Our Keynote Speakers

We are thrilled to introduce you to our esteemed speakers whose presence will make your Lavender Graduation ceremony deeply memorable!

Dr. Van Bailey (they/them) has served as the inaugural director of multiple LGBTQ+ student centers, including at Harvard College and the University of Miami, where they built sustainable models for student belonging, cultural celebration, and institutional accountability. Currently, Dr. Bailey is part of the team at the Campaign for Southern Equality as the Family Resources Manager, supporting the Trans Youth Emergency Project and Supportive Schools program(s), which provides navigation, advocacy, and resources for families of transgender youth impacted by restrictive legislation and inclusive practices in schools, including K-12 and Higher Education. A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Bailey’s work explores queer and trans leadership, intersectionality, Black and Brown masculinities, and community care. They are also known for bringing creativity into advocacy—examining the role of technology, mentorship, and even fashion as resistance in movements for equity. Their leadership has been honored nationally, including recognition as an Out100 honoree (2021), Trans Icon of the Year by Blaque/Out Magazine (2024), and recipient of the Lou Sullivan Award from the National Transgender Visibility March (2019). Through storytelling, scholarship, and strategy, Dr. Bailey inspires audiences to honor LGBTQ+ legacies while building liberated futures rooted in authenticity, resilience, and joy. Topics in which Dr. Bailey speaks are: Lavender Legacies: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Building Our Future; Living Authentically: The Power of Queer and Trans Storytelling; From Margin to Center: Creating Belonging in Higher Education; Queer Euphoria as Resistance; Fashion as Resistance: Style, Expression, and Queer Euphoria; and Tech, Trust, and Transformation: Queer Futures in a Digital World.

Dr. Raja Gopal Bhattar ( they, them, their) is a nationally recognized higher education leader, advocate, consultant, and author. Raja currently serves as a program manager for the social justice and career advancement Academy for ACCCA. Previously, Dr. Bhattar served as the assistant Provost and executive director of the Center for Identity + Inclusion at the University of Chicago, overseeing the office of Multicultural Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Life and Student Support Services along with campus climate and inclusion work. Raja served as the first gender queer person of color and immigrant to direct UCLA’s LGBTQ Campus Resource Center. They have also held positions at American River College (Los Rios Community College District), University of Redlands, University of Vermont, Champlain College, and Semester at Sea. They hold a Ph.D and M.A degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, a. M.Ed in education and higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Spanish literature from Boston University.

Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld (they/them/theirs, agender, gender non-binary) is a former Associate Professor at Iowa State University School of Education, currently Instructor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Education. author of Responding, Teaching, and Learning Race & LGBTQ Topics as Acts of Resistance in a Declining Democracy: An Activists’Guide (Self Published), author of The What, The So What, and The Now What of Social Justice Education (Peter Lang Publishers), editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price (Beacon Press), co-author with Diane Raymond of Looking at Gay and Lesbian Life (Beacon Press), co-author of God, Guns, Capitalism, and Hypermasculinity: Commentaries on the Firearms Culture of the United States (Peter Lang Publishers), co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (Routledge) and Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States (Sense).

David Crafts (they/them) is a fierce advocate, compassionate educator, and unapologetically joyful presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they live with their partner Jason and three mischievous rescue cats. A queer, first-generation, low-income college graduate, David has spent over 25 years championing equity, access, and community within higher education and the nonprofit sector. Currently serving as the Dean of Enrollment Services & Support Programs and Title IX Coordinator at College of San Mateo, David brings a student-centered lens to institutional leadership. Their career includes impactful service to students at Wharton, Stanford University, Pacific Oaks College, and University of the Pacific, as well as formative roles in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. Beyond their professional roles, David is a Commissioner on the LGBTQIA+ Commission of San Mateo County and a co-organizer of the High School Pride Prom, empowering youth to celebrate their identities. As an Aspirant-Nun with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, David embodies a tradition of irreverent wit and sacred service—offering outreach and ministry to those on society’s margins, while joyfully confronting the forces of bigotry and shame. A former high school and college cheerleader, David now gives back as a volunteer with the Cheer For Life Foundation, helping fund critical services for at-risk members of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Their academic journey includes degrees from Grand Valley State University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, along with specialized certifications in sexual assault investigation, crisis management, and human resources. In every space they enter, David Crafts hopes to infuses strategy with soul, laughter with liberation, and systems with compassion—lifting others as they continue to lead.

