Meet keynote speaker Vicki L. Gibson, Ph.D.

Vicki L. Gibson, Ph.D. founded the Charlotte Sharp Children's Center at Texas A&M University in College Station. The state-licensed preschool and child lab, established in 2020, serves children ages 2 to 6 and collaborates with multiple university departments for professional development and practicum opportunities. 

Gibson, who holds three degrees from Texas A&M, is a professor of practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture. She previously served as CEO of Gibson Hasbrouck & Associates, an educational consulting group. She develops curricula for McGraw Hill Education, Benchmark Education and Voyager Learning.

Her 40-year career began as a kindergarten teacher and special education specialist in Bryan Independent School District. She later owned three private preschools and developed programs for at-risk children at Clay Academy for the Potter’s House in Dallas and the Granite Preschool Project in Salt Lake City. The Utah project received over $14 million in social impact funding after reducing special education referrals from 30% to less than 1%.

While teaching at Texas A&M, Gibson directed a federal research project that helped paraprofessionals earn education degrees while maintaining full-time employment. Her work focuses on improving student outcomes through strong foundational skills and self-regulation, particularly for students facing poverty, language barriers, or special needs.

Meet keynote speaker Dr. Laura Jana

Dr. Laura Jana is an internationally renowned, US-based pediatrician, early educator, and award-winning author known for her collaboration with Dr. Spock. As chief innovation officer at Penn State University's Evidence to Impact Collaborative, she has over 25 years of experience collaborating with parents, educators, and various organizations. 

Dr. Jana has authored more than 30 books, including “QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom,” “The Toddler Brain,” and “Jumping Into Kindergarten,” which focus on essential social-emotional skills for children in a technology-driven world.

She has delivered three TED talks and over 100 presentations on early childhood education and 21st-century skill development to diverse audiences, including the World Bank, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the British Parliament.

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Watch: Dr. Laura Jana discusses skills every child will need to succeed in the 21st Century 
(Video courtesy TedxTalks)

Meet keynote speaker Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison is a celebrated writer, illustrator, and filmmaker. Winner of the 2024 Caldecott Medal for her picture book “BIG,” she is the first Black woman ever to receive this esteemed award in its 85-year history. A powerful and emotional tale of self-love and instant New York Times bestseller, “BIG” was also selected for Coretta Scott King Honors in both writing and illustration. Harrison is the creator of “Little Leaders, Little Dreamers, and Little Legends,” the No. 1 New York Times bestselling children’s collection of biographies about trailblazing women and exceptional men in Black history. She has also been recognized with two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Literary Work for Children.

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Watch: Vashti Harrison talks about her picture book BIG
(Video courtesy Little Brown School & Library)

Meet featured speaker Nafis Ahmed

Nafis Ahmed is the CEO and co-founder of The Text Hub, working to revolutionize English language learning through AI-powered education technology for students and adults globally. With over a decade of experience across diverse sectors such as higher education, medical, financial, and energy, Nafis leverages her master's degree in software engineering and passion for digital innovation to drive impactful change. She is committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education for marginalized communities and fostering diversity in education. When she's not leading initiatives at The Text Hub, Nafis enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering with nonprofits.

Meet featured speaker Dr. Delilah Gonzales

Dr. Delilah Gonzales is a renowned expert in early childhood education and the science of reading, with over 33 years of experience promoting research-based strategies to develop confident, effective readers. She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus in early literacy from the University of Memphis. Gonzales serves on the governing boards of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) and the International Literacy Association, furthering her commitment to advancing early literacy education.

As the founder of the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives supporting early literacy across Texas, partnering with major organizations such as H-E-B, Dollar General, and the Children's Museum of Houston. Gonzales is also a tenured professor at Texas Southern University and a published author, with works focusing on early literacy and the integration of AI in education. Her latest books include "Growing Up Smart: Nurturing Early Childhood in the Age of AI" and "Growing Up Smart: Daily Practical Strategies for Using AI to Design Lessons in the Early Childhood Classroom."

Meet featured speaker Irene Greaves, M.Ed.

Irene Greaves is the CEO and Founder of Lovescaping, LLC. Her journey began in Venezuela, where she learned about unconditional love from her special needs sister. After earning her bachelor's degree in Rome and working with organizations like UNICEF, Irene recognized that a lack of love was a standard issue worldwide.

She later completed her master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania and developed the framework for Lovescaping, centered around 15 pillars of love, including humility, empathy, and forgiveness. Irene created a curriculum for children, parents, and staff that includes coaching sessions to enhance their ability to love one another.

Lovescaping is transforming the community by helping parents, teachers, and children acquire vital socio-emotional skills.

Meet featured speaker Lesley Guilmart, M.Ed.

Lesley Guilmart, M.Ed., is a former high school English teacher and mom of two enthusiastic readers. While supporting her son’s early reading in kindergarten, she also helped him build emotional resilience using the Mood Meter with his favorite books. This experience taught her that young readers can be as insightful as the pros with the right supports.

Now, as an officer of secondary education at Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Educator Success, Lesley coaches in classrooms that serve students aged 3 to 18. She is dedicated to helping students build their resilience and literacy skills and is excited to share her insights and learn from attendees at ECWC.

