Series 1: August 12 | 9am-12pm
Laying the Foundation: Racism and its effects on health equity, economics, and criminal justice
Speakers:
Craig Hall Community Room – University of Denver
Naya is a Denver native and graduate of East High School and the University of Northern Colorado. She is an educator, collector, movie buff, Beyoncé enthusiast, and sports fanatic. She loves all things sports but especially all things related to Colorado sports. If you ever get the chance, feel free to ask her take on the Jordan VS. James debate. She has her masters degree in criminology and criminal justice with the hopes of soon furthering her education in a PhD program. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc (University of Northern Colorado, Theta Iota Chapter). Currently, she works for Denver Public Schools as a program director for Swigert International's Extended Learning Program. Here she serves over 150 families offering education based before and after school care. This is her second year as the communications chair for Colorado Black Women for Political Action. Although she is new to the world of politics, she has enjoyed everything she has learned thus far. She is excited to learn even more and grow as a community and political advocate, leader, and educator.
Jordan is from North Carolina and moved to Colorado 3 years ago! Jordan loves nature and being as close to the outdoors as possible and sushi is her favourite food of all time. Jordan works with CBWPA on both the Political Team and the Communications Team. Jordan is an educator whose passion extends to policies and legislation about the future for my students. Jordan’s love for all things political and social justice started in 2008 with the election of the first black president. Jordan knew that in that moment she wanted to dedicate her life to giving a voice to invisible people. Jordan received some schooling in both Education and Political Science from Wingate University.
Dr. Keena Day is an educator, writer and poet. She has been an educator for 20 years; She served as a teacher and currently leads school leadership, teachers, and school organizations in many areas of instructional leadership including curriculum, assessment, instructional design, leadership coaching, and data analysis. Dr. Day is also a freelance writer and journalist writing for several media outlets such as the Tennessee Tribune, Boardhawk, and My Black Colorado Magazine. Keena’s recent work includes serving as a contributing author for two best selling books that were released in 2021: The HBCU Experience: Band Alumni Edition, and the Black Studies collegiate textbook Africana Paradigms, Practices, and Literary Texts. She has been a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows including Google Education, EdCuration and Teach Colorado and has been a speaker at conferences focused on Black women's empowerment, education, and literacy instruction. Dr. Day is a community advocate serving on the board of the Colorado Women for Political Action (CBWPA), is the appointed National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity and consults with multiple independent charter schools and nonprofit organizations. For her leadership in education and community work, Keena was recognized as a "Forty Under 40" Awardee for TSU's 2020 class, featured as one of the top 100 educators in Colorado by My Black Colorado Magazine, and won the President’s Award for service to CBWPA.
Introducing Crystal Williams, an exceptional realtor and political activist. Crystal, a North Carolina native, has resided in Colorado for the past four years. Currently, she serves on the hospitality team for CBWPA, where she embodies determination, resourcefulness, and a genuinely caring personality. Crystal consistently demonstrates unwavering determination in achieving her goals and helping black women achieve their dreams. She also actively encourages and educates black women on the political process while advocating for positive change within the community.
Crystal's track record of successful minority-focused real estate transactions and meaningful impact in the political arena speaks to her drive to succeed. Her resourcefulness allows her to find innovative solutions to challenges, ensuring the community receives the best possible outcomes. Above all, Crystal's caring personality shines through in all aspects of her life, as she genuinely prioritizes the well-being and happiness of all who come in contact with her.
Andrea E. Harris, is the Chief Operating Officer for her family owned and operated mortuary, Harris Funeral Directors. A native Memphian and graduate from The University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Before entering the funeral industry, Andrea taught elementary education ranging from 1st- 3rd grade serving underserved schools and students in the city of Memphis.
A lover of God and her family, Andrea is a young melanted woman with a heart for people. Recently appointed as Hospitality Chair with Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Andrea is eager to use her innate ability and gift of serving to better the works of this great organization.
Bianka is a Campaign Strategist with nearly 20 years of experience in electoral politics and the public & nonprofit sectors including working as senior staff for presidential, gubernatorial, and mayoral campaigns. She was also the campaign manager for Proposition 123, Make CO Affordable. Bianka was also the Deputy Political Director for Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ 2018 campaign and Campaign Coordinator for Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock. She was the Coalitions Director for the Biden Harris campaign in Colorado, and in 2022 appointed by Governor Jared Polis to the Environment Justice Advisory Board, where she works with a team in advising Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) on best practices for engaging disproportionately impacted communities. She was recently selected to join the first inaugural cohort of the BPIA Colin Powell Leadership Institute organized by Black Professionals in International Affairs. As president of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA), Bianka leads efforts to advocate for political and policy solutions that are critical for the black community throughout Colorado, while promoting the voices and inspiration of black women.
