Odyssey Global Media Global held a Grassroots Global Autism Conference focusing on the theme of lived experiences, and individual perspectives from a local to a global level, to carry forward the human narrative.   Thiandi Grooff lives in Amsterdam in her own apartment with 24/7 support because she has no muscle control. She has a masters in International and European Human Rights Law. She is a member of quiet riot, a group of non-verbal poets and activists, campaigning for full inclusion and inclusive education.   Juan Cobeñas lives in Argentina, and has a degree in Spanish and Literature and a postgraduate certificate in Cognitive Accessibility. He uses a wheelchair and communicates using a form of alternative augmentative communication.   Sarah-Jane comes from a traditional Fine Art background. She studied for a BA (Hons) Fine Art at Liverpool John Moore's University (UK) and DipCipris (a postgraduate degree) in Fine Art at the Cyprus College of Art (Cyprus). Continuing her studies, she focused on creative education, completing a PGCE (Art & Design) at the University of Leeds (UK) and a Post-16 Teaching Certificate at Cyprus College of Art (Cyprus).   Rachel Winder is an Autistic Autism consultant. She has a lifetime of personal Autistic experiences and knowledge to help bridge the gap between Autistic and non-autistic worlds. She is on the National Autistic Society’s Autism Services Directory, with an MA in Autism.    Rachel is fluent in British Sign Language, and can communicate fluently with Deaf-Blind people who use Deaf-Blind Manual, Block and Visual frame signing. She also has a Qualified Teacher Learning Status (QTLS) allowing her to teach people age 14 years and beyond.     Ghafaria is a specialist mentor in mental health conditions and Autism.   She is a research student (Psychology and Human Development Dept), UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society.   Ghafaria is neurodivergent researcher that is interested in Autism and mental health in the South Asian people that live in the United Kingdom. Also, she is passionate about intersectionalities and how these impact the lived experiences of people.   Susan Golubock was diagnosed with Autism in her early fifties. As a now-retired occupational therapist she specialized in sensory processing, executive functioning, and pursued a master's degree in assistive technology.   All of these skills, along with her passion for understanding differences in brain functioning, enabled her to develop training modules to help neurotypical individuals to better understand and support the neurological strengths and differences of individuals with Autism.

يوم المرأة العالمي الاستثمار في النساء: تسريع وتيرة التقدم الأمم المتحدة: أصبح تحقيق المساواة بين الجنسين ورفاهية المرأة في جميع جوانب الحياة أكثر أهمية من أي وقت مضى إذا أردنا إنشاء اقتصادات مزدهرة وكوكب صحي   المتحدثة: شذى المهيري شابة إماراتية طموحة ، موظفة ورائدة أعمال تمتلك درجة البكالوريوس في العلاقات العامة ودبلوم مهني في إسعاد المتعاملين. حاصلة على أكثر من ثلاثين شهادة في مجموعة متنوعة من الدورات والمجالات. كما وتمتلك خبرة وظيفية تزيد عن تسعة سنوات   المتحدثة: فاطمة الشرهان شابة إماراتية طموحة متعددة المواهب والقدرات، فنانة تشكيلية ومصممة جرافيكية، مصورة فوتوغرافية، شاعرة وكاتبة، تعمل كمدير علاقات عامة في إحدى شركات القطاع الخاص. حاصلة على بكالوريوس في العلوم التطبيقية (اتصال تطبيقي – اعلام تطبيقي) من كليات التقنية العليا في رأس الخيمة   المتحدثة: حصه آل علي شابة إماراتية طموحة، طالبة ماجستير في الخدمة الاجتماعية والصحة النفسية، حاصلة على درجة البكالوريوس في العلوم السياسية ودبلوم كمستشار أسري، تعمل بدوام كامل وتمتلك بزنس ناجح في صناعة الأكواب الفخارية يدوياً، الذي حقق شهرة كبيرة عبر تطبيق تيك توك بمشاهدات تصل إلى 1.7 مليون مشاهدة   المتحدثة: آسية القرشي مدرب ريادي معتمد مستشار التطوير محلل شخصيات

