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Conference Brochure
February 21, 2025
University Missouri - St. Louis
Millennium Student Center
Zaretta Hammond
Zaretta Hammond is a renowned educator, author, and speaker known for her expertise in culturally responsive teaching. Her influential book, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, has become a go-to resource for educators aiming to create inclusive and engaging learning environments. Hammond focuses on connecting neuroscience with culturally responsive practices to support students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, in achieving academic success.
What to expect from Zaretta:
In this must-see keynote, Zaretta Hammond will offer insights into how educators can use culturally responsive teaching to foster both student engagement and achievement. Her approach addresses educational inequities by empowering teachers to understand how culture affects learning and how to leverage this for student growth. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate for equity, this keynote will provide practical strategies and inspiration to transform your approach to teaching. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D.
Robin DiAngelo is a well-known author, academic, and speaker, recognized for her work on racial justice and her exploration of “white fragility”—the defensive reactions white people often have when discussing race. Her bestselling book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism has sparked crucial conversations around race, privilege, and systemic inequality. DiAngelo has spent decades as a diversity trainer and educator, encouraging individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue about race and power dynamics.
What to expect from Robin:
In this exclusive virtual Q&A session, Robin DiAngelo will address a variety of timely and essential topics related to race, equity, and inclusion. This is a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in racial equity today. Whether you’re familiar with her work or just starting your learning journey, this event is not to be missed.
The Game of Education
Join Dr. Howard E. Fields III for an immersive and interactive session that delves deep into critical topics in education. Dr. Fields will introduce the foundational concepts of game theory and illustrate how these principles apply to the educational landscape.
Participants will engage directly with The Game of Education, an innovative simulation that mirrors real-world educational challenges. Through this game, attendees will assume the roles of various stakeholders—teachers, administrators, parents, and community members—and navigate complex scenarios that reflect pressing education issues.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with complex educational challenges in a dynamic and supportive environment. Through The Game of Education, you'll gain valuable perspectives that can inform and transform your approach to leadership and collaboration in education.
Morning Breakout Sessions
Cultivating Adaptive Leadership for Complex Challenges
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
This session explores how leaders can enhance their effectiveness through three key skills: emotional regulation, radical curiosity, and systems thinking. Participants will gain practical tools to regulate emotional responses in high-stakes situations, foster a curious mindset to uncover hidden challenges, and apply systems thinking to address complex, interconnected organizational problems. Through case studies, discussions, and interactive exercises, this session equips leaders to navigate today’s dynamic work environments while advancing organizational growth and inclusion.
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
This session will review executive functioning skills and the important role they play in students' post-secondary success in higher education and in the workforce. Insights are gathered from the research and from Dr. Williams' experience collaborating and consulting with faculty and serving students in her capacity as an instructional designer and adult educator.
Lift Every Voice and Lead: Cultivating agency among your students and families for school transforma
Empowered Enrollment: Essential Executive Functioning Skills for Your Students’ Post-Secondary Succ
Lift Every Voice and Lead: Cultivating agency among your students and families for school transforma
In an interactive session, we learn and implement two leadership practices that support justice-oriented school transformation for Black and Brown children and communities. One of the challenges leaders of this work often face is how to authentically engage students and families. Participants will therefore be introduced to two sets of processes and protocols: the first is a culturally sustaining learning walk for parents; the second is a framework for conducting a student focus group supportive of youth leadership and shared decision-making in your school. Participants will leave with knowledge and resources that can support their efforts to transform their learning environments in culturally sustaining and community empowering ways.
Afternoon Breakout Session #1
Perfect Match
Cycle of Inquiry for Continuous Improvement
Cycle of Inquiry for Continuous Improvement
In this session, participants will learn why mentorship by someone who is a “match” is essential to leadership development. Mentors and mentees will share through storytelling some of the benefits of being matched with someone of the same sex, race, religion, national origin, etc. while on your professional journey.
