Hello friends-
It has become increasingly evident that equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (EDIAB) are at risk of losing the value and prioritization they
deserve. We cannot allow this to happen. These principles are vital to the strength and progress of our community and must remain at the forefront of every organization’s mission.
Join us this February for an inspiring gathering of local community leaders. Together, we will reignite the commitment to EDIAB and equip you, your colleagues,
and your organization with practical tools to sustain and advance these critical values. Let’s unite to empower our community and demonstrate that EDIAB is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.
We are excited to announce the release of tickets for the 2025 Lens of Equity Summit!
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Greater Tacoma Convention Center – Tacoma, WA
Presented by the Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force (powered by WorkForce Central), our 2025 summit will focus on racial justice and equity, bringing
together leaders, community members, and advocates to engage in critical conversations and actionable strategies for advancing equity across Pierce County.
With engaging keynotes, interactive workshops, and community panels, attendees will explore the intersections of race, policy, and systemic change and discover
ways to collectively serve strategically undervalued communities and dismantle barriers to justice in our region. The summit will also feature opportunities for collaboration, networking, and empowerment, fostering an environment where diverse voices and experiences
are amplified and valued.
Whether you’re a community advocate, policymaker, educator, or resident, this summit is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, build meaningful connections,
and join forces to create a more just and equitable future for all.
The full-day event will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, Washington.
Event tickets are now available on Eventbrite.
Additional information about the summit, including our presenters, workshops, resources, and event schedule, can be found
on our website.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Caprice
D. Hollins, Psy.D.
Co-Founder, Cultures Connecting
2025 LENS OF EQUITY SUMMIT KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Caprice D. Hollins was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She received a B.A. in psychology from Seattle University and an M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
with an emphasis in Multicultural and Community Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology―LA.
Dr. Hollins has over 25 years of experience working with ethnically diverse populations, facilitating workshops on racism, and teaching graduate courses, including
20 years with The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology as an Associate Professor of Counseling.
After serving as the first Director of Equity and Race Relations for Seattle Public Schools, she co-founded Cultures Connecting, LLC in 2008. Her organization provides
culturally relevant professional development, keynotes, leadership coaching, and consulting services to organizations seeking to improve their ability to effectively engage in race conversations and dismantle institutional racism
www.culturesconnecting.com.
Dr. Hollins wrote
Inside Out: The Equity Leader’s Guide to Undoing Institutional Racism and
co-authored Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race.
She is a Seattle 2020 TEDx Speaker on
What White People Can Do to Move Race Conversations Forward.
Dr. Hollins works hard to balance her passion and commitment to equity and social justice while at the same time centering the importance of family and community.
FEATURED PRESENTERS
Jahmad
Canley
President and Chief Executive Officer, Potential Unleashed Consulting
PRESENTATION: CREATING SPACES OF BELONGING: DEAI IN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES
Jahmad Canley has an endless dedication to empowerment and education for all people. He is internationally known as a top-level culture transformation consultant,
peak performance coach, author, and masterful storyteller. Jahmad focuses on helping people and organizations accomplish their goals and fulfill their potential in their personal, professional, and organizational lives. His passion for helping others unleash
their potential has provided him the privilege of working with top organizations such as Microsoft, Amazon, Western Union, LA Phil Harmonic Symphony, USA Swimming, and many more.
Getting his start in organization development over 18 years ago, Jahmad has assisted numerous organizations across multiple industries in their quest to create
better and more effective cultures. Jahmad’s passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work started when he entered Washington State University through the Future Teachers of Color Program and continued when he helped create several equity programs for
the College Success Foundation, including the HERO Program (designed to assist High School aged African American, Latino, and Indigenous males gain access to higher education). Now, private and public organizations around the world utilize Jahmad’s unique
experiences and ability to transfer Cognitive Science and Culture Transformation processes to improve success rates and remove barriers in creating cultures of equity and belonging.
Kendra
Jones
Founder/CEO, KJ Jones Consulting
PRESENTATION: JUSTICE FOR ALL: REFORMING SYSTEMS FOR EQUITY
Kendra Jones is an experienced consultant with over 10 years in human services, specializing in workforce development and programs that help individuals transition
back into their communities after being involved with the legal system. A graduate of the Evergreen State College-Tacoma Program with a degree in law, government, and public policy, she has played a key role as a Strategy Officer at the Pacific Mountain Workforce
Development Council, forming partnerships that connect employers with skilled individuals seeking new opportunities. Her work as a community researcher on the Community Reinvestment Plan (Department of Commerce) addresses disparities caused by past policies.
Active in the Tacoma Black Collective and a member of the Social and Legal Justice Committee, Kendra supports families and communities through her leadership. She has also led partnerships with local organizations and facilities through her consulting firm,
KJ Jones, ensuring effective community reintegration. Her ongoing efforts include raising mental health awareness in Black and Brown communities, uniting families, and helping them break free from poverty.
Dr.
John Gaines
CEO and Founder, PUSH For Dreams
PRESENTATION: EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: THE POWER OF “ONE I BELIEVE IN YOU”
Dr. John “Push” Gaines is a highly successful and much sought-after CEO, founder of the non-profit organization PUSH for Dreams, best-selling author and renowned
speaker, leadership consultant, and mentorship advocate. He is celebrated for his organic, kind-hearted approach and heartfelt enthusiasm in connecting with audiences and tackling important issues with positivity.
Dr. Gaines is dedicated to motivating students, teachers, administrators, professionals, and communities through his personal experiences, trauma, and unique challenges,
inspiring them to push through obstacles and be their best selves.
He has been named one of Yahoo News’ “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020” for his ability to relate to and inspire his audiences to imagine greater possibilities.
Dr. Gaines holds degrees in Business and Leadership and exemplifies personal and professional excellence.
FEATURED GUEST
Christian
Paige
Emmy-Nominated Poet
Performing Spoken Word at the 2025 Lens of Equity Summit
Christian Paige is an Emmy-nominated spoken word poet, professional speaker, and educator who speaks at schools, conferences, and events across the United States.
Paige has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people and loves to work with young people who are committed to doing good in the world. Paige is a first-generation college graduate and Actsix Scholar who is passionate about community, anti-racism, equity, and
empowerment. He has spent his entire career in and around education, advocating for historically marginalized populations and working to create equitable environments where young people can thrive.
Bringing our Pierce County community together in one place at one time,
the 2025 Lens of Equity Summit will provide the tools and information needed to help redesign services and systems in which no one is pushed aside or left behind. We look forward to seeing you there!
Best,
The Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force
Kelly Brickhouse
Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
kbrickhouse@workforce-central.org
Phone:
253-533-1662 Cell:253-278-6268
3640 South Cedar Street, Suite E | Tacoma, WA 98409
Partnering in pursuit
of GREATER ECONOMIC VITALITY FOR ALL
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY - EQUAL ACCESS
WorkForce Central is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Washington
Relay Service – 711.