Meet Our Team
Sarah Woolverton-Mohler (she/her)
Executive Director
Sarah Woolverton-Mohler (she/her) is a passionate and driven executive with nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and organizational strategy. Before joining Diversity Talks in 2024, Sarah was President and Executive Producer at a female-owned media company, where she led a talented remote team through creative challenges and complex logistics—all while staying focused on their mission to amplify underrepresented voices.
As Executive Director of Diversity Talks, Sarah brings her vision and hands-on leadership to the forefront, guiding the organization toward greater impact and sustainability. She’s deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities, supporting DT's powerful and inspiring staff team, building strong partnerships, and empowering communities to thrive.
Throughout her career, Sarah has led teams, developed innovative programs, exceeded fundraising goals, and built lasting relationships to address some of society’s most pressing issues. Known for her strategic mindset and ability to tackle tough challenges, she’s all about driving change that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Under her leadership, Diversity Talks has seen exciting growth, with expanded programs, increased funding, and stronger community engagement. Sarah prioritizes integrity, transparency, and accountability, and makes sure these values are at the heart of everything the organization does.
A huge advocate for students, Sarah works closely with educators and administrators to create a pipeline of collaboration that will benefit future generations. She holds degrees in Psychology and Criminology and is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow in her field.
Outside of work, Sarah loves independent film, roller derby, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarah Biette (they/she)
Manager of Partnerships & Outreach
Sarah Biette (they/she) is an experienced community outreach and education professional with more than 5 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations. Before joining Diversity Talks in 2024, they worked as the Sexual and Reproductive Health Outreach Education Coordinator at Tapestry Health, creating the organization’s educational outreach curriculum and expanding the education program’s reach to more than 80 partner organizations. They have also worked at a refugee counseling center in Germany, providing translation and assistance to asylum seekers arriving in Germany. Sarah has dedicated their career to uplifting marginalized voices, educating communities, and supporting youth leadership. Sarah holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Studies and Gender Studies from Indiana University.
During their career, Sarah has taught more than 100 workshops to more than 3,000 participants on topics related to DEI, sexual health, reproductive justice, fat acceptance, and more. They have taught to a wide variety of audiences, including K-12 students, parents, college students, formerly and currently incarcerated people, youth in group homes, police officers, teachers and professors, and senior citizens. Over the years, they have presented their work at multiple conferences, including Collective Power for Reproductive Justice, the Richard Macksey Research Symposium, and the Five Colleges Queer Conference. Through this educational work, Sarah has fostered their ability to connect with diverse audiences and partners across multiple disciplines, strengthening their ability to develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
As a member of the Diversity Talks team, Sarah has been instrumental in developing and maintaining strong community partnerships across our current New England and Tennessee program areas. Sarah takes a holistic approach in their work, gaining both a deep understanding of the needs of the community and determining where these needs align with the goals and mission of Diversity Talks. In the coming years, Sarah is excited to help Diversity Talks expand into new program areas, strengthen our connection to our youth participants and alumni, and continue our mission to dismantle white supremacy in communities across the country.
Dr. Paris Echoles (he/him)
Manager of Programs & Curriculum
Based in Nashville, TN, Dr. Paris Echoles (he/him) is unapologetically committed to uplifting and empowering all youth, families, and communities from historically marginalized backgrounds. As the Manager of Programs and Curriculum, Dr. Echoles is excited to implement innovative educational curriculum, collaborate with youth and community stakeholders, and provide high-quality program design and delivery. By intentionally helping youth and communities understand the power of identity development, holistic health and healing, and community activism, Dr. Echoles actively strives to transform the patterns, beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes of individuals, groups, and organizations as they journey towards success, wellness, and impact.
Prior to joining Diversity Talks as the Manager of Programs and Curriculum, Dr. Echoles served as the Founder and CEO of Born Gift3d. Under the Born Gift3d brand, Dr. Echoles dedicates himself to a vision of sustainable social impact and change that will produce a world where difference, oppression, and adversity does not determine your destiny. Dr. Echoles also served as a middle school Principal, Director of Youth Re-Engagement, high school Assistant Principal, Coordinator of Diversity and Student/Family Engagement, and a high school history teacher.