Vanessa Gonzalez-Siegel (she/ella/ela) is a nationally recognized trans Latina advocate, speaker, and strategist whose work bridges institutional transformation and LGBTQ+ liberation. As Director of the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and Internal Relations Director for the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, she leads critical efforts to protect queer and trans students in an era of political backlash. With over a decade of experience in higher education and national advocacy, Vanessa brings a fierce commitment to equity, storytelling, and systemic change. Her keynote topics include leading through institutional ambiguity, LGBTQ+ change management, intersectional leadership, and building campus cultures rooted in justice and joy. Vanessa’s speaking topics focus on Leading Change Through Institutional Ambiguity: LGBTQ+ Change Management, Building Queer & Trans-Centered Campus Cultures, Intersectional Leadership in Times of Political Backlash, and The Evolution and Future of LGBTQ+ Student Services.

Karyl E. Ketchum, Ph.D., is a Professor and the Department Chair of Women, Gender, and Queer Studies at California State University, Fullerton. She is also a Senator representing the Humanities and Social Sciences in the CSUF Academic Senate. Professor Ketchum received both her MA and her Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from the University of California, Davis. She has published internationally in some of the most influential academic journals in her field. Her book, Gender Diversity and LGBTQ Inclusion in K-12 Schools: A Guide to Supporting Students, Changing Lives (Routledge), is a first resource for educators interested in creating schools that are responsive to the needs of women and LGBTQIA+ students. Her work has, for decades, focused on creating institutions and systems attuned to the needs of minoritized and historically marginalized groups. Toward this end she routinely acts as a pro bono expert witness for women and LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking asylum in the U.S. and created and implemented a national training program for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers working with these same asylum seekers. In her role as a founding member and President of the Orange County Equality Coalition School Compliance Task Force, she led a class action lawsuit against the California Dept of Education for their mishandling of complaints of discrimination by California public school students. She has also received special commissions and grants from the American Psychological Association and from the California Department of Mental Health. Professor Ketchum has held multiple community leadership positions, including as an advisor to Chapman University’s Center for Global Law and Development – LGBTQ Rights and Feminism Division, on the Executive Board for The Orange County Equality Coalition, and for The LGBT Center of Orange County. Dr. Ketchum is a reviewer for The M. Katherine Baird Darmer Equality Scholarship for law students. Her awards include Planned Parenthood of California’s Advocacy Award, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California Vern Bulloughs Social Justice Award, the Rich Cook Community Bridge Award, the Orange County Lavender Bar Association Equality Award, the OCEC Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Women for Orange County Social Justice Award.

Aleksa Manilla (She/They) is Seattle’s sweetheart of social activism. As a genderqueer FilipinX immigrant, her passion lies in honoring and uplifting marginalized communities especially BIPOC and gender diverse people. Her early years started with HIV education and intervention targeting young Asian Pacific islander gay men. This commitment blossomed working closely with LGBTQ organizations like Public Health – Seattle and King County, Seattle Counseling Service, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, People of Color Against AIDS Network, Entre Hermanos, UTOPIA among others. Mx Manila is featured in the GLAAD and Emmy nominated documentary Caretakers directed by Geena Rocero and produced by PBS. Finding her platform as a performance drag artist, she focuses on the power of voice and visibility for human rights centered on LGBTQ history and legacy. She’s a sought after keynote speaker, expert panelist, fundraiser, auctioneer, moderator and emcee at various events extending the boundaries of the traditional queer venues – like Seattle City Hall, King County Superior Court, Filipino Community Center, University of Washington, Seattle University, Department of Health, Asian Counseling Referral Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigations, including the White House to name a few. From Miss Gay Filipino, Miss Gay Seattle and Empress of Seattle – she continues to champion communities and collectives that honor the diverse LGBTQ narrative – from Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera to Harvey Milk and Mama Jose. She has gained recognition through her selfless act of creating safe space for others – from Seattle Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Leader, Filipino Community of Seattle Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Leadership, Seattle Women’s Pride Champion Award, Greater Seattle Business Association’s Humanitarian Award for Community Leadership, Grand Marshal at the 40th Seattle Pride, and Jose (Sarria) Honors to name a few including being sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. In 2012, she founded Pride ASIA, a Queer and Asian collective whose mission is to celebrate, empower and nurture the multi-cultural diversity of the LGBTQ2+ communities through the Asian Pacific Islander lens. Through her respected networking and collaborative efforts, Pride ASIA has the honor of disbursing $25,000 to individuals impacted by COVID. With her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, she centers her professional expertise on harm reduction, equity and social justice. She is in private practice focused on LGBTQ BIPOC populations, including health advocacy and consultation, and as a Program Manager at Public Health – Seattle and King County. Mx. Manila is a past and present member of the International Court Council, Heir Emeritus and Heir-in-line-of-succession to Empress Nicole The Great de San Diego, Queen Mother of the Americas; and various advisory boards centered on diversity for the arts, health equity, public health and social work. She is an Ambassador for the “Drag Out To Vote” national campaign to educate LGBTQ representation in the polls this fall.

