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News | November 17, 2020

Virtual Southern Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit Concludes Friday, November 20

The final live panel event for the fourth annual Southern Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit, presented by Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) and Sands Cares, is Friday, November 20.

After exploring the intersection of COVID-19 and youth homelessness last week, our next panel discusses the effects of systemic racism on youth experiencing homelessness. The panel is led by a mix of national experts on the subject and youth with lived experience. After signing up to attend Summit 2020, learn more about our panelists below:

headshot of Kristina Ashley Williams

Kristina Ashley Williams, MS, MA

Kristina Ashley Williams is an accomplished researcher and scholar of critical race theory, her passion fueled by experience as an educator in Black and Brown communities for over a decade. She has developed award-winning programs addressing systemic racism, as recognized by the NAACP, University of Southern California, the Mayor’s Office of Menlo Park, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and more. As the great-great niece of baseball great and social justice icon Jackie Robinson, her work isn’t just about passion, it is about legacy.

headshot of Marc Dones

Marc Dones

Marc Dones is a social entrepreneur, policy strategist and social justice activist with more than a decade of experience in equitable systems transformation across local, state and federal governmental systems, and is the executive director of the National Innovation Service (NIS). Prior to launching NIS, Marc held various roles in social impact, including leadership roles at The Future Company and Center for Social Innovation (C4), engaging numerous jurisdictions, agencies and the US government in efforts to transform the national conversation about housing.

headshot of Nicholas Barr

Nicholas Barr, Ph.D.

Nick Barr studied comparative religion at Columbia University, and worked as a clinical social worker for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California School of Social Work. Dr. Barr’s research focuses on improving understanding of risk and protective factors for populations with an elevated likelihood of traumatic experiences, like homeless young adults and military service members. He holds certifications in a number of evidence-based practices including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

headshot of Javon Johnson

Javon Johnson, Ph.D.

Javon Johnson is an Assistant Professor and Director of African American & African Diaspora studies and holds an appointment in Gender & Sexuality Studies in the Interdisciplinary, Gender and Ethnic Studies Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received his Ph.D. in Performance Studies with a certificate in Gender Studies and Cognate in African American Studies from Northwestern University in 2010. Dr. Johnson’s scholarly pursuits include performance, Blackness, African American literature, Black pop culture, slam and spoken word, black feminist theory, Black queer theory, masculinity studies, black sexualities and ethnography. A scholar, poet and social justice activist, Dr. Johnson has mounted exhibitions at the California African American Museum where he managed the History Department.

Taisacan Hall

A former NPHY client, Taisacan Hall is a member of The Southern Nevada Youth Action Board, Young Adults in Charge (YAC), an ambassador in NPHY’s Ambassadors Program and a Fellow for the 2020 True Colors United Fellowship. She has obtained full-time employment through NPHY’s Young Achievers Program while increasing her role as an advocate.

image of delrio perkins

DelRio Perkins

DelRio Perkins experienced chronic homelessness as a young person in Nevada. After conquering homelessness, he has dedicated his life to assisting youth who are facing similar circumstances. A native of Flint, Michigan, DelRio uses his lived experience and professional education to consciously and consistently promote growth and enlightenment around homeless rights, LGBTQ+ activism and self-love. DelRio is now a full-time NPHY employee, where he uses his voice to speak even louder and create even more waves as an agent of change.