Speakers

I'm a Product Manager with over 5+ years of expertise in AI, Cloud, SaaS & EdTech products. Currently, I drive product strategy at a leading AI-Automation SaaS platform in the USA and have previously worked for an Asian EdTech unicorn for four years leading their technology & strategy initiatives. My educational background is in Computer Science from IIT Delhi, which is one of the top Engineering colleges in Asia, and research experience in Artificial Intelligence from the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Germany. I mentor early-stage startups and entrepreneurs and currently volunteer as an advisor, mentor and jury member for several startup incubators, accelerators and educational platforms such as Alchemist Accelerator (USA), Faster Capital (UAE) and GrowthMentor (Europe).

Brian is a Microsoft Azure MVP and is an experienced speaker, author, trainer, and .NET developer with MCSA: Web App Certification, MCSD: App Builder, and eleven Azure certifications including Azure Developer, Administrator, DevOps, Architect, Data Administrator, Security, IoT, CosmosDB, and a number of Fundamentals certifications, and has been an MCT since April of 2019. Brian has a masters of science degree in computer information systems, and a bachelor of science degree in computer science. Additionally, Brian has around fifteen years of experience instructing college courses online in computer science, SQL databases, C#/VB.NET/and Java object-oriented programming, and Microsoft Office. Brian has created many online technical training courses that can be found online on various platforms. Brian has also published multiple books with APress, including "Practical Entity Framework" and the second edition "Practical Entity Framework Core 6". Brian's latest book, Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Certification Companion: Hands-on Preparation and Practice for Exam AZ-204 was released in May of 2023.

Dustin Thostenson is an independent consultant, leading Delta3Consulting. He has been a developer, mentor, trainer and agile coach for decades. His passion lies in helping people grow and teams deliver. To keep it interesting he helps lead the Iowa .NET User Group and volunteers in Central Iowa. To keep it real he spends time with his wife and 4 kids. To keep it random he tweets @dustinson

Emily Harden is the Executive Director of the Techlahoma Foundation. She previously served as Techlahoma's first Community Manager, and prior to that worked in the property management industry. Besides Techlahoma, Emily is the Oklahoma Women in Tech Director of Partnerships and is involved in TYPROS Tech Crew. If she isn’t out representing Techlahoma and Json the Bson, she can be found playing board games, video games, traveling, or hanging out with her husband and two dogs.

Graduated from Iowa State in 2004 with a degree in Computer Science. Moved to Des Moines and has been doing .NET development ever since. In 2016, I decided to test out Georgia Tech's online masters program and couldn't have been happier. I graduated Fall 2018 with a Master's in Computer Science with a machine learning specialization. Since that time I have gone on to get recognized as a Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning and given presentations to audiences all across the globe. Currently, I am employed by Microsoft as a Software Engineer working in the Azure Active Directory Data Governance team.

Grey Lovelace is a Sr. Software Consultant at Source Allies. He is known for building reusable and resilient solutions in many industries, including insurance and agriculture. Grey has built APIs to integrate with hundreds of different use cases for over a decade, and has experienced first hand what works, and what doesn’t stand the test of time. He takes pride in designing sustainable architecture that can thrive in the real-world, where things do not always go as planned. The last few years, Grey has been focused on the Generative AI space, and finding real solutions to real problems in a space that is often filled with more noise than substance.

Heidi Bedier, Director of Leadership Development Paragon's Director of Leadership Development, Heidi Bedier, will facilitate the four-part series. Heidi has over 25 years of experience guiding leaders, teams and organizations through change management, leadership development and culture formation. She holds a Master of Science in Adult Learning, Performance and Development and is currently a PhD candidate pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. She is a graduate of the Brain-Base Coaching Program with the NeuroLeadership and is a Ritz Carlton Service Excellence Culture Program Participant.

Iowa Code Camp is a free, one-day, in-person event for software developers interested in industry-specific topics, such as front-end JavaScript frameworks, IT cloud infrastructure, database architecture, and working with engineering teams.