Cycle of Inquiry for Continuous Improvement
Cycle of Inquiry for Continuous Improvement
Cycle of Inquiry for Continuous Improvement
The growth of both a leader and the organization they lead is not left to chance, but requires deliberate and strategic action. A truly effective leader understands that personal, social, and systems intelligences are essential for transforming a school into a dynamic learning organization, driven by a mindset of continuous growth, dedicated service, and cultural responsiveness. It is undeniable that strong leadership is the linchpin of a school’s success. Extensive research and practical experience unequivocally demonstrate that without a skilled and unwavering leader to steer the course of teaching and learning, the creation and maintenance of high-quality learning environments is an uphill battle.
Why We Still Strugglin'?: An Urgent Need to Improve Diverse Educator Retention-3 Failures and Critic
Why We Still Strugglin'?: An Urgent Need to Improve Diverse Educator Retention-3 Failures and Critic
Why We Still Strugglin'?: An Urgent Need to Improve Diverse Educator Retention-3 Failures and Critic
Why do school districts often focus on recruiting diverse educators but neglect to implement effective retention strategies? School district policymakers and practitioners must gain a deeper understanding of the critical importance of learning about the hidden history of the failed mandate to integrate educators of color and the lasting impact this has on the institution of education in the United States today. Without fostering a supportive learning environment, efforts to enhance diversity fall short, ultimately decimating the pipeline of educators of color and weakening the intercultural network that benefits the entire school community.
Ignite Your Leadership Through Creative Talents
Why We Still Strugglin'?: An Urgent Need to Improve Diverse Educator Retention-3 Failures and Critic
Why We Still Strugglin'?: An Urgent Need to Improve Diverse Educator Retention-3 Failures and Critic
When was the last time you attended a school-related meeting, and felt your brain buzzing with excitement? Have you facilitated a meeting or initiative and received this feedback: “That was a really creative approach to this problem!” Educators are familiar with the power of creativity to stimulate learning, synthesize concepts, and motivate curiosity for young learners. Teachers know the familiar “hum” of a classroom where students are deeply engaged in creating a video, designing a structure, or performing a song to demonstrate their understanding. However, in the equivalent of leadership spaces (meetings, professional learning, email), creativity can be sacrificed to time or he perception that any variation from the typical practice is “unserious.” “That’s for kids,” we think. What if creativity is as vital to leadership as a clear vision, SMART goals, and regular follow up? Using brief case studies and prompts, participants will choose and practice a creative technique, receive feedback from their peers, and conclude the session prepared to apply the new approach to a current project. This hands-on workshop is ideal for school leaders who are willing to take the risks of learning in public, and connecting with their inner creative to ignite their leadership skills.
Afternoon Breakout Session #2
Rethinking Remediation: Eliminating Bias Through Acceleration for All Learners
Equitable Procurement, Inclusive Impact: Elevating Minority Educational Consultants in Sch. Dist.
Rethinking Remediation: Eliminating Bias Through Acceleration for All Learners
This interactive session will challenge the traditional reliance on remediation as a one-size-fits-all approach, which can reinforce implicit biases and inequitable outcomes for diverse student groups. Participants will explore how remediation can often overlook the strengths of individual learners, focusing instead on perceived deficits. Through collaborative activities, case studies, and discussions, we will examine the benefits of acceleration models that prioritize grade-level content and high expectations for every learner, regardless of background or circumstance. Whether it’s engaging administrators, teachers, or parents, attendees will leave with the tools to effectively communicate why acceleration is a more equitable and successful approach for all learners.
Setting a Vision for Equitable Math Instruction
Equitable Procurement, Inclusive Impact: Elevating Minority Educational Consultants in Sch. Dist.
Rethinking Remediation: Eliminating Bias Through Acceleration for All Learners
In this session teachers and leaders will take the space to examine what equitable math instruction needs to look like, examine their current state, and chart a new course towards redefining what literacy instruction will look like in their schools/classrooms to ensure ALL students have access to a quality and equitable experience in math.
Equitable Procurement, Inclusive Impact: Elevating Minority Educational Consultants in Sch. Dist.
Equitable Procurement, Inclusive Impact: Elevating Minority Educational Consultants in Sch. Dist.
Equitable Procurement, Inclusive Impact: Elevating Minority Educational Consultants in Sch. Dist.
