Melisa Ozerska
About Melisa:
Melisa is a Deaf traveller, video maker, and content creator from Estonia. She started travelling at the young age of 16, which gave her the opportunity to explore new cultures and discover innovative ways to communicate while breaking down barriers encountered along the way. A passionate advocate for Deaf rights, representation, and accessibility, Melisa works to push societal limits in everything she does. Having explored 61 countries, she has firsthand experience with the challenges and successes of navigating the world as a Deaf individual.
For Melisa, communication is key, regardless of how different people’s worlds may seem. Whether through body language, sign language, written communication, or simple expressions, her ability to connect and include others is fundamental. Through her travels and diverse experiences, she empowers the Deaf community and promotes inclusivity across all areas of life.
About her talk:
Join Melisa in her talk, “Exploring the World as a Deaf Traveller,” where she shares her unique experiences navigating 61 countries as a Deaf individual. Discover the challenges and triumphs of travelling with deafness, from communication barriers to accessibility issues. Melisa’s journey highlights the power of connection, regardless of how different our worlds may seem, and inspires both Deaf and hearing audiences to embrace diversity, cultural awareness, and inclusion in travel. Let her story empower you to see the world from a different perspective.
Interpretation:
Melisa will be using the International Sign Language for her talk. On the day of the event her talk will be interpreted live into the English Language by Helsa Borinstein & Tina Vrbanic.
We are excited to welcome the Deaf community to our event and are pleased to offer a 50% discount as a gesture of inclusivity and support. We value your presence and look forward to making this event accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
Photo Credit: Giulia Messeri
Andreas Dittinger
About Andreas:
Andy is a skilled jazz pianist, composer, and musical director. As the managing director of Jazz Campus Mainz, he established a premier international jazz program from the ground up, positioning the institution as a recognized center for jazz education worldwide. In addition to his role at Jazz Campus Mainz, Andy teaches piano at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz piano, as well as a B.Sc. in International Management from ESB Reutlingen and a B.Sc. inInternational Business from Northeastern University in Boston. A certified systemic coach, Andy is passionate about blending his expertise in music, business, and personal development. He embraces windsurfing and kite surfing, frequently leaving his home in Frankfurt on a quest for the best winds.
About his talk:
Jazz music, often perceived as abstract, is actually a mirror of our most fundamental human traits: the art of improvisation, the power of intuition, and the mastery of timing. In this talk, Andreas invites you to step into the world of jazz, revealing its profound connection to our everyday lives – both personal and professional. Andreas will unravel the mysteries of jazz, making it not only accessible but also deeply relevant. Learn to dance with life’s unpredictability, fine-tune your instincts, and orchestrate your actions with precision to create harmony in your world.
Photo Credit: Touni Rella
Jingjin Liu
About Jingjin:
Jingjin is a trailblazing entrepreneur advancing women’s inclusion and social justice across Asia. As the Founder of ELEVATE Group, she leads companies committed to redefining societal and organizational norms to drive meaningful change for women throughout their careers.
Her career spans global product management and successful turnarounds in multinational corporations. Jingjin founded ZaZaZu, a corporate education platform empowering professional women, and co-founded ASBO Drives Technology GmbH, revolutionizing agricultural practices in rural China with advanced gearbox technology, later acquired by China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
In the male-dominated automotive industry, Jingjin made history as the only Asian woman senior director under 35 at WABCO, overseeing portfolios worth up to $800 million and achieving significant revenue growth.
Driven by a profound passion for transforming the professional landscape for women, Jingjin continuously challenges societal norms to create an inclusive environment where women are celebrated and not tolerated.
About her talk:
Unlock the secret to true executive presence: Confidence in the boardroom begins in the bedroom. In this talk, you will discover how reframing leadership dynamics can empower women to lead with authenticity and strength. Learn to challenge stereotypes, assert your style, and navigate leadership with confidence—without compromising your femininity. Transform how you lead by starting where it all begins.
