The Educating Children of Color Summit provides a unique opportunity for educators, juvenile justice, and child welfare professionals to enhance their ability to retain and inspire the students they serve. It is also an opportunity for high school students to learn about themselves while they explore higher education.
Over the last 17 years, ECOC has awarded more than $628,000 in scholarships and educational gifts as well as 320 laptops to students attending the Educating Children of Color Summit. During the 2025 Summit, $86,000 in scholarships and $10,000 in educational gifts will be awarded to students in attendance. In addition, five $500 awards will be provided to educators for classroom enhancement or continuing education.
Candice Rucker McKnight is a historian and detective of ancestral genealogy. She founded the African American Genealogical Society of Colorado in 2000, and the African American Museum of Colorado Springs in 2012.
Dr. Regina Lewis is an education consultant specializing in communication, presentation, corporate, and academic training. She specializes in leadership development and organizational communication.
Mrs. Nicole Simmons-Rochon is the Program Director of Training and Educational Development for the Division of Inclusive Culture and Belonging at UCCS.
Assistant Professor in General Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, and an investigator in the Colorado Program for Patient Center Decisions and the Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS).
Beth Donahue is the Family Engagement Specialist for the Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Services Unit.
Diamond, the founder of I Love Me Journey, is a passionate fitness and nutrition coach with a mission to help people discover self-love through health and wellness.
As an early childhood teacher, Tanisha Jones focused on foundational skills and emotional development, understanding that early experiences can have a lasting impact on a child's future.
Alan Briggs serves businesses and nonprofits as a Leadership Coach, Sabbatical Coach, team consultant, podcaster and speaker.
Dr. Carrillo-Stresow has been a professor of business management for 15 years including human resources management.
Erika Gilchrist is regarded as one of the most energizing, engaging, and captivating speakers in the industry.
Alex Bouska (she/they) is a member of the Community Advisory Council for Community Health Partnership, where they helped launch the PRISM Community Collective. As a Community Resource Advocate, Alex supports the Colorado Springs queer community.
Ambar Suero, Executive Director of Teach For America Colorado, has over 18 years of experience promoting educational equity in various organizations. As a bilingual Latina and parent, she advocates for inclusive education and advises on policies.
Ann Wilson works with the Colorado Department of Education to improve IEP team collaboration and prevent disputes. A Berkeley Law graduate and former transactional lawyer, she is an advocate for full inclusion as a parent of a student with an IEP.
Ashley Sportel is the Career-Connected Learning Coordinator in Harrison School District 2, with over 20 years of experience. She holds a B.A. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in Education Leadership, and recently presented at a national ACTE Conference.
Bemar Martinez earned her MA in Nonprofit Management while working at Regis University. She then became a Community Advocate at NL to pursue her passion for working closely with young adults, and she currently serves as the RWL Coordinator.
Benjamin Saulsberry, a West Tallahatchie County, Mississippi native, is a passionate advocate for social justice, having spoken on race at venues like Harvard Law. He joined the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in 2016.
Beverly Bennett-Roberts is a Professor of Human Development, Early Childhood, and Special Education at the University of the District of Columbia, focused on training future educators as global thinkers.
Work Life: College and Career is a coaching firm dedicated to guiding students through their college and career journeys. With years of experience in career coaching and student support, we empower individuals to explore majors and design their careers.
Dr. Cheryl Ivory, a pastor and counselor, is committed to creating safe place for healing. She is passionate about mental health awareness in the church and supervise and mentors the next generation of ministers and professionals.
Christin Kimball is a dedicated educator with 17 years of experience, now supporting literacy in Spring ISD. She is completing her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and principal certification in March 2025, while advocating for equity in education.
I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years and worked as a flight nurse for 12 years. I am currently the Injury Prevention Specialist for Penrose- St. Francis Trauma Services.
Dallana Alvarado, an educator at New Legacy, holds an MA in Curriculum, Instruction, and Critical Pedagogy, specializing in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. She is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for migrant students.
Daryl Vigil has over 30 years of experience in the corrections field, including the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Colorado Department of Corrections, starting as a Correctional Officer and rising to Deputy Warden.
Dennis Moore served as a Program Management Analyst for the U.S. Air Force and in the Federal Civil Service until retiring in 2007. His career honed skills in business analysis, reporting, and presenting solutions to complex issues.
Derek Anthony Ingraham holds degrees in Telecommunications and Information Technology and has worked for notable organiztions like the City of Miami, Google, and Progressive.
Dr. Carolyn Strong is an educator with an ardent belief in equity and anti-racist practices. She has been described as a cultural light bringer with plenty of shade as well as a firebrand for the culture.
Dr. Dedrick Sims is the CEO of the Sims-Fayola Foundation, focused on improving outcomes for young men of color through programming and systemic change. A published author and educator, he serves on Colorado’s Workforce Development Commission.
