Meet Your Instructors

Cindy Holmes (She/Her/Hers)

Deputy Cindy Holmes graduated from University of Oklahoma with a BA in Social Work. She worked for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as a prison unit Case Manager and high-risk Probation/Parole agent.  Moving to Madison, she worked for Wisconsin State Capital Police Department and then joined the Dane County Sheriff’s Office in 1991, where she worked for 26 years. Cindy served as a Community Deputy, Special Events Team Grenadier, and Taser/Less Lethal Instructor.  In 2015, she received the DCSO Medal of Valor award and the Meritorious Service Award from the WPPA. 

Since 2017, as the Dane County Emergency Preparedness Assistant Coordinator, she has trained over 25,000 people in the Dane County area. She is a certified Instructor for Stop the Bleed, ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, ALICE active shooter training and ASIM (Active Shooter Incident Management).  

Josalyn Longley (She/Her/Hers)

Deputy Josalyn Longley graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a BA in Criminal Justice.  She has been with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office since 2000, where she has worked in the Dane County Jail and as a Community Deputy. While working closely with families to address issues, she has given many community presentations on drug and internet safety.  In 2016, Deputy Longley created the role of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, out of which she conducts presentations, training, and meetings on Active Assailant Preparedness.  She has trained over 25,000 people in the Dane County area. 

In 2017, she received the National Sheriffs Association Medal of Merit and Wisconsin American Legion Law and Order of the Year Award.  She is a certified instructor for Stop the Bleed, ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, Active Shooter Incident Management, and ALICE active shooter training.  She is also a member of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiation Team. 

Brittney Hayes (She/Her)

FMLA / Leave and Benefits Program Assistant

Brittney Hayes is the Leave and Benefits Coordinator with the City of Madison. In that role she administers the City’s FMLA program, drug and alcohol testing program, Paid Parental Leave program, and disability leave and layoff programs. Brittney was born and raised in Milwaukee but moved to Madison over seven years ago with her husband, John, daughter Brooklynne, and a cat named Claudia who they spoil rotten. Brittney serves on a neighborhood committee on the Southwest side of Madison dedicated to providing resources for affordable housing, food, wellness and youth activities.

Denise Nettum (She/Her)

Benefits Analyst

Denise Nettum is a Benefits Analyst with the City of Madison. She has worked for City Human Resources in a variety of roles since 2008. She is passionate about being a resource to employees and getting them the information they need to make the most of their benefits both before and after retirement. In her off time, Denise is an avid bicyclist and environmentalist, and loves any opportunity to visit the ocean.

Tameaka Bryant

Labor Relations Specialist

Tameaka Bryant is a human resources professional who delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most in hiring and retention. Hiring managers love her practical strategies they can apply to recruiting at all levels in the organization. Employees love working with Tameaka, often describing her as their “career coach” as they move up the ladder in an organization. Tameaka earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and was awarded the Lifetime Pioneer Award. Her strong background in human resources, adult learning and reorganizing large public sector team makes her the perfect fit for this talk.

Victoria (Tory) Larson

Occupational Accommodations Specialist | Interim Employee & Labor Relations Manager 

Tory graduated with a degree in Social Work and Political Science from UW-Superior. She went on to work for nonprofits doing domestic violence advocacy including some time spent supervising an Emergency Shelter Program. In that work Tory has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, people with addiction and addiction related impacts, and people who need support to fully thrive and achieve their goals. Tory also worked for the YMCA in Madison, WI for several years. Tory started with the City in 2010, and moved into Human Resources in 2015, where she has been a Program Assistant, HR Analyst, and effective May 1, became the Occupational Accommodations Specialist. As the Occupational Accommodations Specialist, Tory works with individuals and agencies to provide job accommodations and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Bill Wick (He/Him)

Human Resources Analyst

Bill brings over a decade of HR experience to his position as HR Analyst. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Western Governors University after graduating from Madison College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Finance. We are excited for Bill to bring his lifetime of experience in being helpful and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects, and his constant desire to learn new things.