Meet featured speaker Camari Carter Hawkins

Camari Carter Hawkins is a poet and writer from South Central Los Angeles. She is the author of "Death by Comb" (2016, World Stage Press) and the guided journal "Write Back to You." Her works have been published in "Rise: An Anthology of Power and Unity" (Vagabond Press), "Best of The Poetry Salon 2013-2018," The Dillydoun Review, Obsidian, Poets Choice, GenreUrbanArts, and various other outlets. In 2021, Camari founded Mama's Kitchen Press in her grandmother's kitchen. The mission of Mama's Kitchen Press is to use storytelling to affirm our humanity.

Meet featured speaker LJ Henderson

LJ Henderson is a leading advocate for education and STEM, with over thirty years of experience. As a speaker, she shares insights on integrating technology into education. She partners with T-Mobile for Education to provide innovative Ed-Tech STEM lessons to schools nationwide.

Her nonprofit organization, Little STEM Masters, focuses on supporting underrepresented communities by delivering essential STEM resources. Additionally, she serves on the board of the National Literacy Institute and is involved with the Louisiana Childcare Association and the Texas Association for Children.

During the pandemic, Henderson launched the Little STEM Academy in Texas to address the urgent need for science and math education. Her work has garnered international recognition, and she has spoken at major conferences, including the T-Mobile Stage at ISTE Live. LJ inspires educators and communities to embrace STEM education for a brighter future for all students.

Meet featured speaker Mary Jo Huff

Mary Jo Huff is a multi-award-winning teaching artist, author, storyteller, songwriter, and early childhood educator. She shares her passion and humor with audiences ranging from pre-schoolers and families to professional educators. With over 30 years of experience, Mary Jo connects language and literacy through stories, music, puppets, and props. Her educational workshops target standard-based curriculums, and she engages her audience in hands-on, easy-to-duplicate ideas. Puppets, props, and playful tales open the door for everyone interested in sharing a story.

STORYTELLING with PUPPETS, PROPS, and PLAYFUL TALES! 

Come ready to wiggle and giggle with the fun of story play for young children. Learn to connect basic skills, language development, motivation, social awareness, cultural awareness, diversity, and environmental concerns. Books, stories, songs, finger plays, poems, and fun are interwoven throughout the presentation. Puppets enrich learning, promote student interest, and ease problem-solving. Come prepared to interact and have educational fun using good common sense!

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Watch: Mary Jo Huff explains why she loves the power of storytelling and its importance for all children.

Meet featured speaker Emily Kate Moon

Emily Kate Moon, an award-winning children's author and illustrator, creates the Science Pals series, which teaches complex scientific concepts through engaging characters and simple language. Her books include "PUFF: All About Air" and "DROP: An Adventure through the Water Cycle," with "RAY: How Light Works" slated for 2025. "DROP" earned recognition as a Blue Ribbon Selection from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 2022 and 2023, reaching over 750,000 homes worldwide. 

Driven by a passion for making science accessible to young minds, Moon combines clear visuals, humor, and straightforward language to empower the next generation of learners. Her work focuses on fostering children's interest in art, nature, and science to help them navigate and thrive in an increasingly technological world.

Meet featured speaker Amanda Morgan

Amanda Morgan, an education consultant with a background in elementary and early childhood education, runs the blog and podcast "Not Just Cute."

Through her platform, she advocates for whole child development, emphasizing the importance of play, relationships and conversations in early learning.

Morgan holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education and a master's in child development from Utah State University. For over a decade, she has worked with early childhood groups across the United States and Canada.

Meet featured speaker Faby Perry, M.Ed.

Faby Perry has been an educator for over 21 years, teaching early childhood for two-thirds of those years. She earned a master’s degree in bilingual education from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in reading from Texas A&M International University in Laredo. She has served in many capacities: teacher-mentor, teacher-literacy coach, and Lovescaping coach. She founded Teaching Bilingual, LLC (now Teaching Multilingual) and partnered with Lovescaping to create a love and literacy department teaching love and literacy.

Meet featured speaker Ryanna Siddiq

Meet featured speaker Gilberto Soto, Ph.D.

Dr. Gilberto D. Soto is a music education and guitar professor at Texas A&M International University, where he teaches bilingual music education and directs the Classical Guitar Ensemble. He has authored numerous bilingual education books, including "Fiesta de Canciones" and co-authored several national music and reading series. His work has been featured on CNN International and TLC, and his publications have been adopted by schools across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, with some translated into Mandarin. He holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and performs flamenco and classical guitar internationally, including at the White House. Dr. Soto regularly conducts bilingual music education workshops at prestigious conferences and has received multiple awards for his contributions to music education and performance.

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Watch: Dr. Soto conducts a music recital in May 2023 in Laredo, Texas.
(Video courtesy City of Laredo)

Meet featured speaker Dr. Dierdre J. Williams

Deirdre Williams, Ed.D., the chief bridge builder with U-Bridge Consulting Group, has an impressive educational leadership history. She combines her skills in education, public health research and evaluation to support leaders by changing their organizational cultures and improving learning outcomes for all students.

Deirdre has served in several educational leadership roles, including being the executive director of the School Reform Initiative, the premier source for professional development and resources related to creating transformational learning communities fiercely committed to educational equity and excellence.

Under her leadership, the organization supported districts across the country by building equity bridges to engage student and community voices in the development of equity policy and programs to eliminate gaps in student outcomes.

She also launched the Commitment to Equity Institute, a year-long initiative for leaders, teachers, and students who are focused on dismantling systems of oppression in their schools.