Dr. Janice Fortman is a renowned relationship coach with over 20 years of experience in communication dynamics. An internationally recognized speaker, she empowers individuals to build relationships using practical strategies and psychological insights.
Dr. La Tasha Bruner-Hill, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Certified Mood Depression Professional, has over 20 years of nursing experience. As the founder of Abundance Health Care, she promotes health equity and mentors future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Leticia Gonzalez-Castro, a Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Specialist in Aldine ISD, has over 25 years of experience in Title I schools. She holds a doctorate in Education Leadership and a Master's in Social Work.
Dr. Marcelle Mentor specializes in Black Studies, intersectional analyses, and combating anti-Black racism in education. Rooted in her South African heritage, her teaching philosophy emphasizes interconnected humanity.
Dr. Rashad Anderson is a Director and Associate Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the National Expansion Coordinator for the Call Me MISTER Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Foundations from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Sherri Jones Simmons, has over 30 years in alternative, middle, and high schools and holds an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership. A retired administrator, she empowers youth to build confidence, embrace responsibility, and pursue lifelong learning.
Erin Wahler-Cleveland was a teacher and school leader for 19 years, including 15 years at Atlas Preparatory School where she was a founding staff member. She now supports educators through her consulting business, Roots and Wings Math.
George Houston, former chair of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, played a key role in defeating Amendment 2 and pioneered Block Scheduling in schools. He works to advance people of color to leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies.
Isabel Clamons is a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Coordinator at Harrison School District Two with over 15 years of experience and an MA in elementary education. She works to connect biliterate applicants with businesses seeking bilingual interns.
Jason McBride has worked in the East Denver community since 2010. Born and raised in the Park Hill neighborhood, he decided to step away from the gang lifestyle and give back to the community he loves.
Jeff has taught at Cheyenne Mountain High School for 23 years. A Concordia University graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching, he leads Cadet Health at the U.S. Air Force Academy and was named Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year in 2019.
Jennifer Cunningham is a 24-year school veteran currently working as a Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Specialist for a Houston-based school district.
Jeremy Eddie, a graduate of Clemson University's Call Me MISTER program, is dedicated to staffing schools with diverse talent. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Michigan.
Joseph Shelton (he/him) is an LGBTQ+ community advocate in El Paso County. Deeply impacted by the tragic events at Club Q in November 2022, he is committed to enhancing safety and creating secure environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in the area.
Larry Davis is the CEO and Founder of REMEDY Team, focused on improving education and social systems. With extensive experience in corporate America and education, he prioritizes social betterment, balancing this with his commitment to faith and family.
Maria Chisolm, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a bilingual speech-language pathologist specializing in culturally responsive assessments for diverse children in CO, WY, and NM.
Mary Hanson is passionate about working with English language learners. At Michigan State University, she supported Somalian students. With teaching experience worldwide, she spent the past eight years helping teachers meet the needs of English learners.
Meg Fredrick, a 36-year educator and former Teacher of the Year at Cheyenne Mountain High School, is passionate about improving lives through mindfulness and positive psychology.
Monica Guzman is a leadership speaker, performance coach, and author of "Fearless by Choice." Specializing in resilience, personal branding, and leadership, Guzman empowers diverse audiences to achieve personal and professional excellence.
Natasha Malik is an experienced educator with over 18 years in K-12 education, specializing in educational equity, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning. She fosters inclusive environments that ensure every student thrives.
Children’s Program Staff Attorney Paulina Cook joined RMIAN as a fellow, assisting crime survivors with immigration relief. Promoted to staff attorney in October 2021, provides legal orientation to pro se respondents at the Denver Immigration Court.
René DeAnda is a dedicated Professional Academic Advisor with 20 years of experience, focused on empowering students. She shares resources to help them overcome financial challenges, save money, and efficiently achieve their academic goals.
Shantelle Bridges is the CEO of Aligned Living for Women and Shantelle Bridges LLC, with over 20 years of experience as a community leader and activist in the nonprofit sector. She empowers individuals to overcome adversity and live authentically.
Dr. Sheila V. Eggleston-Bullock is a seasoned education professional with over 30 years of experience in various administrative roles and as an Expert Witness in Special Education Law.
Stephanie Dewing, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at USC's Rossier School of Education, specializing in language and literacy development. She co-authored "Teaching and Supporting English Learners" and supports educators nationwide.
Steve Lucero, co-author of "Chicago Gangs of the Southwest," is a retired Intelligence Officer for the Colorado Department of Corrections. He speaks on gangs and security threats to law enforcement in Colorado and internationally.
Temiya, born in Michigan and raised in Louisiana, is a mother of four, wife, retired Master Sergeant with 20 years of honorable service, and a community advocate. She holds a Master's in Social Work and enjoys photography, tennis, psychology, &childbirth.
Val Ponce Najera is an LGBTIQ2S educator, inclusive language in Spanish expert and founder of Aliadxs LLC.
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