2026 Securing Our Future Economic Mobility Summit

Lineup

• More details about Raphael Clemente

  Raphael Clemente

  Raphael Clemente will be joining us, as our Moderator, of the Morning Plenary: "The Power of Place: Reimagining Communities Through Place-Based Economic Mobility Strategies". Raphael is an urban planning and community development professional with nearly three decades of experience working in both the public and nonprofit sectors in Palm Beach County. He currently serves as Executive Director of Palm Beach Venture Philanthropy at the Quantum Foundation, where he leads place-based initiatives focused on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, small-business development, and improving social determinants of health.

• More details about Keith Fudge

  Keith Fudge

  Keith Fudge will be joining us, as a panelist, of the Morning Plenary: "The Power of Place: Reimagining Communities Through Place-Based Economic Mobility Strategies". Keith is a director of policy management in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute. He directs a body of work focused on providing data, tools, and technical assistance to support communities in increasing upward mobility from poverty. Previously, he managed the Evidence-Based Policymaking Collaborative and led technical assistance engagements for Urban's Pay for Success Initiative. Prior to Urban, Fudge worked in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Policy Development and Research, where he supported research and communications efforts, including editing HUD at 50: Creating Pathways to Opportunity and editing and writing for Evidence Matters. He was a founding staffer and senior project manager for the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. Fudge has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and an MPP from the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

• More details about Upendo Shabazz

  Upendo Shabazz

  Upendo Shabazz will be joining us, as a panelist, of the Morning Plenary: "The Power of Place: Reimagining Communities Through Place-Based Economic Mobility Strategies". Upendo Shabazz, with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit philanthropic sector, accepted the CEO position at Northend RISE in August 2024. Previously, she served as Regional Vice President for Allegany Franciscan Ministries and held roles at United Way of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County School District. Upendo began her career as a social worker and excels in managing people and relationships in the philanthropic sector. She has taught at Barry University and is a frequent speaker on placed-based investment and Trust-based philanthropy. Upendo holds degrees from Florida State University and certifications from the University of Miami.

• More details about Taruna Malhotra

  Taruna Malhotra

  Taruna Malhotra is a panelist on the Safety & Justice session "Safe Communities, Strong Economies: Reforming the Justice System to Support Second Chances and Economic Opportunity". Taruna Malhotra currently serves as Executive Director, Criminal Justice Commission, Palm Beach County. Mrs. Malhotra works closely with the CJC Board and CJC team to study all aspects of the criminal justice and crime prevention systems within the federal, state, county, municipal and private agencies within the county. Prior to this position she was the Deputy Director of the Community Services Department, Palm Beach County. She managed a $225 million budget and oversaw various Health and Human Services (HHS) programs including Homeless, Seniors, Veterans, Community Action, HIV elimination, and non-profit funding. In both of these positions she has been greatly impactful in assessing the needs, as well as, planning, implementing and evaluating systemwide initiatives. Mrs. Malhotra is a dynamic professional who has demonstrated the ability to develop, operate and maintain the service delivery systems. She is a problem solver, collaborator and data driven leader, who serves on various committees and advisory boards to improve systems through data analytics and system driven collaborations to build stronger and efficient social services network. She has earned numerous awards for her instrumental work in creating multiple technology and data infrastructure innovations that led to improving service delivery and various new programs and policy changes in Palm Beach County.

• More details about Orie Bullard

  Orie Bullard

  Orie Bullard is a panelist on the Safety & Justice session "Safe Communities, Strong Economies: Reforming the Justice System to Support Second Chances and Economic Opportunity". Orie Bullard is the Director of The Reentry Center for the City of Riviera Beach, Florida, where he leads a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive reentry services to individuals returning to the community from federal and state correctional institutions and county jails. With nearly two decades of experience in the criminal justice and reentry field, Bullard has helped develop collaborative partnerships among local government, correctional agencies, service providers, employers, and community organizations to strengthen successful reintegration and expand access to opportunity. His work focuses on practical, team-based approaches that address barriers to employment, housing, family stability, and community reintegration. Bullard is passionate about advancing second chances, strengthening public safety, and creating pathways that allow justice-impacted individuals to become productive members of their families,

