Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Melanie Miller
Melanie is a highly accomplished and sought-after consultant, trainer and speaker offering organizations consulting and training services, keynotes and design with a focus on optimizing organizational effectiveness. With a vast repertoire of workshops and speaking engagements under her belt, Melanie consistently garners exceptional reviews and evaluations. Her portfolio includes designing and implementing enterprise-wide training programs on diversity, equity, inclusion, leadership, and more, across global contexts.
Leveraging her background in corporate sales and advertising, Melanie offers organizational development consulting, training, and culture audits, blending storytelling to forge impactful connections. Through strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions, Melanie empowers employees and organizations to surpass business objectives. With a clientele spanning various sectors, including education, government, and non-profits, Melanie’s influence extends to prestigious companies like Coca-Cola, IBM, and NASA. She holds leadership roles in prominent associations and collaborates on inclusion research with leading institutions. Melanie’s commitment to excellence is evident in her multi-year partnership with IBM and her engagements as a featured speaker at Harvard University’s Women’s
Thursday Afternoon Speaker (Virtual)
Emily M. Dickens
As the Head of Government Affairs for the world’s largest human resources trade association, Emily M. Dickens leads SHRM’s advocacy and policy initiatives. This includes its Advocacy Team — the “A-Team” —composed of nearly 30,000 HR professionals across the United States positioned front and center in efforts to advance the interests of the HR profession. She oversees government affairs, global policy, legal affairs, and the SHRM Foundation, the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of SHRM. Dickens has been a featured expert on workplace issues and business leadership – with commentary appearing in CBS News, NBC News, AP News, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg Law, Crain’s Business, Marketplace, WTOP, Yahoo Finance, HR Brew, and HR Dive among others. In addition, Dickens has testified before Congress and the EEOC on worker and workplace topics like AI, gender bias, and paid leave.
Dickens serves on the boards of the following industry organizations to maximize SHRM’s impact and voice in global, national, and local business and labor policy debates: B20 Brazil Women in Business Action Council (Co-Chair); USCIB-United States Council for International Business (Governance Committee); The Bryce Harlow Foundation; Skill-up, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
Before SHRM, Dickens served as a passionate advocate for access to higher education as the general counsel/head of policy for the DC-based Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Vice President of Public Policy for the Association of Governing Boards for Colleges and Universities; and the Assistant Vice President for Federal Affairs at the University of North Carolina System. Dickens leverages her higher education background to promote the importance of leveraging the education-to-employment pipeline to address future workforce needs. She has also worked at Duke University and Fayetteville State University in administrative and external affairs roles.
Actively engaged in board service, Dickens is a member of the North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees and the NCNW Board of Directors (Co-Chair Personnel Committee). She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she has served as Chairman of the International HBCU Task Force, and on the sorority’s Education Advancement Foundation Board (AKAEAF).
Emily is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Friday Luncheon Speaker
Jeffrey Abramowitz J.D.
Jeff is a lifelong resident of the Fay-West area, and he brings a rich tapestry of experience to his role at the Westmoreland Food Bank. After a fulfilling career as a consultant, Jeff felt compelled to address pressing community needs, particularly food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. His vision and passion led him to pioneer the department’s evolution, emphasizing employee empowerment and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusivity.
Jeff’s diverse background, including legal expertise and extensive for-profit sector experience, equips him with a unique perspective to drive meaningful change. Committed to advancing diversity and social impact, he leverages his skills to forge alliances between public and private sectors, advocating for community welfare with strategic foresight. Education: West Virginia University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government, Juris Doctorate, Law, West Virginia University College of Law.
Romero brings over two decades of social sector expertise to his role. A prominent figure in his community, Davis is celebrated for his bold leadership and national speaking engagements on critical issues like juvenile justice, youth violence, trauma, and human trafficking. Previously, he served as the program director of family violence intervention across multiple counties in Northern California, addressing both victims and offenders with compassion and innovation. Davis also pioneered a transformative youth and adult development program emphasizing essential skills and values.
As the former program manager of Sow-A-Seed Community Foundation, he orchestrated alternative opportunities for at-risk youth within the educational system, offering crucial support services and mentoring. Davis, drawing from his professional acumen and personal journey, continues to enlighten diverse audiences nationwide, including educators, law enforcement, and social service agencies.
Undraye Howard, Ph.D.