Brooke Gillitzer (She/Her)

Human Resources Analyst

Brooke Gillitzer is part of the HR Services team that is responsible for recruitment, conducting position studies, coordinating department engagement efforts, and providing strategic assistance to departments. Brooke has been with the City of Madison HR department since 2020 and grew up in the Madison area. In her time at the City, she also has experience with processes related to drug and alcohol testing, FMLA and leave management, and supporting the benefits section. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Edgewood College.

Emaan Abdel-Halim (She/Her)

HR Services Manager

Emaan Abdel-Halim is a driven human resources partner with 15 years’ experience in recruitment, selection, classification analysis, training and consultation, performance management, and equity and inclusion initiatives. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with Bachelors’ degrees in Management/Human Resources and Social Psychology. In 2008, Emaan took a front line role with City of Madison and by 2012 returned to her HR roots as a Human Resources Analyst for the City. Over the last nine years, Emaan has provided strategic direction to 20 agencies on creative recruitment strategies with the highest quality of customer service. Emaan is committed to building community partnerships which help develop career pathways for applicants. Emaan also served as the interim Labor Relations Specialist focused on employee performance management, investigations, discipline, and collective bargaining negotiations. Emaan is motivated to consult and support City hiring managers and employees with the goal of providing greater opportunities to create a more inclusive City workforce.

Julie Trimbell

Human Resources Analyst

Julie has been working in Human Resources since 1997 and specifically with the City since 2011. Julie is responsible for recruitment, position studies, and supporting employee engagement and Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives. Julie provides consultation to managers, supervisors and employees on human resources policies, procedures and practices, and serves as a strategic HR partner for various City agencies. Julie graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Management/Human Resources and Operations Management/Statistics.
 

Otis Harris, Jr. (He/Him)

Human Resources Analyst

As a native of Madison, WI, Otis brings over 20 years of experience working, supporting and managing leadership development and training opportunities. Having taught youth & adults in ministry and community service programming for more than 2 decades, Otis has developed a particular skill in effective and practical teaching and training. As a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Otis works intentionally to speak up and support the disenfranchised. Human Resources has become the place where Otis’ passion and experience continue to work harmoniously together and now serve the City of Madison. Most recently, Otis served with the Madison Metropolitan School District Human Resources department. Investing in people is a large part of Otis' work, as well as a goal in the strategic plan of MMSD. He focused heavily on engagement of pre-service teachers, employment candidates, and school & central office staff. 
 

Anne Nowak

Organizational Development Manager

As the Organizational Development Manager, Anne oversees and leads the OD Unit to ensure the success and engagement of City of Madison employees and agencies by coordinating learning, leadership and development, performance excellence, and organizational development.

Anne was previously a Talent Development Specialist at Quartz Health Solutions, where she led the design, development, and implementation of organization-wide learning programs to increase employee development and growth. These initiatives included a full-year onboarding program, multi-day leadership development for new supervisors, an expanded cultural competency course, and change management training for both leaders and employees.

Anne brings over 25 years of experience in organization and learning development from her work as an instructor at the Madison Metropolitan School District, director of a local Community Learning Center and a State Program Manager in youth alcohol prevention.

Jay Winston

Leadership Development Specialist

Jay manages all leadership and supervisor programming throughout the City of Madison to ensure supervisor/leadership effectiveness at every level. With a decade of experience in training, facilitating, and coaching across various sectors, Jay brings her expertise in educational psychology and learning design to create engaging yet reflective sessions. She seamlessly integrates the science of teaching and learning to ensure deep and impactful learning experiences. 

As a people-focused and empathy-based facilitator, Jay delivers on a wide range of topics including professional development, leadership development, supervisor orientation, equity and belonging, and more! Jay is proud Badger Alumna with an educational background that demonstrates her commitment to emotional, mental, and social wellbeing, education, learning, equity, data, and analytics.

