Presenters

Keynote - Ferene Paris Meyer

All Heart Inspiration - https://www.allheartinspirations.com/ - @allheartinspirations

As the founder of All Heart Inspirations (est. 2020), Ferene Paris Meyer creates heart-centered spaces through storytelling workshops, community engagements and more. She’s living out loud as a Black femme artist, spreading her unapologetic truths and vulnerable vibes. Known for her passionate voice, Ferene has performed on various stages and venues, including sailboats across Lake Champlain for her annual Juneteenth Sailing Celebration.

Aspiring to make a collective difference within her local community and beyond one story at a time, Ferene has done over 100 storytelling offerings since 2020. “Creating space for people to share their stories is both inspiring and liberating. I feel honored to do this heart-centered work, living out my life’s purpose in innovative ways,” shared Ferene. Highlights include, opening up for Dr. Angela Davis and Angélique Kidjo, heartfelt keynotes, storytelling workshops, artist residencies, and guest appearances on Vermont Public shows, Brave Little State, Stuck in Vermont, Homegoings, and Vermont Edition.

Her feature on Homegoings last fall was nominated for an Emmy in Best Interview/Discussion category. Ferene has also been recognized by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA); she is one of the two 2023 awardees of the Rebecca Blunk Fund Award for her community building efforts through the art of storytelling.

Ferene infused the art of storytelling during her 15 years working in higher education at Bridgewater State University, College of the Holy Cross, and the University of Vermont. She found her calling in residential learning communities, orientation and first year experience initiatives. Ferene stays connected in to higher education by speaking at conferences and visiting campuses to facilitate workshops and perform. It’s like inviting the coolest, queer Black Auntie to come over and just “love on” your community. We all have stories worthy of telling. What’s yours?

Expert in Residence

Dr. Tamara (Tam) O’Day-Stevens has over 30 years of experience in higher education. In 1994, as a first-generation college student, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. In 1999, she received her master’s degree from Seton Hall University, with a dual degree in counseling and statistics. She received her Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies & Leadership, from Colorado State University.

Prior to joining CT State as the Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning & Student Affairs, Dr. O’Day-Stevens served as the Director of Academic Affairs, at UCONN’s Stamford campus, where she supported faculty professional development (Teaching and Learning), Advising, First Year Programs, Library, Honors, Career Services, Orientation, and Scholarships. Other positions she held previously were the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Goodwin University where she developed new academic program offerings connected to local labor needs and created the assessment cycle for both the curricular and co-curricular areas. She was then promoted to Dean of Students at Goodwin, supervising a team of 18 staff members, and securing over 3.5 million dollars in grant funding. She also served (from 2007-2014) as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Saint Joseph, focusing on retention and engagement.

Dr. O’Day-Stevens is a certified diversity trainer and has been involved in presenting educational programs regarding diversity and anti-bullying with the Anti-Defamation League for over 20 years. She is passionate about the subject of college debt and the college affordability crisis, which was her dissertation topic. She is committed to developing inclusive systems that encourage and support a sense of belonging for all students, staff, and faculty. Dr. O’Day resides in Plainville with her husband Raphael and her children Brady (19), Tate (17), Maia (16), Luke (15) and Jude (13).