Speakers and Facilitators

Elijah Goss and Elias Goss

The Goss Twins are storytellers, filmmakers, and media creators whose work centers on amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring themes of identity, equity, and social impact. Through their platform, Goss Twins Media, they produce films and digital content that blend humor, education, and advocacy to spark meaningful dialogue. Their work fosters deeper understanding and connection across communities.

At SDLG, the Goss Twins will serve as the Firestarter for the day. They will ignite and activate the day with an inspiring piece of performative storytelling called “The Seed.” In the afternoon, they will facilitate a session in which students will create and perform their own “I Am” poems and then guide students to create their own creations.

Dr. Walter Greason

Dr. Walter Greason is a historian and educator currently serving as a professor at Macalester College, where his work centers on urban history, social movements, and the intersections of race, space, and policy. He is widely recognized for his innovative scholarship and public engagement, including projects that use digital media and storytelling to illuminate historical and contemporary issues.

His work has expanded to include collaborative initiatives that connect academic research with community-based efforts, advancing conversations about equity, justice, and the future of democratic societies.

At SDLG, Dr. Greason will give the keynote message in the morning and speak about the power of community in responding to moments of crisis and challenge. He will also help facilitate the afternoon session with Walidah Justice.

Antonio López

Antonio López is an educator, scholar, and community leader whose work explores literature, culture, and the role of storytelling in shaping community and identity. He brings a strong focus on civic engagement and community leadership, helping students and educators connect their personal narratives to broader social contexts. He currently serves as the Poet Laureate of East San José, using his platform to amplify community voices and foster connection.

As a 2025–2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader, Mr. López advances community-centered work through his role as Associate Director of Research and Advocacy at Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting farmworkers, immigrant families, and the broader Coastside community through culturally rooted mental health, education, arts, and advocacy programs.

At SDLG, Mr. López will offer a workshop for upper school students and faculty and staff titled “Immigration Is a Public Health Issue.” He will also serve as the closing speaker, reflecting on the power of storytelling and artistry in creating social change.

Walidah Justice

Walidah Justice is the Chief Community Life and Well-Being Officer at Kent Place School, where she leads work focused on belonging, equity, and student well-being. She brings more than two decades of experience in K–16 education, including leadership roles at Episcopal Academy and earlier work at Villanova University in admissions, multicultural affairs, and student development. A graduate of Villanova University, she is known for creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

At SDLG, she will serve as the lead facilitator for the faculty and staff sessions. In the afternoon, Dr. Walter Greason will join Ms. Justice as a co-facilitator.

Preston Pollard

Preston Pollard is a former professional skateboarder turned motivational speaker from Alaska who helps students build resilience, confidence, and purpose. He is the founder of Push Forward, an organization dedicated to empowering young people through storytelling, mentorship, and community-based experiences that foster belonging and personal growth. Through his work, Preston inspires students to see their challenges as opportunities and to take meaningful action in their communities.

At SDLG, he will offer a workshop for upper school students and faculty and staff, sharing how he partnered with a Native Alaskan community to restore a youth center and support cultural preservation—offering a real-world example of community-centered leadership. In the afternoon, he will work with all middle school students on the Belonging Challenge, helping bring their SDLG experience to a meaningful close.

Dr. Abigail Joseph

Dr. Abigail Joseph holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz and a degree from Princeton University. She spent over two decades teaching and leading in independent schools, designing innovative and inclusive learning experiences. She currently works as an instructor for the Oracle Education Foundation.

In addition to her work in education, Dr. Joseph is an innovation coach and creativity consultant who helps individuals and teams turn ideas into meaningful action. Through her workshops and programs, she supports people in building creative confidence to bring their ideas to life and overcome burnout using simple, human-centered approaches to innovation.

At SDLG, she will be facilitating a workshop for all middle school students in the morning called "Finding your voice:  Identity and Impact", and she will also host a lunchtime wellness activity called "Coloring and Conversations."

Angela Fisher

Angela Fisher is a career educator specializing in culturally responsive teaching, student voice, and building inclusive, empathetic school communities. Through thoughtful curriculum design, culturally responsive practice, and open communication with students and faculty, she supports schools in creating environments where both students and educators can thrive.

At SDLG, Ms. Fisher will lead a workshop for all middle school students titled “Just Joking.” In this session, students will explore the impact of humor, build empathy, and learn to navigate the line between joking and harm.