leader, renowned for her academic dedication. Her pursuit of excellence extended to Hull York Medical School, where she earned an MSc in Health Professions Education, conducting groundbreaking research on barriers to learning and mindfulness among first-in-the-family medical students, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity in healthcare education. Despite being the youngest and only medical student in a cohort of experienced professionals, her exceptional skills position her for prestigious MCADMED and FHEA titles.
Building on her academic achievements, Naireen revitalized SGULMEDED and OSCESOC, organizations dedicated to providing accessible medical education for UK medical students. With a focus on inclusivity, she expanded learning opportunities, attracting over 3000 attendees in three years.
In leadership roles, Naireen serves as the Director of Academia at In2MedSchool, where she leads initiatives supporting underrepresented students in medical school applications and spearheads research programs to enhance students` academic profiles. Beyond academia, she contributes to healthcare accessibility through Student MedAID London, collaborating to redistribute medical resources to under-resourced institutions abroad. Her fundraising efforts for initiatives such as Students for Kids International Projects and Teddy Bear Hospital have been instrumental in supporting charitable causes.
With her exemplary track record and unwavering dedication, Naireen continues to make significant contributions to the medical field and beyond, poised to drive positive change in healthcare.
Róláké Omólékúlo | Vice President - Equities Negotiator | Morgan Stanley
Róláké is an experienced equity negotiator at Morgan Stanley(MS) representing the organization in complex derivatives transactional negotiations, catering to a diverse range of clients including corporates and hedge funds.
She started her career in London and relocated to Hong Kong in 2020. With her expertise and extensive experience in EMEA and more recently the Asia markets, Róláké is adept at navigating intricate cross border financial transactions and positions herself as a trusted advisor for both Morgan Stanley and its esteemed clientele. She holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in law and is a New York Bar qualified Attorney.
She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion (DI), demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact irrespective of her location. Currently she serves as the Co-Chair of the MS Hong Kong Multicultural Alliance Network, she leads initiatives to support the recruitment, retention, and promotion of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her goal is to foster a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. In her prior role in EMEA, she actively participated in the Equities Women Analyst and Associate Committee and the Afro-Caribbean Business Alliance Steering Committee.
Róláké`s commitment to DI is further exemplified by her participation as a member of the MS APAC leadership diversity council working group. She contributes to shaping strategies that promote DI at the APAC leadership level.
She believes in the power of mentorship and actively serves as a mentor, dedicating her time to support and nurture the next generation.
Pooja Doshi | Founder & Owner | Miraya Arts
I am a commerce graduate and post that did a programme in design from NIFT, Delhi. My venture Miraya Arts is an outcome of my love for Art and creativity.”
I believe that when your passion becomes your profession, it’s a blessing and a dream come true! ”This is true for my venture which is an online bespoke gifts and gift packaging solutions provider. I have also participated in exhibitions at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Delhi, venues in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Miraya Arts was started in 2015 in Pune, India. Till date we have successfully delivered products to 1700 +clients globally. It feels proud to have close to 400 products in my collection and my work supports close to 25 skilled artisans who make our products.I have a vision to curate and deliver innovative and quality gifts to our clients. A bigger aim is to promote the Indian handicrafts and cultural skills of our artisans and craftsmen. We have won accolades for excellent customer service and for supporting Indian handicrafts.
Miraya Arts caters to designer trousseau and gift packaging products. It has an exclusive collection of giveaways for weddings, engagement ceremony, festivals, jubilee celebrations and other occasions including. It`s presence is there on various B2B and B2C portals and wedding related websites. I am a member of organizations like Ficci Flo-Pune chapter, Indo American Chambers of Commerce (IACC) and other groups which help in women empowerment and to support upcoming entrepreneurs and Indian art and craft.