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. Greg Morris is an approachable leader focused on bringing innovation to programming, academics, enrollment management and workforce education. Serving in a variety of educational environments throughout his career, Dr. Morris is passionate about thinking outside of the box and delivering strong ideas through thought leadership.

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.

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. Shawnda Floyd is a down-to-earth leader who believes in the transformative power of education. With decades of experience in higher education. Dr. Floyd uses her connectedness to create pathways of preparation for students entering the workforce.

Dr. David Mahan is a curious and compassionate leader who has built his career around a unique niche: using data and research to improve student learning and institutional effectiveness. With more than 20 years in higher education administration, he remains deeply committed to advancing student equity. 

Dr. Raghunath Kanakala is a purpose-driven leader fueled by curiosity and commitment to making a meaningful impact. He brings a thoughtful blend of vision and adaptability to every challenge — two qualities that are essential for working in higher education.

Adrian Silva is a caring leader with a strong work ethic and a passion for adult education. His leadership approach is grounded in discipline and service — values shaped by his experiences at the U.S. Naval Academy and his time leading education departments at federal correctional institutions. 

Carol Holmes is a dedicated real estate professional and educator who thrives on helping students connect classroom learning with real-world application. Her work is driven by a belief that education should empower students to enter the workforce with confidence.

Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins is a dynamic and inspirational leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education, dedicated to leveraging education as a transformative tool for the future. She is the current president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, where she directs campus operations, leads strategic planning and actively engages with community and business stakeholders.