Speakers
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Our 2025 Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. William Joseph Barber II

“William Barber is the closest person we have to Martin Luther King, Jr. in our midst."
— Dr. Cornel West
Bishop William J. Barber II is President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach,
Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, Executive Board Member of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, and Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. CoChair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, and a Kettering Foundation Senior Fellow.
He is the author of five books: We Are Called To Be A Movement; Revive Us Again: Vision
and Action in Moral Organizing; The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and The Rise of a New Justice Movement; and Forward Together: A Moral Message For The Nation. White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy was released in June 2024.
Bishop Barber served as senior pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ for thirty years and as president of the North Carolina NAACP from 2006-2017 and on the National NAACP Board of Directors from 2008-2020. He is the architect of the Forward Together Moral Movement that gained national acclaim in 2013 with its Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly. In 2015, he established Repairers of the Breach to train communities in moral movement building through the Moral Political Organizing Leadership Institute and Summit Trainings (MPOLIS). In 2018, he co-anchored the relaunch of the Pour People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival—reviving the 1968 Poor People's Campaign organized by women's rights movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worker's rights movement, religious leaders, and people of all races to fight poverty in the U.S. As a moral leader Bishop William Barber II engaging in non-violent civil disobedience has been arrested more than 15 times in various states standing up with those who have been marginalized by
systematic racism, poverty, and injustice.
A highly sought-after speaker, Bishop Barber has given keynote addresses at hundreds of national and state conferences, including the 2016 Democratic National Convention, one of few preachers in nations history to be invited to give the homily at the 59th Inaugural Prayer Service for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Vatican at Pope Francis's encyclical “Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home” and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. In June 2018, he addressed the 5th Uni Global Union World Congress to more than 25 countries.
Bishop Barber is regularly featured in media outlets such as MSNBC, CNN, NNPA, the New York Times, Washington Post, and The Nation magazine. He was named one of 2020's BET 100 Entertainers and Innovators and one of the 2019 recipients of the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian honor. He is a 2018 MacArthur Foundation Genius Award recipient and a 2015 recipient of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award and the Puffin Award.
Bishop Barber has had twelve honorary doctorate degrees conferred upon him. He
earned a High School degree from Plymouth High, a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctorate from Drew University with a concentration in Public Policy and Pastoral Care. And has studied in a special fellowship at MIT.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Elizabeth Solomon, from the Massachusett people
Elizabeth Solomon is an elder of the Massachusetts Tribe at Ponkapoag. She works to represent the Tribe with institutions and at public events.
Roaming Buffalo, from the Pawtucket/Pennacook/Abenaki peoples
Roaming Buffalo is a descendant of the Wabanaki people who was born and raised in Massachusetts. Roaming is a citizen of the Abenaki nation and an active member of the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB). They are advocates for Indigenous justice and are studying Indian law through the University of Oklahoma School of Law.
Our Workshop Facilitators!
Bringing the nonprofit, The Resilient Activist (TRA), into being has been the most profound and significant accomplishment of my life. Activists, especially environmental activists, are underappreciated heroes who carry the weight of the world in their hearts, minds, and bodies every single day. These gentle souls step into activism based on a fervent desire to right a wrong, heal a pain, or alleviate a grief with the pervasive awareness of the fragility of ecosystems, wildlife, and humanity on this planet. Compassionate and sensitive, many activists struggle with depression, grief, and a sense of impending failure over ongoing ecological destruction.
My older son, Kevin, was one of those activists who was broken by the emotional burden he carried, believing that his personal well-being was of little importance when weighed against the needs of the world. He died by suicide in 2003. He wrote, “Letting go of the passion to work on substantive structural change in favor of personal happiness is not a viable option.” TRA was founded to help activists like him recognize the critical value of self-care and to provide the community, resources, and insight to support long-term resilience in light of the critical work they do.
In August 2019, Sami became a Climate Reality Leader through the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, a global network of activists committed to spreading awareness of the climate crisis and working for solutions to the greatest challenge of our time. Learn more.
Anne is an environmental scientist with experience working in environmental compliance and site assessment. She is active in a number of environmental and sustainability-focused organizations including The Resilient Activist, the Green Business Network, and the Metropolitan Energy Center. She is currently re-evaluating her life goals and actions towards a path of deeper self-discovery and increased environmental and social activism.
