Technical, Software, & Scientific

Glenn H

Drupal Architect

As a published author, recognized industry expert, and CEO of a leading Drupal agency, I have taught thousands of hours of web development and user experience classes all over the United States and consulted for organizations such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and the U.S. government. I'm a technology and people leader who truly enjoys leveraging Drupal to deconstruct complex problems into straightforward solutions that bring value and new opportunities to clients and their businesses. I have expertise in multiple coding languages (Acquia certified Drupal developer), a strong background in cloud and SaaS architectures, in-depth experience creating and working with APIs, and vast experience in building and scaling up technical teams. Drupal is a powerful platform that can be customized to quickly stand up cloud-based solutions for complicated business requirements. If you want to speak with a Drupal expert or have a Drupal application that needs help or support then schedule a session for a custom consultation.

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.

Niki Brown

Interior Design Specialist

Niki originally attended UNC Chapel Hill as a pre-med student, only to realize that the business of medicine was not for her. After some soul searching, Brown realized that interior design was the perfect mix of the technical process—technology and principles of design—that spoke to both the designer and scientist in her and would allow her to create a tangible, visible final product that would treat both her and her clients to world-class design. Soon after completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she enrolled at Meredith College in Raleigh where she completed a BS in Interior Design and has been immersed in the industry ever since! Brown spent the first five years of her design career in Atlanta, GA. There she started as an intern for a residential design firm and moved into working as a production assistant for HGTV. There she learned how to produce interior design content for TV. In 2011, she put her knowledge to the test as a featured designer on HGTV’s “Design Wars,” then, in 2013, she joined the design team for the Emmy award-winning show, “Elbow Room.” Brown’s experiences in Atlanta taught her a great deal about interior design, but she ultimately decided to move back to Raleigh to continue developing stronger professional opportunities and to connect with her family and loved ones regularly. Brown settled back into life in Raleigh, where she was grateful to be near her family, and the local housing market was booming. Brown joined a small design firm that introduced her to the multi-family market, which gave her a valuable blend of commercial and residential work experience.

Nick Katsivelos

NewMedia OldTimer-30 years on the Digital Frontier

New Media Old Timer : Completely Focused on Creativity, The Creator Economy, and how Technology Democratization is unleashing an unprecedented shift in global culture. Fall 2023 I will be teaching a graduate level class titled "Augmented Storytelling" where students will bring a project of their choosing and then augment their creative process with GenAI and Virtual Production techniques. ex-R/GA, ex-Microsoft presently @ NYU Tandon School of Engineering - Integrated Design & Media program.

Julia Leodori

Freelance Startup & VC Consultant Specializing in Data, Product, Operations, Content/Pitch Decks & more

Hi there! I am an experienced Data Scientist, Software Engineer and Product Manager at a large bank, as well as a Master of Engineering in Financial Technology graduate and Venture Fellow and Scout. My real passion lies in freelancing and providing contract/fractional services to startups and VC firms in a wide range of domains. I specialize in business development, pitch deck creation, due diligence, market research, competitive analysis, investment memos, operations, data analytics, technical writing and content/branding materials, investor relations and more. I love cultivating relationships with innovative entrepreneurs and the variety of working with different startups. I am excited about FinTech, Data, AI/ML, SaaS, FemTech (women's health and wellness), AgriTech, CPG and other exciting, budding companies. I'm so excited to chat and learn more about how I can help you grow your business. My services on Expert Session include: - GTM strategy and execution: How we can roadmap your product's launch and/or improve existing practices - Market Research: How I can help you discover where you are already shining, and where you can improve to increase revenue and users - Due Diligence: How we can collaborate and dive deep into existing and prospective decisions related to management, strategy, operations, etc. - Data Analytics: Where I can learn more about how I can dig deep into your market, industry and financials of your business to deliver insights - Consulting: I will provide my input on your branding and content, and together we can plan for how I can enhance this through content creation and technical writing services. Outside of working, I love chatting endlessly about my hiking across the U.S.'s National Park system, my miniature pomeranian, Leo, and holistic/functional health and wellness advice for women.

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.