Brian McNaught is a corporate diversity and sensitivity coach and author who specializes in LGBTQ issues in the workplace. A conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam, McNaught did his alternative service at The Michigan Catholic, weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he worked as a writer and columnist from 1970 to 1974. In 1974, he founded the Detroit chapter of Dignity, the national gay Catholic organization. When he came out in an article on Dignity in The Detroit News, the diocesan newspaper dropped his column. McNaught went on a water fast, which lasted 17 days, ending with a letter of support from Bishop Thomas Gumbleton. Following the fast, McNaught was fired by the newspaper, resulting in a civil rights suit, which was settled out of court. From 1974 to 1986, McNaught wrote a syndicated column in the gay press, entitled, “A Disturbed Peace.” Following Anita Bryant’s successful campaign to overturn gay rights protections in Dade County, Florida, McNaught wrote the essay, “Dear Anita, Late Night Thoughts of an Irish Catholic Homosexual.” Initially published by Impact magazine out of Syracuse University, the essay was widely republished, resulting in McNaught appearing on To the Point, a Miami talk show on which he debated the head of Anita Bryant Ministry’s conversion program. From 1982 to 1984, McNaught served as the mayor of Boston’s Liaison to the Gay Community, the first such full time position in the country. With the permission of Mayor Kevin White, McNaught created the first city task force on AIDS. That task force influenced the screening process instituted by the American Red Cross. McNaught became a speaker and trainer on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues in the workplace, acting as a consultant to companies and discussion moderator. McNaught has written numerous books focusing on the LGBTQ story as well as dealing with challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. Recommendations from his book Gay Issues in the Workplace are included in many corporate diversity policies. In 2011 he received the Selisse Berry Leadership Award. Brian speeks on: “We’ve Faced Worse and Will Survive and Grow,” “Sex, God, and Self-Esteem,” “Don’t Let Other LGBTQ People Define You,” “To Change the World, Tell Your Story.” We must also listen to the stories of others.

Bonnie J. Morris earned her Ph.D. in women’s history from Binghamton University and taught at both George Washington University and Georgetown for almost 25 years, becoming professor emeritus and Professor of the Year at GWU and Vicennial Medalist at Georgetown. In 2017 she joined the history faculty at the University of California-Berkeley, earning a nomination for its Excellence in Teaching Prize. A nationally recognized authority on both women’s sports history and lesbian culture, Dr. Morris is the author of nineteen books, including Women’s History for Beginners, The Feminist Revolution, The Disappearing L, and the new volume What’s the Score? In recent years, Dr. Morris became the archivist for Olivia Records, the nation’s first lesbian-owned recording company in 1973; organized the first women’s music exhibit at the Library of Congress; introduced the new LGBT History course at Berkeley; and served as a scholarly adviser to the National Women’s History Museum. Dr. Morris is a regularly featured lecturer on Olivia cruises and on Semester at Sea. Bonnie addresses such topics as anthems in LGBT music, homophobia in sports, 19th century ideas about gay people, lesbian boarding school stories, lesbians in wartime, the suffrage movement, and more.

