Skip to main content

Previous vitalvoices 2024-2025

The vitalvoices Speaker Series serves as a forum to bring scholars and practitioners alike to speak to students, faculty, alumni and community partners at UHD's College of Public Service. It is our hope that those we invite to speak will share, from the heart, their professional experiences, their knowledge, and how the work they do impacts society as a whole. We like to feature people whose work is interdisciplinary and touches upon the fields social work, criminal justice and urban education.

If a vitalvoices session was recorded, the titles below will link directly to its recorded presentation on our YouTube channel. Please enjoy.
 

Everything You Wanted To Know About The FBI (Well, Almost Everything)

Tuesday, September 10th from 11:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For many, the FBI is shrouded in mystery. What exactly do they do, where are they located, who are they accountable to? Moderated by our own Douglas A. Williams, JR. and Dr. Clete Snell, these any other questions will be answered by Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Houston FBI office, Mr. Doug Williams. The conversation will touch upon the following:

  • The history of the FBI and its origins
  • Realignment of the FBI post 9/11
  • FBI’s various divisions, the breadth and reach of its work domestically and around the world
  • Types of career paths the FBI offers
  • What’s currently going on at the FBI.
  • Impact of politics on its work

 

...
Douglas A. Williams, Jr.

Special Agent in Charge, Douglas A. Williams Jr. began his career as a Special Agent with the FBI in 2002 and was assigned to the Miami Field Office.

Speaker's Full BIO
         
         

Emotionally Overwhelmed? Join the Club

Wednesday, September 25th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 

We are living in what seems like a prolonged time of great social, cultural, and technological change. Collectively we have experienced enormous shifts in our workplaces, our school systems, our families, and in the culture at large. Everything is changing.

For many, this can be overwhelming and contributes to what is called emotional dysregulation. The good news is you don’t have to be a therapist to learn how to effectively deal with emotions that cause us and others to feel stressed, frightened, and defensive.

Join Dr. J.C. Fowler, professor of psychology in psychiatry in behavioral health at Houston Methodist and Executive Clinical Director of Houston’s Monarch Community to learn about attachment theory and how it affects how we communicate and perceive our world. Whether you are an educator, social worker, plumber, parent, or business professional, the insights learned will help you communicate and connect with others in meaningful and productive ways.

...
Dr. James Chris Fowler

Dr. Fowler completed a 4-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology (1995-1999) at the Austen Riggs Center.

Speaker's Full BIO
         
         

From the School House to the Court House: The History of Policing Mexican American Students in Houston Schools

Wednesday, October 9th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Join us for a look at the policing of Latino youth in Houston schools from the 1950s to the present. What is revealed is a complex and myriad relationship between Latinos and law enforcement in the Bayou City. The presentation will close with a Q&A.

Dr. Jesús Jesse Esparza at Texas Southern University
Dr. Jesús Jesse Esparza

is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of History at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

Speaker's Full BIO
       
Dr. Carlos Cantú at the University of Houston Downtown and Texas Southern University
Dr. Carlos Cantú

serves on the board of the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Latinx Initiatives Advisory Committee and co-founded the Collective of Progressive Educators, a Houston-based non-profit group focused on promoting public history projects.

Speaker's Full BIO
         
         
     

Shopping Under suspicion: Understanding Racial and Ethnic Profiling in Retail Settings

Thursday, October 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

This presentation provides an overview of racial and ethnic profiling in retail settings, which is referred to as consumer racial profiling (CRP). In particular, the presentation examines the history of the stereotypical views of certain racial/ethnic groups that leads to CRP, as well as the current state of the knowledge related to the topic. The presentation also examines the assorted preventative efforts to reduce instances of profiling in retail establishments. 

 

...
Dr. Shaun L. Gabbidon

Shaun L. Gabbidon, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State Harrisburg. This semester he is a Visiting Distinguished Professor at Sam Houston State University.

Speaker's Full BIO
         

 
 
 

Lone Star Learning: Forging a Brighter Future Beyond the Bell

Tuesday, October 29th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
In person at UHD's College of Public Service, Room C100 or via zoom

Video recording coming soon.

Featured Panelists: Dr. Crystal L. White (hostess); Dr. Danielle Bevan; Dr. Kenya Johnson; Dr. Prestal Malloy; Dr. Samson Moreno; Mrs. Vivian McKelvey; Ms. Marilyn Rubio; and Ms. Kennedy Wallace

From the impact of COVID-19 to school safety concerns to teacher shortages, and educational reform, there is much to discuss regarding the current state of education in Texas. Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion with a diverse group of education experts and stakeholders. Our distinguished panel will include PK-12 educators, university faculty, aspiring teachers, parents, and community partners, all of whom will offer their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our state's educational system.

We'll examine successful strategies, discuss ongoing struggles, and explore innovative solutions to create a more equitable educational landscape. Whether you're an educator, a parent, a student, or a concerned citizen, this event offers a valuable unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the future of education in the Lone Star State. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a thought-provoking conversation that seeks to shape the trajectory of education in our state for generations to come. Join us as we amplify vitalvoices and work together to create lasting change!

