Dr. Cassandra Arnold is a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and long-time resident of Miami. Knowing her calling as a servant leader, while working in corporate America at the age of 22 years old, she founded a scholarship foundation and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Scholars Today, Leaders of Tomorrow, to equip youth and young adults with the leadership skills to succeed and provide black Haitian-American and African-American females with scholarships to attend her illustrious alma mater, Florida A&M University.
With extensive years in corporate America, she was a very successful marketing professional for Caterpillar Inc., a global Fortune corporation. She then became an international business developer, managing and traveling to more than 12 Caribbean countries for an education corporation. From 2016–2018, she worked in leadership roles on a presidential, gubernatorial, and U.S. senate race.
In 2021, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that Dr. Arnold would serve as her Director of Constituent Services and Spokesperson for Haitian Affairs, where she led the administration’s efforts to make county government more responsive to residents, building a world-class constituent services program. A year later, this led her to a position in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Chief of Staff for a congressional member serving in many capacities. Seeking to transform local communities, in 2023, Dr. Arnold returned to County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s office as Deputy Chief of Staff overseeing the Equity & Engagement, Resident Services and Haitian Outreach portfolios.
A big advocate of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Dr. Arnold is a very proud alumna of Florida A&M University, a lifetime member of the alumni association. She continued her studies at the University of Miami, receiving an MBA degree in International Business and a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership, focusing on Global Leadership Development in Foreign Markets from Argosy University. She’s received several awards and nominations and is very active in her church and current/former community organizations as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Casa Valentina, and the Democratic Haitian American Caucus of Florida, to name a few.

Rick Beasley has served as the Executive Director for the South Florida Workforce Investment Board (SFWIB) dba CareerSource South Florida (CSSF) since August 2005. In this position, he oversees workforce programs in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with an operating budget of $75 million. He is in charge of one of the nation’s most dynamic “melting pots” – a diverse socioeconomic region. His vision for CareerSource South Florida is to create a model for the nation by establishing a world-class talent supply chain that fosters economic growth.
CareerSource South Florida’s overarching strategic priority is to support economic development that leads to higher –skilled, better-paying jobs that improve South Florida’s quality of life and strengthen the economy.
Mr. Beasley has provided leadership for a number of important workforce initiatives including the development of an On-line Balance Scorecard, deployment of the CSSF Mobile Workforce Assistance Centers (five mobile units), development and implementation of the Miami-Dade County First Source Ordinance, the South Florida Workforce State of the Workforce Report. CareerSource South Florida is one of the few Local Workforce Development Boards that sponsor career development offices on the campus of partner colleges and universities including St. Thomas University and Florida Memorial University as a way of increasing the talent pool and gaining early access/exposure to college graduates.
Prior to joining CareerSource South Florida, he was the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Division of Workforce Development. In this position, Beasley was responsible for managing Missouri's workforce development system and advising key policymakers on a broad range of workforce and economic development issues. In total, Rick oversaw more than 500 employees, while administering a $250 million budget to provide employment and training assistance to Missouri job seekers and employers.
Under Beasley's leadership, the Department of Economic Development-Division of Workforce Development received the Governor's Award for Quality and Productivity in recognition for outstanding work. He led the development and release of GreatHires.org, the state's new job bank and case management system. The system proved so efficient, the agency expanded it to incorporate all employment and training programs. Beasley was also instrumental in revamping the organization's structure, providing better service delivery and more efficient program coordination.

Ana Chammas is the Director of Innovation for Miami-Dade County, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving technological advancement and digital transformation in local government. With a keen focus on innovation and strategic vision, Ana has been instrumental in shaping Miami-Dade's digital landscape, including the development of miamidade.gov, the 311 Answer Center, and the County's digital footprint. In her current role, Ana leads initiatives that align with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's "4 Es" strategy: Economy, Environment, Engagement, and Equity. She is at the forefront of implementing AI solutions to enhance government services and efficiency, while simultaneously championing digital equity efforts to ensure all residents have access to technology and digital resources. Ana's work in AI includes exploring applications for improved public services and smart city technologies. Her digital equity initiatives focus on bridging the digital divide, partnering with academic institutions and industry leaders to expand local talent pipelines and create inclusive opportunities in the tech sector. As a bridge-builder between creative teams, developers, business users, and executives, Ana continues to drive innovation that enhances customer experience and community impact. Her efforts in open data, cross-municipal collaborations, and the County Innovation Program showcase her commitment to creating a more transparent, accessible, and responsive government for all Miami-Dade residents. 

