Name: Society & Justice Track
Start: 2025-03-19T08:00:00-0400
End: 2025-03-19T08:15:00-0400

Wednesday March 19, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am EDT

What creates a welcoming and equitable community with a shared vision for the future?

The Society and Justice track zooms out on the systems of our society. This day will feature critical conversations around criminal justice reform, art and culture, financial access and empowerment, and early childhood education. It is a sustained look at the ways in which the structures and resources of our community can be brought together to assist everyone and establish a shared conversation for the future.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

Speakers

Greer Achenbach

Executive Director, Friends of Cville Downtown

Greer Achenbach is Executive Director of Friends of Cville Downtown, a non-profit that supports Downtown Charlottesville with initiatives designed to create a thriving economy, lively atmosphere, and welcoming environment. Previously, Greer worked in fundraising, government and policy... Read More →

William Antholis

CEO and Director, Miller Center

William J. Antholis has served as director and CEO of UVA’s Miller Center of Public Affairs since January 2015. In that time, the Miller Center has strengthened its position as the leading nonpartisan research institution on the American presidency and worked with scholars across... Read More →

Paul Beyer

Executive Director, Tom Tom

My professional interests and passions are around community building; with a specific focus on my hometown of Charlottesville, VA. I love the instigators, entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and healers who are filled with civic purpose and desire to create communities of friendship... Read More →

Roxanne Carter-Johnston

REALTOR w/Nest Realty, Piedmont Housing Alliance Board Chair

Roxanne Carter-Johnston epitomizes the spirit of Charlottesville through her unwavering commitment to real estate excellence, community empowerment, and family values. As a proud native of the City of Charlottesville, Roxanne's roots run deep, and her dedication to uplifting and improving... Read More →

Gwen Cassady

Chief Innovative Humanitarian, Managing Love

Having a global footprint in over 70 countries and all 7 continents, with degrees in Economics and Education from the University of Virginia, Gwen is now working towards her Masters in Global Development Practice from Harvard. Born and raised in Zionsville, Indiana, according to the... Read More →

The Honorable Barbara Comstock

President-Elect, Former Members of Congress

Barbara currently serves as FMC’s President-Elect. She was elected to Congress in 2014, and served two terms representing Virginia's Tenth Congressional District, making her the first woman elected to that seat. She was named as one of the "Top Ten Most Effective Lawmakers" in the... Read More →

Ashley Davies

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Ashley Davies is Vice President of Riverbend Development and Chair of the Charlottesville Area Development Roundtable, otherwise known as CADRe. CADRe was formed by area professionals 8 years ago to promote the creation of Charlottesville’s Next Great Places. Ashley began her... Read More →

Dr. Tamara Dias

Founder, Good Soil Education

Dr. Tamara Wilkerson is the founder of Good Soil Education. Dr. Dias passionately focuses on empowering people to transform their financial health. Her tailored, insightful, and impactful approach transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Dr. Dias is the executive... Read More →

Richard DiCicco

Editor, C-VILLE Weekly

Richard DiCicco is the editor of C-VILLE Weekly, a long-running alternative weekly newspaper in Charlottesville, Va. While Richard is involved with every aspect of the paper's editorial content, he has also contributed many cover stories and news articles to the publication, often... Read More →

Dr. Joshua Epps

Program Manager, UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Dr. Joshua Epps is a dedicated individual with a strong motivation to contribute to the well-being and leadership development of others. Currently, Dr. Epps is the Program Manager for Men of Color, Honor, and Ambition; Women of Color, Honor, and Ambition; and People of Color, Honor... Read More →

Jen Fleisher

CHA/CHIP Program Officer, Blue Ridge Health District

Jen Fleisher is the Community Health Assessment Program Officer at Blue Ridge Health District, part of the Virginia Department of Health's network of 35 districts. In her role, Jen supports coalitions, institutions, and organizations by providing project management, strategic planning... Read More →

James Freas

Director, Neighborhood Development Services, City of Charlottesville

Planning professional with 20 years of experience working for communities in Virginia and Massachusetts on issues of housing, environmental policy, economic development, zoning, and other topics. Undergraduate degree from UVA and graduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island... Read More →

