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The conference speakers will include private and public sector thought leaders from multicultural communities who will create a renewed sense of international importance of individual and group involvement in strengthening America, community by community, business by business and leader by leader. A partial list of speakers includes the following:

Susan Allen National President & CEO US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation	Susan Au Allen came to the United States from Hong Kong on an invitation from the White House. She received her J.D. from the Antioch School of Law and an LL.M. in International Law from Georgetown University Law Center. After 17 years practicing immigration, international trade and investment law, she became the National President & CEO of US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Education Foundation in 2001. A strong and effective advocate for Asian American issues, she was named one of 25 Most Influential Asians in America by A-Magazine; and America’s Top Diversity Advocates along with President Clinton, President Carter and Oprah Winfrey by DiversityBusiness.com. More... Susan is a frequent guest at events in the White House, United States Senate and House of Representatives, organized to listen to America’s small, minority and women business communities. She plays an important role in helping to shape the national agenda on the economy. At the helm of USPAACC Education Foundation, she is the voice of Asian American business; and is published in USA Today, The Washington Times, The Baltimore Sun, Asian Week, Asian Fortune, among others. She has also appeared as a commentator on C-Span, CNN, CNBC, ABC, Fox News, "The News Hour," "To the Contrary," "This is America," and "The Editor." Less...
Donna Brazile Political Strategist & Contributor, CNN, ABC News NPR	Donna Brazile is one of the most admired and well-known political strategists today. She has worked on every presidential campaign since 1984, making history in 2000 as the first African American to lead a major one. Since running the Gore-Lieberman campaign, she was appointed to serve as chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute (VRI), and she is now vice chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee. She is also the founder and managing director of Brazile and Associates LLC, a public affairs and grassroots advocacy firm based in the District of Columbia. A dynamic speaker represented exclusively by Leading Authorities, Brazile uses her varied and diverse experience to address the current state of affairs, from public policy to the challenges facing the Obama administration, and drives points home with her consummate storytelling ability. More... Stirring the Political Pot. Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics, a memoir about her life in the political lions’ den. She is a nationally syndicated columnist, a weekly contributor and political contributor for CNN, a political consultant for ABC News, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, and a regular contributor to NPR’s Political Corner. In addition, Brazile writes a column for Roll Call newspaper and Ms. Magazine. She co-authored What We Do Now, a collection of essays recalling the 2004 presidential election, with 24 other influential pundits. Brazile currently serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She has served as a senior lecturer at the University of Maryland, resident fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics and as the Senator Wynona Lipman Chair at Rutgers University Center for American Women in Politics. Recently, Donna was appointed to serve on the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA)—which has been instrumental in helping guide the state’s rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Powerfully Influential, Powerfully Dedicated. Brazile is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Washingtonian magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, DC, Essence magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women in America, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Award for Political Achievement and Ebony’s 150 most influential African Americans in the country. In addition, Brazile was recently named one of “America’s Most Influential Liberals” compiled by The Daily Telegraph. Brazile fought her first political fight at age nine when she campaigned (successfully) for a city council candidate who promised a playground in her neighborhood. The day after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated; she committed her heart and her future to political and social activism, eventually working on the successful campaign to make his birthday a national holiday. She is a true trailblazer for encouraging youth involvement in politics and expanding American democracy Less...
Dr. Shakti Butler Executive Director World Trust Educational Services, Inc.	Shakti Butler is a multiracial African-American woman (African, Arawak Indian, and Russian-Jewish). Her work as a creative and visionary bridge builder has challenged and inspired learning for over twenty-one years. Dr. Butler is also the producer and director of the groundbreaking documentaries, The Way Home, Light in the Shadows and Mirrors of Privilege:Making Whiteness Visible, which is World Trust’s latest release. In 1994, as Executive Director of World Trust Educational Services, Inc., Dr. Butler designed and launched Heart to Heart Conversations™ a national program of public dialogue that has been reviewed on both local and national television. More... Her videos serve as catalysts for dialogue and set the context for constructive conversations on oppression through the lens of race. Shakti’s work moves conversations beyond black and white and speaks to the interconnectedness of racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia. Shakti is an inspirational facilitator, trainer and diversity scholar. A warm and compassionate person, she uses her ability to listen deeply while asking critical questions that support self-directed learning in others. Her work emerges from years of self-exploration, commitment to social justice and experience as a learner, lecturer and public speaker. Dr. Butler’s services are sought after by colleges, universities, public and private organizations, religious and spiritual institutions. Dr. Butler received her doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies in the School of Transformative Learning and Change. She holds an MA in Guidance and Counseling from Bank Street College of New York and graduated Magna Cum Laude from City College of New York. She is also a contributing author to The New Entrepreneurs, an anthology on new paradigm business practices and learning. Less...
Dr. Jennifer Wells China Director, Bonner Office of Community Service and Student Development Spelman College	Dr. China is Director of the Bonner Office of Community Service and Student Development at Spelman College. She has worked in the field of leadership and student development for over 20 years. Dr. China received a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas and a Masters Degree in Business Management from National University in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. More... She is a former Assistant Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policies at the University of South Carolina. Dr. China has taught graduate courses on Educational Change, Leadership, Human Resource Management and Business Communications. Her research interests include issues that impact leadership and student development, performance based funding in higher education, human resource management, and organizational development. Her professional career includes instructional and student service experience at both the community college and university levels. She is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. Less...
