March 30 & 31, 2023
On The Matter of Race Live
Virtual Summit 2
Dismantling Racism: How White People Can Go from Ally to Comrade And How Communities of Color Can Support Each Other in This Work
Two Powerful Days For Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino/Latine/Latinx, Asian, Bi-racial and White People to Come Together With Experts to Have These Important Conversations
11am - 3:30pm ET
Our Wonderful Speakers
Linda Lausell Bryant, Ph.D, MSW
Linda Lausell Bryant is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Clinical Associate Professor at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. She also directs the Adaptive Leadership in Human Services Institute at NYU Silver, while serving as the Katherine and Howard Aibel Executive-in- Residence. Prior to this, she was the Director of the Doctorate in Social Work program at Silver.
She is devoted to developing the leadership capacities of social workers to spark change at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and social justice. In 2020, she co-developed and implemented a Faculty Antiracism Training to strengthen skill in antiracist pedagogy, inclusive teaching and mentoring for all NYU Silver faculty.
She is a sponsor and contributing author to Latinx in Social Work, a book of narratives for healing and justice. In her 35-year career, she has been the Executive Director of Inwood House, serving young mothers in foster care, an associate commissioner at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, and a member of the NYC Panel for Education Policy.
She is currently board president of National Crittenton, pursuing social and systems change for young women. She is the recipient of the Latino Social Work Coalition’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award, NYU Silver’s Distinguished Contribution to Student Engagement Award and the 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award. She has co- authored “A Guide for Sustaining Conversations on Racism, Identity and Our Mutual Humanity” and “Social Work: A Call to Action.”
She is devoted to developing the leadership capacities of social workers to spark change at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and social justice. In 2020, she co-developed and implemented a Faculty Antiracism Training to strengthen skill in antiracist pedagogy, inclusive teaching and mentoring for all NYU Silver faculty.
She is a sponsor and contributing author to Latinx in Social Work, a book of narratives for healing and justice. In her 35-year career, she has been the Executive Director of Inwood House, serving young mothers in foster care, an associate commissioner at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, and a member of the NYC Panel for Education Policy.
She is currently board president of National Crittenton, pursuing social and systems change for young women. She is the recipient of the Latino Social Work Coalition’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award, NYU Silver’s Distinguished Contribution to Student Engagement Award and the 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award. She has co- authored “A Guide for Sustaining Conversations on Racism, Identity and Our Mutual Humanity” and “Social Work: A Call to Action.”
Sarah Paikai
Sarah is a multi-media Spoken Word Artist, COO of an 8-figure marketing company, and author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book, “Passion to Action: How YOU Can Do It All”. As an Asian-American artist, she is passionate about creating art that challenges the status quo and redirects how viewers approach social, economic, political and world events.
In addition to having written and co-produced 3 full-stage productions with a cast of 100+ members, she has published dozens of solo multi-media collections and opened as a Spoken Word Artist for business conferences with several hundred attendees. Sarah was also a Founding Member and Administrative Director for 6 years at a non-profit Performing Arts Academy for at-risk youth.
Originally from Hawaii, Sarah now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, a champion for Native Hawaiian rights, and her four children who are homeschooled.
In addition to having written and co-produced 3 full-stage productions with a cast of 100+ members, she has published dozens of solo multi-media collections and opened as a Spoken Word Artist for business conferences with several hundred attendees. Sarah was also a Founding Member and Administrative Director for 6 years at a non-profit Performing Arts Academy for at-risk youth.
Originally from Hawaii, Sarah now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, a champion for Native Hawaiian rights, and her four children who are homeschooled.
Leila Bailey-Stewart (She/Her)
Black, Multiethnic, Queer
Black, Multiethnic, Queer
Leila is currently the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global Education Officer at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School. In this senior leadership role, Leila is responsible for leading a team through the transformative work of enhancing academic programming at BB&N by increasing equity, inclusiveness, and social justice school-wide.
Previously, Leila served as the Vice President of Leadership Development, where she co-developed diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Before that, she served as City Year's Vice President of Recruitment and Admissions. In her role, Leila focused on developing and strengthening City Year’s national recruitment and admissions strategy. She led a national team implementing all aspects of recruitment and admissions, including prospect engagement, partnership development, diversity, campaign execution, selections, interviewing, and communications.
Leila served on the Board for GLAD. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Above all else, Leila is a loving mother. She lives by the belief that "family is first"! She leans on her faith and is a fierce advocate for social justice and education equality which drives her to continue her work in schools and the nonprofit sector.
Previously, Leila served as the Vice President of Leadership Development, where she co-developed diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Before that, she served as City Year's Vice President of Recruitment and Admissions. In her role, Leila focused on developing and strengthening City Year’s national recruitment and admissions strategy. She led a national team implementing all aspects of recruitment and admissions, including prospect engagement, partnership development, diversity, campaign execution, selections, interviewing, and communications.