Photo Credits: Darren Gabriel Leow
Simona Stoytchkova
About Simona:
Growing up in East Berlin’s social housing, Simona was raised with values such as solidarity, equality, and collective over individual needs. She learned from a young age to be creative and pragmatic with limited resources.As Germany reunited, Simona’s life changed and at the age of 13, she had to embrace capitalism. With many uncertainties came opportunities and her journey took her to executive board level at one of the largest financial institutions worldwide. Along the way she had to overcome many obstacles and became passionate about empowering women and advocating diversity. In 2020, Simona was voted one of Germany’s 40 over 40 most inspiring women. In 2021, she became a Jury Member of the Impact of Diversity Awards. In 2022 she was shortlisted as “Trailblazer” in the European Women in Finance Awards. In 2024, Simona embarked on writing her first book „Die aus dem Osten. Als Wendekind in Big Business“ to inspire and empower even more women and people like her to be confident about their East German origins and help eliminate the stigma. Simona holds a Bachelor from LSBU and lives with her wife near Frankfurt.
About his talk:
Simona’s is to show how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies can empower women and girls worldwide. This technology can transform markets and individual lives, redistributing wealth in a gender-neutral way. She will present practical examples and suggest approaches to achieve this, highlighting the untapped potential of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in their early stages.
Photo Credit: Mike Meyer
Orell Mielke
About Orell:
Orell has always been passionate about one thing: finding out what is good in our life and making that even better. He is well aware about all the weaknesses we might have and does not advocate to deny them. However, improving what we are good at is so much more benefiting. This is certainly one reason Neurologists working in a pharmaceutical company are involved in activities to promote our well-being so that we avoid illnesses and mental disorders. His mission is to build a community on mental health, where knowledge is shared about how we can use our brain in an optimal way to excel at work and in our private lives. Living in Karlsruhe, Germany, he sees himself as a “world citizen”, where he feels at home wherever there are people that share his values.
About his talk:
The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a group of brain areas that activate when we’re not focusing on anything specific, like during daydreaming or mind-wandering. Discovered by accident in 2001, the DMN shows that our brains are busy even at rest, helping us think about ourselves, imagine the future, remember the past, and generate new ideas. This network underscores the importance of rest for creativity, self-understanding, and mental sharpness. Embracing moments of silence can boost our well-being, creativity, and resilience, enhancing both personal and professional life. Promoting mental health policies that value “silence” can improve well-being in our communities and workplaces.
Photo Credit: Petra Arnold
Saba Hussein
About Saba:
Saba Hussein is an activist, educator, and social worker. She is the founder of “Diaspora’s Voice,” a platform dedicated to anti-racism, women’s empowerment, and social change. Born and raised in Fulda, Germany, Saba is committed to creating a global impact, starting from her hometown. She has taught in Kuwait and travelled extensively to understand the needs of various cultures and countries. Saba has mentored orphaned girls in Somalia and Kenya, focusing on making education accessible and fighting against FGM. She is a justice advocate against racism, bullying, Islamophobia, and gender-based violence. For her, empowerment means nurturing both oneself and others. She also finds art in words through her poetry slams, addressing injustice and inspiring change.She initiated a petition in Hesse to revise school curricula on racism and colonial history, emphasising that change begins with representation and education—the narrative being shared is crucial. Who tells the story, and how is it told?
Saba is passionately dedicated to amplifying silenced voices. Recently, she has been appointed as a board member of the Jubbaland Human Rights Defender Organization in Somalia. She believes healing starts with self-reflection, which allows your inner light to shine brightly and illuminate the world. You might hear Saba say, “We are all interconnected, and together, with boundless kindness, deep understanding, and a flow of positive energy, we can transform our global home—mother earth.” She adds, “Trust in the unparalleled power of unity, for together, we cannot only move mountains but, more importantly, touch hearts in incredible ways.”
About her talk:
Uncover the path to global change by standing against gender-based violence and racism. This talk will empower you to become a voice for the voiceless, challenging the injustices that continue to oppress girls and women. Learn how humanity and humility can drive action against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other forms of violence. Explore the connection between your inner world and your ability to impact the world around you. Together, let’s rise up—because being a woman is not a crime.
Photo Credit:
Loretta Fernando-Smith
About Loretta:
Loretta is an educator with more than 20 years of experience. She grew up between cultures, moving several times during her childhood growing up as a refugee and immigrant. She is also the mother of two multi-racial,Cross Culture Kids. Her experiences of straddling several cultures as a child, adult, parent and educator have made her aware of how people negotiate belonging in different spaces. This tension drives her curiosity, inquiry
and research into belonging. Loretta is an Associate Principal and Curriculum Coordinator at Frankfurt International School, Wiesbaden.
