Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)

Dr. Maysa Akbar is a groundbreaking psychologist, best-selling author, and healer. Dr. Akbar is a thought leader and expert in racial trauma, allyship, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is an engaging and dynamic speaker who is sought by corporations, philanthropies, nonprofit organizations, urban school districts, and social service agencies in their efforts to promote antiracism and advance racial equity. She brings insight, courage, and passion to her conversations with communities of color and white communities alike.

In her first book, Urban Trauma, A Legacy of Racism, Dr. Akbar introduces the Urban Trauma™ framework, unpacking how people of color live in a state of crisis due to oppressive societal systems, resulting in feelings of anger, rage, and hopelessness. In her second book, Beyond Ally: The Pursuit of Racial Justice, with wisdom and compassion, Dr. Akbar advances her racial justice work through the creation of the Ally Identity Model, which details the stages of allyship in dismantling systemic oppression.

Dr. Akbar is a board-certified clinical psychologist and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, School of Medicine. She is the founder of Integrated Wellness Group, psychotherapy practice specializing in treating race-based trauma since 2008. Dr. Akbar represents the American Psychological Association at the United Nations where she informs psychology practice within the international community. Dr. Akbar lives in New Haven with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she engages in meditation and yoga practices focused on healing and liberation from race-based trauma.

Natalie S. Plummer, Esq is an attorney based out of Pennsylvania. Natalie is an expert litigator, and does extensive Diversity Work within her workplace, and community. As the Vice Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion committee she works within her field, and in the community at large to improve inclusion, cultural competence and diversity. In addition to her law degree she is a Cornell University certified diversity leader. However, most importantly Natalie S. Plummer is a first generation lawyer from a hardworking and proud Caribbean family. Ms. Plummer understands what it means to be the first, and only in a room. She understands the critical need for diversity, and is proud to do the work to demonstrate that Diversity, Inclusion and Equity are not only necessary, it is good for business.

Dr. Jessica M. Smedley is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in the Washington DC metro area. She is also an adjunct faculty member at The George Washington University in the counseling department and holds governance leadership roles in the
American Psychological Association.  In the past year, she co-led a COVID-19 task force for the DC Psychological Association aimed at offering pro-bono virtual services to
communities that are less likely to have access to care. She has also been seen on NBC4 Washington offering insights about mental health care for adults and children during the pandemic. She specifically approaches her clinical, leadership, and consultation work through a
lens of cultural humility. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are each deeply embedded personal values that she knows are essential to progress and change in the communities that she serves. Dr. Smedley has served as a practitioner for over 15 years in urban, community mental health settings prior to private practice. She has had significant experiences in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in community centers and school settings to include offering assessments and making
recommendations for Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Dr. Smedley also has a research background in trauma and spirituality specifically within communities of color. She has also engaged in research and trainings that make clear the connection between racial trauma and relationships, specifically in the Black community. When not in clinical practice, Dr. Smedley led national and state-level committees for psychologists in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  She has also facilitated process groups, workshops, and trainings for students, professionals, and community members specifically about racial/generational trauma, health disparities, and consequences of ignoring race in educational/ professional environments. As a former Division-1 athlete, she also takes seriously the importance of health and wellness which informs healthy coping and healing from racial and generational trauma.

Dr. Brooke Paradise has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Univeristy of New England. The focus of their career to date has been in driving transformative, robust education and community inclusivity. Over the course of 10 plus years, they have offered key contributions to the field of student affairs through departmental leadership, curriculum planning and development, assessment, programming, training, and professional staff development. Specifically, they have worked to offer leadership and oversight in developing institutional and community programs that promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Creating a supportive campus climate for underrepresented students and a more inclusive student experience is what drives a sustainably affirming campus. As a leader, Dr. Paradise takes full responsibility for shaping, advocating, and advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives with an emphasis on learning and engagement, health and wellness, and an overall sense of belonging. They seek to elevate the voices of folks historically excluded, to educate and empower a community of advocates that encompasses diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, socioeconomic status, nationality, and cultural practices. Diversity. Inclusion. They are more than just words for Dr. Paradise. They are the hard-and-fast principles guiding for how they educate and support teams, cultivate leaders, and create community.

Dr. Paradise is a seasoned leader with knowledge and ability in both community-building endeavors within Higher Education as well as work rooted in Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. But most importantly, they have grown through individual experiences, navigating the world as a queer, gender-nonconforming individual. Dr. Paradise strives to engage in authentic learning where folks can explore identity through respect and where a culture of curiosity is cultivated.