Beyond Boundaries: Building Bridges in Education, Wellness, AI, Law and Policing for Transformative Growth tied to SDIG’s vision goals and mission.

📅 Date: October 15
🕘 Time: 9 : 00 AM – 3 : 00 PM EDT

Online event

Innovating for Inclusion: Bridging Diversity, Education, Technology, and Business

Join us for a transformative half-day global convergence hosted by SDIG, where thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers unite to explore the intersections of wellness, leadership, technology, education, and social impact. Together, we will chart actionable pathways from inner power to global influence — advancing equity, justice, and inclusive growth.

Message from the President

Dr. Joseph Nwoye

President/CEO of SDIG, is an educator and inclusion specialist dedicated to addressing bias, diversity, and social justice. His book, Cultivating a Belief System for Peace, Equity, and Social Justice for All, has earned global praise for its practical insights, with international voices commending his sincerity and depth in tackling today’s most pressing challenges.

  • Dr. Nwoye’s vision underpins the mission of this conference — to empower individuals and institutions to bridge differences, leverage innovation, and build a more equitable and inclusive world.
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Conference Sessions

Opening Remarks

9:00 – 9:03 AM EDT

Welcome by the Conference Host and Introduction of Keynote Speakers by a prominent leader in the county. This opening moment will set the tone for the day, highlighting the vision and purpose of the SDIG Global Convergence Conference 2025.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Robin K. Butler

Culture Catalyst & Human Behavior Consultant

Transform ≠ Conform: Leading with H.E.A.R.T.

🕐 Time: 9:03 – 9:13 AM EDT

Dr. Butler shares her H.E.A.R.T. philosophy — Honesty, Equity, Accountability, Resiliency, and Transparency — along with her Catalyst 4C Model, empowering individuals and organizations to transform, not conform, in pursuit of growth and purpose. Read more …

Session 1: Panelists

Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput

Professor, Department of Commerce, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
🔗 About me

Cordelia Gaffar

CEO, Workout Around My Day, Inc.
🔗 About me

SIMMA Lieberman

Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture Change Consultant
🔗 About me

Dr. Joseph Nwoye

President & CEO, SDIG
🔗 About me

Session 1: “Wellness, Leadership, Neuro-AI as Catalysts for transformation in Diversity and Inclusive Workplaces”

🕐 Time: 9:13 – 10:28 AM EDT

This powerful opening session explores how holistic wellness, visionary leadership, and emerging neuro-AI technologies are shaping the future of inclusive workplaces and organizational transformation.

  • Panelists: Prof. Dr. Namita Rajput, Cordelia Gaffar, Simma Lieberman

  • Moderator: Dr. Joseph Nwoye

Breaktime Spotlight

Victor Ogunbiyi

Tech Futurist & Founder, DAWN AI STUDY

Breaktime Spotlight  — Neuro-AI for Inclusion: Reimagining Learning in Africa

🕐 Time: 10:28 – 10:38 AM EDT

Tech futurist Victor Ogunbiyi explores how AI-powered neuro-inclusion is transforming learning accessibility for neurodivergent students, creating equal opportunities for every unique mind to thrive. Read more …

Session 2: Panelists

Uraiz Ali

Software Development Consultant
🔗 About me

Elaine Jackson, PMP®, GPM, CB-PMO

Executive Leadership Coach
🔗 About me

Linden (Lindi) Thorp

Escape the 9–5 Grind
🔗 About me

Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput

Professor, Department of Commerce, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
🔗 About me

Dr, Karen Walker, LtCol, USMC (ret.)

Change Management Consultant
🔗 About me

Session 2: “Tech, Artificial Intelligence, and Small Businesses”

🕐 Time: 10:38 – 11:53 AM EDT

Dive into the evolving landscape of technology and AI as key drivers of growth and innovation for small businesses. Discover strategies for leveraging emerging tools to build resilient, future-ready enterprises.

  • Panelists: Uraiz Ali, Elaine Jackson, Linden (Lindi) Thorp

  • Moderator: Dr. Karen Walker

Breaktime Spotlight

Dr. Toluwani Elizabeth Adekunle

Public Health Scholar & Program Manager, African Resource Center, Grand Rapids.

