Virtual Pass

Michael Bach is a nationally and internationally recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting and Pride at Work Canada.

He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work.

Melissa Daley is an accomplished Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst, wielding a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University and a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship from the esteemed University of Maryland. Her professional journey spans illustrious roles as a consultant, collaborating with distinguished entities like Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and notable institutions including the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, NGP VAN, DMI, and ICF.

In 2007, Melissa Daley embarked on a visionary journey, giving rise to iT Gets Better—a trailblazing 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Her mission: to empower and uplift young minds by bridging the digital divide through transformative Information Technology (IT) workshops and insightful consulting services. Melissa's brainchild swiftly evolved into a beacon of computer literacy for underrepresented communities.

Within a mere three months, iT Gets Better blossomed, becoming a nurturing hub for over 50 students throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. This rapid growth was a testament to Melissa's unwavering commitment and the pressing need she addressed.

The tumultuous tides of the 2009 recession presented challenges, prompting the sale of iT Gets Better's website to a fellow non-profit organization in 2010. Undeterred, Melissa Daley's resilience and expertise persevered.

In 2014, Melissa Daley founded Orca Intelligence, a minority, woman-owned organization that is a true reflection of intentionality, cultural awareness, and empowerment. Under Melissa's visionary leadership, Orca Intelligence has grown beyond a mere business entity to become a hub of digital innovation. The company is renowned for its impactful contributions in various sectors, including education, health administration, labor, and real estate. Melissa brings over two decades of rich experience in Information Technology to Orca Intelligence. Her deep knowledge and innovative approach have been instrumental in establishing the company. Orca Intelligence, since its inception, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing how software requirements are captured, analyzed, and managed. This breakthrough reflects Melissa's commitment to innovation and her deep understanding of the industry's needs.

Building upon this legacy of innovation, Melissa's 2021 brainchild, Swiftly, emerged—a cutting-edge AI solution poised to revolutionize the efficiency of the Software Development process, reaffirming her position at the vanguard of technological progress.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Melissa Daley remains an inspirational figure, ceaselessly driving positive change through her groundbreaking ventures and unyielding dedication to propelling IT accessibility and efficiency forward.

Melissa Daley is an accomplished Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst, wielding a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University and a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship from the esteemed University of Maryland. Her professional journey spans illustrious roles as a consultant, collaborating with distinguished entities like Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and notable institutions including the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, NGP VAN, DMI, and ICF.

In 2007, Melissa Daley embarked on a visionary journey, giving rise to iT Gets Better—a trailblazing 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Her mission: to empower and uplift young minds by bridging the digital divide through transformative Information Technology (IT) workshops and insightful consulting services. Melissa's brainchild swiftly evolved into a beacon of computer literacy for underrepresented communities.

Within a mere three months, iT Gets Better blossomed, becoming a nurturing hub for over 50 students throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. This rapid growth was a testament to Melissa's unwavering commitment and the pressing need she addressed.

The tumultuous tides of the 2009 recession presented challenges, prompting the sale of iT Gets Better's website to a fellow non-profit organization in 2010. Undeterred, Melissa Daley's resilience and expertise persevered.

In 2014, Melissa Daley founded Orca Intelligence, a minority, woman-owned organization that is a true reflection of intentionality, cultural awareness, and empowerment. Under Melissa's visionary leadership, Orca Intelligence has grown beyond a mere business entity to become a hub of digital innovation. The company is renowned for its impactful contributions in various sectors, including education, health administration, labor, and real estate. Melissa brings over two decades of rich experience in Information Technology to Orca Intelligence. Her deep knowledge and innovative approach have been instrumental in establishing the company. Orca Intelligence, since its inception, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing how software requirements are captured, analyzed, and managed. This breakthrough reflects Melissa's commitment to innovation and her deep understanding of the industry's needs.

Building upon this legacy of innovation, Melissa's 2021 brainchild, Swiftly, emerged—a cutting-edge AI solution poised to revolutionize the efficiency of the Software Development process, reaffirming her position at the vanguard of technological progress.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Melissa Daley remains an inspirational figure, ceaselessly driving positive change through her groundbreaking ventures and unyielding dedication to propelling IT accessibility and efficiency forward.

Attorney James P. (“Jim”) Reidy is a management-side labor and employment lawyer. He is a partner in the New England based law firm, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, PA, where he is the Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment group. His practice focuses on prevention, training and compliance but he also handles matters when claims arise.

He has more than 35 years of experience in the field and been a media resource on workplace law for media outlets including CNN, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Business Magazine, Bloomberg, NPR, The Associated Press, NPR Market Place, Buzz Feed, Law 360, Inc. Magazine, The HR Power Hour, HR Breakroom, SKI Magazine and HR Magazine as well as several local/regional publications.

In 2020 Jim was inducted as a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. 