Robyn Ochs is an educator, speaker, grassroots advocate, and editor of Bi Women Quarterly and two anthologies: the 42-country collection Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men. Her writings have been published in numerous bi+, women’s studies, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ anthologies, and she has taught courses on LGBTQ+ history & politics at three universities. Among other things, she crafted the definition of bisexuality used by many bi+ activists around the world: “I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge in myself the potential to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.” She was named by Teen Vogue as one of “9 Bisexual Women Who are Making History,” and she was chosen to represent Massachusetts on the Advocate‘s “50 States, 50 Heroes” list. In 2024, she was named an LGBT History Icon. Robyn is deeply committed to intersectional and sustainable activism, to working with others to build coalitions across identities and across social movements, to supporting emerging leaders, and to learning and growing. She is particularly interested in bi+ health, the experiences of bi+ people in the workplace, the global bi+ movement, bi+ elders, and bi and LGBTQIA+ youth.  Robyn lives in Massachusetts and on May 17, 2004, on the first day it was legal to do so, she married Peg Preble. They were among the first same-sex couples legally married in the U.S. She served for 12 years on the board of directors of MassEquality, Massachsuetts’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. During her time on the board, equal marriage was successfully defended (2007) and the Transgender Equal Rights Bill was passed (2011). Robyn has spoken in 49 U.S. states and in 20 countries.  An activist for 50 years (so far), she is in it for the long haul

Kris Radish started writing the moment she could hold a pencil. She is a bestselling author and former award-winning journalist, who has spent her life chasing and telling stories. She’s written fifteen books, both fiction and nonfiction, and can’t seem to rid herself of this lovely writing disease she embraces daily. She’s always working on a novel, and writes two Substack columns: Broads Who Have Been There and Bombs, Booze, and Bullshit: Journalists Telling Their True Stories. Kris has been a bureau chief, editor, correspondent, nationally syndicated columnist, university lecturer, magazine writer, Professional Girl Scout, lifeguard, waitress, factory worker, and even a worm picker. Her journalism career took her undercover to war-torn Bosnia, into the homes of movie stars and politicians, and into the arms of grieving parents. She’s been stalked, shot at, cursed out in public, and her laugh became famous for setting off car alarms.Kris has appeared on national television shows, including Geraldo, FBI’s Most Wanted, Daytime, City Confidential, The Playboy Murders, and On the Case with Paula Zahn. She may be heard on the Apple podcast Run, Bambi, Run, based on her first book. For twelve years, sheowned a wine bar and literary lounge in Florida, hosting book clubs and groups from around the world and, yes, drinking a lot of wine. She’s also hosted international retreats based on her novels, creating spaces for women to connect, be safe, and share their stories. Kris lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her wife, Madonna (yes, that’s really her name). She’s a volunteer escort for Planned Parenthood, a hiker, river rafter, survival skills enthusiast, and someone who still happily camps in a tent. She has two grown children, two grandchildren, and she believes in the magic of laughter, dark skies, wilderness, sitting under big old trees, and telling your truth. Kris’writing addresses the real issues women face every day, the sacrifices we make, our strengths, the need to connect, the absolute joy and necessity of female friendships, and a sense of not being alone. “I offer permission and empowerment for my readers to be who they truly are and to live that truth.” Kris’ speaking topics are her writing career, coming out as a lesbian later in life, and the absolute necessity of never surrendering, especially when the world expects you to. (For the record, her first book was rejected 43 times, an agent once stole her money, and her first hardcover book came out in the middle of a recession.) “In every story I tell…on the page or on the stage…I want people to feel less alone, more connected, and a little more willing to laugh in the wind and not give a damn about being judged.”

Dr. Ronni Sanlo is a well known keynote speaker and workshop presenter at colleges and universities around the country. Her book Our Place on Campus (Sanlo, Rankin, and Schonberg, 2004) is still in use on college campuses. Her primary focus is LGBT history, learning outcomes, strategic planning, and LGBT center development. Ronni speaks not only from her perspective as a higher education/student affairs professor, LGBT center director, dean of students, and faculty in residence, but also from her personal life experiences. After the loss of custody of her children and after many firings from jobs in Florida because of her sexual orientation, Ronni was hired by the Florida Health Department as an HIV epidemiologist. That job allowed her to obtain a masters and a doctoral degree in education from the University of North Florida. In 1994, Dr. Sanlo was hired by the University of Michigan to direct the Lesbian and Gay Programs Office. While there, Ronni added the words “bisexual” and “transgender” to the office name, wrote the initial LGBT program standards for the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), was the founding chair of the Consortium of LGBT Resource Professionals in Higher Education, and wrote Working with LGBT College Students: A Handbook for Faculty and Administrators (Greenwood Press, 1998). Ronni is the originator of the award-winning Lavender Graduation, a commencement event that celebrates the lives and achievements of graduating LGBT college students. In 1997, UCLA recruited Dr. Sanlo to grow their LGBT Center. After several more books and over 100 articles, Dr. Sanlo created the UCLA Masters of Education in Student Affairs in the Higher Education and Organizational Change (HEOC) division of the UCLA Graduate School of Education and became a full professor and director of that program. Ronni retired from UCLA in 2010 and taught in the Educational Leadership Higher Education program at California State University Fullerton for the next two years. In 2013 Ronni was honored with being included in the National Women’s Hall of Fame (Seneca Falls, NY) Book of Legacies and Lives. Today Ronni writes LGBTQ-related plays and books, co-hosts the podcast LGBTQ History Alive with her wife Dr. Kelly Watson, and is the founder of the Lavender Graduation Legacy Project.