Breaktime Spotlight  — Trust, Faith, and Technology: Rebuilding Health Equity in Diverse Communities

🕐 Time: 11:53 AM – 12:03 PM EDT

Dr. Toluwani explores how trust, culture, and faith intersect with technology to shape health outcomes. She shares insights from her research on how ethical AI and community partnerships can reduce medical mistrust and promote equitable healthcare access for marginalized and immigrant populations. Read more …

Session 3: Panelists

Dr. Angela Cleo Smith

Strategic Leader | Talent Development & Workplace Culture Consultant
🔗 About me

Dr. Morolake Omowumi Adekunle

Former Dean, School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambia, Serrekunda, The Gambia
🔗 About me

Dr. Joseph Nwoye

President & CEO, SDIG
🔗 About me

Dr, Karen Walker, LtCol, USMC (ret.)

Change Management Consultant
🔗 About me

Session 3: “Education for holistic development, inclusion, safe communities and global peace”

🕐 Time: 12:03 – 1:18 PM EDT

This session focuses on pressing challenges and transformative opportunities in education — from policy and curriculum design to inclusive pedagogy and global learning ecosystems.

  • Panelists: Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput, Dr. Angela Cleo Smith, Dr. Adekunle, Dr. Joseph Nwoye

  • Moderator: Dr. Karen Walker

Session 4: Panelists

Carlton T. Mayers II, Esq.

CEO of Mayers Strategic Solutions, LLC
🔗 About me

Dr. Joseph Nwoye

President & CEO, SDIG
🔗 About me

Session 4: “Law and Policing in the community”

🕐 Time: 1:18 – 2:33 PM EDT

This critical conversation examines the evolving dynamics between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Experts and advocates will share strategies to foster trust, accountability, transparency, and collaborative approaches to public safety and justice.

  • Panelists: Carlton T. Mayers II, Esq.

  • Moderator: Dr. Joseph Nwoye

Breaktime Spotlight

Khalilah Thomas

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer & Leadership Strategist

Breaktime Spotlight  — Leadership Under Fire: Lessons from the Marine Corps

🕐 Time: 2:33 – 2:43 PM EDT

Retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Khalilah Thomas shares her story of leadership under pressure, bridging lessons from global service, education, and civic engagement to inspire courage and adaptability in every leader. Read more …

General Closing Session

2:43 – 3:00 PM EDT

Our Work at SDIG — Building Global Connections for Lasting Impact

We conclude with a reflective and forward-looking session highlighting SDIG’s mission to build meaningful global connections and relationships. This session will announce future initiatives and outline our continued collective pursuit of peace, equity, and social justice for all.

Testimony from Our Last Conference

Thank you again for the AI forum last night. It was very insightful. I appreciated the expertise of the panel and was pleasantly surprised at everyone's openness and dedication to DEI. As a woman, it has been my experience that speaking with a group of majority men, that I have to fight to feel like my voice is respected and that I am taken seriously. With this group, it may have been the first time that I've felt truly heard without having to prove myself. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you for providing the opportunity to share my thoughts during the forum and for you all to show genuine interest and support, so thank you!
Lindsey Terranova
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Coordinator and Educator

Our Partners

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Be part of a transformative experience where leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to shape the future of diversity, education, technology, and business. Don’t just attend a conference — join a community committed to inclusion and innovation.

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Dr. Robin K. Butler

Dr. Robin K. Butler stands as a beacon of transformation in both personal and professional development. Her unwavering commitment to the “Transform ≠ Conform” mantra reflects her fervor for igniting positive change within individuals, students, and organizations, steering them toward thriving and prosperous futures.

With over 25 years of progressive Human Resources, Organizational, and Leadership Development experience, Robin leverages her strategic insights to help individuals and organizations enrich communication, ebb conflict, encourage connection, to enhance collaboration. Her toolkit includes her Catalyst 4C (Foresee) Model—an integrated framework comprising Coaching, Conversations, Courses, and Consulting—customized to empower individuals and organizations.

Building on her experience in leadership development, training and education, employee relations, engagement, and retention, Robin has found her niche as a culture catalyst. She partners with corporations, classrooms, and congregations to cultivate and champion culture while integrating her skills as a Certified Human Behavior Consultant and Emotional Intelligence Facilitator. Her impact also reaches academia, where she imparts wisdom as an Adjunct Professor, shaping the minds of future leaders.

Her guiding philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym H.E.A.R.T. (Honesty, Equity, Accountability, Resiliency, and Transparency), resonates in every endeavor. Dr. Robin epitomizes leadership through development, illuminating pathways to success as she is committed to leading with intention, influence, and impact.

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Prof. (Dr.) Namita Rajput

Prof. (Dr) Namita Rajput is a globally recognized academic and thought leader in diversity and inclusive programs. She strongly emphasizes equity and social justice and is dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces and advocating for equal rights. Dr. Rajput has extensive expertise in addressing sexual-oriented discrimination, including transgender-related issues, and is known for promoting equity while ensuring equality in all dimensions. She has held significant national and international educational positions, including Principal (OSD) and professor at Sri Aurobindo College in Delhi. Her appointment as the incoming Associate Editor for the SDIG journal highlights her stature as a distinguished academic and her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity in scholarly discourse.

