Conference 2021 | Diversity Leadership Alliance

Presented by

2021 DLA CONFERENCE

(Now All Virtual)

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change…
the dialogues continue!

Wednesday – Friday, November 17-19, 2021

$99 Individual Ticket

DLA Partnerships SUPPORT DLA Conference Help Diversity Leadership Alliance diamonds

Conference Theme

Our conference, “Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change – the dialogue continues” will be held from November 17th – 19th and is a three-day all virtual Conference, with our Diversity Awards presented in partnership with AZ SHRM on Wednesday evening November 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The 2021 conference will identify, address, and eradicate the deep-rooted, insidious nature of racism by harnessing the powerful tools of Education and dialogue. We will dig deeper into the systems of inequities we see in Education, Media, Gender Pay Equity for women, RaceLighting and Mental Health. By having these meaningful dialogues, we hope to eliminate some of the racist thoughts, behaviors, and actions within various systems, encourage advocacy and social justice and promote authentic, sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and programs.

DLA is calling on all advocates, allies and activists to join us with open minds and kind hearts as we stand together for Justice and Equity for All.

2021 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Please note that all times are MST (AZ time)

Day One (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

20th Anniversary Diversity and Awards Ceremony

DLA and AZ SHRM
Co-Chairs Dr. Brent Scholar and Ms. Lorena Castro

OPENING PERFORMANCE / VIDEO
Special Musical Guests

Check Your Blind Spots

AWARDS CEREMONY
Celebrating and Honoring our Diversity Champions

Day Two (Virtual)
Thursday, Nov 18

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE WELCOME

Co-Founder Marion K. Kelly & Executive Director Joanna C. de’Shay

9:00-10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

Race & Inclusion in Media
Featuring Mr. Richard Dyer
Featuring Mr. Grady Tripp
Moderated by Ms. Rachel McNeill

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

Tolerance to Authenticity
Featuring Dr. Joel P. Martin (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Featuring Mr. Lor Lee (12:30 – 2:00 pm)

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

Power & Privilege
Featuring Ms. Jennifer Brown (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Featuring Mr. Jason Sirois (12:30 – 2:00 pm)

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory
Featuring Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee
Featuring Dr. Kristie Jackson
Moderated by Ms. Tram Mai

4:00 – 6:00 pm

EMPLOYER RESOURCE SESSION

Free and Open to the Public – REGISTER NOW

Employer’s Information Session – Agenda
Featuring speakers from our top-tier and presenting sponsors about their culture, DEI programs, employee resource groups and available open job postings. Networking with hiring managers and leadership.

Day Three (Virtual)
Friday, Nov 19

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE CLOSE

DLA Conference Co-Chairs Reid DeSpiegelaere & Tikki Carmichael

9:00 – 10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

Racelighting - A Racial Reckoning
Featuring Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood
Moderated by Mr. Mark Curtis

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

Closing the Pay Gap for Women
Featuring Ms. Alika Kumar

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

Eroding Toxic Behaviors
Featuring Dr. Mitchell Kusy

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Featuring Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno, Dr. Jannah Scott and Mr. Kareem Neal
Moderated by Ms. Tram Mai

ASL Interpreting and Captioning Services available at Conference in partnership with

Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters

Mr. Grady Tripp

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer
TEGNA Inc.
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race and Inclusion in Media
Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist
Today in AZ Weekday Mornings
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media
Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President
CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.
and
President and General Manager
WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race and Inclusion in Media
Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist
KPNX News, Channel 12
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
2:15 – 3:30pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
2:15 – 3:30pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Dr. Joel P. Martin

President
Triad West Inc.
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity
Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant
LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity
Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist
Jennifer Brown Consulting
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap
Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies
Mesa Community College
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory
Mr. Jason Sirois MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap
Dr. Kristie Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist
BloomBoard
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory
Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity
San Diego State University
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning
Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director
Arizona Minority Business Development Agency
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1 Closing the Pay Gap for Women
Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change
Antioch University
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors
Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno

Founder & Principal Activator
In.Visible Paradigms
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Dr. Jannah Scott

Director
Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year
Restorative Justice Trainer
Phoenix Union High School District
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and decorated Journalist
12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

Our 2021 Partners

Change Agents

$20,000

Partner Level Sponsors

$10,000

Advocate Sponsors

$5,000

Additional Sponsors

SUPPORTER SPONSORS – $3,000

FRIENDS OF DLA – $1,000

City of Phoenix – EOD Department

City of Glendale

City of Mesa – Police Department

City of Scottsdale

CSAA Insurance Group

Donor Network of Arizona

Edward Jones

GIRL SCOUTS – Arizona Cactus-Pine

LIV Communities

Medtronic

Scottsdale Community College

TERROS Health

“Without talking and truly trying to understand why people live a certain way, we are not going to be able to grow as a species.”
Jackson Asante Whitaker
2020 DLA Youth Leader

Partnership Opportunities

2021 Annual Conference Partnership Levels

CHANGE AGENT $20,000
Partner $10,000
Advocate Partner $5,000
Supporter Partner $3,000
Friend of DLA $1,000 (Unlimited Friendships)

Learn more about DLA Partnerships »

Download Partnership Packages

Please contact Joanna De’Shay about partnerships with DLA using the web form below.

