There’s a moment in every UX journey where you stop and realize—it’s not just about wireframes, research methods, or metrics.
It’s about people.
The ones who challenge you. The ones who teach you. The ones who remind you why you started.
At UXCon25, we’ve curated a lineup of speakers who don’t just talk UX—they live it. These are practitioners, leaders, mentors, rebels, and community builders who have done the work and still show up with curiosity.
So let’s introduce you to the voices behind this year’s inspiration:
🧠 Kevin Liang – Opening Keynote / Founder, Zero to UX
Kevin doesn’t just teach UX—he demystifies it. With 14+ years in behavioral research and a career spanning Google, Uber, and Volkswagen, Kevin brings stories, systems, and tools that help real people break into UX. His Zero to UX platform has helped thousands turn curiosity into career paths.
🎙️ Jeremy Miller – Mini Keynote 1 / Author & Host, Beyond UX Design / Design Partner, Edge Kase Design Co.
Jeremy’s podcast Beyond UX Design explores how relationships—not just research—shape great UX. His career blends enterprise wins with grassroots mentorship, all rooted in one belief: soft skills are the real hard skills.
🌿 Calvin Robertson – Mini Keynote 2 | Founder, Obcidion Inc.
From Hallmark to Walmart to Best Buy, Calvin has built products that balance empathy and execution. Now, through his Overflowing Leadership series and work in inclusive gaming, he teaches us what it means to lead with purpose, adapt with intention, and build careers that matter.
🌍 Jen Blatz – Closing Keynote / Principal UX Researcher
Jen has a knack for turning research into real change. As a practitioner, podcast host, and team builder, she speaks with clarity and curiosity—and brings her whole self to the table, every time.
🧭 Vitale – VP Head of Design, Taxwell
Andy Vitale has transformed design teams into strategic forces at companies like Rocket Companies, Truist, and Constant Contact. With over 100 global talks under his belt—including SXSW and Adobe MAX—he’s a powerful voice on design maturity, leadership, and responsibility. A founding member of the Design Executive Council, Andy’s influence runs deep across industry and academia.
⚙️ Kyle Bodt – Director, KPMG
Kyle has spent over 15 years fusing creativity, behavior, and strategy into product innovation. At KPMG, he helps clients design customer experiences that actually get adopted. He’s also a recognized ally and award-winning advocate for women in design and leadership.
🚗 Lina Reynolds – Lead UX Designer, Ford
Born in Colombia and now shaping user experiences at scale in the U.S., Lina merges data with empathy to deliver cost-effective, high-impact design. Her work is deeply collaborative, always centering the human in the loop.
🛍️ Nitin Sampathi – UX Researcher, Google
Formerly in health tech, Nitin now helps millions of users discover the right products online. His work sits at the crossroads of utility, trust, and seamless UX.
🎨 Edward Cupps – Senior Director of Product Design, Mural
Edward designs for scale. His leadership at Mural shows how teams can adopt design thinking not just as a method, but as a mindset. Expect practical insights, systems thinking, and a good bit of heart.
📚 Dan Talib Flounders – Sr. Visual Designer, Wide Angle Youth Media
Dan’s journey spans printmaking, branding, UX, and education. Whether designing for community media or speaking at universities, he infuses storytelling and soul into his work.
🏛️ Beth A. Martin – Adjunct professor
Beth has spent two decades improving government services with UX. As a civil servant and adjunct professor, she’s a rare blend of policy smarts and user empathy, always pushing for better systems that serve real people.
📣 Wendy Zajack – Faculty Director, Georgetown University
Wendy’s superpower is making the complex clear. With 20+ years in global comms and a PhD in online learning, she’s helping the next generation of UXers communicate, influence, and teach in a digital-first world.
🎤 Crystal Shamblee – Host, UXCon25 |Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Program Manager
Crystal brings it all together. As host, she’ll guide us through the day with grace, insight, and energy—ensuring every conversation connects and every voice is heard.
These are the people you want to be in the room with.
Not just because of their resumes—but because of the way they make you think.