• More details about Daniel Eisinger

  Daniel Eisinger

  Daniel Eisinger is a panelist on the Safety & Justice session "Safe Communities, Strong Economies: Reforming the Justice System to Support Second Chances and Economic Opportunity". Daniel grew up in Palm Beach County. He attended Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach where he received his International Baccalaureate Diploma upon graduation. Daniel went on to earn both his B.A. (2000) and J.D. (2003) from the University of Florida. Daniel began his career in Carey Haughwout's Palm Beach County Public Defender office in December 2003. For over 20 years, Daniel has represented clients charged in misdemeanor, felony, and major crime cases — including capital cases in which the state was seeking the death penalty. Representing indigent clients who do not have the ability to afford a private attorney, Daniel has worked with a passion on providing unparalleled legal representation, sentencing disparity, and increasing re-entry services for citizens returning from imprisonment. Daniel believes that Public Defenders are an integral force in keeping our communities safe. Public Defenders know best what services are needed to keep people from reoffending. Daniel has been instrumental in establishing court programs to better serve clients and the community — the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court and the Driving Under Suspension Court. These courts have resulted in making our communities safer while benefiting clients at the same. Daniel is a member of the National and Florida Association(s) for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Palm Beach Bar Association and a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County. A family man, Daniel is married to Amy Eisinger. They have three active sons (Ethan, Micah and Benjamin) and a rescue pup named Chocolate Chip (CC).

• More details about Elisa Cramer

  Elisa Cramer

  Elisa Cramer is the moderator of the Safety & Justice session "Safe Communities, Strong Economies: Reforming the Justice System to Support Second Chances and Economic Opportunity".

• More details about Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor

  Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor

  Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor is a panelist on the Childcare session "Childcare as Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening Workforce Participation and Economic Opportunity". Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, has worked at the Council for 22 years. As CEO, she oversees a wide range of prevention and early intervention services that help tens of thousands of Palm Beach County children and families each year. More than 190,000 children and families were served last year, including funding for 32,500 in childcare, afterschool, and summer camps. The Council's funding supported over 720 programs and numerous public education and outreach campaigns last year with the vision to help all children grow up healthy, safe, ready for school, and ready for life. Prior to becoming CEO, Dr. Williams-Taylor served as Chief Program Officer at the Council, overseeing the areas of research and evaluation, system and program performance, and program operations. Dr. Williams-Taylor has extensive experience working with local, state and national policymakers to build evidence-based systems of care. She has written more than 25 publications. Prior to joining the Council, Dr. Williams-Taylor worked in research and evaluation in the areas of education, addiction, mental health and criminal justice. She spent many years providing mental health services to both children and adults. She holds Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Criminal Justice.

• More details about Eric Roby

  Eric Roby

  Eric Roby is a panelist on the Childcare session "Childcare as Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening Workforce Participation and Economic Opportunity". Eric Roby is CEO of Fuller Center, where he leads programs supporting children and families through education, youth development, and family services. An accomplished nonprofit executive and former award-winning journalist, Eric has held leadership roles with Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and the American Red Cross. Before entering the nonprofit sector, he spent 25 years in broadcasting, including 18 years as a main news anchor in South Florida. A first-generation college graduate, Eric brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for children and families.

• More details about Laura Conway

  Laura Conway

  Laura Conway is a panelist on the Childcare session "Childcare as Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening Workforce Participation and Economic Opportunity". Laura Conway is a nonprofit executive and early childhood education leader with more than 23 years of experience strengthening organizations and improving outcomes for children and families. She began her career in Honduras, where she and her husband helped grow a nonprofit serving children who had experienced severe violence and abuse. Over 13 years, the organization expanded from a single building to a 17-building campus providing comprehensive care, protection, and education. They also helped establish a bilingual school to prepare children for successful, independent futures. After returning to the United States in 2016, Laura joined Migrant Head Start in Alabama as a Center Director before advancing into Head Start leadership. Today, she serves in executive leadership with Lutheran Services Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start program in Palm Beach County, overseeing operations, fiscal stewardship, compliance, partnerships, staff leadership, and services for children and families.

