Speaker Description: Carissa Flores is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a certified instructor. She has been teaching self-defense for five years. She received her Gold Award in Girl Scouts for teaching 90 women and children self-defense hosted at Broomfield High School in 2016 and is honored to be back. Though she had always wished this was something that didn't have to be taught, she knows it is an important skill that must be.

Session Description: Just as important as it is to keep your minds engaged in women's issues so is it important to keep your bodies engaged. In this session, you will learn basic self-defense which will hopefully help you feel safer as a woman in our current society. 

Speaker Description: Serving as a constant reminder of strength within her community and ours, Bianka Emerson has done numerous things in her life. Currently, she is the Board President for Colorado Black Woman for Action, a nonprofit organization striving to nurture and push African-American Women and youth into the world of politics and social justice.  Aside from her feats of leadership within the organization, she has acted as Coalition Director for Biden Harris during his campaign in Colorado followed by her astounding work on President Barack Obama’s 2007 campaign as a supporting organizer.  Ms. Emerson has a wonderful range of work within politics and activism, involving her work towards healthcare public options, environmental justice, financial equity, and education services.  Her determination knows no bounds through her work in numerous campaigns within our local state government to more national matters. Even working as an event and organization organizer for nonprofits within the State.

Session Description: In Intersectionality in Political Advocacy, Bianka Emerson will be speaking about her experience as a Black Woman within the political world.  From her inspiration to her determination, she’ll dive into the world of Law and Politics, explaining what obstacles she faced on her road and what she has done to overcome them.  Speaking out about the experience she faced as a woman of color in the fields, providing guidance and advice to the youth who wished to follow in her footsteps.  Have thoughts about politics? advocacy? Law?  Bianka Emerson is ready to answer while providing the truth about her journey and work.

Speaker Description: In her first four years on City Council, Guyleen championed and supported the creation of thousands of new homes across the city at all income levels; worked closely with the community to create an expanded public safety strategy with the launch of the co-responder program and key investments in people and businesses for greater stability. Under her leadership, the City Council appointed the very first independent Board of Health and the Housing Authority. In her free time, she enjoys music, Pilates, paddle boarding, and taking advantage of all the amazing things Broomfield has to offer. 

Session Description: In this informative session, participants will hear about the inspiring life of Broomfield’s very own mayor, Guyleen Castriotta! First, they will hear about Mayor Castriotta’s life from her perspective; from the hardships, she has faced to the achievements she has accomplished. Attendees will not only hear Guyleen Castriotta’s inspiring story but will also hear about how she found confidence in her identity and how she supports the community around her. Then, the session will conclude with a Q&A session where participants will have the opportunity to ask Mayor Castriotta questions.

Speaker Description: Dr. Amy Pickens(she/her/hers) is the Director of Equity & Community Engagement for BVSD.  She works full-time supporting schools and school leaders with equity-focused school improvement and developing authentic partnerships with families and the community.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Bakersfield, a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Educational Studies, Innovation, and Reform, with a focus on social justice and equity in education. 

Session Description: Hear from lifelong diversity and inclusion advocate, Dr. Pickens. Dr. Pickens will explain the deep, harmful impacts of microaggressions and teach you how to combat them with positive, uplifting microaffirmations. By the end of this session, you will be able to answer three questions: What are microaggressions? What are microaffirmations? And how can I be a social advocate in my own community to fight against inequality?