Featured Speakers
Tuesday Keynote
Leila Cobo
Chief Content Officer Latin/Español, Billboard
On the Unifying Power of Music
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in Latin music and the Latin music industry, Leila Cobo is a novelist, speaker, journalist, TV host and Billboard’s Chief Content Officer for Latin/Español, overseeing the brand’s coverage of Latin music in all its platforms, as well as all its Spanish-language content. A Fulbright scholar and pioneering music and media leader who has been called “The top Latin music journalist in the U.S.” by Variety, and “one of the world’s foremost experts on all things Latin music” by Pollstar, Leila was the first U.S. based journalist to prominently cover Latin music daily and has been instrumental in transforming its coverage and perception in the U.S.
Leila programs Billboard’s yearly Latin Music Week, the most prestigious and largest gathering for the Latin music industry. In 2022, she spearheaded the launch of Billboard Español, which is now the most visited Spanish language media platform dedicated to music in the world. She also launched Billboard’s new Latin Women In Music franchise, which airs on Telemundo, and in 2025, spearheaded the launch of Billboard’s new Billboard Latin channel on YouTube. She is also the first Latin invited to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee.
Thursday Keynote
Tonee Ndungu
Entrepreneur, Tech Visionary, and African Innovator
On Innovation with Intention
Tonee Ndungu explores what innovation truly means in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change, continuing the conversation from NAFSA’s Inaugural Global Summit in Morocco, which focused on the theme, “Future Ready at the Crossroads of Civilization.” He emphasizes the need to be global by design, attesting that while technology is powerful, human judgment, values, and courage determine its impact. Tonee challenges leaders to look beyond tools and trends in order to build systems that center people, advance equity, and support long-term progress. Drawing on experience building and scaling ventures in education, financial technology, and AI, he shares powerful lessons on expanding access, strengthening institutions, and empowering communities at scale.
Tonee is a Kenyan entrepreneur working at the intersection of technology and the human experience. He founded the NAILAB tech hub, which, along with the iHUB Nairobi innovation center, helped lay the foundation of “Silicon Savannah” in East Africa. In the late 2000s, he set out to make technology an accessible and practical tool for young Kenyans. Tonee is a serial innovator building Kytabu, an educational technology company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to support teachers and learners, and Tribbe, a social finance product creating AI-led financial technology solutions for the continent. A respected voice in AI and digital policy, he speaks on digital transformation and financial access. Global entities, including G7 forums, United Nations agencies, and major technology and policy platforms, have recognized his work. His experience with dyslexia shapes how he approaches learning, inclusion, and problem-solving. Tonee collaborates with governments, global entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and international development partners to shape Africa’s digital and AI future. He builds products and stories that help Africa gain the tools and opportunities it needs to thrive.
Spotlight Speakers
Dana L. Joseph, PhD
Emotional Intelligence at Work
Wednesday, May 27, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Join Dr. Dana Joseph, Barnett Professor of Leadership at the University of Central Florida, to explore what emotional intelligence is (and what it isn’t) while gaining practical strategies to recognize, manage, and use emotions effectively in the workplace. Discover how emotional intelligence can be a powerful tool for fostering a healthier work environment by enhancing communication and strengthening professional relationships. Additionally, learn actionable tips for managing stress, to help you navigate workplace challenges with greater resilience.
Read Dana L. Joseph, PhD's bio.
Christopher Bell, PhD
Generation Gaps: Communicating Across Generations
Wednesday, May 27, 4:30 to 5:20 p.m.
Are you lost in translation because your multi-generational team speaks different languages? Generations aren't what you think they are, and this impacts every conversation in your organization. Join Dr. Christopher Bell, President of Creativity Partners and Executive in Residence at the University of Colorado, as he shares groundbreaking cultural research that decodes the communication patterns across different microgenerations in today's workplace. His insights reveal not just how different generations communicate and connect, but why these differences are creating both challenges and opportunities. This isn't just another generational presentation – it's your communication blueprint for a multi-generational workforce in 2026 and beyond. Through cutting-edge microgenerational research and real-world applications, you'll learn a whole new way to think about generations and unlock the secrets to bridging communication gaps and transforming workplace interactions. Discover how to leverage generational diversity to enhance clarity, build trust, and foster authentic communication across age groups.
Read Christopher Bell, PhD's bio.
Barbara Bouza, FAIA, IIDA, NOMA
The Art & Science of Memorable Experiences
Thursday, May 28, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m.
There is a wonderful art and science to creating connected experiences that bring people together and inspire wonder, awe, curiosity and discovery. Through diverse media, experience strategy, state-of-the-art technology integration, and multi-disciplinary design, there is exciting potential to create experiences that shape indelible and unforgettable lifelong memories. In this session, Barbara Bouza, Executive Director of LIVE, WORK, PLAY at CannonDesign and the former President of Walt Disney Imagineering will share insight from her global journey of discovery, impossibilities and storytelling that shape memorable experiences and inspire others to shape their own.
Read Barbara Bouza, FAIA, IIDA, NOMA bio.
Global Outlook Spotlight Panel
Friday, May 29, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.
As higher education continues to experience turbulent times represented by global talent shifts, digital transformation, and the need for new skills in the workforce, international cooperation and learning from each other to form creative solutions are more vital than ever. NAFSA’s President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Ahmad Ezzeddine, alongside a diverse panel of global educators, will explore the challenges and opportunities amidst new realities. Learn how we can affirm the importance and impact of the critical work we do to serve students and scholars.