Speakers

Dr. Kirksey is a motivated leader who dedicates her career to creating countless, life-changing opportunities for students. With the majority of her career spent in higher education, Dr. Kirksey observes daily the impact education can have on individuals, and she works to help students expand their scholarly potential.

Katherine Beaumont Doss is a compassionate leader who anchors her leadership in three core pillars: service, encouraging the heart and communication. She deeply enjoys guiding others, serving alongside her team and watching each person grow.

Dr. Beatriz Joseph is a principled leader with one focus: to positively impact student success. With 30 years of experience in higher education, she is a true believer in the power of education and how it can transform lives and future opportunities.

Dr. Karen Stills is a dedicated leader who leverages her own experience as a first-generation student to empower diverse learners. Starting as an administrative assistant at Dallas College, Dr. Stills worked her way up to her current leadership role.

Dr. Terry Di Paolo is a dynamic leader, passionate teacher and innovative strategist who blends design thinking with risk-based management. As a first-generation student himself, his academic career began in the social sciences with a focus on the sociological and psychological aspects of the college student experience.

Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins is a dynamic and inspirational leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education, dedicated to leveraging education as a transformative tool for the future. She is the current president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, where she directs campus operations, leads strategic planning and actively engages with community and business stakeholders.

Perla Molina is a detail-oriented leader who prides herself on her ability to remain calm in all situations. With a long tenure at Dallas College, Molina has worked in various departments, ultimately landing her current leadership position.

Scott Wright is a reliable leader who values integrity, trust and punctuality, embodying these values in his daily operations to create a safe and functional environment for both students and employees. Having spent the first half of his career in the Air Force, the experiences he gained there prepared him for success in facilities management.

H. Louis Burrell III is a disciplined leader with over 25 years of human resources experience across various industries. Motivated by the desire to create positive work environments, Burrell believes that high-performing cultures start with strong leadership supported by a strategic human resources team.

Dr. Pamela Luckett-Smith is a collaborative leader passionate about building and guiding teams to achieve what once seemed impossible. Throughout her 30-year career, she has learned the value of forming community partnerships and digital transformation.