UN International Women’s Day - Invest in women: Accelerate progress United Nations: Achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet.  Panelist: Sue Kamal Sue Kamal is a Malaysian by birth, but global reach in business. An international award-winning entrepreneur whose work and capability have been recognised across the world, a Global Ambassador Commonwealth EC based in London and also as the Executive Chairman to business entities that she owns.  She involves in the high-tech industries;  Aerospace, Aviation, Energy - Oil & Gas and Satellite Development, where not so many women being the decision-maker. Her advisory role is not only received and accepted by business and trade related entities, but also premiers, governments and the parliament level. Sue Kamal colorful achievement and contribution throughout her life as a businesswoman / business leader outside her origin country Malaysia has been documented in an encyclopaedia by a Media Publishing House in London UK, as among the 'Successful People in Malaysia - 2023 Edition', which is currently kept officially at the National Library of Malaysia and Singapore.   Panelist: Ankita Chandak Ankita Chandak is a software developer and a science enthusiast with a special interest in sustainable air travel. Having worked for a sustainability consultancy on building AI tools for performing analysis and reports based on ESG ratings, she has worked in combating climate change at the corporate level as well as ground level. Through an NGO, she has been working on educating on the impact of Climate Change for a decade. She has researched on the development of H2 Engine, and wishes to move ahead in air sustainability and environmental-data.   Panelist: Dr. Abigail Hanson    Dr. Abigail Hanson is the Founder of Ecosustain Africa, Versatile_MD and Co-CEO of Cosehans Ltd, as well as a dedicated doctor and lecturer at Pridemed Institute. She holds an MBBS from Binzhou Medical University, her journey includes becoming the first female Vice President of international students at BMU. She has been nominated for Ghana’s Outstanding Woman in Health and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.  Her commitment to health education is evident through collaborations with media outlets, NGOs, and wellness programs.   Panelist: Ayadi Mishra Ayadi Mishra is an architect and environmentalist. She is currently a Masters student in Alternate Technology for Rural Areas at IIT Bombay.   Through her work in biodiversity in the past 4 years, she served as an Advisor to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, launching three initiatives for the youth in this space, establishing microfinance mechanisms, educating and disseminating jargon, and restoring land through best-practices is some of her work.    Moderator: Anum Farooq Anum Farooq is a globally published, neurodivergent professional, with an established skills set across education, media, entrepreneurial, environmental and youth advocacy, culture and arts field.  Anum is a UNFCCC Youth Constituent, UN IGEC Collective Member and a national ambassador for an educational NGO, and was recently awarded the Citizens Global Speaker and Delegate Award.  Anum is an alumna of Imperial College London and Enfield County School.

Penelope Magoulianiti :Uncompromising Success - Achieving Your Best in Business and Home Penelope Magoulianiti  is a transformational coach and expert who empowers women around the world to balance their professional and personal lives.  Born and raised in Cyprus, Penelope ventured into corporate banking for 20 years. At 40, she resigned from a successful career, authored "Women, Motherhood and Independence"    Penelope's philosophy, Balance 360™, emphasizes tailor-made strategies for each client.  She holds a certification from The Life Coaching School and is an approved trainer by the Cyprus Government Body. She is a graduate of Antony Robbins Mastery University, and she has attended, over the last twenty years, many training courses for personal development, leadership, and women's empowerment.      With over seven years of experience in coaching, Penelope has received recognition by being awarded the GIFEW Evolutionary Women Inspiring Solopreneur Award 2023 and a finalist in the Businesswomen Awards 2016