Andre Gould

President and CEO, New Legacy Consulting

Andre Gould, CPCU, AINS is a financial services consultant and president and CEO of New Legacy Consulting. Andre started New Legacy Consulting in November 2018 after a decade working in risk management and grocery retail. Andre provides strategic financial guidance and comprehensive... Read More →

Cheyenne Greene

Community Paramedic, Wintergreen Fire and Rescue

Cheyenne is a paramedic and Nelson County native who started her career in 2016 with Wintergreen Fire and Rescue. She has worked for WFR in many different capacities since then, and is currently serving as a community paramedic. She also works as a flight paramedic, and in the field... Read More →

Yolunda Harrell

Founder, New Hill Development

Originally hails from Alabama (Roll Tide) but grew up predominantly in South Carolina. She has worked, served, and lived in the Charlottesville area for the last 13 years. Yolunda is a Christian, wife, business partner, executive manager, entrepreneur and CEO and Founder of New Hill... Read More →

Jason Inofuentes

Program Manager, Albemarle County Broadband Office

Jason Inofuentes works with community organizations and local, state, and federal government officials and agencies to ensure community members of all means have access to adequate and affordable broadband and the resources to fully utilize that access.

Freddy Jackson

Founder, Director, Speaker, and Mentor, Love No Ego Foundation, Inc., and Community Lab School, Charlottesville, Virginia

Freddy is an inspirational and transformational lecturer and speaker, social-emotional learning (SEL) mentor, health and wellness trainer, educator, author, and founder of The Love No Ego Foundation. Freddy's Love...No Ego philosophy serves as the foundation for success, strengthening... Read More →

Denise Johnson

Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion, Charlottesville City Schools

Ms. Johnson is a native of Charlottesville and a 1998 graduate of Charlottesville City Schools. She studied Health at Virginia State University and received her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has twelve years of experience as a... Read More →

Welford McLellan Jr.

Dean of Students, Diversity & Inclusion, Renaissance School

Welford “Mack” McLellan Jr. is a Baltimore native who moved to Charlottesville in 2016. Before moving to Charlottesville, Mack earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of MD, College Park in 2004 and a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, School... Read More →

Brian Kayser

Director of Education and Research, Society for Effectual Action

Brian Kayser is the Director of Education and Research for the Society for Effectual Action. Alongside Dr. Saras Sarasvathy, Brian designed and assisted teachers in implementing a free, culturally relevant and linguistically responsive entrepreneurship education that guides students... Read More →

Ashley Kershner

Executive Director, Downtown Lynchburg Association

Ashley is a committed community advocate and skilled marketing professional who has dedicated her career to promoting the growth and vibrancy of her community. As the Executive Director of Downtown Lynchburg Association, the non-profit organization charged with catalyzing downtown... Read More →

Susan Kuttner

Corporate Lawyer, Hampshire Investments, Ltd

Susan is one of the founders of Ix Art Park Foundation, a non-profit organization that manages a year-round free outdoor mural and sculpture park located on privately owned property in downtown Charlottesville. Susan is a passionate believer that art and collective creativity has... Read More →

Chinh Le

Visiting Professor of Practice, University of Virginia School of Law

Chinh Q. Le is a visiting professor of practice at the University of Virginia School of Law and a distinguished fellow at the Karsh Center for Law & Democracy. He teaches courses related to civil rights and public interest law and advocacy. From 2011 to 2021, Le served as legal director... Read More →

Ashley Reynolds Marshall

Deputy City Manager for Social Equity, City of Charlottesville

Ashley Reynolds Marshall, MPA, JD, is the first Deputy City Manager for Social Equity in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her role in Charlottesville will focus on leading efforts to cultivate an organization that values and demonstrates the City's commitment to justice, equity, diversity... Read More →

Jodie Murphy

Mental Wellness Coordinator, Charlottesville City Schools

Jodie Murphy has dedicated the last 24 years to public agencies serving children and families in the City of Charlottesville. Her practice and leadership consistently engages families and the professional colleagues with a clear focus on the best interest of children and the community... Read More →

Aqura Nicholson

Money Coach, All The Plans LLC

Aqura Nicholson is a money coach who helps women professionals earn more money. Aqura believes when women prioritize earning more, their debt payoff, saving and investing goals will fall in line. With over three years of experience helping women shift their focus from cutting expenses... Read More →