Fiona Siseman

Leadership Development Coach

Being an effective leader is rooted in being authentic, self-aware, and inclusive. The journey to effective leadership is different for everyone and it’s unlocked through experience and self-discovery. I love to help people find and define their own path. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions for leaders in tech that will help you: - reframe your thinking about situations you are finding challenging at work - diagnose what might be going on in your team - support you in how to facilitate workshops or group dynamics - prepare you to have a difficult conversation - be more sure of yourself as a leader. I have a broad background that includes coaching high-performing leadership teams at Spotify, managing people, moving countries (Australia to the USA), and starting my own business. I also experience chronic pain and ADHD. I began my career in operations and delivery roles with Lonely Planet. It was here that I honed my systems thinking and people-first leadership skills as I built effective teams, managed digital projects, and discovered the joy of helping people and teams connect and work effectively together. After a stint at Luna Tractor helping teams with agile transformations I moved across the world from Australia to the US – a jump into the unknown! It was at Spotify that I found my love of enabling and growing leaders. I saw how the power of a well-placed question or observation could unlock a team. I managed coaches and engineering managers, facilitated the right conversations, and built a high-performing senior leadership team in a large Platform Engineering organization (for a period, leading a cross-functional organization of 130 people). Through this work I gained the skills and experience in coaching leaders and teams to be effective, resilient, and adaptable in an environment of fast-paced growth and change. The through-line of my approach is to be endlessly curious about how and why things are. What is driving this behavior? Why is this thing hard to say? What purpose does this have? How can we work with this to get the outcome that we want? Helping people disentangle themselves from beliefs and assumptions to connect to the heart of the matter brings me joy.

Michael Zinni

computers/cybersecurity

My name is Michael, and I am an IT professional with over 20 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong expertise in various areas, including social engineering, help desk support, cybersecurity, and Active Directory management. My journey in the IT field began during my time in the United States Marine Corps, where I spent 8 years working on computers and honing my technical skills. Following my military service, I had the opportunity to work for Intel Corporation, where I contributed to the development of next-generation onboard graphics. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies and further expand my knowledge in the field. Since 2013, I have been a civil servant, working in the IT department of the United States Department of Transportation. In this role, I have been responsible for managing and maintaining critical IT infrastructure, ensuring the smooth operation of various systems and networks. I hold a degree in IT Management from National University, where I majored and graduated in 2008. Additionally, I have obtained a certificate in COMPTIA A+ from COMPTIA, which I earned in 2006. These educational achievements have provided me with a solid foundation and a comprehensive understanding of IT principles and practices. With my extensive experience and diverse skill set, I am uniquely qualified to provide expert advice and guidance to individuals interested in pursuing a career in IT or those concerned about social engineering threats. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. Currently, I am working at USDOT, where I continue to contribute to the success of the organization through my technical expertise and dedication to excellence. If you are seeking a seasoned IT professional with a wealth of experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, I am the ideal candidate to assist you. Let's connect and explore how I can help you achieve your goals in the IT industry.

Tom Hadley

Startup Product Management & Engineering Advisor

My name is Tom and I am a seasoned professional in the field of product management and engineering for startups. With a wealth of experience working with companies in the pre-seed to pre-IPO stage, I have honed my expertise in guiding these ventures towards success. One of my key strengths lies in my deep understanding of various tech stacks and software architectures. I have a knack for identifying the most suitable technologies and frameworks to build robust and scalable products. Additionally, I excel in hiring and leading high-performing engineering teams, ensuring that the right talent is in place to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results. Another area where I bring immense value is in API design. I have a proven track record of creating well-documented and intuitive APIs that enable seamless integration with external systems. This expertise allows me to optimize the user experience and enhance the overall functionality of the products I work on. In addition to my technical prowess, I am also well-versed in product design and the development of minimum viable products (MVPs). I understand the importance of creating user-centric solutions that address real pain points and deliver tangible value. By leveraging my skills in product management, I am able to guide startups in crafting compelling product roadmaps and executing successful go-to-market strategies. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. I have a knack for translating complex technical concepts into clear and concise language that resonates with non-technical founders. This enables effective collaboration and ensures that everyone is aligned towards achieving the company's goals. If you are a non-technical founder looking to navigate the challenging landscape of product management and engineering, I am the ideal candidate to guide you. With my extensive experience and unique skill set, I am confident in my ability to help you build and scale successful startups. I am passionate about empowering startups to reach their full potential, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and contribute to your success.