Anum Farooq : The Neurodivergent Professional and Global Outlooks An introductory series relating to neurodivergency and global systems, by first looking at perspectives from the world of work and the neurodivergent professional. According to the Harvard Business Review; "Neurodiversity is a competitive advantage, and a growing number of prominent companies have reformed their HR processes in order to access neurodiverse talent; among them are SAP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Microsoft, Willis Towers Watson, Ford, and EY. Many others, including Caterpillar, Dell Technologies, Deloitte, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and UBS, have start-up or exploratory efforts under way.  SAP uses a metaphor to communicate this idea across the organization: People are like puzzle pieces, irregularly shaped. Historically, companies have asked employees to trim away their irregularities, because it’s easier to fit people together if they are all perfect rectangles. But that requires employees to leave their differences at home—differences firms need in order to innovate. “The corporate world has mostly missed out on this [benefit].   John Elder Robison, a scholar in residence and a cochair of the Neurodiversity Working Group at the College of William & Mary, writes “Indeed, many individuals who embrace the concept of neurodiversity believe that people with differences do not need to be cured; they need help and accommodation instead.”   Anum Farooq is a highly accomplished and diversified, neurodivergent professional with an established skills set across education, entrepreneurial, youth and environmental advocacy, culture and arts field, as well as being internationally published. Anum brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, as a graduate of Imperial College London with a component of her degree in Management from Imperial College London Business School. Anum is also a country wide ambassador for an educational NGO. With a proven track record in driving organizational success as Director of Odyssey Global Media, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering stakeholder engagement, she is a results-oriented professional committed to achieving exceptional outcomes. She is also an United Nations FCCC Youth Constituent and is an IYC Youth Advocate. She champions for education and neurodivergent individuals, and leads from her heart to make a meaningful impact on the world. Anum is also a globally published artist, with her artwork is displayed on dedicated art channels and streamed across major platforms including Apple TV Plus, Samsung TV Plus, VIZIO, ViX, Google Play, Xumo and LG TV amongst others as a Loupe Artist.   She has been awarded the 2023 Artistic Excellence Award from the Circle Foundation for the Arts in Greece, and Exceptional Merit in the 4th Edition of the Global Talent Art Prize. She received the RAK Fine Arts Festival 2023 English Poetry Award in the UAE. In 2022, Anum was longlisted for Digital Innovation in Art Award and was a participant in the Noon Arts Award exhibition.  Anum's artistic achievements extend beyond the art world, with her work being recognized by the wider community. In 2021, she was invited to be a Linked INNYC Women of the World Artist, highlighting her impact and influence on society as a whole. Her work has also been featured in social media campaigns, including The Poignant Rose in the Art, Culture, Tourism UK Social Media Campaign of 2021.

A remarkable interview with Amb Adeshola Helen Onadipe, who is not only a successful businesswoman, but she is also a spectacular wife and mother of 3 wonderful girls. Her passion and appreciation for entrepreneurial excellence drives her across Africa and ultimately to the world.    She is a trained Accountant with over 10 years of banking experience in Nigeria. She’s also the Founder of Ladies in Business Global and the initiator of S.H.E Awards Africa and S.H.E Global Awards.    Adeshola is also the owner of Business Innovation Academy initiative, which is in collaboration with the Business Research and Development (BRAD)U.K. It is a training academy in UK that equips business starters and entrepreneurs with the right tools and certification required to survive the tough business climate.   Adeshola Onadipe is an intelligent, female activist, hardworking and principled lady who is the voice of the young female entrepreneurial movement in Nigeria and beyond. She doesn’t take NO for an answer and she is extremely passionate about anything and everything that has to do with women.   And she’s moving ahead with full tenacity to ensure that all female entrepreneurs and unsung heroes are Seen, Heard and Recognized globally.    AWARDS/RECOGNITION   o WORLD PEACE AMBASSADOR by WORLD PEACE TRACTS   o WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AWARD 2021 by ST MOTHER THERESA UNIVERSITY INDIA   o SHE AWARDS UAE 2021, ACHIEVERS CATEGORY by LADIES IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE GLOBAL   o GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD 2021 by ST MOTHER THERESA UNIVERSITY INDIA   o PATRONESS YOUTH UP GLOBAL NIGERIA   o BEACON OF HOPE by NORTHERN YOUTH  ADVOCATE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE NIGERIA   o INFLUENTIAL WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE 2021 by BEINGSHE EXCELLENCE AWARD UAE   o MOST ADAPTABLE WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR 2021 by THE INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR WOMEN SOCIETY DUBAI   o PANEL OF JUDGES, TOP50 WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT SRILANKA.   o AFRICAN BUSINESS WOMEN LEADER BY RAK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY UAE.   o MIDDLE EAST WOMAN LEADERS BY WORLD WOMEN LEADERS

Ami Valdemoro and Illac Diaz: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable and Solar Liter of Light   Liter of Light is a global, grassroots movement committed to providing affordable, sustainable solar light to people with limited or no access to electricity. Through a network of partnerships around the world, Liter of Light volunteers teach marginalized communities how to use recycled plastic bottles and locally sourced materials to illuminate their homes, businesses, and streets. Liter of Light has installed more than 350,000 bottle lights in more than 15 countries and taught green skills to empower grassroots entrepreneurs at every stop. Liter of Light's open source technology has been recognized by the UN and adopted for use in some UNHCR camps. Liter of Light is the proud recipient of the 2016 St. Andrews Prize for the Environment, the 2015 Zayed Future Energy Prize, and a winner of the 2014-2015 World Habitat Award.   Through social media and community replication, the movement has spread; 145,200 households in the Philippines, and 353,600+ homes in over 15 countries with main offices in Philippines, USA, and Colombia. Women's cooperatives now operate building the Liter of Light @Night lights in the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Colombia.