Throughout his career as a programmer on classified national security projects to serving as an application security engineer at one of the world's largest companies, Jacob has had a passion for learning new skills, and then sharing those skills with others. He holds several degrees in cybersecurity and software engineering, as well as certifications including CISSP, CSSLP, PNPT, and OSWA. In his spare time away from the technical-oriented activities, he enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and recently took up learning the electric guitar!

James D. Bartlett III is a Microsoft MVP and Fabric Administrator/Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Des Moines University in Iowa, USA. He started working in IT while he was a student in the Business Administration program at Colorado State University. After graduation, James dabbled in banking, real estate, healthcare, and even had a short stint as a resident DJ at Denver's top nightclub, before finally stumbling upon his true calling in the Business Intelligence field in 2018. James is a co-developer of the PowerBI.tips Business Ops app, co-organizer of the Higher Education Power BI and Iowa Power BI User Groups, a Microsoft Certified Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP-600), and a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300). In his spare time, James enjoys contributing to open-source software projects, volunteering, longboarding, playing the guitar, and producing electronic music in his home studio.

Jason Bock is a Staff Software Engineer at Rocket Mortgage and a Microsoft MVP (C#). He has nearly 30 years of experience working on several business applications using a diverse set of frameworks and languages. He is the author of ".NET Development Using the Compiler API", "Metaprogramming in .NET", and "Applied .NET Attributes". He has written numerous articles on software development issues and has presented at a number of conferences and user groups.

I started as front-end developer writing re-usable component libraries right in Cedar Rapids. I learned a lot about leadership and myself with an outstanding opportunity at a local startup. I gained perspective at one of the Big 4 professional services firms as a Solutions Architect. Now I am back in Iowa working on an amazing team during a exciting growth phase. I love collaboration, problem solving, and being surrounded by people smarter than me.

Jeremiah is the Director of Research & Technology at Zirous, with a background in philosophy. With 15 years of experience in software engineering ranging from development and QA to microservices and big data, his current focus in AI includes considering the ethical and moral implications of implementing AI in software solutions that impact people - which is all software everywhere.

I used to program a long time ago. In college. I'm weird. Come see some goofiness.

Josh has been interested in computers since he was five years old. He has worked professionally as a developer, engineer, director, and architect for over 20 years. He considers himself a lifelong learner. He ​loves mentoring and working with others. His passion is seeing others progress through their careers. Josh has led large product development initiatives for multiple financial services organizations. This has included migrating from desktop applications to the web and from on-premise to the cloud.

Judah De Paula received his PhD in computer science from University of Texas at Austin. After a couple years working at Enthought, an open-source Python scientific computing company, Judah moved to Iowa and has now worked for fifteen years at Corteva Agrisicence in a variety of roles (including management) and is currently a Senior Software Architect coordinating new development while doing his part on the team to keep millions of lines of in-house code operational.

I've dedicated my career to IT recruitment! From the get-go, I've been deeply immersed in the industry, always eager to refine my skills and stay ahead of the curve. I've placed hundreds of Information Technology individuals in the Greater Des Moines market since 1995. I also believe in staying educated on my craft, and Joining professional groups has been a cornerstone of my career. Early on, I joined the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), a body dedicated to maintaining high standards in staffing. In 2001, it was a privilege to be welcomed into the Pinnacle Society, an exclusive group that celebrates recruiters for their excellence, ethics, and expertise. Outside of my professional life, I've been active in my local community, serving on the Board of Midland Credit Union to promote financial wellness. During my children's school years, I was a committed volunteer with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and vocal music area, volunteering for numerous activities for over 16 years. As I approach the coming years in the recruitment industry, I'm excited about the opportunity to continue positively impacting both candidates and organizations. It's been a fulfilling journey, and I look forward to the future, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities with the same enthusiasm I've had from the start.

Kyle is a seasoned Software Engineer with over a decade of experience in the development and implementation of complex software solutions. With a strong foundation in backend technologies like Java and Go, Kyle has consistently delivered high-quality, scalable, and efficient solutions across various industries. He is passionate about solving problems and believes in not taking himself too seriously.