Dr. Echoles’ formal education includes a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, two Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Secondary Education. With his Ph.D., Dr. Echoles hopes to inspire the next generation of revolutionaries to believe that wellness, self love, and academic achievement at the highest level is possible no matter where your personal journey begins.
Kia Smith (she/they)
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Kia Smith (she/they) is a dedicated Youth Engagement Coordinator at Diversity Talks, where they focus on empowering young people through education and advocacy. Their journey into diversity and social justice began in high school, when they experienced bullying due to their race. This pivotal experience inspired them to join the first cohort of the diversity team at their predominantly white institution (PWI), where they played a key role in extending diversity initiatives across schools in their district. Their efforts were recognized by the Senate, which awarded them for their significant contributions to promoting diversity.
Kia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Black Studies with a focus on Youth Development, which has equipped them with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage and support youth. Currently, they are a McNair Scholar, actively preparing to apply for graduate school to further their education and impact in the field of social justice and youth advocacy.
In their role at Diversity Talks, Kia combines their background in theatre and art with a commitment to educating youth about the complexities of white supremacy. They are passionate about equipping young people with the knowledge and tools necessary to challenge systemic injustices. Their research in cartography and the study of slavery enriches their educational approach, allowing them to draw connections between historical events and contemporary issues.
Based in Providence RI, Kia actively collaborates with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. They are committed to building experiences alongside our partners that enhance diversity and empower youth, believing that collective efforts can lead to a more equitable future for all.
Board
Sheila Almeida, Director, holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy (UEP) from Brown University and 2 degrees (B.A. and B.S.) from the University of Rhode Island. Her shared identity and professional experience working directly with BIPOC and low-income Providence youth, as well as her passion to dismantle educational disparities and inequality rooted in systemic racism, fuels her work. Sheila oversees and manages the quality of the Providence After School Alliance outcomes as it pertains to continuous improvement, site observations, data, assessments, and professional development/training. Currently serving as a Board of Trustee member for an independent middle school with a mission centered around social justice, she is excited to be joining Diversity Talks Board of Directors. Through this work, Sheila hopes to continue to be a change agent in confronting systems of oppression. Sheila works at the Providence After School Alliance, as the Director of Quality Initiatives.
Qasim Davis, Vice-President, is imbued with the spirit of justice and equity-driven by love for Black people. He has spent the past 15 years working in the nonprofit sector focused on education, youth organizing, and economic equity. Qasim enjoys developing excellent teams, recruiting committed staff, and forging strategic partnerships with those with a shared community-centered vision, whether serving as the Regional Director of Playworks Louisiana, as Director of Teacher Recruitment with New Schools for New Orleans, or the Director of Partner Growth for Change Machine. Qasim has led organizations, teams, and external partners by leveraging his knowledge in capacity building and organizational infrastructure to deliver creative activism, expand profit growth, and increase program efficiency. Qasim uses his strength as a strategist as a Lead Mentor to local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with Propellors Impact Accelerator. He has the honor of serving as the Board Chair of a Black Creatives Guide and embraces his inner creative through photography, poetry, and film. Qasim fully adopts being a Blerd, enjoying anime, comics, chess, reading, collecting vinyl, and nerding out on the latest tech. He is a proud third-generation Harlemite residing in New Orleans with his soulmate and partner Tiye. Qasim works at the Management Center, as a Vice President, Trainer.
Theresa Davis-Nathaniel, Secretary, an alumna of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies. Her fervor lies in fostering social change and constructing new systems that foster liberation in communities, particularly among marginalized groups. She remains committed to advancing grassroots organizing to cultivate more equitable and progressive educational communities for minority individuals. As the Founder of Within Our Roots, Theresa is dedicated to empowering youth with innovative solutions to challenge systemic limitations, embrace their identities, and construct systems of change through her program, Beyond the Four Walls: The D.A.R.E Experience. Theresa works at the Boys and Girls Club, as a Teen Director.
