With a solid background in HR transformation, my journey has been about enhancing service delivery through technological innovation and operational efficiency. At Amtrak, the focus is on the full spectrum of hire to retire technology, ensuring a seamless employee experience.

In prior roles, we have revamped HR operations and broken down silos, resulting in significant gains in efficiency. By partnering with cross-functional leaders, we've established robust standard operating procedures for data management, aligning with compliance and mitigating risk, while fostering a high-performing team culture that values mentorship and collaboration.

Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza is a freelance journalist and From Day One contributing editor who writes about work, the job market, and women’s experiences in the workplace. Her work has appeared in the BBC, The Washington Post, Quartz at Work, Fast Company, and Digiday’s Worklife.

Sejal has over 20 years of experience as a human resource and corporate innovation executive in the technology, sustainable energy/clean tech, and healthcare sectors. Sejal’s expertise in human capital and strategy consulting enables companies to drive strong business results. Sejal brings extensive insights on building high-performance teams and employee experience across Talent Acquisition, People Operations, HR Compliance, Total Rewards, HR Technology, and Talent Management. 

Parise is the VP, Human Resources at Medable.

Ryan’s an accomplished human capital leader, self-proclaimed data geek, DEI evangelist, and side-hustle career coach. He graduated from the University at Buffalo with an MBA and BS in Business with concentrations in HR and Financial Analysis. He’s held roles in multiple industries and across all facets of HR, including Director of HR at West Herr Auto Group, Global HRBP at Delphi, and HRBP and Senior Compensation Manager at M&T.

His current role is centered on bringing together two critical capabilities for HR – data and technology. In a world where technology is changing faster than ever and we’re surrounded by mountains of data, determining how an organization unlocks talent insights and organization efficiency will separate the good from the great. When he’s not geeking out about human capital data and technology, you’ll find him pretending to be a foodie or enjoying the outdoors.

Joanna is the Senior Director, People Services at Core & Main.

Marian Finkbeiner is Chief of Staff and Head of Presales. In his role he supports companies with large frontline workforces with their communication and workforce transformation. He focuses on empowering frontline teams through digital solutions, strategic communication and cultural change. He previously worked in strategy consulting at PwC, where he gained experience in M&A and corporate strategy.

Milena is the Co-Founder and CEO of PowerToFly, a global platform that helps organizations attract top talent and build engaged, high-performing teams. Through exceptional events and expert guidance, PowerToFly streamlines recruitment, enhances employee satisfaction, and drives long-term business success. Under Milena’s leadership, the platform has grown to serve a network of over 200 million professionals worldwide while working with both Fortune 500 companies and fast-rising startups. Companies partnering with PowerToFly see a 55% increase in likelihood to apply, a 94% boost in belonging, and an average of 3–5 hires per event.

Originally from Bulgaria, Milena moved to New York City just one week before 9/11 to pursue a Master’s at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP). Before launching PowerToFly, she played key roles in several startups and served as the CTO of Avaaz.org, where she helped scale the platform to over 30 million members.

A sought-after thought leader, Milena frequently speaks on the future of work, AI in recruitment, upskilling, and the evolving landscape of workplace inclusion. Her work with PowerToFly has been featured in Business Insider, and she was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2015. However, she is proudest of her wife Andrea Breanna and their 4 her proudest achievement remains raising her four children, who continually challenge her to redefine work-life balance.