Kara Kratowicz

Performance Excellence Specialist

She is a lifelong Wisconsinite and UW-Madison graduate with over ten years work experience at state and local levels in Wisconsin. Kara is a change leader who delivers innovative solutions by incorporating data driven process to monitor service delivery in order to demonstrate measurable progress on the outcomes that matter most for residents. 

Kara served as the Data Projects Coordinator for four years in the Finance Department, supported the Mayor’s Office as Interim Deputy Mayor in 2020, and is now back in her role as Performance Excellence Specialist in Human Resources. In this capacity she oversees systems change efforts across the organization to help the city meet our Vision and Mission.

Adriana Peguero (She/Her/Hers)

Assistant City Attorney

Adriana is an Assistant City Attorney and has been with the Attorney's Office for 15 years. She is the Public Records Law Attorney for the City.

Arlyn Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, CEAP (She/Her/Hers)

EAP Department Manager

Arlyn Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, CEAP (She/Ella) has been working for the City of Madison’s EAP since 2019. Arlyn has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Social Work with a Criminal Justice Certificate and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Mental Health both from UW-Madison. 

Prior to joining the City, she was working as a therapist, crisis responder, and doing outreach/prevention work for different organizations including UW-Madison, UW-Health, and Meriter Hospital. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals who have experienced traumatic experience and/or complex mental health concerns. Arlyn is passionate about using her clinical experience and her unique perspective to advocate, improve, and support employee well-being. She has a strength-based and compassionate approach.

Brad Lovell (He/Him/His)

Safety Coordinator

Brad is the City's Safety Coordinator. He handles all OSHA/DSPS compliance, Workers Compensation, and Safety Trainings. He is based in the Risk department of Finance where he and his team protect all assets of the City such as: Workers, Vehicles, Buildings, and Equipment.

Karen Kapusta-Pofahl (She/Her/Hers)

Council Chief of Staff

Karen is the Chief of Staff for the Common Council and supervises the Council Office. She has worked for the City since 2019 and is a RESJI Tools & Training co-lead. Karen holds a PhD in cultural anthropology and a master's in public administration. 

Kristy Kumar (She/Her/Hers)

Equity and Social Justice Division Manager, DCR

Kristy is a social justice organizer and manager working to co-create anti-violent, joyful, and equitable communities. As the City of Madison’s first Equity and Social Justice Division Manager for the Department of Civil Rights, she is tasked with the exciting work of co-building the City’s new Equity and Social Justice Division. kumar and her team oversee a wide ranging portfolio including, the Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative, Disability Rights and Services, Neighborhood Resource Teams, Language Access, and Environmental Justice.

Her experience includes leadership in community and youth-organizing, higher education, coalition-building, interpersonal violence prevention, crisis response, and community care. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia and has worked on anti-human trafficking efforts. Kumar received her M.A. in Human Rights focusing on race, gender, and equity from the University of Denver and a B.A. in Political Science and Global Poverty and Practices from the University of California, Berkeley.

Lara Mainella (She/Her/Hers)

Assistant City Attorney

Lara is an Assistant City Attorney in the City Attorney’s Office and has worked for the City of Madison in this position since 1997. Lara joined the City’s Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative (RESJI) at its inception and is a member of the action team focusing on training and learning.

Leslie Starczewski (She/Her/Hers)

City Records Manager

Leslie is the City Records Manager. She is responsible for maintaining the City's records retention schedule and records policies. She also assists with e-discovery of email records.

Mary Eldridge, MSW, LCSW, CA (She/Ella)

EAP Specialist

Mary Eldridge, MSW, LCSW, CA (She/Ella) joined the EAP team in October 2021. Mary has a Master’s in Social Work and brings expertise in areas like trauma treatment, violence prevention, anti-oppression work, and trainings and education due to her work at higher education institutions like UW-Madison and the University of Iowa. 

