Track 1: Social Equity

We are learning to care of our environment by recycling and managing our resources; we encourage others to follow. But what are you doing for your own sustainability? Each day we are faced with stress, negativity and problems that are too big us to solve alone. Come learn ways we can increase our personal sustainability by utilizing nature, self- care and available resources to increase our ability to finish the race in the best position possible.

About the Speaker:
Karen Cuttill

 

Karen is currently employed by Richland College. Where she has worked since 2005 to help students with personal issues so they are successful in their educational goals.

She is highly engaged on her home campus as well as actively involved in promoting mental health and wellness across the DCCCD. She is often asked to speak on Stress Management, ""Positivity"" and Mental Well Being. She is passionate about the benefits of community college, building sustainable communities and the environment.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., died fighting for the rights of sanitation workers. More than 50 years later the people who handle trash and recycling are still exposed to needless danger. In this interactive session participants will learn how to teach others to "recycle right" as a social justice practice which helps protect the health and safety of sanitation workers.

About the Speaker:
Tiana Lightfoot Svendsen

 

As a child, Tiana was inspired to become an environmentalist by the animated adventures of "Captain Planet." Now, she is applying lessons learned from the TV show in her work as a professional planeteer. Serving as the Environmental Sustainability Programs Manager for the City of Garland Tiana strives to educate the community on actions they can take to maximize materials and reduce landfill impact. Tiana got her start at DCCCD's Cedar Valley College and went on to earn a B.A. and M.A. from SMU.

North Lake College is participating in Smart Cities initiatives for sustainability and resilience. Smart Cities are defined as cities that utilize information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance quality of life and performance of services such as transportation, utilities, resource conservation, and local events. This presentation will provide updates on Smart Cities from Dallas, Irving, Coppell and more. Participants will explore how colleges are adopting Smart Campus frameworks.

About the Speaker:
Brandon Morton

 

Brandon Morton has been the sustainability coordinator for North Lake College since 2014, overseeing initiatives across academics, operations, and outreach. He has a bachelors in biology, is studying sustainability and resource communications in graduate school, and has professional certifications in sustainability management, water quality monitoring and trail-building. His passion for the environment includes hobbies like camping, running, swimming, gardening and aquariums.

The City of Lewisville is working to incorporate social equity in outreach and programs throughout the community. A task force was created to find new and innovative ways to engage the Chin and Hispanic populations residing in Lewisville. One of the initial strategies was creating the Together Lewisville Coalition (TLC), which brought together local government, non-profits, faith-based organizations and community leaders to provide a space for residents to connect with providers to receive the services they need.

TLC, Sustainability and Emergency Management have partnered to look at resiliency with a whole community approach. Stressors and potential shocks caused by factors such as climate change, affordable housing, and looming population growth in the region can best be mitigated by proactively building community resiliency through relationships and networks. This presentation will examine innovative approaches to these regional concerns through the lens of sustainability and community empowerment.

About the Speaker:
Mendie White

 

Mendie White holds a B.S. in Biology and a Masters in Public Administration from UNT. She has over 15 years of sustainability experience in higher education and municipal government. She enjoys fostering rescue dogs, painting and Dallas Stars hockey.

About the Speaker:
Ashleigh Feryan

 

Ashleigh Feryan graduated from UNT with a B.S. in Emergency Administration and Planning. She has worked in Public Health Preparedness, Emergency Management, Community Grants/ Neighborhood Services. Outside of work, she spends time in the mountains with family.

Groundwork Dallas is the foremost champion of Dallas urban wilderness. We believe everyone deserves a green, healthy and resilient environment. Our Green Team youth program brings together people from diverse backgrounds in an effort to tip the scales in environmental fields where they are often underrepresented. Join us as we explore our efforts to engage Dallas' urban youth in restoration and recreational opportunities. Learn how you can be involved in Changing Places, Changing Lives.

About the Speaker:
Liomari Diaz

 

Liomari Diaz provides mentorship and environmental education to youth while establishing strong partnerships with schools, local and nationwide organizations, and local and federal environmental agencies. She is also the aquatic lab manager, performing monthly water quality and bacteria testing. Oversees all matters of lab.

About the Speaker:
Aaryaman Singhal

 

Aaryaman Singhal earned a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Business Administration at The University of Texas, Austin. After two years of supporting Groundwork Dallas as a volunteer and board member, he is thrilled to have joined a team as chief of operations.