Conference Brochure

 Melanie Powell-Robinson is the CEO and Executive Accountability Officer of Revision Connections Group, where she leads efforts to disrupt systemic inequities through inclusive leadership, anti-bias advocacy, and value-centered organizational strategies​. With extensive experience in community engagement, equity assessments, and policy development, she has worked as an executive coach and consultant, guiding organizations toward more inclusive and equitable practices. Melanie previously served as the Executive Director of a diversity-focused nonprofit and as the Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement for Riverview Gardens School District, where she implemented impactful stakeholder engagement strategies​. Her expertise in organizational policies, equity assessments, and systemic transformation makes her a trusted voice in navigating the complexities of DEIA in today’s evolving legal and political landscape. 

 Evetty Satterfield is a dynamic leader, educator, and consultant dedicated to equity and empowering marginalized communities. A Knoxville native and proud HBCU alumna of Alabama A&M University, she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. As the founder and CEO of Advancing Lives, LLC, Evetty provides executive coaching and strategic consulting, specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Her work helps organizations develop anti-racist practices, create inclusive workplaces, and mentor young adults toward their full potential.
Evetty’s extensive leadership includes serving on the Knox County Board of Education, where she made history as the highest vote-getter in her district and served as Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 school year. She has been honored as a Young Elected Official, 35 Under 35 Honoree, Knoxville Business 40 Under 40 Honoree, and Woman to Woman Government and Politics Honoree by Zeta Phi Theta. Additionally, she is a Leadership Tennessee NEXT member and School Board Partners Fellow.
In her spare time, Evetty enjoys Peloton workouts, immersing herself in audiobooks and podcasts, and actively serving alongside her sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her dedication to community, resilience, and authentic leadership fuels her mission to create meaningful, lasting change. 

  Dr. Sonya Murray, Founder/CEO of Equity Matters Consultants and Missouri Leadership Development Specialist (EducationPlus), is a transformation change agent who works alongside education leaders to leverage practices that disrupt the status quo in leadership, teaching, and learning. She believes all students can thrive when educators engage in adult learning theory around diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools that support students to reach their full academic potential. She has nearly three decades of broad experience as a researcher, Principal, Leadership Coach, District Administrator, Entrepreneur, and former Teacher of the Year. Sonya is passionate about ensuring educational equity for every child, regardless of background or zip code. She is the co-author of Serving Educational Equity: A Five Course Framework for Accelerated Learning published by Corwin Sage Press. 

 Dr. Tron Young is the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 in Alton, IL. He has two decades of combined experience as a middle school teacher, elementary principal, and middle school principal. He was the 2020 Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year and Illinois NASSP National Distinguished Principal of the Year. He has also been awarded the Illinois Education Association Bob Haisman "Teacher of the Year," 100 Black Men United Educator of the Year, and named one of the 2023 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership Finalists. Dr. Young firmly believes that you have to do the things that other people do not think to do to get the results others are not able to get. His innovative approaches have led to significant achievements in his career. He invites you to connect, grow, and develop together. 

Locha Brooks, 36 is originally from St. Louis, Missouri now residing in the great state of Texas in the DFW area. She is the founder and CEO of 1st Class Educator, LLC - one of the leading educational consulting firms providing staff development and assistance to organizations. Ms. Brooks has a passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access which is shown throughout her organization’s commitments. With the help of her 1st Class Educator team, they lead professional development initiatives on various topics from DEI, cultural competency training, International Educator Assistance, beginning teacher assistance and much more.

Ms. Brooks continues to work nationally within the US and globally in the UK and in Africa. Ms. Brooks proudly graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Harris-Stowe State University (HBCU), received a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Lindenwood University, and completed post-graduate work at Harvard University in the Women in Educational Leadership program. Ms. Brooks is currently pursuing an EDD in Racial and Social Justice for the University of Missouri St. Louis. Ms. Brooks goal is to transform and enhance the landscape of education globally to advance our society and empower educators with strategies on how to increase their impact.

 Pamela is an experienced educator and student in both online and blended classrooms. Her career has focused on higher education, educational technology, and adult education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Women's Studies at Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in Human Resource Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a doctorate in education from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Her research interests include adult literacy, diversity, instructional compliance, faculty development, and instructional design. 

