Dr. Robert Chao Romero is an associate professor in the UCLA departments of Chicana/o Studies and Central America Studies, and Asian American Studies. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Latin American History and his Juris Doctor from U.C. Berkeley, and is also an attorney. Romero is the author of several books, including, “Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation,” “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity,” and “The Chinese in Mexico, 1882-1940.” “The Chinese in Mexico” received the Latina/o Studies book award from the Latin American Studies Association and “Brown Church” received the InterVarsity Press Readers’ Choice Award for best academic title. Romero is also an ordained minister and faith rooted community organizer.

Known for her empathy, pragmatism, and humor, Dr. Taylor empowers leaders and builds organizations where everyone can courageously be themselves without bias, discrimination, or barriers determining their success. With a lifetime of perspective as a biracial, woman of color, years of executive experience, and a background in human development, Dr. Taylor coaches executive leaders and guides organizations to equitable leadership strategies through nuanced and comprehensive methods. Currently serving as the Interim President of Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Taylor is also an author and entrepreneur, holding a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Master of Arts in Human Services and a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling. In her free time, Jessica loves to read nonfiction books and is constantly learning. She also enjoys singing and music, and her favorite place in the world is her home that she shares with her children and husband.

Micah Bournes is a musician and poet born and raised in Long Beach, California. His work centers themes of culture, justice, and faith. He is passionate about helping others identify and grow their creativity, convinced that creative expression is essential to individual and community healing and thriving. He is the author of the poetry collection “Here Comes This Dreamer”, and has released 6 studio albums in various genres, including his latest hip hop record “DETOX”.

Eric is the Founder and Executive Director of HOLLA, a culturally specific

mentoring organization whose mission is to change the narrative of youth of color through culturally responsive relationships. Most recently, Eric founded HOLLA School which is a public charter school in the Rockwood neighborhood in east Portland. HOLLA School was developed to change the academic narratives of Black, Brown and Indigenous youth by honoring lived experiences, catalyzing genius and centering joy.

Eric received his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and Masters of Divinity in pastoral care from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. Eric also coaches the Benson High School Girls Basketball Team. Eric is a sought-out speaker on topics of mentorship, sustainability in nonprofit work including self-care, and stories of transformation.

Join his breakout session titled ‘Why Your Leadership Matters in Church & Education’ on Saturday.

JR Lilly, Diné (Navajo) Nation is Multnomah County’s Director of the Office of Community Involvement after most recently serving as the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) Advocate. As part of a new generation that straddles a cultural chasm, he leads efforts to further the conversation around defining the role of our generation for both Native and Non-Native communities. Always eager to seek new possibilities, JR is innovative, venturesome, decisive, trusting, and optimistic. He enjoys talking through tough problems and helping to identify the best solution. He thrives when helping others reach their goals and working towards a common mission.

Since an early age he has enjoyed participating in various volunteer and leadership roles that have taught him the value of service. Most recently he has had the pleasure to serve on several nonprofit Board of Directors and Public Advisory Committees, providing him with opportunities to use his skills and talents to address the issues he is most passionate about.

Join his breakout session with Tory Campbell titled ‘Why Your Leadership Matters in Business & Government.’

Tory Campbell is the OSU Alumni Association, Senior Associate Executive Director of Experience. His wide range of experience includes serving as Director of economic development at Prosper Portland, leading congregations as a pastor, and launching several start-ups. He is the founder and steward of a successful family business, Felton & Mary’s Artisan Foods bringing his grandparent's treasured recipes to market.

Join his breakout session with JR Lilly titled ‘Why Your Leadership Matters in Business & Government’ on Saturday.

Worship from Pastor Mike Dean and the worship team at Eastside Imago Dei, a church located in southeast Portland with the mission: Bringing the whole gospel, to the whole person, to the whole world.