Fiona Cram
Fiona Cram (Indigenous, Māori - Ngāti Pāhauwera) is the mother of one son and has a PhD from the University of Otago (Social and Developmental Psychology). She has over 20 years of Kaupapa Māori (by, with and for Māori) research and evaluation experience with Māori and Iwi/tribal organisations and communities, as well as with government agencies, district health boards, and philanthropic organisations. A large portion of this work involves the use of mixed methods in the pursuit of decolonisation, tribal sovereignty, and societal transformation. Fiona’s project work, publications and conference presentations on Kaupapa Māori have made significant contributions to indigenous research and evaluation both in Aotearoa New Zealand and within the international community. Her recent work has included co-leading the Affordable Homes for Generations and the Poipoia te Kākano, Kia Puāwai research programmes funded by the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge.
Morning Plenary: CREA Partners Panel
Thursday, April 10th, 8:30am - 10:00am
Dr. Dominica McBride
Dr. Dominica McBride is a leading expert in community psychology, healing, and collective transformation. As the founder of BECOME, she champions Culturally Responsive Evaluation and grassroots advocacy to help communities shape their own futures. With experience spanning the U.S. and Tanzania, she has served as a consultant, program director, faculty member, and therapist. A sought-after speaker and trainer, she has received multiple awards for her impactful work. Dr. McBride holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University and finds deep fulfillment in motherhood and witnessing her children thrive.
Joe O'Hara
Joe O'Hara holds the Chair of Education and is a member of the School of Policy and Practice in the DCU Institute of Education. He is the Director of EQI- The Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection and an Affiliate Member of the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Joe O'Hara is a Past President of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland and was a member of The Teaching Council of Ireland from 2012-2016. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Personal Services Overseas (APSO) from 2002-2004. He represented Ireland on the Council of the European Educational Research Association from 2008 to 2013. Joe O'Hara was Head of the School of Education Studies, DCU, from 2010 to 2016. He is a Director and Founding Member of the Irish Evaluation Network and is a member of the Board of the Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland. Joe O'Hara is a Director of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities and is President-Elect of the World Educational Research Association. Joe O'Hara was President of the European Educational Research Association from 2018 -2023.
Pālama Lee
Pālama Lee, PhD, LCSW , raised by his kūpuna (elders), is blessed to work for a benevolent trust established by Queen Liliʻuokalani for Native Hawaiian orphan and destitute children. His research focuses on Native Hawaiian wellbeing. Pālama's community efforts focus on child welfare, caring for the elderly, and promoting and protecting the health of kāne (Native Hawaiian men).
Rick Sperling
Rick Sperling is an associate professor of psychology and the Director of the Office of Community-based Research at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. In addition to teaching, his responsibilities include coordinating the undergraduate academic certificate program in Community-based Assessment and Evaluation (CBAE) and the Master’s of Program Evaluation. His academic interests primarily focus on the use of Title V funds by Hispanic-serving Institutions and the preparation of Latinx students as future evaluators. In his free time, Rick enjoys playing Wiffle ball.
CREA Partners Panel Moderator
Anthony Sullers Jr.
Anthony B. Sullers Jr. is a researcher, educator, and bridge-builder who serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Sullers has over 10 years of experience in higher education policy, program evaluation, and learning outcomes assessment, particularly within a culturally responsive and trauma-informed framework. His research and teaching focus on the intersectional impacts of race, organizational culture, and policy on the health and education outcomes of underserved populations in North America and beyond. Dr. Sullers completed a bachelor’s degree in Community Health, a master’s degree in Higher Education, and earned his Ph.D. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership, all at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Edmund W. Gordon Distinguished Lecture and Luncheon
Thursday, April 10th, 12:15pm - 2:00pm
Nelson Flores
Nelson Flores is a professor in educational linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania. His research examines the intersection of language and race in shaping U.S. educational policies and practices. He has been the recipient of many academic awards, including a 2017 Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, the 2019 James Alatis Prize for Research on Language Planning and Policy in Educational Contexts, and the 2022 AERA Early Career Award.
Closing Keynote Luncheon
Friday, April 11th, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Warren K. Chapman
Warren K. Chapman’s professional experience spans the fields of education, philanthropy, art, and non-profit governance. Warren’s talents include integrating philanthropic efforts with public affairs, civic engagement, and educational policy. He is experienced leading high performing teams, facilitating strategic thinking activities, transforming educational and non-profit organizations. He has served as the Chief Advancement Officer at the Chicago Lighthouse; Senior Vice President and Interim Vice President for Institutional Development at Columbia College Chicago; Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago; Vice President and National Philanthropic Advisor at JP Morgan Chase; President of the Bank One Foundation; and Lead Program Officer at the Joyce Foundation. As a visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Education, he taught graduate courses in sociology of education and educational leadership. Warren also served as a Lecturer at St. Xavier College, in the Criminal Justice Department. Warren received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also serves on the Boards of the Chicago History Museum, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Previously, Warren served on the boards of ChiArts High School; Noble Charter Schools; Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Columbia College Chicago; The Community Renewal Society; and Forefront (Donors Forum of Chicago).