Connect with Me

“At the Kitchen Table: Courageous Leadership and Equitable Practices Through Partnership and Collaboration"

How does courageous leadership and equitable practices look in the most common of places? Like education and other learned behaviors, it begins well before you enter into a formalized setting. The kitchen table, if you will, is the place where many begin to learn and practice many of the ideas behind taking leadership, speaking up for themselves, presenting challenges and brainstorming solutions to those challenges. It is in the relationships you build in that space as well as the trust and understanding that is developed in that very space. Allow me to welcome you to my “kitchen table” and share how courageous leadership, equitable practices, support, trust, and communication work together to make a more equitable space. 

“You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: Using the Periodic Table of Banned Books as a Catalyst for Inclusion and Diverse Representation in Libraries”

Promote the freedom to read while engaging with diverse, contemporary young readers! This presentation showcases how two departments with a shared vision collaborated on an extraordinary, large-scale project which included a permanent, interactive, flexible display in a community college library; a freestanding website; and several literary events. Participants will hear about successes and challenges in the creation and implementation of this project, and will take away tools to help them explore using banned books as a catalyst for inclusion and diverse representation in a variety of library settings. 

"Who Am I?/I Am But I’m Not"

Combining two inclusion workshops to illustrate the importance of connecting with our peers and our students (who may be from different cultures, backgrounds than our own) to create a greater sense of community and belonging. This workshop also helps break down misconceptions and stereotypes and allow individuals to address the stereotypes behind these identifying factors.

"Notes on Equity: Reflections on Equity in Practice"

Reflecting on my role as an Equity leader and on all the places I have worked, people I have interacted with and experiences that lead me to becoming an advocate for equity and inclusiveness. This talk shares real life experiences of triumphs and challenges and ultimately what led me to create some notes for leaders to consider and to process when stepping into equity leadership roles.

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"All are Welcome, All are Welcomed: Building relationships and cultivating intentional spaces of belonging for students”

This workshop helps participants explore strategies for fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the classroom. They will learn how building strong relationships with students and encouraging connections among students can enhance the classroom climate, improve student engagement, and create a supportive learning environment.

Part Two: Recognizing Influence and Fostering Engagement

"All Are Welcome, All Are Welcomed: Building Connections and Creating Culturally Relevant Classrooms"

This second workshop expands on fostering belonging by highlighting the educator’s role in creating a positive, culturally responsive climate. Participants will explore the power of engagement and how their influence as educators shapes student experiences. Through strategies to cultivate connections and culturally relevant practices, educators will learn how to empower students, celebrate diversity, and build classrooms that inspire active participation and mutual respect. This session emphasizes intentional relationship-building to create an inclusive and dynamic school environment.

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The Equity in Action: From Understanding to Building Equitable and Inclusive School Cultures 

This workshop empowers educators to move beyond awareness and actively foster equity in their schools. Through reflection, practical strategies, and collaborative activities, this workshop aims to deepen educators' understanding of equity and its impact on student success. Participants will explore ways to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that value diversity, promote belonging, and build a school culture where every student feels seen, respected, and empowered.

Belonging in Action: Addressing Bias with Restorative Solutions

In this workshop participants will explore how restorative practices can foster a culture of belonging in diverse school environments. The workshop aims to equip school leaders and educators with practical tools to recognize and address bias while helping them develop strategies for fostering inclusivity in the classroom. Participants will learn how building strong relationships with students and encouraging connections among them can enhance classroom climate, improve student engagement, and create a supportive learning environment.

Speak Up, Step In: Interrupting Harm in School Communities

This workshop is designed to empower educators and school staff with practical tools and strategies to recognize, interrupt, and address harmful language, behaviors, and dynamics in real time. By focusing on approaches that are clear, calm, and aligned with school values, participants will gain confidence in responding to moments of harm without escalating conflict. This training reinforces the idea that every interaction is an opportunity to uphold a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where all students feel seen, valued, and protected.

Brick by Brick: Building Belonging, One Connection at a Time

In a world where connection is the foundation of success, how do we build environments that truly foster belonging, community, and growth? “Brick by Brick” is an engaging, interactive workshop designed to equip educators, leaders, and facilitators with tools and practices that center relationship building, engagement, and positive reinforcement.

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The Art of Inclusion: Art Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and DEIB in Schools

This session explores the intersection of art education, activism (artivism), and culturally responsive teaching in fostering inclusive learning environments. Participants will examine the role of arts education in advancing DEI efforts, discuss common barriers, and strategize ways to create more equitable classrooms. Through interactive discussion, creative group work, and reflection, educators will leave with concrete strategies to implement culturally responsive art education.

"Breaking Down Barriers: A Candid DEIB Conversation

This candid and engaging conversation with Vonetta Lightfoot, DEIB Coordinator, will tackle the challenges, misconceptions, and barriers around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work in schools. This interactive session invites educators and administrators to share concerns, ask questions, and explore practical solutions for infusing DEIB seamlessly into school culture. Together, we’ll address common tropes and missteps while uncovering strategies to create meaningful change that moves the needle forward in creating equitable and inclusive environments for all students.

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"Navigating Change: Anti-Racism, Courageous Leadership, and Belonging"

This interactive, two-day workshop takes participants on a transformative "road trip" through key concepts in equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. Beginning with "How It Started," participants will explore foundational topics like racism and antiracism, dehumanizing language, and hate speech, equipping themselves with practical tools to address these challenges. The journey continues with "How It’s Going," focusing on courageous leadership, navigating politics, and creating culturally responsive spaces. Each stop along the way encourages reflection, collaboration, and engagement, empowering educators to build equitable, inclusive school cultures. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and a “backpack” of tools to inspire lasting change.

A Delay or Denial of Feedback Hurts Everyone: Navigating Feedback, Bias, and Leadership with Purpose

This workshop empowers participants to recognize the profound impact of effective and ineffective feedback on individuals and organizational culture. Through personal storytelling, reflective activities, and actionable strategies, participants will explore how feedback—or its absence—shapes workplace dynamics, disproportionately affects marginalized groups, and influences career development. The session aims to equip both managers and employees with tools to foster equitable, constructive, and impactful feedback practices.