Dr. William Jelani Cobb Associate Professor of History Spelman College	William Jelani Cobb, Ph.D. is an associate professor of History at Spelman College. He specializes in post-Civil War African American history, 20th century American politics and the history of the Cold War. He served as a delegate and historian for the 5th Congressional District at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. He is a recipient of fellowships from the Fulbright and Ford Foundations. Dr. Cobb is also the author of "To The Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic" (NYU Press 2007) which was a finalist for the National Award for Arts Writing. His collection "The Devil & Dave Chappelle and Other Essays" (Thunder’s Mouth Press) was also published in 2007. He is editor of "The Essential Harold Cruse: A Reader," which was listed as a 2002 Notable Book of The Year by Black Issues Book Review. More... Born and raised in Queens, NY, he was educated at Jamaica High School, Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Rutgers University where he received his doctorate in American History under the supervision of Dr. David Levering Lewis in May 2003. Dr. Cobb has two forthcoming books: "In Our Lifetimes: Barack Obama and the New Black America" and a scholarly monograph titled "Antidote to Revolution: African American Anticommunism and the Struggle for Civil Rights, 1931-1957." His articles and essays have appeared in The Washington Post, Essence, Vibe, Emerge, The Progressive, The Washington City Paper, ONE Magazine, Ebony and TheRoot.com. He has contributed to a number of anthologies including In "Defense of Mumia," "Testimony," "Mending the World" and "Beats, Rhymes and Life." He has also been a featured commentator on National Public Radio, CNN, Al-Jazeera, CBS News and a number of other national broadcast outlets. He resides in Atlanta, Ga. Less...
Kimberly Davis Senior Vice President Global Philanthropy and President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation *Spelman College Graduate	Kimberly Davis is Senior Vice President, Global Philanthropy and President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. She is a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership Committee. Her responsibilities include overseeing the firm’s philanthropic activities globally, employee volunteerism and strategic corporate marketing programs. With over 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kimberly has held a wide range of responsibilities in both line and staff functions including, Senior Vice president & Director of Recruiting, Training & Development for Chase Manhattan’s Global Banking organization, Latin America Human Resources Executive, and Vice President & National Sales Manager, Private Banking. The combination of her academic training and corporate experience has provided her with a unique set of skills that have enabled her to assume a diverse career. More... Ms. Davis holds a degree in Economics/Finance from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She has completed ARC International’s Advanced Leadership Program and the Aspen Institute Executive Program. Her professional experiences comprise a rich and wide array of assignments; sales, marketing, product management, strategic planning and HR Development. She has been successful in all her endeavors and has effectively synthesized and integrated these professional experiences into the insightful and creative delivery of her current position. Kim is co-founder of Springboard, Partners in Cross-Cultural Leadership, a leadership education and consulting company committed to building highly diverse teams. Kim has a passion for the issues surrounding leadership for women, and because of this passion, she developed, designed and implemented a national leadership center in collaboration with Spelman College - Spelman LEADS, which focuses on the unique leadership issues for Women of Color. She is a trustee of Spelman College and the Kenan Institute at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She is on the board of The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). Ms. Davis has been a featured keynote speaker at numerous colleges and universities on “Leadership in the 21st Century”, guest lecturer at Smith College and a featured panelist at the Forbes’ Inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit. She has been featured in a number of publications, including The Business Journal’s 100 Most Influential Women, Black Enterprise, Forbes, and Pink Magazine. Kimberly is married to Attorney, St. Clair Davis. They have two children; Hilary and Jared. Less...
Alicia Diaz Director, Government Affairs & Legislative Policy Cuban American National Council Washington, DC	Alicia Diaz is an energetic professional with a dynamic personality and a strong commitment to public health and Latino communities. Alicia has recently returned to the non-profit sector to take over the position of Director of Government Affairs and Legislative Policy for the Cuban American National Council’s DC office, an office she launched in 2002 and guided through unprecedented expansion and growth for over three years. Prior to this, she served as Director for the Americas, in the Office of Global Health Affairs, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this position, Alicia represented the Department to other governments, other Federal Departments and agencies, and international organizations on Western Hemisphere affairs related to health. In her capacity, Alicia also contributed to the development of U.S. policy and strategy positions related to health issues in collaboration with other agencies. While in this position, Alicia worked with Dr. Joxel Garcia, former Deputy Director at the Pan American Health Organization, as his professional counterpart in issues and initiatives of Public Health in the Western Hemisphere. More... With her impeccable professional demeanor to her peers and the people she serves, Alicia has been able to combine her multidimensional set of skills and vast multi- sectorial experience into a parallel career as a private contractor focused on the development and execution of strategic expansion programs in the areas of health and education. With her strong communication skills and her ability to mobilize resources, she is able to create sustained outreach and partnership programs and move agendas forward. Alicia is fluent in English, Spanish and French and well versed in international health matters as well as domestic issues. Her knowledge transcends cultural, ethnic and political issues affecting health in the U.S. She understands well the intricacies of local, state and federal governments and international agencies. Alicia also held the position of Senior Associate at HMA Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC, where she served as Deputy Director of a national HIV prevention project, overseeing and managing an integrated marketing health communications project for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prior to her DC posts, Ms. Diaz served with distinction for 5 years as Director of New Jersey's Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development in the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs. The Center for Hispanic Policy is New Jersey's government primary policy and advocacy entity focused exclusively on the needs of the Latino community. It also offers college students an opportunity to enrich their college experience by participating in career opportunities in state government and private entities during a 10 week summer internship program. Born in Cuba, Ms. Diaz attended elementary school in Hudson County, New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University and holds a master's degree in Psychology and French. During her college years, she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She also attended the Universite Francois Rabelais, in Tours, France. Ms. Diaz is fluent in Spanish, English and French, and for twelve years, directed a study abroad program in Caen and Dijon, France. Ms. Diaz's accomplishments at the Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development were many. Under Ms. Diaz's initiative, the internship program expanded to include the private sector and graduate the largest class in its history. When in 1994, then Governor Christine Todd Whitman appointed Ms. Diaz as Director, she faced a tiny staff and limited resources. Ms. Diaz led the Center, which up to that point had a nominal existence, from anonymity to visible presence by developing and implementing some of the most pro-active and innovative initiative found anywhere. In particular, the establishment of the first ever Center's Corporate Partnership Board is regarded as a model for the nation. Its mission is to financially support the Center's programs. Under Ms. Diaz's leadership, the Center experienced unprecedented success and visibility. In 1994, it sponsored its first annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and instituted the "Excellence in Hispanic Leadership Award", observances that remain in effect to