DON'T MISS OUR FEATURED SPEAKERS
SUMMIT CO-CHAIR
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
SUMMIT CO-CHAIR
Dr. Brett Caraway
Director, Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM)
Dr. Brett Caraway
Director, Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM)
Dr. Brett Caraway is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, where he serves as the Program Director for the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM) program within the Institute for Management and Innovation (IMI). He also holds appointments with the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information & Technology; the Faculty of Information; and the School of the Environment. Prior to joining the University of Toronto, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. His research explores the intersections of technological innovation, economics, and sustainability. He is the author of Digital Media Economics (SAGE) and has published in journals such as the Journal of Outdoor Recreation & Tourism–Research Planning & Management, IEEE Multimedia, Media, Culture & Society, Environmental Communication, Information, Communication & Society, and Communication Theory.
SUMMIT CO-CHAIR
Bernadette Smith
Superintendent - Innovation & International Programs PDSB
Bernadette Smith
Superintendent - Innovation & International Programs PDSB
Bernadette Smith is a seasoned education leader and innovator with over 25 years of experience spanning Ontario’s three largest school boards. As Superintendent of Innovation and Research at the Peel District School Board, she has spearheaded transformative digital learning strategies, educator capacity-building, and inclusive pedagogies that serve a diverse student body of over 150,000. She began her career in frontline education—as a teacher at Maples Collegiate and Assistant Director of the WayFinders program within the Seven Oaks School Division—before moving into system-wide leadership roles. Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winnipeg and earned a Child and Youth Care Certificate from Red River College. A proud Indigenous leader of Anishinaabe and Métis heritage raised in Winnipeg’s North End, Bernadette is a tireless advocate for social justice, missing and murdered women’s families, and community mental health. She co-founded the Manitoba Coalition of Families of Missing and Murdered Women and the Drag the Red initiative, and has contributed to tools and media focused on Indigenous resilience. In 2016, she received the Order of Manitoba in recognition of her dedication to equity, culture, and community health. Recognized provincially and nationally, Bernadette has gained attention for her leadership in addressing poverty as a human rights issue in child welfare. In her current role within Peel, she continues to build equitable, digitally enhanced learning environments tailored to meet every student's needs.
OPENING REMARKS
Olli Vallo
EdTech Strategist: UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub
Olli Vallo
EdTech Strategist: UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub
Olli Vallo holds an MSc in Education and brings over a decade of experience in the educational technology sector. With a background as a former teacher, he combines pedagogical insight with deep expertise in EdTech development, learning sciences, and learner engagement.
Currently, Olli serves as the Head of Partnerships & Growth at Freeed, an innovative educational technology startup based in Helsinki, Finland. In this role, he leads the development of Freeed’s learning materials marketplace, ensuring it delivers pedagogically sound and curriculum-aligned resources. With quality at the core of his work, Olli focuses on optimizing processes that empower teachers to produce high-quality and engaging learning materials.
Prior to Freeed, Olli worked as a consultant for the Asian Development Bank, where he led a team in designing a quality evaluation framework and toolkit for EdTech solutions. In 2015, he co-founded Education Alliance Finland (EAF) and served as CEO, spearheading the development of a globally recognized EdTech quality certification process to evaluate the pedagogical effectiveness of digital learning solutions. Today, EAF’s legacy continues under EdTech Impact in the UK.
Over the years, Olli has delivered dozens of keynote presentations and workshops at international education events and fairs, sharing insights at the intersection of education and technology.
Driven by a passion for understanding how people learn, Olli is dedicated to advancing digital solutions that improve learning at scale. He firmly believes that the pedagogical quality of learning content and activities is the cornerstone of effective education.
OPENING KEYNOTE
Rashmi Swarup
Director of Education and CEO, PDSB • Member of the C21 CEO Acadamy
Rashmi Swarup
Director of Education and CEO, PDSB • Member of the C21 CEO Acadamy
Rashmi Swarup is the Director of Education and CEO at the Peel District School Board. It is the second largest school board in Canada with 148000 K – 12 students in 262 schools. Rashmi’s global journey began as an educator in India, followed by teaching at an international school in Saudi Arabia. After immigrating to Canada, she served in leadership roles with the Toronto District School Board (as Curriculum Lead), the York Region District School Board (as Superintendent of Education), and TVO, where she was Vice President of Digital Learning and Education Partnerships.
