Resource Persons
Keynote Speakers
Aiko Akiyama
Keynote Speaker
Expert Disability Inclusion
Provision of telephone relay services
The Nippon Foundation
Japan
Emily Hyland
Keynote Speaker
Disability Specialist
Global DEI & Wellbeing Manager at TUI
Churchill Fellow 2023 - Inclusive Wellbeing for Disabled People
Founder of Mana Charity
UK
Plenery Speakers
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna
Steering commitee & Plenary Speaker
President and CEO
Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc.
Philippines
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna is a human capital and organizational development professional, educator, clinical practitioner, and researcher whose priority interests are social and community development, special education, and the welfare of people with disabilities.
His professionalism, passion and quality workmanship sprung from his engagements in education, business, government, and cause-oriented NGOs. He is President and CEO of Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc., a multi-awarded non-profit organization he founded twenty-seven years ago; the prime project of which is the psycho-social rehabilitation of children with disabilities and their inclusion in the community. He mobilizes and trains professionals, service providers and volunteers in response to programs intended for these children.
Numerous recognitions were accorded to him for outstanding and exemplary work in the academe and NGOs, particularly outstanding professor award twice given by the Far Eastern University, outstanding performance by a professor at University of Makati, national outstanding volunteer by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, a special commendation for his outstanding work for special needs children from the Diocese of Daet, award for public responsibility for his outstanding work in Team-Mindanao, a USAID funded project by the Lopez Group of Companies, recognition for outstanding leadership and commitment to the cause of special children given by GUIDE, Inc., recognitions accorded by the Department of Education and many others. He is also one of the Pitong Pinoy Modern Day Heroes bestowed by the Yahoo South East-Asia. He was also rewarded by Ugat Foundation and ABS-CBN with a Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino.
He has advanced and post graduate studies in clinical psychology and business administration with cognates in human resources management from the University of Santo Tomas, educational management and special education from the Philippine Normal University and executive leadership in public management from the University of Makati. His undergraduate degrees include AB major in English, BS Psychology, and BS Commerce major in Management. He also holds a diploma in education and is a holder of a professional license to teach. He also completed the Executive Project Management Course from the Center of International Education, an affiliate of the University of Cambridge and completed a professional diploma in organizational development at De La Salle University. He is a holder of the Career Executive Service Officer for government service.
Prof Tsitsi Chataika
Plenary Speaker
Disability Inclusion Advisor
CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Zimbabwe
Plenary Speech Title: “Advancing Disability Empowerment Through Inclusive Rehabilitation and Mental Health Innovations for a Sustainable Future”
Prof Tsitsi Chataika is an internationally recognised disability inclusion and inclusive education expert, whose dream is to experience an inclusive world. Currently, she is the Disability Inclusion Advisor at CBM Global Disability Inclusion (Zimbabwe) on secondment. She was granted leave of absence from the University of Zimbabwe, where she is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education and Disability Inclusion. Prof Chataika’s research interests include the intersection of disability with education, ubuntu, development, climate change, safeguarding, legislation, safeguarding, disaster risk management, gender, social inclusion and capacity strengthening. She also contributed to the development of the Africa Disability Protocol. She serves in various inter/national boards as a disability inclusion and inclusive education expert. Her many publications include ‘The Routledge Handbook of Disability Activism’, the 2019 Outstanding Global Taylor & Francis Award Winning manuscript in the Social Sciences. She also co-authored Towards Inclusive Education in Zimbabwe-Perspectives and Practices (2024), and The Intersection of Ubuntu, Education and Ethics in Zimbabwe. Her latest publication, The Routledge Handbook in Postcolonial Disability Studies was published in March 2024.
Prof. Hisayo Katsui
Plenary Speaker
Professor in Disability Studies
University of Helsinki
Expert to the Finnish Advisory Board for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Finland
Dr. Hisayo Katsui is Professor in Disability Studies at the University of Helsinki. She has been a board member of the Nordic Network of Disability Research; an editor of the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research; chairperson of the Finnish Society for Disability Research; and a permanent expert to the Finnish Advisory Board for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Previously, she worked for the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability, Shuaib Chalklen. She also worked at the Abilis Foundation, a Finnish grant-making organisation of persons with disabilities, formerly led by the late Kalle Könkkölä. Her research interests are disability rights realization in practice as well as participatory research approaches. She has conducted research and collaboration projects on disabilities in Central Asia, Ethiopia, Finland, Uganda, Nepal, Japan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Cambodia, Mongolia and Nordic contries.
The latest books are Embodied Inequalities in Disability and Development (2022), and Disability, Happiness and the Welfare State: Finland and the Nordic Model (2024). The latest reports are Epävarmuutta ja vaihtelevaa osallisuutta (2023) and Avenues for disability inclusion in climate and biodiversity action (2024).
Workshop Speakers
Glenn Marsden
Story telling session
Founder
Imperfectly Perfect Campaign
Australia
Glenn Marsden is a renowned speaker, four-time bestselling author, and the founder of the globally influential Imperfectly Perfect Campaign. With a deep passion for reshaping conversations around mental health and self-acceptance, Glenn has created a movement that brings together over 500 prominent figures—from Hollywood icons to thought leaders across various sectors—uniting them in a shared vision of inclusivity and vulnerability. His leadership has touched the lives of over 12 million people globally, and his work continues to break barriers, challenge stigmas, and inspire change on a mass scale.
