2023 Event Speakers
Micah “Bam-Bamm” White
Opening / Closing
Wherever Micah White goes, his enthusiasm and energy are contagious. During his more than 25 years in the entertainment industry, he has worked as a stand-up comedian, host, keynote speaker, and philanthropist. White’s abilities have led to him performing for a variety of corporations, non-profit organizations, and colleges, doing everything from stand-up comedy to hosting and delivering the commencement address. Despite his enormous success, he has remained deeply rooted in Virginia and is the founder of RVA Has Talent, an organization that fosters collaborations between regional artists and nonprofit organizations in the Greater Richmond region.
Off the stage, he cares deeply about his community. White has spoken at TEDxRVA and worked with businesses to address issues of inclusion, growth, and diversity. He worked with the Boys and Girls Club as a coach and mentor. White also served as the girls’ volleyball team’s head coach at James River High School.
White’s goal in all of his endeavors is to use humor and entertainment to find common ground across racial, religious, socioeconomic, and generational divides.
Hamilton Glass
Art and Impact & Art Exhibition
Hamilton Glass’ career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for public art pushed me to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration to Hamilton, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every opportunity Hamilton is given to create, he tries to convey a message that connects his art to the community. Using his background in architecture, he creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. The bright colors and unpredictable lines and shapes are used to convey energy and movement in each piece.
Hamilton’s work isn’t just a singular canvas, print, or mural. One of the things he enjoys most is creating multilayered projects that amplify many voices. In 2020, Hamilton founded two large projects, Mending Walls and All In Together, which were created to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country. This was a way for Hamilton to process current events and share that opportunity for expression with others through art. Hamilton is always looking to use his art as an inspiration and healing tool in the community, as well as being a great example of a working black artist.
Matt Lively
Art and Impact & Art Exhibition
Matt Lively earned a BFA in Sculpture from VCU in 1993 and has exhibited nationally and internationally in numerous solo, juried and group exhibitions. Having taught at VCU and the Virginia Museum Studio School, he currently operates his own classes “Painting Outside with Matt Lively”. Lively is on the board of 1708 Gallery, co-founder of the award winning collaborative environmental sculpture duo, Lively/Harper, is a contributing founding member of Ink Tank Lab, serves as Art Director of short independent films, contributing artist for documentary films, serves as organizer of community projects and involved with several, including Mending Walls and Artists of Hope. Matt Lively’s work is in collections in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Australia and China and was a recipient of the Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts.
Ken Oxendine
Big Dreams / Road Map to Life
Raised in Chester, Virginia where he attended Thomas Dale High School and is a product of the CCPS school system. He was a Gatorade All-American in football and a multisport High School athlete. He achieved a scholarship for football to Virginia Tech and was later drafted as a running back with the Atlanta Falcons. In his rookie season with the Falcons, the team went on to appear in their first Super Bowl. He also played in the XFL for the Los Angeles Xtreme in the league’s inaugural first season in 2001. The Xtreme won the championship in that season. Following his pro football career, Oxendine went back to get his Masters in Education; shortly after went on to the coaching world. He started at Duluth High School where he coached the first thousand yard rusher since George Rogers. Then moved on to Georgia Southern University, where he coached Teddy Craft who became the Eagles first ever pre-season All Socon wide receiver. He also coached Jason Foster, who eventually won the Walter Payton Award. Following Georgia Southern, Oxendine had the opportunity to coach with NFL Europe for the Cologne Centurions. In 2006, he went into Athletic Administration and created the athletic program, where he coached, taught and mentored at Notre Dame Academy; a private school in Duluth, GA that specializes in IB World Education. In 2019, Oxendine moved back to Chester where he currently runs his non-profit, Box Sports Group 501c(3) and works directly with CCPS.
Lerone Joseph
Career, Jobs or Work: What Gets Your AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
Dr. Lerone Joseph is the Program Manager for the Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) with the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building. MYA is the youth-serving unit of the Office of Community Wealth Building, the goal is to develop Richmond’s future workforce with hopes of supporting access to quality employment and related supports that help address barriers that lead to poverty in the city of Richmond. Dr. Joseph has over 10 years of progressive experience in young adult development and higher education. His industry experience includes teaching, higher education, community engagement, and career development. He has worked on many initiatives that support Black male education, career development, and community action. His commitment to education and excellence was recognized in 2013 by Winston Salem State University and again in 2017 by Auburn University’s President with Excellence Award. Dr. Joseph completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership in 2021 with his research focused on the leadership of African American males in higher education settings.
