Luyi Kathy Zhang, MD (known as “Dr. Kathy”) is a trusted expert and sought-after speaker on living (and dying) well. Combining medical expertise, heartfelt stories and science-based actionable strategies, Dr. Kathy empowers audiences to rethink their priorities, overcome fear, and live a life aligned with their true values. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect deeply, Dr. Zhang equips attendees with the tools and motivation to make meaningful change for themselves and others.

Deanna Bratter is Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer at Crocs, Inc., where she leads the company’s journey toward achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Since joining in 2022, she has championed a holistic approach to sustainability, advancing circularity, environmental and social responsibility, and corporate governance and compliance initiatives that reflect Crocs, Inc.’s commitment to “Create a More Comfortable World for All.” Deanna is driven by the belief that the actions we take today shape the world we leave for future generations, infusing her work with a sense of pragmatic activism and responsibility. 

Paul Ekins has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of London and is Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources at University College London. He also has extensive experience consulting for business, government and international organizations. Paul Ekins’ academic work, published in numerous books, articles and scientific papers, focuses on the conditions and policies for achieving an environmentally sustainable economy.

Diana Blankman Roberts is Head of U.S. Corporate Social Responsibility at Sanofi and President of Sanofi Cares North America, bringing more than 25 years of experience across the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. In her role, Diana leads the strategy and execution of Sanofi’s U.S. social impact agenda, overseeing community relations, employee engagement, and cross-sector partnerships that advance equitable health outcomes and strengthen communities through trusted, community-led partnerships.

Josh Parker leads Corporate Sustainability at NVIDIA. An engineer and a lawyer, he believes following the data wherever it leads is critical for an effective sustainability program. He previously built and led the sustainability program at Western Digital, a computer storage company, and practiced patent law at the law firm Baker Botts.

David Abel, President & CEO of ABL, Incorporated, publishes The Planning Report, which focuses on land use; and, the VerdeXchange News, which focuses on clean energy and sustainable technologies. For the last two decades, David has leveraged his professional experience and interests in civic affairs, clean & renewable energy, water technologies, last mile transportation, urban planning, blue-tech, and sustainability to also create the VerdeXchange Institute – an environmental think tank and host of the annual, global, clean tech and renewable energy Conference, VerdeXchange, which focuses on what is: in-market; about-to-be in-market; and needed in-market .. in the global, clean and green economy.

Dr. Julie Michelle Klinger is a geographer and an Associate Professor in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Klinger and her international, interdisciplinary research team have conducted extensive multilingual qualitative and quantitative fieldwork on four continents over the past two decades on three distinct yet interlinked initiatives: critical minerals supply chains, global space politics, and rural and Indigenous community resilience.

Lijia Zhang is a rocket-factory-girl-turned writer, columnist and public speaker, and one of the few Chinese social commentators who writes in English for international publications. Her commentary on China’s social, cultural and political transformation has appeared in The South China Morning Post, The Far Eastern Economic Review, The Japan Times, The Guardian, Newsweek and The New York Times.

Emmanuel Guilhamon is vice president, Sustainability at Rockwell Automation. In this role, he advances the company’s global sustainability strategy and initiatives and leads the corporate sustainability team. With strong internal and external partnership, Emmanuel oversees Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments; provides thought leadership to influence product strategy and roadmaps; and guides development of new solutions to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.

Author of the best-selling memoir, Like a Wave We Break: A Memoir of Falling Apart and Finding Myself Jane Chen is a globally recognized entrepreneur, inventor, and speaker. She is a co-founder of Embrace Global, which developed a groundbreaking infant incubator that has helped to save nearly a million babies. She has been a TED Fellow, an Echoing Green Fellow, and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. Jane was recognized as a Forbes Impact 30 and Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the World Economic Forum and was a recipient of The Economist’s Innovation Award.

Miriam Wrobel leads FTI Consulting’s global Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) practice, representing more than 250 professionals across the company’s business segments focused on supporting clients across their ESG programs. Wrobel advises public and private companies and a wide range of investors on ESG evaluation, strategy, and implementation efforts, leveraging her 20 years of transactional and strategic experience and deep background in the energy transition to support the development and execution of multi-pronged sustainability programs.

Carol R. Naughton is the Chief Executive Officer of Purpose Built Communities, the national leader in holistic neighborhood transformation. Since joining at its inception in 2009 and becoming CEO in 2020, Carol has set the strategic vision for expanding Purpose Built’s impact, partnering with local organizations to drive economic mobility and better health outcomes. An expert in community development and place-based partnerships, Carol previously led the East Lake Foundation’s revitalization work and has deep experience in mixed-income housing. A nationally recognized leader, she is sought after for her expertise in economic mobility, health, education, and housing transformation.