Antonio Delgado is passionate about creating and providing educational opportunities that change lives. As the Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships at Miami Dade College, he has focused on realizing the institution’s ethos as an equalizer of opportunity for economic mobility. At MDC, Antonio leads initiatives like the National Applied AI Consortium and Miami Tech Works to position the college as a national and regional leader in workforce development in emerging technologies. He has fostered strong connections with key industry partners such as Amazon, Tesla, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Apple and Google; and launched Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Electric Vehicle Centers and programs at MDC. He has helped secure over $60 million in prestigious grants and external resources from private and public institutions like Knight Foundation, National Security Agency, National Science Foundation, Economic Development Administration, Mozilla, Apple and Google.org, among others.
Antonio has accumulated over 20 years of experience in management and technology consulting across the United States, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean, including country manager at one of Latin America’s leading technology companies. Antonio currently serves as a Fellow for New America’s Future of Work and Innovation Economy initiative, and as an Advisory Committee member for NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate.

Tommy Gardner is HP’s Chief Technology Officer for HP Federal, spanning the US Federal Agencies, Higher Education, K-12 Education, State and Local government customer segments, as well as Federal Systems Integrators. His current responsibilities include technology leadership, strategic technology plans, product and technology strategies, sales force technical support, and customer and partner relationships.
Previously, Tommy has served as the Chief Technology Officer for Jacobs Engineering, Scitor, and ManTech. Earlier in his career he was a senior technical executive at Raytheon. In the U.S. Navy he served as the Deputy for Science and Technology for the Chief of Naval Research. He oversaw the Navy’s Deep Submergence Program as well as its Advanced Technology Program. He also commanded the nuclear submarine, USS San Juan (SSN 751).
Tommy’s educational background covers multiple disciplines and fields of interest including: cybersecurity, data science, blockchain, quantum information science, artificial intelligence, high performance computing and systems integration.
Tommy holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University, an M.S. in Management of Technology from MIT and a Ph. D. in Energy Economics from George Washington University. He is a Professional Engineer, an ASME Fellow, and serves on the ASME Board of Governors, the ANSI Board of Directors and the U. S. Council on Competitiveness as the Co-chair of the Advanced Computer Roundtable.

Dr. Johnson is an assistant professor of public policy and administration. He is a Fulbright Scholar from the Global South with dynamic research interests. One tranche of his research expands into the realm of digital transformation and governance, cybersecurity, public administration, and public policy. His work revisits foundational PA concepts such as effectiveness, efficiency, scientific management, and democracy, in the context of new and emerging technologies. In his sole-authored book publication by Routledge titled, Cryptocurrency and Public Policy: Implications for Democracy and Governance he raises questions centered on how issues such as race, citizenship, governance, public policy, and social equity intersect with digital transformation and technology-specific challenges facing public managers. In addition, in his book Leadership Fundamentals for Cybersecurity in Public Policy and Administration: Lessons for the Global South, he examines the role of bureaucratic and political leadership in cybersecurity development.
He has also published book chapters aligning with this research program. In one publication titled “The new destination: Transforming travel and tourism through digital transformation in the post-COVID era” he examines the viability of digital transformation in helping governments and public administrators to restore their tourism industries post COVID-19. In a forthcoming chapter titled “The importance of prioritizing people in Digital Transformation Strategies among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)” he presents arguments on the viability of digital transformation in helping public administrators create transformational outcomes for their education sectors.
The second tranche of his research examines the consequences of administrative burdens bureaucratic encounters and policy making. He connects these literatures to research on, implementation, program evaluation, and social equity to raise questions related to understanding how administrative burdens disrupt Public Administration’s role as an enabler of democracy and good governance.
Dr. Johnson’s research has also been featured in Government Information Quarterly, American Review of Public Administration, Technology in Society, Administration and Society, and Journal of Behavioral and Public Administration. He has engaged in consulting and training with local government and private managers and employees in the Caribbean. He has also engaged in data management consulting with embassies, public bodies, and non-government organizations such as the Organization of American States, USAID, European Union, and the World Bank.

Managing Principal of iTaylor Solutions.

