Benjie-Messinger Barnes -

As a Solutions Engineer Specialist at Instructure, Benjie Messinger-Barnes specializes in the intersection of pedagogy and professional advancement. With a background ranging from math education to EdTech leadership, he now focuses on the Canvas Career and Parchment Digital Badging ecosystems. Benjie is a passionate advocate for "learning with a purpose," helping Higher Ed institutions empower students to turn their hard work into career milestones. He brings unparalleled technical knowledge to his sessions—largely because he’s tested the tech more than anyone else. He currently resides in Los Angeles, though his New York roots remain strong.
 

Michal Yakubov Ed.D. | Sr. Account Manager,  Instructure

Michael Yakubov is currently a Senior Account Manager at Instructure working with over 100 institutions in the New England, New York, Delaware, Washington D.C., and New Jersey regions to establish best ed-tech practices and resources planning for academic success. Prior to joining Instructure, Michael spent 12+ years in higher education as an Assistant Director of Admissions, Executive Director of a Business School, and Dean of Enrollment Management and Strategy. Spanning experience at small liberal institutions, mid-sized state universities, and community college settings has helped Michael align the values coveted by institutions when evaluating digital tools for student and faculty success.

Moreover, Michael possesses a Doctorate of Education from Wilmington University, focusing his dissertation on institutional closures and fiscal resource planning, outside of higher education. Lastly, Michael owns a small consulting company called The Resumaniacs, where he provides services in career empowerment and self-motivation.