Bio
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Parker McMullen Bushman
Parker is a dynamic speaker that engages audiences in new thinking around what it means to be a diversity change agent, an inclusive leader and building capacity for transformational change. Parker is currently the Colorado State University Extension Director for the City and County of Denver. Her background in the education, conservation, outdoor recreation, and interpretive fields spans over 23 years. Parker is also the creator of an DEI training firm called Ecoinclusive. Ecoinclusive provides training and resources for leadership at non-profits, cultural and environmental organizations to aid them in building a culturally diverse and culturally competent staff that reflects the populations that they serve. Parker’s interest in diversity, equity and inclusion issues developed from her personal experiences facing the unequal representation of people of color in nonprofit and environmental organizations. Parker tackles these complex issues through head on activism and education. In Colorado she works with organizations to aid them in building culturally competent organizations that are representative of their communities. Additional, she sits on the board of Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Metro Denver Nature Alliance and the National Association for Interpretation.
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Leander R. Lacy
Leander Lacy founded Lacy Consulting Services to provide a combination of social science, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion thinking to conservation organizations to help them stay relevant and reach their human wellbeing targets. He began his career with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission as an Urban Interface Wildlife Biologist with a focus on Florida Black Bears. He worked to change behaviors of communities that had a perception of what they called “nuisance bears” that rummaged through unsecured garbage and generally frightened people with their presence. This provided Leander the opportunity to sharpen his conflict management skills and highlighted the need for effective communication. With a focus on the people side of conservation he obtained a M.S. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. His thesis looked at how to improve the quality of life of the urban poor through environmental action in Chiapas, MX
Leander went on to work 8 years with The Nature Conservancy. His final role before starting his own business was as the Global Methodology Learning Coordinator where he assisted teams throughout the world with strategic planning on large-scale conservation issues and ensuring that social science principles were incorporated. Now he takes his extensive experience and is helping environmental organizations accomplish their goals in innovative and people-focused ways. He recently facilitated a strategic planning process for a 5-state collaborative to save the Southern U.S. shortgrass prairie, he is helping an organization understand their need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their North America agriculture approach, and recently his company became international as he was sought out by a conservation group in the Bahamas to conduct focus groups to understand and begin mending the breakdown in trust between fishers, law enforcement, and conservation groups. You can find out more about Leander at lacyconsultingservices.com |
www.lacyconsultingservices.com
Find his organization on Facebook and LinkedIn |
Having grown up in rural Vermont, Crystal Egli has always been an avid outdoor recreator. She grew up hiking, biking, camping, boating, and both water & snow skiing. After attending film school at Emerson College, she pursued a career in the film industry in Los Angeles. It only took Crystal 2 weeks to realize Los Angeles wasn’t the place for her, but 10 years to leave. In that time she found her partner Andre, and in 2015 they decided to move to Colorado to pursue a work-life balance that included a much higher percentage of backpacking and fishing. They both ended up working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Crystal as a videographer), and a few years ago coworkers convinced Crystal to take up hunting. Not only is she now an enthusiastic hunter-- Crystal has also become a Hunter Education instructor, as well as a mentor to a novice young woman.
In 2019, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) awarded Crystal the Stephen Kellert award for “outstanding service in advancing connections between humans and the natural world to all peoples in a diverse and inclusive manner”. That same year she also received Colorado Parks and Wildlife's award for "Best Creative Idea" for the youtube series "My First Big Game Hunt". In this series Crystal filmed herself, a female minority millennial who is afraid of firearms, learning how to hunt big game over the course of a year. In 2020, Crystal left Colorado Parks and Wildlife to pursue working on Inclusive Journeys full time, as well as embark on a tandem career as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity consultant. You can find out more about Crystal at CrystalEgli.com, and you can email her at [email protected]. |
Pronouns: She/Her
Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Consultant Co-founder of Inclusive Journeys Denver, Colorado Email: [email protected] Web: CrystalEgli.com |
Lance Ts’ósí
Born and raised on the Navajo Nation, Lance grew up immersed in his ancestral tradition, culture, and with a deep connection to nature. He grew up herding his grandmother’s goats, riding horses, and exploring the canyonlands surrounding his home – it was here where his sense of wonder grew. Lance received a B.A. from the University of Denver in Political Science and a minor in International Studies, he is an active member of the Denver Native American community, and a strong advocate for social justice. He has professional experience with college access and success programs for underserved communities and is currently the Colorado Program Manager at Big City Mountaineers. His approach to Risk Management does not solely focus on physical safety, but on the emotional and social well being of students. With that, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are heavily applied to his theory of risk management and is at the forefront of field based decisions. He believes so passionately in the power of the outdoors and how it can widen the scope of possibilities for youth. On his personal time, Lance enjoys bouldering, trail running, summiting 14ers, backpacking, fitness challenges, camping, and everything Colorado.
