How thrilled I am to be revealing our Breaking Bias Summit's full presenter lineup! Today, I'm sharing the folks who will make Day 1 run - a true convening of experts as kind and compassionate as they are powerful and wise. We are so, so lucky to learn from them!
Register here if you haven't already - it's going to be an incredible two days!
A Lineup of Experts
On Thursday, 11/3, our day will feature a number of talented experts in their fields facilitating talks and workshops at the intersection of mindfulness and antiracism work. It's going to be a day to remember!
Elvina Charley will deliver a blessing
Elvina Charley, Ed.S. (she/hers) is Diné (Navajo) school psychologist practitioner and integrates mindfulness as a part of serving children and youth.
When we first began planning this Summit, it was important to me that we begin our work together acknowledging and inviting the First People's of our lands into this conversation. I have known Elvina for over a decade and I am so grateful that she will bless our space with new visions for a world without racism and bias.
Sharon Salzberg will deliver a keynote address
Sharon Salzberg (she/hers) is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author.
Sharon has been my teacher for years, and we have sat many meditation retreats together; I cannot wait for you to get to learn from her, too! To read more about all the reasons I'm thrilled that she'll keynote this summit, read my blog post here.
Anu Gupta will discuss Breaking Bias: Powering DEIB and Antiracism Efforts with Mindfulness
Anu Gupta (he/him) is a lawyer, educator, scientist, and the Founder of BE MORE with Anu. He founded BE MORE in 2014 after seeing the social and financial harms of bias to individuals, organizations, and communities firsthand.
If you're here, you likely know a bit about me already... and if not, I'd love for you to learn more about us, including a deep dive into our research and some of the press covering our work!
Janna Bilski will discuss Inner Activism
Janna Bilski (she/her) works on the Investments team at the Ford Foundation, an international social justice philanthropy focused on advancing social justice and reducing inequality. Janna started a mindfulness and meditation program at the Ford Foundation in 2016 which she leads on a weekly basis.
Janna and I met at a well-being conference earlier this year in Bilbao, Spain. The work that she does at the Ford Foundation inspires me in the way that she threads mindfulness and well-being into her DEIB work. I'm thrilled for you to get to learn from her!
Alison McCrary will discuss Using Restorative Approaches to Transform the Culture of Policing and Prisons in the U.S.
Alison McCrary (she/her), a member of the Ani-Yun-Wiya Cherokee Nation, is a conflict resolution trainer, mediator, social justice movement lawyer, restorative justice practitioner, and an internationally sought-after speaker on social justice, spirituality, and liberation.
Alison is a dear, dear friend, whose roots in the law mirror my own. Her career truly embodies what it means to pursue justice and advocate on behalf of others for a better world, and her work transforming the culture of policing and prisons will add such a rich dimension to our Summit.
Susan Jin Davis will discuss Social Impact and Media
Susan Jin Davis (she/her) has 30 years of experience in the telecommunications, media, entertainment, and technology industries. She currently serves as Social Impact Officer for Al Roker Entertainment, a leading producer of TV, digital, branded programming and entertainment.
Susan and I serve as Systems Designers for Penn State's Antiracist Development Institute. She is fierce and inspirational in her spirit for true equality for all people. As one of the first women of color and Asian women in senior roles in media, she has pushed the needle on Social Impact affecting millions through entertainment industry.