A TED-Ed Innovative Educator and active member of the Canadian Collaborative for AI and Learning, Rashmi is committed to harnessing the power of educational technology and AI to create ethical, empowering, and engaging learning environments for both students and educators.
Rashmi is recognized for championing digital innovation, equity, and inclusive learning, drawing on over 25 years of leadership in diverse education systems. Rashmi Swarup is an award-winning visionary leader and a passionate advocate for student success and innovation
With a future-focused mindset and global lens, Rashmi continues to inspire change that prepares today’s learners to thrive as tomorrow’s engaged, thoughtful citizens.
SPOTLIGHT KEYNOTE
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown has made his mark in Canada and Internationally by leading organizations through digital transformation. His career spans a diverse mix of industry and technology experience from multi-media entertainment, logistics services, automotive, and now to learning solutions.
Since joining NELSON in September 2016, Steve has transformed the vision for this 104-year-old company by reimagining the role and purpose of a publisher in 2017 and beyond. Introducing a matrix driven view to the management culture, and unifying a K20 student-centric business division is at the core of this shift to a cohesive customer focused structure. He has reframed the organization’s digital competency by instituting a technology department comprised of some the world’s best and brightest talent based in Silicon Beach California. Additionally, over the past 12 months the company has engaged in various M&A activities, including the acquisition of one of its largest competitors, as well as signing numerous agency and partnership deals to ensure NELSON offers a world class portfolio of learning solution and for all its markets.
Steve’s passion and commitment to transforming education, and the student learning experience, continues to fuel the innovation pipeline at NELSON.
JOIN US FOR THE FIRESIDE CHAT PANEL
"Charting the Course on AI & Humanity
Building Trust, Equity & Sustainability in Education"
Moderators: Robert Martellacci & Dr. Brett Caraway
Bernadette Smith
Superintendent - Innovation & International Programs PDSB
Bernadette Smith
Superintendent - Innovation & International Programs PDSB
Bernadette Smith is a seasoned education leader and innovator with over 25 years of experience spanning Ontario’s three largest school boards. As Superintendent of Innovation and Research at the Peel District School Board, she has spearheaded transformative digital learning strategies, educator capacity-building, and inclusive pedagogies that serve a diverse student body of over 150,000. She began her career in frontline education—as a teacher at Maples Collegiate and Assistant Director of the WayFinders program within the Seven Oaks School Division—before moving into system-wide leadership roles. Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winnipeg and earned a Child and Youth Care Certificate from Red River College. A proud Indigenous leader of Anishinaabe and Métis heritage raised in Winnipeg’s North End, Bernadette is a tireless advocate for social justice, missing and murdered women’s families, and community mental health. She co-founded the Manitoba Coalition of Families of Missing and Murdered Women and the Drag the Red initiative, and has contributed to tools and media focused on Indigenous resilience. In 2016, she received the Order of Manitoba in recognition of her dedication to equity, culture, and community health. Recognized provincially and nationally, Bernadette has gained attention for her leadership in addressing poverty as a human rights issue in child welfare. In her current role within Peel, she continues to build equitable, digitally enhanced learning environments tailored to meet every student's needs.
Ryan Donaghy
Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, New Brunswick
Ryan Donaghy
Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, New Brunswick
Ryan was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is a graduate of the university of New Brunswick. Ryan started his career with a Government in New Brunswick in 2002 and has held numerous positions in numerous departments before becoming the deputy minister of education, including being the deputy minister of local government, and deputy minister of environment.
On a personal note, Ryan and his family, including his two daughters live in New, Maryland, and when he’s not at work, he can be found at the cross country track meet, the ringette game (similar to hockey) where he coaches his daughters, he can also be found occasionally reffing ice hockey, or on the golf course.