Chambers USA and New England Super Lawyers have ranked Jim in the Top Tier of management-side employment lawyers for each year of the last 15 years. Best Lawyers USA named Jim the 2022 Lawyer of the Year for Labor and Employment Law (Manchester, NH) and the NH Business Review named him one of the top 200 most influential business leaders in New Hampshire.

Jim has been a presenter regularly at SHRM’s Legal and Legislative Conference in Washington, DC as well as SHRM’s annual conferences.

Attorney James P. (“Jim”) Reidy is a management-side labor and employment lawyer. He is a partner in the New England based law firm, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, PA, where he is the Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment group. His practice focuses on prevention, training and compliance but he also handles matters when claims arise.

He has more than 35 years of experience in the field and been a media resource on workplace law for media outlets including CNN, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Business Magazine, Bloomberg, NPR, The Associated Press, NPR Market Place, Buzz Feed, Law 360, Inc. Magazine, The HR Power Hour, HR Breakroom, SKI Magazine and HR Magazine as well as several local/regional publications.

In 2020 Jim was inducted as a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. 

Chambers USA and New England Super Lawyers have ranked Jim in the Top Tier of management-side employment lawyers for each year of the last 15 years. Best Lawyers USA named Jim the 2022 Lawyer of the Year for Labor and Employment Law (Manchester, NH) and the NH Business Review named him one of the top 200 most influential business leaders in New Hampshire.

Jim has been a presenter regularly at SHRM’s Legal and Legislative Conference in Washington, DC as well as SHRM’s annual conferences.

Edie Goldberg, Ph.D. is the President of E.L. Goldberg & Associates in California. She is a nationally recognized expert in talent management and the future of work.  Her practice focuses on designing HR strategies to attract, engage, develop, and retain employees. Prior to starting her own firm, she was a Global Thought Leader in the Human Capital Practice at Towers Perrin.  Edie is the co-author of The Inside Gig: How Sharing Untapped Talent Across Boundaries Unleashes Organizational Capacity. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (University of Albany, SUNY).  She is the Chair of the SHRM Foundation Board of Directors.

William D. Wight is a partner in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. offices and is the chair of the firm's International Employment Practice Group.  He counsels employers on various global employment, compensation and benefit issues related to employees abroad, as well as foreign nationals working in the U.S. and the employment of the U.S. permanent residents and citizens abroad.  Bill has worked with compliance issues related to hiring, retention and separation of employees in a multitude of jurisdictions.  His experience with global employment issues has helped him assist our clients with international operations on all sevel continents including Antarctica.  Bill has assisted clients with the implementation of strategic planning and policy development with respect to global HR practices and policies.  He has also assisted clients with the management of litigation and employment controversy matters in numerous international jurisdictions.  Bill has also counseled clients based outside the United States with the special considerations that are required when complying with U.S. employment and employee benefit rules and regulations. Bill is regularly involved with resolving questions related to privacy and data protection issues.  

William D. Wight is a partner in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. offices and is the chair of the firm's International Employment Practice Group.  He counsels employers on various global employment, compensation and benefit issues related to employees abroad, as well as foreign nationals working in the U.S. and the employment of the U.S. permanent residents and citizens abroad.  Bill has worked with compliance issues related to hiring, retention and separation of employees in a multitude of jurisdictions.  His experience with global employment issues has helped him assist our clients with international operations on all sevel continents including Antarctica.  Bill has assisted clients with the implementation of strategic planning and policy development with respect to global HR practices and policies.  He has also assisted clients with the management of litigation and employment controversy matters in numerous international jurisdictions.  Bill has also counseled clients based outside the United States with the special considerations that are required when complying with U.S. employment and employee benefit rules and regulations. Bill is regularly involved with resolving questions related to privacy and data protection issues.  

Barbara Trautlein is author of Change Intelligence and originator of the CQ® System for Developing Change Intelligence®. For over 30 years, Barbara has coached executives, trained leaders at all levels, certified change agents, and facilitated mission-critical change initiatives. She is gifted at sharing strategies and tactics that are accessible, actionable, and immediately applicable. Barbara has a unique ability to connect with her audiences in industries across the globe. Clients served include Abbott, BP, Cisco, Deloitte, Northwestern University, and the United Nations.  Barbara holds a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan. 

Dr Mishra is an Organization Development enthusiast, Change and Transformation leader, People Perspective builder, True Business evangelist and DEIB Champion. He is PhD, MPhil, and MBA in HRM and holder of double MA in Psychology and English Literature. He has worked at top levels in Human Resources in Welspun Group, AMW Motors, Volvo-Eicher, TAFE and Reliance Industries. He is an iconoclast in his views and unconventional in approach. He has been reading, speaking, and writing on subjects related to management, psychology, and philosophy. He has been awarded numerous times for his originality and contributions. He emphasises mastery of Concept and Substance.