Education & Academic Research

Melodie Sisk

Film Production & Development Expert

My name is Melodie Sisk and I am a passionate filmmaker with expertise in film production and development. Throughout my career, I have focused on creative development, casting, diversity, LGBTQIA cinema, and the intersection of film and social justice. I firmly believe that film is not just entertainment, but a powerful tool for change and self-expression. My journey in the film industry began as an actor, driven by a deep love for storytelling. It was through working with a scrappy filmmaking team that I discovered my true passion for cinema. Over the past 20 years, my projects have been showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide, including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Outfest, Atlanta Film Festival, and BAM Cinemafest. I have had the privilege of collaborating with industry giants such as Paramount Pictures and A24, exposing my films to audiences around the globe. One of my most notable accomplishments was co-writing and producing the critically acclaimed film "Little Sister" in 2016. Richard Brody of New York Magazine even hailed it as the best film of that year. Currently, I am co-writing a personal project that I will also co-direct alongside my filmmaking family of 20 years. Additionally, I am seeking funding for an ambitious and visionary film called "Let Me Let You Go," set to be shot in the spring of 2024. This project boasts an incredible team, including acclaimed artist and filmmaker Clement Goldberg as the writer/director, and executive producers Zachary Drucker, Silas Howard, and the iconic Lily Wachowski. With my extensive experience and diverse skill set, I am uniquely qualified to provide advice and guidance to anyone interested in the film industry. Whether you are a writer, director, young producer, actor, film crew member, aspiring creative, or someone looking to invest in the arts or apply to film festivals, I can offer valuable insights and support. If you are seeking a professional who understands the intricacies of film production and development, I am here to help. Let's collaborate and bring your cinematic vision to life. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1461281/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk MelodieSisk.com

Jimmy Wadman

Ed-Tech Product Leader & DEI Advocate

I am a professor turned software developer currently working full-time in the Ed-Tech space. I have a unique background of launching straight from undergrad into higher education, where I taught chemistry and led the development of a successful DEI outreach program. Although I LOVED teaching, I transitioned to Ed-Tech in 2021, where I now lead a product for a start-up while still running my outreach program. Our company has served hundreds of universities across the US and Canada to provide the highest and most equitable standard for higher education. I'd love to chat if you are thinking in need of... A. Transitioning from feeling "stuck in academia" to a new career in technology B. Implementing a DEI program in your company or institution, including how to navigate hostile anti-DEI regulations C. Product management and leadership to gain a level-headed and objective perspective on your start-up Sometimes you just want to talk to someone to gain the courage to make the leap to try something new. Believe me, I've been there. We can discuss strategies for making your next big move and create a logical path to following your passion.

Georgie-Ann Getton

Tech Ecosystem Trailblazer & Execution Expert

Georgie-Ann Getton is a NY-based tech ecosystem trailblazer, Execution Expert, mom of two, and the CEO of GSD Solutions. She has worked with companies like Girls Who Code, CUNY Startups, Black Women Talk Tech, and many more. She is also a multimedia content creator and speaker for her brand GSD with Georgie. She is the author of "The Art of Getting Sh*t Done", a memoir and entrepreneurship guide, and the host of Doing The Most The Misadventures of Entrepreneurship Podcast. Georgie is passionate about helping people be more productive in life and business through strategic decision-making in their daily activities that help them live a fuller life. She also sits on the NY Tech Alliance, Black Podcasting Awards, and Caribbeans in Tech & Entrepreneurship Boards.

Christa Cotton

Entrepreneur & Small Business Yoda

There are spirits and then there’s spirit, and Christa Cotton embodies both. A native of Leesburg, Georgia, Christa moved to New Orleans after helping her parents open Thirteenth Colony Distilleries, Georgia's first legal distillery since Prohibition, while in college at Auburn University. After a stint in advertising, Christa started her own company and purchased the El Guapo trademark in 2017. Specializing in zero-proof bitters, El Guapo has expanded into syrups and mixers and is Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified. Christa is a 7x Good Food Award winner, LEE Initiative mentor, Les Dames d'Escoffier Legacy Award: Fine Spirits recipient, and a Fellow in both the Tory Burch Foundation and the James Beard Foundation. She’s successfully raised seven figures in investment capital and relocated from 1,800 square feet to a 32,000 square foot production facility & warehouse in Mid-City. She’s been featured in Southern Living, Forbes, Garden & Gun, Martha Stewart and Fedex Small Business national ad campaigns. She lives in a pink 1902 double shotgun with her 5-year old, Flora, life partner, Brian and Bernese Mountain Dog, Archie Manning. It’s a vibe & she is busy.