Lerone is originally from New York City by way of the Caribbean. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Albany and his Master of Justice Administration and Public Policy from the University of New Haven. Dr. Joseph is also a certified MBTI and Work Place Excellence facilitator. Lerone is no stranger to hard work and credits his passion for enhancing youth’s possibilities in marginalized communities to the personal experiences he has endured and the professional opportunities he has been afforded.
Sydney Edwards
Changing the World
Kate Ayres
Coming to “America”: Understanding the Experience of Newcomers to the United States
Kate joined ReEstablish Richmond in 2013, motivated by her participation in the “Just Faith” program, a class focusing on social justice issues around the world. She previously worked as a special education teacher and department chair in Hanover County for 11 years, while also serving as a volunteer mentor for refugees in the Richmond community. Kate is currently the Chair of the Office of New Americans Advisory Board, and her dedicated efforts continue to build a supportive, trustworthy community for refugees and new immigrants living in Richmond.
Bob Garity
Conflict Resolution
A former school teacher, Bob Garrity has provided services and training in mediation, facilitation, restorative practices, cultural responsiveness, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and planning for schools, universities, government, the armed forces, law enforcement, businesses, families, and community organizations since 1989.
Bob earned a B.A. in Government and Elementary Education from the College of William and Mary, an M.A. in Foreign Affairs and an M.Ed. in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Virginia. Prior to working as a mediator, facilitator, trainer, and consultant, Bob served as a public school teacher in elementary and high schools in Virginia and Japan.
Alejandro Prince
Exploring Race and Relational Aggression
Alejandro Prince is an Educational Programs Coordinator at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. In his role, Alejandro designs, coordinates, and facilitates programs, events, and conferences on diversity, equity, and inclusion primarily for educators and students across the Commonwealth.
Prior to joining VCIC, Alejandro worked with a Community Action Agency delivering programs centered on violence prevention, trauma-informed education, healthy relationships, and college and career readiness for youth. His research and experience with curricula development center on the connections of moral philosophy, racial justice, gender & sexuality, history, and psychology. He is especially interested in the role that educators play in positive human development for peaceful communities and just societies.
In the community, Alejandro serves on the Governing Body of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. Before moving to Virginia, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University and his Master’s in Theological Studies with a Certificate in African American and Diaspora Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Brad Stang
Keeping Your School Safe: What’s Being Done and Where Can We Improve
Threat Assessment Program Coordinator, Virginia Center for School and
Campus Safety
Brad Stang serves as the Threat Assessment Program Coordinator for the DCJS’ Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety and leads all facets of the program. He has served in this role since 2019. Prior to joining VCSCS, he spent 22 years in public education, 10 as a middle school social studies teacher and 12 as an administrator. Brad spent his last five years in education as a middle school principal. Throughout his career as an educator, he served on and led both Crisis Management and Threat Assessment Teams. He received his B.S. in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Central Florida as well an M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Patrick Held
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Department of Communications and Community Engagement, Office of Family and Community Engagement. Dr. Held previously served the school district as a middle school principal for four years, high school assistant principal for five years, a secondary school dean of students for two years, and taught theatre arts and communications for 8 years. Dr. Held serves as an adjunct professor for Virginia Commonwealth University and Averett University. Other administrative posts have been at the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation and The Richmond Theatre Company for Children. Dr. Held has experience providing educational opportunities in fostering community partnerships; funding requests and grant development; volunteer coordinating, and several other “soft skills” training opportunities including presentation skills and voice and diction. He has led professional development sessions on topics ranging from LGBTQIA Youth support to Leadership Skill Development. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences to assist learners in their educational and life journeys.