Mary is passionate about sustainability in the workplace like exploring ways in which employees’ various needs can be met alongside organizational expectations including but not limited to safety, inclusion, equity, work-life balance, and sense of belonging as well as healthy relationships. Mary is also committed to offering services in both English and Spanish as requested.

Patricia Lauten (She/Her/Hers)

Deputy City Attorney

Patricia A. Lauten is the Deputy City Attorney for Madison, Wisconsin. She is the primary attorney representing the City on employment law, labor-management relations, grievance and interest arbitrations and other employment and personnel issues and acts as a liaison for outside counsel in cases where the City or its employees are sued. Patricia joined the City in August, 2010. 

Before working at the City, she was in private practice representing employees, unions, employers, small businesses, and non-profits in employment and labor law matters. Before Patricia began her legal career she spent 20 years in human resources/personnel management. For Tory Larson please use the bio submitted for the Accommodations course.

Rebecca Hoyt (She/Her/Hers)

Disability Rights and Services Specialist, DCR

Rebecca Hoyt is the Disability Rights and Services Specialist with the City of Madison. As a person with a disability, and the parent of a child with a disability, she brings with her deep roots and passion for advocacy. She is committed to celebrating diversity and representing the disability community with pride.

 Rebecca brings with her a wide and deep background in disability rights, having worked for Disability Rights California (DRC), the largest disability rights legal services program in the country. At DRC, she worked to remove barriers to employment and education through legal representation, coalition building, training and policy advocacy.

Sara Carrizal (She/Her/Hers)

Monona Terrace Office Administrator 

Sara has been with city at Monona Terrace for 15 years, starting as a Receptionist, and is now the Office Administrator. Nerdy, artist, introvert with the acting chops to make you think she’s an extrovert. Background in customer service and graphic design. Caregiver for a little anxious dog and an apathetic cat.

Tanya Anderson (She/Her/Hers)

IT Collaboration Tools System Administrator

Tanya is in charge of the City of Madison’s Zoom and SharePoint installations, in additional to administering IT’s Service Management System, and the technical lead on Madison’s M365 project. She has worked at the City of Madison for nearly 20 years in various roles from a Madison City Channel producer, to a payroll clerk and purchasing agent, to a graphic designer, to a technology instructor. Her most visible project to date, of setting up and leading the City of Madison’s virtual board, commission, and committee meetings initiative, earned her a #TeamCity award. Tanya’s resident “Zoom Guru” status and her passion for inclusivity and accessibility has her excited to lead this class on using Zoom’s language features.

Tariq Saqqaf (He/Him/His)

Racial Equity and Neighborhood Resource Team Coordinator

Tariq has been innovating and advocating in the world of racial equity and inclusion for 20 years professionally. He's worked with the city of Madison for the past 10 to elevate and incorporate community voice and to transform systems and services so that they better meet the needs and priorities of people. He hates writing bios.

Terrence Thompson, CPM, CPRP

Parks Community Services Manager

Terrence Thompson serves as the Parks Community Services Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University with nearly two decades experience in public and non-profit Park and Recreation, focusing on advancing racial equity and social justice since 2014. Thompson is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with National Recreation and Park Association and Certified Public Manager (CPM) with the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program. Thompson created and led the Parks Racial Equity Change Team, Co-Led the Brentwood/Northport Neighborhood Resource Team (NRT), and participants on several other Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative workgroups.

Zach Commons (He/Him/His)

IT Project Manager

Zach began his career with the City as an AASPIRE intern working on updating IT APMs and policies. After AASPIRE, Zach was hired as an IT Management intern, where he helped develop the City’s virtual meeting procedures. In late 2020, Zach was hired as a full-time IT Project Manager and has worked on several enterprise projects including hybrid meeting implementation. Since 2020, Zach has administered the City’s Zoom accounts alongside Tanya Anderson, and helps develop documentation and trainings for City staff conducting virtual meetings.

