Gabriella Parente is a globally recognized thought leader, Future of Work expert, Fractional Chief Human Resources Officer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor with 20 years of HR and leadership experience. She helps organizations build resilient, high-performing cultures and equips leaders to thrive in a fast-changing world shaped by AI, evolving workforce expectations, and constant disruption. A Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, author of two McGraw-Hill HR books, and trusted voice on leadership and workplace trends, Gabriella has also taught more than 1.2 million learners worldwide through LinkedIn Learning.​

Dr. Nathaniel (Nate) P. Crews is an agility expert and technology futurist specializing in AI-driven transformation, systems engineering, and enterprise leadership. He teaches Agile and Systems Engineering at Caltech CTME and UC Berkeley Extension, bringing over 20,000 hours of global instruction experience.  Dr. Crews holds a Ph.D. in Management/Information Systems and is completing a second doctorate in Information Technology, along with an Executive Master’s and CTO certification from Wharton. With more than 70 certifications spanning AI, MBSE, project management, and leadership, he is a recognized contributor to NDIA and a mentor within INCOSE. His work focuses on empowering organizations to deliver rapid, measurable value through innovation, digital engineering, and adaptive leadership.

Emily Gupton is Chief Technology & Operations Officer at SKG in Austin, Texas. Emily has worked across various industries and roles, leading diverse people and teams. Emily is heavily involved in the Austin community, where she serves as President of the Austin Women in Technology board of directors, Community Engagement Co-Chair on the Workforce Solutions Capital Area board of directors, and an advisory board member of Truist Bank. 

Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Science in Business from UT Dallas. She received her Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman's University and, most recently, completed a program in Digital Transformation from MIT. In her free time, you can find her traveling, spending time with friends and family, and training for her next triathlon.

Damien Aldridge is the Founder & Executive Director of STEMAIVERSE and a globally recognised educator with a Guinness World Record, a Global Teacher Award, and recognition as one of Australia's Most Influential Educators. He has taught STEM, Space, and AI across the world, and as a 2025 White House AI in Education Summit participant, now leads STEMAIVERSE in building workforce pipelines for underserved K–12 communities across Texas and USA.

Zen Van Loan serves as the AI Ambassador for The University of Texas at Austin, where she helps advance practical, responsible AI adoption across the institution. She is also Vice President of Workforce Development for the Austin AI Alliance, leading strategic initiatives, partnerships, conferences, and training programs that connect AI innovation across public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors.

In higher education, Zen also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Texas State University, where she designs and delivers leadership courses that integrate AI, workforce strategy, and data-informed decision-making. In addition, she serves on multiple advisory boards, including CADS, ACCEYSS, and AI2030, where she contributes her expertise in workforce development, AI strategy, equity, and cross-sector collaboration.

Ed is a project and portfolio leader, speaker, and consultant focused on strategic AI adoption and adaptive leadership. As VP of Marketing for the PMI Austin Chapter, he helps connect project professionals and business leaders to the ideas shaping the future of work. As the founder of Edalston Group, he has facilitated panel discussions on AI and emerging technology, delivered presentations and workshops on using AI as a thought partner, and works with clients to integrate AI into business operations in thoughtful, practical ways that strengthen decision-making, execution, and organizational effectiveness.

Drawing on deep experience across product, program, and portfolio leadership, Ed brings a warm, data-driven, and pragmatic perspective to conversations about change. He is known for helping leaders translate emerging technology into actionable strategies that keep people at the center while improving project outcomes in a rapidly evolving environment.

Founder & CEO of Victero Consulting Services, Apinder is a Principal Consultant with over 15 years of experience leading enterprise transformation, strategic programs, PMO excellence, and capability development across IT, EdTech, services, telecom, finance, retail, and learning & development domains. She specializes in helping organizations move from complexity to clarity by translating strategy into measurable, sustainable outcomes.