
About The Speakers
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Dr. Jeffrey Carr Dr. Jeffrey Carr is the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) at Point Loma Nazarene University. In addition to his duties as CDO, Dr. Carr also is an adjunct faculty in the College of Social Sciences as well as the Associate Vice President for Student Development. Dr. Carr is from the Deep South where he grew up in the segregated Jim Crow culture. The son of a general laborer and grandson of a share cropper, he had first-hand knowledge and experience of the civil rights movement. His earliest work in the movement was in the sixties walking door to door with Julian Bond and John Lewis in the first major voter registration drive in Jackson, Mississippi. These experiences helped shape his outlook on the world and helped motivate him to serve others and pursue a career in education. He received his doctorate from the University of San Francisco where he completed research in multicultural education particularly in regard to the collegiate success of African American students. He continues to do research in this field and to accept opportunities to speak locally and nationally on the status of under-represented students in higher education. He was most recently the keynote speaker at the 2012 annual El Centro Naval Air Facility base Black History Celebration; plenary speaker at the annual 2011 NACCP conference; and the keynote speaker at the California Community Youth Education Day in San Diego. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Concerned Parents Alliance and is a board member for College Bound San Diego. Dr. Carr is currently compiling data and research for his first major publication and book on identity formation of students from multi-racial backgrounds. He is married and he and his wife Lillian have one son who is currently in high school. |
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Dr. Don Chu Dr. Chu earned his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College as a first-generation college student and subsequently taught special education at a residential treatment facility in Pleasantville, New York. At Stanford University he earned master degrees in education and sociology and his Ph.D. in education (curriculum and instruction). From 1988 to 1998 he chaired the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Chico and was consultant for chair affairs in the Office of the Provost. |
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Willie Derrick Crawford Derrick Crawford serves as Associate Vice President for Diversity, Educational Equity & Ombudsperson (AVP for Diversity, Educational Equity & Ombudsperson) at California State University San Marcos (Cal State San Marcos). Crawford was selected as Cal State San Marcoss first diversity executive and ombudsperson following a nationwide search and assumed his responsibilities in July 2011. As AVP for Diversity, Educational Equity & Ombudsperson, Crawford is responsible for all aspects of diversity for Cal State San Marcos including programmatic development, research and analysis on diversity trends and issues in higher education, serving as an advisor to the President of Cal State San Marcos and other senior university officials on diversity issues, serving as chief strategist and spokesperson on diversity and educational equity issues and leading the universitys Ombuds function. Prior to assuming his current position, Crawford served as the Chief EEO & Diversity Officer for The Citadel, a state military college in Charleston, South Carolina. As the Chief EEO & Diversity Officer, Crawford was responsible for planning, coordinating and managing all EEO and diversity programs for The Citadel. Crawford was also actively involved in employee relations matters, serving as the principal investigator for equal employment opportunity issues. Crawford also conducted diversity training and workshops for faculty and staff. From early 1998 until early 2009, Crawford was employed by the National Football League (NFL) and held a number of positions during his 11-year career. Most recently, Crawford served as the NFL's Director of Human Resources for Media and was based in Los Angeles. As head of human resources for a 300-employee office, Crawford was responsible for all aspects of the human resources function to include hiring, employee relations, compensation, compliance, training, recruitment and retention. Prior to relocating to Los Angeles in July 2008, Crawford served as NFL Counsel for Policy and Litigation for eight years and was based in the Leagues headquarters office in New York City. As an NFL attorney, Crawford managed litigation in federal and state courts and before private tribunals such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and focused primarily on employment law matters. Crawford also developed, interpreted and enforced business policies in the areas of gambling, gambling advertising, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical advertising and game operations. From 1996 to 1998, Crawford was employed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as an Enforcement representative and investigated violations of NCAA legislation at member institutions. Crawford also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Alabama Attorney General¿s Office and prosecuted a variety of criminal matters to include public corruption and violent crimes. Lastly, Crawford served as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for five years in the FBIs New York City Field Office. During Crawford's FBI tenure, he focused on white collar criminal violations with an emphasis on public corruption matters. Crawford received his undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Alabama. Crawford is a member of the Alabama State and District of Columbia Bars and is a Life Member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Crawford enjoys contemporary jazz music, political novels and traveling, having visited 25 countries and 6 of the 7 continents. Crawford is a native of Auburn, Alabama. |