Julia Marshel
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
In her day job Julia Marshel is the Senior Brand Manager for Altria International Sales. In her gay jobs, she was the founding vice chair and then chair of Mosaic, Altria’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. Under her leadership Mosaic shifted Altria’s culture from one where LGBTQ+ employees scored 40 on feeling like they could be themselves at work to one in which they scored 74, on par with nonLGBTQ+ employees. She lives with her wife in Chesterfield County Virginia and they have three Gen Z daughters all of whom are currently in college.
James Millner
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
James Millner is a Program Director of Diversity Richmond where he leads the organization’s Virginia Pride program as part of a senior management team. He is a recognized leader in the Richmond Region’s LGBTQ community and has strong relationships with non-profit organizations, media, business leaders, civic leaders, and community advocates and activists. In addition to his advocacy and community work, under his leadership, Virginia Pride produces and annual Pridefest attracting more than 40,000 attendees making it one of the largest and most visible events in the region. He is a passionate racial and social justice advocate and who often speaks to local and national corporations, professional associations and other organizations about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. He regularly appears in the news media as an expert on issues affecting the LGBTQ and allied communities.
James has a background in both corporate and non-profit communications, having held senior-level positions in global PR agencies representing large government agencies and Fortune 50 companies.
James lives in Henrico County, Virginia with his fiancé, Richard.
Drew Newton
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
Drew Newton (he/him/his) is a proud Virginian and the current Director of Advocacy and Education at the Side by Side LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Richmond. A native of Southside Virginia, Drew graduated from Prince Edward County High School (Farmville) and then completed his Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education at James Madison University (Harrisonburg). He later graduated with a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. Drew brings to the table experience in K12 (as a former middle school English teacher) and higher education (as a former administrator strengthening programs for transfer students and founding director of new advising centers and technologies). At the University of South Carolina, Drew led all Safe Zone Ally trainings and initiatives for the university. He also partnered with student government leaders, senior administration, and community partners to launch a new LGBTQ Programs and Services unit at USC in addition to leading the creation of the university’s “It Gets Better” video. In his role at Side by Side, Drew and his team help schools start and strengthen their GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances). They also provide training and professional development on LGBTQ+ inclusivity for schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations. Drew also partners with other LGBTQ+ organizations to advocate for inclusive spaces and policies for youth. Outside of work and service, Drew is a nerd at heart, engaging in politics, exploring historical sites, visiting new cities/towns, and learning all about the presidents.
Samm Wilkenson
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
Samm Wilkenson (she/her) is an Instructional Designer at Bailey Bridge Middle School, where she has worked for over ten years. During her educational career, she has taught Theatre, English, and Social Studies and has experience with every grade level K-12. While in grad school, she started her advocacy work as a volunteer with the Cincinnati chapter of GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network). In the last three years, she has co-created and implemented a Safe Space Training for teachers, so they have the tools to support students when they come out and to advocate for their needs. Along with this training, she helped co-create a Safe Space badge that teachers display in their classrooms and has facilitated panel discussions with other Equity leaders in CCPS to bring awareness to other schools in the county. Last year, she helped students start up a brand-new diversity club at her school. Growing up with many friends on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, being a part of Richmond’s vibrant queer community herself, and having a passion for working with students has fueled her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ youth over the last twenty years. Every person should feel empowered to live as their authentic selves and Samm is excited to be a part of this summit.
Rebecca Lint
Mental Health Matters
Rebecca Lint, MSW received her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been a Prevention Specialist with Chesterfield County Mental Health Prevention Services for seven years. In her role, she promotes mental health wellness for children, teens, and their families. She also provides a large variety of education and skill building to youth and adults to help prevent suicide, violence, and substance abuse in her community. She has a passion for working with teens to help them understand common mental health concerns, as well as creating healthy relationships with peers. When not working, Rebecca enjoys baking, cross stitching, and spending quality time with her husband and their cat, Freckles.
Terell Artis
Photography to Life
Terrell Artis is a true son of Richmond, VA. He is a freelance photographer with a heavy focus on off-guard candid’s. Not your average conventional photographer, as he prides himself for looking through the camera lens a bit differently. Passionate about photography, he looks forward to teaching anyone who’s willing to learn.
Courtney Jones
Photography to Life
Courtney Jones is a Richmond, Virginia native and 2015 graduate of Virginia Union University. She is a self-taught freelance photographer that has a passion for visual storytelling and appreciates every opportunity to preserve memories for others in the form of a photograph.