Meet Lwin Maung: A distinguished figure in the realm of technology and innovation. With a ten times Microsoft MVP title under his belt, Lwin boasts an unparalleled prowess in the field of mechatronics, accumulated through a remarkable span of over two and half decades as a trusted consultant. An accomplished author, mentor, and sought-after technology advisor, Lwin has been a guiding force for numerous C-level executives within Fortune 100 companies. Together with his adept team of developers, he has spearheaded the creation of bespoke AI and IoT solutions, leaving an indelible mark on clients and end users across the globe. The solutions architected by Lwin have transcended boundaries, finding application in diverse corners of the world and enriching countless lives. Lwin's influence extends even further, as evidenced by his instrumental role in crafting the IoT Core device manufacturing guide for Microsoft. His contributions have also left an imprint on the creation of various certification exams for the tech giant. Beyond the corporate sphere, Lwin's creativity and innovation shine. Collaborating with his brother Min, Lwin's mobile applications have garnered recognition on prominent technology platforms such as engadget, gizmodo, and pocket now. They have undertaken the design and production of programmable microcontrollers, as well as microcontroller-operated robots, tailored for educational purposes—empowering children and teenagers to grasp the fundamentals of programming. In the spirit of paying it forward, Lwin dedicates his free time to instructing and mentoring high school and university students, nurturing the next generation of application developers and hardware pioneers. His commitment to harnessing the power of technology for the betterment of humanity remains steadfast and unyielding. An active luminary within the development community, Lwin is integral to the organization of the esteemed Chicago Code Camp. His influence reverberates across various technical conferences and code camps, where he regularly takes the stage to share his insights and expertise. Lwin Maung embodies a relentless pursuit of new frontiers in technology, driven by a genuine passion for enhancing the human experience through innovation. Join him on his journey as he continues to shape the landscape of technology and its transformative potential.

Software Engineer. Wheel of Fortune expert. Lover of spreadsheets. Graduate of the University of Northern Iowa.

With a passion for education and lowering barriers-to-entry, I use my frontend and cloud skillsets to help individuals and teams grow their skillsets. When my head isn't in the clouds, I can usually be found in VR with my kids or catching up on the latest tech-twitter gossip.

Mike Cole is a developer currently focusing on .NET working remotely from Cedar Falls, IA. He's been around the proverbial block in the IT profession and has a wide array of experience in many fields. He is incredibly lazy and is always looking for easier and more streamlined ways to solve everyday problems. His passions in life include his family, sarcastic memes, the outdoors, and always having the last word.

Min is a versatile technical expert with extensive experience spanning IoT devices, multi-platform mobile development, and emerging technologies like AI. He has significantly influenced the transformation of numerous organizations and businesses in various capacities, including architect, director, and data scientist. Recognized as a Microsoft MVP, Min's tech proficiency extends across an array of devices, evidenced by his diverse collection of smartphones and gadgets. Displaying technological impartiality, he consistently explores mobile platforms like Android and even designs personalized microcontrollers for his robotics ventures. Beyond coding, Min channels his energy into constructing robots, steadily expanding his robotic repertoire. Catch him presenting at top-tier conferences like That Conference and CodeMash. On weekdays, his focus shifts to crafting innovative solutions in IoT, Cloud, and AI domains.

Mitchel Sellers is globally known as a 15-time Microsoft MVP, an ASPInsider, a DNN MVP, is an MCP (Microsoft .NET, ASP.NET and SQL Server), and CEO of IowaComputerGurus Inc. Sellers has a deep understanding of software development and when speaking focuses on proper architecture standards, performance, stability, security, and overall cost-effectiveness of delivered solutions. This message and his abilities resonate in the technical war room as well as the executive board room. Mitchel is a prolific public speaker, presenting more than 400 sessions at user groups and conferences globally, such as DevUp, SDN, and Code PaLOUsa. Sellers has been the author of multiple books and a regular blogger on technology topics. When Mitchel is not working in technology, you will find him flying his airplane, teaching others how to fly, or spending time with his family He is also actively involved in the Open Source Community working diligently to further the movement. Find out more about Sellers at his website http://www.mitchelsellers.com.