2021 Award Winners

Congrats to all of our nominees and winners!

2021 Youth Inclusion Leader

Guadalupe Martinez
2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Lois Brown
2021 Diversity Leader

Mini Salas
2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Ousama El-Hillal
2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Versha Anderson
2021 Inclusive Workplace

APS

About the Awards

In 2020, DLA celebrated and recognized Arizona individuals, Corporations and Organizations that lead by example, creating an inclusive environment that enhances and strengthens the community. The DLA Diversity and Inclusion Award is a joint award given on behalf of Diversity Leadership Alliance and Arizona SHRM. This prestigious award is given to a Corporation or Organization that recognizes and values Diversity, Equity and Belonging. They create a safe space in an inclusive, collaborative work environment where their employees can be their genuine and authentic selves. In addition to their innovative, internal Diversity programs and initiatives, they also lead the way in terms of their extensive Community outreach efforts and support. DLA also honored individuals who serve as Diversity and Inclusion Leaders in the Community. These passionate individuals demonstrated collaborative leadership and a visible commitment to the work of Diversity and Inclusion. These individuals are bravely forging forward and creating spaces where others can celebrate and be celebrated and they do so selflessly with dignity and humility.

Special Thanks to our Award partner AZSHRM and our Video Production partner COX!

“We have to make strategic and intentional changes to create safe spaces for diverse communities.”
Kevina Devereaux
Manager, Workforce Development – Desert Botanical Gardens

Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

Powered by

Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

Powered by

Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.

President and General Manager

WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

Richard J. Dyer is the President and General Manager of WUSA9, the CBS affiliate and TEGNA owned station in Washington, D.C. Dyer assumed his new role in January of 2017, returning to his hometown.

Previously, Richard was the President and General Manager of WLWT-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in Cincinnati for fourteen years. Prior to joining WLWT in December 2002, Dyer was President and General Manager of Hearst’s ABC affiliate, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Hearst, Dyer served as Corporate Vice President of Television Sales at Gannett Television, which is now TEGNA Media. Previously, he served in various roles at WUSA9 including Vice President and Station Manager and also at Gannett’s KSDK-TV, St. Louis, where he was Vice President, Broadcast.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dyer is a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High school. Dyer grew up in the Washington, D.C. NE neighborhood of Riggs Park with his parents who are also D.C. natives. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communications from Boston College. While attending Boston College, Dyer was an outstanding member of BC Eagles football team and served as its captain his senior year.

Dyer is a Board Member for the United Way of the National Capital Area, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association. Dyer is the past Board Chairman for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and past Board Chairman of the Ruth Lyon’s Children’s Fund. He is a member of both the Archbishop Carroll High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor and he is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Hall of Fame.

Richard and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Bowie, Maryland and have two adult children.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist

Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

Rachel McNeill anchors Today in AZ weekday mornings from 4:30 – 7 a.m., and contributes across all 12 News shows and platforms. Rachel joined 12 News in April 2019.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist, McNeill joined Team 12 from KPRC 2, the Houston NBC affiliate, where she anchored and reported for over 17 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Midland, Texas. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McNeill earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her career, Rachel has covered everything from the Newton School shootings and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games.

Committed to community service, Rachel volunteers her time with at-risk youth, and works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Dress for Success.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to the Houston-area when she was 6 years old, after living in Galveston for two years.

She relocated to Arizona at the beginning of 2019 with her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, the co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and their two sons, Hudson and Lionel.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.

President and General Manager

WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

Richard J. Dyer is the President and General Manager of WUSA9, the CBS affiliate and TEGNA owned station in Washington, D.C. Dyer assumed his new role in January of 2017, returning to his hometown.

Previously, Richard was the President and General Manager of WLWT-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in Cincinnati for fourteen years. Prior to joining WLWT in December 2002, Dyer was President and General Manager of Hearst’s ABC affiliate, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Hearst, Dyer served as Corporate Vice President of Television Sales at Gannett Television, which is now TEGNA Media. Previously, he served in various roles at WUSA9 including Vice President and Station Manager and also at Gannett’s KSDK-TV, St. Louis, where he was Vice President, Broadcast.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dyer is a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High school. Dyer grew up in the Washington, D.C. NE neighborhood of Riggs Park with his parents who are also D.C. natives. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communications from Boston College. While attending Boston College, Dyer was an outstanding member of BC Eagles football team and served as its captain his senior year.