AJ Hardie

OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center

AJ is originally from North Carolina but they have been living and putting down roots in Madison, WI for close to 10 years. AJ is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (MA, Anthropology, 2015) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (BA, Anthropology, 2013). He is currently finishing his PhD in Anthropology at UW-Madison, as well.

AJ started with the OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center as the Transgender Health Advocate in early 2022 and after the departure of the last Program Director, AJ was promoted to the position.

Andrew Seaborg

The Capital Group

Andrew Seaborg holds an MS in Finance, Investment & Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 2007, he has served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he teaches Law 771: Asset Management & Financial Planning to third year law students. He advises families, trusts and institutions on investment management, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial planning.

Brad Smith 

MissionSquare Retirement (Formerly ICMA-RC)

Brad has been with MissionSquare Retirement (Formerly ICMA-RC) since 2017. Prior to working with MissionSquare Retirement he worked at Disney, Voya, Thrivent, and Fidelity Investments. Brad holds individual meetings (in-person & virtual) to assist with: enrollment questions, Roll-ins into your MissionSquare account, investment strategy, and pre-retirement catch-up. Brad lives in Waunakee and enjoys spending time with his family (wife, 17 year old twin son and daughter) and his Goldendoodle Finnegan.

Bruce Nelson

Precision Retirement Group, Inc.

Bruce Nelson is a founding partner of Precision Retirement Group, Inc., which was established in 2001. Mr. Nelson is responsible for qualified plan design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of all client plans. Mr. Nelson assisted in the development of all PRG’s current plans and has implemented plans nationally. In addition, Mr. Nelson has over 27 years of experience in providing 403(b) and 457 plan services.

Carolina Romero-Morgan

CultureSync

Carolina is a Managing Director at CultureSync. She has over 20 years’ experience as a talent and organizational development professional. She is an exceptionally skilled trainer, program and curriculum developer, leadership and career coach, and change leader. Carolina is passionate about fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments where teams and organizations flourish through individual development, partnerships, and purpose. She specializes in working with organizations in technology, health care, allied health, education, non-profit, and institutions of higher learning

Cyndi Wentland, MBA, (She/Her)

Intentionaleaders

Cyndi is the Founder of Intentionaleaders, an organization that fosters growth, development, and passion in leaders at all levels of experience. An avid teacher and learner, she believes that with the right tools, resources, and support anyone can learn to be a phenomenal leader regardless of title or role. She’s spent the last three decades in large and small corporations across a variety of industries, teaching business courses at the college level, providing executive coaching and as a solo entrepreneur.

Cyndi is a strong advocate and practitioner of strengths-based performance and positive psychology. As the host of The Intentional Leader Podcast with Cyndi Wentland, she provides immediate access to micro learning, small shifts in habits and practices that make a big impact on relationships and results.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and an MBA from Edgewood College. She’s an authorized partner and facilitator for Everything DiSC©, the Meyers-Briggs Type Inventory©, Management Research Groups Leadership 360, is a certified coach through the Life Coach School, and has been certified as a Virtual Presenter by eSpeakers.

Kai Stowers (He, Him, His)

CultureSync

Kai is an inclusion builder, intercultural developer, and breakthrough coach. He blends pragmatic solutions with audacious daring to enable individuals and teams to achieve their own greatness through their next transformation. He is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and has a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University. He leverages evidence-based methodologies including the Intercultural Development Inventory, Hogan Personality Assessments, and mindfulness practices to foster greater self-awareness and facilitate change.

In his former life, Kai had a career as a chemist. While he was fascinated by the technical challenges of analyzing complex molecules, he became increasingly interested in becoming a catalyst for change and learning what makes individuals and organizations great – resilience, empathy and compassion, and a growth mindset.