Dr. Howard has over two decades of experience in driving impactful change. With a rich background in a leadership role at Social Current and its predecessor, the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, Dr. Howard is a catalyst for transformation in the social sector. Leading initiatives in strategy development, leadership evolution, and DEI advancement, he empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to excel in their missions.
Dr. Howard’s deep commitment to community service is evidenced by his board memberships and active involvement in Milwaukee initiatives. With a doctorate in business from Bellevue University, he continues to shape the landscape of social impact with his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. Dr. Howard holds a doctorate in business from Bellevue University. He received his Master of Arts in Communication and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin.
Cindy’s career spans over two decades of being dedicated to empowering and collaborating with nonprofit organizations. With a diverse background encompassing executive directorship, program management, and IT leadership, Cindy seamlessly transitions between roles as a consultant, trainer, coach, and facilitator. Drawing from over three decades of practical experience and formal education, Cindy possesses a unique blend of strategic insight and meticulous attention to detail, making them an invaluable asset in any setting.
As a seasoned speaker and trainer, Cindy captivates audiences with engaging and interactive presentations, having addressed diverse groups on myriad topics at esteemed events hosted by leading organizations like the Nonprofit Technology Network and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations. A distinguished graduate of Seton Hill University, Cindy holds degrees in Computer Science, Business Administration, and Instructional Design, reflecting their commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.
Lyzona Marshall, MBA
Assistant Professor of Business & Director, Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities, School of Business at Seton Hill University since 2005
Lyzona “Lyz” Marshall, MBA, is a full-time faculty member, a business counselor, a small business owner and certified business advisor to support individuals, small businesses and organizations from ideation to startup to sunset. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Master’s of Business Administration degree, and is a doctoral candidate for a Doctor of Business Administration degree. Her research interests include the development of women and minority entrepreneurs, government contracting and the small business use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. She also holds certifications for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace and as an Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator. She has also authored or co-authored journal articles, textbooks and training programs and initiatives.
She is the recipient of several entrepreneurship education grant awards, women in leadership awards and serves as an active community volunteer and board member, with current service on The Blackburn Center, Pheple Federal Credit Union, and Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence.
Heather McLean
Heather began her career working in the mental health field 20+ years ago. Heather has been employed at MHA-SWPA since 2019 as their Outreach Coordinator. As part of her position as the Outreach Coordinator, Heather participates on numerous committees and boards. These committees include, Ray of Hope Westmoreland County Suicide Awareness & Prevention Task force, CSAY Counsel for Substance Abuse & Youth, HAWC-Hoarding Alliance of Westmorland County, and the newly formed WestCoHAB-Westmoreland County Housing Advisory Board. Heather currently holds an officer position on the state board of SPA-Suicide
Prevention Alliance and on the Board and of Directors of Greater Things Ministries, and Fight
the Blight. Heather also works closely with the Westmoreland County BH/DS office coordinating lots of training and events.
Heather has worked in Suicide Prevention since 2009. She has served as the Ray of Hope Chair since 2016. Her responsibilities include the oversight of 70+ task force members, multiple sub-committees, supervision of the task force coordinator, and Lead of the newly formed L.O.S.S. Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors).
Heather is also the Westmorland County EBH (Emergency Behavioral Health) Coordinator that aids in the emotional response following a traumatic event. Heather is a certified QPR
Gatekeeper Instructor, Certified CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Coordinator, Certified YMHFA (Youth Mental Health First Aid) Instructor, Certified Bridges out of Poverty Instructor, and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Trainer. Heather provides many trainings to schools, colleges/universities, community/social service agencies, businesses, medical personnel/first responders, and faith based organizations.
Heather is a 2002 honors graduate from Point Park University where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminology/Criminal Rehabilitation. Prior to that she attended Westmoreland Community College where she received an Associate’s Degree in Legal Assisting/Paralegal in 2000.
Heather likes to spend free time mentoring youth at The Father’s Heart Ministries. She also stays busy loving her 3 dogs, 2 children and husband Troy.
Ryan Meadows
Ryan Meadows is the Talent Program Manager at Re:Build Manufacturing, a family of engineering and manufacturing businesses whose goal is to help revitalize the U.S. manufacturing base over the coming decades. In her role, Ryan supports the development and implementation of talent programs that drive skill development and foster community engagement.
