AWSP/WASA Summer Conference

Lori Hayes

Sunday Opening Banquet Speaker

Energy. Energy. Energy. Lori has the ability to energize audiences with her real, relevant and relational programming. Her comedic delivery engages audiences while simultaneously challenging them to transform. 

Lori has been on the front lines in the education sector for over 25 years. Her education experience includes serving as the Student Activities Coordinator for the West Virginia University Center for Black Culture and Research and most recently as the Student Activities Coordinator for the historical Howard High School. During her time at Howard she had the honor of teaching English and served as the advisor of many, many clubs.

Having a front row seat as the wife of a high school administrator provides a rare vantage point of the inter-workings of a school setting. Rounding out her educational perspective is the role of being a parent of three sons. 

Dr. Chan Hellman

Monday Morning Keynote Speaker

Dr. Chan M. Hellman is a professor at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center and has published over 100+ research studies. Chan has presented his work on hope with TEDx and has provided invited talks in Europe, United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Chan’s research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. This research informed the development of the “Hope Centered and Trauma Informed” training program used to promote Hope Centered Organizations. Chan is the co-author of the award-winning book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life” published by Morgan James. As a result of this work, Chan was one of five invited workshops for Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit (2021). Chan’s work was featured as a main stage presentation at the 2023 American Psychological Association convention. Chan has Co-Founded Hope Rising Oklahoma along with First Lady Sarah Stitt in their effort to make Oklahoma a hope-centered state.

Dr. Paul Hernandez

Tuesday Closing Speaker

Dr. Paul Hernandez, PhD, is a nationally recognized speaker and leader in college access and success, community outreach, and pedagogy for educators working with underserved students and students at promise. He received his doctorate in Sociology, specializing in education, social inequality, and diversity. He has served as a faculty member, non-profit administrator, and higher education administrator. Currently, Dr. Hernandez partners with higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations to develop and evolve their work with students and communities. Prior to earning his degrees, he was engulfed in gang culture and deep poverty. He openly shares his personal story and how his path influenced his work. He has learned ways to empower younger people traveling a similar path and share lessons with those working to address the multitude of challenges faced by diverse populations of youth at promise. Paul has received awards such as the National Education Association Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award, the Michigan Education Association Elizabeth Siddall Human Rights Award, the Equity in Education award by the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and an Honors Professor of the Year Award for teaching.

Agenda

Preconferences

Exhibitors & Sponsors

Golf