Dr. Nicole Lopez Purkapile is currently the Executive Director for Families and Schools Together (FAST) who identifies as a Latina LGBTQIA+ community member. Nicole comes with a wealth of experience with many years in South Florida’s early care and education community including but not limited to quality rating systems, data analysis, project management, and the science of implementation. Nicole was born in New York and moved to South Florida at the age of five. She has been working in the early care and education field for more than 22 years, primarily in the non-profit sector. She started her career in 1994 with an early care and education facility in South Florida. Several years later she moved on to the non-profit side, working with federally funded programs including but not limited to block grant-funded programs. Nicole obtained a double associate degree in child development and elementary education from Miami-Dade College. She earned her baccalaureate degree in human services and management and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix, as well as a doctorate degree in educational leadership and management with two post master’s certifications from Capella University.

Julie Keown-Bomar is the Executive Director of Wisconsin Farmers Union, a statewide organization representing over 2,000 family farm households. She has worked for over 25 years in grassroots community development and research including: rural and urban poverty reduction, civic engagement, leadership development in immigrant communities, and improving family support systems. Prior to leading Wisconsin Farmers Union, she worked for the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension as a faculty member and as an administrator. Julie has a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology with a concentration in women’s studies.

Emily Berge has served on the Eau Claire City Council since 2018; first being elected as the District 1 Representative and then elected as City Council President in the spring of 2023. Emily was appointed to the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as the President of the League. Emily has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and works as a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. Being a Mental Health provider gives Emily an important perspective on her policy work in local government. She sees great value in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where all feel welcome.

Kelvin Alfaro is a seasoned organizational coach and consultant, and the founder of Alfaro Consulting, as well as an Internal Consultant at UW Madison. Born in El Salvador and raised in California, Kelvin’s immigrant and Indigenous background enriches his approach to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in organizational settings. With a Master of Business Administration, and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, alongside certifications in Nonprofit Professional and Nonprofit Board Consulting, Kelvin brings over a decade of experience in change management and organizational development. His work bridges theoretical research with practical application, emphasizing the power of relationship-building and effective communication across diverse communities. Kelvin is committed to enhancing individual and organizational achievements through a lens of humility and expertise, aiming to create inclusive and welcoming environments in every endeavor.