Dr. Steve Joordens
Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Dr. Steve Joordens
Summit Co-Chair, Full Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Steve was initially trained as a Cognitive Psychologist who performed research related to human memory and the distinction between conscious and unconscious influences. More recently though, his research has shifted to focus on the effective use of educational technologies in general, and especially to support the develop or core “Skills of Success” like critical and creative thought, effective two way communication and collaboration, and metacognitive awareness. Some of the research is laboratory based, but a lot of it occurs in the context of real classes. The Advanced Learning Technologies Lab that he directs also does research on third party technologies, assessing their efficacy and usability.
Maxim Jean-Louis
Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord
Maxim Jean-Louis
Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord
Maxim Jean-Louis is President – Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education and Training Network, headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Maxim worked in senior management roles for over 15 years at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada’s open university.
He is also a member of the Comité consultatif en matière d’éducation postsecondaire en langue française dans les régions du Centre et du Sud-ouest.
Maxim is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of the World University Service of Canada and of the Optical Regional Advanced Network of Ontario, as well as a past member of Ontario’s Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board, and he served as a member of the Canadian Advisory Mission to support the implementation of the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority. He also served as President of Collège des Grands Lacs, one of Ontario’s three French-language community colleges.
In 2011, Maxim was appointed Special Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for an Ontario Online Institute, producing a 125-page report and recommendations to the Minister on opportunities for online learning in the province.
Lissa Matyas
Vice-President, Capacity Building and Innovation, ICTC
Lissa Matyas
Vice-President, Capacity Building and Innovation, ICTC
Peter Singh
Executive Officer – IT Services, TDSB
Peter Singh
Executive Officer – IT Services, TDSB
Peter brings 23+ years of K-12 sector technology know-how to his CTO portfolio. He has been at the forefront of bringing innovative technologies to the Toronto District School Board. He’s a practitioner of emotional intelligence who is spearheading the TDSB “Information Technology Services” team from a digital era to Quantum Age of Information Technology.
CROSS CANADA CHECKUP PANEL: The State of EdTech
"Featuring the C21 Canada & Dell Technologies Use Case Projects"
Gain Valuable Insights From Canadian and Global Experts on The State of EdTech in Canada
Moderator: Robert Martellacci
Jordan Smith
Subject Coordinator: Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation
Jordan Smith
Subject Coordinator: Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation
Jordan Smith is the Subject Coordinator for K‑12 Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation at Anglophone School District East in Moncton, New Brunswick—an innovative role designed to explore how emerging technologies can transform classroom learning. In this position, she spearheads district-wide efforts to pilot AI-driven tools, guide ed‑tech integration, and foster modern instructional practices. Her previous experience includes serving as Technology Lead and Classroom Teacher within the district, roles through which she cultivated deep expertise in instructional technology and classroom pedagogy. Jordan also spent a year abroad teaching at the International School of Nanshan in Shenzhen, China, demonstrating her commitment to global education perspectives. In addition to her hands-on classroom and leadership experience, she authored the district’s Artificial Intelligence Teacher Guide, further highlighting her role in shaping AI literacy among educators. Jordan’s leadership has also been showcased through events like IDEA Centre ASDE’s tech innovation week, where she engaged with students and community partners to inspire hands-on learning.
Zelia Capitao-Tavares
Elementary Teacher, TDSB
Zelia Capitao-Tavares
Elementary Teacher, TDSB
Zélia Capitão-Tavares has been teaching for 25 years and currently is a teacher at McMurrich Junior Public School and a Hybrid-Teacher Digital Lead Learner, Toronto District School Board. There she empowers students to become entrepreneurs through the McMurrich “Business Day” program. She holds a Master of Education from the University of Toronto; was nominated for the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence; and is the recipient of the BMO Financial Group National Student Innovation Award. She is currently collaborating with the Board Members of MindShareLearning with Technology. With more than 20 years of experience innovating in education, Zélia believes that we need to find the ‘spark’ in each student & step aside to let them shine!
