Faith’s First Step
Friday, April 19, 2013
10:00 - 10:50 a.m.
PSU 312
This engaging presentation will introduce participants to leaders from a Springfield faith-based organization developed to be a catalyst for communities of faith for healing and reconciliation. Presenters, leaders and participants represent gender, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, socio-economic and religious diversity. Presenters will discuss the development and role of a faith-based organization in community diversity engagement, including specific programs developed to combat racism and heterosexism.
Session presenters
Camielle Famous
Drury University
Camielle Famous is a mental health counselor and adjunct faculty member at Drury University. As a team leader of the Brentwood Christian Church Anti-Racism Pro-Reconciliation Team, she works to raise awareness of diversity topics through community events and workshops. Famous also serves on the founding committee of the Center for Diversity and Reconciliation. She has participated in and facilitated numerous diversity-training seminars, including Facing Racism through the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Lela Panagides
Leap Into Leadership
Lela Panagides is CEO of Leap Into Leadership, a leadership-consulting firm. She has more than 20 years experience in the areas of management consulting, leadership, learning and development, and organizational change. Panagides began her career working with multilateral development banks and international agencies, and has lived and worked in six countries. She is certified in a number of tools including: Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Leadership Strategies Facilitator, Respect in the Workplace – Diversity Awareness, Lominger Leadership Architect.
Charles Abernathy
Center for Diversity and Reconciliation of Greater Springfield
Charles Abernathy is the prevention specialist for AIDS Project of the Ozarks in Springfield. His primary duties include community outreach, counseling services and testing services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Jeff Munzinger
Center for Diversity and Reconciliation of Greater Springfield
Jeff Munzinger is president and co-owner of Munzinger & Company, a Springfield-based, exclusive sales agent for 16 manufacturers, representing products to customers in 11 midwestern states. Munzinger’s unique sales experience has garnered a wide array of customer service practices. A past participant of the Center for Diversity and Reconciliation racism awareness presentation, now Munzinger holds a post on the group’s board. He is an active member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).