Opening Remarks
Jose Diaz
Jose Diaz is a proud native of Brooklyn, New York, Jose holds a Master of Social Work in Community Organizing and Social Action and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, where he is an adjunct lecturer. He is the Manager of Equity and Systems Advancement in the Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department at the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). He works closely with YMCAs nationwide and external partners to support activities and opportunities that advance the Y’s priority of becoming an anti-racist multicultural organization.
Prior to joining Y-USA, Jose was Senior Director of Community Outreach and Impact at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. He led several front-facing programs including career and workforce development; food access and security; and Hope For All, a partnership with the YWCA to help families meet and sustain basic needs. In 2020, Jose was named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for his efforts to close the food gap at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Toya Jones
Dr. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of Pennsylvania. She is an Assistant Professor and director of the Bachelor of Arts Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh. She is the founder and president of Freedom Indeed LLC, an organization that focuses on serving and empowering ex-offenders, returning citizens, and victims of crime, and she is the host of her Facebook and YouTube show, Healing Overflow with Dr. Toy. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of PA, a master’s degree in social work, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh. Her current research focuses on trauma reactions in social work students, increasing the awareness of PTSD and self-care techniques amongst social work students, assessing burnout among BIPOC students, and integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy and faith in the black church community. Dr. Jones is an expert trauma witness and consultant for the United States Federal Courts. She has extensive experience working with the incarcerated population and returning citizens who have been affected by crime. She is married to Rev. Cornell Jones and the proud mother of two children, Cornell “CJ” Jones age 15, and Naomi Jones age 12.
Mistress of Ceremonies
Nicole Narvaez Lewis
Nicole Narvaez Lewis is a multi-layered powerhouse. An inventor, small business owner, and Author of two books, blogs, and nationally published articles, Nicole enjoys creatively birthing new ideas and products. Also a Vice President in Corporate America, she contributes to her team and company every day. A wife and proud mother of two financially needy children and two wild and gorgeous grandsons, no day is like another.