Her contributions in academia and social issues, including serving as an NBA accessor, lead auditor for quality standards, and Technical Expert Member, Quality Council of India. She is also a key figure in the Ministry of Women and Child development as a POSH and POCSO trainer. Prof (Dr) Namita Rajput has conducted gender and transgender audits in many Universities across India. She is also a member of the Saksham portal, University Grants Commission as an expert on Sexual harassment of Women in the workplace. She received various awards, including one from the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, for conducting gender sensitization workshops.

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Cordelia Gaffar

Cordelia Gaffar is a transformational leader guiding individuals and organizations to embody joy, deep healing, and authentic connection. As the founder of Workout Around My Day Inc. and a private healing practice, she integrates somatic movement, intimacy coaching, and corporate consulting to foster self-mastery and well-being. Her corporate work brings Intimacy Intelligence and Joy-Bonding™ into leadership, helping teams cultivate deeper connections and innovation
A two-time award-winning podcast host, she currently leads What People Miss and previously hosted The Free To Be Show, amplifying conversations on self-discovery and emotional intelligence. As a retreat facilitator and best-selling author of eight books, Cordelia curates transformative experiences and thought-provoking insights on pleasure, empowerment, and self-love.
Her corporate work brings Intimacy Intelligence and Joy-Bonding™ into leadership, helping teams cultivate deeper connections and innovation. With a B.S. in Accounting from Strayer University, she transitioned from corporate finance to become a certified sports nutritionist, holistic healer, movement facilitator, and Authentic Consent practitioner. She has spent eight years as an emotional wellness coach and three years in intimacy and corporate consulting certifications from The Amina Institute of Somatic Sexology, The College of Medicine and Healing Arts and mentee of Jameelah Creates.
A veteran homeschooling mother of 20+ years, she infuses her deep knowledge of human development, brain function, and self-nurturing into her work. Globally recognized for her transformational impact, Cordelia helps people reclaim their pleasure, power, and purpose.

Featured In
🎙️ Radio 786 South Africa – Emotional Wellness & Self-Nurturing using food as medicine

🎧 WNBC Radio – Dating after Divorce

🦊 Fox News – Self-Nurturing, Leadership & Women’s Wellness

📖 Powerhouse Global Magazine – 2019, 2020, 2024 Global Woman of Impact

🏆 Podcast Host of the Year (2020, 2022)

👑 Sexy Brilliant Leader (2019)

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Simma Lieberman

Simma Lieberman is an award-winning speaker, facilitator, and consultant who helps organizations create inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. She is the founder of “The Inclusionist,” a platform that offers training, coaching, and resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

She received the Global Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the Human Resource Development Congress in Mumbai, India

With over thirty years of experience, Simma has worked with clients from various sectors and industries, such as Chevron, Kaiser Permanente, NASA, and Intel. She has also spoken at events and conferences, such as the World Human Resource Development Congress, and America Empresarial, and the Global Diversity and Inclusion Summit.

Simma is a prolific writer and a respected authority on DEI. She has authored four books and contributed to numerous publications, that include The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Fast Company, The Economist, Forbes, Black MBA, Human Resource Executive, CNN, and NPR.

She is the host the podcast “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People,” www.raceconvo.com where she invites guests from different backgrounds and perspectives to have honest and meaningful dialogues about race, racism and other issues.

Simma is passionate about bringing people together across differences and fostering a sense of belonging and connection. She has a unique style of facilitation that combines humor, empathy, and insight. She believes that everyone can be an “Inclusive Leader from the Inside Out” and make a positive difference in their organization and the world.

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Dr. Joseph Nwoye

Dr. Joseph Nwoye is the founder and president of the Systemic Diversity and Inclusion Group Company, Inc. (SDIG). Dr. Nwoye is passionate about fostering diverse work environments where everyone feels valued and included. With over 20 years of experience as a professional development leader, he specializes in diversity and inclusion research, strategy, and implementation.

His vision and advocacy for diversity and inclusion are rooted in his assessments of discrimination within public institutions. Dr. Nwoye believes public organizations must adopt a consumer-oriented approach to diversity and inclusive education, as well as workplace practices. This approach involves using tools such as SWOT analysis, D&I situation analysis, assessment components, and various evidence-based techniques to evaluate the state of diversity and inclusion in organizations and develop the necessary solutions.

