Speakers

Dr. Greg Morris is an approachable leader focused on bringing innovation to programming, academics, enrollment management and workforce education. Serving in a variety of educational environments throughout his career, Dr. Morris is passionate about thinking outside of the box and delivering strong ideas through thought leadership.

Ahava Silkey-Jones is a passionate arts leader and seasoned administrator who believes deeply in the power of connection, creativity and community. She prides herself on bringing joy and creating meaningful opportunities for students that have the potential to change the trajectory of their lives.

Juan Garcia is an ambitious leader who first learned about the field of education during his time as a Dallas College student. Now, he dedicates his efforts to uplifting the community and driving organizational excellence.

Dr. Rick Smith is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to creating meaningful impact within the community. With over three decades of experience across higher education, health care and nonprofit leadership, he brings a dynamic, cross-industry perspective to his work.

Dr. Shawnda Floyd is a down-to-earth leader who believes in the transformative power of education. With decades of experience in higher education. Dr. Floyd uses her connectedness to create pathways of preparation for students entering the workforce.

Dr. Iris Freemon is a strategic leader attuned to the dynamic environment of community colleges and socioeconomic mobility. Early in her public service career, Dr. Freemon recognized that transformative change required education — and she has dedicated the rest of her career to making a significant impact in the field.

Dr. Joe Seabrooks Jr. is a supportive leader with a deep commitment to student success and community engagement. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, he believes workforce development is key to transforming lives and communities.

Dr. Raghunath Kanakala is a purpose-driven leader fueled by curiosity and commitment to making a meaningful impact. He brings a thoughtful blend of vision and adaptability to every challenge — two qualities that are essential for working in higher education.

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.

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.