Our 2023 Speakers
D.R. Carlson
D.R. is the Senior Director of Segment Marketing and Go To Market Strategy for the Americas at Equinix.
His focus is on strategy and messaging in support of some of Equinix’s largest customers and partners. D.R. has honed his expertise in communications by frequently speaking at events and organizations across the country. His topics and approach draw from his 20+ years of experience selling technology services and developing brand, messaging, and content strategies.
D.R. has a masters in Theological Studies and is the President and Co-founder of Fuel Ministry (www.menoffuel.com). Fuel is a ministry that provides a relevant environment for men to explore aspects of life, purpose and faith.
D.R. and his wife Jenny have four children. On most weekends, D.R. can be found coaching his kid’s sports teams.
Toni Townes-Whitley
Toni Townes-Whitley is a global technology leader who currently serves as an Independent Director/Trustee on eight Boards including Nasdaq, PNC Financial Services, Empowerment Inclusion Capital, United Way Worldwide, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Partnership for Public Service, and the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative.
Toni has served as president of US Regulated Industries at Microsoft, President of CGI Federal, held several management roles at Unisys Corporation, and has been a long-time advisor to and fundraiser for the Women’s Center of Northern Virginia, and a past president and Board Chair of Women in Technology.
Toni is the recipient of numerous awards that include Fortune’s Most Powerful Women: Ones to Watch, Women in Technology Leadership, Black Enterprise Top Executive, FedScoop Top50 for Industry Leadership, the 2020 IES Lifetime Achievement Award, and NVTC Tech 100 Executive. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Federal 100 Industry Eagle Award. Last year, Toni was named “Woman of the Year” by the Washington-based STEM for Her organization.
Toni continues to support the US Peace Corps, for which she volunteered for three years as a village teacher in Gabon (Central Africa).
Toni earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Policy & Economics from Princeton University and has received certifications from Wharton Executive Education, New York University (NYU), and the Performance Management Institute. She and her husband, John H. Whitley, reside in Mclean, VA. They have five children, eight grandchildren and counting...
Pictures from 2022
Photo Credit to Brian Knapp Photography - https://www.instagram.com/brianlknapp