Kelly Mistry

LanguageLine Solutions

Kelly Mistry is a Strategic Account Executive with LanguageLine Solutions and manages the City of Madison’s LanguageLine account. Prior to joining LanguageLine, Kelly worked for the State of Florida for over 10 years managing statewide programs and serving as a statewide language access coordinator. Kelly has a wealth of knowledge and experience in meeting the language access needs of various government programs and departments and works collaboratively with her clients to ensure that they identify the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to meet their language access needs, and receive the proper training and resources to effectively implement their language access solutions. Kelly joined LanguageLine in 2017, and she holds a Masters in Public Administration and a Masters in Social Work from Florida State University.

Lisa Hammonds, EdD

Dove Training & Innovations

Dr. Hammonds is an educator, training, and development expert. She has worked with clients across a broad range of industries including technology, education, non-profits, health & science. She has consulted with organizations to create transformative learning experience. With proven methods for empowering and engagement, her philosophy is grounded in the principle that everyone has the capacity and capability to realize growth and development. She has successfully partnered with organizations to create and offer training in areas including Train-The-Trainer, Team and Leadership Development, Curriculum Design/Development & Change Management.

Mary Manthei

Boldly & Co.

A Wisconsin native and former Badger, Mary graduated from UW-Madison in 2005 after studying Graphic Design and Women’s Studies. She began her career working in several types of corporate settings before venturing into the entrepreneurial world. She has dedicated her spare time to numerous non-profit organization boards, developing experience on issues such as youth programs, housing insecurity, and community relations. Since 2018, Mary has brought her creative and organization skills, as well as her corporate experience (the good, bad, and ugly), to Boldly + Co. She resides in Kenosha, WI, with her husband, three children, and golden retriever.

Michael McCafferty, MSW, PHR (He/Him/His)

FEI Senior Account Manager 

Michael is a skilled coach and consultant who partners with leaders, teams and individuals, motivating them to move from disengaged to engaged, and from problem to solution. Since receiving his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1997, Michael has provided consultation, training, counseling and EAP services to organizations of all sizes in industries as varied as manufacturing, financial services, state and municipal government, and higher education. With a diverse background including experience in healthcare, human resources and construction, he has a long track record and personal commitment to helping organizations create the conditions for success.

Molly Herrmann

Humble Pie Consulting, LLC

Molly Herrmann is the founder of Humble Pie Consulting LLC and a consultant on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) health with experience training providers, conducting research with LGBT communities, and developing strategies to increase inclusion in mainstream services. She conducts in-person trainings and distance learning opportunities for a variety of audiences including those serving victims of intimate partner and sexual violence, law enforcement, clergy, HIV prevention and care providers, and social workers. She has also served as a state employee in the areas of public health and K-12 education.

Nathan Mack

Employee Trust Funds

Nathan Mack is a Trust Funds Specialist Advanced with Employee Trust Funds (ETF). He enjoys the opportunity to meet with Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employees and share his knowledge regarding a variety of employment benefits. During the course of his career, Nathan has helped many people understand a variety of products and services regarding retirement needs throughout the communities he served. He brings a breath of customer service and retirement planning experience with him, which includes over 15 years of experience from the financial industry. It is Nathan’s goal to make every encounter with him a positive and meaningful one.

Nina Ferraro

Boldly & Co.

Nina graduated from UW-Madison in 2005 with a degree in Business Administration and enthusiastically began her career working for Epic Systems Corporation. She later became an Executive Director, helping eight Wisconsin-based hospitals and their presidents create business, work, and funding plans for needs that required the support of information systems and resources. After living and breathing the corporate world for 13 years, Nina became an entrepreneur. She invests in real estate throughout the country and specializes in leading workshops and coaching teams through Boldly + Co. She lives in Kenosha, WI, with her husband, two children, and dog Tank.