Ryan Hall, Interim-Board President, comes to the board from secondary education as a social studies teacher from William M Davies, Jr. Career and Technical School. He believes strongly in an antiracist, holistic approach to education and in the transformative power of inclusive community building. Ryan has a Masters in Education with a focus in Urban Teaching from Providence College. As an advisor of the Davies Social Justice Club, he oversaw the facilitation of the writing of the Davies Community Cultural Compact; a promise made to students, faculty, staff, and the entire Davies community that we are open and willing to work on issues related to equity and justice. He routinely works to provide opportunities for young people to advocate for causes they believe in. Ryan loves learning, good music, good hangouts, and his wife Katie. Ryan works at the William M Davies Career and Technical High School, as a Social Studies Teacher.
A.J. Haynes, Director, is a Black and Filipina queer artist, singer, songwriter, educator, actress, and reproductive justice advocate hailing from the South. She is the leader of genre-expansive soul power band Seratones, acclaimed both nationally and internationally. She is also the former board chair of the Louisiana Abortion Fund—the first Black-led abortion fund in the state—and has over a decade of abortion care experience. She believes art is community care, that our bodies are sites for liberation and joy. In her time away from traversing the globe, she spends her time dreaming with the birds, some very mischievous possums, and her garden.
Ashley-Crystal Langston, Director, is a native New Orleanian who has a deep and immense passion for providing administrative services to nonprofits, advocating for equitable grantmaking processes, assisting with communicating mission-aligned stories, and pushing for increased financial support so nonprofits can make the most impact. Since graduating with her Master from the University of New Orleans, she has made significant strides in the nonprofit sector, making her mark as a dynamic leader and strategic thinker. She began her career at The Arts Council of New Orleans, where she started as the Marketing and Communications Manager. A year later after demonstrating her leadership an organizational abilities, she took on the additional role of Grants Manager, showcasing her prowess in grant management and relationship building. In October 2023, she brought her wealth of experience and expertise to the YMCA USA as a Grant Manager. Here, she continues to make a powerful impact, leveraging her skills to oversee grant administration with precision and effectiveness. Beyond her role at the YMCA, Ashley-Crystal is a dedicated grant consultant, offering invaluable services to arts nonprofits who struggle with capacity. Through her consultancy, she empowers organizations with strategic marketing, grant writing, and grant management solutions, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to engage their communities effectively and secure essential funding for their continued growth and success. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the nonprofit sector is evident in her transformative work and lasting impact on the organizations she serves. Ashley-Crystal works at YMCA USA as a Grants Manager
Jené Liggins, Director, brings a multi-faceted perspective to her work, drawing on experience in litigation, operations, public policy, strategic planning, organizational development, and human resources. She currently serves as the Pahara Institute’s Director of Talent and People Development. In this role, she builds organizational culture for and through people, creating policies, systems, and practices that support the entirety of the talent lifecycle. Jené’s work facilitates opportunities to bridge the gap between organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Before joining Pahara, Jené served as Director of Policy and Chief of Staff at New Schools for New Orleans. Her work in education began in charter school operations. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jené earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, with a Minor in Music, from Loyola University New Orleans. She earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Jené lives in the Greater New Orleans area. Jené works at the Pahara Institute as the Director of Talent & People Development.
Tsahai McQuilkin-Layne, Director, is the Founder and CEO of Free to Be Collective, a nonprofit social organization dedicated to making community more accessible to Black women through service, events, and mental health resources. She founded Free to Be Collective in December 2022, driven by the realization that the loneliness epidemic disproportionately affects Black women in numerous systemic ways. Tsahai is committed to closing this gap and creating spaces free from structures of oppression such as fatphobia, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and colorism. The overarching goal of the organization is to share the gift of autonomy, encouraging women to show up as their authentic selves and build relationships based on that principle. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to West Indian immigrants, Tsahai moved to Atlanta, Georgia, as a young child. She attended Atlanta Public Schools and later studied Political Science at Georgia State University. Professionally, she works in digital marketing and communications, using her skills to further Free to Be's mission of helping Black women build meaningful connections. In her free time, she enjoys creating content for TikTok, where she blends humor, vulnerability, and information in her videos. Tsahai works at Free to be Collective as the Founder and CEO.