Taishya Adams
Taishya Adams a passionate and dedicated servant leader in equity, social, and environmental justice with over 25 years of experience across the country and the world. Taishya works at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) as a Senior Education Consultant laser focused on justice, community building, systems change, equity, diversity and inclusion. Taishya collaborates with state education agencies, districts, public traditional and charter schools, funders, governing boards, and community organizations to strengthen access, representation, meaningful participation and quality for leaders, educators, students, researchers, families and community members. Taishya also serves as the Chair of AIR’s Black, Latino/x/e, African American and Caribbean Diaspora Network Employee Resource Group dedicated to promoting a work environment that is inclusive, fosters professional mobility, and engages in practices that are culturally and linguistically responsive.
In 2019, She was appointed by Governor Polis to serve on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission – the first African American woman in the Commission’s history. The Commission sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s 54 state parks and wildlife management. Taishya also serves as the Outdoor Afro Colorado Co-Lead and inaugural Policy Director. Outdoor Afro connects thousands of Black people to outdoor experiences that are changing the face of earth-tending and environmental justice with 80 leaders in 30 states.
A utility player, Taishya serves as a trainer, coach, reviewer, evaluator, and thought partner acknowledging historical barriers, challenging assumptions, confronting bias and privilege, and identifying strategies that can forge a new legacy. Previously, I have worked with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the DC Public Charter Schools Board, United Nations Association’s Global Classrooms, and the Children Defense Fund Freedom Schools. With a committed and dedicated group of community members, Taishya served as the founding Board President for New Legacy Charter School – a public charter high school and early learning center for teen parents and their children in Aurora, Colorado. In addition to extensive experience in the field, Taishya hold a MA in International Education from George Washington University and a BA from Vassar College in Political Science and Film Production.
In 2019, She was appointed by Governor Polis to serve on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission – the first African American woman in the Commission’s history. The Commission sets regulations and policies for Colorado’s 54 state parks and wildlife management. Taishya also serves as the Outdoor Afro Colorado Co-Lead and inaugural Policy Director. Outdoor Afro connects thousands of Black people to outdoor experiences that are changing the face of earth-tending and environmental justice with 80 leaders in 30 states.
A utility player, Taishya serves as a trainer, coach, reviewer, evaluator, and thought partner acknowledging historical barriers, challenging assumptions, confronting bias and privilege, and identifying strategies that can forge a new legacy. Previously, I have worked with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the DC Public Charter Schools Board, United Nations Association’s Global Classrooms, and the Children Defense Fund Freedom Schools. With a committed and dedicated group of community members, Taishya served as the founding Board President for New Legacy Charter School – a public charter high school and early learning center for teen parents and their children in Aurora, Colorado. In addition to extensive experience in the field, Taishya hold a MA in International Education from George Washington University and a BA from Vassar College in Political Science and Film Production.
Stewart Tucker Lundy
A native of Maryland, by way of Miami, and currently residing in Colorado, Stewart Tucker Lundy is a 52 year old quadriplegic. He is a producer/actor/advocate/and entrepreneur that has taken life by the kahunas, making each moment, each experience, each milestone so fun and full of his great character and spirit, many cannot resist following his every move in this life, via his various social media platforms. Let STL pique your interest by following along his in this fun ride that he calls life.
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Instagram-StewartTuckerLundy
Twitter-@StewartTLundy Facebook: Stewart Tucker Lundy and also TuckerChronicles Website https://www.stewarttuckerlundy.com/public-figure-actor-writer-director |
Reaca Pearl
Reaca Pearl (they/them/theirs) is a non-binary parent of AFAB experience. Reaca is an anti-racist sexual trauma and gender therapist, and founding board member of Trans Youth Education & Support (TYES) of Colorado. Reaca is currently in all-telehealth private psychotherapy practice and thinks all humans should have access to actual gender education.
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See more professionally on their website
www.reacapearl.com, Follow their parenthood and gender journey here: https://www.romper.com/p/how-accepting-my-childs-gender-identity-helped-me-face-my-own-71257 |
Brenda Mosby
Hailing from South Bend Indiana, I came from a family that taught me to achieve my desires. With a heart for helping others to become their very best in life, I seek to empower and encourage people. I have made it my mission in life to help individuals like myself navigate situations such as those I have successfully traversed.
