Hosted by the Human Resources’ Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion, in recognition of Black History Month, leaders from the University of Miami and South Florida will gather virtually for a panel discussion, “Leadership Insights: Authenticity and Professional Development.” With guests from diverse backgrounds, including a range of career paths and experience, the event invites University faculty and staff members to engage in a conversation about growth and mindset as a professional.
Moderated by Ryan Holmes, associate vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, panelists include University leaders Kysha Harriell, clinical professor and executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement; Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer for the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine; and Renée Dickens Callan, executive director of Student Life. The event will also include Ebony Smith, a local leader and executive coach and president for Ebenum Equation; and Rueben Stokes, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion subject matter expert and trusted adviser to many corporate leadership teams.
Learn more about the event and meet the moderator and panelists:
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Register for the virtual Black History Month event here.
Ryan Holmes, associate vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, University of Miami
Holmes is an accomplished educator and leader in identifying and managing the complex trends in student campus life and higher education. He joined the Division of Student Affairs as the associate vice president and Dean of Students in 2017 and oversees judicial affairs, Greek affairs, campus chaplains, crisis management, and student-community relations. Holmes holds a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, a master’s degree in counseling and personnel services from the University of Maryland-College Park, and a master’s degree in bilingual/bicultural studies from La Salle University.
Kysha Harriell, clinical professor and executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement, University of Miami
Since 2005, Harriell has served as a faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development’s Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department, with previous experience as an assistant athletic trainer for the University’s Athletics Department. She holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, master's degrees in sports medicine and sports administration from the University of Miami, and a bachelor's degree in athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh.
Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Ford is a Haitian-born pediatric surgeon who returns regularly to Haiti to provide medical care to its residents. In May 2015, he performed the first successful separation of conjoined twins in Haiti, alongside surgeons he helped train. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons (England), and the American Academy of Pediatrics, he serves on the editorial board of numerous scientific journals, the Harvard Medical School Visiting Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Princeton University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and a M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
Renée Dickens Callan, executive director of Student Life, University of Miami
As the executive director of Student Life, Callan provides leadership and oversight for six areas within the Division of Student Affairs: Multicultural Student Affairs, Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, Student Activities and Student Organizations, LGBTQ Student Center, Assessment, and the Butler Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development. She is co-chair of the Standing Committee for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, vice president of the Woodson Williams Marshall Association (Black faculty and staff organization), and an instructor of Intergroup Dialogue (undergraduate course) and Student Development Theory (graduate course). Callan holds a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from St. Michael’s College, master’s degree in higher education from the University of Vermont, and an Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Miami.
Ebony Smith, executive coach and president, Ebenum Equation
Smith is the executive coach and president at Ebenum Equation, specializing in resiliency and leadership. She began her career in the operations and logistics side of the energy industry. Eventually, she made her way to sales, marketing, and oil origination, where she successfully developed her industry niche. Smith spent 13 years trading oil financial derivatives. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from Philadelphia University and a master’s degree in environmental protection and safety management from St. Joseph’s University of Philadelphia
Rueben Stokes, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion subject matter expert and adviser to corporate leadership teams
In 2020, Stokes retired from his role as vice president of global diversity and inclusion for Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Massachusetts-based Fortune 250 corporation with more than 75,000 employees worldwide. With 25 years of comprehensive experience impacting the workforce, the workplace, the marketplace, and the community, he has delivered transformative results in key diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership roles at large global corporations, including Ryder System, ADT Security Services, Terex Corporation, and Tyco International. He currently serves as a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) subject matter expert and trusted adviser to corporate leadership teams.
For questions related to the virtual session, contact the Human Resources’ Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion at wei@miami.edu.