2020 EVENT PRESENTERS

As a preacher with a passion for Social Justice, L. Jerome Beal gives voice to those who have historically gone unheard or unattended. Beal is currently pursuing his studies at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL., where he serves as President of the Black Student Union. Also, he currently serves on staff at the True Believers Community Connections, Inc.

During a session focused on law enforcement, “Who Do I Turn to and When?” the presenter will focus on how the law enforcement community can help to prevent bullying. Also, he will discuss the coordinated response to bullying and how to stem it.

Jade CrossFrench is the founder of Young Gifted Hustler TM  and a self-branded “Millennial Economic Innovator.”  CrossFrench is a licensed insurance broker, young mother, and wife, and serves alongside True Believers Community Connections as lead project support for the StayLIT youth initiative to prevent violence and delinquency in the Auburn Gresham and Englewood communities.

During a session focused on social-emotional learning “Your Feelings Matter,” the presenter will discuss the correlation between social-emotional learning, confidence, and self-sufficiency, bringing to the forefront the best practices relevant to servicing at-risk youth.

Rev. Bev Davis holds a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Bullied and marginalized throughout her own young life, she was inspired to write her first book, "Great Gray."

During a session focused on coming to terms with bullying and its effects, "Workshop to Help Parents and Staff Understand Bullying, and Its Long-Term Effects" will take time to share the story of how bullying can follow someone throughout their entire life. She emphasizes the importance of taking bullying seriously at home and school using a story-telling format.

Zana-Renee Dixon graduated from Lewis University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Control and is now pursuing a Masters of Science in School Counseling to ultimately become a licensed practicing counselor. 

Dixon is an active community member, volunteering with StayLit Community Services. Dixon has been deemed a youth empowerment expert focusing on inspiring the next generation, insomuch that she authored a book emphasizing personal success. Helping others increase self-esteem and self-loves her lifetime goal.

During the session “Self-Love: Prevention and Reversing the Trauma of Bullying," the presenter will focus on the importance of affirmation and high self-image initiated through parents, teachers, and the community.

She includes information that according to psychologists, believing in yourself and accepting yourself are important factors for success, relationships, and happiness, and that self-esteem plays a significant role in living a flourishing life. Bullying, some studies, and testimonials, has proven to have less effect on those who are comfortable with who they are.

Dr. Carolyn Strong is a motivational educator with an anti-bullying message of hope for children, families,  and schools. She's the author of "Black Girl Blues" and has been an educator for more than 15 years. In her role as disciplinarian, she confronts and navigates bullying and relational aggression daily by creating and implementing prevention programs in conjunction with traditional discipline.

Dr. Strong will host two presentations. "Black Girl Blues: Strategies to Combat Intra-racial Bullying and Alternatives to Suspension" will focus on offering an understanding of the malaise that surround African American girls. She'll address the historical events that have contributed to the emotional factors in racial identification and preference in African American girls. The session "Mitigating Microaggression in the Classroom: Effectively Moving Toward a Culturally Equitable Classroom Environment" will focus on bias and microaggressions subconsciously impact us all. This workshop will explore how to identify bias and microaggressions so that we can prevent them from influencing the school community and no longer be impediments to equitable learning environments.

LaTangela Rogers is a San Diego-born woman of faith and integrity, providing services that usher in social change and social rehabilitation. Rogers has served her community for more than 15 years as a public speaker, teacher, prophetic intercessor, missionary, and program facilitator. She is the author of “Lord, Build Me a House.” She has a Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Master of Arts in Human Behavior. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership-Behavioral Health, and she’s the founder and president of Rose of Jericho Community Development.

During the session "Bullying and the Signs of Trauma Proposal," Rogers and Allgood will focus on how childhood bullying is so common that it may not seem like a big deal. They indicate that one study even suggested that, when it comes to mental health, bullying is as harmful as child abuse, if not worse. The cover bullying prevalence, social-emotional perspectives on bullying, as well as trust and self-esteem.