She collaborates with the local high schools, career and technical centers, and workforce partners to create pathways for individuals to pursue and advance careers in manufacturing. With a background in higher education and student development, Ryan is committed to creating opportunities into STEM for historically marginalized groups. She is passionate about fostering sustainable growth and creating long-term value for individuals and communities.
Dr. Roebuck is a results-oriented senior leader with extensive experience in executing programs and strategies to promote accountability and awareness in leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, marketing, communications, training, and project management working in corporate, higher education and nonprofit organizations. She has provided marketing strategies to identify diverse talent both inside and outside of the region, worked with Employee Resource Groups and professional organizations to create engagement opportunities to connect diverse job seekers and employers. Yvonne is described as a change agent because of her ability to evaluate processes and recommend realistic solutions.
Yvonne is a strong proponent of “what gets measured, matters”. Her research work explored the leadership styles of African Americans in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. For organizations, she creates metrics and reporting mechanisms to effectively measure, track and report companies’ progress toward their goals. Her professional roles have included national marketing director, public information officer, marketing and communications for a $70 million multi-state international social services organization, and a university professor. In addition, she is a diversity presenter/moderator, and leadership facilitator.
Janine Jelks-Seale serves as the Director, Health Equity with UPMC Health Plan. She works on the cutting edge of a large-scale systemic effort to address legacy issues in health equity and disparity. Jelks-Seale blends business, technical, and creative acumen and a talent for distilling complex concepts into plain language together to bridge the gaps between silos, lead problem-solving initiatives, and deliver results. She is an experienced professional with past roles within Fortune 500 firms, local and federal government, and local and national non-profit organizations.
Jelks-Seale previously served as Senior Advisor, Office of Administration, Allegheny County Department of Human Services providing strategic planning and project management to Allegheny County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) to support its aim of improving the quality, equity, and effectiveness of its services to the residents of Allegheny County. While at ACDHS, Jelks-Seale served as Foster America Fellow, Workforce Development to improve the outcomes for children and families through initiatives designed to address critical child welfare workforce challenges.
Jelks-Seale has also worked as a Research & Development Engineer for General Mills, Inc.—one of the largest consumer products manufacturers and marketers in the world with over 100 well-known brands. Her product development experience covered product improvement and new product development roles supporting Progresso Soup and Hamburger Helper as well as leading product R&D productivity efforts for Chex Mix, Bugles, and Gardetto’s brands.
Jelks-Seale presently serves as a Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee member. She serves as a board member of Footbridge for Families—an organization providing rapid support to families facing short-term financial crises which have no other solution. She also serves as a board member of Assemble—a nonprofit organization and community space for arts and technology education located in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood. In her free time, Jelks-Seale enjoys exploring Pittsburgh’s urban and park landscapes through walking, running, cycling, and kayaking as well as supporting local performing and visual arts.
Education/Training:
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware
- Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University
Norman Wright Jr.
As a seasoned Business Growth & Marketing Consultant, Norman Wright Jr. partners with his clients to empower them in achieving new business opportunities, maximizing profits, and fostering a culture of peer-to-peer leadership team accountability.
With an impressive track record spanning over 33 years in the advertising and marketing consulting field, Norm possesses a natural flair for crafting compelling narratives and harnessing creative technologies. His primary focus lies in educating and supporting his clients by refining their target audience, shaping their messaging, and devising strategies to engage stakeholders while driving key performance indicators effectively.
Norm serves as a trusted advisor, working closely with Business Leaders to shape the direction of their company, establish & strengthen their brand identity, and positioning them as the industry experts. Moreover, Norm is dedicated to helping businesses implement KPI-driven internal programs promoting “Team Peer-to-Peer Accountability,” ensuring that organizations remain aligned with their primary mission and growth objectives, thereby adding exceptional value to their customers and growth.
Hailing from New Richmond, OH, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007 with a degree in communications. Currently serving as the Director of implicit bias initiatives at the Freedom Center, he spearheads “OPEN YOUR MIND,” an innovative exhibit and interactive learning lab dedicated to elucidating implicit bias. As a beacon of equality, diversity, and inclusion, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center champions cutting-edge approaches to combat discrimination, recognizing its nuanced manifestations.
The implicit bias learning lab endeavors to broaden horizons, fostering introspection and empathy. Through engaging real-world examples, dynamic scenarios, and interactive activities, including brain teasers and illusions, we challenge perceptions and illuminate the intricacies of the human mind. Our mission is to revolutionize attitudes towards bias, sparking transformative self-awareness and societal change.
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