this day. In 1998, the award was presented to UNIVISION 41 for its 30 years of continuos programming. The event was held at the then-newly opened New Jersey Performing Arts Center, another first for the Center for Hispanic Policy. In 1995, the Center accomplished another first when Trenton welcomed and honored Latino legends, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz proclaiming September 19, 1995 Celia Cruz and Tito Puente Day in New Jersey. Later that year, the Center launched its highly acclaimed newsletter, MATICES, with up to the minute information concerning Latinos. This most popular and respected newsletter reaches close to 3,000 readers. Finally, in 1998 and in 1999, due to Ms. Diaz's unwavering and untiring efforts, the Center received supplemental appropriations of $5,000.000, the first increase to the Center in nine years! As a result, the first ever Office of Communications was established, as a support and training arm to the Hispanic Director's Association of New Jersey. Prior to her appointment as Director of the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development, Ms. Diaz spent most of her government career in the health area, with 9 years of service in the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. Ms. Diaz's efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored as the Woman of Inspiration by the Trenton YWCA and twice recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Diaz is a member of the Helping Angels, a volunteer professional women's organization, served as member of Fleet’s In-City Advisory Board and serves as Chairwoman of the National Latina Health Network Board, a national health women's non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. Ms. Diaz is a sought out public speaker whose thought provoking ideas and captivating style keep her speaking engagements in high demand. In 1999, Alicia Diaz became the host of "HISPANIC HORIZONS", a public affairs television show highlighting issues and concerns of Latinos in the New York/New Jersey region. The show airs the second Sunday of every month on UPN9/WWOR TV at 8:30am. Effective October 2005, Ms. Diaz left public affairs to pursue other interests in the area of television, mainly sports. WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID? “Alicia Diaz's real worth is her understanding that for whom much is given much is required. She has been bold in her vision and courageous in her advocacy”. Donna Scarano, President, D. Scarano & Associates, Livingston, New Jersey “Alicia is a deeply caring, dedicated human being, a trailblazer and innovator. She is a genuine inspiration to many because her inspiration is truly altruistic, her commitment to serving the public, exemplary, and her accomplishments, extraordinary”. Wanda Saez, Community Development, Wachovia Bank Alicia Diaz is in many ways the embodiment of the contemporary Latina: highly educated, confident and poised to lead. Less...
Deborah Dunagan Program Executive and Innovator IBM	Deborah Dunagan specializes in creating and implementing business transformations designed to enable organizations and industries to operate successfully in the emerging and changing marketplace of the 21st century. Ms. Dunagan’s work is specifically focused on building innovation and intellectual property capabilities, building learning organizations, enabling creativity in the workplace, enabling high performance organizations, aligning performance and learning strategies with business strategies, and building and sustaining environments that operate as eco-systems and enable innovation and creativity as part of the business strategy. Her work includes building capabilities through the integration of people, processes and technology to enable organizations to sense and respond to changes in the marketplace, reduce cycle times for learning and time to market activities and to build trust and social capital. More... Ms. Dunagan is an expert in Communities of Practice, learning organizations, issues management, knowledge management, organizational design and change, building innovation capabilities, business and cultural transformation and industry convergence. She has held several leadership positions since joining IBM in 1997. Most recently she has led the Adoption Center of Competence – Adoption & Change Center of Excellence, the Global Methods Program and the Global Community of Practice Program for IBM. These programs focused on business and individual performance enablement of IBM’s people and business strategies and the transformation of IBM’s business model to build and sustain new capabilities. Prior to joining IBM, Ms. Dunagan was the president and chief operating officer of the Reddy Corporation International, a strategic issues management organization providing strategic and competitive insights and intelligence to over 150 utility companies in 14 countries. Her career experience spans several major industries - the electric industry, telecommunications, the publishing industry, and the entertainment industry. Ms. Dunagan has developed and promoted the vision and concept of the “Nurturing Corporation,” “Tribal Management,” the “Electrimation Industry” - A new industry for the 21st century,” "The Global Media Network" and “Wave Marketing.” She has served as a speaker at key industry conferences in the US, Australia and Europe, and has published works on her vision as well as issues management, knowledge management, organizational change, industry convergence and competitive business issues. Ms. Dunagan’s most recent publication is about her work with Communities of Practice, including the art and thinking involved in assessing “living systems” and can be found in ”IBM Lessons Learned” - Knowledge Management: Systems Implementations: Lessons from the Silicon Valley – Publisher: Chandos Publishing Oxford Ltd – (July 2008). Less...
Anita Estell Shareholder Polsinelli Shughart PC	Anita R. Estell is a pioneer in the Washington, D.C. lobbying community as the first African American woman to become a principal at a major independent lobbying firm in 1993. At PSFS, Ms. Estell is responsible for client development and managing a broad spectrum of client issues, with a specific expertise in federal budget and appropriations policy, including programmatic areas of relevance to municipalities, transportation systems, urban school districts, corporate entities, predominantly and historically black colleges and universities, other institutions of higher education, national coalitions and select small nonprofits. More... Within the area of appropriations, Ms. Estell possesses a keen acumen for understanding, managing, influencing and implementing federal policy in a number of key areas, e.g. community development, criminal justice, defense, education (elementary, secondary and higher education), environment, minority health, HIV/AIDS, homeland security, international development, science and technology, transportation, workforce development and federal contracting/grant opportunities. Other strengths include facilitating public/private collaboratives and grassroots advocacy. Ms. Estell served as a Principal for 13 years at Van Scoyoc Associates. She also is a former Clinton appointee serving as Chief of Staff to Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole on the Clinton/Gore Transition Team and as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Richard Riley. While at the Department of Education, Ms. Estell coordinated the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the reauthorization of the Office of Education Research and Improvement. She also worked closely with the White House on several initiatives, including the Drug-Free/ Safe Schools and Empowerment Zone proposals. Prior to working with the Clinton Administration, Ms. Estell served on the House Appropriations Committee. She was appointed to that position in 1987 by Rep. Louis Stokes (D-Ohio) and served five years. In that capacity, Ms. Estell monitored and managed the VA-HUD-Independent Agencies and Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bills, as well as other legislative initiatives related to the budget and national security. Her portfolio included responsibility for more than $1 trillion in federal programs cutting across the federal spectrum. In addition to her experience in Congress and with the Clinton Administration, Ms. Estell spent her early years as an attorney practicing communications law at Gage & Tucker in Kansas City, Missouri, and the National Association of Broadcasters, located in Washington, D.C. She gained extensive experience in managing cases related to telecommunications policy, contract negotiation, minority ownership and First Amendment issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Ms. Estell worked as a reporter and anchor in both television and radio. She has provided pro bono consulting to a number of organizations, including the James Jordan Foundation, the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute and the Mark Twain Museum. Ms. Estell's "Political Watch" column appears regularly in Turning Point Magazine. Less...