Gelareh Alam: The Art of Fashion Odyssey Global Media is proud to present Gelareh Alam in a global podcast Interview. Gelareh Alam : A Beacon of Unconventional Elegance and Empowerment Gelareh Alam, an acclaimed fashion designer headquartered in San Francisco, has a story that diverges from the conventional path, providing a rich tapestry of experience that informs her unique aesthetic. "Born into a world of war and conflict, my early life was shaped by constant fear and a struggle for safety. These challenges silenced me but also fueled a desire for self-expression. Today, I am proud to channel this resilience into my art, transforming garments into statements of freedom, power, and sensuality. My mission is to imbue each piece with an air of feminine elegance that bestows the wearer with audacious confidence. For when we are empowered, the realm of possibility is boundless." Enter the World of Gelareh Designs: Where Imagination Takes Form " Our creations have not only dazzled on red carpets and appeared in films and TV series, but they've also captured the essence of the intricate stories woven into each piece. These aren't just garments; they are invitations to a transformative experience.   Each design is a chapter in a tale of beauty, strength, and liberation, resonating deeply with those who wear them. When you don a piece from Gelareh Designs, you're not simply making a fashion statement; you're amplifying your own narrative of self-discovery and empowerment. Welcome to the Ethereal Space Where Fashion Elevates Being Gelareh Designs invites you on a journey to unearth the magic within. Our garments serve as doorways to empowerment, their intricate details and bold statements acting as catalysts for your transformative journey. Adorn yourself in our artistry and allow it to embolden your spirit, radiating an aura of confidence, strength, and liberation. Here, fashion transcends the material to become an extraordinary expression of your truest self." For more info : www.gelarehdesigns.com

Dana Ahmad: Founder Of EcoSpectrum, A Project For Autistic Youth To Take Part In Ocean Conservation Discussions Odyssey Global Media is looking forward to releasing the interview with the Founder of EcoSpectrum - that aims to elevate the inclusivity of students and youth within the spectrum of autism in climate action and ocean conservation discussions.   As a climate and ocean advocate, Dana is passionate about the members most affected by the lack of urgency in the ocean crisis, especially those on the spectrum of Autism, and has thus founded EcoSpectrum.    Dana is a passionate Law and Politics student involved in youth participation, accessible education, and ocean preservation matters. She has attained the International Baccalaureate Diploma and studied Environmental Systems and Societies, and Global Politics higher level whilst researching the correlation between ocean waste production and gender and the role of youth in promoting climate action and its impact on achieving the SDGs.   She's a member of IRENA’s Youth Forum and was a youth delegate and council member in the ninth and tenth IRENA assembly session in 2020, which stressed the global energy transition, green hydrogen, and youth participation in decision and policymaking. She's Egypt’s representative at World Ocean Day, and an Arctic Ice Force Hub Leader. Additionally, she has been appointed as Secretary and Representative of Egypt at the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Youth Policy Advisory Council.

Shaikha Hend Al Qassimi is a woman of substance and strength. Her academic journey began with studying Architecture at the American University of Sharjah, Entrepreneurship at the American University of Cairo, and Management, Marketing, Communications & Media at Celsa-Paris Sorbonne University. She is an accomplished businesswoman and has a record of successful business ventures in varying fields, such as her fashion house ‘ House of Hend’, ‘Hend by Hend Perfumes’, ‘Heart in a Box’ restaurant as well as Velvet magazine which is an international luxury, fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle magazine distributed across Europe, Latin America, Arabian Gulf and China. Shaikha Hend is an Emirati Royal,  and she has been on the advisory board at CFD Dubai as well as being a Patron of International Dubai Fashion Week, alongside being a Member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce. Shaikha Hend actively takes part in philanthropy efforts and is a staunch advocate for human right causes. Her voice has been prominent in addressing global injustices. She is the author of the internationally acclaimed ‘Black book of Arabia’ which in essence documents the human form and stories at all levels. A modern day Scheherazade, Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi spins fantastic tales of love, betrayal, and heroism from around the Arabian Gulf. These stories offer a surprising look into the personal lives of a whole range of men and women--everyone from princesses to paupers and from sultans to sorcerers. These candid stories - sometimes moving, sometimes funny, and always entertaining and surprising - will resonate with readers round the world.