EXPERT PANEL PRESENTATIONS
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Option 1: C21 Canada AI Task Force Report
Topic: “Outcomes and Insights on Framing the Future of AI in Canadian Education”
Moderator: Robert Martellacci, Karen Yamada
Panelists:
Dr. Tom D’Amico
Retired Director of Education, OCSB
Dr. Tom D’Amico
Retired Director of Education, OCSB
Thomas D’Amico was appointed Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ottawa Catholic School Board in August 2020. Previous to that, he served as the Associate Director of Education from 2015 to 2020. Mr. D’Amico has over 30 years of experience in education, including as a teacher, school administrator, and Superintendent of Human Resources and Superintendent of Learning Technologies. He is an award-winning educator recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Canada’s Outstanding Principal award. As a Superintendent, he received the EXL award to recognize excellence among members of the superintendency.
Mr. D’Amico holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Physical Education from the University of Ottawa. He obtained his Honours in Physical Education from McMaster University. Tom also holds an Executive Certificate in Conflict Management from the University of Windsor Law Department. On a personal level, Tom is involved with his local parish, St. John the Evangelist. He is also an off-ice official with the NHL. Tom and his wife Michelle have two daughters, Laura and Christina, both graduates of the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Strategist, Dell Technologies
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Strategist, Dell Technologies
Katina Papulkas is an Education Strategist at Dell Technologies and is committed to serving students from K-20 across Canada. Katina is an experienced educator with a background in teaching, online learning, educational leadership, assessment, and educational technology. In her two-decade tenure in education she has been an elementary teacher and a central instructional leader where she designed and implemented system-wide initiatives around the effective integration of technology into the curriculum. Additionally, Katina served as an administrator of a middle school at the Toronto District School Board. Most recently, she was the Director of Educational Partnerships at Television Ontario (TVO) where she focused on the design and development of digital learning resources in a cross functional and agile environment. Katina holds a Master’s Degree in Education and Technology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Option 2: Goverment of Canada Trade commission
Topic: “”
Moderator: Amnah Khan
Panelists: TBA
Amnah Khan
Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada
Amnah Khan
Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada
Amna Khan serves as a Trade Commissioner at the Ontario Regional Office of Global Affairs Canada (Trade Commissioner Service), where she supports Canadian businesses in navigating international trade and expanding into global markets. Before joining the federal government’s Trade Commissioner Service, she gained valuable experience in the private sector, particularly in supply chain, logistics, and account management roles. Academically, Amna holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Public Service from the University of Waterloo
Option 3: Teachers & students
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Option 4: Let’s Talk Science 1
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Option 4: Let’s Talk Science 2
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
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2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Option 1: Teachers & Edtech leaders
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Option 2: CoSN Canadian School District EdTech & IT Leader Report
Topic: “Key Results”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Option 3: EdTech Leader Post Secondary
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: Ron Sedran
Dr. Ron Owston
Professor Emeritus, York University
Dr. Ron Owston
Professor Emeritus, York University
Dr. Ron Owston is University Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar at York University, as well as former Dean of the Faculty of Education, and founding Director of the Institute for Research in Learning Technologies.
A pioneer in teaching and learning with the web since its early days, Dr. Owston specializes in the evaluation of technology-based educational programs in K12, government, higher education, and continuing professional education. He has spoken at numerous national and international conferences about blended and online learning, authored/co-authored some 50 commissioned studies, and published over 60 articles in top-tier journals, including Educational Researcher, Teachers College Record, Research in the Teaching of English, Journal of Computer-Based Instruction, Journal of Information Technology in Teacher Education, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, Internet & Higher Education, and Journal of Research on Computing in Education.
Dr. Owston published one of the first academic examinations of the role of the Web for teaching and learning in Educational Researcher in 1997. His work has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Health Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Canadian Fund for Innovation, and a variety of school districts and industry partners. Over the last several years his publications have addressed blended learning in higher education courses.
Currently, Dr. Owston ranks among the most cited blended learning researchers in the world in Google Scholar. Having retired from York in 2018, he is now actively engaged in research, consulting, and public speaking, and is a research associate at Contact North|Contact Nord, where he leads a successful series of webinars on the use of Zoom for teaching which over 10,000 educators around the world have registered for or downloaded.