Phyllis Haynes Marketing Partner, Inter-Change Consultants, Producer	Award winning television personality, producer, and former ABC Network News correspondent, Phyllis Haynes has motivated, trained and inspired thousands of people around the world and across the USA. She is currently the marketing partner for InterChange that consults to For-profit and not-for-profit organizations worldwide. Phyllis received an Emmy nomination, an award from the American Film Institute for her film “Aids: The Facts of Life” starring Susan Sarandon Phyllis Haynes is a leading authority on bottom-line communications, building lasting business relationships, and getting results! Phyllis Haynes is a partner and principal with Inter-Change Consultants and a specialist in communications including extensive knowledge on new communications issues and media application. More... She consults on cross-cultural issues for companies who wish to broaden their international exposure and understanding. She is an expert in marketing, public relations and community building through social media and mainstream media. Among her clients: NCAA, various athletic leaders, and charitable organizations, NECINA, Columbia University, AT&T,Verizon, Ernst &Young. Phyllis was invited by the European Union and the Hellenic Foundation to bring her work to the emerging marketplaces of Central and Eastern Europe. She also served as a professional specialist on the faculty of Emerson College in Boston. As a speaker, facilitator, trainer, and promotion wizard, Phyllis Haynes is in demand. Her knowledge of global media, new media technology and cross-cultural communication encompasses over 20 years of experience in television. She is well known as the former co-host of WOR-TV's "Straight Talk" and as a network correspondent for ABC's "Evening News with Peter Jennings" and "Good Morning America." Phyllis holds an M.A. from New York University in Political Science with a concentration in Asian and Russian Affairs. She is fluent in French and has a strong background in Russian. Less...
Rufina Hernandez Associate Director, External Partnerships National Education Association	Rufina A. Hernandez is the Associate Director of the External Partnerships and Advocacy Department at the National Education Association. She also served as the Director – Human and Civil Rights Department at NEA; The Executive Director – Latin American Research and Service Agency; the Executive Director of the State Bar of New Mexico; an Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Denver College of Law; and practiced law at the Legal Aid Society of Metro Denver. More... A licensed attorney in Colorado, she received her B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico and her Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University law Center. Ms. Hernandez practiced law for eight years specializing in Family Law, Public Utility Regulation and Consumer Protection. Ms. Hernandez is the recipient of the American Jewish Committee Professional Award; the National Council of La Raza Special Advocacy Award; the University of Denver Outstanding Staff Award; the American Jurisprudence Award for Academic Achievement in Corporate Law; and an Outstanding Young Woman of America. She is the past alumna of Leadership Denver, Class of 2001; Fellow in the American Society of Association Executives, Diversity Leadership Program, 2001; the American Jewish Committee “Project Interchange – Women Leaders”, U.S./Israel, Feb. 2000; and the National Hispana Leadership Institute, Class of 1992. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and the American Society of Association Executives. She is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Center for Law and Education and currently serves on the ABA Accreditation Committee and the International Women’s Forum Nominations Committee. Less...
Dr. Jamillah Karim Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Spelman College	Jamillah Karim is Assistant Professor in religion at Spelman College. She obtained her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at Duke University. She specializes in Islam in America, women and Islam, and race and immigration. She is author of the new book American Muslim Women: Negotiating Race, Class, and Gender within the Ummah, which explores relations between African American and South Asian immigrant Muslims in the United States. More... Karim has presented her research to several scholarly communities including Harvard, Princeton and Vanderbilt. She lectures frequently within Muslim communities. In her spare time, she contributes to Azizah, an American Muslim women’s magazine. Jamillah is originally from Atlanta, GA where she was raised in an active Muslim community. Less...
Cristina Lopez President National Hispana Leadership Institute	Cristina López is President of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, a national non-profit dedicated to developing Hispanas/Latinas as ethical leaders through training, professional development, relationship building and community and world activism. Ms López has broad experience in nonprofit management and in design and implementation of health, education, and leadership development programs, as well as policy analysis, with special emphasis on Latinos. She has a long history of working with women, farmworkers and immigrant-led groups. More... Because of her extensive work on immigration reform and attaining rights for immigrants in the U.S., she is a sought after spokesperson on the immigrant rights movement and has been interviewed by mainstream, ethnic and international media outlets such as USA TODAY, Washington Post, Telemundo, Univision, CNBC, CNN en Español, EFE, Agence France Press, and La Opinion, among others. She is a skilled facilitator and trainer. Fully bilingual and bicultural, Ms Lopez has worked in Latin America on education, health, and human trafficking programs as well as organizational development with a variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Prior to coming to NHLI, she served as Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Community Change (CCC), a national social justice organization that focuses on strengthening, connecting, and mobilizing grassroots groups and leaders to enhance their leadership, voice and power. Ms Lopez also served as Vice President of MOSAICA, a nonprofit multicultural organization that provides organizational development assistance to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and internationally; and Vice President for Institutional Development at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) where she managed four program areas: health, education, elderly, and leadership development. Ms. Lopez is an involved community activist and volunteer, and has served on numerous boards over the last two decades. She is currently on the board of AYUDA, an organization serving the low-income Latino and Immigrant communities in the Washington, D.C. area, especially victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Ms. López recently stepped off the board of Action Aid International USA, an organization that advocates reforms in US foreign and economic policies to fight poverty in the Global South. Of Cuban Heritage, she was born in Colombia, SA and raised in Florida. Ms. López has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa; and a Masters in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Less...