 Jay started his career as a Career Services Advisor before moving into teaching. Jay’s first teaching role was within Chicago Public Schools, as a Chicago Teaching Fellow-affiliated with TNTP as a special education teacher. He transitioned to Four Points Middle School in Austin, TX as a middle school English, advanced placement and gifted and talented instructor. As an instructional leader, Jay has held roles as Campus Leadership Team Member, and School Administration Intern, Instructional Coach and Academic Dean. As a Director of School Support, Jay has supported schools and districts in New England, Upstate New York, Missouri and Washington, D.C. with The Achievement Network. 

Rhonda Henderson is a writer, educator, and creative who resides in DC. She began her career in education teaching US History to high school students, and, over two decades, has continued to advocate for educational equity through leadership roles in schools and non-profit organizations. Rhonda has presented dynamic sessions to a diversity of audiences, including leaders in school operations, parents pursuing secondary education, and incarcerated citizens. She co-founded the Dap Project in 2019 as a platform to tell stories about us by us, and curated the multi-media exhibit, "Dap is a Love Language." Rhonda recently gave herself permission to live a creative life, and is inspired to help educators leverage their inner creativity to accelerate their outer leadership.

  Dr. Jana Haywood is author of Move Without the Ball, a self-help book for people of all ages who are ready to take their lives to the next level during periods of transition. She was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. She has been inducted into the Lutheran North High School Hall of Honor twice; once individually and the other with the 1997-1999 State Track and Field Championship Teams. Jana continued her athletic career at Saint Louis University with a four-year scholarship in basketball. She was co-captain of the team in 2003 and 2004. Her basketball skills took her around the world. She graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Human Resources. She continued her education at Fontbonne University with a Master of Arts in Education and Special Education. She also received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. She culminated her studies earning a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Maryville University. Jana co-founded Illumine Solutions Group, a coaching and consulting company with her husband to ignite, inspire and empower people as they pursue their personal goals.

 Jeff Dase has been dedicated to the students and communities of Illinois since 1998. He assumed the role of Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 on August 12, 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and was the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Decatur Public Schools since July 2019. Currently, Jeff is pursuing a doctorate in psychology and a chief school business officer certification. He holds an EdS in Educational Leadership, an M.A. in General Administration, and a B.S. in Elementary Education. Additionally, he has completed a Leadership Academy for aspiring leaders at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as several superintendent preparation programs, including those offered by NABSE and IASA (IL). Jeff is also a participant in the Chicago and CAHN Fellows Program (New York).

With over 15 years of experience in educational leadership, curriculum design, and professional development, Dr. Kristen Taylor specializes in creating equitable, student-centered learning environments. She has a proven track record of leading initiatives in K-12 and higher education that enhance school culture, foster instructional excellence, and support teachers through individualized coaching. A dedicated advocate for diminishing educational inequities, Kristen excels in designing strategic professional development focused on leadership, social-emotional learning, and classroom culture. She holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and currently serves as an educational consultant, helping schools and districts align their practices with equity-driven outcomes.

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat is a distinguished servant leader in the field of education, with a career that spans from being a teacher to various administrative roles. She embarked on her academic journey at Bradley University, later earning a doctorate from Illinois State University.

Her professional journey began as a middle school teacher, after which she held several administrative positions. She served as the Principal of the Blue-Ribbon Whittier Primary School and the Assistant Principal of Roosevelt Magnet, catering to students from Pre-K to 8th grade. Her leadership skills were further honed and honored when she took on the role of Principal at Manual High School.

Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's career took a turn towards district-wide administration when she became the Transformation Officer for Springfield Public Schools. She then served as the Associate Superintendent of Schools in Danville, IL. Currently, she is in her 10th year as the Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools, a testament to her dedication and commitment to the field of education and community.

Her exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat has been the recipient of over 20 awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Superintendent of Distinction award from the Illinois Association of School Administrators in 2018 and the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award in 2005. She was also recognized with the National Exemplary Leadership Award by the Department of Education/USA in the same year.

Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's vision for education is rooted in her community involvement, love and passion to provide opportunities for children to succeed. She firmly believes that schools cannot function in isolation, and it is the collective effort of the community that can truly make a difference. The vision for Peoria Public Schools (PPS) for the period 2021-2026 is to "reimagine schools to ignite student passion", a testament to her creative and forward-thinking approach to education.