Leila served on the Board for GLAD. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation. Above all else, Leila is a loving mother. She lives by the belief that "family is first"! She leans on her faith and is a fierce advocate for social justice and education equality which drives her to continue her work in schools and the nonprofit sector.
Kajana Movery
Kajana is a multi-passionate entrepreneur that loves showing small business owners how simple it is to get what they truly desire. Having led multi-million dollar funnels, sales teams and businesses, he’s now focused on helping BIPOC owned small businesses become highly competitive in their local market.
With over 36 businesses in his private equity portfolio, Kajana’s committed to building a capitalistic ecosystem that pays people great money to do what they love by incentivizing them to share their resources with others in their community. When not working, he can be found drinking, studying boring topics and drinking.
With over 36 businesses in his private equity portfolio, Kajana’s committed to building a capitalistic ecosystem that pays people great money to do what they love by incentivizing them to share their resources with others in their community. When not working, he can be found drinking, studying boring topics and drinking.
Cristina Calderon
Born and raised in the South Bronx, Cristina is a product of both Bronx public and parochial schools. At the age of 15, she began interning at EARS (Effective Alternative in Reconciliation Services), gaining skills in conflict management, presentation and mediation. Extracurricular experiences as a student led Cristina to her passion of helping young Bronxites realize their potential and not fall victim to the streets. At the age of 16, Cristina was invited to play a supporting role in the play “Ain’t Easy” by Mass Transit Street Theater and Video (MTSTV), a play in which she portrayed herself and told the story of growing up in the South Bronx surrounded by violence, but choosing to take a different route.
Cristina was the first person in her family to go on to pursue a college education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration and minor in Forensic Psychology in 2011. Cristina also facilitated the “Respect for All” initiative through the NYC Department of Education, teaching NYC Public School Administrators about the importance of teaching diversity and perspectives in the classroom, as it relates to the socio-emotional growth of a student’s sense of self and empowerment. In addition, she presented conflict resolution and peer mediation seminars for MTSTV to after school programs and high school students challenging students through media, art, creativity, and activism to resolve conflict without violence.
In 2012, Cristina was hand-picked as Program Coordinator for the Community Affairs Unit at the Office of the Bronx District Attorney where she administered an evidence-based crime prevention curriculum program for pre-teens, teens and parents in Bronx schools.
In Cristina’s current capacity as a Community Engagement Coordinator, she liaises between the Bronx community and District Attorney, Darcel D. Clark by attending community meetings in the 41st , 43rd , and 49th precinct districts and staffing the DA. In 2019, Cristina earned her MSW (Masters in Social Work) with a focus on clinical and macro practice from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.
Cristina was the first person in her family to go on to pursue a college education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration and minor in Forensic Psychology in 2011. Cristina also facilitated the “Respect for All” initiative through the NYC Department of Education, teaching NYC Public School Administrators about the importance of teaching diversity and perspectives in the classroom, as it relates to the socio-emotional growth of a student’s sense of self and empowerment. In addition, she presented conflict resolution and peer mediation seminars for MTSTV to after school programs and high school students challenging students through media, art, creativity, and activism to resolve conflict without violence.
In 2012, Cristina was hand-picked as Program Coordinator for the Community Affairs Unit at the Office of the Bronx District Attorney where she administered an evidence-based crime prevention curriculum program for pre-teens, teens and parents in Bronx schools.
In Cristina’s current capacity as a Community Engagement Coordinator, she liaises between the Bronx community and District Attorney, Darcel D. Clark by attending community meetings in the 41st , 43rd , and 49th precinct districts and staffing the DA. In 2019, Cristina earned her MSW (Masters in Social Work) with a focus on clinical and macro practice from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.
Justin Nai'im Hurdle-Price
Justin Hurdle-Price started facilitating conflict resolution workshops for young people and adults at the age of 10. He has co-facilitated workshops in schools and for non-profits and at national conflict resolution conferences all over the country. He worked as a trainer coach for youth from all different backgrounds, helped design workshops for parents, teachers and young people.
His current work for Hur Communication Solutions as a Strategic Communication Specialist involves designing cutting-edge workshops that address the issues of the current times including topics like Talking With Tweens, Teens and Young Adults About Racism and Working With and Managing People Who Have Anxiety. He is also a guest speaker and co-facilitator in the sold-out On The Matter of Race Program and speaker on panels and local television shows. He is a co-facilitator for U-Thrive Educational Services video workshop series Transforming Conflict for College Students.
As a proud African American, he has completed Workshops on Racism by The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, participated in sit-ins, walk-outs, protests and solidarity days. His work around racism and diversity is informed by his challenging educational experience in a predominantly white, private elementary and middle school, a high school designed to serve students with learning challenges, an alternative GED HS and his attendance at Hofstra University. His workshop topics are created from his own experiences as someone living with anxiety as well as managing conflicts that arise in daily life. He brings wisdom, enthusiasm and honesty to every workshop, training and speaking engagement.