Joy Silver, first elected in November 2022 to serve out a vacated position, is now serving her second term as Chair of the Riverside County, California, Democratic Party. A former Vice President of Democratic Women of the Desert, she ran as the CA State Party endorsed candidate for the California State Senate in 2018 where the GOP candidate only won by 3%. Joy is a founder of the activist group Courageous Resistance-Indivisible of the Desert, fighting for equality, equity and inclusion in the wake of the 45th president’s election. Joy is a guest host monthly on the podcast The Snowstorm with Nicholas Snow and was the host of a radio show and podcast OutSpoken with producer John McMullen, taking on the challenges of our times. Joy has over 40 years of experience in executive management, healthcare, affordable housing, senior living, community planning and business and economic development, and working with underserved communities. From 1997 until 2011, as a CEO and visionary, she developed, planned and found financing for LGBT senior living communities in multiple states. She became a California state licensed senior care administrator and ran senior care residences for Merrill Gardens. Prior to moving west, she was Chief Strategy Officer of a New York City Women’s Reproductive Medical Center where she led a team of medical professionals and support staff in providing quality comprehensive care to more than 40,000 patients each year. Today, she is the Chief Strategy Officer and Regional Director, Southern California, for Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC), an affordable housing developer that has delivered needed services to thousands of low-income individuals and families and headquartered in Fairfield, California and Palm Springs, CA.

Debin Smith is a trans-masculine presenting, non-binary educator whose 41-year career has left an enduring mark on generations of students, educators, and LGBTQ+ advocates. They hold California Teaching Credentials in Multiple Subjects, Learning Handicapped, and Severely Handicapped, along with a Resource Specialist Certificate, an Administrative Services Credential (Tier II), and have served as an adjunct professor at Phillips Graduate Institute. Debin earned their undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change from Phillips Graduate Institute. Beginning their teaching journey in Arcadia, Florida, Debin entered the profession under the shadow of Anita Bryant’s “Save the Children” campaign—a nationwide push that vilified queer educators. In this hostile climate, they were forced to remain closeted for decades, living with the constant fear that being open about their identity could cost them both their career and professional credentials. Despite this, Debin’s dedication to education never wavered. Over the years, they built a distinguished career, including 11 years as a high school principal—four of those leading an alternative high school program—and ultimately retiring as principal of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In recognition of their exceptional leadership, they were named the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Principal of the Year in 2019. Beyond their school leadership, Debin has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and youth empowerment. They served for 25 years on the planning committee for the Models of Pride LGBTQ Youth Conference in Los Angeles, later continuing their involvement as a dedicated volunteer. For two decades, they also volunteered as a speaker for Gays and Lesbians Initiating Dialogue for Equality (GLIDE), fostering conversations that bridge understanding between communities. In 2017, Debin was nominated as an Educator of the Year with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). While teaching in Los Angeles, Debin worked for five years as a Project 10 Facilitator, supporting LGBTQ+ students in navigating both school and society. Their expertise and advocacy work also extended into academia, as a contributing author of Gender Diversity and LGBTQ Inclusion in K-12 Schools: A Guide to Supporting Students. Debin Smith’s career is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for all students. Through decades of both visible leadership and quiet persistence, they have not only shaped educational communities but also helped pave the way for greater acceptance and equity in schools nationwide.