Lisa M. Pérez Zapata, Director, is the Founder and CEO of Lark House Club, a fashion innovation startup dedicated to crafting innovative fashion solutions for professional women, rooted in the methodology of Puerto Rican fashion pioneer Carlota Alfaro, and with a focus on women’s comfort and on a garment’s quality, versatility, size inclusivity and innovative features. She is excited to be filing patents soon for several of the inventions she’s developed through the company. Lisa is also the founder of the Puerto Rican Women’s Council, a nonprofit through which she has engaged in a number of volunteer efforts on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, including Congressional lobbying, co-sponsoring the Puerto Rican Diaspora Summit, and mentoring the interns of Puerto Rico’s Córdoba y Fernós Congressional internship program. Prior to pivoting into fashion and activism, Lisa was an Associate in the white collar practice group of Latham & Watkins, where she represented a broad range of major corporations, institutions and high profile individuals. She served as a member of the firm’s Pro Bono committee and maintained a robust pro bono practice. She attended law school at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was a member of the Law Review, the Virginia Journal of International Law, the Executive Board of the Center for the Study of Race and Law, and the President of the Latin American Law Organization. She has contributed to the field of constitutional scholarship in the context of Puerto Rico through the publication of her student note in the Virginia Law Review, which has been cited repeatedly by major scholars in the field. She has an undergraduate degree in international relations and political science from the University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she enjoys diving, skiing and spending time with her husband and two dogs. Lisa works at the Lark House Club, as the Founder.
Dr. Shannon McLaughlin Rooney, Director, is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications at Community College of Philadelphia. In this role, she leads strategic enrollment management unit, including admissions and recruitment, student tuition services, international student services, veterans’ student services, and records and registration. Additionally, she oversees the offices of institutional assessment and institutional research, a well as the strategic communications unit, which includes special events, marketing and creative services, and communications.
Before joining Community College of Philadelphia, Shannon served as Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. Her research, which focuses on journalism and public memory, has been published in Digital Journalism, Journalism, and Journalism Studies. Her dissertation, "Memory, Margins, and Materiality: The Philadelphia MOVE Bombing," earned the Cultural and Critical Studies Division dissertation award from AEJMC.
Shannon is currently co-producing a podcast on MOVE, race, and memory in Philadelphia in collaboration with Community College of Philadelphia, Kean University, and Temple University. She lives in Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy neighborhood with her husband, Chris, and serves on the community advisory board for WHYY, Philadelphia’s PBS affiliate, as well as the board of directors for the city’s public access broadcast network.
Jamie Scurry, Director, is a career changer and dedicated clinical therapist working in community health. Scurry demonstrates cultural humility and specializes in trauma and mental health care for marginalized populations. Blending her current and first career, Scurry supports first-generation students and professionals beginning and navigating their careers and provides coaching and mentorship to women in senior leadership positions.
Scurry spent 25+ years in higher education and is the former Vice President of University College at Roger Williams University, where she oversaw the transformation of the School of Continuing Studies to University College. Scurry was responsible for the academic programs, Center for Workforce and Professional Development, Research, Policy, and Practice Collaborative, business operations, and led the innovative efforts of University College. Scurry is considered a leader in adult education and her innovative reforms transformed the school's continuing studies efforts. When she served as the Dean of the School of Continuing Studies, Scurry developed new programs, models, and partnerships that remove the barriers to post-secondary education and ensure the public purposes of education are realized.
Prior to her work at Roger Williams University, Ms. Scurry was the Co-Director of College Unbound, a Big Picture Learning higher education initiative that integrates students’ own purposes and visions for learning with the needs of their workplaces and communities. She also worked as the Director for Policy and Research at the New England Board of Higher Education and as a Research Associate for The Futures Project: Policy for Higher Education in a Changing World, based at Brown University.
Ms. Scurry holds a LICSW, a master's in social work from Simmons University, a master’s degree in American Civilization from Brown University where she also was an Adjunct Assistant Professor, teaching Leadership and Organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Marketing from Bentley University. She served on the Board of Directors for the Academy for Career Exploration (ACE), the Latino Policy Institute (LPI), and Housing Works RI. Scurry received the ARISE 2018 Success Award for Elevating and Amplifying Student Voice and was a recipient of the 2019 Ronald McDonald House Women’s Leadership Award for her contributions in Higher Education.