Navya Alapati, a Senior Software Engineer at VISA USA, INC is celebrated for her innovative contributions to data processing with a robust background in designing, developing, maintaining and optimizing database solutions that drive business success. With a deep understanding of SQL Server's capabilities, Navya Alapati has spearheaded numerous projects, delivering high-performance databases that support complex applications and large-scale data processing. Beyond technical prowess, Navya is passionate about leveraging data for strategic decision-making and innovation. An advocate for continuous learning and community engagement, Navya frequently shares her knowledge through workshops, webinars, and conferences. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and ideas are freely exchanged. As a speaker, Navya brings a wealth of practical experience and a passion for data-driven innovation. She aims to inspire and educate audiences on the latest advancements in SQL Server, data processing, and the transformative power of inclusive practices in technology.

Nick is a professional reverse engineer with a background in low level software analysis

Raghavendra Sreenivas Murthy is a seasoned Database Architect with over 20 years of experience in database management, cloud architecture, and big data solutions. A certified professional Oracle DBA with expertise in Exadata, Hadoop, Cassandra, OCI, and AWS, Raghav has demonstrated proficiency in a broad range of technologies and environments, including production support, UAT, and development. In his current role as a Cloud and Database Architect, Raghav leads a team of 40+ professionals, overseeing Oracle product implementations across North America. His extensive experience includes designing, implementing, and maintaining high availability (HA) and maximum availability architecture (MAA) environments, migrating databases from on-premises to cloud infrastructure, and optimizing performance through Oracle Exadata benchmarking. Raghavendra is an expert in database migrations, having successfully executed complex cross-platform and data center migrations with near-zero downtime using Oracle GoldenGate. His technical acumen extends to handling large-scale transformations from RDBMS to big data platforms like Cassandra and Hadoop. Throughout his career, Raghavendra has been instrumental in implementing Azure Data Lake solutions for data science and analytics, as well as managing IT infrastructure projects that include architecture reviews, performance evaluations, and enterprise monitoring. His leadership and technical skills have been recognized through his successful management of both onsite and offshore teams, delivering innovative solutions to a global clientele. Raghavendra's contributions to the field are further evidenced by his publications and blogs, where he shares insights on Oracle GoldenGate replication and other advanced database topics. He holds several certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Professional, and Oracle Exadata Certified Expert.

Robert Boedigheimer provides business solutions with web technologies. He is a Microsoft MVP, a Progress Champion (Fiddler), an ASPInsider, a Pluralsight author, and a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Robert regularly speaks at national and international events.

Sam has been in the technology space professionally for seven years after dabbling as a developer while working in academia. His spare time is spent trying new things or in the gym fighting. Most recently the focus being Krav Maga and Kung Fu.

Scott is a software consultant and primarily does web development using ASP.NET Core and JavaScript. His second passion behind web development is helping teams realize their potential through technical practices (such as CI/CD, IAC, TDD, etc.) and working more effectively (such as limiting WIP, visualizing work, etc). He’s a Microsoft MVP, Friend of Redgate and co-organizes the Iowa .NET User Group. You can find Scott on Twitter @scottsauber or on his blog at scottsauber.com.

Please review my LI profile as it is relatively up-to-date. I have spoken at many engagements including EntreFEST, 1 Million Cups, and many UIowa and Kirkwood classes and seminars. I also taught a class, Business Innovations, at the Kirkwood Regional Center for 5 years prior to COVID. I am comfortable with large crowds and engaging with my audience. I think overall, I know how some of my more introverted peers can feel and know how to break through that and get them to participate.

Creator of GeoBlazor open-source .NET library, Senior Software Engineer and Engineering Manager at dymaptic. Full-stack .NET, Blazor, and GIS specialist.

Whitney Lovelace is a technology consultant specializing in strategy and product delivery. She is passionate about using memorable and impactful communication techniques that lead to better project outcomes. Whitney has over a decade of technology and strategy experience that she uses to efficiently lead complex projects and help companies navigate large transformations. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College where she studied Mathematics and Economics and an MBA from Iowa State University with a specialization in Business Analytics. While her educational background has focused on using data to drive business decisions, she is adamant that data has little power when not accompanied by a compelling story. Whitney has spent years researching and honing communication and facilitation techniques that lead to better business outcomes and create engaging employee experiences.