Option 4: Logics Academy 1
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Option 1: Logics Academy 2
Topic: “”
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: TBA
Enter for a chance to win DRAGON'S DEN STARTUP CHALLENGE
Judges:
Mallory Maynard
Founder of Gibbly
Mallory Maynard
Founder of Gibbly
Mallory Maynard (BCom, Marketing Management, Ryerson University '20) is a dynamic co-founder of Ripple Studios, where she harnesses the power of technology and gaming to champion STEM engagement, particularly among young women. Originally a dabbling web developer in her family business, Mallory’s passion for STEM blossomed through her active participation in the Ryerson Formula Racing design team. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an avid lover of water-based activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. A resolute advocate for women in STEM, Mallory urges them to be bold, embrace challenges—even when they feel daunting—and never let doubts hold them back.
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown has made his mark in Canada and Internationally by leading organizations through digital transformation. His career spans a diverse mix of industry and technology experience from multi-media entertainment, logistics services, automotive, and now to learning solutions.
Since joining NELSON in September 2016, Steve has transformed the vision for this 104-year-old company by reimagining the role and purpose of a publisher in 2017 and beyond. Introducing a matrix driven view to the management culture, and unifying a K20 student-centric business division is at the core of this shift to a cohesive customer focused structure. He has reframed the organization’s digital competency by instituting a technology department comprised of some the world’s best and brightest talent based in Silicon Beach California. Additionally, over the past 12 months the company has engaged in various M&A activities, including the acquisition of one of its largest competitors, as well as signing numerous agency and partnership deals to ensure NELSON offers a world class portfolio of learning solution and for all its markets.
Steve’s passion and commitment to transforming education, and the student learning experience, continues to fuel the innovation pipeline at NELSON.
Aman Sahota
Co-Founder at Ei Amplified -Canadian EdTech Startup of the Year
Aman Sahota
Co-Founder at Ei Amplified -Canadian EdTech Startup of the Year
Aman is currently working on a startup www.eiamplified.com that was named Canadian EdTech Startup of the Year and was apart of Top 21 of 2021 in Learning & Technology. He focus on data and experiential learning
Amnah Khan
Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada
Amnah Khan
Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada
Amna Khan serves as a Trade Commissioner at the Ontario Regional Office of Global Affairs Canada (Trade Commissioner Service), where she supports Canadian businesses in navigating international trade and expanding into global markets. Before joining the federal government’s Trade Commissioner Service, she gained valuable experience in the private sector, particularly in supply chain, logistics, and account management roles. Academically, Amna holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Public Service from the University of Waterloo
Ron Sedran
Managing Director, Canaccord Genuity Inc.
Ron Sedran
Managing Director, Canaccord Genuity Inc.
Ron Sedran is a seasoned investment banker and Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets at Canaccord Genuity. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has spearheaded numerous equity offerings and pioneered innovative financing solutions such as the Premium DRIP and ATM offerings—raising billions for clients. Specializing in Real Estate and REITs sectors, he also contributes to community and educational causes, advising MindShare Learning and supporting the Humber River Hospital Foundation through active fundraising efforts like Team Revolution.
Find out Who will win ANNOUNCING THE 10th CANADIAN EDTECH AWARDS
Presented by:
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
International Closing Panel: Key Global Takeaways on the Future of AI in Education
"The Global Future of AI in Education: Closing Reflections & Insights"
Moderator: Robert Martellacci
Judges:
Kathy Hurley
President, Kathy Hurley Consulting LLC, Co-Founder, Girls Thinking Global & Former EVP Pearson Foundation and Industry Consultant
Kathy Hurley
President, Kathy Hurley Consulting LLC, Co-Founder, Girls Thinking Global & Former EVP Pearson Foundation and Industry Consultant
Kathy has over forty years of experience in the education industry in both traditional publishing and the ed tech sectors. Kathy began her career as a special education teacher before moving to the private sector side of the industry. She has worked in sales, marketing and business development for DLM, IBM, The Learning Company, Grolier, Mindscape, Skillsbank, NetSchool, PLATO Learning and Pearson and the Pearson Foundation.
In addition to her work as an executive, Kathy has served on numerous education and industry boards including ISTE 100, CoSN, NSBF, SIIA, AEP/AAP, NCEA, AASA Advisory Board. She currently serves on the boards of NCTET People to People, Asia Society, Spark 101, Women s Education Project, and in 2009-2010, Kathy served as the Chair for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21).
