Innovation Summit - Meridian International Center

Speaker Biographies
TMS “Teddy” Ruge is the cofounder of Project Diaspora. A technology
enthusiast, Mr. Ruge writes and speaks extensively on Africa’s current
renaissance driven by technology, youth and the Diaspora. He is a frequent
contributor to several online publications including CNN, New York Times,
PopTech, The Globe and Mail, and The Guardian. In January 2012, he
was awarded a ‘Champion of Change’ award by the White House for his
community development work in East Africa. His work includes serving as
a founding board member of Hive Colab in Kampala. As an active social
entrepreneur, he is a director and shareholder in Uganda Medicinal Plants
Growers, ltd. Mr. Ruge is also the host of The Digital Continent Podcast, an
interview podcast featuring the key innovators and entrepreneurs whose work is shaping the digital
economies of Africa. He currently serves as the Lead Social Media Strategist at the World Bank’s
Connect4Climate initiative.
Bonnie Shaw is the Founder of Snap-Shot-City, Founder and Dean of the DC
chapter of The Awesome Foundation, co-creator of the 24 Hour City Project,
organizer of the Digital Divas Dinners, and an honored Fellow of The RSA.
She also serves as the Director of Strategy at iStrategyLabs. Ms. Shaw has
over 10 years of international experience in urban design, civic engagement
strategy, experience design and campaign implementation. She has worked
with global consumer brands, media and broadcasting companies, real
estate and development agencies, non-profits and community service
organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies in Australia,
UK and USA. A serial social innovator, she is an expert at making meaningful
connection between people, place, technology and play to catalyze massively collaborative civic
innovations for tangible real world impact.
Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman was sworn in as Under Secretary of State
for Political Affairs on September 21, 2011. Prior to this position, Ambassador
Sherman served as Vice Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, and a member
of the Investment Committee of Albright Capital Management, an affiliated
investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. Ambassador
Sherman served as Counselor for the State Department from 1997-2001,
as well as Special Advisor to President Clinton and Policy Coordinator on
North Korea. From 1993-1996, under Secretary of State Warren Christopher,
she was Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs. Ambassador Sherman
served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Oxfam America. She also served
on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board. In 2008, Ambassador Sherman was
appointed by Congressional Leadership to serve on the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons
of Mass Destruction, Proliferation and Terrorism.
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