Bethany Adams has more than 15 years of experience in HR and education.  She began her career working in learning & development and human resources in the restaurant and retail industries. She has experience in both small, privately-owned businesses and large, Fortune 500 organizations. Bethany holds a BA in Psychology, MA in Organizational Management, the SHRM-SCP certification, and is a Certified Genos International Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. She currently teaches at Villanova University in the Graduate Programs in HR Development.  Bethany has spoken at a variety of conferences throughout the country and leads corporate training on topics including emotional intelligence, DEI, and strategic HR.  Bethany hosts an HR podcast called HR Tea.

Javier is a co-founder of The House of Purpose, an HR consultancy providing training and support for DEI and workplace mental health.

Fueled by his passion for helping people develop their emotional skills at work, Javier is positioned at the intersection of business and mental health; with rich international            experience as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, executive coach, speaker, and psychotherapist.

As a member of two diverse populations (LatinX & LGBTQ), Javier has inspired hundreds of professionals from diverse roles and backgrounds around the world. He is an engaging speaker that helps audiences understand the potential of putting our emotions to work.

CJ Johnson is an acclaimed Content Creator and Startup Advisor, successfully servicing small businesses to Fortune 50 clients, worldwide and a prominent digital influencer with hundreds of thousands of online supporters. CJ is best known for creating successful influencer marketing campaigns as both a Content Creator and as a Consultant. Listed as one of the “Top Creators To Watch” and “Rising Voices in Media”, he uses his voice for creative storytelling to provide inspiration, industry insights, and work/life balance tips for emerging generations. As an advisor, CJ specializes in digital brand strategy, creative campaigns, influencer marketing, future of work, diversity & inclusion, and trend forecasting. His work focuses on the following industries: technology, fashion, lifestyle, social, entertainment, and travel. Currently, he continues to service his clients while also being an active board member of various social organizations and tech startups. When he isn’t working he’s enjoying life as a #girldad and cherishing the small moments with his family, friends, and community.

Nick Schacht is a highly experienced executive with more than three decades of experience in professional services, education,  and corporate learning and development.  He has a history of driving product innovation, growth and profitability and he has led organizations operating worldwide. 

Nick is Chief Commercial Officer for SHRM, the world’s largest HR professional society. Before joining SHRM, Nick was the founder and CEO of KnowCyber, a learning and development company focused on improving the cybersecurity-related skills of people in all types of organizations worldwide. Prior to KnowCyber, Nick was President and Chief Operating Officer for PetroSkills, a provider of training and development services to the worldwide petroleum industry.  Prior to that, he was CEO and President of Learning Tree International, a publicly traded provider of IT and management learning and development.  Nick was also the President of Global Learning Systems, a start-up focused on e-Learning and digital content.  He served in a variety of capacities at ESI International, culminating in his role as President when ESI was sold to the Institute for International Research (IIR) and then as Group President for the Americas for IIR.  He has been a Research Fellow at the Logistics Management Institute, and began his career as a U.S. Navy Supply Officer, on the headquarters staff of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. 

Nick graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy, and holds Master’s degrees in Administration from the University of Maryland University College, and Information Systems Technology from The George Washington University.

Isaac Agbeshie-Noye hails from Hyattsville, MD. As a proud son, brother, uncle, and friend, he is most excited about the opportunities to build a culture of equity and innovation in research and education that centers access and justice in its design. Professionally, Isaac has been working in education for over 10 years in a variety of roles across non-profits and colleges and universities in the Washington, DC area.  

His experience includes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and strategy, college student transition, talent developent, and crisis management. Since 2012, he has also served as an instructor for undergraduate and doctoral student seminars, where he explores his passions for easing student transitions to and through their experiences with and in higher education.  

Isaac earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Virginia, as well as a master’s and doctoral degree in higher education administration from George Washington University. His research investigates organizational culture and brand equity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).