• More details about Aruna Gilbert

  Aruna Gilbert

  Aruna Gilbert is the moderator of the Childcare session "Childcare as Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening Workforce Participation and Economic Opportunity". Aruna began her career at the United Nations Environment Program, coordinating the Global Youth Forum on Youth and the Environment. For ten years, she advocated for children with special medical needs as a Medical Foster Care Coordinator at the Florida Department of Children and Families. She also worked as a Behavioral Health Professional in Palm Beach public schools. Since 2005, she has been with the Early Learning Coalition, focusing on high-quality preschool experiences and excellent customer service. Aruna holds a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Cortland and a Masters in Social Work from Barry University.

• More details about Carlos Serrano

  Carlos Serrano

  Carlos Serrano is a panelist in the Housing session "Housing Instability to Economic Mobility: Affordable Housing Solutions That Change Conditions and Advance Upward Mobility". Carlos is a Palm Beach County native who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Human Resource Development and a Minor in Sociology, and completed subsequent coursework at Florida Atlantic University in the areas of accounting, finance, and real estate. After spending a few years in the construction industry, Carlos has developed over 25 years of working experience in the local housing, economic, and community service arena in the areas of public sector management, grant administration, research and analysis, program planning, project financing, and policy development. As the Deputy Director at the Department of Housing and Economic Development, Carlos leads key department initiatives in the formulation of policy and funding strategies, including for the $200 Million Housing Bond Loan Program and all Federal and State housing and community development grant sources. He provides direction to department divisions responsible for contract negotiation and development, implementation of all direct-to-client housing programs, capital improvements, and housing development. He particularly enjoys the challenge of structuring deals for housing development – after all, affordable housing is just a math problem.

• More details about Carol Jones-Gilbert

  Carol Jones-Gilbert

  Carol Jones-Gilbert is a panelist in the Housing session "Housing Instability to Economic Mobility: Affordable Housing Solutions That Change Conditions and Advance Upward Mobility".

• More details about Natalie Vasquez

  Natalie Vasquez

  Natalie Vasquez is a panelist in the Housing session "Housing Instability to Economic Mobility: Affordable Housing Solutions That Change Conditions and Advance Upward Mobility". Natalie Vazquez is Director of the Division of Senior and Veteran Services for Palm Beach County’s Community Services Department, where she leads programs supporting older adults, veterans, caregivers, and vulnerable residents. With more than 14 years of public-sector leadership, Natalie has advanced initiatives focused on economic mobility, housing stability, food security, and community access. Previously, she served as Senior Program Manager for the County’s Community Action Program, directing federally funded programs supporting low-income households. Natalie is a Certified Community Action Professional and holds a Master of Science in Education from Keiser University.

• More details about Dr, Cristina Lucier

  Dr, Cristina Lucier

  Dr. Cristina Lucier is the moderator of the Housing session "Housing Instability to Economic Mobility: Affordable Housing Solutions That Change Conditions and Advance Upward Mobility". Cristina Lucier, Ph.D. is Vice President of Community Programs at The Lord's Place, where she provides leadership across programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Cristina focuses on strengthening programs, partnerships, and systems that help people move from housing instability toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Cristina also serves as President of the Palm Beach County Homeless & Housing Alliance, the county's Continuum of Care, where she helps lead community-wide efforts to strengthen the homelessness response system, align priorities, and advance funding and policy strategies. Previously, she served on the Alliance's Executive Committee and chaired its Support Services Pillar, working with community partners to identify service gaps and improve coordination. Through both roles, Cristina brings a perspective grounded in direct program leadership, community collaboration, and systems-level work to advance opportunity and economic mobility for individuals and families.

