Eleversity

Dr. Evelyn Parker – Global DEI Strategist, Leadership Consultant, and Author
Evelyn Parker is a distinguished Global Certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Practitioner, thought leader, and executive advisor with over 23 years of experience spanning corporate, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. She is a strategic change agent specializing in human resources, learning and development, talent management, executive coaching, change management, project management, and business operations. With a track record of fostering inclusive workplace cultures, Evelyn is passionate about transforming organizations through data-driven DEI strategies, innovative leadership programs, and systemic equity
frameworks.

Recognized as a 2025 Top 100 DEI Leader and featured on the 2024 DEI Execs to Watch list, Evelyn is renowned for her ability to design and implement high-impact DEI initiatives that drive cultural transformation and organizational success. She has extensive expertise in leading enterprise-wide change management efforts, developing educational curricula, and building sustainable talent pipelines that create growth opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.

Evelyn’s commitment to leadership development extends beyond her corporate work—she is an accomplished mentor, executive coach, and sought-after keynote speaker, empowering individuals and organizations to embrace inclusive excellence. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and development and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous national recognitions, including:

• 2025 TOP100 OnCon Icon DEI Professional Leader Award Winner
• 2025 Circle of Excellence Nominee
• 2024 TOP100 OnCon Icon DEI Professional Leader Award Winner
• 2024 Athena Young Professional Award Nominee
• 2024 Colors of Success DEI Leadership Award
• 2023 Athena International Award
• 2023 Women of Excellence Honoree
• 2023 Colors of Success DEI Leadership Award
• 2023 Forty Under 40 Honoree

Beyond her professional achievements, Evelyn is a published author of Afflictions to
Abundance, a transformative work that blends personal testimony, spiritual insights, and
practical coping mechanisms to guide readers through life’s adversities. Through raw
conversations, faith-based reflections, and heartfelt journal entries, she equips individuals
with the tools to overcome challenges and embrace a life of abundance.

With a dynamic presence in both corporate boardrooms and community spaces, Evelyn Parker is an influential force in DEI, leadership development, and personal empowerment, committed to driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive, equitable future.

Dr. Maryann Rivera-Dannert is the CEO of MRD Empowerment Solutions, LLC, which is for the Woman who’s ready to HEAL and turn her FEAR into fuel for SUCCESS. She is a speaker, author, podcast host, and certified life coach dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey from limitation to a life filled with liberation, purpose and passion. Her story is one of resilience and triumph, shaped by personal challenges that could have kept her stuck but instead propelled her forward.
As the author of 20+ published anthologies, and two journals, her written works serve as a source of inspiration and practical guidance. Each piece reflects her commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. In early 2025 she published her first solo book: From Limitation to Liberation: 50 Mindset Shifts for Women Who Dare. Additionally, she launched a podcast, “Fearless Fridays with Maryann,” which provides a platform for meaningful conversations about life, motivation, hope, and personal/professional growth. The podcast has been renamed: HealingHer Within - demonstrating growth, and more!
What sets Maryann apart is not just her professional expertise but her personal journey as well. She faced and conquered significant challenges in life, including surviving sexual abuse, being a high school drop-out, overcoming the hardships of teenage motherhood, and enduring domestic violence. These occurrences have shaped her understanding and empathy, allowing her to connect with her clients on a deeper level. She's not just talking the talk; she's walked the walk, and she's here to help others do the same.

Maryann has a bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan University, a master's from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity International University of Ambassadors (T.I.U.A.). Additionally, she is certified by the John C. Maxwell Certification Program as a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer. Lastly, she recently became a Certified Professional Speaker through the Global Speakers University.
Maryann loves the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family in Rochester, NY.

Based in Rochester, NY. Pathlight Career Counseling Services Inc. offers services for the individual as well as organizations. Pathlight’s career services division specializes in working one on one with Individuals to assist them in reaching their vocational and career goals. Robert also has done extensive work in assisting students with career exploration and work readiness. Classes are also held throughout the community for individuals to gain valuable knowledge in their quest for employment and career goals.

He was awarded the Employment Specialist of the year in 2004 for the Rochester Area Employment Network (RAEN) and continues to forge positive relationships with area employers and companies in the local Rochester community. Robert has extensive experience in developing and delivering effective training courses on Supported Employment Practices, Cultural Competency, Trauma Informed Care and Recovery Practices across the state of New York for providers of disability services through both OPWDD and OMH systems.

Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Community & Human Services. In addition, you may know Robert as “the boy band trainer”, as he was in a boy band for several years early in his life.

Iesha Eldridge is a dynamic, purpose-driven leader with over 19 years of experience in the human services field, dedicated to creating environments where people thrive. A native of Buffalo, New York’s east side, Iesha grew up surrounded by the power of community, family, and resilience—values that have deeply shaped her commitment to serving others.

Her career has been defined by advocacy, inclusion, and impact. As a seasoned leader at Heritage Christian Services, Iesha has overseen cross-functional teams and led individualized care strategies that center dignity, equity, and growth for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her approach is both strategic and deeply personal—building authentic connections, mentoring staff, and ensuring every service reflects the humanity of those receiving it.