The challenges of 2020 crystallized in my mind both the desire to become more actively involved in efforts to address climate change and social equity issues, but also the need for a nurturing community to provide safety and respite. Through the Resilient Activist, I have found opportunities for activism as well as connectedness and community. I am excited for the opportunity to join with Sami and others to further the vision and mission of the organization.
Charlotte Powley - Assistant Director of Research: The Abraham Feinberg Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation (ENACT)
Charlotte Powley, PhD, MPH, MEd, is the Assistant Director of Research at ENACT. She teaches ENACT-related courses at Brandeis, supports ENACT research, and works with the Research and Advocacy Fellows.
ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows: Jovita Bell ‘25, Happy Emmanuel ‘27, Rachel Gao ‘25, Vickie Hsieh ‘25, and Lev Sewald ‘26.
ENACT Research and Advocacy Fellows: Maria Antonio ‘26, Alyssa Golden ‘26, Aviva Gornick ‘25, Melora Hutcheson ‘25, Gerardo Enrique Rios Ramirez ‘27
Nathan Subrahmanian
A senior Computer Science/Business major who has lived in four states and learned how geography and culture shape political perspectives. I aim to foster empathy through an understanding of differences to promote unity at Brandeis and in America.
Lance Gutin
I'm a senior Economics major from Montclair, NJ. I enjoy soccer, skiing, and following politics. Lately, I've been interested in the polarization of our country and have spent time reflecting on its causes and exploring ways to make positive change.
Sabine von Mering - Professor of German and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Sabine von Mering, Ph.D. is Professor of German and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Director of the Center for German and European Studies at Brandeis University. She co-edited The Routledge Handbook of Grassroots Climate Activism (2025).
Emily Moreno - Class of 2027
Emily Moreno is a sophomore at Brandeis majoring in Environmental Studies. She has been active in the climate movement for three years, both on and off campus, and hopes to guide others to become more environmentally conscious and active.
Lana Taffel - Class of 2025
Lana Taffel is a senior at Brandeis studying Philosophy and Politics. She’s been engaged in grassroots youth climate activism for 6 years, in the Sunrise Movement, Our Climate, MYCC, MPF, Polluters Pay, as well as in the statehouse under Rep. Owens.
Becca Van Spall-Hood - Violence Prevention Specialist & Survivor Advocate
Becca is one of the professional staff members in the Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center, committed to providing anti-violence education and support to all students on campus.
Julia Hardy - Confidential Peer Educator
Julia Hardy is a Junior, majoring in Sociology and minoring in English. She started working at PARC during her sophomore year, and wanted to make a positive impact on the community.
Hedy Yang - Confidential Peer Educator
Hedy is a junior studying Economics, Environmental Studies, and Journalism. She joined PARC because she's committed to creating a more safe and just world. She finds deep meaning in PARC’s work.
Kiwa Shinoda - Research Fellow
Kiwa Shinoda is a senior double-majoring in Sociology and Environmental Studies with a minor in HSSP. Her academic endeavors encompass her passion for environmental justice, a major theme in her research and prospective career.
Aviva Gornick - Research Fellow
Aviva Gornick is a senior double-majoring in Sociology and Politics with a minor in Business. She is primarily focused on areas of sustainability and public policy and bridging the intersections between business and social impact.
Dr. Liora Norwich - Director, Chair of the Hornstein Program
Dr. Liora Norwich is the Director of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University. She holds a PhD in Political Science at the Hebrew University, and an MBA in nonprofit Management from the Heller School.
Leora Kirk - External Consultant
Leora is a Human Resources Consultant at KMA Human Resources, and collaborated this past year with the Hornstein Program to deliver an HR Management course for Jewish nonprofit professionals.
Xudong Jiang - Researcher
I am passionate about medical anthropology, infectious diseases, and global health. I aspire to become a doctor and public health professional to address health disparities globally.