As a visionary leader, Glenn has built strategic partnerships with global influencers and organisations, earning widespread recognition in prestigious media outlets such as Forbes, Sky News, People Magazine, GQ, Harvard Business Review, among others. His dedication to driving social impact and advocating for mental health has propelled him to speak at high-profile international events, where his powerful messages resonate deeply with audiences around the world, amplifying both his personal mission and the broader movement.
Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Glenn’s leadership empowers entrepreneurs to leverage the power of their personal brand to drive meaningful social change, secure high-profile speaking engagements, and attract PR opportunities that amplify their impact. Over the past two years, his guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of over 4,000 emerging leaders, helping them establish themselves as influential speakers, authors, and thought leaders in their respective fields.
Glenn’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and vision. His ability to inspire others, foster genuine connections, and create lasting impact has made him a trailblazer in the fields of personal development and social entrepreneurship. As a leader committed to driving systemic change, Glenn continues to lead by example, empowering others to step into their purpose, embrace their imperfections, and make a profound difference in the world.
Ms. Zahra Hosaneea
Worksshop Speaker
Co-founder of the YWDEP
Mauritius
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Workshop Speaker
Vice President of WDRPA
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.)
USA
Najla Wortham
Workshop Speaker
President
Rock Creek Foundation
Maryland
USA
Najla Wortham is a dynamic leader, licensed clinical professional counselor, and a change-maker in the nonprofit and behavioral health sectors. As the President of Rock Creek Foundation, she has spent her career transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health challenges. Through innovative programs, strategic systems, and compassionate advocacy, Najla empowers individuals to live with dignity, independence, and limitless potential.
With over two decades of experience, Najla has consistently delivered visionary leadership, breaking barriers and setting new standards in her field. She has pioneered dual-diagnosis programs integrating IDD and mental health services, launched affordable housing initiatives for vulnerable populations, and secured critical grants and partnerships to sustain and expand these impactful services. Her work reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by these underserved communities and a relentless drive to improve their quality of life.
A proud graduate of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Howard University and Bowie State University, where she earned her Master’s degree—Najla embodies the legacy of resilience, empowerment, and excellence. At her core, Najla is a proud wife and mother of two daughters, who inspire her daily to lead with purpose and compassion. She is committed to empowering her daughters to dream big, live without limits, and act courageously.Â
Najla’s impact reaches far beyond her organization. She serves on multiple boards and commissions, working to implement integral changes that give voice to those who are often unheard. Recognized as a subject matter expert in mental health and IDD, Najla has shared her expertise on the national and international stage, addressing innovative programming, dual-diagnosis services, and transformative treatment options. Her passion lies in advocating for sustainable change by eliminating stigma and creating opportunities, thar empower individuals to live full, independent lives of their choosing.
Looking ahead, Najla is excited to leverage her expertise to guide the next generation of leaders. Her focus is on equipping individuals and organizations with the tools to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and design impactful programs that drive meaningful and sustainable change in the nonprofit sector and beyond.
As the first African American woman President of Rock Creek Foundation, Najla Wortham is breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and making her mark on history.
Michelle Grigsby-Hackett, LCPC, CPRP
Workshop Speaker
Chief Executive Officer
Affiliated Santé Group
Maryland
USA
Michelle Grigsby-Hackett is a transformative leader and expert advocate in the behavioral health industry, driving impactful change for over 25 years. As the first African American woman CEO of a major nonprofit behavioral health and crisis organization operating in Maryland and North Carolina, she has been a trailblazer in expanding access to care and strengthening community-based mental health systems—particularly for underserved populations.
A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), Michelle has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to equitable and culturally responsive behavioral health services. She has championed programs that address disparities in care, ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and crises receive the support they need.
Michelle’s expertise in executive coaching and nonprofit business development has empowered behavioral health organizations to scale their impact, secure sustainable funding, and implement evidence-based practices. She has worked alongside leadership teams to enhance operational efficiency and develop strategic solutions tailored to the complex needs of diverse communities.
A recognized speaker and thought leader, Michelle is a passionate advocate for minority leadership in behavioral health and a driving force behind policy and programmatic changes that prioritize mental wellness in underserved populations. She serves on the Mental Health Advisory Committee and has been appointed by Maryland’s Secretary of Behavioral Health to serve on the state’s workgroup focused on increasing representation of minority professionals in the behavioral health field. Additionally, she is an active board member of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland, where she contributes to shaping statewide behavioral health initiatives. Michelle has delivered powerful talks on critical mental health topics at national and international conferences, shaping conversations on access, equity, and advancements in behavioral health care.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She has built strong partnerships with international, federal, state, and local stakeholders to ensure behavioral health remains a public health priority—advocating for policies, funding, and innovations that create lasting impact for communities in need.
Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is a devoted wife, mother of two, and proud dog mom. She embraces the joy of spending quality time with her family—whether watching her daughter shine as cheerleader at games, spending time with her son discussing his love of baseball, or cooking with her husband. Michelle is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through which she extends her commitment to community service and social change.
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August
28 -29, 2025
BANGKOK, THAILAND
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