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Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew
Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D. is a Network Weaver who believes relationships are the key to our personal, professional, and organizational growth. She has been quoted/featured in Forbes, Ozy, Bustle, Huffington Post, Modern Luxury, and other media outlets, due to her extensive background in leadership, nonprofit management, philanthropy, partnership development, training, and education. She is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC providing organizational development/culture support, leadership training/executive coaching, community engagement strategies, and philanthropic/partnership guidance for institutions, and the Founder of R2 Foundation (Restoration and Reconciliation Foundation) providing support for Black-led nonprofits.
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Dr. Karla del Rosal
Karla del Rosal has a Ph.D. in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from the University of Colorado Boulder and is certified as a bilingual teacher in Texas. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Her areas of expertise are teacher education, second language acquisition, cultural responsiveness, and formative assessment for English learners (ELs), with a specialization in K-12 mathematics and science. Karla has experience in the education of ELs in EC-12 settings. She also has experience preparing and collaborating with educators and other professionals to design culturally and linguistically responsive learning spaces.
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John Spriggins
John Spriggins, hailing from Dallas, Texas, has devoted a significant portion of his life and career to the world of visual arts. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of General Manager at the South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC). In his role, John spearheaded the restoration of the Juanita J Craft Civil Rights House Museum and established an artist residency program, paying homage to the iconic Mrs. Craft. Notably, his efforts played a pivotal role in securing the Fair Park Cultural District designation bestowed upon the City of Dallas in 2021.
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Morgan Glover
Morgan is a senior at ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University from Dallas, TX. She is double majoring in Computer Science and Data Science with minors in Human Rights and History. This year, Morgan serves as one of the Engage Dallas Area Coordinators and has been a part of the Engage Dallas team since her sophomore year.
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Dr. Laura Robison-Doyle
Dr. Robinson-Doyle (RD) is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Dr. RD is a passionate educator, researcher, and advocate dedicated to addressing issues impacting those pushed to the margins of society. Since joining ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University (SMU) in 2015, she has focused on student-centered, embedded, experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom. Her courses engage students directly with communities in Dallas and Taos, NM, to confront real-world challenges and understand the role of cultural practices, generational thinking, and structural barriers in seeing health as a human right.
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Priscilla Escobedo
Priscilla Escobedo serves as president of the Dallas Mexican American Historical League (DMAHL), a non-profit dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the Mexican American community of greater Dallas, and to educating students, researchers, and the general public about this vital history. She works at the University of Texas at Arlington as the Special Collections Archivist, and is a graduate of Baylor University and UNT. She also serves as a member of the Dallas County Historical Commission. Much of her work revolves around the history of the Mexican American community, particularly in the first half of the 20th century.
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Nitashia Johnson
Nitashia Johnson is a multimedia artist and educator hailing from Dallas, Texas. An alumna of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Texas Woman's University (BFA), and the Rhode Island School of Design (MAT), she currently serves as a Digital Media Specialist in the university setting while pursuing her freelance career as a creative arts educator, photographer, videographer, and designer. With a strong passion for using her creative talents to effect positive change, Nitashia has dedicated the past year to her non-profit organization, The Smart Project, providing an after-school program for teens and aspiring mentors in North Texas. She is also known as the creator of The Self Publication Series, a photographic book series challenging stereotypes surrounding the Black community. Nitashia is independently working on this project, shedding light on community issues and planning to create a short documentary series following past participants. In addition, she has undertaken The Beauty of South Dallas, documenting the rapid transformation of a historical neighborhood impacted by socio-economic shifts
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Kazai Drew
Kazai Drew is a 2022 graduate of Sam Houston State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising. Kazai currently serves as the Executive Administrator of Soulstice Consultancy and the Development Associate at Dallas Afterschool. Kazai has a love for building strong organizations and communities and spends her time in both roles using her research, writing, marketing, and event execution skills to make a difference. She is also a member of the 2024 Dana Juett Residency of Dallas Social Venture Partners.
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Taylor Toynes
Taylor Toynes is the CEO and co-founder of For Oak Cliff, a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to empowering and uplifting the South Oak Cliff community. A Dallas native and former educator, Toynes established For Oak Cliff to address systemic barriers through education, advocacy, and cultural arts. Under his leadership, the organization has launched numerous initiatives, including a free community festival, GED programs, and partnerships to provide essential resources to underserved residents. Taylor's visionary approach to place-based community engagement has earned him recognition as a leader in driving social change and fostering equity in historically marginalized neighborhoods.
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Cheryl Mathis
Cheryl Mathis is a Program Manager at United to Learn. Cheryl holds a Master of Science degree in Higher Education and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Baylor University. She is an experienced higher education professional with a demonstrated history of working in leadership development and event management.
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Ed Gray
Ed Gray is a civic leader and advocate for social justice based in Dallas, Texas. Known for his deep commitment to community engagement, Gray has worked tirelessly to uplift underserved populations through his roles as a media host, public speaker, and community organizer. As the host of the "Commish Radio Show," he provides a platform for discussions on politics, social issues, and community concerns, advocating for equity and inclusivity in Dallas. With a background in public policy and activism, Ed has played a pivotal role in various civic initiatives aimed at creating positive change, making him a prominent voice for justice and community empowerment in the region.
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Donald Payton
Donald Payton is a renowned historian, genealogist, and community advocate based in Dallas, Texas. With a passion for preserving African American history, Payton has dedicated decades to documenting and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Black communities in Dallas and beyond. His expertise in genealogy has helped countless families trace their ancestry, while his historical research has been instrumental in uncovering forgotten or overlooked narratives of local African American history. As a speaker, writer, and educator, Donald Payton has been a tireless advocate for historical preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of the past to inspire future generations. His work has earned him widespread respect as a key figure in the ongoing efforts to honor and preserve the legacy of Black Dallas.
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