Dyer is a Board Member for the United Way of the National Capital Area, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association. Dyer is the past Board Chairman for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and past Board Chairman of the Ruth Lyon’s Children’s Fund. He is a member of both the Archbishop Carroll High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor and he is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Hall of Fame.

Richard and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Bowie, Maryland and have two adult children.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Mr. Grady Tripp

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

TEGNA Inc.

As chief diversity officer, Tripp will oversee attracting, retaining and growing diverse talent at all levels of the company, developing training programs to enhance awareness and accountability in diversity issues, facilitating the company’s racial diversity and inclusion employee working group and providing thought leadership to TEGNA colleagues and the media industry.

“TEGNA is proud of our diverse and inclusive culture, but we recognize we must be even more deliberate to ensure that our stations, newsrooms and people are a true reflection of the communities we serve,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Grady is a respected and trusted leader at TEGNA, and his extensive experience as a change agent makes him a natural fit to develop and drive our efforts to make meaningful change.”

Since joining TEGNA in 2017, Tripp has been an integral part of the company’s people and culture strategy. He currently leads strategy and execution for TEGNA’s talent acquisition team, in addition to leading a team of human resources professionals supporting television stations in 15 markets.

Tripp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance from Florida A&M University.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist

Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

Rachel McNeill anchors Today in AZ weekday mornings from 4:30 – 7 a.m., and contributes across all 12 News shows and platforms. Rachel joined 12 News in April 2019.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist, McNeill joined Team 12 from KPRC 2, the Houston NBC affiliate, where she anchored and reported for over 17 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Midland, Texas. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McNeill earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her career, Rachel has covered everything from the Newton School shootings and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games.

Committed to community service, Rachel volunteers her time with at-risk youth, and works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Dress for Success.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to the Houston-area when she was 6 years old, after living in Galveston for two years.

She relocated to Arizona at the beginning of 2019 with her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, the co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and their two sons, Hudson and Lionel.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.

President and General Manager

WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

Richard J. Dyer is the President and General Manager of WUSA9, the CBS affiliate and TEGNA owned station in Washington, D.C. Dyer assumed his new role in January of 2017, returning to his hometown.

Previously, Richard was the President and General Manager of WLWT-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in Cincinnati for fourteen years. Prior to joining WLWT in December 2002, Dyer was President and General Manager of Hearst’s ABC affiliate, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Hearst, Dyer served as Corporate Vice President of Television Sales at Gannett Television, which is now TEGNA Media. Previously, he served in various roles at WUSA9 including Vice President and Station Manager and also at Gannett’s KSDK-TV, St. Louis, where he was Vice President, Broadcast.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dyer is a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High school. Dyer grew up in the Washington, D.C. NE neighborhood of Riggs Park with his parents who are also D.C. natives. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communications from Boston College. While attending Boston College, Dyer was an outstanding member of BC Eagles football team and served as its captain his senior year.

Dyer is a Board Member for the United Way of the National Capital Area, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association. Dyer is the past Board Chairman for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and past Board Chairman of the Ruth Lyon’s Children’s Fund. He is a member of both the Archbishop Carroll High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor and he is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Hall of Fame.

Richard and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Bowie, Maryland and have two adult children.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Closing Session

Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Friday, November 19 • 2:15 – 3:30pm

In this informative fireside chat, we explore the insidious nature of hate. What causes someone to feel so much hate, anger, and resentment towards others, that they demoralize, dehumanize, and in some extreme cases cause physical harm? The answer is fear. Fear of the unknown with people of a different color, race, religion, or gender identity. This critical dialogue explores how hate happens and whether it is taught, instinctual, or shaped by culture. An anti-racism approach to social justice is proactive and requires having tough and uncomfortable conversations that dismantle the oppressive structures across various systems. To move closer to becoming an Anti-racist nation, we must first take a mindful and intentional approach to acknowledge that hate exists and explore how it seeps into the subconscious, altering our definition of self and others. This critical conversation explores the question: Can you unlearn hatred?

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Mr. Grady Tripp

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

TEGNA Inc.

As chief diversity officer, Tripp will oversee attracting, retaining and growing diverse talent at all levels of the company, developing training programs to enhance awareness and accountability in diversity issues, facilitating the company’s racial diversity and inclusion employee working group and providing thought leadership to TEGNA colleagues and the media industry.