Keith Cartwright
Reach In, Reach Out: Connect to Protect
Keith Cartwright is the Adverse Childhood Experiences Coordinator for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, Keith has led a movement that now has over 300 ACE Interface Master Trainers and Presenters across the state of Virginia. Since 2017, this group has educated over 16,000 Virginians on the impacts of positive and adverse childhood experiences on long term health and wellness. Keith also serves as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.
Marrin Scalone
Reach In, Reach Out: Connect to Protect
Marrin Scalone is the Trauma-Informed Care Specialist for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of William and Mary, where she first learned the importance of research and evidence-based practices to address mental health & wellbeing. Through integration of her clinical research within her role at DBHDS, Marrin’s become devoted to understanding the intersection of mental health, prevention, and neuroscience.
Jill Chichowicz
Substance Abuse: Ending the Stigma
Jill Chichowicz, Creator and Founder of the nonprofit, 2 End The Stigma and A Night For Scott Fundraiser was born in Virginia, but moved around quite a bit due to her father being an Army Pilot. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, then moved to Fort Bragg to become the “perfect Army wife” serving as FRG Leader and volunteering countless hours at each Post she moved to with her husband, Marc and 2 energetic boys Carter and Christian! They retired after serving 25 years and 5 long deployments, moving back to Richmond was important to be around Jill’s family once again. After losing her twin brother, Scott Zebrowski to Fentanyl poisoning on February 28, 2017, she created her annual fundraiser to benefit those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and ending the stigma associated with the disease of addiction to normalize the need for help. Her fundraiser has been voted The Best Charity Event in Richmond (2019, 2020) and First runner-up (2021, 2022). Due to that success, she began 2ETS Community Day as well as the annual Fairways For Scott golf tournament. Jill does national public speaking on addiction, has written for Blogs, Podcasts and partners with local recovery organizations such as Rams in Recovery, Chesterfield Recovery Academy, CARITAS and Real Life Community Center to volunteering at local Food Banks in addition to serving on multiple boards in her Community. Jill continues to advocate for those voices no longer heard and for those battling today as a way of channeling her grief in honor of her twin brother that she loved so much. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her boys and hoping that her work will make an impact on them-she is blessed with so much support from her doting husband and community.
Zenobia Bey
Telling my Story
ZBey the Poet is a writer and spoken word hip-hop artist based in Richmond, VA. Along with music, basketball, and uplifting people to be the best version of themselves, she pursues her passion as an educator, mentor, and community advocate. This project is tapping into the core of herself to identify who Zenobia is to be able to help others. Through her art and community engagement with various organizations throughout the Richmond area she seeks to impact a community and nation of people. In 2012 she founded the grassroots non-profit community 50/50.
Kelli Lemon
The Culture
Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people “LIVE” Richmond, Virginia. Through Like The Fruit LLC, Kelli socially connects people through food, sports, arts and education. Late 2018 she made her dream a reality and opened her social cafe, Urban Hang Suite, located in the historic Jackson Ward and Art’s districts of Richmond.
On the weekends, Kelli is making Virginia residents a little richer while supporting public schools K-12 as the day time Draw Show Host for the Virginia Lottery. Kelli is also helping Black owned businesses as a co-founder of (Virginia) Richmond Black Restaurant Experience and the Jackson Ward Collective.
Most recently she is bringing community news to life through video content as Director of Digital Programming for Richmond Times Dispatch / Virginia Video Network. She is also the host of week day morning show “A1 Minute”, afternoon series “8@4” and podcast “After The Monuments – A Real Talk About Race” on Richmond.com.
Kelli can be seen hosting various major annual events around Richmond including the Richmond Jazz Festival, After Hours at The Virginia Museum Fine Arts and Controversy History at The Valentine Museum. She’s also assisted in creating unique urban events in Central Virginia including RVA Pop Up Parties, Ready 2 Give Charity Events, The Art of Noise and HeART & Soul Fest.
Lastly, Kelli makes time to give back by serving on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Studio Two Three, Sports Backers and JWC Foundation.
Kelli received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from UVA and her master’s degree in Sports
Management and Leadership from VCU.
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