Florentina Sergiou

Full Stack Design | AI Prompt Engineer | Marketing

Hey there, I’m Florentina! With both BSc and MSc degrees from New York University, I bring a diverse range of expertise to the table. Here’s a glimpse into my areas of specialization: 🌎 Adventure Travel & Tourism: I have explored 18 countries, seeking thrilling experiences such as skydiving, ziplining through cloud forests at 5,000ft, riding camel-back around the Pyramids of Giza, jet skiing along the Hudson River, and cliff jumping in the Mediterranean Sea. Having resided in New York City for six years and traveled to Cyprus 15 times, I hold extensive knowledge of both urban and coastal lifestyles, making me an excellent resource for your next adventure. 🦾 Artificial Intelligence (AI): Alongside teaching workshops and gaining recognition as a trending artist on Pinterest's "Today Tab," one of my artworks was displayed as the first AI generated piece at the iconic Rockefeller Center in NYC. As an AI Prompt Engineer, I can guide you in effectively communicating with AI to achieve your desired outcomes. 🎨 Graphic Design: With over 10 years of experience using the Adobe Suite, I am a seasoned full stack designer proficient in 2D graphics, web design, and 3D modeling. My creations have landed on eight foot flags flying around the rink at Rockefeller Center on four occasions. I have also shared my knowledge through facilitating design thinking workshops, empowering others to unleash their creative potential. 🛠️ Manufacturing & Production: For five years, I have been actively instructing users on various machinery, ranging from laser cutting to CNC milling to 3D printing. Not only have I taught these skills, but I have also applied them to personal projects, such as building laser-cut sculptures and upcycling PCB boards into jewelry pieces. 🚀 Marketing & Sales: With a broad skill set honed through positions at NASA, Wilder World, NYU MakerSpace, Arrow Electronics, Micro Strategies, and Buena Gente, I currently serve as Expert Session's Marketing Manager. Having amassed extensive experience in marketing, I am well-equipped to provide valuable insights and strategies. Additionally, I can offer resume and portfolio feedback to help you make a lasting impression in the field. I look forward to sharing my expertise with you and helping you achieve your goals!

Ruthie Berber

Community-led Growth | Brand Marketing | Tech | Leadership

With more than 10 years of integrated marketing experience, I have spent 7 years most recently in B2B SaaS. I specialize in brand expansion community engagement, and strategic program building, specifically in the eCommerce, innovation, and women's health & wellness and empowerment spaces. I volunteer as a local Marketing & Community Lead for both Women in Innovation and Led By Community organizations. I'm a big foodie, I love to eat & drink my way through NYC where I've been living the past 4 years, and I balance it out by also being a big pilates and fitness girlie.

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.

Lucas Aguiar

Tech Lead | Software Engineer | Full Stack | React

I built a solid academic background in Mechatronics and Software Engineering, including graduation, exchange experience in the United States, master's degree, research and publication of scientific articles. During this period, I have also developed my fluency in English and Spanish. I founded and worked for 2 years in a software development company for the healthcare area, serving clients from the public and private sectors, maintaining contact with the top management of these institutions and expanding technical, managerial, business and communication knowledge. I have been working as a developer and technical leader of teams working on corporate solutions for 9 years, mainly for the media, financial and health industries. I am experienced with various technologies and tools, with expertise in deliveries with excellent usability, appearance and performance. My core skills are focused on MERN Stack: React, Node.js, MongoDb and AWS. I also have experience working with Angular, .Net Core, WordPress (PHP + MySQL) and SQL Server. I’m very experienced with git flow, CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins and GitHub Actions) and docker. My objective is to act as a Tech Lead or Head of Engineering seeking to understand the C-level needs of high impact companies and to integrate modern technologies in order to propose innovative solutions that result in cost reduction and process improvement.

Rebecca Royal

Event Planner and Productivity Nerd

I am a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and have a Certificate in Event Management from The George Washington University. I am creative, hardworking, and detail oriented. I enjoys working with others and watching creative visions come to life. In my spare time, I test and implement new productivity tools, build websites, and manage social media for my local chapter of a non-profit. TECHNICAL SKILLS: • Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) • Swoogo, A2Z, CVENT, Netforum/Abila, EventRebels • Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva • Mobile Application Development • Basic HTML/CSS • Wordpress • Cadmium • GoToMeeting, Zoom • Constant Contact, FloDesk • Proficient in American Sign Language

Ally Case

Social Media Strategist

I’m a social media content creator and strategist.