“TEGNA is proud of our diverse and inclusive culture, but we recognize we must be even more deliberate to ensure that our stations, newsrooms and people are a true reflection of the communities we serve,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Grady is a respected and trusted leader at TEGNA, and his extensive experience as a change agent makes him a natural fit to develop and drive our efforts to make meaningful change.”

Since joining TEGNA in 2017, Tripp has been an integral part of the company’s people and culture strategy. He currently leads strategy and execution for TEGNA’s talent acquisition team, in addition to leading a team of human resources professionals supporting television stations in 15 markets.

Tripp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance from Florida A&M University.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist

Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

Rachel McNeill anchors Today in AZ weekday mornings from 4:30 – 7 a.m., and contributes across all 12 News shows and platforms. Rachel joined 12 News in April 2019.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist, McNeill joined Team 12 from KPRC 2, the Houston NBC affiliate, where she anchored and reported for over 17 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Midland, Texas. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McNeill earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her career, Rachel has covered everything from the Newton School shootings and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games.

Committed to community service, Rachel volunteers her time with at-risk youth, and works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Dress for Success.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to the Houston-area when she was 6 years old, after living in Galveston for two years.

She relocated to Arizona at the beginning of 2019 with her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, the co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and their two sons, Hudson and Lionel.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.

President and General Manager

WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

Richard J. Dyer is the President and General Manager of WUSA9, the CBS affiliate and TEGNA owned station in Washington, D.C. Dyer assumed his new role in January of 2017, returning to his hometown.

Previously, Richard was the President and General Manager of WLWT-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in Cincinnati for fourteen years. Prior to joining WLWT in December 2002, Dyer was President and General Manager of Hearst’s ABC affiliate, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Hearst, Dyer served as Corporate Vice President of Television Sales at Gannett Television, which is now TEGNA Media. Previously, he served in various roles at WUSA9 including Vice President and Station Manager and also at Gannett’s KSDK-TV, St. Louis, where he was Vice President, Broadcast.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dyer is a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High school. Dyer grew up in the Washington, D.C. NE neighborhood of Riggs Park with his parents who are also D.C. natives. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communications from Boston College. While attending Boston College, Dyer was an outstanding member of BC Eagles football team and served as its captain his senior year.

Dyer is a Board Member for the United Way of the National Capital Area, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association. Dyer is the past Board Chairman for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and past Board Chairman of the Ruth Lyon’s Children’s Fund. He is a member of both the Archbishop Carroll High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor and he is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Hall of Fame.

Richard and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Bowie, Maryland and have two adult children.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Workshop #2

Eroding Toxic Behaviors

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Building Workplaces of Respect, Dignity & Well-being

Creating safe and respectful workplaces takes more than lip service—it takes understanding and courage to address disrespectful, toxic behaviors in the form of bullying, shaming, and passive hostility. In these uncertain times of racial injustice, political divides, and pandemic polarities combined with disrespectful toxic behaviors, our own mental health and team performance can begin to erode. The recent and painful racial injustices that are happening nationwide further create anger, flared tempers, and appropriate outrage. In this important workshop, best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and professor, Dr. Mitch Kusy, engages top strategies for restoring our mental health by understanding why toxic behaviors persist and how to take control over what you have the power to influence. Dr. Kusy will present hard evidence from his research about intentional tools that will improve not only our own mindsets but will also provide key actions you can engage immediately to cultivate “everyday civility” in your work cultures.

Attendees can expect to walk away with understanding:

How to have a 3-part conversation to bring the right attention to those who engage in toxic behaviors.

How the 4-step apology works when we ourselves violate rules of respect.

How to integrate “values in vivo” in team meetings to make organizational values come alive.

Closing Session

Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Friday, November 19 • 2:15 – 3:30pm

In this informative fireside chat, we explore the insidious nature of hate. What causes someone to feel so much hate, anger, and resentment towards others, that they demoralize, dehumanize, and in some extreme cases cause physical harm? The answer is fear. Fear of the unknown with people of a different color, race, religion, or gender identity. This critical dialogue explores how hate happens and whether it is taught, instinctual, or shaped by culture. An anti-racism approach to social justice is proactive and requires having tough and uncomfortable conversations that dismantle the oppressive structures across various systems. To move closer to becoming an Anti-racist nation, we must first take a mindful and intentional approach to acknowledge that hate exists and explore how it seeps into the subconscious, altering our definition of self and others. This critical conversation explores the question: Can you unlearn hatred?

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Mr. Grady Tripp

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

TEGNA Inc.