Erica Hwang - Rich Collins Community Leadership and Impact Fellow
Erica is a senior at Brandeis studying Business and Psychology. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and social impact, and has been promoting well-being through community initiatives and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Rachel Spekman
Rachel Spekman is thrilled to be presenting on behalf of the Brandeis Counseling Center. She completed her second-year internship and post graduate school fellowship at the BCC.
Leah Berkenwald - Director of Health Promotion and Wellness Initiatives
Leah holds a master's in Health Communication from Emerson College in collaboration with the Tufts University School of Medicine, as well as a master's in American Studies from the University of Nottingham.
Cameron Samuels - Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT)
Cameron Samuels '25 (they/them) is the Executive Director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, a movement demonstrating youth visibility in education policymaking and dismantling oppressive power structures.
Mazzi Ingram - Youth Policy Advocate
Mazzi Ingram is a dynamic force in environmental justice advocacy. In her senior year at Brandeis in environmental studies, Mazzi has made it her mission to cross-pollinate her academic experiences with the movements of the moment.
Gianna Crisha Saludo - International Student Senator, GSC Pride Representative, Class of 2028
Gi is an international student from the Philippines. A dedicated advocate for youth participation in democracy and legislation—she has engaged with YouthLed Philippines, CAUSE Philippines, grassroots initiatives, and community organizing.
Ria Escamilla-Gil - Undergraduate Student, Language Empowering Action Project Coordinator
Ria Escamilla-Gil is a sophomore at Brandeis pursuing a B.A. in History and IGS. They are passionate about social justice and community-building, currently serving as LEAP Coordinator, Femme of Color Alliance Event Coordinator, and Student Union VP.
Rachel Kramer Theodorou - Senior Lecturer in Education and Assistant Director of Elementary Education
Rachel Kramer Theodorou has been a classroom elementary and ESL teacher and instructional coach for more than 20 years in both public and private schools.
Edith Pick - Postdoctoral Associate, Hadassah-Brandeis Institute and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Edith Pick is a postdoctoral associate at Brandeis. She researches how identity is imagined and managed in Jewish organizations, and how the multi-faceted nature of Jewishness can offer new insights into work, diaspora and social justice.
Gabriella Chiquiar-Rabinovich - Brandeis English/NEJS student and research assistant at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute
Gabriella Chiquiar-Rabinovich is from Brookline MA, and is currently a sophomore at Brandeis University, majoring in English and Near Eastern Judaic Studies.
Prof. Alexandra Piñeros Shields - Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Policy Program at the Heller School
Dr. Piñeros Shields teaches immigration policy and has organized Black and immigrant communities to dismantle mass incarceration in the criminal legal system and the immigrant detention system. She serves on the boards of the ACLU and MassBudget.
Chloe Morales - First-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student at The Heller School
Chloe Morales earned degrees in HSSP and Biology and works at the Dept. of Public Health’s Immunization Division. She is passionate about preventative mental health care, with a focus on accessibility and community-centered approaches.
David Weinstein - Assistant Director of ENACT: The Abraham Feinberg Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation & Coordinator of the VoteDeis Campus Coalition
David Weinstein supports ENACT faculty, students, staff and alumni across the US, and co-founded the VoteDeis Campus Coalition. An educator with K-12 public school teaching experience, he is serving his third term on the Cambridge School Committee.
Luke Farberman - At-Large Senator, Brandeis Student Union
Luke Farberman is a sophomore from Westchester County, NY majoring in Political Science and minoring in Asian American Pacific Islander studies.
Rebekah Marvel - VoteDeis Campus Coalition Member
Originally from Upstate New York, Rebekah is a first-year student at Brandeis, intending to double major in IGS and Politics with minors in Journalism and Hispanic Studies.
Nova Brent - VoteDeis Campus Coalition Member
Nova Brent is from Queens, NY. She is a member of the Class of ’28 and intends to major in Anthropology and minor in Politics and Studio Art. She has been involved in various initiatives relating to voting and community engagement on campus.
Yoni Kahn - ENACT Your Vote Campus Engagement Student Fellow, VoteDeis Campus Coalition Steering Committee Member
Yoni Kahn is a Brandeis alum and current Master of Public Policy student at the Heller School for Social Policy. He has advocated in the Massachusetts State House for increased gun reform and has organized events focused on student civic engagement.