Speakers

Martha Fernandez is an innovative leader who leverages her broad range of expertise across varying domains to guide others. Her experience ranges from community and workforce employer engagement to advocacy, policy and continuous improvement.

Dr. Robert DeHaas is a passionate educator who dedicates his career to making a difference in the lives of students and teachers. As a leader inside and outside of classrooms, Dr. DeHaas’ passion lies in nurturing the next generation of teachers and educational leaders so they can continue to provide endless opportunities for students.

Dr. Macario Hernandez is an authentic leader passionate about community engagement and student success. Having spent the first part of his career in K-12 education, Dr. Hernandez took the leap into higher education to make a larger impact across the community — and that risk paid off.

Ahava Silkey-Jones is a passionate arts leader and seasoned administrator who believes deeply in the power of connection, creativity and community. She prides herself on bringing joy and creating meaningful opportunities for students that have the potential to change the trajectory of their lives.

Brett Dyer is a compassionate leader who credits art and education with transforming his life. Ever since discovering his own passion, he has dedicated his career to helping others experience the same power of creativity and learning. 

Amber Bonasso is a dynamic leader with a lifelong passion for the arts. From feature films and theatrical productions to parades and live performances, Bonasso has always delighted in bringing people together through meaningful, immersive experiences. 

Tiska Thomas is a collaborative leader who dedicates her career to seeing the bigger picture and finding organizational solutions. With over 20 years of progressive experiences across different industries, Thomas brings a refreshing perspective to the landscape of strategic finance.

Lenora Reece is an authentic leader who enjoys celebrating growth, whether it's her own, that of her team members or the progress of Dallas College itself.

Dr. Rick Smith is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to creating meaningful impact within the community. With over three decades of experience across higher education, health care and nonprofit leadership, he brings a dynamic, cross-industry perspective to his work.

Dr. Kay Eggleston has demonstrated a progressive path of proven leadership in her ability to influence change and positively impact lives, groups and institutions throughout her career. With a passion for both science and administration, Dr. Eggleston has combined her analytical thinking, management skills and empathy to excel in her current position.