Dr. Nwoye’s work includes serving as Chair of the College Diversity Committee at Montgomery College in Maryland, where his holistic approach to diversity and inclusion became known as the Montgomery College Diversity Signature Program for culturally responsive teaching.

As a pioneer and innovator in the field, Dr. Nwoye launched the first annual Student Diversity and Inclusion Conference at the Center for Multicultural Education. This event focused on encouraging diverse communities to share their unique experiences to harness the power of storytelling.

In addition to storytelling, Dr. Nwoye advocates for overcoming divisiveness and discriminatory practices by first acknowledging that these issues exist. He believes that once we recognize these divisions, we must understand their roots. This process enables us to create specific goals aimed at dismantling the societal barriers caused by these artificial divisions. Dr. Nwoye’s extensive experience, body of work, and professional development strategies for advancing global diversity and inclusion serve as a collective effort toward achieving peace, equality, and social justice.

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Victor Ogunbiyi

A Tech Futurist, Dyslexic Thinker, Founder DAWN AI STUDY.

An emerging voice at the intersection of Neurotech, artificial intelligence, education, and social impact in Africa.

As the founder of DAWN AI STUDY, a role-based neuro-inclusion platform recognized among META’s Top 10 LLaMA Impact Accelerator startups, He is reimagining how Africa identifies and supports neurodivergent learners through AI-powered diagnostics, personalized learning, and accessible technology.

He has worked with educators, parents, and policymakers to make learning more equitable for children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other cognitive differences. His mission is simple but urgent to ensure no learner is left behind because their mind works differently.

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Uraiz Ali

With over six years of experience delivering high-quality software solutions in the SaaS, Fintech, and Healthcare sectors, I began my journey as a passionate full-stack developer — working with top technologies like Python (Django, Flask), Laravel, and React. During my time at Arbisoft, I led the development of scalable platforms, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life on time and within budget.

Alongside my professional work, I also took on freelance projects — helping startups and growing businesses turn their visions into functional, efficient, and user-focused digital products. This combination of industry experience and hands-on execution laid the foundation for my next chapter.

Now, as the Founder of Typin, I help entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators transform ideas into digital solutions — offering custom software development, AI integration, mobile/web apps, and automation tools. At Typin, we follow a unique process called T.Y.P.I.N – Think, Yield, Produce, Innovate, Navigate — ensuring every product we build is purposeful, future-ready, and aligned with our clients’ goals.

I’m always open to connecting with forward-thinking partners, founders, and teams looking to build exceptional products.

Let’s make something great together.

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Elaine Jackson, PMP®, GPM, CB-PMO

I’m Elaine Jackson, an executive leadership coach with extensive credentials and over 20 years of experience in project management.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how effective project managers can create successful project results.

As a project manager trainer, I have worked with thousands of project managers in the last 20+ years.

Our exam pass rate of 95% of our program graduates speaks for itself.

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Linden (Lindi) Thorp

The world rewards speed but real leadership begins in stillness.
I help coaches, educators, and leaders rebuild calm power through the body, not the mind.
Because when your body leads, everything else follows.

Through The Lodestone Method, I guide people to realign the body’s four inner compasses: brain, heart, solar plexus, and base, so thought, emotion, and action move as one.

As an Embodied Leadership Mentor & Coach Nurturer, I teach you to lead, teach, and create from a place of presence, not pressure, so that your energy, emotions, and purpose work together, rather than against you.

🌿 Author: Your Body Is Your Business Plan
🎧 Creator: Lodestone 1 – The 30-Day Journey (eBook & course launching soon)
💼 Founder: Lodestone Inside (2026), bringing embodied leadership into organisations.

🌟 Pathways with Linden Thorp

💠 Start free → Lodestone Body Awakening Scan: https://forms.gle/2iL1NLA9bcrAwUEeA
💠 Deepen → Lodestone 1 – 30-Day Journey (coming soon)
💠 Advance → Millionaire Commitment Path (coming soon)
💠 Partner → Lodestone Inside Corporate Prospectus (coming soon)

Clear offer:
I help you reclaim calm power so you can lead, teach, and create sustainably through embodied awareness, nervous-system regulation, and authentic momentum.

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Dr. Karen Walker

A US Marine Corps Veteran. Dr. Walker is an expert in organizational psychology. She is an author and advocate for diversity and change. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, a Masters Degree in Human Behavior and a Bachelors Degree in Communications. She has an extensive background in government and corporate industries as well as in academia as she has worked with:

  • Department of Defense
  • Department of the Navy
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • S. Secret Service
  • Ashford University / University of Arizona Global Campus
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Synergy Learning Institute 501(c)(3)
  • University of New Mexico
  • Department of Justice

Dr. Walker is a well decorated Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps.
Her smile and charming personality will reign in any small crowd. But it is her voice that captivates so many as they are astonished how she commands respect with her introspective soft-spoken tone. Speaking with her is a pleasant experience and before you know it you’ve learned something new.