As chief diversity officer, Tripp will oversee attracting, retaining and growing diverse talent at all levels of the company, developing training programs to enhance awareness and accountability in diversity issues, facilitating the company’s racial diversity and inclusion employee working group and providing thought leadership to TEGNA colleagues and the media industry.

“TEGNA is proud of our diverse and inclusive culture, but we recognize we must be even more deliberate to ensure that our stations, newsrooms and people are a true reflection of the communities we serve,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Grady is a respected and trusted leader at TEGNA, and his extensive experience as a change agent makes him a natural fit to develop and drive our efforts to make meaningful change.”

Since joining TEGNA in 2017, Tripp has been an integral part of the company’s people and culture strategy. He currently leads strategy and execution for TEGNA’s talent acquisition team, in addition to leading a team of human resources professionals supporting television stations in 15 markets.

Tripp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance from Florida A&M University.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist

Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

Rachel McNeill anchors Today in AZ weekday mornings from 4:30 – 7 a.m., and contributes across all 12 News shows and platforms. Rachel joined 12 News in April 2019.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist, McNeill joined Team 12 from KPRC 2, the Houston NBC affiliate, where she anchored and reported for over 17 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Midland, Texas. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McNeill earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her career, Rachel has covered everything from the Newton School shootings and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games.

Committed to community service, Rachel volunteers her time with at-risk youth, and works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Dress for Success.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to the Houston-area when she was 6 years old, after living in Galveston for two years.

She relocated to Arizona at the beginning of 2019 with her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, the co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and their two sons, Hudson and Lionel.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Senior Vice President

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.

President and General Manager

WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

Richard J. Dyer is the President and General Manager of WUSA9, the CBS affiliate and TEGNA owned station in Washington, D.C. Dyer assumed his new role in January of 2017, returning to his hometown.

Previously, Richard was the President and General Manager of WLWT-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in Cincinnati for fourteen years. Prior to joining WLWT in December 2002, Dyer was President and General Manager of Hearst’s ABC affiliate, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining Hearst, Dyer served as Corporate Vice President of Television Sales at Gannett Television, which is now TEGNA Media. Previously, he served in various roles at WUSA9 including Vice President and Station Manager and also at Gannett’s KSDK-TV, St. Louis, where he was Vice President, Broadcast.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dyer is a graduate of Archbishop Carroll High school. Dyer grew up in the Washington, D.C. NE neighborhood of Riggs Park with his parents who are also D.C. natives. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communications from Boston College. While attending Boston College, Dyer was an outstanding member of BC Eagles football team and served as its captain his senior year.

Dyer is a Board Member for the United Way of the National Capital Area, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Maryland/DC/Delaware Broadcasters Association. Dyer is the past Board Chairman for the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, the Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and past Board Chairman of the Ruth Lyon’s Children’s Fund. He is a member of both the Archbishop Carroll High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor and he is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Hall of Fame.

Richard and his wife, Yvonne, reside in Bowie, Maryland and have two adult children.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Tram Mai

News Anchor and Journalist

KPNX News, Channel 12

Ms. Mai anchors and reports across all 12 News shows and platforms. As a journalist, the most rewarding part of her job is making a difference in people’s lives.

Tram and her family ﬂed on the last plane out of Saigon before communism took over and she got to take her first steps at a refugee camp at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Her family eventually made their way to southern California, where she graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communications with a minor in Asian American Studies.

From the hurricanes in Florida, to the death of Senator John McCain and the historic ‘Red for Ed’ teacher walkout in Arizona, Tram has covered some of the biggest news stories of our time.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Joel P. Martin

President

Triad West Inc.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, President of Triad (Try-ad) West Inc., has more than 20 years’ experience as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned, and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners across the US, and to Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Russia, the Republic of South Africa, Latvia, and Norway. She earned her Ph.D. in Communications, holds a Masters in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is also the author of “How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” and three other books.

THRUSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance & Authenticity

Mr. Lor Lee

DEI Trainer and Consultant

LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

Mr. Lor Lee brings over 20 years of experience in helping organizations create more inclusive cultures. His expertise spans industries such as k-12 academics, not-for-profits, professional sports, legal, government and healthcare. He is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people together to create a more equitable world where we can collaboratively build on our strengths, breakdown barriers, and move forward towards changing our culture. His Equity practice successfully coaches individuals and teams to advance work for DEI strategies and Health Equity and disparities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00pm
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

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Ms. Jennifer Brown

Speaker, Author, Humanist

Jennifer Brown Consulting

Jennifer has spoken at many top conferences and events such as the International Diversity Forum, the Global D&I Summit, the Forum for Workplace Inclusion, the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, Emerging Women, SHE Summit, Responsive, the Better Man.

Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards’ Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World will hit bookshelves November 9, 2021. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity gap

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Education Faculty, Education Studies

Mesa Community College

Lewis Andrea Brownlee, Ph. D. is an educator who has taught in K-12 schools, Community College, and a University for over a decade. Currently, at Mesa Community College he teaches courses in education studies and at Estrella Mountain Community College, as adjunct faculty, he teaches courses in African American studies and ethnic studies. He has attended and graduated from all three State schools, finally completing his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. His passion is educating teachers in the art of meeting the holistic needs of students-of-color and other marginalized populations. An avid coffee drinker originally from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Brownlee started his early career as a Civil Engineer designing and building infrastructure projects and systems. He is the father of two beautiful children, Athelyn Brownlee and Phoenix Brownlee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the myths of Critical Race Theory

Mr. Jason Sirois, MPA

Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller

Jason Sirois, MPA, is an organizer, coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to creating opportunities for people to connect authentically across differences.

For close to two decades, he has partnered with schools, colleges/universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create more equitable environments. Jason is the co-host of the In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship podcast and a co-organizer of Constructive White Conversations, a gathering space for White people committed to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations necessary to dismantle the violent systems of white supremacy and racism in the U.S.

Check out Jason’s podcast: In Pursuit of Cross-Racial Friendship and his website for Constructive White Conversations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

Ms. Kristie Martorelli-Jackson

Senior Learning Strategist

BloomBoard

Dr. Kristie Jackson, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, has worked in education for over 20 years, having taught kindergarten and third grade, as well as held the roles of reading coach/interventionist, site and district level administrator. She has obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration and supervision as well as curriculum and instruction with Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language endorsements. Her doctorate in higher and post-secondary education focused on teacher preparation and continued professional learning. Northern Arizona University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service as a state and national advocate in education. Kristie also serves as an advocate for equity and inclusion in schools and has engaged with Harvard University as a member of a cohort addressing race, equity and leadership in public schools. As an ECET2 Team Lead and Teacher Advisory Council member with the Gates Foundation, Kristie has provided a teacher perspective in multiple media formats. She has also served as a member of the Teacher Solutions Team and Board of Directors for the Arizona K12 Center, Public Engagement Taskforce with Expect More Arizona, College and Career Readiness Taskforce for the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders, and Arizona Educational Foundation Our World Fellowship.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSOIN: Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Professor, Author, Intellect
Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity

San Diego State University

J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity and Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University. Dr. Wood also serves as the Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for underserved students of color. Dr. Wood has delivered over 1,000 scholarly presentations and his research has been featured by NBC, New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, C-SPAN, and National Press Club. Dr. Wood has authored over 160 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 books.

Dr. Wood received his PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Black History and Politics from California State University, Sacramento. Luke is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

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Ms. Alika Kumar

Executive Director

Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

A Phoenix resident since 1980, Alika Kumar earned a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird, School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University. The Executive Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she has served in this important role since 2006. Alika’s business experience includes consulting for multinational companies conducting research and developing competitive business intelligence; analysis of market research to develop market entry strategies; positioning, and negotiation strategy; and, demand analysis to determine domestic and international markets in various industries. Alika is also an exhibiting Artist who is the proud Mother of three College graduates.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1: Closing the Pay Gap for Women

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Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change

Antioch University

Dr. Mitch Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership & Change at Antioch University, a Fulbright Scholar in organization development, and an organization development consultant nationally and internationally. Author of hundreds of articles and six business books, Mitch is most proud of his latest book, Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore: A Leader’s Guide to Offset the Financial and Emotional Cost of Toxic Employees. This book is truly a supportive tool and guide on how to design communities of respectful engagement that impact personal well-being, team performance, and organizational productivity.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

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Brenda Herrera Moreno

she/ella

Founder & Principal Activator

In.Visible Paradigms

Brenda is a anti-oppression practioner, consultant & facilitator.

Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts, Brenda identifies as a queer transnational woman of color.

After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as peer recovery coach.

Brenda built In.Visible Paradigms to support white allies in their connection to the work, community and movement of anti-oppression.

Her goal is to go beyond the basics and facilitate transformative spaces for white allies to move forward in the journey of turning silence into language and action (Audre Lorde).

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Kareem Neal

2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Restorative Justice Trainer

Phoenix Union High School District

Kareem Neal is a self-contained special education teacher in Phoenix, AZ. He has taught students with cognitive delays for 25 years. He is the recipient of the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year award, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to special education in Arizona. He is a 2019-2021 Understood Teacher Fellow. He is also on the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He helped pilot the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Mentorship program.