A native Miamian of Haitian descent, Merdochey LaFrance is the Managing Principal of iTaylor Solutions. She cultivates innovative public policy strategies, pioneers DEI initiatives, and steers project management for C-Suite leaders in Fortune companies. Prior to returning to consulting, Merdochey was the Director of Local Engagement for Verizon in Southeast and Southwest Florida, leading the company’s external affairs across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier and Lee counties. In that role, Merdochey developed, led, and implemented Verizon's community engagement strategy and initiatives. She also collaborated across Verizon’s business verticals to facilitate strategic partnerships and market opportunities. Her previous employers also include Brightline Trains, City Year Miami, and The Florida Senate.
Merdochey is a proud alumnus of Florida International University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s in Public Administration. She is an alumnus of Florida Atlantic University, where she obtained a Master of Science in Urban & Regional Planning. Merdochey also completed the “Creating Shared Value: Competitive Advantage Through Social Impact” Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School (HBS).
Merdochey remains connected to the South Florida community through her active involvement in Smart City Expo USA (Advisory Committee), Women in Government Relations (Telecom, Technology & Intellectual Property Taskforce Co-Chair), Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County (Board Member), Leadership Florida (Lifetime Member), Greater Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (Charter Member & Services to Youth Facet Chair), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Member-at-Large), Economic Club of Miami, National Forum for Black Public Administrators (National Corporate Council), and the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association

Jose Lopez serves as Assistant Director for the Business Applications Services branch for Information Technology Department at Miami-Dade County, one of the largest metropolitan county governments in the United States. He leads a branch that supports core county operations along with enterprise-wide geospatial technology services. For thirty-years he has led various multi-dimensional teams highly skilled in technology, business strategy and digital innovation to deliver award-winning solutions, saving millions for County government. Leveraging technologies, understanding business processes, and building relationships has been the key to a successful thirty-five-year career in Information Technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Miami. He embraces a healthy work-life balance and understands the benefits of the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle approach.

Johanna Mikkola is an entrepreneur and accomplished business leader. She currently serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Tech Equity Miami. In this role, she leads the deployment of a $100 million funders consortium aimed at fortifying the technology ecosystem of South Florida and expanding economic opportunities in the region. Previously, Johanna founded and led Wyncode Academy, South Florida’s leading coding educator.
Wyncode was acquired in 2021 by BrainStation, the global leader in digital skills transformation. Johanna is a passionate entrepreneur and builder. Having spent decades scaling and building companies and teams, her mission centers on helping empower individuals, organizations and communities to reach greater heights. Her desire to succeed led her to immigrate to the United States in search of the American Dream. Now a seasoned founder, Johanna actively mentors and supports fellow entrepreneurs.
Her impactful journey has garnered widespread coverage, including the Milken Institute, The Business Journal and PBS South Florida. She is an advocate for dismantling barriers to entry in technology. She has spoken extensively about the topic on panels and at conferences, including her TEDx talk on how to hire the right tech talent and in Forbes where she provided insights on Miami’s Tech Renaissance.
Johanna was selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, a prestigious network of the most high-impact entrepreneurs around the globe and is also a member of Entrepreneur's Organization. Johanna serves as a Forbes Technology Council Member and the Chair of the Beacon Council’s Technology Committee, the economic development agency of Miami-Dade County. She is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Babson College’s WIN LAB and The Venture City, as well as being a founding member of the Miami chapter of the Female Founder Collective.
Johanna was selected as Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Female Leader in Technology and was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. The South Florida Business Journal also named Johanna to its Top 40 Under 40 list as well as named her its Influential Female Business Leader. Before launching Wyncode in 2014, Johanna spent a decade in corporate management with the National Hockey League, becoming the highest-ranking female in her department’s history. There she led a team of managers and oversaw the business operations of the officiating department, managing the largest departmental budget within the organization.
Johanna holds an honors Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto. In 2007 she represented Canada as a forward at the World Floorball Championships.

Frank Quintana, Chief Information Officer for the City of Miami Beach, brings over 26 years of experience across the public and private sectors, specializing in technology transformation, cybersecurity, and customer service. He leads strategic planning and execution of all technology initiatives, overseeing teams in centralized support, cybersecurity, software engineering, and data analytics. Recognized for fostering innovation and high-performance teams, Frank’s expertise encompasses developing resilient infrastructure and services and implementing cutting-edge technologies to meet strategic objectives while elevating public services. Frank holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Florida State University, a Bachelor’s from Barry University, and is a Certified Government CIO. He volunteers as a mentor for high school and college students looking to become IT professionals, serves on the South Florida CIO Advisory Board and his teams have been recognized with the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association Innovative Leadership award and as AWS State and Local Champions.