Climate change and sustainability perspectives from Her Excellency Chizoba Nzeakor, who is a highly accomplished Global Youth Ambassador, Entrepreneur, and SDGs 4, 7, and 13 Advocate, with a strong focus on climate and clean energy.   As a member of the Queens Commonwealth Youth Trust Network and the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Executives, Chizoba is part of a global community of over 850 leaders dedicated to creating positive social change in the Commonwealth. She is also an MBA candidate at Quantic Business School, a Fellow at Student Energy, and a UN-SDSN Local pathways Fellow.   Her professional experience and expertise in this field have earned her recognition as a future leader, by the Aspen Institute at the Aspen Ideas Climate Summit in Miami Beach 2023   Chizoba is the Founder and CEO of Climate Technology Solutions, Zoba Advisory, and Caroline Raphael Events. Her passion for renewable energy, event planning, project management, climate change education, and clean energy advocacy has led her to work with renewable energy firms, climate education organizations, and other institutions to accelerate the Net Zero goals and create access to clean energy, education, and various other opportunities.   With her extensive experience in the field, Chizoba has worked as a solar/inverter system developer, accelerating the demand for solar energy by creating relationships that bridge the gap. As an energy and climate finance specialist for PAWAVEST, she led analysis and managed institutional partnerships in clean energy finance. She has also served as the Head of Business Development, Partnerships, and Programs at Zenelgie Global Solutions, an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction renewable energy company. Currently, she is an Energy Project Coordinator at Integrated Africa Power in Bonn, Germany.

An incredibly insightful interview with film-maker, director, author and artist Paul Vernon and his fiancée Kelsey Smith who is an optician and a manager at The Eye Place.   The conversation centred on film-making, directing, acting, art exhibitions, books, management to artificial intelligence and museums with fascinating perspectives.   Paul Vernon is an internationally screened award-winning filmmaker, author and artist whose work has been selected in places such as London Short Film Festival at the ICA, BAFTA, San Diego Comic-Con and LACMA. With press coverage by the BBC and film commissions for the Danish Arts Foundation, as well as collaboration with the Arts Council England.   His film '​​Lost In The Nameless City' had its world premiere in competition at the Artists Forum Festival of The Moving Image in New York, was the winner of an Experimental Award in Romania and screened in Mexico in competition among only nine other films ​at the Cinetekton International Film & Architecture Festival.    He has also authored two books, one being 'Strange Space: An inquisitive gaze at ignored architectural splendor, intricate mundanity and the soul of its nuances. He is currently working on his film 'Spirit' in the Unearth art collective, curating and designing his new museum Vortex as part of his label Captain Cowboy and has started working with AI illustration tools towards virtual exhibitions, exploration, experimentation and fresh narratives.  Kelsey Smith has a Science background as a qualified dispensing optician educated at Anglia Ruskin university, recently becoming the manager of her own store for company The Eye Place in London. She has a creative streak and has crafted gifts, sewn, acted and helped curate and install art exhibitions.

Incredibly wonderful to meet fellow United Nations FCCC YOUNGO Youth Constituents at COP28 to hear their insights for the Odyssey Global Media Podcasts. An absolute honour to meet Michelle Kim who is a sustainability educator, youth community leader and advocate working heavily on UN SDGs & Social+Environmental pillars of sustainability.  She has numerous lived experiences growing up in four different countries- Korea, Philippines, Canada and U.S, and experienced poverty, climate crisis to racism.  Therefore, all her experiences are rooted from her care and love for people and the planet. I adore her ethos of 'No one gets left behind'. Michelle is currently completing her Global Development Master’s Degree at Harvard University Meeting Michelle was a real privilege and this is a beginning of our collaboration, and hopefully more for the future! Michelle has incredible meaningful work from being involved in current climate education in both global South and North, working at international and local levels. As youth ambassador with UN Association Canada, she worked to promote UN SDGs; and worked with charity organization in Canada for indigenous youth and marginalized youth on developing climate initiative projects for Great Toronto Area, amongst other incredible achievements.