Corinne DePinho

interactive and engaging curriculum design

I have 8 years of experience as a middle school science teacher. I also developed a successful side business on teachers pay teachers. I hope to help other teachers by helping them create their own business selling resources they have created. I also want to teach other educators how to make lessons more engaging for students using the peardeck app integrated into google slides.

Amanda Stockwell

User Experience Research & Strategy Consultant

I’ve been doing user experience research and strategy since 2008 and worked with Fortune 100's, start-ups, and everywhere in-between. Companies hire me to help understand who their users are, what they need, how that ties into business goals, and how to utilize that information to craft better experiences for everyone involved. I help companies assimilate research practices into business process. I provide user research and UX analysis services iteratively throughout the design process and help craft the overall problem-solving approach for projects. Most people call that user experience research and strategy. I provide training and consultation services in user research, user experience strategy, lean experimentation, UX hiring, and UX career progression.

Ally Case

Social Media Strategist

I’m a social media content creator and strategist.

Brock Johnson

Social Media Growth Expert

Brock Johnson is a 26-year-old, 7-figure entrepreneur with a passion for helping others grow their following and business on Instagram. In 2017, Brock launched his business with his first E-course, teaching moms how to protect their teens on Snapchat. Shortly after launching that business and while playing college football, Brock pivoted to focus on Social Media Marketing and growth. Over the past 6 years, he has worked with tens of thousands of creators and business owners to grow their social media. Brock grew his own Instagram following by 400K in one year and continues to grow at a rate of over 1,000 people per day. As Co-host of a top 10 business Podcast with his mom, instructor of multiple online courses, Meta consultant, and viral social media creator, Brock is a leading expert in the field of social media growth and short form video content.

James Friscia

AI Research Leader & Tech Product Scaling Expert

Hello, I'm James, a former strategy consultant, turned gaming product director, turned AI research leader. I am currently CEO and Cofounder of CoNote (www.conote.ai), a platform redefining research with AI. I am passionate about launching and scaling technical products (as well as surfing!). Book a session with me if: A) You want to talk about the latest trends in AI for insights / research. B) You want to dive deep on the business of gaming. C) You are thinking about founding a tech or AI company from zero and want to form a playbook (or just hear about the many things that I did both right and wrong). D) You are interested in how I transitioned out of corporate to build a successful consulting practice. I have worked across the world for Fortune 500 companies, unicorns, & small startups. I have sat as advisor, in house corporate leader, and founder. In all instances, I have seen time and time again how uncovering insights from users/customer and detecting broader market signals is critical to success. Looking forward to our potential session together!

Dillon Hargrave

Entrepreneurial Consultant & Creative Strategist

Hey, I'm Dillon! I am a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background. Over the course of 25 years, I've honed my creativity, entrepreneurial prowess, and resilience, all enriched by the unique perspective of living with the daily realities of right hemiparesis resulting from a pre-birth stroke-like experience. I've refined my expertise in leadership and community development through radical vulnerability and the emphasis on personal ecology. This helps me lead myself, my teams, and my communities as we navigate the ever changing landscape of startups and small businesses. For me, it is critical to success that I prioritize the lifestyle I want to live then design a business model that allows me to achieve this goal. Doing this has helped me maintain a higher level of satisfaction personally and professionally. Book a session with me if: A) You're an entrepreneur or thinking of starting a for-profit or nonprofit organization & are seeking to understand how to prioritize your wellbeing to be an effective leader B) You're seeking improved experience for yourself and your teams C) You are interested in maintaining a healthy personal ecology and would like to discuss best practices. More About Me: I started performing as a musician at a young age and eventually turned that passion into a career that allowed me to perform in rooms of thousands for over a decade after earning a master's degree in entrepreneurship. I then spent 7 years in education nonprofits including 5 years as the literacy director of a nonprofit where I successfully designed an adult education pipeline and I was recognized for my dedication to the youth of a neighborhood elementary school. I launched a handcrafted hot sauce company in 2017 with my wife and we grew that company through 2020 with sales in all 50 states, a broad product line including single-batch exclusives, and merchandise for an enthusiastic community of customers numbering in the thousands. We decided to sunset that project to focus on family after the arrival of our first child in 2019. In 2022 I launched my consulting firm in order to facilitate entrepreneurial programs for a lending agency. In that role a helped minority business owners navigate the challenges of early stage ventures and small businesses. Currently, I work as the executive coach and assistant to the founder of a disability ministry and advocacy nonprofit by and for uniquely embodied individuals. Additionally, I work as a casting director for an investment firm that produces a reality tv style entrepreneurial bootcamp. In this role I speak with roughly 750 business owners annually. Finally, I am the creator and facilitator of the Sauntermore peer discussion group for leaders with disabilities. My primary hobby is endurance cycling. Since 2012 I've transformed by mind and body as I've pedaled around the US. I am a member of Leadership Tulsa's LT360 Class 64, Thrive 5, and Hispanic Leadership Institute Class 7. In January 2023 I became a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic programming, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Looking forward to our potential session together!