About her talk:
Uncover the truth behind the myth that children are oblivious to color or race. This talk boldly challenges the color-blind ideology, spotlighting the urgent need for open, honest conversations about race and bias with our children. Discover how these vital discussions can nurture empathy, respect, and a profound appreciation for diversity in young minds. It’s an invitation to examine our own biases and social identities and to approach these tough conversations with courage, curiosity, and love. Together, we can raise a generation that helps build a more inclusive and just world.
Photo Credit: Foto Wachendörfer
Stefanie Babka
About Stefanie:
With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, public relations, and digital transformation in various industries, Stefanie is deeply fascinated with the interface
between people and technology. Leading teams for the past decade, she has authored two books on social media and has been instrumental in organising and supporting major events such as IAA, Autosalon Geneva and Fashion Week. Stefanie has successfully launched over 50 digital products and managed campaigns for more than 60 renowned brands, including Mercedes, Opel, Wagner Pizza and Kit Kat. At Merck, she spearheaded key transformation projects like the introduction of the digital workplace. Now, as the Global Head of Data Culture, Stefanie is responsible for communication, change management, and upskilling programs in Data and AI, including the Merck Data & Digital Academy. Her passion lies in combining artificial intelligence with human intelligence to drive meaningful insights and data-driven decision-making.
About her talk:
In her TEDx talk, Stefanie will explore the importance of consciously creating, sharing, and using data, and why building a strong data culture is crucial for our future. As we navigate the age of augmented intelligence, finding the balance between human and artificial intelligence is key. Imagine a society where data is protected by mindset, not just laws, and where everyone is informed about the possibilities and limitations of data and AI. By being mindful of data and AI, we can steer their ethical use, benefiting from informed decisions, improved public services, and customized education and healthcare.
Photo Credits: Marc Fippel
Radim Malinic
About Radim:
A young Czech boy glides across the ice, hockey stick in hand. Fast forward, and he’s thrashing a bass guitar in a death metal band. Now, imagine him spinning records as an indie DJ, scribbling notes as a music journalist, and poring over economics textbooks. This is the eclectic journey of Radim Malinic, a man whose path to creative success is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
At the dawn of the new millennium, Radim took a leap of faith, leaving his homeland for the UK’s vibrant music scene. But fate had other plans. In the pulsing heart of British culture, he discovered an unexpected passion: the world of art and graphic design.
Today, Radim stands at the helm of Brand Nu Studio, an award-winning creative powerhouse, and Brand Nu Books, where he shares his hard-earned wisdom. He’s even ventured into specialty coffee with Lux Coffee Co. But perhaps his most potent brew is his podcast, “Creativity for Sale,” which skyrocketed to the top of charts in over 81 countries mere months after its launch.
Radim’s unique blend of experiences has led him to collaborate with iconic brands like Harry Potter, Adidas, and WWF. He’s become a sought-after voice in the creative community, gracing stages at Adobe Max and OFFF, inspiring the next generation of creatives.
In October 2023, Radim unveiled his magnum opus: a double book project. “Creativity for Sale” serves as a roadmap for budding creatives, while “Mindful Creative” offers a compass for navigating the turbulent waters of creative life. These books aren’t just guides; they’re lifelines, helping creatives thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
From hockey matches to design studios, from death metal to mindful creativity, Radim Malinic’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s diverse melodies. His journey reminds us that our past experiences, no matter how disparate, can harmonise into a beautiful symphony of success.
About his talk:
Radim learned the hard way, that the path to creative success is far from smooth sailing. There are wipeouts, struggles to find your way, and moments where we feel utterly lost and overwhelmed. However, that’s all part of the incredible journey of creativity and entrepreneurship.The key is to persevere, maintain curiosity, have fun along the way, and learn from the inevitable mistakes. Because in the end, creativity has the power to profoundly transform our lives, just as it transformed mine through many hard-won lessons.
In this talk, Radim will share insights from his personal experiences navigating the turbulent waters of building a creative life. You’ll learn the importance of building solid foundations and healthy habits to not just survive, but truly thrive in your creative pursuits.
