Ashton Applewhite is an acclaimed activist, writer, and ageism expert based in New York. She's the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, and has spoken at venues that include the TED mainstage and the United Nations. One of Forbes Forty Over 40 honorees, she blogs at thischairrocks.com, is the voice of Yo, Is This Ageist?, and has written for Harpers, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

Maria is a senior behavioural analyst at Canvas8. After completing her Master's degree in Social and Cultural Psychology, she delved into the world of research. Her experience ranges from behavioural science and design research to cultural insights. She loves asking questions, so naturally she specialised in qualitative research. In her free time, she likes to do all the usual things (from watching movies to hanging out with friends), plus playing ultimate frisbee and running long distance.