BOB BOWEN: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND A HUMANE PERSPECTIVE   Bob Bowen is an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Malone University in Canton,  Ohio (USA) and a behavior support practitioner with Prag Consulting in Melbourne, Australia. He has over 40 years of experience supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs in the United States, Canada, and Australia. He has provided keynote and plenary presentations at conferences in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States. Bob is the developer of The Matrix of Needs, an innovative approach to understanding human needs. He has published over 20 peer and scientifically reviewed articles, three book chapters, and presented hundreds of workshops on the prevention of workplace violence, while improving the quality of life for people affected by disabilities, and the staff who support them. During his career in human services, Bob has held positions ranging from direct support professional to CEO and almost everything in between. He has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester in New York for eleven years, and also has experience teaching at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, and at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. In his work and his writing, Bob strives to integrate his passion for knowledge and compassion for people into a humanistic framework for behavior support that is trauma centered, not just trauma informed. Bob is a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the National Psychosocial Safety Network in Australia, the Restraint Reduction Network in the United Kingdom, the  National Association of Social Workers, the National Organization of Human Services and the Association for Positive Behaviour Support. Bob is certified in trauma treatment  through the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, and  the Trauma Research Foundation

Exploring Trauma Through Art An intense and intimate panellist discussion with Terri Lloyd and Molly Goehring hosted by Anum Farooq on the theme of 'Exploring Trauma Through Art'. Led by the artistic and personal insights through lived experiences in a meaningful discussion.    The prompts that were a stimulus for the discussion were:   What are your experiences of trauma, and how are they expressed through your artwork?   Does trauma ever hinder the creative process?   What is your hidden language as an artist?   Can we put trauma in a box, or is it a more fluid concept?   Are triggers indicative that trauma is still present or simply we react as humans?   Are there layers of depth when exploring trauma in art?   Are quotes like 'art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable' an accurate portrayal when looked in relation to trauma and art?   Does culture impact how trauma is explored through art?   What does healing through trauma look like in art?   As an artist, how would you identify the completion of the healing process?   The role of the artist in helping others to heal through trauma.   Terri Lloyd is a self-taught artist living and working in Los Angeles. She spent 25 years working in commercial art as a graphic designer.  “Terri Lloyd’s work is often described  as renegade, disruptive, transgressive and under its colorful demeanor, subversive. Her work is made with a pop feel on the surface but deals with issues pop never went.” —Norman Conquest, Artist, Author, Publisher Black Scat Books   Molly Goehring is an artist from Pennsylvania, USA who works in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. Her work explores themes of femininity, her complicated relationship to her Catholic upbringing, and the struggles of navigating chronic illness. She has exhibited both locally in her home state of Pennsylvania, USA, and internationally as part of Lacuna Festivals.  She has been voted Harrisburg Magazine's Best Mixed Media Artist in 2022 and continues to explore the joy, rage, sorrow, and chaos of the creative process through her work.

GABRIELLA SILVAGNOLI: INSIGHTS FROM A GLOBAL ART CURATOR Gabriella Silvagnoli is a Puerto Rican-born people person with a love for video creation, art, and visuals. She studied at Boston University and graduated with a bachelor’s in Film and Television and a minor in Art History. Gabriella’s passion for art and design led her to the New York and London art world scenes, where she has worked as an art advisor, video producer, and art curator. She has helped curate the artwork for countless residential and hospitality spaces worldwide. Gabriella now works as a digital art curator at Loupe Art, an art streaming platform focused on bringing art onscreen and transforming spaces, one screen at a time.

KATHARINA EISENBERG : EXPLORING ART THROUGH SPIRITUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES Katharina Eisenberg (also known as: Kunst und Klartext) is a contemporary artist from Germany. Concerned with the abilities of the human mind, her works reflect  psychological and global issues, mirroring the qualities and specifics of the time and sphere we live in. In her multiparted series - acrylic paintings and mixed media 3D installations- she also often works with symbols, which talk to the subconscious.  Currently making international projects and art residencies in different countries, expanding her global network to get to know the meta-level of various forms of beings. This is a great inspiration for her, leading to multilayered new artistic impulses. The metamorphosis process is very aware in her artwork, the phoenix will tell you more.