• More details about Dr. Jyothi Gunta

  Dr. Jyothi Gunta

  Dr. Jyothi Gunta is a panelist on the Health & Wellness session "Recovery, Resilience, and Opportunity: Creating Systems that Support Brain Health, Recovery, and Economic Mobility". Dr. Jyothi Gunta MD, MPH has been director of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) since April 2023. She is board-certified in preventive medicine, and public health, as well as occupational and environmental medicine. Dr. Gunta has practiced in various clinical and non-clinical settings to include family medicine, evidence-based preventive care, occupational medicine, epidemiology, research, education, and policy. Dr. Gunta received her medical degree from Saint Petersburg State Medical Academy (I.I. Mechnikov), in St. Petersburg, Russia, and earned her master's in public health from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship at Tripler Army Medical Center, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she trained in pediatrics. Her passion and drive for public health is what originally brought her to DOH-Palm Beach, in 2016, to serve as the chief resident for the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Residency Program. Following her residency training, Dr. Gunta joined the City of Delray Beach as the medical director for employee health and wellness, serving as the primary care physician for city employees and their families. Dr. Gunta has demonstrated leadership within multiple health care systems and outpatient practices, including the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and has published findings in the Lancet's Child and Adolescent Health Journal. In her role as director of DOH-Palm Beach, Dr. Gunta serves with a deep and vested interest in public health as an essential component to our individual and community needs.

• More details about Darcy Davis

  Darcy Davis

  Darcy Davis is a panelist on the Health & Wellness session "Recovery, Resilience, and Opportunity: Creating Systems that Support Brain Health, Recovery, and Economic Mobility". Darcy J. Davis has served as President and CEO of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County for the past decade, after joining the organization in 2011 and previously holding CFO and COO roles. An accountant by trade, she has ensured the District's expert financial stewardship and advanced data-driven operations—achieving the lowest millage rate in 37 years while expanding nationally recognized, award-winning services. In response to the opioid crisis, when Palm Beach County was among the nation's hardest-hit communities, she led the creation of an innovative addiction treatment model now replicated statewide through Florida's CORE Network. Today, she is spearheading the Two Waters Mental Health Center, a first-of-its-kind facility in Florida integrating crisis and behavioral health services aligned with national best practices. She holds a BBA from Mercer University and an MSM from Troy State University. She has earned local, state, and national recognition during her career. Most recently, she was named to Becker's Hospital Review's 2026 list of Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know and was the only female health care executive recognized as a 2026 Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal.

• More details about Andrea Stephenson

  Andrea Stephenson

  Andrea Stephenson is a panelist on the Health & Wellness session "Recovery, Resilience, and Opportunity: Creating Systems that Support Brain Health, Recovery, and Economic Mobility".

• More details about Tyler Gerlock

  Tyler Gerlock

  Tyler Gerlock is the moderator of the Health & Wellness session "Recovery, Resilience, and Opportunity: Creating Systems that Support Brain Health, Recovery, and Economic Mobility". Tyler Glock is a person in long-term recovery and Board President of the Recovery Community HUB of Palm Beach County, a peer-led Recovery Community Organization with four centers across the county, from the coast to the Glades. His own recovery reshaped the direction of his life and career, leading him to 15 years as a behavioral health professional focused on treatment access, payer systems, and integrity across the care system.

• More details about Michael Burke

  Michael Burke

  Michael 'Mike' Burke is a panelist on the Education session "Education to Earnings: Aligning Learning Systems and Workforce Development with Economic Opportunity". As the Superintendent of the A-Rated School District of Palm Beach County, Mr. Michael Burke is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the District’s more than 170,000 students who attend 183 district-operated schools. He is deeply committed to the School Board’s mission to educate, affirm, and inspire each student in an equity-embedded school system. As Superintendent of the tenth-largest district in the nation, Mr. Burke also oversees Palm Beach County’s largest workforce. The District employs nearly 23,000 people.

• More details about Dr. Ava Parker

  Dr. Ava Parker

  Dr. Ava Parker is a panelist on the Education session "Education to Earnings: Aligning Learning Systems and Workforce Development with Economic Opportunity". Ava L. Parker is the first woman to serve as president of Palm Beach State College (PBSC), Florida's first public community college, founded in 1933. Since joining PBSC in 2015, Parker has advanced record enrollment and strengthened the College's national reputation for workforce development, technology and innovation. Parker has championed transformative initiatives that prepare students for high-demand careers in STEM, healthcare, technology, skilled trades and emerging industries. During her tenure, PBSC, which serves more than 40,000 students, opened its fifth campus, expanded state-of-the-art facilities, including the Julie and John Kime Dental and Health Innovation Building at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and established its Palm Beach Gardens campus as the home of SoFi Center, which hosts TGL, the technology-infused golf league. A driving force behind regional workforce development, Parker is leading the creation of PBSC's Quantum Innovation Center at its Historic Building in West Palm Beach, positioning the College at the forefront of quantum technologies while strengthening partnerships in education, industry and government to prepare the next generation of talent. Under her leadership, PBSC is also partnering with Florida LambdaRail to provide access to the high-speed research infrastructure essential for quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced research. By aligning education with the demands of the future economy, President Parker is not only preparing the next generation of talent but also strengthening Palm Beach County's role as a leader in quantum innovation and technology-focused workforce development. Before joining PBSC, Parker served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Florida Polytechnic University and spent more than a decade on the Florida Board of Governors. An accomplished attorney and higher education leader, Parker serves on the boards of Orchid Island Capital and MasTec. She earned B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida.

