Detailed Schedule
TUESDAY , APRIL 25 5:45 - 6:00 p . m . ET Welcome Remarks from Gwynedd Mercy University
Mary Sortino ( she , her , hers ) Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jill Winnington ( she , her , hers ) Interim Dean , School of Business and Education
Peggy Rosario ( she , her , hers ) Conference Chair and Assistant Professor , School of Business and Education
6:00 - 6:50 p . m . ET Keynote Presentation : The DNA of DEI
By arguing how DEI is directly aligned with future opportunities for individuals , and sustainability for organizations , this keynote provides participants with the understanding of how DEI skills are directly aligned to the success of the 21st Century evolving Marketplace . Additionally , through applicable DEI frameworks , theories , and exemplar practices , participants will learn the skills to analyze , create , and sustain DEI excellence , in and across organizational boundaries . Thus , the aim of this keynote is for participants to have increased confidence to facilitate , inspire , and manage high-impact DEI transformational initiatives .
Objectives :
• Foster a culture of inclusion where all stakeholders feel respected , valued , and psychologically safe .
• Learn to counter unconscious bias and create inclusivity infrastructures .
• Operationalize DEI exemplar practices through an improvement inquiry approach
Presenter :
Dr . Ronald W . Whitaker , II EdD , M . B . A . Known as a modern-day Freedom Fighter , Dr . Ronald W . Whitaker , II is the appointed Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Associate Professor of Education and the Director of the Center for Urban Education , Equity , and Improvement ( CUEEI ) at Cabrini University . Further , Dr . Whitaker also holds the distinction of being a Schouver Fellow at Duquesne University . Additionally , Dr . Whitaker serves as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Mother African Union Church , which is the nation ’ s oldest independent Black church . Dr . Whitaker completed his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Duquesne University . He also earned a master ’ s degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania , a master ’ s degree in business administration at Eastern University , and two undergraduate degrees from Geneva College where he graduated magna cum laude . Additionally , Dr . Whitaker earned a Certificate in Culturally Sustaining Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte ( UNCC ), and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University .
As a researcher and scholar , Dr . Whitaker publishes articles that focus on the psychology of race and racism , issues related to diversity , equity , inclusion ( DEI ), culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy , and the societal and educational disenfranchisement of African American males . His scholarship has