Pondering Peace in a World of Turmoil:
A Community Forum

September 11^th Peace Panel (10 a.m.)

Paul C. Hudson, Esq. – Paul C. Hudson founded Hudson Consulting in 2012 to advise and assist nonprofit organizations with design and implementation of restructuring strategies that improve sustainability and enhance organizational impact.   Hudson Consulting is a Los Angeles based firm with a national network of partners, nonprofit organizations and clients – natives of Los Angeles with a depth of knowledge and experience.

Dr. Irene Pinkard – Dr. Irene Pinkard is the former, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilwoman in Oxnard, co-Founder and Executive Director of Pinkard Youth Institute – a nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of youth.  The organization sponsors educational workshops, seminars, activities and events that will educate and expose young people to opportunities that will enhance their awareness and need for community service.

Geoff Green – Geoff Green is Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Barbara City College Foundation and formerly Executive Director of the Fund for Santa Barbara. A native of the San Francisco Bay area, Geoff came to Santa Barbara in 1990 as a UCSB student where he began work in community organizing on issues of racial equity, access to education, environmental health, and LGBTQ equality. Geoff’s professional work at UCSB included positions with the Office of Residential Life, Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

Aaron Jones – Aaron Jones is Assistant Director for Community Affairs, Student Engagement and Advocacy. He’s also the manager responsible for the following areas: Community Affairs Board (CAB); Coastal Fund, Environmental Affairs Board; Bicycle Improvement Keeps Everyone Safe; IV Community Relations Committee, IV Tenants Union, America Reads/America Counts Tutorial Program. He is also the staff lead on local matters, working specifically with the External Vice President for Local Affairs on a variety of inter-related community matters. Jones is also a community historical resource for students. Remember Morgan Freeman’s character in the movie Shawshank Redemption?

Dr. Wallace K. Shepherd, Jr. – For the past eight years, under the faithful leadership of Dr. Wallace K. Shepherd, Jr., Pastor, God’s Open Door/Second Baptist continues to be committed, more than ever, to serving the community. Pastor Shepherd has acted as the Chairperson on the Board of the Dr. Martin Luther King Committee of Santa Barbara, which has held an annual celebration for the past six years, along with Second Baptist Church as one of its main supporters.

Harry Grammer – Founder and President, New Earth Organization – New Earth provides mentor-based arts, educational, and vocational programs that empower juvenile justice and system involved youth ages 13-25 to transform their lives, move toward positive, healthier life choices, and realize their full potential as contributing members of our community.

Moderator:

Dr. Thyonne Gordon – Dr. Thyonne Gordon specializes in Social Transformation of individuals and communities through communications, programming and social change.  Her work speaks to youth in particular, providing innovative change methods to enhance their future. Dr. Gordon has served as Executive Director of youth organizations, Coach Art and A Place Called Home advocating education, arts, athletics and health & well-being for underserved youth from chronic illness and autism to at-risk and environmental issues.