In today’s increasingly diverse educational landscape, it is imperative for school districts to prioritize inclusive practices that model valuing the expertise and brilliance of minority service providers in the educational procurement process. Moderated by respected educational leader Locha Brooks, this panel discussion brings together Illinois leaders, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat of Peoria PS 150 and Deputy Superintendent Jeff Dase of Rock Island school districts where they actively collaborate with the minority educational consulting providers. The conversation will raise awareness about the challenges faced by minority educational consulting vendors in the industry, and discuss strategies for overcoming these obstacles to promote a more inclusive and diverse educational ecosystem. The goal is to share insights and strategies for crafting high quality and effective professional development programs while highlighting the intentionality used in vendor selection as a means of promoting inclusion in educational services procurement. The session will introduce successful case studies and best practices from these school leaders that have effectively partnered with minority educational consultants to develop and implement culturally responsive professional development programs while honoring the invaluable role of minority educational consulting vendors in providing guidance and support to school districts. The Superintendents will provide actionable strategies and a framework for other district leaders to establish and foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with minority educational consultants, ensuring sustained progress towards inclusion goals.
Networking & Celebration
Join us for a dynamic networking session designed to foster meaningful connections and professional growth. This is your opportunity to engage with fellow educators, administrators, and advocates who are passionate about driving positive change in education. Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, collaborate on new initiatives, or simply build your professional network, this session offers a relaxed and open environment for conversations that matter.
With a mix of structured and informal activities, you’ll have the chance to meet a diverse group of attendees and share insights on common challenges and successes. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen your community of practice. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your business cards—this is a networking opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Facilitator Bios
Tanya Dallas
Evetty Satterfield
Evetty Satterfield
Tanya Dallas is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, At-Promise Student Programs and Title VI/VII Coordinator in the Department of Cultural Unity & Equity at Jefferson County Schools. She is honored to have initiated Jefferson County's first Culturally Responsive Math Program and a Young Men of Excellence Program. Tanya is also the founder
Tanya Dallas is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, At-Promise Student Programs and Title VI/VII Coordinator in the Department of Cultural Unity & Equity at Jefferson County Schools. She is honored to have initiated Jefferson County's first Culturally Responsive Math Program and a Young Men of Excellence Program. Tanya is also the founder of their Cultural Unity and Equity Summer Ambassador’s Program, and initiated the associations for Black teachers, Hispanic/Latino staff and students. Tanya Dallas is enrolled at Salem University pursuing her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership to become a school principal. For 12 years, Tanya served as a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Martinsburg South Middle School in Berkeley County, West Virginia. For over 10 years, Tanya also worked freelancing for television stations including FOX 5, NBC 4, WUSA 9 and PAX/Ion Television. Tanya recently launched her own educational equity consulting firm, TD, Inc. (Think Dignity). She has been a featured professional development facilitator and keynote speaker for various school districts across West Virginia and Virginia, and has led training workshops for national educational conferences, including the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA).
Evetty Satterfield
Evetty Satterfield
Evetty Satterfield
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 Live
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
Evetty Satterfield
Dr. Sonya Murray
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 en
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
Pamela Williams
Dr. Sonya Murray
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 Nati
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
Pamela Williams
Pamela Williams
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, inc
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 Williams
Pamela Williams
Pamela Williams
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-C
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.
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif is a leadership consultant and associate lecturer in education leadership. He began his public education career as a special educator in New York, and was founding principal of both an elementary charter and district middle school in Massachusetts. Jamel recently served in leadership at an education nonprofit, coac
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif is a leadership consultant and associate lecturer in education leadership. He began his public education career as a special educator in New York, and was founding principal of both an elementary charter and district middle school in Massachusetts. Jamel recently served in leadership at an education nonprofit, coaching high school improvement teams and principals in New York City and Boston. Dr. Adkins-Sharif holds an EdD in Urban Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. His research focuses on race, equity and justice in education, drawing on legal and historical analyses of education law and policy impacting communities of color.
Jay Tillman
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
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 gifte
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
Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif
Rhonda Henderson
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 diversit
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
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
Rhonda Henderson
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 a
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
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
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
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).
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
Kristen M. Taylor, Ph.D.
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 excel
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.