Sruthi Vaylay

UX Researcher

Hey there! I'm Sruthi, and I'm thrilled to share a little bit about myself with you. My journey has taken me from the world of academic research to the exciting realm of UX research. It's been quite the adventure, and I'm here to tell you all about it. My expertise lies in transitioning into UX research from academic research. I've always had a passion for understanding human behavior and how we interact with technology. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in UX research, where I could combine my love for research with my desire to create meaningful user experiences. Let's dive into my professional journey. After graduating, I landed my first apprenticeship in UX research. It was an unpaid gig, but the experience was invaluable. From there, I joined the Product Hunt team, where I honed my skills and gained hands-on experience in the field. It was a whirlwind of learning and growth, and I'll always be grateful for that opportunity. After my time at Product Hunt, I took on a contractor role at Google in Health AI. Working with such a renowned company was a dream come true. I spent a year and a half there, soaking up knowledge and collaborating with brilliant minds. Currently, I'm a contractor at Bank of America, where I continue to contribute my expertise in banking. What sets me apart is my unique perspective and experience. I've navigated the transition from academia to industry, and I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it. I'm well-equipped to provide advice and guidance to those who are looking to make a similar career change. If you're someone who wants to transition into UX research, especially from academia, I'm the ideal candidate for you. I've been there, and I know what it takes to succeed in this field. Together, we can navigate the intricacies of UX research and help you achieve your professional goals. I'm excited to connect with you and share my knowledge and experiences. Let's embark on this journey together and make a difference in the world of UX research.

Adeleke McMillan

College Admissions & Career Development Coach

My name is Adeleke and I am a professional career coach and college advisor. With my expertise in these areas, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenging world of college admissions and career development. Throughout my career, I have focused on providing comprehensive college advising services, including SAT preparation, Common App review, and guidance on selecting the right college for each individual. I understand the importance of finding the perfect fit and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next chapter of their lives. One of the highlights of my professional journey was being accepted Early Decision into the University of Pennsylvania. This experience gave me firsthand knowledge of the college application process and the dedication required to achieve one's goals. In addition to my academic achievements, I have also gained valuable experience through internships at top firms such as Citadel, Point72, Morgan Stanley, and eventually a full-time offer at JP Morgan. These opportunities allowed me to develop a deep understanding of finance and the corporate world, which I now leverage to guide my clients towards successful careers. One of my proudest accomplishments is achieving a remarkable SAT score of 1560. This achievement not only demonstrates my dedication to academic excellence but also serves as a testament to my ability to help others achieve their full potential. The ideal candidate for my services is someone who is self-motivated and determined to succeed. I work best with individuals who know themselves well and believe in their own abilities. With my guidance and support, I empower my clients to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their goals. If you are looking for a dedicated and experienced career coach and college advisor, I am here to help. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the college admissions process and set you on a path towards a successful and fulfilling career.