MARY ANNE DE HAAN : GROWING SUSTAINABLE MICROGREENS, HERBS & EDIBLE FLOWERS IN THE DESERT ENVIRONMENT  A fascinating conversation with the Founder and Director of Mary Anne’s Fresh Produce through a holistic lens from sustainability in farming methods, to experiences of being an entrepreneur and the interlinks between primary farming industries to tertiary cuisine sectors. An innovative and forward thinking farm where sustainable microgreens, herbs and edible flowers are grown in the UAE desert environment. From Nasturtiums, Amaranth, Gem Marigolds to Genovese Basil amongst others. Mary Anne De Haan grew up in a small town in the Netherlands, she was raised by a Dutch dad and an American mother, together with her little brother. She has an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and a Masters in International Business. She relocated to Dubai as an expat, and initially started working as an account manager who would support with particular trainings, and her fascination with agriculture grew. She is now a working mum, with two dogs, two turtles and a horse, with an expanding family. She  is the founder Mary Anne’s Fresh Produce, where they are committed to bringing the Dubai chef the greatest variety of special products grown locally at the farm through sustainable methods. Mary Anne’s Fresh Produce grow a large variety of innovative products that help chefs bring their dishes to the next level. Products range from edible flowers, to microgreens and specialty leaves, through ensuring the highest level of quality through their unique growing method.

Emirati Women's Day   Female perspectives on Emirati Women's Day, exploring perspectives and insights through a lens of art, culture and heritage.    Nesa Khaled Alshehhi, an Emirati Artist, Sculptor, Designer & Entrepreneur. She was born in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. She holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts Studies from the University of Sharjah in 2013. She pursues contemporary, abstract and interactive conceptual art. Her artwork is  characterized by patriotism, its source is the land of the UAE (formally, thought and imagination), and its output is a link between the heritage of UAE and the modernity of the contemporary world. Nesa focused on extracting the (natural art) surrounding her. She has a deep relationship with nature, especially the desert environment and palm trees. She uses raw natural materials in her work, as a language to talk through and a way to show the beauty of natural details in the environment of the United Arab Emirates in a modern way different from the classic image that the public used to see. Nesa has been chosen as an Emirati artist and designers to work on many government projects. She has been appointed as a designer & supervisor for the Special Olympics (World Games - Abu Dhabi 2019) Monument which was built in Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. she also did voluntary art installation for RAK Media Office. She also has been chosen by Zahrat Al Khaleej Magazine to participate in the Ataya Charity Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. She participated in Ras Al Khaimah Visual Arts Festival 2020 (as a guest of honor) with an interactive artwork titled (Who am I?). Other than that, she has participated in Dubai Art Exhibition amongst  other exhibitions and commercial projects.   Fatema Al Sharhan is a young, ambitious Emirati poet, writer and multitalented artist. She is known for her strong personality; she is able to explain her thoughts to others and leave a mark on their minds.'   Furthermore, Fatema is the founder of The Spark Media and Clutch n Pouch. She is also a graphic designer and the public relations manager for O and A group of companies, as well as being a certified international trainer of media communications and transformational coaching.

OLLI-PEKKA HEINONEN : LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION AND THE LEARNING JOURNEY  “It’s also the question of how you grow as a human being, how you understand what does it mean to be a human being.” Olli-Pekka Heinonen Director General of the International Baccalaureate. An authentic and honest conversation with Olli-Pekka Heinonen, addressing how education can be made as meaningful as possible for students, supporting them to become lifelong learners as well as the fine balance between skills and knowledge. Olli-Pekka is an ally and advocate for teachers, discussing the benefits of distributed leadership in education, and the meaningful way in which education is making an impact globally through a holistic process of learning. Olli-Pekka Heinonen was appointed as Finland’s State Secretary of Prime Minister in 2012, he became State Secretary of all National Coalition Party cabinet ministers in 2015. In September  2016, he was appointed general director of the Finnish National Agency for Education. Olli-Pekka has graduated as Master of Laws from the University of Helsinki in 1990. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the Minister of Education. In 1995, Olli-Pekka was elected to the Parliament of Finland, representing Satakunta. In the second Lipponen Cabinet, he served as the Minister of Transport and Communications from 1999 to 2002. In 2002 he was appointed a manager at Yleisradio, the public broadcasting company of Finland. He was responsible for the transfer from analogue television to digital television in Finland. In September 2016, he was appointed general director of the Finnish National Agency for Education. Since 1 May 2021 Olli-Pekka Heinonen has held the role of Director-General of the International Baccalaureate.