• More details about Jeremy Morse

  Jeremy Morse

  Jeremy Morse is a panelist on the Education session "Education to Earnings: Aligning Learning Systems and Workforce Development with Economic Opportunity".

• More details about Dr. Naelys Luna

  Dr. Naelys Luna

  Dr. Naelys Luna is the moderator of the Education session "Education to Earnings: Aligning Learning Systems and Workforce Development with Economic Opportunity".

• More details about Julia Dattolo

  Julia Dattolo

  Julia Dattolo is a panelist on the Workforce session "The Opportunity Workforce: Closing the Skills Gap to Promote Upward Economic Mobility". Julia Dattolo is the President and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach County leading the local workforce development agency connecting business with talent. As a workforce champion, she has driven positive changes in workforce development at the local, state, and national level. Under her leadership, CareerSource has significantly contributed to regional growth through business development and talent recruitment. Julia has been instrumental in establishing and nurturing community relationships that have fostered essential collaborations, improving education, career development and innovative opportunities for the residents of Palm Beach County. She has been named NonProfit Executive of the Year, the Toni Jennings State of Florida Workforce Development Professional of the Year, and Palm Beach North Chamber Woman of the Year. A military veteran, Ms. Dattolo serves on several boards, including the Business Development Board of Directors (ex-officio member), National Association of Workforce Professionals, Florida Workforce Development Association, Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County, and other capacities with various local charity and non-profit organizations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire and her Master's degree from UCLA. She also is an alum of Leadership Palm Beach County.

• More details about Kemberly Bush

  Kemberly Bush

  Kemberly Bush is a panelist on the Workforce session "The Opportunity Workforce: Closing the Skills Gap to Promote Upward Economic Mobility". Kemberly C. Bush is the founding CEO of Pathways to Prosperity, Inc. (P2P). For the past 17 years, she has led the organization in fulfilling its mission to strengthen communities throughout Palm Beach County by advancing the social, mental, spiritual, emotional, and economic well-being of children and families through education and social services. A Palm Beach County native with more than 35 years of social work experience, Kemberly is passionate about helping others develop and achieve a vision for their lives. She is a community leader, board member, and mentor to young women. Guided by her faith, love of family, and heart for service, Kemberly remains committed to uplifting people and strengthening her community.

• More details about Doris Davis

  Doris Davis

  Doris Davis is the moderator of the Workforce session "The Opportunity Workforce: Closing the Skills Gap to Promote Upward Economic Mobility". Doris Davis is a seasoned human services professional with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and families build stronger, more stable lives. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to strengthening families, expanding access to opportunity, and developing programs and partnerships that promote self-sufficiency and economic mobility. A native of the Republic of Panama, Doris grew up as a military child in Germany and Alabama—experiences that helped shape her appreciation for diverse communities and the importance of service. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Arts in Human Relations and Counseling from Liberty University. She is also a nationally certified Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer. Doris has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career, with experience spanning Community Action, Head Start, family and community engagement, grant compliance, employee development, program administration, and local government. Her work with Palm Beach County Community Services has included oversight and support of initiatives addressing economic mobility, housing stability, energy assistance, family self-sufficiency, community partnerships, and access to critical resources. Known for her commitment to collaboration and results, Doris believes that lasting change occurs when communities work together to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for families to thrive. Her career reflects a deeply held commitment to public service and to the Community Action mission of helping people and changing lives.

• More details about Fredlyne 'Lyne' Johnson

  Fredlyne 'Lyne' Johnson

  Lyne Johnson is a panelist on the Transportation session "Wheels of Opportunity: Innovative Transportation Solutions that Promote Economic Mobility".