Frank McCloskey Vice President, Diversity Georgia Power	McCloskey serves as Vice President of Diversity for Georgia Power, an investor-owned electric utility that is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company. Southern Company is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States. In this position, Mr. McCloskey oversees the development and implementation of strategies which improve leadership, work culture and where diversity is leveraged to support the Company’s business goals. He chairs the Company’s Affinity Group Review Board, responsible for reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of affinity groups. He serves as a Company Review Officer, with binding decision authority of formal employee complaints as part of an alternative dispute resolution process. Prior to this position, Mr. McCloskey was the Atlanta Region Manager from 1993 to 2000, the Buckhead District Manager from 1988 to 1993, and from 1986 to 1988, he was assistant to the Executive Vice President for division and land operations. More... Since beginning his career with Georgia Power in 1972, Mr. McCloskey has held various marketing and supervisory positions in district, division and corporate locations. He is past chair of the Atlanta Urban League, the Leadership Atlanta board of directors and president of the Korea-Southeast United States Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of various organizations including the Conference Board’s Council of Diversity Executives, the Diversity Leadership Forum, Profiles in Diversity Journal Advisory Board, the Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics, the Anti-Defamation League’s Board of Directors, Men Stopping Violence Board of Directors and the NAACP. He is a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Academy of Atlanta, the Regional Leadership Institute and is past president of the Buckhead Business Association. Mr. McCloskey is a former trustee of the Georgia Tech National Alumni Association. Mr. McCloskey earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech. While at Georgia Tech, Frank was a football letter winner from 1968-1971. A longtime Atlanta resident, he is a graduate of the Marist School. Mr. McCloskey also completed Emory University’s Advanced Management Program in 1991. In 2005, he and his wife participated in the March of the Living, an international, educational program that brings young adults from all over the world to learn the lessons of the Holocaust through visits to Poland and Israel. He also participated during 2006 in a World Pilgrimage with Jewish, Christian and Muslim clergy and community leaders from Atlanta to Turkey and Greece. The purpose was to find common ground, understanding and respect between the three faith communities. Mr. McCloskey is married, has two children and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located in Atlanta. Less...
Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan District 39 Georgia House of Representatives	A courageous champion for justice, equality and empowering communities, Morgan made history in November 2002 by becoming the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives for Cobb County, and in November 2008 was elected to her fourth term. At age 30, Morgan remains the youngest female member of the entire Georgia General Assembly. A powerful political voice, inspirational speaker & empowering trainer, Morgan is one of today’s trailblazing architects for change. Morgan has spent her life building bridges between “real people” and the political process, educating citizens with her intrepid zeal and activism. Morgan began constructing change through the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) at the age of fourteen, which led her to become president of her college NAACP chapter, and eventually President of the Georgia NAACP State Youth and College Division. More... As a member of the House of Representatives, Morgan serves on the Children and Youth, Education, Health & Human Services and Governmental Affairs Committees. Morgan also helped develop the Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, a national non-profit program dedicated to connecting and supporting progressive elected leaders under the age of 35. The consummate servant, Morgan empowers people to become the change they wish to see. Morgan has gained noteworthy praise from colleagues and national advocacy organizations, receiving a multitude of leadership awards including the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus’ “2008 Legislator of the Year,” the Joe Mack Wilson “People’s Champion Award” from the Cobb Democratic party and the “Excellence in Service” award by the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund. Morgan has received additional honors from the Concerned Black Clergy, the Cobb County Association of Educators, and the Anti-Defamation League. Nationally-recognized for her accomplishments as a civic leader, Morgan was named one of the Nation’s 30 Leaders who are under 30 in Ebony Magazine. She was further distinguished as one of “America’s Young Civil Rights Heroes,” by AOL Black Voices, one of fifteen women of the “New Power Generation” by Essence Magazine, and one of Georgia’s brightest 40 under 40 by both Georgia Trend Magazine and the Georgia Informer. Morgan has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and on both CSPAN and BET. As a motivational speaker, Morgan is acclaimed for her fiery and truth telling social and political commentary, passionate delivery and unique ability to move people to action. Her list of notable clients include the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA), University of Texas at Corpus Christi, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (Washington, DC), Harvard University Black Policy Conference (Cambridge, MA), the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, Center for American Progress, Young Democrats of America, and the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Morgan has recently undertaken a new venture and plans to release No Apologies: Powerful Lessons in Love, Life and Politics in fall 2009, her debut book based upon her unapologetic philosophy on belief in oneself. In addition, she is also launching Morganics, a people services company that focuses on motivational speaking and advocacy training. Morgan is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. She resides in Austell, GA with husband David, a member of the Cobb County school board, and daughter Lailah. Utilizing her mission of engagement and empowerment, Morgan strives to encourage others to be extraordinary. Less...
Kwabena Nkromo Chair, City of Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit–T (West End)	Kwabena Nkromo began his interest in agriculture through the work of social justice and change, particularly as it relates to the food needs of the African continent. His conventional studies were in Plant & Soil Sciences and Agricultural Economics at both Tuskegee and Clemson Universities, before discovering the alternative path of urban agriculture and organic farming in 1997. As Director of the Urban Agriculture Program for the neighborhood based non-profit Creating Vibrant Communities Inc, he founded CVC Urban Farms that is working to develop10 acres of land under intensive food production in the West End area of Southwest Atlanta. More... Kwabena is also the recently re-elected Chair of Neighborhood Planning Unit T (NPU-T), a citizen advisory council in Southwest Atlanta that makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on zoning, land use, and other planning issues. His civic leadership has including the establishing the NPU-T Community Food Project, which envisions a fully integrated local food system that would provide healthy, natural food and economic development for the residents of NPU-T's neighborhoods and beyond. He is employed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation with the Atlanta Civic Site as a Community Builder and the proud father of his two children Kwesi and Issata. Less...
