IDEA CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS

Keynote: Lasana HotepLasana Hotep has the distinguished honor of being co-founder of the African American Men of Arizona State University (AMMASU) program, the inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor of Equity for the Peralta Community College District and the founding Executive Director of the Equity Institute at Skyline College. While at Skyline College he co-developed the award winning Equity Training Series (ETS), Equity Summit, and Equity Academies. Angie Isabelle Aguilar | Counselor/InstructorAngie Aguilar, M.S. (she/her), is an adjunct STEM counselor at Glendale Community College and a lecturer at California State University, Northridge. She brings over six years of experience in higher education, specializing in student support, career development, and equity-centered counseling practices.

As a proud first-generation college graduate, Angie’s passion for higher education is deeply rooted in her own lived experiences. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Scripps College and a Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Services from California State University, Northridge, where she also completed a certificate in Career Education and Counseling.

Angie is deeply committed to advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) within higher education. She strives to create affirming, student-centered spaces that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and belonging for historically marginalized and underserved communities.

Dr. Celina M. Benavides | Educator, Scholar, Activist

Dr. Celina M. Benavides is an educator, scholar, activist, and tenured Professor of Psychology.

She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an M.A. in Education with a Preliminary Mathematics Credential from Whittier College.

Michelle Segura Joof & Dr. Henan Joof

Michelle Segura Joof is the co-founder of Self-work by m.e. LLC, a Wellness and Business Consulting Firm dedicated to guiding individuals on transformative 'Self-Work' journeys while healing their nervous systems. Michelle is a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher which allows her to bring a holistic approach to her business, blending her expertise in wellness practices with her extensive background in education and business.

As a dedicated educator at Los Angeles City College, Michelle has honed her skills in teaching various subjects including GED prep, Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Communication. Holding degrees in Business and Admin and Marketing from Long Beach State University and an MBA from Cal State LA, Michelle's academic background enriches her ability to deliver impactful consulting services.

Dr. Henan L. Joof is a Higher Education Professional with over 15 years experience in all phases of a student's educational journey. Through his educational journey he developed a passion for advocacy and providing students with positive educational experiences. With that as his driving force and passion he pursued both a Master’s and Doctorate degrees in High Education at University of Southern California.

Being able to bring together his unique experiences from having lived on 3 continents and acclimating to Los Angeles his now found home. He brings all the aspects of personality, growth, spirituality, influence, impact and leadership to the forefront of each interaction.

Margrit Boghosian | Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Mental Health ConsultantMargrit Boghosian, LCSW, PPSC, has over 22 years of experience providing mental health services to marginalized youth and their families within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). She maintains a private practice, supervises MFTs and MSWs pursuing licensure, and has served as a field instructor for graduate-level interns. As a consultant for Glendale Community College, she supports the development of mental health programs, policies, and training initiatives, while continuing to mentor emerging leaders in the field. Dr. José A. Maldonado | ProfessorDr. José A. Maldonado is a Professor of English at Oxnard College. He earned dual B.A. degrees in English and Spanish from UC Santa Barbara, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno. His dissertation earned the Most Outstanding Dissertation Award from Fresno State and First Place at the 37th Annual CSU Student Research Competition. Miguel Angel Martinez Jr. | Climate Investments AssociateMiguel Angel Martinez Jr. is the second gay child of Mexican immigrants, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, and a proud product of public education—from LAUSD to the University of California system. As the first in his family to graduate from college, his journey has instilled in him a deep commitment to advocating for strategically marginalized communities.
With over a decade of experience, Miguel has dedicated his career to bridging grassroots action with institutional change across labor, policy, and climate justice. His work is grounded in the belief that any system prioritizing profits over people is inherently unjust.
Most recently, as a Climate Investments Associate at Dream.Org, Miguel operationalized this belief by connecting BIPOC-led organizations to millions in federal funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the Justice40 Initiative. He has managed multi-million-dollar grant portfolios and built cross-sector partnerships that align community priorities with national strategies.
Previously, his work with SEIU Local 2015 focused on negotiating contracts and advancing workers’ rights, grounding his approach in direct, impactful organizing. His tenure in Los Angeles County government further deepened his understanding of public policy implementation at both the county and state levels.
Miguel holds degrees in Sociology and Political Science from UC San Diego, where he studied the theories of inequality that continue to inform his practical work. His driving purpose is to build systems in which every person—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive. Shelby McIntyre | Career CounselorShelby McIntyre is a Career Counselor & Instructor at Pasadena City College, with prior teaching and counseling experience at GCC, a community still near and dear to her heart. She holds a Certified Career Counselor credential from the National Career Development Association (NCDA), an M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from California State University, Northridge, and a B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon. After experiencing her own career change from the film industry to the counseling profession, she is passionate about helping others navigate their career development process to find meaningful work. Her professional passions include social justice & collective liberation, systemic awareness & advocacy, civic engagement, work-based learning, and student leadership. Karen Preciado | ASGCC Senator of Activities

Karen Preciado is a first-generation college student pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources. A single mother of two boys, ages 10 and 13, and a survivor of domestic violence, Karen brings resilience, determination, and compassion to everything she does.

She has worked across the education, hospitality, and health industries, developing strong skills in customer service, leadership, and teamwork. Karen’s journey continues to inspire her passion for supporting others and creating meaningful, positive change within her community.

UndocuScholars LLCUndocuScholars LLC is a values-driven consulting and research firm founded by cultural anthropologists and grounded in the lived experiences, knowledges, and organizing practices of undocumented communities. Our approach draws on anthropological methods and theories that foreground relationality, power, and the everyday negotiations of belonging. Rita Zobayan | DSPS Counselor

Rita Zobayan began her career in education as a high school English teacher with an emphasis on multicultural, urban secondary education. As a counselor, she has worked with students with disabilities across both K–12 and college settings. Throughout her career, Rita has remained dedicated to helping students achieve their fullest and most fulfilling potential.

Her work is guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: Destigmatize. Educate. Empower.