Jillian Trubee

Partnership Strategy Expert

Hi there! My name is Jillian and I am thrilled to share my professional journey with you. With a passion for partnerships in the technology industry, I have had the privilege of working on some incredible projects and achieving remarkable milestones. One of my proudest accomplishments was being a founding partner member at Greenhouse. During my time there, I had the opportunity to grow the partner ecosystem from 50 to an impressive 250 integrations in less than two years. This achievement made Greenhouse's ecosystem the fastest and largest growing among our competitors. Additionally, I spearheaded the development of a multi-million dollar channel revenue program, which significantly contributed to the company's success. In addition to my work at Greenhouse, I also played a pivotal role at Remote. As a founding team member, I had the privilege of building integration and marketplace programs from the ground up. One of the highlights of my time at Remote was launching a strategic partnership with Gusto, a move that greatly expanded our reach and impact. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of technical and channel partnerships, partnership strategy, specifically in the HR technology space. This expertise has allowed me to provide valuable advice and guidance to organizations seeking to enhance their partner ecosystems and drive growth. In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am known for my enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve shared goals. My ability to think strategically and execute with precision has been instrumental in my success. I am truly passionate about partnerships in the technology industry and am excited to continue making a positive impact in this field. If you are looking for someone with a proven track record of success and a genuine passion for what they do, I would be honored to connect with you. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and make a difference in the world of technology partnerships.

Heather Zulawski

Leadership Development & Business Communication Coach

Hi, I'm Heather, nice to meet you! I have over 15 years of experience leading organizations at a Fortune 50 company. My expertise in employee and leadership develops stems from this experience and is supported by my formal training in organizational development and leadership, for which I hold a MS from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia (go Hawks!). In addition to focusing on leadership and development, I have the honor of teaching Business Communications at Wharton - one of the top business schools in the country. I am energized with every class (and reminded of my age). I offer executive coaching sessions to help clients realize the full potential of their teams. In addition, I offer business communication sessions where we not only discuss the foundational elements of business communication, but also get our hands dirty with writing and editing content you will actually use in your day-to-day work. In addition to my degree, I am certified to administer DISC and am a Prosci Change Management practitioner. These credentials inform how I think about leadership development while also offering practical tools for clients to ensure sessions are not just enjoyable, but also result in real change. I look forward to working with you!

Mason Meier

Technology Solutions Architect & Start-up Advisor

Lead Solutions Architect and portfolio investigator for Fortune 50 business councils and start up accelerator groups. Primary fields: Start up investigations, business planning, technology design and implementation. Expert in: decentralized computing, cryptography, software design, start up funding navigation, systems crafting and video game development. Experience: 5 years experience in software development, over $100m in net revenue for partner businesses, over $400m in total capital raise for partner and personal businesses. Responsible for several green waste and renewable energy initiatives including adding solar powered receptacles to the entirety of the San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area.

Megan McCoy

Financial Therapy Researcher & Educator

r. Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC®, CFT-I™ is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Personal Financial Planning. She teaches courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels focused on financial well-being, financial therapy, and couple dynamics regarding finances. Dr. McCoy holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of North Carolina and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Drexel University. Dr. McCoy also attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, and a Certified Financial Therapist-I™. During her doctoral program, she developed a specialization in financial therapy and client psychology. She had the opportunity to work with clients alongside financial planning students to treat clients’ financial well-being together. Observing and learning from financial planners’ work with clients enabled Dr. McCoy to gain more insights into the psychology of financial planning. She serves on the Financial Therapy Association's Board of Directors and was the past Associate editor of the Journal of Financial Therapy. She is currently co-editor for the Financial Planning Review. She was also a guest editor on a special issue on finances for Contemporary Family Therapy. Dr. McCoy’s research interests focus on financial therapy, financial well-being, and financial communication, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. She has published over forty articles in top-tier mental health, family science, financial counseling, and financial planning journals. This year, her research has won awards from the National Council of Family Relations and the Financial Therapy Association. Dr. McCoy has been awarded grants from the Financial Planning Association, the National Endowment for Financial Education, and FP Canada to continue research on how to integrate client psychology topics into financial planning to foster trust and commitment with clients. Dr. McCoy has also been featured as a financial well-being expert on the Today Show, NPR, BBC, the Wall Street Journal, and many other media outlets.

Lindsey Elliott

Industrial Digital Technology Strategist

Hi, I'm Lindsey Elliott: a mechanical engineer by degree with over 5 years of industry experience in manufacturing and heavy industry construction. I'm looking forward to discussing strategies for advancing digital technologies in the industrial construction sector (oil & gas refineries, chemical plants, pilot plants, sustainable material processing, etc.) in a 1:1 in-person or remote session.