Michelle Nunn Founder & CEO Hands on Network/Points of Light	Michelle Nunn is President and CEO of Points of Light Institute and Co-founder of Hands On Network. Prior to co-founding, Hands On Network, Michelle was the founding director of Hands On Atlanta, a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families, corporate and community groups find flexible volunteer opportunities at over 400 service organizations and schools. From her initial leadership as Hands On Atlanta’s first staff person, Michelle has played a central role in the growth of a national movement that became Hands On Network with a membership of more than 68 affiliate organizations across the country and around the globe – all based on the same “Hands On” model of service that started with three founding affiliates in Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C Michelle currently serves on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. More... She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Virginia in 1989. She has studied at Oxford University and in India. She was a Kellogg National Fellow and has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She has also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Oglethorpe University. Less...
Dr. N. Joyce Payne Member, Board of Directors & Chair, Foundation Board, AARP	N. Joyce Payne, Ed.D., of Washington, DC, is a member of the AARP Board of Directors, Class of 2010. She currently serves on the Board Audit and Finance Committee and is chair of the Board of the AARP Foundation. She also served as a member of the Board Audit and Finance Committee and the AARP Foundation Board during the 2006-2008 biennium, and was a member of the Board Membership Committee during the 2004-2006 biennium. Prior to retirement, Dr. Payne was vice president of human resources and minority programs for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. In that capacity, she was responsible for congressional and federal relations and developing initiatives that contributed to the advancement of public historically black universities. She previously was president of Global Systems, Inc., and held positions on the White House Conference on Families and the President's Advisory Council on Women's Education. More... Dr. Payne served as chair of the board of trustees of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), coordinated congressional relations for the UDC Coalition, and chaired the political action committee for the DC chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women. She was appointed to the U.S. Department of State's Council on Equality in the Workplace by former Secretary Warren M. Christopher and served on the Kellogg Foundation's Task Force on African American Boys and Men. Dr. Payne founded the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which she considers her greatest achievement, and serves as chair of its nominating committee. To date, the Fund has awarded over $50 million in scholarship assistance and capacity building support. Dr. Payne also founded and chairs the board of directors for the G. James Gholson Endowment Fund. Among her numerous honors, Dr. Payne received honorary doctorate degrees from Lincoln University and the University of the District of Columbia, a Presidential Leadership Award from Delaware State University, and a fellowship from the Ford Foundation. Dr. Payne earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in education from Atlanta University. Less...
Scarlet Pressley-Brown Director of External Affairs & Community Relations Delta Air Lines & Vice President Delta Air Lines Foundation	Scarlet Pressley-Brown is Director of External Affairs & Community Relations at Delta Air Lines and Vice President of the Delta Air Lines Foundation. Joining Delta in June 2000, she has managed Delta’s presence in the community, establishing the company as a leading corporate citizen. Prior to Delta, Ms. Pressley-Brown spent six years with the East Lake Community Foundation as director of Community Affairs successfully restoring and revitalizing the historic East Lake Golf Course community. The restoration included the establishment and opening of Drew Charter School, Atlanta’s first Charter School. More... Ms. Pressley-Brown has received numerous awards: the “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” Award presented by the Secretary of State, the Atlanta Business League named Mrs. Pressley-Brown one of “Atlanta’s Top Black Women of Influence” in 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009, and The Trumpet Awards Foundation presented her the “High Heels in High Places Award in 2007. The February 2006 issue of the Atlanta Tribune featured Scarlet and husband, Wendell, as one of Atlanta’s “Power Couples” and the Atlanta Urban League Guild recognized each of them with the “Transportation Achievement” Award. Mrs. Pressley-Brown has received the Outstanding Community Service Award from SCLC Women’s and the Excellence in Business Award from the Interdenominational Theological Center. Ms. Pressley-Brown received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and her MBA from University of Phoenix. She is on the board of directors for the Atlanta Business League, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Atlanta Medical Association, and the Advisory Council of Ron Clark Academy. She is a member of the National Black MBA Association, the Clark Atlanta Guild, the American Institute for Managing Diversity, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and is a proud graduate of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2008. Scarlet and Wendell have five children, two son-in-law’s: Wendell, Jr., April Partridge (Kenya), Amber French (Jason), Kiesha, Dexter and one granddaughter – Ryan Michelle French. Less...