In 2014, Kathy retired from Pearson after being with the company for ten years. Kathy, along with her colleague, Deb deVries, founded a new global non-profit, Girls Thinking Global, which seeks to connect changemakers to girls empowerment organizations across the world. She is also serving as an industry consultant and working with several companies in the ed tech sector. She is a co-editor with Priscilla Shumway of a book called "Real Women Real Leaders" which is being published in April by Wiley Publishing. Kathy completed the Harvard Advanced Leadership Program in 2014.
Jennifer Womble
Education Leader. Catalyst @Future of Education Technology Conference (#FETC); Editorial Staff @District Administration, @ETC
Jennifer Womble
Education Leader. Catalyst @Future of Education Technology Conference (#FETC); Editorial Staff @District Administration, @ETC
With a focus on spearheading dynamic educational technology initiatives at the Future of Education Technology Conference, Jennifer's role as Conference Chair involves curating content that empowers educators and administrators. Leading a vast array of events, from keynote sessions to interactive workshops, her efforts are centered on enhancing professional development within the tech-education landscape. The pivotal aspect of her position is fostering a collaborative community that thrives on innovation and knowledge exchange.
As part of the editorial team at District Administration, I contribute to shaping the discourse on key education issues. My expertise in curriculum design and staff development, gleaned from extensive experience in education, informs my approach to content strategy. Together with my team, we deliver insightful perspectives that support educators in creating secure, successful, and technology-integrated learning environments.With a focus on spearheading dynamic educational technology initiatives at the Future of Education Technology Conference, my role as Conference Chair involves curating content that empowers educators and administrators. Leading a vast array of events, from keynote sessions to interactive workshops, my efforts are centered on enhancing professional development within the tech-education landscape. The pivotal aspect of my position is fostering a collaborative community that thrives on innovation and knowledge exchange. As part of the editorial team at District Administration, I contribute to shaping the discourse on key education issues. My expertise in curriculum design and staff development, gleaned from extensive experience in education, informs my approach to content strategy. Together with my team, we deliver insightful perspectives that support educators in creating secure, successful, and technology-integrated learning environments.
Duncan Verry
Portfolio Director, Edtech | Bett and ASU/GSV Summit | Innovation in schools, colleges and workforce learning
Duncan Verry
Portfolio Director, Edtech | Bett and ASU/GSV Summit | Innovation in schools, colleges and workforce learning
A strategic sales and business development director with executive experience across the education, publishing and talent management sectors. Proven record of delivering growth in UK and international B2B businesses transforming to digital product sets. Successfully grew businesses in sale-led commercial /managing director role in the Higher Education, Schools and Further Education markets. Gained valuable leadership team experience at AIM-listed plc and through a private equity sale.
Dr. Chris Kennedy
Superintendent of Schools / CEO at West Vancouver School District
Dr. Chris Kennedy
Superintendent of Schools / CEO at West Vancouver School District
Chris Kennedy is the Superintendent of Schools & CEO, West Vancouver School District, BC
Dr. Chris Kennedy is a renowned educator and leader in the field of educational technology, currently serving as the Superintendent of West Vancouver Schools. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to fostering innovative learning environments that leverage technology to enhance student engagement and achievement.
He has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into educational practices, advocating for the ethical and effective use of AI tools to support personalized learning and improve educational outcomes. Dr. Kennedy is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his insights on the transformative potential of AI in schools and emphasizing the importance of equipping educators and students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
His commitment to collaborative leadership and continuous improvement has made him a key figure in shaping the future of education in Canada.
Mark Stanley
CEO Founder of Literatu Scribo
Mark Stanley
CEO Founder of Literatu Scribo
As the visionary behind Literatu, I lead a dynamic team that's transforming the way students and teachers engage with English literacy. Our flagship AI-driven platform, Scribo, supports over 800,000 students and 30,000 teachers daily, providing personalized feedback that helps lift writing proficiency to new heights. Scribo acts as an additional instructor, simplifying the often challenging task of improving students' writing skills across all learning levels. We’re proud to be making a real impact in classrooms, especially for K-12 students and those preparing for high-stakes assessments like IELTS and TOEIC.