Wednesday, April 6, 2021
12:30 pm ET
$35.00 - General Admission
$15.00 - WOC Members
Free to Founder’s Circle Members
We live in a society that can bring up issues of inequity at a very early age. And, it’s not always easy to know where to begin in explaining to the children in our lives how to not judge others, how to be kind and how to treat those different from them with respect.
Join us for a poignant conversation on teaching children and youth about Inclusion, Equity and Diversity with special guests, Digna Marte, Director of DEI for Fairfield Public Schools and Issa Prescott, and moderated by The Board Pro and author of Mac and Cheeze, Christal M. Cherry.
Even if you are not a parent, this is an event you won’t want to miss if there are any children in your life where you can be a beacon of light to help plant the seeds so that the next generation is kinder, more loving, more equitable and more inclusive.
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Speakers
Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro and WOC Radiant Planning Committee Member
Christal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit executive and professionally trained fundraiser. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has supported higher education institutions, human services organizations and faith based missions. Her career portfolio, as a full time professional and consultant includes American University, the United Negro College Fund, Spelman College, Nicholas House, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Florida A & M University, Action Ministries and the GA Center for Nonprofits.
In each role, Christal has interfaced, guided and collaborated with diverse boards made up of college presidents, ministers and bishops, politicians, corporate CEO’s, civic leaders, consultants, attorneys, stay at home moms and students.
With passion and a wide breadth of experience, Christal works today with clients to help them mark a clear path to success in board development. Her style is electrifying, inspiring, and energizing.
Christal earned a MA in Counseling from Hampton University, a BA in Liberal Arts from Hofstra University and professional development certifications in nonprofit leadership, social media fundraising, and nonprofit management.
She currently serves on the board of the Greater Atlanta chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Villages of Carver YMCA. She is regular presenter with CANDID, Qgiv, Network for Good, Bloomerang, and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy where she facilitates webinars and teaches courses in fundraising, board development and equity and inclusion. Christal has been a guest on multiple podcasts and enjoy serving as a requested expert on board matters. She is contributing author in Collecting Courage, a documenting of racism and survival by 14 accomplished Black fundraisers working across North America. She also enjoys her membership in the African American Development Officers Network, Toastmasters, and F3, Fabulous Female Fundraisers which she founded.
Digna A. Marte, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fairfield Public Schools
Digna A. Marte was the Principal at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, CT until Oct. 2021 and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fairfield Public Schools where she started as a teacher in 2008. Ms. Marte has a passion for building students, teachers, systems and structures to help empower communities through education and social justice in all aspects of her life.
Rev. Marte, graduated from Syracuse University with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design for Interiors (Interior Architecture) and Spanish Language, Literature and Culture with a minor in Business Management. In 2000, she obtained her first Masters in Regional Planning from the University of New York State at Albany, New York. While completing her degree at Albany she was a Fellow for former NYS Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez, in Albany, New York and Executive Director of The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Economic Development in New York City, after graduating worked for the City of New York, Department of Transportation and Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Rev. Digna A. Marte is an Associate Minister at East End Baptist Tabernacle Church in Bridgeport, CT., under the guidance of Pastor Rev. Dr. Charlie L. Stallworth. She received her Master of Divinity in 2008 from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Her primary academic focus was the study of Black and Latino Liberation Theology under the advisory of Professor James H. Cone, Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary. She also received her Master of Business Administration in 2013 and administrator’s certification in 2014 from Bridgeport University where she is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.
Reverend Marte is a native New Yorker, first generation Dominican American who currently lives in the City of Stratford. Reverend Marte believes with all her soul that education equals freedom and opportunity for our youth and adults. She sees her mission and calling in life as one in which she is able to equip as many people as possible with the tools and resources they need to improve their lives, attain their spiritual, professional goals and ideals, and become ethical and productive leaders and contributors to society. She considers her mission in life to be to build and help people grow socially, financially, spiritually and academically, while increasing access, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. She enjoys reading, loves dancing, learning, and giving back to her community.
Issa Prescott, Director of Quality Improvement, Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Issa Prescott began his career in youth development immediately after graduating from Florida A & M University. As an assistant for HTI Catalysts, a consulting company, he worked with teens in the inner city of Atlanta, GA. He soon found the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. In the Club he honed his skills in Youth Development as Teen Director, Learning Center Instructor and Education Director. He later joined Metro Atlanta’s Human Resources team as a Training Specialist. Most recently, Issa has been appointed Director of Quality Improvement for Boys and Girls Clubs of America where he develops learning opportunities for Boys & Girls Clubs Nationwide. He was a member of BGCA's inaugural DEI Council and looks to continue his impact in local communities and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Atlanta.