Shaun Robinson Author, Magazine Columnist & Emmy Award-winning Journalist, Access Hollywood & TV One Access *Spelman College Graduate	Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-host and correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news show, "Access Hollywood". Ms. Robinson is also the author of the new book, "Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today’s Girls on What it Takes to Believe in Yourself". Born out of Robinson’s passion to help girls be more comfortable in their own skin and become tomorrow’s leaders, "Exactly As I Am" is the collected wisdom of both superstar women and everyday teenagers on building self-esteem. Ms. Robinson has contributed reports to the Today Show, MSNBC, CNN, and NBC Nightly News, and been a panel guest on "Larry King Live". She also served as a guest co-host on "The View." More... She has co-hosted the official Pre-Shows for the Academy Awards (2008, 2006, 2005, 2003) and the Golden Globe Awards (2007, 2006, 2002). She has served as a presenter for the ‘Latin Grammy’s, ‘Soul Train Music Awards’, ‘Stellar Gospel Awards’, ‘Lady of Soul Awards’ and UNCF’s “An Evening of Stars” celebration. In addition, Robinson has co-hosted coverage of NBC's coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade (2004), the Hollywood segment of the UNICEF Telethon, and the ShoWest Awards (2005) and Miss Teen USA (2006). Ms. Robinson’s live coverage of "A Grand Night in Harlem" for the Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame garnered her an Emmy award. She is proud to be the premier host of ‘TV One Access’, a show that takes viewers behind the velvet rope for an inside look at Who's Who in Black Hollywood. One of the highlights of Robinson’s career was traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa where she covered the opening of Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Leadership Academy for Girls’. She has been able to show her acting skills on both television and film. Her credits include, ‘Bruce Almighty’, ‘America's Sweethearts’, ‘Dr. Dolittle 2’, ‘Law & Order’, ‘MONK’, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’, ‘DIRT’, ‘Charmed’, ‘She Spies’, ‘The Parkers, ‘The Proud Family, ‘Half & Half’, ‘Days of our Lives’, and ‘Any Day Now’. Ms. Robinson has been featured on the magazine pages of In Style, Self, Essence, Ebony, Cosmo, US Weekly, People, Life & Style, Ok!, Vibe, Heart & Soul, and Precious Times. She has been a featured columnist for Essence.com, Cosmo, and a guest editor for DOVE’S Campaign for Real Beauty. Before joining the world of entertainment, Robinson was an anchor and reporter for WSVN-TV in Miami, Florida where she anchored coverage of the Clinton Impeachment hearings and Hurricane Georges that devastated the Florida Keys. One of her most memorable and heart-wrenching experiences during her tenure was traveling to Oklahoma to profile survivors and the families of loved ones lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. Prior to moving to Miami, Robinson was an anchor and reporter for KEYE-TV in Austin, Texas where she earned an "American Women in Radio and Television" award for her series on "Profiles in Power", focusing on women who made an impact in Central Texas. She also earned critical praise for her reporting from the notorious Huntsville Prison where she interviewed inmates on death row and examined the medical costs involved in the treatment of elderly prisoners. Earlier, Robinson's professional television career took her to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and WISN-TV where she worked as the weekend anchor and medical reporter. She earned an Associated Press Award for her series, "Women and Cancer". She was also the host of “Milwaukee’s Talking” where topics ranged from fashion shows to the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer murders that occurred not far from the television station where she worked. Off the red carpet, Robinson devotes her time to many charitable organizations including being named to the board of Girls, Inc., which inspires all girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” She served as the official spokesperson for the Los Angeles County "Share Your Heart, Share Your Home" program that helps find permanent homes for minority children waiting for adoption. She has also dedicated her time to JumpStart; the national literacy organization aimed at making sure every child in America enters school ready to succeed. Ms. Robinson is a native of Detroit, Michigan and a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta. Less...
Jamal Simmons Political Analyst/ TV Commentator President, New Future Communications, LLC	Jamal Simmons emerged from the 2008 election as one of the new young voices in the world of political analysis. With an extensive background in Democratic politics and international affairs, he was a strong supporter of Barack Obama’s campaign and became a fixture on CNN’s political coverage, where his entertaining and pithy opinions distinguished him as one of freshest commentators in the media. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities, Jamal Simmons understands the changes going on in Washington and delivers a new, fresh democratic perspective on today’s biggest issues in presentations that both entertain and inform. More... Politics from the Grassroots and Up. Simmons got his start in presidential politics traveling with candidate Bill Clinton during his successful 1992 campaign and was a political appointee during the first Clinton Administration. In 2000, he was a communications aide for Vice President Al Gore during his presidential campaign and served as a Gore spokesman in West Palm Beach, Florida, during the recount. He has also served as traveling press secretary to two presidential candidates, communications director for a U.S. Senator, chief of staff to a member of Congress, and media advisor to a successful congressional campaign in 2006. Simmons was an advisor to Nevada Democrats, the Democratic National Committee, and the Obama/Biden Campaign for the 2008 election. Political Analysis with a Global Perspective. Simmons coordinated logistics for the Clinton White House in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, and has represented major corporations in China and Latin America. He worked on the We Are the Future charity concert with Quincy Jones in Rome in 2004 and Al Gore’s Live Earth concert in Hamburg, Germany in 2007. He has also traveled abroad with the French American Foundation and German Marshall Fund and is a former term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. More about Jamal Simmons. A graduate of Morehouse College, Simmons received a masters in public policy degree from Harvard University and is currently the president of New Future Communications, a Washington, DC, based consulting firm. Simmons is a regular contributor to the Politico and his views and opinions have been featured in major publications such as GQ Magazine, the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and USA Today and on CNN, MSNBC, and the Fox News Channel. Less...
Dr. Jane Smith Executive Director Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Spelman College *Spelman College Graduate	Jane E. Smith is an accomplished educator and nonprofit executive. Since 2004, she has served as the executive director of the Spelman College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (LEADS at Spelman College). Prior to joining LEADS, Dr. Smith held leadership and executive positions at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, INROADS Inc. and The Carter Center. Previously, she served as president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women and CEO of Business and Professional Women/USA. Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized thought leader and speaker (Jane Smith Speaks!) who delivers keynote presentations on leadership development, life-long learning and civic engagement. She is currently working on her first book, "A Call to Leadership." More... Dr. Smith’s career includes membership on numerous boards: Delta Air Lines Board of Curators; The American Institute for Public Service; “To The Contrary,” a nationally syndicated television program; The University of the District of Columbia; Knoxville College; Higher Education Resource Services; and the United States Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a member of the National Judging Panel for the National Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and as a judge for Lifetime Television’s Lifetime Achievement Awards. Currently, she is an advisory board member of the Women’s Leadership Exchange, the Center for Women’s Business Research and the Alliance for Digital Equality. Dr. Smith was appointed by former President William Jefferson Clinton to the National Women’s Business Council and by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the United Nations Beijing Plus Five Conference delegation. She is a member of the International and Georgia Women’s Forums and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is also a fellow of the American Council on Education. Dr. Smith holds a doctorate in social policy analysis from Harvard University, a master’s degree in sociology from Emory University, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Spelman College, and two honorary doctorates. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Smith has received many awards of distinction and recognitions for exemplary service including the Johnnetta B. Cole Achievement Award, the Emory University Alumni Medal, the American Association of University Women’s Woman of Distinction Award, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Roy Wilkins Award, and the National Council of Negro Women’s Presidents Award. Additionally, she has received recognition from leading national magazines. Dr. Smith is a proud member of the “baby boomer” generation and has two sons and four grandchildren. Less...