Photo Credits: Henrik Knudsen
Rico Montero
About Rico:
Together with a passionate team of educators, musicians, and volunteers, Rico Montero, the founder of Heartbeat Edutainment, runs this non-profit organization in Frankfurt am Main. Heartbeat Edutainment combines education, Hip-Hop, music, and media production to engage young people through innovative projects that promote democratic values and social engagement. Through these projects, Rico has reached over 100,000 young people. As a multicultural rapper, youth motivational speaker, and social entrepreneur, he empowers children and adolescents to shape their own reality and change the world. Despite personal challenges, Rico has become a role model, receiving numerous awards for his contributions to education, human rights, and democracy. His philosophy is, “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” With tireless dedication to equal opportunities and peace, he continuously works to advance these ideals. Rico tirelessly strives to create a better and fairer world.
Discover the cool side of social entrepreneurship: Children as the saviours of our democracy! In this inspiring talk, learn how Hip-Hop, as a global youth culture, reaches young people and motivates them to actively engage in shaping our democracy. Faced with growing challenges like political disinterest and issues in the education system, this approach demonstrates how creative educational projects and Hip-Hop values—Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect—can empower the next generation to become responsible citizens. Join us and see how Hip-Hop can help secure our future!
Photo Credit:
The Never Knows
About The Never Knows:
writing / composing / performing
Duoband from Frankfurt/Germany
Finest storytelling meets magical compositions
+30 original Pop Songs
Kaan
vocal/guitar
music and medicine – these are his two passions. He is a gynecologist and also a virtuoso composer. Always in search of the one melody!
Annie
vocal/piano
used to be a boring person playing classical music, but converted herself to be a crazy pianist playing with The Never Knows!
Their orginal pop-songs create a bubble of time and take you on a journey with high speed towards the horizon. Music can make you RISE BEYOND yourself – So, let go, buckle up and we will beam you up!
Photo Credit:
Onity Dance Team
About Onity Dance Team:
Onity dance team, comprised of four members from diverse cultural backgrounds—
Peru, Vietnam, Korea, and China—embodies the power of connection through shared
passion. United by their love for dance, these individuals have transcended cultural
differences, finding common ground in rhythm and movement. Their journey reflects
not only a commitment to artistic expression but also an inspiring testament to the
strength of collaboration. Through their dedication and creativity, they showcase how
music and dance can bridge divides, fostering unity and mutual respect. Onity dance
team strives to portrait themselves as a positive-uplifting dance team, demonstrating
that passion knows no boundaries and that true harmony is achieved through the
synergy from within
Photo Credit:
Erika Emerson
About Erika:
Erika’s music has so much heart that her voice and a piano are enough to move entire concert halls to tears. The queer artist with UK roots uses her unique vocal tone and radical vulnerability to empower herself, striving to create a safer space for others to do the same. She writes with raw honesty, digging deep enough to confront grief, self-doubt and fear while aiming to stay soft and gentle along the way. Erika’s heart-on-your-sleeve charisma invites you into a world where difficult emotions can be understood, held and perhaps even overcome – one baby step at a time.
Although she just started releasing songs in 2023, she performed at the renowned TV Noir show at Admiralspalast Berlin in September 2024 and played support shows for artists such as Michèl von Wussow and Sobi. Erika is currently releasing monthly singles, leading up to her debut album ‚Baby Steps’ – to be released February 7th 2025 a body of work created together with producer Helge Preuß (Lewis Capaldi, etc.).
Photo Credit: Laura Schepers
Marja Stratbrücker
About Marja:
Marja is a passionate resilience expert with a heartfelt mission: bringing more joy into the corporate world. She believes that genuine joy emerges when we feel a deep inner harmony, confident in our ability to meet life’s challenges with strength and balance.
With over 13 years of experience in event management, Marja’s journey took a transformative turn during the pandemic as she recognized the need to find stability within, rather than depending on external structures. She moved from a reactive to an aligned and empowered approach to life, a shift she now brings into the corporate world.
Now, Marja brings her two greatest passions – nature and the healing power of sound – into her work, designing transformative experiences under her guiding motto: “From mental overload to inner balance”
Through her company, STEP AHEAD, Marja creates unique, nature-inspired resilience experiences that guide leaders and teams back to their inner resources. From keynotes and workshops to sound healing and nature-based coaching, her work opens spaces for deep relaxation and clarity – building resilience that prepares participants to flourish in times of change.
Marja’s vision is clear: to stay one STEP AHEAD by fostering a world where clarity, balance, and joy are at the heart of both personal and professional success.
Photo Credit: Melina Johannsen