Acey Holmes

Playful Work Design Transformation Expert

Acey Holmes is a play advocate on a mission to infuse the power of play into our personal and professional lives. With a background in education, speech-language pathology, and a deep interest in the study of neuroscience, she brings a unique blend of expertise to her work as a consultant, facilitator, and speaker. Acey's engaging and interactive workshops and presentations cover topics such as the neuroscience of play, the power of play at work, personal play identities, and more (all research-backed!) She helps leaders understand how play can stimulate innovation, enhance problem-solving abilities, and create a culture of continuous learning and growth. Through her playful work design consulting, Acey's impact on organizational transformation is profound. Her work has ignited a spark within organizations, kindling a flame of engagement and motivation that burns brightly within employees. Creativity and innovation flourish in the playful atmosphere she cultivates, as individuals are encouraged to think outside the box and embrace new ideas. Problem-solving and decision-making are enhanced as teams collaborate effectively, and their trust in one another is strengthened through shared experiences. In Acey's presence, relationships blossom, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging that contributes to a more positive and productive work environment. Her influence extends beyond the walls of the workplace, permeating the lives of those she touches, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, a workshop facilitator, or a training consultant, Acey is committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to revolutionize your approach to work and life through play. So if you're ready to stop being bored and start playing, Acey is here to help!

Jenny Fan

Product Designer & Social computing Researcher

Jenny is a multidisciplinary product designer, researcher, and artist. Her work focuses on designing for complex systems, ranging from building visual programming tools to defining democratic digital governance mechanisms for social computing systems. She's currently a Product Designer at Palantir, adjunct professor at NYU Tandon, and visiting researcher at UW's Social Futures Lab. Previously she has worked at IDEO as an Academic Fellow and Interaction Designer, TED Conferences as a CIVIC Summer Fellow, instructor at General Assembly, product designer at various Series A start-ups in NYC, and technology consultant at Accenture Interactive. She holds a Masters in Design Engineering from Harvard and a B.S. in Economics from UPenn Wharton, graduating with distinction from both.

Sarah Bowlin

User Experience Researcher & Entrepreneur

Hey there! I'm Sarah, a qualitative user experience researcher and entrepreneur. I've always had a passion for facilitating meaningful experiences outdoors, which led me to start my own freeze-dried food company and create a beautiful campground and retreat space in West Texas called La Loma Camp. As an entrepreneur, I thrive on bringing people closer to nature and providing them with unforgettable experiences. My freeze-dried food company, Bowl & Kettle, is all about offering premium, restaurant-quality meals that are perfect for outdoor adventures. And with La Loma Camp, I've created a serene and rejuvenating space where people can connect with nature and themselves through booking a retreat experience, or their own campground stay. On the research front, I've had the privilege of working with some incredible companies. I began my career at Facebook (Meta), where I honed my skills on their research operations team. From there, I transitioned to Airbnb, where I built their research operations team from scratch. It was an amazing experience, but I wanted to dive deeper into research, so I took on my first full-time researcher role. At Airbnb, I focused on accessibility research, specifically improving the search-to-book experience for individuals with severe vision disabilities. After relocating to Austin, Texas, I joined The Zebra as their first-ever researcher. I built a team of 12 talented researchers who supported all major product teams, as well as marketing and other core business units. My next adventure took me to Outdoorsy, where I became their first user experience researcher. There, I developed an insights-driven practice that helped the company better understand their users and improve their overall experience. Since early 2023, I've been freelancing as a UX researcher, collaborating with startups and e-commerce companies to provide impactful insights that drive positive change. I love helping these companies understand how to enhance their user experience and ultimately boost their bottom line. Freelancing has also given me the opportunity to focus on my own side hustles. Bowl & Kettle and La Loma Camp are both set to launch in 2024, and I couldn't be more excited to share these passions with the world. If you're a stakeholder at a startup or technology company looking for insights about your users and how to improve their experience, I'm your go-to person. Whether you need me to work with your existing research team, step in as a researcher when you need it most, or even mentor a junior researcher, I'm here to help you make a positive impact. I can't wait to connect with you and discuss how we can collaborate to create exceptional user experiences. Let's make magic happen!