Iesha’s leadership is rooted in compassion, accountability, and a vision for systems that truly work for people. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is visible through her active participation on Heritage Christian’s IDEA Team, where she champions culturally responsive care and workplace belonging.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Iesha brings the heart of a coach, the discipline of an athlete, and the soul of a community builder. A national basketball champion and former collegiate assistant coach at the University of Rochester, she understands the power of teamwork, perseverance, and strategy—on and off the court.

In every space she enters, Iesha leads with people at the center. Whether it's driving operational excellence, mentoring future leaders, or advocating for inclusive service delivery, she shows up with authenticity, vision, and heart. She is a leader, a neighbor, a teammate—and above all, a fierce believer in the power of community to transform lives.

Rachel Campbell was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and identifies as an HR personnel, an educator, and a community gardener. Currently, she is the Learning and Engagement Manager for Willow Domestic Violence Center in their Human Resource Department. Having obtained her SHRM Certification in 2025 and worked at Willow for three years, Rachel believes that human resources professionals should foster a culture that encourages searching for solutions, promotes compromise, embodies compassion, and empowers individuals. These values in HR inform her that she has a huge passion for educating people.

Currently, she works for her alma mater, SUNY at the College of Brockport, and Syracuse University as an adjunct professor in various Humanities-centered departments. Rachel's passion for educating others began as an undergraduate. Through her studies abroad at the University of Accra in Ghana and New College at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, Rachel grew as an educator by completing her master's at Syracuse University in African Studies in 2019. Beyond work, Rachel is the 2024 United Way AALDP class representative and a participant in their Steering Committee. In 2025, she joined Pillars for Hope.

With her love of gardening, Rachel hopes to alleviate food insecurity through community garden work and make an impact with a non-profit, Rich Roots 585. One of Rachel's later dreams is to return to school to complete a Doctorate in Cultural Studies. Rachel also has a dog named Olive Denise and enjoys running to relax.

Marlana Zink is a data analyst for the City of Rochester's Department of Neighborhood and Business Development, where she leads data analytics and capacity building efforts. She holds a Master's in Urban Spatial Analytics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor's from Cornell University. Over her career, Marlana has worked with federal, state, and local agencies to improve processes, close data gaps, and create tools that make complex information easier to understand and present to communities. She's passionate about using data to drive equity, help communities navigate our data-centric society, ask new questions, and better advocate for their needs.

Rosabel Antonetti is a dynamic Latina hailing from the vibrant city of Rochester, New York. Her academic journey is nothing short of impressive, with dual degrees from Monroe Community College and a Bachelor's in Management Information Systems from the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology. A true leader, Rosabel has completed prestigious programs such as Leadership Rochester, the Latino Leadership Development Program with the United Way, and the City of Rochester’s LeadOn Supervisor Program. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her certifications in Nonprofit Management from St. John Fisher College and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Rosabel dedicated the past three years to driving meaningful change and fostering a more accountable and transparent community as Director of Operations for the City of Rochester. Rosabel Antonetti exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to her heritage and community.

Nykki Matthews is an 80s baby whose roots and life experiences have shaped her into a leader who listens deeply and builds authentic connections. Guided by a belief that people thrive when they are supported, encouraged, and given room to shine, she has dedicated her career in Human Resources to creating spaces where others feel safe to grow, be challenged, and lead with confidence.

A trusted SHRM CP Certified Professional, Workplace Investigation Certified leader, and published children's author, Nykki brings over a decade of combined experience in human resources leadership, organizational development, and governance across higher education, nonprofit, and public sectors. She partners with leadership to strengthen employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, and organizational development in ways that align with mission and strategy. Known for a people centered, proactive leadership style, she builds trust, ensures compliance, and supports high performing teams while mentoring others to reach their full potential.

Her superpowers of listening, empathy, and relationship building extend beyond the workplace into her work as an advocate, mentor, and storyteller. She earned a Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Buffalo State College, and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Education from Monroe Community College.

Grounded yet visionary, she is committed to building a lasting legacy that uplifts and empowers generations to come.

Sparkle is a seasoned community engagement specialist with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. Known for her dedication to bringing people together and fostering strong, connected communities, she has spent years developing her expertise in event planning, social media management, and community outreach. Sparkle’s work has centered around creating impactful events, boosting organizations' online presence, and forming partnerships that lead to meaningful community growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sparkle is a proud mother to a wonderful daughter and a beloved fur baby, who both bring joy and inspiration to her life. Her commitment to building positive change extends from her personal life to her work, as she strives to make a lasting difference in the world through everything she does. With a heart for service and a vision for a more connected world, Sparkle continues to empower communities and inspire those around her.

Dr. Adeanna Tazell, MPA, Ed.D., is a scholar and not-for-profit professional whose work focuses on improving Black maternal health. She authored her dissertation, titled "Guarding the Black Womb: A Qualitative Case Study Exploring Improving Black Maternal Health Through Increased and Equitable Doula Support," while pursuing a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher University. Her research emphasizes the significance of culturally competent doula care in addressing the systemic disparities present in maternal healthcare. Active in leadership and community health initiatives in the Rochester, NY area, she has completed programs such as Leadership Rochester and leadership coaching, further demonstrating her commitment to leadership.