Until girls of color are free: none of us are free. This morning address will celebrate, honor, and challenge every participant in the Summit to imagine a world in which the brilliance, experiences, ideas, resilience, and voices of girls of color will lead us to justice...because it will. In a world ruled by systems that keep girls of color doubtful, fearful, insecure, and disempowered, this keynote will challenge participants to consider: "what if we're the ones we've been waiting for?"

As a young African American woman who has been speaking her truth since she was eight years old, Aliyah has a law named after her House Bill14-1175 for a recruitment plan for more teachers of color in Colorado. She served on a committee to change the “sexist” dress code for her school district and she has used her voice to advocate for many social justice for women and people of color. Join Aliyah, as she shares her journey while elevating women of color to use our voice, recognize our power and continue to be the catalyst for change.

Sexual violence and other childhood trauma can have psychological, emotional and physical effects on young women. These effects are not easy for a young woman to deal with, but with the correct help and support, they can begin the healing process before self-destruction begins. I believe that it is important for parents/guardians and other adults working with young women to know the signs that their “daughter” is dealing with internal hurt, while pretending to be okay on the outside. It is also important for these adults to learn the proper tools and strategies in order to help young women begin the healing process. I do not claim to be an expert in this matter, but I am a SURVIVOR and share my personal and professional experience with others in hopes to allow healing to begin their lives, and the lives of their loved ones.

This workshop will explore how to look for warning signs that your “daughter” is in mental health crisis, due to sexual assault victimization or other traumatic experience. It will also discuss the stigma of mental health and steps we can take to reduce stigma in our environment. Lastly, this workshop will explore how to respond when someone discloses mental health information with you and self-care strategies as a means of effectively supporting oneself and a loved one through a mental health crisis.

As a first generation student, we must learn to adapt to a whole different culture and languages outside the one you’ve been born into. To be a first-generation student and a person of color, the odds are stacked against us. From fleeing war, violence, and poverty, to experiencing systemic barriers, this workshop will share personal journeys of first-generation students. This workshop will also promote educational ideas on how to be a motivating mentor for students of color, and how educational professionals can intervene and encourage students to personal and professional success.