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Dwayne Crenshaw, JD Dwayne is a native San Diegan and a lifelong resident. He serves as the Executive Director of San Diego Pride, an organization that produces civic, cultural and educational programs that support and encourage pride within San Diego's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Dwayne’s deep knowledge of the neighborhoods and his community activism, which began at age thirteen, are invaluable in his high visibility role as a community leader and advocate. In his recent capacity as Executive Director of the Coalition of Neighborhood Councils (CNC), Dwayne spearheaded the CNC’s effort to unite neighbors to own neighborhood change. During his 5-year tenure, the CNC’s annual budget grew from $50,000 to more than $1.5 million and the staff grew from one part-time employee to a team of 24. In addition to leading this phenomenal period of growth, Dwayne was also responsible for researching, recommending and developing ongoing strategies and resources to promote broad community participation in sustainable community development projects such as the Village Center at Market Creek. Prior to assuming his position with the CNC, Dwayne served for four years as the Director of Government Relations and Community Ownership for the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. Beyond his experience in the non-profit, community-building field, Dwayne has eight years of government experience as an aide to state and local elected officials including former California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. Dwayne began his career in public service as one of only 18 Unruh Assembly Fellows chosen annually from hundreds of applicants to serve in the state capitol in Sacramento. While in Sacramento, Dwayne completed his coursework at CSU Sacramento for a Master’s in Government. Dwayne is also a graduate of San Diego State University where he majored in elementary education. At SDSU, he was elected student body president of the 35,000-student campus. Dwayne Crenshaw was named in 2007 by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine as one of “San Diego’s Smartest Young Professionals – 40 under 40.” Dwayne’s strong reputation and excellent leadership skills has resulted in him being sought after to serve on numerous boards and civic committees. Dwayne’s community service includes his current membership on the San Diego Community College District Trustee’s Advisory Board and recent service on the Torrey Pines Banks Community Reinvestment Board, and High Tech High School’s Advisory Board, among others. Dwayne Crenshaw resides in the Hillcrest community of San Diego. He is the proud and active uncle of three nieces and enjoys weekly dinners with his entire immediate family at his parent’s home. Dwayne earned his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law, where he has twice earned the highly coveted Distinguished Advocate recognition. |
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Olga Diaz Olga Diaz is a life-long California resident. She is a business owner, home owner, mother, wife of an Escondido Police Lieutenant, and an active member of the Escondido community. Olga attended Santa Clara University where she received a Bachelor of Science and Commerce degree in Accounting and was recruited by the prestigious global accounting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers after graduation. Though Olga was successful in the field of public accounting, she left to support her alma mater by conducting Institutional Research for Santa Clara University. In 2002 Olga opened Blue Mug Coffee and Tea, which quickly became a local favorite choice for coffee and an Escondido landmark. Olga's passion and love for Escondido is evident in the inviting atmosphere of the Blue Mug, which has become a place for members of the community to gather to debate politics, exchange information and view vibrant local art. The Blue Mug added character to the business district of downtown Escondido and has made such a positive impact on the community that Olga opened a second Blue Mug in 2007. The devotion Olga has for her community is visible to all who interact with her. Her strong business presence and leadership have made her an effective community resource. Olga has worked with the City of Escondido, the Downtown Business Association, and individual merchants in efforts to improve parking and the entire business district. In addition to being a past board member and special events chair of the Downtown Business Association, she is a founding member of the Escondido Charitable Foundation, which provides grants for non-profit organizations in Escondido. She serves on the Rebuild Escondido grants committee, and is an active member of the Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club.
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Dora Knorblock Dora Knoblock is the Executive Director of the University Auxiliary and Research Services Corporation or more fondly referred to as UARSC. Dora pre-dates all of the existing buildings on the campus at California State University San Marcos. She has been in the CSU system for 23 years, graduated from San Diego State University, earned her elementary teaching credential from a non-CSU higher education institution, and began her CSU career as a clerical assistant at San Diego State University North County also more fondly remembered as the Jeromes Campus¿. SDSU North County Campus was located for several years in an industrial area next to you guess it, Jerome's Furniture in San Marcos. Dora is passionate about three professional goals: (1) higher education as the vehicle to provide life-long options, (2) seek, grow, and retain superior performing employees, and (3) engender excellent customer service in everything the organization does. Dora has held many positions on the State-side at CSUSM from administrative support assistant for the first Chief of Police, coordinator of the Community Service Officer student program in what was known then as Public Safety, manager and director of Parking Services, assistant vice president and associate vice president of Campus Enterprises which encompassed the Mail & Copy Center, Parking and Transportation Services, University Events Scheduling Office, the Print Solutions Program, and the University Copier Program. Her most current position began in the summer of 2008 as Executive Director on the Auxiliary side-of-the-house. UARSC provides support to the University by advancing its purposes and goals while meeting the evolving needs of CSUSM. In addition to various entrepreneurial operations, UARSC has three key focus areas: Commercial Enterprises, including campus dining services, University Catering, Starbucks, The Market, and the University Bookstore. A second focus area is the administration of Sponsored Programs, and finally providing accounting and business services to the programs and activities it manages. |