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Dr. Toluwani Elizabeth Adekunle

Dr. Toluwani Elizabeth Adekunle is a public health scholar whose research centers on medical mistrust and its effects on healthcare engagement and equity, especially within immigrant and marginalized communities. She holds advanced degrees in public health, international development, and business from institutions including the University of Louisville, University of Iowa, Ohio University, and University of Idaho.
At Calvin University, she teaches global health and public health leadership, and co-chairs the Employee Wellbeing Committee. Her funded research explores the intersections of faith, trust, and ethical AI in healthcare, supported by organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and Interfaith America.
Her work is published in top journals and presented at major conferences like APHA and AcademyHealth. Outside academia, she leads health initiatives for immigrant and refugee populations as Program Manager at the African Resource Center in Grand Rapids. Her career reflects a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and culturally grounded healthcare transformation.

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Dr. Angela Cleo Smith

Systemic Diversity and Inclusion Group Inc. proudly welcomes Dr. Angela Smith in their leadership Sphere, a trailblazer in human-centered leadership and strategic transformation. Dr. Smith is a renowned DEI educator, certified conflict mediator, and transformative strategist with over two decades of experience in advancing equity, psychological safety, and systems change. She empowers mission-driven organizations to lead with empathy, inclusion, and purpose.

 

Widely recognized for her expertise in restorative practices and trauma-informed leadership, Dr. Smith has trained public agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits across the country. A former philanthropic leader, she holds a Doctorate in Public Administration with research focused on healing workplace harm. With a justice-driven lens, she fosters courageous dialogue, drives cultural change, and helps organizations build inclusive and resilient environments.

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Dr. Morolake Omowumi Adekunle

Morolake Omowumi Adekunle has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and English Language, a Master’s degree in Literature in English, and a Doctorate in Communication and Language Arts. She has worked for many years with development organizations, empowering vulnerable rural populations in West Africa, particularly youth and women. She is a researcher, training specialist, and gender advocate, as well as a novelist and poet. Currently, she serves as the Dean of the School of Journalism and Digital Media at the University of The Gambia, the International Programme Director for the Systemic Diversity and Inclusion Group (SDIG) in the USA, the President of the Association of African Women for Research and Development (AAWORD) in The Gambia, and the Board Chair of Total Development International Foundation in Nigeria and Ghana.

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Carlton T. Mayers II, Esq.

Carlton T. Mayers II worked at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) as Policy Counsel for its Policing Reform Campaign, where he advances LDF’s efforts to effect responsible and unbiased policing by working with local communities and stakeholders.

“Mayers’ knowledge of the various facets of law enforcement and criminal justice and his experience working directly with the prison population will add great value to our justice reform efforts,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of LDF. “We look forward to working with him and welcome him as he joins the LDF family.”

Mayers previously served as the Criminal Justice Acting Director/ Program Manager for the NAACP National Headquarters where he co-authored Born Suspect, a report on racial profiling, and advanced program initiatives on issues such as sentencing reform, prisoner reentry, juvenile justice and death penalty reform. Prior to his engagement with the NAACP, Mayers was the Prisoner Reentry Mediation Program Manager, as well as a Mediator and Facilitator for AmeriCorps in Montgomery County, Maryland.

“My work to shed light on inequality within the criminal justice system prepares me to tackle the challenge of creating and maintaining a safe community through improved interactions and dialogue between law enforcement and the citizens they are charged to protect” said Mayers. “I look forward to working with LDF and using my past experiences to create and implement best practices in the field for policing reform.”

Mayers has a B.S. of Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and a J.D. and Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. He is in LDF’s Washington, D.C. office.

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Khalilah Thomas

A Northern California native, Khalilah Thomas is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer whose 25-year career included global deployments and diverse leadership roles in supply and logistics, education, and policy. After earning an undergraduate degree in Construction Management from Georgia Institute of Technology, she went on to serve in operations across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Capitol Hill. Her military service included combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, faculty service at the U.S. Naval Academy, and legislative liaison work with the U.S. Senate on behalf of the Marine Corps. Most recently, she served as a faculty advisor and instructor for leadership and warfighting at Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College.

She holds advanced degrees in International Relations (Troy University), Business Administration (Indiana University), and a Graduate Certificate in Education Policy (UMass Dartmouth).

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