Kerry-Ann Royes is the president and CEO of YWCA South Florida. Utilizing more than 25 years of social sector experience, Kerry-Ann has dedicated her talents, time and heart to the advancement of marginalized communities, particularly in the fight against social issues affecting women and girls. Kerry-Ann leverages a wealth of expertise in social justice and innovation, strategic alliances, management and leadership in spearheading YWCA South Florida’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women into the next century.
As head of YWCA, Kerry-Ann is committed to the enrichment and longevity of the organization’s mission of rooting out and effecting injustices that happen at the intersection of race and gender. Under her leadership, YWCA South Florida has rebranded to expand its services and regional presence to Dade and Broward counties, developed the board to include men for the first time in 100 years and successfully mobilized the largest community-wide social justice learning movement in South Florida. She also led the launch of the First But Not The Last, an annual platform to recognize and elevate South Florida trailblazers whose accomplishments as the first in their fields serve as meaningful representation for generations to come. In the coming years, Kerry-Ann is locking arms with South Florida’s leadership to fully transformation YWCA South Florida’s programs, buildings and assets in response to the housing and child care crisis being experienced by working families and women in the region.
Before joining YWCA, Kerry-Ann was the founder, president and chief strategy officer of The Arrow Group, advising industry leaders on corporate social citizenship, non-profit leadership and collaborative community development issues. She previously served as executive director of YMCA of South Florida, helping to grow its reach and impact while overseeing its largest youth and family services portfolio across organizational departments, contracts and partners to modernize services for the 4,000 young people served daily.
Originally from Jamaica, Kerry-Ann has devoted herself to her South Florida home for more than 30 years. In that time, Kerry-Ann has served on boards for Partners In Education, Inc., Nautilus Oceans Exploration Trust and Philanthropy Miami, and is a trustee of The Miami Foundation while also lending her voice and expertise to Miami Herald’s CEO Roundtable and Florida Influencer Series, South Florida Racial Justice Table, South Florida PBS, South Florida Sun Sentinel and WLRN Public Radio and Television. In 2022, she was awarded Leadership Florida’s Equity, Equality & Justice Influencer Award and the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women Spirit of Community Award. She has ingrained herself in the heart and culture of her community, working every day to improve the lives of those around her.

For me, education has made all the difference. I was born in Bogota, Colombia; my parents made South-Dade their chosen home when I was eight years old. Despite the challenges of having to learn a new language, in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) I quickly discovered that I had a love for learning. I excelled inside and outside the classroom. I joined many clubs and organizations, and, while trying to register as a MDCPS volunteer, I was jolted by the discovery that was undocumented: my family’s application for U.S. citizenship was pending. Learning this did not deter me. In fact, it motivated me. Our application was eventually approved and I am now a proud U.S. citizen. With the guidance of many teachers, mentors, and counselors who believed in me, I started my higher education at Miami-Dade College. Ultimately, I graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, DC with a minor in education. Following graduation, I returned home to Miami to launch Lulu’s Ice Cream, driven by a desire to be a changemaker in my community – employing local students, mentoring many, and allowing community organizations to use my storefront for meetings and events. As Founder and CEO, I have worked tirelessly to ensure Lulu’s success, and my business has garnered critical acclaim in Forbes and Glamour magazines and on the Cooking Channel. Lulu’s continues tocontribute to the soul of Miami.
I wholeheartedly believe that every student must have the opportunities I had to build a successful life, no matter where they are born or which zip code they live in. Fulfilling this promise depends on the strength of our nation’s single greatest lever for advancement: a high-quality education. In Miami-Dade, we have come a long way, but we have a long way to go. Working together, we can strengthen our public schools to ensure they provide the high-quality education each of our students deserve – and must have – to grow, thrive, and realize their full potential. Education is the great equalizer. It has made a world of difference to me. Join me in this movement!

Archie Satchell is the Chief Information Officer for Palm Beach County, Florida, where he is dedicated to enhancing customer service and driving continuous organizational improvement.
With a distinguished career spanning 40 years, Archie has held key executive leadership positions, including Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer, and Director of Application Development. He consistently fosters collaborative partnerships across local government, non-profit entities, and educational institutions to establish a resilient and secure infrastructure optimally utilizing public resources.
Archie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University. He is an active member of professional associations such as the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association (FLGISA), the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), and the National Association of Counties (NACo) Telecommunications & Technology Committee, and NACO’s County Technology Advisory Council, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and industry best practices.

Teri Takai is Senior Vice President of the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors. A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California and, subsequently, the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan.
Teri is a member of several industry advisory boards. She has won numerous awards including Governing magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.