Wednesday, July 28 at 10:45 AM-12:00 PM

This session will empower educators with knowledge of the historical context & research of systemic barriers/issues that have infiltrated our educational system & fragmented our school communities. Educators will acquire solution-based strategies for uprooting systemic obstacles/barriers within their educational environments. These essential tools should transform educators & empower them to create inclusive school environments that will produce equitable outcomes, promote radical self-care & community healing.

Presenter

Dr. Markenya L. Williams

Dr. Markenya L. Williams is a Chicagoan, with greatSouthside pride. She has been aneducator since 2005 and is an active member of theNAACP, National Action Network (NAN,)and a proud Board Member of the Illinois PrincipalsAssociation (Kishwaukee Region,) & BurstInto Books Inc. (Chicago, IL). Dr. Williams has heldmultiple positions and titles throughout hercareer: teacher’s assistant, teacher, grade levelteam leader, private tutor, preschool sitedirector, technology coordinator, Local School Council(LSC) member, PBIS coach, attendanceteam leader, MTSS co-coordinator, assistant principal,diversity & equity chairperson, CEO, andmuch more. Dr. Williams’ personal mantra is “expect,implement, transform!” Her passion andcommitment to public education have been the fuelfor her success as a transformational leader.

Dr. Williams strongly believes that all children deserveeffective, highly qualified educators andcommitted leaders who believe in diversity, inclusion,equity, and justice! Dr. Williams’ strongpassion for inclusivity, equity, literacy, and social-emotionaldevelopment for all students hasenabled her to be a passionate activist, trailblazer,researcher, transformational leader, andCEO. Dr. Williams has recently accepted a tenuredtrack Assistant Professorship role and isshe eager to begin this journey in the fall. Dr.Williams received her Doctorate degree fromDePaul University (Chicago, IL,) in Educational Leadership,and her research was entitled"Chronic Absenteeism: The Problem, The Participants,The Panacea!