• More details about Brian Ruscher

  Brian Ruscher

  Brian Ruscher is a panelist on the Transportation session "Wheels of Opportunity: Innovative Transportation Solutions that Promote Economic Mobility". Brian Ruscher, AICP, serves as Deputy Director of Multimodal at the Palm Beach MPO. Trained as an environmental and community health planner, he has experience spanning the private sector and government entities at all levels, supporting the development of resilient, multimodal infrastructure within Florida communities. His professional work encompasses policy reform and project implementation, actively involving designers and the public to incorporate housing, environmental, and social considerations into transportation planning. Recently, his efforts have concentrated on establishing transit-oriented communities, supportive ordinances, transportation demand management (TDM) policies, bicycle parking solutions, zoning updates, and attaining Gold Bike-Friendly Business recognition from the League of American Bicyclists for his agency. Presently, he is dedicated to guiding regionally significant policy and project decisions aimed at constructing a safe and interconnected network of complete streets throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida.

• More details about Ty Barnes

  Ty Barnes

  Ty Barnes is a panelist on the Transportation session "Wheels of Opportunity: Innovative Transportation Solutions that Promote Economic Mobility".

• More details about Dr. Ivan Maldonado

  Dr. Ivan Maldonado

  Ivan Maldonado is the moderator of the Transportation session "Wheels of Opportunity: Innovative Transportation Solutions that Promote Economic Mobility". Dr. Ivan Maldonado, ND, is a nationally recognized transportation executive and public-sector leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing mobility, transit operations, and community access initiatives across the United States. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Maldonado has served in executive leadership roles with major public transportation systems, including Palm Tran; Metro Transit in Omaha; HART in Tampa, Florida; WMATA in Washington, D.C.; and StarMetro in Tallahassee. His leadership experience spans transit operations, strategic planning, fleet modernization, organizational development, technology implementation, and customer-focused mobility solutions. In addition to his transportation expertise, Dr. Maldonado brings extensive experience in human services administration and veterans' advocacy, providing a unique perspective on the role mobility plays in connecting people to employment, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. A collaborative leader and respected industry voice, Dr. Maldonado is committed to advancing innovative, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

• More details about Jamie Kendall

  Jamie Kendall

  Jamie Kendall is a panelists on the Food & Hunger session "From Hunger to Hope: Food Security as a Pathway to Economic Mobility". Jamie Kendall is the CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank, which is a hunger relief organization serving Palm Beach County, Florida. The Food Bank relies on community support to fulfill its mission of ensuring that everyone in our community has the nutritious food they need every day. She directs the organization's efforts to provide nutritious food and support to more than 200 member agencies and programs that serve those individuals and families that A new resident of Boynton Beach, Kendall movedare in need of food assistance. Prior to her most recent food bank experience, Kendall spent more than 30 years in the nonprofit sector, working for social service humanitarian organizations, as well as land conservation groups across the state of Georgia. She is an Ohio native and attended Bowling Green State University.

• More details about Jason Mandle

  Jason Mandle

  Jason Mantle is a panelists on the Food & Hunger session "From Hunger to Hope: Food Security as a Pathway to Economic Mobility".

• More details about Dr. Jyothi Gunta

  Dr. Jyothi Gunta

  Dr. Jyothi Gunta is a panelist on the Food & Hunger Session "From Hunger to Hope: Food Security as a Pathway to Economic Mobility". Dr. Jyothi Gunta MD, MPH has been director of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) since April 2023. She is board-certified in preventive medicine, and public health, as well as occupational and environmental medicine. Dr. Gunta has practiced in various clinical and non-clinical settings to include family medicine, evidence-based preventive care, occupational medicine, epidemiology, research, education, and policy. Dr. Gunta received her medical degree from Saint Petersburg State Medical Academy (I.I. Mechnikov), in St. Petersburg, Russia, and earned her master's in public health from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship at Tripler Army Medical Center, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she trained in pediatrics. Her passion and drive for public health is what originally brought her to DOH-Palm Beach, in 2016, to serve as the chief resident for the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Residency Program. Following her residency training, Dr. Gunta joined the City of Delray Beach as the medical director for employee health and wellness, serving as the primary care physician for city employees and their families. Dr. Gunta has demonstrated leadership within multiple health care systems and outpatient practices, including the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and has published findings in the Lancet's Child and Adolescent Health Journal. In her role as director of DOH-Palm Beach, Dr. Gunta serves with a deep and vested interest in public health as an essential component to our individual and community needs.

