Speakers

Dr. Deenadayalan Bakthavatsalam is a globally recognized biotech innovator and life sciences executive with over 27 years of experience in scientific research, clinical development, and health-tech entrepreneurship. As Chief Scientific Officer at rBIO, he leads R&D and biomanufacturing scale-up initiatives while also serving as the Founder of Vimana Initiatives and CEO of Caren, a health-tech SaaS platform. A thought leader in translational science and digital health, Dr. Deen has guided startups through funding, regulatory planning, and commercialization, leveraging his expertise in IP strategy and clinical trial execution. His keynote at the 2024 WAITRO Global Summit, “Hyperlocal Innovation – Road to Global Impact,” underscored his commitment to sustainable innovation ecosystems. Holding a PhD in Biochemistry, an MBA, and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, he continues to bridge science and strategy, mentoring emerging ventures and driving impactful biotech solutions.

Keynote Speaker

Deenadayalan Bakthavatsalam

Robert Moll

Mr. Moll previously served as a Member of the UNA-Houston Board for 15 years, including multiple terms as first Vice President and President. Robert has a B.A. from Rice University and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. He practices international law with clients that have included the UN/FAO World Food Program. Robert spent two years as a high school delegate to HAMUN followed by four years on the HAMUN Secretariat while in university and has been a member of the HAMUN Board of Governors since HAMUN XXI.

Janeana White

Nabiha Ahmed

Nabiha Ahmed, a senior at the Global Studies Academy, will be a breakout speaker at this year's Global Issues Summit, presenting her GSA Capstone Project on AI’s impact on society, economics, and politics. With over a year of research on the topic, she is eager to share her insights with attendees. For more information, visit @expansionuncharted on Instagram.

Omer Ahmed

Omer is a Texas based abolitionist, educator, and environmental organizer. Their work predominantly works towards building resilience in the face of disasters and supporting organizers in building skills and capacity. They are an endless glutton for books, sweets, and all things joyful.

Tsion Amare

Tsion Amare is a Texas Political Affairs manager at the Environmental Defense Fund, working on implementing effective policy and advocacy strategies that protect our environment and make Texas a responsible leader in the fight against climate change. Prior to EDF, Tsion served as a legislative staffer at our state Capitol, working on issues from criminal justice to housing, and public education. During the legislative session, Tsion has worked to advance EDF priority issues by advocating, testifying, and engaging with stakeholders on energy efficiency & grid reliability bills, as well as highlighting environmental injustices. Outside of work, she has served on various boards such as the Dallas County Young Democrats, Somos Tejas, and EarthShare. Tsion holds a B.S. degree in Social Work from Abilene Christian University and an M.S. in Political Social Work from the University of Houston.

Staci Childs

Staci, a proud Southwest Atlanta native, grew up inspired by civil rights leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators. Her passion for learning began with a school spelling bee victory in fifth grade and evolved into a career as a dedicated 4th and 5th-grade teacher, culminating in her recognition as one of Houston Independent School District’s Teachers of the Year in 2019. A graduate of Hampton University, Georgia State University, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Staci gained national experience as a staffer on President Obama’s Domestic Policy Council’s Education Team, where she once held hands with Michelle Obama while hosting a teacher appreciation concert. Now an attorney, author, and advocate, she uses her legal skills to help families navigate complex cases and guide young parents through adoption and custody battles. Concerned by debates over history education in Texas, she launched History Not Taught, an online series highlighting Black American history, which has amassed over 6 million views. In 2022, she was elected to the Texas State Board of Education for District 4, representing students in Houston and Galveston County. Outside her professional roles, Staci enjoys live music, traveling, and spending time with her beloved dog, Boseman, named after Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.

Chibeze Ezekiel

Chibeze Ezekiel is the Executive Coordinator of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) and the Chair of the Youth in Natural Resources & Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform. He runs a youth-oriented organisation that promotes youth inclusion in the governance of the natural resources and environmental sector. He's a member of 350.org Board, WHO's BreathLife Voice Champion and the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize Recipient for Africa.

Brian Greene

Brian Greene is the President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the U.S., which distributes over $250 million worth of food annually to one million recipients across 18 southeast Texas counties through a network of 1,600 partnerships. With 36 years of experience leading food banks, he has been recognized as one of the 50 most influential nonprofit leaders in the U.S. by Nonprofit Times in 2021. In addition to his leadership in hunger relief, Brian serves as an adjunct professor in the graduate Nonprofit Management program at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Parker Anderson

Parker Anderson is a Geosystems Engineer working to bring clean, cheap, and reliable energy to the power grid at Sage Geosystems, a renewable energy startup pioneering the geothermal energy space. He has worked to bring pilot geothermal projects to the real world. Parker also holds a BS in Geosystems Engineering and Hydrogeology from the University of Texas at Austin and recently published a paper at the Stanford Geothermal Conference exploring the vast geothermal energy potential in the United States.

