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.

Chris Reed is a Talent Acquisition leader with experience supporting high-growth public companies across the distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. He is passionate about building talent acquisition organizations that create authentic and human experiences while driving company growth and strengthening culture. Chris believes recruiting should never lose sight of the fact that every hiring decision impacts someone's livelihood, and he is known for leading with authenticity, trust, and a genuine commitment to helping people and organizations succeed.

Ana Gabriela Alvarez is a Talent Acquisition leader, executive search specialist, and career coach with a passion for connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities. Drawing on extensive experience leading high-performing recruitment teams, she brings a strategic, people-first approach to executive and professional search.

Known for her dynamic energy, intuitive leadership, and solution-oriented mindset, Ana combines creativity with business insight to help organizations build strong, future-ready teams. She is equally passionate about mentoring professionals, coaching individuals through career growth, and empowering recruiters to reach their full potential.

As a speaker, Ana shares practical insights on talent acquisition, leadership, career development, and building high-impact recruitment strategies. Her engaging style and real-world experience inspire audiences to embrace growth, foster collaboration, and create lasting impact in today's evolving world of work.