Athan Vouzianas’ experience includes, but isn’t limited to,  teaching, organizational leadership, and corporate training. Vouzianas has a passion for liberal arts and social responsibility and teaches mathematics, engineering, and physics in higher educational institutions. Vouzianas is pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, and he possesses a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on engineering education, student success, and leadership development.

During the session “Educate the Whole Student by Creating Synergies in Teaching and Learning” Vouzianas will discuss a new paradigm for teaching and learning, the importance of working synergistically, how to create synergies for teaching and learning, and present synergistic case studies.

He details how Synergies is a (teaching and learning project) framework that aims to educate the whole student by enabling the integration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with liberal arts and social responsibility. Synergies enable different constituents to work together and deliver teaching and learning to the students by creating (together) curricular, co-curricular, or ancillary learning activities.

During the session "Cyberbullying in the Online Learning Environment: Intervention and Prevention Strategies for Students,” Dr. Terry Solomon will be on time to discuss COVID-19, and how students are using computers and other technology for on-line learning which may put students at risk to become targets for individuals engaged in cyberbullying. Teachers and parents need to be aware of what Cyberbullying is and how to keep students safe. This workshop offers an opportunity for school staff and parents to learn strategies to engage individuals and the school community to keep students safe.  

Marvinetta Woodley-Penn founded Global Girls, Inc. south side of Chicago-based nonprofit, providing arts education and presentation opportunities for youth, ages five to 18. She provides instruction through rigorous theatre and dance training. Participants develop essential life skills, including self-awareness, resilience, tenacity, and grit, skills that help them succeed on stage and in life. She encourages the youth to investigate their issues and turn findings into “socially-conscious, youth-driven theatre.” 

Global Girls’ mission is to equip the youth of color with skills that nurture their individual growth and inspire them to use their talents for positive change in their communities and beyond. 

During the session “Turning Traumatic Experiences into Performance Art,” the presenter shares insight into using rigorous theatre and dance training to develop essential life skills, including self-awareness, resilience, tenacity, and grit - skills that help her students succeed on stage and in life. She also encourages the youth to investigate their issues and turn findings into “socially-conscious, youth-driven theatre.”

Valentino-Barry holds an MBA and an MA in Secondary Education. She has a Gold Star Mentoring program in the Chicago area high schools. Additionally, Valentino-Barry is a registered yoga teacher teaching fitness and yoga classes for over a dozen years. She incorporates yoga, breathwork, and mandala into her work with elementary and high school students, as well as for in-service for faculty.  

During the session “How to Help Hurting Youth," the present will discuss bullying and its ties to trauma. The presentation will focus on how Yogic Breathing and Creating Mandalas for students and teachers, coaches, and counselors can learn a few techniques to help youth – and have fun in the process.

During a session, “A Community-Based Approach to Bullying Prevention and Awareness,” the presenters will help elevate community voices and create a meaningful conversation around bullying prevention that is shaped by the unique experiences and realities of bullying within different communities and spaces.

 Mario Lagunas Jr., a Mexican, born and raised in the Town of Cicero.  Since joining Erie Neighborhood House they provide Restorative Justice-based programming at partnering schools, conduct Bullying Prevention Workshops for youth and adults, develop and facilitate youth mentoring and leadership programs, as well as support in the healing and empowerment of underrepresented and minoritized individuals and communities.  

 Luis Mongalo and his family moved to Chicago in 2001 from Mexico.  Luis recently graduated from UIC's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. As an inspiring urban planner and community liaison, Luis has dedicated himself to facilitating conversations between elected officials, community leaders, and residents. 

During her 10+ years in urban education, Dr. Regina Williams fulfilled a variety of roles: Special Education Teacher, Case Manager, and Department Leader. Dr. Williams has also worked as an adjunct professor in teacher education programs at various universities in Illinois. She also leads workshops at local and international conferences to advocate for individuals with disabilities.

During the session "Cyber Bullying and its Impact on Students with Disabilities," the presenter will share insight on the unique impact of cyberbullying on students with disabilities. She shares that depending on the student, they may struggle with communicating their experiences with bullying, which prevents intervention and can have devastating effects on their self-esteem.