At forty years of age, I suddenly lost my sight due to a virus that attacked my optic nerves. I was declared legally blind and began a descent into despair, feeling that my life was now over. In a beautiful twist of fate, I was introduced to a woman who would help change the course of my whole life. The woman was a counselor with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and she helped me learn new options to function in the world of the blind. With assistive technology I was able to put my life back on track, to an even better path than before. I was ultimately able to return to college and obtain my bachelor's degree in Human Services. I went above and beyond and earned my Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from NYU. I am also a Heal Your Life Certified Life Coach. I am an entrepreneur providing employment services for jobseekers with disabilities through Mosby Employment Services since 2013. I educate employers on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. I have used the examples of my own life circumstances to show others that it's not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you. In fact, this was the title of my commencement speech I presented to my 1999 graduating class at Metropolitan State University in Denver Colorado. I am a model of positivity and productivity, transcending the odds to achieve success and find unprecedented joy in the face of life's challenges. I started an employment service based on the premise that being disabled does not mean being unemployable. I would never have achieved the wonderful life I now live without having people who cared and helped me find new ways of learning how to accomplish my goals. With a grand vision and passion to spare, I hope to be a bright light in the darkness that often accompanies those struggling with challenges. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to find the resources that are available. I have walked the walk and I am eager to share what I have learned with others on my journey! It's not that the road has ended if you've become disabled, it's just taken a slight detour and you need an expert to help you plan for your journey ahead. If you have come to such a place in your life, I am willing and able to be your guide. |
For more information and to get in touch with me email me at
[email protected] Website: BrendaMosby.com |
Tariana Navas-Nieves
Tariana Navas-Nieves, Director of Cultural Affairs for Denver Arts & Venues (A&V), City and County of Denver, has 30 years of experience in management, equity and race and social justice work; museum and curatorial practice; grantmaking; translation and interpretation; television, and communications. As Director of Cultural Affairs, she oversees the City departments of Public Art, Cultural Programs & Events, Creative Industries (Create Denver), SCFD Tier III (Tax District) funding, Arts Education, and the agency’s numerous cultural investments and grant programs. She was also Co-Lead in the creation of the City’s Cultural Plan, IMAGINE 2020. Navas-Nieves developed and leads the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work for the agency, and is on the Executive Leadership Team of the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation and his Equity Platform City-wide. Navas-Nieves serves on national, regional and local boards and advisory groups including: Grantmakers in the Arts, Philanthropy Colorado, Mayor’s Denver Latino Commission, Mayor’s International Advisory Council, National Steering Committee for Equity in the Panel Room Project (Co-author of the Re-Tool: Racial Equity in the Panel Process,) and others.
With a curatorial expertise in Latin American art, she also served as Curator of Hispanic and Native American Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Curatorial Consultant for the Denver Art Museum, Curator of Collections for the Museo de las Americas, and curator for private collections in the US and Puerto Rico. Navas-Nieves’ experience spans into television, having worked for Telemundo as an arts reporter; translation and interpretation with her own business working for the Federal Court of Immigration, Children’s Hospital, and museums and city departments throughout the United States; and providing extensive curatorial services to art collectors and museums. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With a curatorial expertise in Latin American art, she also served as Curator of Hispanic and Native American Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Curatorial Consultant for the Denver Art Museum, Curator of Collections for the Museo de las Americas, and curator for private collections in the US and Puerto Rico. Navas-Nieves’ experience spans into television, having worked for Telemundo as an arts reporter; translation and interpretation with her own business working for the Federal Court of Immigration, Children’s Hospital, and museums and city departments throughout the United States; and providing extensive curatorial services to art collectors and museums. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Brooke Dilling
Brooke Dilling is the Strategic Partnerships and Community Programming Specialist for Denver Arts and Venues. She has over 25 years event planning and production experience – including cultural events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts and Culture. She has also planned and executed events with speakers such as Ice T, Tipper Gore, Associate Justice Sonya Sotomayor, and more.
In her current role, Dilling assists in the Arts & Venues equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives (EDI) – this includes speaker series events, agency-wide training and an overall focus on EDI in all the work she does.
Dilling considers herself a strategist, planner, writer, outdoors-person (she loves to camp and fish) and a fairly decent cook (carbs and sugar are her favorite). Additionally, Dilling is a mom to two young boys who she is raising to have a feminist world view and an understanding of anti-racist values.
In her current role, Dilling assists in the Arts & Venues equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives (EDI) – this includes speaker series events, agency-wide training and an overall focus on EDI in all the work she does.
Dilling considers herself a strategist, planner, writer, outdoors-person (she loves to camp and fish) and a fairly decent cook (carbs and sugar are her favorite). Additionally, Dilling is a mom to two young boys who she is raising to have a feminist world view and an understanding of anti-racist values.