Topics of Discussion:

      • Successes & Struggles of Texas Education Systems
      • Educational Reform: Addressing Current Issues & Concerns (Houston Area Focus)
      • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Impact on Teachers, Students, & Overall Success/Needs
      • Pre-COVID vs. Post-COVID Education: Lessons Learned & Moving Forward
      • School Security & Safety Concerns
      • School Choice: Exploring Options & Implications
      • Testing & Alternative Assessments: Finding the Right Balance
      • Teacher Pay & Shortage: Strategies for Recruitment & Retention
      • Empowering Educators: Effective Practices & Reducing Administrative Burdens
      • Future of Education in Texas: Examining Long-Term Trends & Policy Shifts
      • Buzzing Topic: Presidential positions on education nationally.
Speaker: Dr. Danielle Bevan
Dr. Danielle Bevan

Assistant Professor, Math Education

Dr. Danielle Bevan is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at UH-Downtown. She has a Ph.D. In Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Mathematics Education, an M.Ed. In Gifted Education, and a B.S. in Mathematics.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Dr. Kenya Johnson
Dr. Kenya Johnson

Assistant Professor, Social Work | UHD
Co-Founder| Full Circle Strategies, LLC
Parent (Post-Secondary/College)

Dr. Kenya Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown. As a dedicated anti-racist facilitator with extensive experience, she has a proven track record in providing strategic leadership coaching to executives committed to advancing race equity and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Dr. Prestal Malloy
Dr. Prestal Malloy

School Counselor | Dawson High (PISD)
Parent (Elementary-PISD)

Dr. Prestal Malloy is a dedicated educator and Houston native who has spent over a decade serving her Pearland community. Throughout her career, she has held various impactful roles, including English teacher, Assistant Track and Field coach, and Professional School Counselor.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Dr. Samson Moreno
Dr. Samson Moreno

Lecturer | UHD
Assistant Principal (Admin)
Parent (College Student, Lone Star College)

Dr. Samson Moreno currently is a Lecturer at the University of Houston—Downtown.  Dr. Moreno was a school administrator serving K-12 campuses, working closely with the community, supporting various programs to support students and promote community awareness of K-12 educational programs.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Mrs. Vivian McKelvey
Ms. Vivian McKelvey

Program Director, DAIR to Teach Program | UHD
Parent (2nd Grader, HISD)

Vivian McKelvey is a U.S. Army Veteran and former certified Sous Chef/Military Cook, currently serving as the Program Director for the DAIR to Teach Program at the University of Houston-Downtown. With over 20 years of experience in office, program, and project management, 15+ years as a shadow educator, and 5+ years in technical writing and organizational development, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Ms. Marilyn Rubio
Ms. Marilyn Rubio

Senior EPP Student | UHD
Teacher Resident | Klein ISD
Substitute Teacher | Conroe ISD and Cy-Fair ISD

Marilyn Rubio is currently a teacher resident at Klein ISD, bringing hands-on experience and enthusiasm to the classroom. In addition, Marilyn serves as a substitute teacher for both Conroe ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, showcasing a commitment to supporting diverse learning environments.

Speaker's Full BIO

...
Ms. Kennedy Wallace

Assistant Site Manager | Texas Historical Commission 

Kennedy is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design and the illustrious Prairie View A&M University. While attending SCAD, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Preservation Design and double minored in Design for Sustainability and Architectural History.

Speaker's Full BIO

 


AI Demystified: It’s Not as Scary as You Think

Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.


Do you feel a bit confused by all the high-tech jargon surrounding AI? Do you feel like you’re being left behind? Are you apprehensive about how fast technology is changing and how it will affect you? If so, you are definitely not alone. Join UHD Drs. Lin Hong and Azedeh Izadi of to learn more about AI; its origins, its present day uses, and a look into future implications. We guarantee you’ll leave the session more knowledgeable and less intimidated by this ever-growing technological trend.

Speaker: Dr. Hong Lin’s
Dr. Hong Lin

Hong Lin received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Dr. Azadeh Izadi’s
Dr. Azadeh Izadi

Dr. Azadeh Izadi is an Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence, specializing in knowledge representation, reasoning, and advanced AI methodologies.

Speaker's Full BIO

 


Bridging Technology and Compassion: The Impact of AI in Education and Social Services

Wednesday, November 13th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.


Join UHD alumna, Kayla Almaguer, a respected educator and passionate advocate as she uncovers how technology can support traditional practices in education and social work to make both more inclusive and efficient. She will demystify AI and other digital tools, showing how they can make educational and social work practices more effective and accessible. Whether you are a professional in these fields or simply curious about the potential of AI, Kayla’s insights will provide valuable guidance and inspire innovative approaches to everyday challenges.

Speaker: Kayla Almaguer
Kayla Almaguer

Kayla Almaguer is a respected educator, passionate advocate and UHD alumna. She will speak to us about the practical innovations related to AI in learning and social services.

Speaker's Full BIO