Hiroko Tatebe Founder and Executive Director, Global Organization for Leadership and Diversity	Hiroko Tatebe is founder and executive director of Global Organization for Leadership and Diversity, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing global women leaders and building bridges across the Pacific. Tatebe oversees program development and is responsible for all aspects of operating the organization. More... Tatebe is active in many professional and community organizations. Her honors include "Outstanding Business Woman of the Year" from the Los Angeles Chapter of Women in Business and an "Affiliated Businesswomen Member of the Year" from the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. A native of Tokyo, Japan, Tatebe received her B.A. degree from Whittier College and a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at the Bank Administration Institute. She holds a Certified Financial Planner designation Less...
Dr. Beverly D. Tatum President Spelman College	When Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum became the ninth president of Spelman College in 2002, she set an expectation that Spelman College would be recognized as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country – a place where young women of African descent could say, "This place was built for me and it is nothing less than the best!" With her creative energy focused on five strategic goals – Academic Excellence, Leadership Development, Improving our Environment, Visibility of our Achievements, and Exemplary Customer Service (collectively known as Spelman ALIVE), Spelman College has experienced great growth. Spelman is now widely recognized as one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the nation. Applications have increased more than 40% in the last six years, making Spelman one of the most selective women’s colleges in the United States. More... During her tenure, the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (LEADS) was created and its annual Women of Color Leadership Conference established as a national professional development resource. The curriculum has expanded to include Chinese language instruction, and in 2008, the Gordon-Zeto Fund for International Initiatives was established with a gift of $17,000,000, increasing opportunities for international travel for students and faculty as well as providing additional financial aid for international students. Overall, scholarship support for Spelman students has virtually doubled since 2002, and opportunities for faculty research and development have expanded significantly. Through the Every Woman, Every Year Initiative launched in 2006, alumnae support of the annual fund has also doubled and continues to rise. Campus improvements include the award-winning renovation of three historic buildings and campus expansion, including newly acquired office space and the 2008 completion of a new “green” residence hall, increasing housing capacity on the campus by more than 25% and establishing the campus commitment to environmental sustainability for the 21 st century. In addition to being an accomplished administrator, Dr. Tatum is widely recognized as a scholar, teacher, race relations expert and leader in higher education. A clinical psychologist by training, her areas of research include racial identity development, and the role of race in the classroom. The recipient of numerous honorary degrees, in 2005 Dr. Tatum was awarded the prestigious Brock International Prize in Education for her innovative leadership in the field. Her best-selling titles include "Can We Talk About Race? And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation" (2007) and "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race" (1997). She is also the author of "Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a White Community" (1987). Actively involved in the Atlanta community, Dr. Tatum is a member of several boards including the Executive Committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Community Foundation of Atlanta, and is the co-chair of the Early Education Commission of the United Way. A member of the President’s Advisory Board for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Dr. Tatum also serves on national boards including the Institute for International Education and the Council of Independent Colleges. She is a former trustee of Wesleyan University, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and past chair of the American Council on Education Commission on Racial and Ethnic Equity in Education. She also serves on the Georgia Power corporate board of directors. Dr. Tatum earned a B.A. degree in psychology from Wesleyan University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from University of Michigan. She also holds a M.A. in Religious Studies from Hartford Seminary. She has served as a faculty member at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Westfield State College, and Mount Holyoke College, where she also served as dean and acting president. President Tatum is married to Dr. Travis Tatum, a retired college professor; they are the parents of two adult sons. Less...
Beverly Wright Former Five-term Chairperson, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head/Aquinnah	As the chief elected official and chairperson of an 11-member Tribal Council, Beverly Wright maintained the integrity and goals of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head/Aquinnah as per the Tribal Constitution. She served as chairperson from 1991 to 2005, and was the chief negotiating official with all federal, state and contracting agencies, other Tribes or Tribal organizations, and any other legal entities wishing to enter into agreements with the Tribe. Under her term as chairperson, Ms. Wright saw the Wampanoag Tribe through the process of becoming self-governing with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service. Ms. Wright continues to be involved in Indian issues for the betterment of her Tribe and all Native people. Ms Wright is currently the President of Soaring Feather LLC (which is an American Indian Consulting firm) and a Board Member of Aquinnah Cultural Center. Less...
Elizabeth Miu-Lan Young Co-Founder Inter-Change Consultants	Elizabeth Miu-Lan Young co-founded Inter-Change Consultants in 1987. She is a specialist in multicultural diversity training focusing on Asian issues at work. She has been active in the New York City Asian Community for the past 30 years. She was one of the founders of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center in NYC (formerly the Chinatown Health Clinic). She taught the pilot Asian American Experience course at Hunter College and the University of Southern California. Young served as the first Director of Project Reach - a program working with Chinatown street gangs. She also worked in a garment sweatshop to better understand the immigrant experience. She was a senior research associate with an Affirmative Action consulting firm headed by Dr. Kenneth Clark. More... Young has presented "Political Savvy" and "Kick Butt!! Just Not Your Own" workshops for affinity groups of color at Lucent Technologies and Verizon. She has co-facilitated similar courses in Hong Kong and Jakarta and provided cross-cultural teambuilding and civil-capacity in East Timor. She is a member of Asian Women in Business and has served on the faculty of Asian Pacific American Women Leadership Institute (APAWLI), where she conducted "Fending Off Culture Clash." She has also trained administrators, faculty and students in cultural competencies at Fashion Institute of Technology’s Small Business Center, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, New York University, Princeton, the University of Connecticut, Brown University and new graduate students at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and new medical/dental students at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Over the past seven years for the NCAA, Young has co-facilitated the weeklong Leadership Intensive Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minorities and Division III’s groundbreaking Ethnic Minority and Women Internship Program joint orientation for interns, their supervisors and mentors. She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and has received extensive training in Organizational Development. Less...