ENGAGE. ENERGIZE. INSPIRE.
Introducing Keynote Speakers for Connection 2020: An NCORE Experience
DOLORES HUERTA
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 | 12:15 - 2:15 PM Central Time

Huerta stepped down from her position at the UFW in 1999, yet she continues to work to improve the lives of workers, immigrants and women and children. As founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she travels the country, engaging in campaigns and influencing legislation that supports equality and defends civil rights.

Dolores Huerta is a legendary labor leader, women's advocate and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Working alongside UFW President César Chavez, Huerta was involved in numerous community and labor organizing efforts in Central California and quickly became a skilled organizer and negotiator for the union.

In 2012, President Obama bestowed Huerta with her most prestigious award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Full Bio
ANDREW JOLIVÉTTE
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 | 12:15 - 2:15 PM Central Time

Dr. Andrew Jolivétte Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Louisiana [Tsikip/Opelousa/Heron Clan]) is an accomplished, internationally-recognized researcher, educator, author, poet, speaker, socio-cultural critic, and an aspiring chef. He is a senior specialist and professor in Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of California, San Diego in the Department of Ethnic Studies.

He is also the inaugural founding Director of Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) at UC San Diego. The NAIS Program will feature a minor and Ph.D. Emphasis.

Dr. Jolivétte will begin a new appointment, as Department Chair of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego, in July 2020. He was previously a professor and department chair of American Indian Studies at San Francisco State University (2001-2019) Full Bio
AMER AHMED
Thursday, June 25, 2020 | 12:15 - 2:15 PM Central Time

Dr. Ahmed’s approach is grounded in a commitment to Inclusive Excellence in organizations and communities. He brings his identity as the son of Indian Muslim immigrants and extensive years as an intercultural and diversity consultant as the sources of a pivotal understanding of the depth of diversity and inclusion work.

Dr. Amer F. Ahmed is an organizational strategist who helps institutions and leaders address diversity and inclusion, equity, and intercultural development through consulting, coaching, group facilitation, and keynote speeches.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ahmed has worked with large organizations, higher education institutions, non-profit agencies, schools and community groups to create understanding and change among key constituents and institutional leaders. Full Bio
MELINA ABDULLAH
Friday, June 26, 2020 | 12:15 - 2:15 PM Central Time

Dr. Melina Abdullah is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements. She was among the original group of organizers that convened to form Black Lives Matter and continues to serve as a Los Angeles chapter leader.

She is also Professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies.

Abdullah is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, with subjects ranging from coalition-building to womanist mothering. She has contributed to popular media outlets, including The Root, Los Angeles Times, Truthdig, Los Angeles Sentinel, Los Angeles Progressive, and BK Nation. Full Bio