2026 Annual Symposium

Opening Remarks and Welcome

Calvin Hill, President, NYSMICJ; and Deputy Superintendent for PREA, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, NYSDOCCS 

Posting of the Colors by the New York State Police

Elected Officials 

Gwen Webber-McLeod, Founder, You Can’t Fail, Inc.

"The Changing Perspectives of Leadership"

Gwen Webber-McLeod is the founder of You Can't Fail, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to developing the next generation of women of color leaders through programs such as the You Can't Fail Conference and Millennial Women Making Moves. A nationally recognized leadership expert, Gwen is a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer who helps organizations build inclusive cultures and develop effective leaders.

• Life Happens: Plan for It: Understand Wills, Trusts, and Estates So You Can Protect What Matters. Presented by Norman J. Chirco, Esq., Norman J. Chirco Law
• Leadership is Influence: Not a Title. Presented by Dr. John Ducksworth,  DMin.
• Protecting our Youth: Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline. Presented by  Dr. Peleya Patterson, LMSW, DSW, Professor, CUNY Kingsborough Community College 

Bishop Ronald B. Dewberry, Chief Executive Officer, Center of Hope International

Bishop Ronald B. Dewberry is Senior Pastor and co-founder of New Life Temple of Praise, CEO of Center of Hope International, Inc., and founder of Ronald Dewberry Productions, LLC. A respected pastor, teacher, entrepreneur, and community leader, he has served in ministry for more than 38 years, including pastorate, prison, and campus ministry in Ohio and Upstate New York. Bishop Dewberry holds degrees in Mass Media Communications and Religious Studies and has pursued advanced theological studies in Black Church Studies and Transformative Leadership.

• Strengthening Community, Supporting Our Youth Through a Restorative Lens. Presented by Dr. John Ducksworth,  DMin. 
• Life Happens: Plan for It: Understand Wills, Trusts, and Estates So You Can Protect What Matters. Presented by Norman J. Chirco, Esq., Norman J. Chirco Law
• Prepare for The Pivot: Navigating Complaints, Investigations, and Employee Protections. Presented by NYSDOCCS Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, PhD, MDiv, Founding Director of the Center for Social Justice and Chief Diversity Officer, Excelsior University

“Participating in Change Inclusively and Sustainably, the Kübler-Ross Change Curve”

Dr. Daniel Pascoe Aguilar serves as Chief Diversity Officer, Founding Director of the Center for Social Justice, and Title IX Coordinator at Excelsior University, where he leads the institution’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. A passionate advocate for developing the next generation of leaders, he works to build authentic partnerships and innovative strategies that foster engagement, belonging, and leadership development. He is an accomplished author, speaker, consultant, and trainer, with numerous publications focused on systems thinking, leadership, career development, and intercultural engagement.

• Change Curve, Exercises on Managing the Impact of Change. Presented by   Dr. Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Ph.D., MDiv, Founding Director of the Center for Social Justice and Chief Diversity Officer, Excelsior University
• You Matter Too: Managing Self-Care. Presented by Norman Lee, Professor and Director of Student Activities, Cayuga Community College
• Money Moves: Smart Strategies for Your Financial Future. Presented by Darmel Whitfield, Financial Planner, Prudential Financial, Inc.

Hon. Dr. Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson, Ed.D., Councilwoman, City of Auburn, New York

Dr. Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson is a dedicated community leader, advocate, and servant leader from Auburn, the hometown of Harriet Tubman. Dr. Overstreet-Wilson earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. John Fisher University, with research focused on gender microaggressions. She spent more than twenty years in the juvenile justice system advocating for youth and families impacted by systemic barriers and inequities. Through her leadership and commitment to building intentional partnerships, Dr. Overstreet-Wilson works to create meaningful change and strengthen opportunities for individuals and families throughout her community.

• Change Curve, Exercises on Managing the Impact of Change. Presented by   Dr. Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Ph.D., MDiv, Founding Director of the Center for Social Justice and Chief Diversity Officer, Excelsior University
• You Matter Too: Managing Self-Care. Presented by Norman Lee, Professor and Director of Student Activities, Cayuga Community College
• Money Moves: Smart Strategies for Your Financial Future. Presented by Darmel Whitfield, Financial Planner, Prudential Financial, Inc.

President Calvin Hill

Vice President Otis Cruse

Executive Director Loyce Duke

Moderated by: 

Loyce Duke, NYSMICJ Executive Director; and Retired Superintendent, NYSDOCCS