Colin Baker is an economist serving as the Manager of Economic Research for the Greater Houston Partnership. There, he monitors local economic trends, analyzes what is motivating them, and communicates research findings to the public and business community.

Colin has over a decade of professional research experience. Prior to joining the Partnership, he worked for NERA Economic Consulting producing analysis for expert reports used in big tech antitrust litigation cases. He previously served as a local analyst on economic and political matters in Texas and Oklahoma for the Japanese Government at their Consulate in Houston and conducted statistical research for the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University.

Colin holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Texas, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and Japanese. He is a native Houstonian, a lover of Texas barbecue, and a diehard Astros fan.

Dr. Fernando De La Peña Llaca is a futurist, inventor, and space technology leader redefining how humanity connects across distance, environments, and even worlds. As CEO of Aexa Aerospace and Founder of Aexa Tech, he is pioneering a future where presence is no longer physical, but experiential.

His work led to one of the most groundbreaking moments in human communication: the first two-way holographic teleportation sessions with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. What was once science fiction is now operational reality.

At the core of his vision is HoloConnect AI, a platform that merges artificial intelligence with holography to create lifelike, immersive interactions, without headsets, without barriers. From saving lives in hospitals to enabling decision-making in mission-critical environments, his technology is reshaping how humans collaborate, learn, and lead.

A recipient of three NASA awards and recognized as Small Business Champion of the Year, Dr. De La Peña has been consistently acknowledged for pushing the boundaries of innovation at the intersection of space, AI, and human experience.

His journey is driven by a simple but powerful belief: the future belongs to those who eliminate distance, not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually. Through his work, he challenges audiences to rethink what it means to be “present” in a world powered by AI.

He is also the author of 33 Predictions for the Next 33 Years, where he explores the forces that will shape humanity’s future across AI, space, and society.

Amod is a Senior Consulting Executive with extensive experience in the sales, delivery & practice management of Engineering business and Application transformation programs with Global Fortune 500 companies.

Amod leads Deloitte's Scaled Engineering Practice focusing on AI based Engineering Transformation Services that includes people, process and technology across all industries. His area of expertise lies in building brand new practice groups from scratch and creating sustained large Global Teams. He has extensive experience in both packaged solutions and custom application development using modern technologies like Gen AI, Digital, Cloud Computing etc.

Background of success includes over $2B+ in consulting and outsourcing sales in the last ten years as well as holding many senior leadership positions. Very strong entrepreneurial, leadership, and program delivery skills with the exceptional ability to build, focus, and lead top-performing teams to surpass expected outcomes.

Background includes extensive sales and delivery roles in all aspects of the Gen AI based engineering business right from Strategy, Assessment, Transformation and Operations. Operated in a number of diverse environments, including start-up activities and large existing operations. Collaborated across diverse stakeholders and managed in complex change environments. Have proven ability to sustain profitable growth while managing an operation. 

With over 18 years of experience, Jean has dedicated his career to helping disadvantaged and smallto medium-sized businesses navigate and capitalize on opportunities in Private Procurement, Public Government Contracting, and supplier diversity roles—markets that have historically been difficult to access.

Through a deep understanding of the procurement ecosystem, he educates business owners on how to identify, pursue, and secure contracts while teaching them to “speak the language” of government procurement and supplier diversity. His mission is not just to get businesses in the room, but to ensure they are strategically positioned for long-term success.

At the core of his approach are the 4 Pillars of BANKREADY (TM) —Planning, Strategy, Credentials, and Positioning—a proven framework that empowers businesses to show up prepared, credible, and competitive. 

He has also embraced the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and support his team—without ever replacing the personal, relationship-driven touch that clients value most.

This blend of traditional insight and forward-thinking innovation allows Jean to guide businesses with clarity, purpose, and a commitment to their success in every phase of growth. 

Jean's  passion is simple: empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategy, and access they need to thrive in spaces where they have been traditionally underrepresented.

Mick Rudskyi is the Founder & CEO of Bridgital Group, a Houston-based firm that serves as a Fractional Chief AI & Automation Officer for small and mid-sized businesses.

Mick works as a trusted advisor and hands-on partner to business owners, helping them uncover operational bottlenecks across their front and back office, automate the tedious work that drains their teams, and find new ways to grow so their people can focus on the high-value, human-centric work that actually moves the business forward.

Over the past two and a half years, he has partnered with companies in construction, home services, and professional services to build the integrations, automations, and AI systems that drive real results — without adding headcount. His approach is straightforward: get the data and systems connected first, automate second, and layer AI on top only once a business is ready.