Keynote Speakers
We are thrilled to announce an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers for the 2024 Communities of Color summit. These individuals are leaders and change-makers in their respective fields, and they will share their powerful stories, insights, and visions with us.
Dr Dau D. Jok
Keynote
Dr. Dau Jok is an optimistic, results-oriented leader with diverse experience in non-profit, military, coaching, and education. A former Division I basketball captain, he is a CASEL SEL Fellow, U.S. Army Reserve Captain, national speaker, and currently serves as the E.D and DEI for West Des Moines Community Schools. Dr. Jok holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSc in Global Leadership from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Ph.D. in Education from Drake University, focusing on Indigenous Knowledge Systems, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social-emotional learning. His Dut Jok Youth Foundation has impacted over 2,100 youth in three countries, including South Sudan. He received the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup in 2014 and is an Associate of the Harambe Entrepreneurial Alliance.
Vanessa McNeal
Keynote Speaker
Vanessa McNeal, MSW, is a National Speaker, Life Coach, and Documentary Filmmaker. With two impactful TEDx talks and two internationally screened documentaries on sexual violence, she has been at the forefront of prevention efforts.
From women’s events and university lecture halls to esteemed military institutions like the National Guard and Air Force, Vanessa’s mission is clear: to inspire and drive positive change.
Her exceptional work has earned her prestigious awards, including the Inspiring Women of Iowa Award and the Statement Maker Award.
Courageous Fire
Keynote Speaker
Courageous Fire is a dynamic consultant, keynote speaker, and trainer with over 12 years of experience in empowering women. As the founder and CEO of Courageous Fire, LLC, she creates impactful projects that improve health outcomes for Black women by educating systems to address root causes contributing to these poor outcomes.
With a robust background in keynote speaking, Courageous has delivered powerful presentations over the past five years, leaving a lasting impact on her audiences. Her deep understanding of Black women's unique trauma language and her ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and passion make her a sought-after speaker.
As the founder of a nonprofit, she works to remove the stigma of domestic violence for Black women and promotes culturally-guided solutions to violence cycles. Her innovative curriculum for Black women domestic violence survivors boasts an 80% success rate in helping attendees avoid future predatory cycles and gain a better understanding of healthy relationships.
Courageous also started a sisterhood group with community leaders from diverse backgrounds to foster safe spaces for mutual professional and personal support. She dreams of seeing communities of color find relief by supporting one other’s unique needs through collective effort.
Courageous will provide a loving, energizing, validating experience through a blend of information and activities. She asks only that you be open to it; she comes ready to do the rest.