Kareem’s passion is connecting all students in schools, springing from his awareness that students with learning differences did not truly feel like members of their school communities. This led him to evaluate his own educational journey and how students in black communities often did not feel like education spaces were for them. He is now a restorative justice trainer for the Phoenix Union High School District. He focuses on building community through eliminating bias that comes from lack of connection with people who are different from each other. This work has led him to winning the Arizona Education Association’s Diversity Grant and the Maryvale Revitalization Committee’s Educator Excellence Award, and being named vice president of the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance.

Kareem’s academic journey was filled with adults who let him know that he was capable, which he attributes to being a lifetime learner. Too many students aren’t afforded that same opportunity, and Kareem is working tirelessly to change that.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Mr. Mark Curtis

News Anchor and Decorated Journalist

12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

Mark Curtis anchors 12 News at 5, 6, and 10 with Caribe Devine. Mark has been part of Team 12 for more than two decades. He is a decorated journalist, and has won 13 Emmys, a Murrow, and two AP awards for Best Anchor over the course of his career.

Mark made his first on air appearance in the Valley in June 1980. In those days, Mark traveled the country covering sports for 12 News. He remained with the station through 1987, when he and his pregnant wife, Abby, packed their bags for Minneapolis. There, he was the Sports Director at KSTP, the ABC affiliate, covering the Minnesota Twins’ run to the 1987 World Series. After three years in the Twin Cities, Mark moved to St. Louis where he worked as the main sportscaster as well as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball.

Mark and his family always wanted to return to Phoenix. In 1995 they did and Mark returned to 12 News, first as sports anchor, then moving to the news desk in 2004.

Over the course of his career, he’s covered many major stories, including two World Series and five different Olympic Games, including Sochi. Mark has been closely involved with 12 News’ political coverage as well, from Presidential primaries all the way through to inaugurations. In 2016, he traveled to the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump was elected. In 2018, Curtis field anchored special coverage of the funeral of Senator John McCain from Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Mark is proud of his story Becoming Rachel, chronicling the personal journey of Valley resident transitioning from a man to her true self – a woman.

Mark went to the University of Georgia and then graduated from American University. He is surrounded by Sun Devils. His wife Abby and all three of their children attended ASU. In his free time, Mark enjoys golfing and vegetable gardening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: “Racelighting” A Racial reckoning

Workshop #1

Closing the Pay Gap for Women

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30 – 2:00pm

It is reported that the average American female worker earns only .82 cents for every dollar the average male worker makes. Over one year after the looming coronavirus pandemic, women are still being paid less. According to the National Women’s Law Center, women have left the workforce to the tune of about 2.3 million women leaving since February of 2020. Women, especially those in our BIPOC and marginalized communities, are not okay and are stretched thin. Some have to down-shift their careers or leave altogether as they are usually the primary caregiver. The result has widened the gender-pay gap and erased years of progress in the workplace for women. In this critical and timely workshop, we will address how to rectify the pay gap for women with dignity, transparency, and an overarching desire to balance and level the long-term financial impacts this inequity has on women well into retirement.

Attendees can expect to walk away with understanding:

How Arizona women fair in the economic impact of wage disparity.

Why gender and race-based parity is critical to the overall health and success of women.

What moral and ethical steps need to be taken to create true equal access for women.

Workshop #2

Eroding Toxic Behaviors

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Building Workplaces of Respect, Dignity & Well-being

Creating safe and respectful workplaces takes more than lip service—it takes understanding and courage to address disrespectful, toxic behaviors in the form of bullying, shaming, and passive hostility. In these uncertain times of racial injustice, political divides, and pandemic polarities combined with disrespectful toxic behaviors, our own mental health and team performance can begin to erode. The recent and painful racial injustices that are happening nationwide further create anger, flared tempers, and appropriate outrage. In this important workshop, best-selling author, speaker, consultant, and professor, Dr. Mitch Kusy, engages top strategies for restoring our mental health by understanding why toxic behaviors persist and how to take control over what you have the power to influence. Dr. Kusy will present hard evidence from his research about intentional tools that will improve not only our own mindsets but will also provide key actions you can engage immediately to cultivate “everyday civility” in your work cultures.

Attendees can expect to walk away with understanding:

How to have a 3-part conversation to bring the right attention to those who engage in toxic behaviors.

How the 4-step apology works when we ourselves violate rules of respect.

How to integrate “values in vivo” in team meetings to make organizational values come alive.