Jessica Langrock

Software Quality & Security Expert

My name is Jessica and I am on a mission to ensure that your software is excellent. With a wealth of experience gathered from my tenures at Software Improvement Group, VMware, and Lumen, I have not only honed my technical expertise but also cultivated a unique network dedicated to optimizing your software assets. One key areas of proficiency I support is software quality assessments. Scrutinizing the quality of software codebases with a discerning eye is the type's of projects I support. With SIG, we delve deep into the intricacies of code, meticulously unraveling hidden weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies. My commitment to this craft culminates in a comprehensive report that serves as your guiding light in understanding the true health of your software. Security vigilance is another area I support. My tenure in the tech industry has endowed me with a profound ability to spot security flaws in software. I am equipped with a superpower that enables me to unearth vulnerabilities, detect looming threats, and foresee potential breaches. Allow me to fortify your software's defense against the perils of the digital realm, creating a fortress of cybersecurity around your invaluable assets. Codebase resilience is another forte of mine. I possess the transformative power to turn brittle, high-maintenance code into a robust and easily maintainable system. By doing so, I guarantee that your software not only stands the test of time but also evolves gracefully, adapting seamlessly to the ever-changing tech landscape. Digital transformation, a complex journey for many, holds no secrets for me. Drawing upon my years of experience, I will expertly guide your organization through this transformative process. Together, we'll align your software with your business objectives, ensuring that it keeps pace with the dynamic tech landscape and becomes a catalyst for your digital success. Technical debt eradication is another area where I can provide valuable insights. I fully understand how technical debt can cast a shadow over your development endeavors. It is my prerogative to help you identify and eliminate technical debt, liberating resources for innovation and growth. The result? A software infrastructure that's not weighed down by past mistakes but poised for future excellence. Performance optimization is yet another aspect of my expertise. Be it a web application, a mobile app, or a complex enterprise system, I possess the wisdom to enhance their performance. Through my expertise, your software will provide a seamless and exceptional user experience, creating satisfied customers and enabling your organization to thrive. Throughout my professional journey, I have gained valuable experience and achieved significant milestones. I began programming in high school with Girls Who Code and even sneaked into NYU hackathons. From there, I studied Business Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh. After several internships, I joined VMware on America's team for Operations. Two years later, I joined Lumen to learn about the world of Telecom and IT Due Diligence. Now, at Software Improvement Group, I am building a voice for technical health for a healthier digital world.

John Canela

Tech Career Coach & Cybersecurity Consultant

My purpose is to elevate untapped potential by delivering personalized coaching, actionable resources, and accountability. I want to live in a world where early-career professionals, career changers, and underrepresented groups achieve fulfilling tech careers. I currently work as a Senior Consultant at Google, and I focus on Computer Forensics and Incident Response as a service; advising and communicating relevant findings of cyber threats to customers at Fortune 1000 companies. I like talking about cyber security, career coaching, and helping people think bigger. Whether you're a new graduate, changing careers, or aiming for a promotion, our sessions will help you walk into the next step in your career with confidence and clarity. Look forward to working together! #InThisTogether #grateful

David Siemers

Software Engineer | Eternal Student | Pizza Lover

Howdy, I'm David! I'm a full-stack engineer with a passion for creating stellar user experiences, solving complex problems and helping people grow. In my decade-long career, I've worn a lot of hats. From frontend to backend engineering, DevOps, team lead, project manager, designer, consultant and everything in between. If there's somewhere that I can help, I'm there. I pride myself on my flexibility and being a student at heart. I'm always eager to learn something new and grow and I especially enjoy helping folks along their own knowledge journey. Don't expect it to be easy, though! If you want my help, I won't stand idly by, it goes against my nature. I'm not just along for the ride, I'm there next to you, the entire time, doing whatever I can to ensure you are where you need to be and your problems are solved--we're in this together! If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a message!

Nima Mehri

Cyber Security Consultant

Cybersecurity Consultant with demonstrated success in securing Information Systems and reducing organizational risk in fast-paced, challenging environments.