Chethan Bachireddy

Chethan Bachireddy, MD, MSc, FACP, FASAM, AAHIVS, is the Chief Health Officer for Harris Health – the 3rd largest public healthcare system in the United States. Dr. Bachireddy leads population health efforts to improve outcomes and reduce inequities among Houston and Harris County’s most vulnerable residents. Dr. Bachireddy has experience in care delivery innovation, research, and policy in the US and abroad. Most recently, he was the Chief Clinical Innovation and Chief Medical Officer at Virginia Medicaid where he led efforts related to COVID-19, telehealth, the overdose crisis, maternal health, and access for over 2 million Virginians. As a physician, he holds board certifications in internal medicine and addiction medicine and is an HIV specialist. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Houston and Baylor College of Medicine and is a former Presidential Leadership Scholar and National Clinician Scholar. He hails from Deep East Texas, studied economics and neurobiology at Harvard, attended medical school at Yale, trained in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and completed a Masters in Health Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jammie Nguyen and Kristy Nguyen

Fort Bend Pangea Kids, a branch of the nonprofit Pangea Kids (also known as Vietnamese Medical Aid), is committed to ensuring healthcare access for underserved communities. Focused primarily on supporting Vietnamese hospitals and patients, the organization has raised and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars for food, medical supplies, and essential resources. In addition to international aid, Fort Bend Pangea Kids advocates for global healthcare equity and educates the community on the importance of accessible medical care for all.

Anthony D'Souza

Anthony D'Souza is Air Alliance Houston's Senior Research & Policy Coordinator, where he works to analyze the extent, types, and impact of air pollution in the Houston area. He is also responsible for communicating these research findings to community members, elected officials, and media outlets as well as advocating for policy changes that prioritize human health and the environment. Anthony holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Rice University, where he gained years of experience conducting research with environmental organizations across the city. He and is committed to making air quality data and science more accessible to the general public.

Paige Powell

Paige Powell is a Gulf Coast native, public policy analyst, environmental economist, and multidisciplinary educator whose sustainability advocacy work spans more than two decades. With a strong background in nonprofit management, public engagement, popular education, government relations, and coalition-building, their ongoing work centers on advancing Climate Justice and defending public health in the petrochemical frontline communities of Houston, Texas, and beyond. Paige currently works as the founder and principal consultant at PPP Strategies, a full-service consultancy specializing in efficient nonprofit management solutions, impactful popular education strategies, and equitable climate policy proposals rooted in environmental justice.

Jay Blazek Crossley

Jay Blazek Crossley is a policy expert and advocate for sustainable transportation and urban planning. Holding a Master’s in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at UT-Austin and a LINE Certificate from Rice University, he has dedicated his career to improving transit and mobility in Texas. Currently based in Austin with his wife and son, he serves on multiple advisory committees, including the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee and the Capital Area Regional Transit Coordination Committee. He is also the Chair of the Board of Safe Streets Austin. With a decade of experience at Houston Tomorrow and numerous leadership roles in transportation planning, Crossley continues to shape policies that promote safer, more accessible urban mobility.

Performances

  • Travis Japanese Student Association (JSA) is a cultural club at Travis High School in which students can learn and participate in Japanese cultural dances, games, and events. It’s a great place for all lovers of Japanese media and culture!

  • THS SASA strives to embrace the many South Asian cultures at Travis! THS SASA is passionate about showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and heritage from Southern Asia. Through vibrant cultural events and engaging discussions, we strive to create a welcoming space where members can connect and explore the many facets of South Asian identity.

  • THS Chinese Student Association is a club that fosters social exchange and support among Chinese students and enthusiasts. Through diverse events, social gatherings, and cultural dances members deepen their understanding of Chinese traditions, language, and arts.

  • The Filipino Student Association is a cultural club at Travis High School where members get to experience, embrace, and learn about the Filipino culture, play Filipino games, eat Filipino dishes, and participate in cultural events!

  • Our group is called the Tabla Bros and we both play an Indian drum called the Tabla. Our performance will highlight the unity of the world through music and how it is a common language between all people.

  • Hightower High School East/South East Asian Association is a community dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and heritage of East and Southeast Asia, Through cultural events, language exchanges, and educational programs, we foster a supportive environment where members can connect, learn, and grow together.