Tammy Smith, the nation’s first openly gay U.S. general, is a recently retired Army Major General. She served at the Pentagon as the Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), the US military’s largest service branch with over 1,018,000 personnel in the Active, National Guard and Reserve force. She was responsible for developing innovative policy and providing oversight for the Army Quality of Life portfolio including child and youth programs, spouse employment, soldier transition and employment programs, Morale-Welfare-Recreation programs, Defense Warrior Games, Army and Air Force Exchange activities, soldier credentialing, and GI Bill/Tuition Assistance programs. Upon her promotion to Brigadier General in 2012, mere months after the repeal of Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell (DADT), then BG Smith gained unexpected visibility as the US military’s first openly LGBT General/Flag officer. Rather than downplaying the significance of this unanticipated status MG Smith leveraged her role by promoting inclusion and diversity in the Army and Department of Defense, contributing to a culture of acceptance and trust in a post-DADT military. MG Smith chose to be a visible role model for an inclusive military that is representative of the nation’s all-volunteer force. She demonstrated that military identity remains the foremost identity of a soldier while also acknowledging the intersectionality of other personal identities. MG Smith was awarded the Secretary of the Army Diversity in Leadership award for her contributions to Army inclusion efforts. Major General Smith was a 4-year Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship recipient and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1986. She has had numerous assignments over a 35-year career including serving overseas as a Platoon Leader in the 193rd Support Battalion at Fort Clayton, Panama; Logistics Support Detachment Commander, Task Force 36, Camino De La Paz, Costa Rica; Chief of Army Reserve Affairs for United States Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom; and Deputy Commanding General, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea. She served on the Out and Equal Workplace Advocates Board of Directors from 2013-2020.

Vernon Wall says, “Our speaker asks us to ponder two questions: “What do all people deserve?” “What does no one deserve?” A popular thought leader in higher education, non-profit and organization communities, Vernon has accumulated over 35 years of professional student affairs experience at Iowa State University, the University of Georgia, UNC–Charlotte and UNC Chapel Hill. He has experience in Greek Life, new student orientation, student activities and leadership development. Vernon currently lives in Washington, D.C. where he serves as Chief of Staff for LeaderShape, Inc. Vernon is also President & Founder of One Better World, LLC–a consulting firm specializing in assisting campuses and organization to live the values of Inclusive Excellence. In the Spring of 1998 and the Spring of 2024, Vernon sailed with Semester at Sea as a member of the Student Life team accompanying 500+ students on a voyage to 10 countries in four months. Vernon is also a past President of ACPA–College Student Educators International. With degrees from North Carolina State University and Indiana University, Vernon is the consummate scholar-practitioner and is one of the founding faculty members of the Social Justice Training Institute. Vernon has written numerous articles and co-edited two books on topics that encourage universities and organizations to embrace initiatives that foster communities where everyone can succeed. Everyone. Vernon believes in a world where all people are able to be the best version of themselves. This passion is grounded in a quote from his late grandmother: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Karen Williams, Ph.D. is a humor educator and diversity trainer, a gerontologist, a comic, an emcee, an inspirational speaker, a writer and a visionary. Karen is the Founder and CEO of the International Institute of Humor and Healing Arts, affectionately known as HaHA Institute. HaHA Institute. Her background includes over twenty-five years of theatrical and improvisational comedy training, dance and movement, psychodrama, metaphysical studies, and active parenting, as well as fifty plus years of Buddhist practice. Karen graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally designed major in “Humor and Healing” and earned a Master of Education degree from CSU’s Adult Learning and Development program. She taught the nation’s only four-credit Senior Seminar in Stand-Up Comedy in the Dramatic Arts department of CSU. Dr. Karen Williams received a PhD in social gerontology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and is booking her KAREN WILLIAMS JOY TOUR featuring a hilarious comedy show, humor and healing workshop, and hope-filled keynote and Joy Talk. As a diversity trainer, Karen served as a certified provider of communication skills and diversity courses for the California Board of State and Community Corrections for police, probation, correctional and juvenile justice officers in the State of California. Karen is a featured comic performer with Olivia Travel cruises and resorts since 1990 and the first out Black lesbian comic in the United States. The feature-length, award-winning comedy-documentary Laughing Matters showcases Karen’s star quality and includes interview clips that highlight her social activism. Other credits include the film We’re Funny That Way of HBO fame, and comedy writer and host for the TV show In The Life out of New York City. She’s been a ghostwriter at Columbia Pictures, and her humor writings are included in numerous anthologies, including Joke Stew (Andrews McMeel Publishing), Revolutionary Laughter (Crossing Press), Out in All Directions (Warner Brothers), and Out, Loud & Laughing (Random House). Karen is the past president of the Association of Women’s Music and Culture; and former board member of AIDS, Medicine and Miracles, Love Makes a Family, and the National Black Justice Coalition.