Dave Norris

Executive Director, CAAR Foundation

Dave Norris is a longtime advocate and champion for affordable housing and a homelessness abolitionist. He was the founding director of PACEM and played a key role in launching The Haven, The Crossings, The Financial Opportunity Center & Housing Hub, and numerous other housing-related... Read More →

L.F. Payne

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Payne has served as President of FMC since June 2022. Before that, he served on the FMC Board of Directors in various capacities, including as President-Elect and as Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is President of Three Ridges Group, a real estate development company in Charlottesville... Read More →

Ravi Respeto

President and CEO, United Way of Greater Charlottesville

Ravi Respeto joined United Way of Greater of Charlottesville in July 2018 as President and CEO. Her career in nonprofit leadership started as Campaign Manager for Charlottesville Waldorf School with a $3 million-dollar campaign to build an environmentally sustainable school. Her commitment... Read More →

Cynthia Richardson

PATH, CPRS, On Our Own Cville

Cyndi Richardson works for On Our Own as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Liaison and Quality Data Manager. Cyndi serves as Chair for the Service Provider Council, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Instructor and... Read More →

Angilee Shah

CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Charlottesville Tomorrow

Angilee Shah is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the nonprofit news organization Charlottesville Tomorrow, in Central Virginia. She is a coach for news organizations and journalism change makers around the country who specializes in building teams, budgets and editorial strategy for... Read More →

Courteney Stuart

Journalist, Charlottesville Radio Group

Courteney is a veteran print and broadcast journalist who's spent 25 years covering Charlottesville news. She is the host of Charlottesville Right Now on WINA and previously worked as an investigative reporter and editor for the Hook and C-VILLE Weekly newspapers and reported on-air... Read More →

Melissa Thomas-Hunt

John D Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, UVA Batten School/Darden School

Melissa C. Thomas-Hunt is the Senior Associate Dean of the Full-time MBA Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. She is also the John Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business and Professor of Public Policy... Read More →

Martize Tolbert

National Director of Client and Community Engagement, Fountainfund

In his role as National Director of Client and Community Engagement, Martize is providing leadership in our expansion to new Fountain Fund communities. Working with our staff and community partners across the nation, Martize ensures that Fountain Fund programming and implementation... Read More →

Juandiego Wade

Mayor, Charlottesville

Juandiego Riccardo Wade is the Mayor the City of Charlottesville and the Career Center Coordinator with the County of Albemarle Department of Social Services. He is married to Claudette T. Grant. They have one daughter, Gabriella Ruby Lee Wade. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban... Read More →

Shayla Washington

Executive Director, Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless

Shayla Washington (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH) and has been working in the non-profit sector with organizations focused on homelessness and human services for nearly fifteen years. Prior to her work with BRACH, Shayla... Read More →

Dr. Allison Wright

Executive Editor & Publisher, Virginia Quarterly Review

Allison Wright is the executive editor and publisher of the Virginia Quarterly Review. Her writing has appeared in the Atlantic, the Guardian, CNN, VQR, Popular Mechanics, and elsewhere. She teaches media ethics and journalism in the master's program at NYU and at the University of... Read More →

Waki Wynn

Speaker, AHIP Albemarle Home Improvement Program

As a native of Charlottesville, I'm deeply rooted in community building, leveraging over 22 years of experience in real estate to assist countless clients in navigating the home buying process. Proudly affiliated with 1st Dominion Realty since its establishment in 2002, I specialize... Read More →

Collaborator

The Fountain Fund

Implementing a “one-stop shop” model is the most efficient and convenient way to cover thewide range of needs of the formerly incarcerated population. Additionally, things like intensive job search assistance and education/job skills training have proven to lower recidivism r... Read More →

Sponsors

Common House

Sentara Martha Jefferson

Located in Charlottesville, VA, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital was founded more than 100 years ago and has constantly evolved to meet the needs of our community. We continue to set the standard for clinical quality and personalized healthcare services while providing our community... Read More →

United Way of Greater Charlottesville

Wednesday March 19, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am EDT
CODE Building

Conference: Society & Justice

Cost Ticketed

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