Moderated by Vincent Ellis White
The ‘Difficult Conversations, Stronger Communities’ series is a panel-styled event series typically consisting of 2-3 panelists (sourced by creator, curator and moderator, Vincent Ellis White), that will have fluid and candid conversations/discussions which are current and essential to our community and culture. Each of the panelists (and moderator) carry a specific area of expertise, varying with each event. These ‘difficult’ conversations that are had, are held in a safe-space, open-style forum, and are designed to foster healthy dialogue, respectfully. Let’s be clear though, at these events, anything can happen! Literally everything from laughing, to crying, to new revelations, to ultimately embracing and fostering HEALING; and so much more.
This unique dialogue is held in hopes that in the end the audience members will leave with a newfound view on the importance of having difficult conversations; and even a new lens regarding the specific topics discussed. The overall goal during this process is that all involved will work individually and collectively to talk through the importance of having difficult conversations, and gain a better understanding of how doing so can better shape our communities.
Investment: Pay What You’d Like, $15-$40
Register Here
PANELISTS:
Tamnequa Whitaker
A graduate of Norfolk State University with a BS in Mass Communications/Journalism, Master of Arts in Urban Education/Community Counseling. Currently employed as an Outpatient Clinician with Western Tidewater Community Services Board providing outpatient mental health therapy services to children and youth ages 5-21. Dedicated to making an impact in the lives of children and teenagers in the community as well as the church teaching “Teen Sunday School” and “Vacation Bible School” at Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA. Enjoys spending time with and raising two beautiful daughters, Aniya and Ava.
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Jasmine Bates
Inspired by a lineage of educators, Jasmine Bates discovered her passion for education early in life. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, she has dedicated 17 years to the field, holding diverse roles such as middle school English teacher, high school counselor, Dean of Students, and behavior specialist across both Virginia and North Carolina.
Jasmine earned her B.A. in English from Virginia Union University, a M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Virginia State University, and a Post-Master's Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Currently serving as a high school counselor, Jasmine is concurrently pursuing a PhD in Education Leadership, Policy, and Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her research delves into racial identity politics and explores the impact of colorism and hypersegregated school environments on the Black student experience.
Beyond her professional commitments, Jasmine is dedicated to facilitating professional development for her peers and actively engages with her community. She has shared her insights at local, state, and national conferences, including presentations at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Pre-Conference, Metropolitan Education Research Consortium, and the Virginia School Counselor Association.
In addition to her career, Jasmine takes the most pride in her role as a loving mother to her 4 year son, D.J.