Speakers

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.

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. Bradford Williams is a motivated leader whose passion for making a difference fuels his everyday efforts. The field of higher education offers the unique opportunity to observe how education changes lives — and this is Dr. William’s favorite part about his work.

Dr. Carlos Cruz is a people-first leader who believes education has the power to transform socioeconomic mobility — and he makes it his mission to open doors for students to experience this impact. As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Cruz is passionate about advocating for the importance of higher education in underserved communities.

Dr. Stephanie Hill is an authentic leader who strives to create, refine and adjust spaces for people to feel welcomed and supported. As a true follower to the mantra “love what you do,” Dr. Hill has led with a strong passion for education for three decades.

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.

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. 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.