Assim Kalouaz
Ph.D Researcher in Immersive Technologies and Storytelling
Assim is a PhD researcher from the UCD School of Psychology and part of the SFI Digitally Enhanced Reality (d-real) programme. With a background shared between cognitive science and immersive technologies, his research interests revolve around experiential design, storytelling, and evidence-driven content creation. Leading the creative direction of internationally awarded immersive projects such as ‘La Plume et la Lanterne’, he strongly believes that scientific evidence must lead to immersive experiences design.
Ciarán Hughes
Financial Planner
Ciarán Hughes is a Certified Financial Planner ™ CFP®, a Qualified Financial Advisor, and holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. As an expert in sustainable investments, he helps people to understand why traditional investing is no longer fit for purpose and how moving our money now, can deliver a sustainable future.
Dr. Nitheen Sanyal
Transformational Leader
Dr. Nitheen Sanyal is the Head of Digitalisation and Strategy at Merck, Arklow. She is an active member and driver of Diversity & Inclusion, Women in Leadership, and the Rainbow network focusing on LGBTQ+ in the workplace. She is also the President of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association - Dublin Chapter. She is a Transformational Leader who promotes and inspires inclusivity, gender equality, and gender parity in the workplace.
Dr. Paul McEvoy
Assistant Academic Director, Computing
Dr. Paul Mc Evoy is the Assistant Academic Director in Computing at DBS. He holds a degree in IT Management, Master's Degrees in Computer Science, Business Studies, and Training / Education. He also holds a Ph.D. in Knowledge and Knowledge Management, as well as Post Graduate Diplomas in Third level Teaching, and Digital Arts and Humanities.
Ejiro Ogbevoen
Psychotherapist
Ejiro Ogbevoen is a Dublin-based Counseling Psychotherapist in private practice. She works predominantly with adults, offering professional guidance for emotional regulation. She is the founder of Black Therapists Ireland; an organization with accredited psychotherapists of African descent who actively promote mental health and well-being amongst black people living in Ireland and globally. Ejiro has two B.Sc. degrees in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, and Counselling & Psychotherapy. In addition to her successful private practice, Ejiro is also an assistant lecturer at the Dublin City University, Department of Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Men's Health Advocate
Growing up, Gareth didn’t think about his genetic makeup. It wasn’t until he and his wife decided to have a family that they learned how an extra X chromosome would impact their plans. Gareth speaks about XXY and what it means to be a father and how we as a society can break the taboo of male infertility.
When Gareth and his wife decided to have a family in 2017, they learned about a genetic condition called Klinefelter Syndrome or XXY. Gareth speaks about some of the traits of this common but often undiagnosed condition and how we as a society need to talk more openly about male factor infertility.
Jennifer Poyntz
Ph.D Researcher
Since earning her BA and MSc from the University of Galway, Jennifer Poyntz has begun a PhD Programme specialising in English and Disability Studies. Diagnosed as having ADHD and autism at the age of twenty-six, Jennifer has dedicated her career to advocating for neurodivergent-friendly measures in the workplace and higher education and is currently employed at AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity where she oversees the running of the Adult Support Programme.
Kristin Ransome
Executive Coach and Facilitator
Kristin holds a Master's degree in Behavioural Science, is a certified Executive Coach, and currently works at Google where she trains people on the art & science of getting people to care. She inspires people to care about their well-being by reframing stress management, as "joy management" - empowering people to cultivate a sense of presence, purpose, and possibility in their lives. She has facilitated courses on “Purpose at work” to Googlers around the world, coaches new-joiners about “growth mindset”, and is a host of the Connection Academy podcast where she explores ideas related to human connection.
Shachi Parmar
Design Thinking/Innovation Mentor
Forever passionate about art & culture, design, and technology, Shachi has evolved from being a celebrated tattooist, deejay, writer, and entrepreneur to a museum designer. An Architect by her primary degree, she is an advocate of Digital Innovation and Social Impact. Currently, she is delivering Creativity and Design Thinking modules and workshops in the Faculty of Business and GROWTHhub. To date, in her career, she has delivered Design Thinking, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Workshops to more than 10,000+ Individuals and 50+ Organisations.
Ximena Banda
Self-Development Advocate and Polyglot
Ximena is a 19-year-old International Student living in Dublin. Born in Mexico, she spent the past 3 years living and studying in 4 countries, including Mexico, the United States of America, Brazil, and now Ireland. Fluent in 3 languages including Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Ximena delivered her first TED talk in the Spanish language at TEDxYouth@OxfordInstitutio. Ximena is a strong believer and advocate of following your inner voice.