• More details about Tammy Fields

  Tammy Fields

  Tammy Fields is the moderator of the Food & Hunger Session "From Hunger to Hope: Food Security as a Pathway to Economic Mobility". Tammy Fields devoted 37 years of service to Palm Beach County starting as an attorney with the Palm Beach County Attorney's Office, serving as the founding director of the Youth Services Department and completing her tenure as a Deputy County Administrator. She is a graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in Public Relations and Policy Studies. She is also a graduate of Stetson University College of Law and a40 year member of The Florida Bar. She holds certifications in Trauma Informed Care from Florida State University and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. In retirement, when not traveling and spending time with her children, she is the Chair of the Food Security and Nutrition Board and on the Board of the United Way. Ms Fields is a 2025 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

• More details about Dr. Laurie George

  Dr. Laurie George

  Dr. Laurie George is a panelist on the Closing Plenary "AI and the Future of Economic Mobility: Transforming Opportunity for ALICE Families". Dr. Laurie George is President and CEO of United Way of Palm Beach County, where she has spent 28 years advancing the organization’s mission, expanding its impact, and serving more people across the community. This year, the South Florida Business Journal recognized her as a Power Leader in Philanthropy. Known for her collaborative leadership, Laurie builds strong partnerships across business, government, and the nonprofit sector to address some of Palm Beach County’s most pressing challenges. Her work focuses on expanding youth opportunity, advancing financial security, supporting healthy communities, and building community resiliency. Laurie was recently selected to lead the United Way Worldwide AI Cohort, where she is helping shape how United Way incorporates artificial intelligence into their work, including policies and best practices for responsible adoption, while addressing an equally important challenge: ensuring AI does not further widen the digital divide. Laurie holds a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive. Under her leadership, United Way of Palm Beach County supports more than 110 local programs and initiatives, reaching families and individuals across the community.

• More details about Dan Crane

  Dan Crane

  Dan Crane is a panelist on the Closing Plenary "AI and the Future of Economic Mobility: Transforming Opportunity for ALICE Families".

• More details about Dr. Ava Parker

  Dr. Ava Parker

  Dr. Ava Parker is a panelist on the Closing Plenary "AI and the Future of Economic Mobility: Transforming Opportunity for ALICE Families". Ava L. Parker is the first woman to serve as president of Palm Beach State College (PBSC), Florida's first public community college, founded in 1933. Since joining PBSC in 2015, Parker has advanced record enrollment and strengthened the College's national reputation for workforce development, technology and innovation. Parker has championed transformative initiatives that prepare students for high-demand careers in STEM, healthcare, technology, skilled trades and emerging industries. During her tenure, PBSC, which serves more than 40,000 students, opened its fifth campus, expanded state-of-the-art facilities, including the Julie and John Kime Dental and Health Innovation Building at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and established its Palm Beach Gardens campus as the home of SoFi Center, which hosts TGL, the technology-infused golf league. A driving force behind regional workforce development, Parker is leading the creation of PBSC's Quantum Innovation Center at its Historic Building in West Palm Beach, positioning the College at the forefront of quantum technologies while strengthening partnerships in education, industry and government to prepare the next generation of talent. Under her leadership, PBSC is also partnering with Florida LambdaRail to provide access to the high-speed research infrastructure essential for quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced research. By aligning education with the demands of the future economy, President Parker is not only preparing the next generation of talent but also strengthening Palm Beach County's role as a leader in quantum innovation and technology-focused workforce development. Before joining PBSC, Parker served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Florida Polytechnic University and spent more than a decade on the Florida Board of Governors. An accomplished attorney and higher education leader, Parker serves on the boards of Orchid Island Capital and MasTec. She earned B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida.

• More details about Tim Burke

  Tim Burke

  Tim Burke is the moderator of the Closing Plenary "AI and the Future of Economic Mobility: Transforming Opportunity for ALICE Families".