The Voices Project
Join us for George Fox University's student multicultural leadership conference on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18.
The 2023 Voices Project Conference will highlight multicultural and multiethnic leadership in the U.S. It's open to all students and faculty, community members, and to several other universities in the area. Workshops and main sessions will be taught by leaders of color from around the nation and globe all with the purpose of helping students feel empowered to create change in their community and equipped to use their voice.
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 17
6:30 p.m. | Doors open |
7:10 p.m. | Welcome & Introductions |
7:15 p.m. | Spoken Word Part 1 | Tune in for spoken word from students |
7:25 p.m. | Voices Founders Overview |
7:40 p.m. | Spoken Word | Micah Bournes |
7:40 p.m. | Worship | |
8:10 p.m. | Plenary Speaker | Dr. Robert Chao Romero |
8:45 p.m. | Worship |
9:00 p.m | After Party |
Saturday, November 18
9:45 a.m. | Welcome Session + Worship |
10:30 a.m. | Plenary Speaker | Dr. Jessica Taylor |
11:15 a.m. | Breakout Workshops |
12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
1:15 p.m. | Breakout Workshops |
2:15 p.m. | Table Talk |
2:45 p.m. | Spoken Word |
3:00 p.m. | Speaker Panel + Q&A |
Visiting Panelists and Musicians
Dr. Robert Chao Romero
Plenary Speaker
Dr. Robert Chao Romero is an associate professor in the UCLA departments of Chicana/o Studies, Central America Studies, and Asian American Studies. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Latin American History and his Juris Doctor from U.C. Berkeley, and is also an attorney. Romero is the author of several books, including, “Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation,” “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity,” and “The Chinese in Mexico, 1882-1940.” “The Chinese in Mexico” received the Latina/o Studies book award from the Latin American Studies Association and “Brown Church” received the InterVarsity Press Readers’ Choice Award for best academic title. Romero is also an ordained minister and faith-rooted community organizer.
Dr. Jessica Taylor
Plenary Speaker
Known for her empathy, pragmatism, and humor, Dr. Taylor empowers leaders and builds organizations where everyone can courageously be themselves without bias, discrimination, or barriers determining their success. With a lifetime of perspective as a biracial, woman of color, years of executive experience, and a background in human development, Dr. Taylor coaches executive leaders and guides organizations to equitable leadership strategies through nuanced and comprehensive methods.
Currently serving as the Interim President of Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Taylor is also an author and entrepreneur, holding a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Master of Arts in Human Services and a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling. In her free time, Jessica loves to read nonfiction books and is constantly learning. She also enjoys singing and music, and her favorite place in the world is her home that she shares with her children and husband.
Micah Bournes
Spoken Word Artist | Workshop Facilitator
Micah Bournes is a musician and poet born and raised in Long Beach, California. His work centers themes of culture, justice, and faith. He is passionate about helping others identify and grow their creativity, convinced that creative expression is essential to individual and community healing and thriving. He is the author of the poetry collection “Here Comes This Dreamer”, and has released 6 studio albums in various genres, including his latest hip hop record “DETOX”.