vitalvoices 2024-2025
The vitalvoices Speaker Series serves as a forum to bring scholars and practitioners alike to speak to students, faculty, alumni and community partners at UHD's College of Public Service. It is our hope that those we invite to speak will share, from the heart, their professional experiences, their knowledge, and how the work they do impacts society as a whole. We like to feature people whose work is interdisciplinary and touches upon the fields social work, criminal justice and urban education.
From the School House to the Court House: The History of Policing Mexican American Students in Houston Schools
Wednesday, October 9th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a look at the policing of Latino youth in Houston schools from the 1950s to the present. What is revealed is a complex and myriad relationship between Latinos and law enforcement in the Bayou City. The presentation will close with a Q&A.
Dr. Jesús Jesse Esparza
is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of History at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
Speaker's Full BIO
Dr. Carlos Cantú
serves on the board of the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Latinx Initiatives Advisory Committee and co-founded the Collective of Progressive Educators, a Houston-based non-profit group focused on promoting public history projects.
Speaker's Full BIOShopping Under suspicion: Understanding Racial and Ethnic Profiling in Retail Settings
Thursday, October 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Register Now
This presentation provides an overview of racial and ethnic profiling in retail settings, which is referred to as consumer racial profiling (CRP). In particular, the presentation examines the history of the stereotypical views of certain racial/ethnic groups that leads to CRP, as well as the current state of the knowledge related to the topic. The presentation also examines the assorted preventative efforts to reduce instances of profiling in retail establishments.
Dr. Shaun L. Gabbidon
Shaun L. Gabbidon, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State Harrisburg. This semester he is a Visiting Distinguished Professor at Sam Houston State University.
Speaker's Full BIOLone Star Learning: Forging a Brighter Future Beyond the Bell
Tuesday, October 29th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
In person at UHD's College of Public Service, Room C100 or via zoom
Register Today
Featured Panelists: Dr. Crystal L. White (hostess); Dr. Danielle Bevan; Dr. Kenya Johnson; Dr. Prestal Malloy; Dr. Samson Moreno; Mrs. Vivian McKelvey; Ms. Marilyn Rubio; and Ms. Kennedy Wallace
From the impact of COVID-19 to school safety concerns to teacher shortages, and educational
reform, there is much to discuss regarding the current state of education in Texas.
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion with a diverse group of education
experts and stakeholders. Our distinguished panel will include PK-12 educators, university
faculty, aspiring teachers, parents, and community partners, all of whom will offer
their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our state's educational
system.
We'll examine successful strategies, discuss ongoing struggles, and explore innovative
solutions to create a more equitable educational landscape. Whether you're an educator,
a parent, a student, or a concerned citizen, this event offers a valuable unique opportunity
to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the future of education in the
Lone Star State. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a thought-provoking conversation
that seeks to shape the trajectory of education in our state for generations to come.
Join us as we amplify vitalvoices and work together to create lasting change!
Topics of Discussion:
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- Successes & Struggles of Texas Education Systems
- Educational Reform: Addressing Current Issues & Concerns (Houston Area Focus)
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Impact on Teachers, Students, & Overall Success/Needs
- Pre-COVID vs. Post-COVID Education: Lessons Learned & Moving Forward
- School Security & Safety Concerns • School Choice: Exploring Options & Implications
- Testing & Alternative Assessments: Finding the Right Balance
- Teacher Pay & Shortage: Strategies for Recruitment & Retention
- Empowering Educators: Effective Practices & Reducing Administrative Burdens
- Future of Education in Texas: Examining Long-Term Trends & Policy Shifts
- Buzzing Topic: Presidential positions on education nationally.
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Dr. Danielle Bevan
Assistant Professor, Math Education
Dr. Danielle Bevan is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at UH-Downtown. She has a Ph.D. In Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Mathematics Education, an M.Ed. In Gifted Education, and a B.S. in Mathematics.
Dr. Kenya Johnson
Assistant Professor, Social Work | UHD
Co-Founder| Full Circle Strategies, LLC
Parent (Post-Secondary/College)
Dr. Kenya Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown. As a dedicated anti-racist facilitator with extensive experience, she has a proven track record in providing strategic leadership coaching to executives committed to advancing race equity and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Dr. Prestal Malloy
School Counselor | Dawson High (PISD)
Parent (Elementary-PISD)
Dr. Prestal Malloy is a dedicated educator and Houston native who has spent over a decade serving her Pearland community. Throughout her career, she has held various impactful roles, including English teacher, Assistant Track and Field coach, and Professional School Counselor.
Dr. Samson Moreno
Lecturer | UHD
Assistant Principal (Admin)
Dr. Samson Moreno currently is a Lecturer at the University of Houston—Downtown. Dr. Moreno was a school administrator serving K-12 campuses, working closely with the community, supporting various programs to support students and promote community awareness of K-12 educational programs.
Mrs. Vivian McKelvey
Program Director, DAIR to Teach Program | UHD
Parent (2nd Grader, HISD)
Vivian McKelvey is a U.S. Army Veteran and former certified Sous Chef/Military Cook, currently serving as the Program Director for the DAIR to Teach Program at the University of Houston-Downtown. With over 20 years of experience in office, program, and project management, 15+ years as a shadow educator, and 5+ years in technical writing and organizational development, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Ms. Marilyn Rubio
Senior EPP Student | UHD
Teacher Resident | Klein ISD
Substitute Teacher | Conroe ISD and Cy-Fair ISD
Marilyn Rubio is currently a teacher resident at Klein ISD, bringing hands-on experience and enthusiasm to the classroom. In addition, Marilyn serves as a substitute teacher for both Conroe ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, showcasing a commitment to supporting diverse learning environments.
Ms. Kennedy Wallace
Assistant Site Manager | Texas Historical Commission
Kennedy is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design and the illustrious Prairie View A&M University. While attending SCAD, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Preservation Design and double minored in Design for Sustainability and Architectural History.
Living With AI: What’s It All About (A Primer for the Rest of Us)
Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bridging Knowledge and Compassion: The Impact of AI in Education and Social Services
Wednesday, November 13th , from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
For more information contact Steven Villano, director of the Center for Public Service and Community Research at villanos@uhd.edu.