We are grateful to have the participation of the following panelists and moderator for:

Conversations on Race: Confronting the Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Lori A. Brown, J.D., serves as the Chief Equity, Diversity & Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator for Seton Hall University. Ms. Brown has responsibility for developing and cultivating a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion for students, faculty, and employees. She is also charged with reviewing allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on and off-campus. As a member of the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Ms. Brown collaborates with a cross-section of University partners to implement specific objectives and initiatives on DEI outlined in the University’s strategic plan that supports an inclusive and welcoming learning, living and working environment for everyone.

Dean Dafis, a proud first-generation Greek American, is Maplewood’s first openly LGBT representative for the Township Committee. A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, Dean has a robust history of community engagement, both in his previous home of New York City and in Maplewood. His passion for equality and civil rights is equally evident in his advocacy work for marriage equality and against conversion therapy. As a former Co-Director of Legal Affairs for Marriage Equality USA, he played a crucial role in advocating for LGBT rights at the national level. He has also worked with organizations like Lambda Legal and New York State officials to protect and advance LGBT civil rights. He is dedicated to preserving Maplewood’s rich diversity and ensuring that all voices are heard in the process of building a brighter, more inclusive future.

Olivia Lewis-Chang, a longtime community activist, was a Master Plan Ambassador in 2019, where she facilitated meetings within her neighborhood to help frame the future of South Orange.  Olivia also served on the first Irvington Avenue Advisory Committee, which was responsible for rebranding and the naming of her neighborhood as Seton Village. In 2021, she was elected as the Democratic District Leader for District 11. She serves as a liaison to the Community Coalition on Race. Professionally, Olivia Lewis-Chang, PhD. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. She graduated from Rutgers University with College Honors and from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University with a concentration in clinical child and family psychology. She has served as clinical supervisor, mentor and adjunct professor at local hospitals and universities. She partnered with another psychologist, developed and coauthored non-pharmacological pain management for children with HIV/AIDS in the 1990s.  

Robert A. Marchman is a founding member of the Coalition on Race, where he served as chair in 2004. From 2010 until 2019, Robert was the Executive Vice President and Head of the Market Regulation Department’s Legal Group at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the premier securities industry regulator. Prior to that time, he was responsible for managing the New York Stock Exchange Regulation’s Enforcement Division and Regulatory Risk Group. In 2019 the Securities and Exchange Commission appointed Robert as Senior Policy Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion. In this newly created role within the SEC's Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI), he focuses on working with Commission divisions, offices, and advisory committees to develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion, both within the SEC and through external engagement with agency partners and market participants. Robert has had a long career in diversity and inclusion efforts in Corporate America and in nonprofits and has received numerous awards in recognition of his work to promote diversity management in the securities industry.

Kerri Waibel has over twenty years of experience in education, with roles as a teacher, principal and former Director, Curriculum & Instruction. Ms. Waibel expanded access to student programming and increased achievement for all students in Algebra 1, STEAM, ELA, and mathematics. She has broad experience in educational equity, that includes presenting professional opportunities on the topics of Equity in Action, Culturally Responsive Practice and Sexual Health Education Implementation.  She also demonstrated real-world positive equity outcomes for her students, including the reduction of inequities of student suspension and disciplinary actions, removing the tracking of K-8 classes, and the holistic implementation of diversity into the curriculum. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and an undergraduate degree from Montclair University.  She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership; her dissertation is in part on the Fidelity of the Comprehensive Equity Plan.