His current work for Hur Communication Solutions as a Strategic Communication Specialist involves designing cutting-edge workshops that address the issues of the current times including topics like Talking With Tweens, Teens and Young Adults About Racism and Working With and Managing People Who Have Anxiety. He is also a guest speaker and co-facilitator in the sold-out On The Matter of Race Program and speaker on panels and local television shows. He is a co-facilitator for U-Thrive Educational Services video workshop series Transforming Conflict for College Students.
As a proud African American, he has completed Workshops on Racism by The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, participated in sit-ins, walk-outs, protests and solidarity days. His work around racism and diversity is informed by his challenging educational experience in a predominantly white, private elementary and middle school, a high school designed to serve students with learning challenges, an alternative GED HS and his attendance at Hofstra University. His workshop topics are created from his own experiences as someone living with anxiety as well as managing conflicts that arise in daily life. He brings wisdom, enthusiasm and honesty to every workshop, training and speaking engagement.
Our Wonderful Panelists
Joe Burns
Level 5
Level 5
Joe Burns is indomitable. Yet, his heartfelt, genuine approach mixed with his signature, dad-joke humor makes him approachable, allowing him to capture the room. He creates a safe space for audiences to open up and engage in the money topics we usually avoid. And he believes money should be fun! He is an expert at making complex ideas simple and using hot-seat coaching to get everyone a breakthrough (whether or not they’re on stage with him). His message of disruption, talking to money, and using simple, actionable steps to achieve the impact entrepreneurs desire has been heard around the globe.
Janet Ladd
Level 5
Level 5
Janet Ladd leads the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging team at Equinix. Janet experience as a C-Suite HRBP, Talent Management innovator, Organizational Development consultant, and DIB advocate to cultivate an organizational culture where all employees can say “I’m safe, I belong, and I matter.” Janet brings a vision of diversity and inclusion, a passion for experiential learning, the personal humility to continually learn (and unlearn), and in-the-trenches experience driving business transformation and large-scale change.
Sarah Pletcher
Level 5
Level 5
Sarah Pletcher, PhD, MA, is a mother, wife, restaurant owner, and licensed Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologist. Sarah has worked in schools, clinics, hospital settings, and private practice. She stepped outside of her psychologist role in 2014 to help create, open and manage a restaurant, alongside her husband and two friends. Since 2017, Sarah has predominantly focused on raising her two children while continuing to support various aspects of restaurant ownership.
Although Sarah is not currently practicing psychology professionally, her passion for helping children reach their full potential continues to be forefront in her mind. Sarah’s experiences with children both professionally and personally have reinforced for her that our youth are overwhelmingly resilient; yet, having even one individual protecting and encouraging their development throughout childhood can make an enormous impact on their ability to thrive in life. As such, Sarah has sought out various volunteer opportunities to be a supportive force for children and recently taught a semester-long course in Mindfulness for middle schoolers.
Currently, Sarah is in conversation with her children’s school regarding the creation of community-wide learning opportunities about systemic racism as well as how best to support the students’ education of such.
Although Sarah is not currently practicing psychology professionally, her passion for helping children reach their full potential continues to be forefront in her mind. Sarah’s experiences with children both professionally and personally have reinforced for her that our youth are overwhelmingly resilient; yet, having even one individual protecting and encouraging their development throughout childhood can make an enormous impact on their ability to thrive in life. As such, Sarah has sought out various volunteer opportunities to be a supportive force for children and recently taught a semester-long course in Mindfulness for middle schoolers.
Currently, Sarah is in conversation with her children’s school regarding the creation of community-wide learning opportunities about systemic racism as well as how best to support the students’ education of such.
Dan Rondeau
Level 4
Level 4
Dan Rondeau is the graphic design guru and brand strategist of DJR Designs. He partners with 6 and 7-figure business coaches, speakers, trainers, and course-creators who desire an emotional and visual connection for their impactful product or service and do not have the bandwidth or desire to create it themselves.
After more than 12 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Dan’s “brand and design eye” lured him away from a “safe” corporate position daring him to go head first into true entrepreneurship. Dan’s genuine heart and investment in his clients' businesses set them both up for success.
After more than 12 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Dan’s “brand and design eye” lured him away from a “safe” corporate position daring him to go head first into true entrepreneurship. Dan’s genuine heart and investment in his clients' businesses set them both up for success.
Andi Smiles
Level 4
Level 4
Andi Smiles is the Director of Content at Collective and a small business financial consultant and coach. She has taught thousands of self-employed folx how to organize and understand their business finances, while also uncovering their emotional relationship with money. She’s in Level 2 (soon to be Level 3) of On the Matter of Race and looking forward to deepening the work in Level 3.
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