Closing Session

Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

Friday, November 19 • 2:15 – 3:30pm

In this informative fireside chat, we explore the insidious nature of hate. What causes someone to feel so much hate, anger, and resentment towards others, that they demoralize, dehumanize, and in some extreme cases cause physical harm? The answer is fear. Fear of the unknown with people of a different color, race, religion, or gender identity. This critical dialogue explores how hate happens and whether it is taught, instinctual, or shaped by culture. An anti-racism approach to social justice is proactive and requires having tough and uncomfortable conversations that dismantle the oppressive structures across various systems. To move closer to becoming an Anti-racist nation, we must first take a mindful and intentional approach to acknowledge that hate exists and explore how it seeps into the subconscious, altering our definition of self and others. This critical conversation explores the question: Can you unlearn hatred?

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Mr. Grady Tripp

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

TEGNA Inc.

As chief diversity officer, Tripp will oversee attracting, retaining and growing diverse talent at all levels of the company, developing training programs to enhance awareness and accountability in diversity issues, facilitating the company’s racial diversity and inclusion employee working group and providing thought leadership to TEGNA colleagues and the media industry.

“TEGNA is proud of our diverse and inclusive culture, but we recognize we must be even more deliberate to ensure that our stations, newsrooms and people are a true reflection of the communities we serve,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Grady is a respected and trusted leader at TEGNA, and his extensive experience as a change agent makes him a natural fit to develop and drive our efforts to make meaningful change.”

Since joining TEGNA in 2017, Tripp has been an integral part of the company’s people and culture strategy. He currently leads strategy and execution for TEGNA’s talent acquisition team, in addition to leading a team of human resources professionals supporting television stations in 15 markets.

Tripp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance from Florida A&M University.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: Race & Inclusion in Media

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Anchor and Journalist

Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

Rachel McNeill anchors Today in AZ weekday mornings from 4:30 – 7 a.m., and contributes across all 12 News shows and platforms. Rachel joined 12 News in April 2019.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist, McNeill joined Team 12 from KPRC 2, the Houston NBC affiliate, where she anchored and reported for over 17 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Midland, Texas. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McNeill earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism.

During her career, Rachel has covered everything from the Newton School shootings and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, to the Sochi and Rio Olympic Games.

Committed to community service, Rachel volunteers her time with at-risk youth, and works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Dress for Success.

Born in Jamaica, McNeill moved to the Houston-area when she was 6 years old, after living in Galveston for two years.

She relocated to Arizona at the beginning of 2019 with her husband, Dr. Wayne Franklin, the co-director of the Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and their two sons, Hudson and Lionel.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

Presented by

2021 DLA CONFERENCE

(Now All Virtual)

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change… the dialogues continue!

Wednesday – Friday, November 17-19, 2021

$99 Individual Ticket

Conference Theme

2021 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Day One (Virtual) Wednesday, Nov 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Day Two (Virtual) Thursday, Nov 18

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE WELCOME

9:00-10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

4:00 – 6:00 pm

EMPLOYER RESOURCE SESSION

Day Three (Virtual) Friday, Nov 19

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE CLOSE

9:00 – 10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

ASL Interpreting and Captioning Services available at Conference in partnership with

Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters

Mr. Grady Tripp

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Ms. Tram Mai

Dr. Joel P. Martin

Mr. Lor Lee

Ms. Jennifer Brown

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Mr. Jason Sirois MPA

Dr. Kristie Jackson

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Ms. Alika Kumar

Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno

Dr. Jannah Scott

Mr. Kareem Neal

Mr. Mark Curtis

Our 2021 Partners

Change Agents

$20,000

Partner Level Sponsors

$10,000

Advocate Sponsors

$5,000

Additional Sponsors

SUPPORTER SPONSORS – $3,000

FRIENDS OF DLA – $1,000

“Without talking and truly trying to understand why people live a certain way, we are not going to be able to grow as a species.” Jackson Asante Whitaker 2020 DLA Youth Leader

Partnership Opportunities

2021 Annual Conference Partnership Levels

2021 Award Winners

Congrats to all of our nominees and winners!

2021 Youth Inclusion Leader

Guadalupe Martinez

2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Lois Brown

2021 Diversity Leader

Mini Salas

2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Ousama El-Hillal

2021 Diversity Leader

Dr. Versha Anderson

2021 Inclusive Workplace

APS

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change…
the dialogues continue!

Day One (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov 17

Day Two (Virtual)
Thursday, Nov 18

Day Three (Virtual)
Friday, Nov 19

“Without talking and truly trying to understand why people live a certain way, we are not going to be able to grow as a species.”
Jackson Asante Whitaker
2020 DLA Youth Leader

“We have to make strategic and intentional changes to create safe spaces for diverse communities.”
Kevina Devereaux
Manager, Workforce Development – Desert Botanical Gardens

Thursday, November 18
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Thursday, November 18
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 12:30 – 2:00 PM

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.