Randall Kratz, MS, LCSW, LPC (He/Him)

FEI Behavioral Health: EAP Employee Assistance Program

Randy is a licensed clinical social worker and professional counselor in the state of Wisconsin. He has worked as both a counselor and a supervisor in outpatient and hospital settings for over 15 years. He has been a workplace consultant for over 20 years providing employers and employees with assistance for critical incident stress, conflict management, organizational change, substance abuse, and other organizational challenges affecting people. Randy is an experienced adult educator. He’s presented at many conferences and workshops regionally and nationally. His presentation style and story-telling ability utilizes his vast experiences with people.

Reeshemah Davis, MA

EMBOLDEN Action, LLC

Equipped with 20 years of senior executive leadership experience, Reeshemah Davis (she/her/hers), founder and principal consultant for EMBOLDEN Action, works with executives in the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Prior to EMBOLDEN, Reeshemah was senior manager of leadership development at YMCA of the USA, coaching C-suite executives in change management. 

She also led a national multicultural executive career advancement program, increasing the number of multicultural staff in key leadership positions across the country. She’s respected among peers as qualified to effectively manage complex operations, connect with diverse key leaders, and advocate for system change.

Scott A Webb, MSE, (He/Him)

Senior Outreach Specialist/Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator, UW Madison

Scott Webb is a trauma survivor himself who has worked in the behavioral health field for 35 years. His career has included clinical, administrative and consultative work. He is currently the Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator at the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He holds a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 

Since 2014, Scott has provided training and technical assistance on trauma-informed care principles to more than 15,000 clinicians statewide. His insights on trauma-informed care have been featured in articles published by Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Isthmus. He also has presented at numerous conferences and acted as keynote speaker for the UW-Madison School of Social Work, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin Conference, and the Wisconsin Personal Services Association.

Sylvia Larrass (She/Her)

Voice and Leadership Excellence

Sylvia has been the director at Voice and Presentation Excellence, Ottawa, since 2005. With over 15 years of experience as a facilitator and trainer in Leadership, Public Speaking, and Executive Communication, she has successfully helped hundreds of professionals across Canada, the US, and Europe lead and inspire through effective communication. 

Her approach is highly collaborative and experiential, allowing clients and teams to explore and apply best practices for presentations, meetings, debates, difficult conversations, and consultations in an authentic, respectful and impactful way. Sylvia has facilitated close to 100 training sessions on Effective Presentation Skills and Meetings over the past 16 years.

Tiffany Hamilton, Ed.D. (She, Her, Hers)

CultureSync

Dr. Tiffany Hamilton is a passionate, committed, and driven leadership development and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) leader with over 20 years of experience as an educational professional and adult learning specialist. Creating and implementing leadership development and change management strategies requires vision and ongoing stewardship. As author of multiple curricular and programmatic offerings, Dr. Hamilton understands how to provide inclusive leadership coaching and development to empower people and organizations.

With 15 years in online education and distance learning, Dr. Hamilton’s expertise in virtual training and curriculum design combined with her public speaking skills make her a phenomenal trainer and facilitator. She facilitates groups using the Learning Through Discussion technique to take difficult and challenging topics and support learning through focused discussions. Tiffany has extensive experience working with educational, publicly funded, and non-profit organizations. In addition to many professional accolades, Tiffany has held notable positions such as Chair of the Leadership Development Institute and the Chair of DEI at the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA). JLLA is volunteer-based organization of women committed to empowering civic leaders through promoting service, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. 

Tiffany is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®. She received her BA in communication studies and sociology as well as her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Tim Mousseau

Create Safe

Tim Mousseau, the founder of Create Safe, has partnered with over 400 global organizations to create people-first spaces where everyone feels safe. A survivor of workplace sexual harassment, Tim speaks to help prevent all forms of harm. 

Building off original research with 97 organizations, Tim designed the Feel Safe framework to prevent neurologically-based disconnect, prevent isolation, and overcome exhaustion. His blend of deliberate engagement, storytelling, and research helps ensure people know their voice matters and they are not alone. Besides speaking, Tim writes children's books with his wife, Skylar. They call New York City home.