Denise T. Best, M.A.
Denise holds a master’s degree in American Studies from Trinity College and a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor concentration in Urban Education from Lesley University. She is a certified Triple P practitioner and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. Denise began dedicating her free time in the Upper Albany community while working as the Director of Graduate Studies and Special Academic Programs at Trinity College. After retiring from Trinity in 2010, she worked for the Christian Activities Council, where she began her retirement career as a community organizer. She has worked on community development for Upper Albany Main Street, and at Blue Hills Civic Association in community/education organizing, with a focus on the design of the new Weaver High School. Denise is currently the president and CEO of the Voices of Women of Color and the organizer for the North Hartford Seniors in Action. She is a writer, vocalist, and a co-host on the Easy G Morning Show on Energy Radio. She sits on the boards of the Friends of Keney Park, Upper Albany Development, Inc., Journey Writers, Inc., Hartford Votes, and is vice president of the board for the Community First School. She has served on the CT Trust for Historic Preservation, the City of Hartford Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Denise has served on numerous task forces and committees for mayors Perez, Segarra and Bronin. After serving nearly ten years as the Chair of the Upper Albany Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, (UANRZ), she stepped down in September 2020.
Melissa Marshall, J.D.
Melissa is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law and is admitted to the Bar in Connecticut. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College, where she was one of the first people in the country to major in disability studies. In addition to being a disability policy consultant for over a decade, she has been Executive Director of several disability-related organizations. She conducts access audits at facilities of all sizes. She has worked extensively with people who have physical, sensory, intellectual, learning and psychiatric disabilities, as well as with people on the autism spectrum.
Rayna Dyton-White, J.D.
Rayna has 20 years of experience providing outreach and community education to underrepresented populations. Rayna’s work has focused on systemic disparities that limit access and opportunities to vulnerable populations. Rayna has worked directly with developmentally disabled youth for a local Board of Education providing classroom and vocational support. She has also been,a hearing officer for the City of Hartford, a contractor for the CT. Dept of Mental Health and Addiction Services, a program manager with the CT Office of Policy and Management, Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Unit. She has also held a private law practice representing clients in criminal court and before the CHRO. Rayna Dyton-White is currently the Director of Diversity and Inclusion/Title IX Coordinator. She resides in Windsor with her husband, two daughters, and a stinky 12 year old pit-bull.
Panelist Objectives:
- Discussing/educating about the intersectionality of ableism and racism, specifically in the US education system
- Sharing by invited guests personal experiences that illustrate the intersectionality of ableism and racism in the education system
- Identifying action steps for anti-racist work (in addition to the anti-ablest work that is already being done) that each professional can take on their individual campuses