Prosper Jefferson: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Local experts offer advice and unique perspectives about how to create safe, diverse and inclusive places of business.
Join us on Wednesday, May 25, from 9-10:30 am at the JEDCO Conference Center in the Churchill Technology and Business Park on the West Bank. Complimentary breakfast for attendees will be served. Please register for the event in advance.
Meet the Experts
Andrea Chen, Propeller
Andrea oversees the Propeller team, operations and strategic direction. Andrea began her career as a high school English teacher at John McDonogh Sr. High School and subsequently trained teachers at the University of New Orleans and The New Teacher Project. She has worked at the Louisiana Association of Charter Schools where she oversaw grantmaking for over $5 million in charter school startup funds and launched a $1.5 million below-market rate Bridge Loan Fund. She was named “40 Under 40” by Gambit Magazine, 2010 City Business Women of the Year, World Economic Forum Young Global Shaper, and is an appointed board member of the New Orleans Business Alliance, the official economic development arm of the City of New Orleans. She graduated from Stanford University, attended Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of New Orleans, and was trained in business at Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business.Wesley Heath, Ochsner Health
Wesley E. Heath, Ph.D. (he/him) is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) scholar-practitioner with experience in both educational and healthcare institutions across public and private sectors. Wes earned his dual Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and psychology from Manchester University and received his Master of Arts degree in sociology from Ball State University. Most recently, he finished his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Research from Louisiana State University (LSU). Wes worked at LSU from November 2016 to August 2021 as the Associate Director for Cross-Cultural Affairs overseeing Native American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ student services. Wes' professional experiences include DEI work surrounding power, privilege, access, allyship, and anti-racism. Wes' research areas include intersectionality, Queer theory, critical theory, and critical weight scholarship. His most recent research looked at areas of weight discrimination within educational settings. Wes is currently the Regional Director for Diversity & Inclusion for Ochsner Health’s Bayou and South Shore regions; he also owns Wes Heath Consulting, LLC, a consulting company that specializes in building customized DEI workshops and engagement experiences.Andy Kopplin, Greater New Orleans Foundation
Andrew “Andy” Kopplin currently serves as president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. He previously served as First Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Orleans under Mayor Mitch Landrieu from 2010-2016. In this capacity, he oversaw the day-to-day operational functions of City Hall. Kopplin previously worked at Teach For America, where he served as senior advisor to the Founder & CEO Wendy Kopp. From October 2006-January 2008, Mr. Kopplin served as founding executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), the agency charged with leading Louisiana’s recovery efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where he developed the strategy and built the bipartisan coalitions that more than doubled congressional appropriations for Louisiana’s rebuilding, from $13 billion to $28 billion. Before heading the LRA, Kopplin was chief of staff to two consecutive Louisiana governors, Democrat Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Republican M.J. “Mike” Foster, Jr. He joined Foster’s staff in 1996 as policy director, and in that role led the pioneering effort to create the state’s community college system by building a coalition of Republicans, Democrats, business, labor, educators, and students. Mr. Kopplin holds a bachelor’s degree from Rice University; a master’s in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and is a 1986 Harry S. Truman Scholarship winner.
AJ Pethe, Jefferson Parish Schools
Ajit “AJ” Pethe is the Chief of Schools in Jefferson Parish(JP) Schools and serves as the “number two” in the district. Pethe is responsible for a wide spectrum of duties designed to remove barriers and ensure student access to a quality education. These include areas such as student exceptionalities, early childhood education, student wellness, and mental health. Prior to this role in JPSchools, Pethe served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment for St. Charles Parish Public Schools where he held oversight of many functions, including curriculum, instruction, professional learning, assessment, instructional technology, and special education. Pethe earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans and in 2014 was named University of New Orleans COEHD 50th Anniversary Educational Administration Outstanding Alumni. A former middle school teacher and assistant principal at the upper elementary and high school levels, Pethe also served as principal of Luling Elementary School. The school advanced its School Performance Score (SPS) from 75.1 to 102.3 under his leadership. In 2014, Pethe was named Louisiana State Principal of the Year, and he also holdsthe title of National Distinguished Principal from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). He frequently presents at local, state, and national conferences focusing on instructional feedback, strategic implementation of instructional programs, and building culture to improve student outcomes. Pethe is also a co-facilitator for the National Institute for School Leadership’s (NISL) Louisiana Principal Fellowship Program, a graduate of the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy, and a graduate of the Class of 2022 Leadership Jefferson program. Pethe is currently working on a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.
MODERATOR: Ronnie Slone, President
The Slone Group
Ronnie Slone founded The Slone Group, a consulting firm offering organizational development and training in the Greater New Orleans area. With over 30 years of operations management, human resources, training, and professional staffing with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, Ronnie has extensive experience in serving and guiding businesses and organizations. His expertise includes organizational development and training, executive coaching, business development and facilitation. Ronnie’s ability to challenge the way people think and behave has made him a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator. Ronnie is also a faculty member of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Delgado Community College and the national cohorts at Babson College.
Besides training organizations and creating a ready workforce, Ronnie is passionate about creating a community where citizens can live, work, and raise their families. As a community volunteer, he has served the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Greater New Orleans, Inc., City Park New Orleans, CASA Jefferson, River Region Chamber of Commerce, Greater New Orleans area United Way, Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry, and Trinity Community Center in Hollygrove New Orleans.
Ronnie has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. He is also certified through Advanced Associated Emergenetics International.
Date and Time
Wednesday May 25, 2022
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
9:00 - 10:30 A.M.
Location
JEDCO Conference Center
700 Churchill Parkway
Avondale, LA 70094
Fees/Admission
$5 (hot breakfast included)
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Website
Contact Information
Carlos Garcia
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