Minnesota Association of Counselors of Color (MnACC)

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CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

RECLAIMING JOY: HOW TO PRACTICE JOY IN UNSTABLE TIMES

POET JOE DAVIS

Joe Davis is not just a poet and artist; he is a force of creativity and healing, bringing people together through the power of art, spoken word, and poetry. Hailing from Minneapolis, Joe uses his artistry to create sacred spaces where individuals can find healing, discover their inner voice, and connect with one another.

Joe's journey as an artist began with mentors who encouraged him to share his work at open mic events. It was through these transformative experiences that he realized the incredible potential of art as a tool for empowerment, both for children and adults alike. Joe's passion lies in empowering others to embrace art as a communal space for healing, liberation, and joy.

"I'm not writing for a living, I'm writing for my life, because it saved me and created a healing space for other people."

Before his time at Luther Seminary, Joe didn't fully perceive his art as having a pastoral impact. However, in today's world of ongoing pandemic, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty, Joe sees the revolutionary and radical nature of experiencing and living into joy. He believes that joy is a ministry in itself—an invitation to embrace authenticity, acceptance, and truth. Joe's work invites individuals to find peace within a community that celebrates and affirms joy.

In addition to his exploration of joy, Joe is often sought after to speak about race, the arts, diversity, and youth empowerment. All these teachings and conversations are rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, a South African concept that encapsulates the interconnectedness of humanity:

"I am because you are."

With Joe Davis as a speaker, your event will be infused with passion, inspiration, and a call to action. His words ignite the spark within, with an encouraging message to embrace creativity, joy, and make a positive impact in the world. Thank you for your support!

CLOSING ADDRESS:

JOY IS AN ACT OF RESISTANCE

DR. AERIEL A. ASHLEE, ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

Aeriel A. Ashlee, PhD (she/her) is a proud Asian American womxn of color mamascholar. Her professional praxis is guided by her desire and commitment to facilitating healing and liberation in higher education. Prior to her current role as associate professor and graduate director of the College Counseling and Student Development master’s program at St. Cloud State University, Dr. Ashlee worked in student affairs in higher education advocating for Students of Color and fostering brave space for bold conversations. Her research interests include pedagogies of belonging, womxn of color empowerment and critical consciousness in higher education, and coalition building between transracial adoptee and multiracial communities.

MOVIN' ON UP: A CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

SUZI NAM, S&S CONSULTING COLLECTIVE

Suzi is the founder of S&S Consulting Collective. She is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of education and nonprofit management, leadership development, and DEIB.

Having served in senior leadership roles in higher education, independent schools and non-profit foundations, Suzi’s coaching and consulting work draws upon her over 22 years of multifaceted experiences. She’s led organizations successfully through even the most trying of times, from the great recession to the pandemic, and has developed the current generation of leaders within the education and non-profit sectors. Suzi is a sought after speaker, panelist and facilitator. In recent years, she has addressed issues ranging from the Varsity Blues controversy, to being a facilitator for Anti Racist Institutes, to serving as faculty for the Guiding the Way to Inclusion conference, to training the next generation of leaders through NACAC’s Middle Management Institute.

As a Certified Executive Leadership Development coach, Suzi helps a range of leaders - from those just rising into leadership positions to executive directors. Her practice centers on transformational leadership, intersectionality, and neuroscience based coaching.

A first-generation college student, Suzi is a proud community college graduate of the County College of Morris, later earning her bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey and master’s degree from the University of Chicago. She calls the Philadelphia area home, where she lives with her partner Lambert and is joyfully raising two daughters.

BRANDI SMITH, SOLOMON ADMISSIONS CONSULTANTS

Brandi currently serves as a Senior Admissions Consultant at Solomon Admissions Consultants. She has close to 20 years of college admission counseling experience and began her career in the college admissions world as an admission counselor at Reinhardt University (GA), her alma mater where she received her BA in Liberal Studies. After leaving Reinhardt she worked as an admission counselor at Samford University (AL), as a Senior Assistant Director at Vanderbilt University (TN), an Assistant Dean of Admission at Emory University (GA). Brandi left college admissions for a few years as the Assistant Director of College Guidance at Charlotte Country Day School (NC). Brandi has also served as the Coordinator of the Presidents Council for NACAC and as a Board Director, is a Past President of SACAC and has served in a variety of roles within the organization. She also served as the Co-Chair of the national advisory committee for the College Board “A Dream Deferred Conference. She enjoys being an advocate for students and helping them navigate the rapidly changing college admission landscape.

PRACTICING SELF-CARE: LEVERAGING RESOURCES

IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES WORKSHOP

JORDAN CASTILLO, ST. OLAF COLLEGE

Jordan’s passion lies at the intersection of college access and higher education, and one of his greatest joys is demystifying the college process for students and families. He believes college is an empowering experience that should be an option for every student. Jordan has served as both a college counselor and an admissions officer and currently works at St. Olaf College as an Assistant Dean.

EMILY OWENS, VENTURE ACADEMY

Emily serves as the Director of Career & College Counseling at Venture Academy, a Title 1 eligible public charter school in Minneapolis. She teaches career and life skills classes in the school while also providing alumni persistence and support for Venture graduates. She initially started out as an admission counselor and worked in enrollment management for over 6 years before transitioning to the high school side, serving institutions like Cristo Rey -Twin Cities. Emily is passionate about readiness for adult life, workforce exploration, and breaking down barriers in post-secondary systems.

LEONA VANN, MSW, LGSW, LSS

Leona received her Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed School Social Worker. She has experience as a children's therapeutic service and support practitioner, working in the community and in schools. Leona currently works as a therapist at a non profit and is also a school social worker. Leona is passionate about reducing stigma, increasing resources around mental health, and meeting clients where they are at in their journey. She has also done work with adult staff regarding mental health and self care, by providing training and support in the schools she has worked with.

HELPING NATIVE STUDENTS SUCCEED IN HIGHER EDUCATION

JODY O'CONNOR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – DULUTH

Jody is the Director of American Indian Learning Resource Center at the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus. She has worked in student services for over 34 years these services include financial aid and One Stop Student Services while at UMD. Jody completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UMD. She is an enrolled member of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She sits on the UMD American Indian Advisory board assisting the chancellor and is a reviewer of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Scholarship.

MnACC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. PO Box, Minneapolis, MN

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