



THE OXFORD SIX

Ana Berdecia

Ruth Edwards

Carol Minton-Ryan
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Loretta Hobbs



Sunaina Sharma
Alfonso Nardi
In the vibrant atmosphere of Oxford University, where minds converge from around the world, a serendipitous gathering unfolded, weaving the bonds that would define our collective journey. Six individuals, brought together by chance and fueled by shared ideals, found themselves drawn into a dynamic tapestry of connection and purpose.
As delegates at a symposium probing the issues and trends of modern education, we embarked on a four-day exploration. From shared meals to engaging excursions, we immersed ourselves not only in the discourse of academia but also in the rich tapestry of each other's stories. Through animated discussions and shared insights, we discovered a common passion for catalyzing positive change in the lives of today's youth.
Our time together unveiled a shared optimism for the potential of the younger generation—a generation fueled by curiosity and a hunger for knowledge, eager to both learn and be heard. Yet, beneath our shared aspirations lay a deeper resonance: a collective acknowledgment of the challenges of discrimination, both personal and observed.
In the midst of our exchanges, a unifying belief emerged—a belief in the transformative power of love and empathy as antidotes to the shadows of prejudice. As the symposium drew to a close, the embers of our shared vision ignited a collective resolve to extend our partnership beyond the confines of academia.
Inspired by a shared sense of purpose, we committed ourselves to a bold initiative—an initiative aimed at shedding light on the complexities of discrimination and amplifying the voices of those silenced by its injustice.
Thus, from the vibrant halls of Oxford, our journey began—a journey fueled by the bonds of friendship and the shared conviction that together, we can ignite meaningful change in the world.
About Alfonso W. Nardi
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Alfonso W. Nardi, AIA, is a practicing architect and professor dedicated to promoting inclusivity and understanding through his work. Recognized for excellence in architecture, Alfonso has a distinguished career and is noted in Marquis Who's Who in America.
Alfonso writes a monthly column for the New England Real Estate Journal and has contributed to and edited the "Barrier Free Design" section of the Architectural Graphic Standards. His expertise in barrier-free design highlights his commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
As a lecturer on the Americans with Disabilities Act and small firm survival, Alfonso shares his knowledge with various organizations, advocating for inclusive design and support for small architectural practices.
Beyond his professional achievements, Alfonso is deeply involved in community service, cooking for the homeless and sharing stories that foster empathy and understanding. His work with others in similar service highlights the shared humanity that binds us all.
At “I Am The One You Hate,” Alfonso’s dedication to inclusive design and community service embodies our mission to humanize the 'other' and promote a world where acceptance and equality prevail.
About Dr. Sunaina Sharma
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Dr. Sunaina Sharma, an educator with over 20 years of experience, passionately believes in the transformative power of literature and diverse perspectives in shaping young minds. In her classroom, texts serve as mirrors, reflecting her students' identities, while also acting as windows into diverse cultures.
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Sunaina fosters empathy, understanding, and global citizenship, preparing her students to navigate an interconnected society. As a secondary teacher and program leader, she ensures her students are exposed to diverse texts and have a safe space to explore their identities and empathize with others. Her initiatives advocate for organizational effectiveness, prioritizing the human aspect of change.
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Sunaina also mentors future educators in a Bachelor of Education program, cultivating a new generation of teachers who value empathy and understanding in today's global society.
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At “I Am The One You Hate,” Sunaina's dedication to educational excellence and cultural competency aligns seamlessly with our mission. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion enriches her students' lives and contributes to a more empathetic and interconnected world, embodying our core values.
About Ana Berdecia
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Ana I. Berdecia, M.Ed., and Certified Coach, is dedicated to the positive development of urban children. With extensive experience in supporting women in crisis, early childhood education, higher education, coaching, leadership, and culturally responsive practices, Ana’s career reflects her commitment to an ethic of caring that centers equity and education.
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Starting as a bilingual domestic violence hotline coordinator in New Jersey, Ana provided crisis counseling to victims of crimes including domestic violence and survivors of sexual assault. She also directed a bilingual child development center and has worked in higher education for nearly two decades, focusing on public policy.
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Ana examines the vulnerabilities and resilience of urban children to enhance their health, well-being, and education. She has written extensively on culturally responsive practices and developed programs to support cultural competency and English learners.
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Ana holds a master’s in education, a BA in Sociology with a minor in women’s studies, and a teaching certificate. She also runs a private coaching and training practice and is the author of "The Road to Purpose: The Twists and Turns of God's Positioning System (GPS)."
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At “I Am The One You Hate,” Ana lifts up the voices of culturally and linguistically diverse populations showcasing the impact of empathy and understanding in dismantling racism and fostering a world where everyone is valued.
About Dr. Ruth D. Edwards
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Dr. Ruth Edwards is a Critical Social Theorist and Human Development Scholar whose work delves into the socio-psychological development of Black women. She explores cultural influences on human behavior, aiming to uncover the reasons behind actions. Her research on U.S.-born Black women led to the development of the Internalized Collective Consciousness theory.
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Dr. Edwards has a rich background in media, having been an award-winning producer and host for television and a radio announcer. She holds a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and TV Communications. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and a Master of Science in Organizational Systems, and has taught as an adjunct professor at several colleges.
Author of "Becoming a Black Woman: A Theory of Internalized Collective Consciousness" and "Step Into Yourself: Spiritual Affirmations for Embracing Change," Dr. Edwards uses her expertise to foster understanding and empathy.
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At “I Am The One You Hate,” Dr. Edwards’ insights into cultural and psychological development align with our mission to humanize the 'other' and challenge prejudices, promoting acceptance and equality through storytelling and shared experiences.
About Dr. Carol Minton-Ryan
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Carol Minton-Ryan, Ph.D., is a Professor of Sociology with a focus on fostering understanding and support through education. Her work highlights the importance of empathy and cultural awareness in breaking down barriers of discrimination.
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Carol’s research spans various impactful areas. She authored "The Impact of Trauma-Informed Educational Support Groups on Increasing Self-Efficacy: Standing Together for Health," and has documented the development of Malawian Sign Language, emphasizing greater access and literacy for the Deaf community. Her presentations on Deaf education and the need for sign language documentation underscore her commitment to inclusivity.
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Carol's published works also include "Voices from Behind Prison Walls: The Impact of Training Service Dogs on Women in Prison," illustrating how innovative programs can transform lives and challenge societal prejudices. Her book, "The Social Construction of Gender Inequality in Central Malawi," delves into gender issues, advocating for equity and understanding.
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At “I Am The One You Hate,” Carol’s dedication to trauma-informed support, Deaf education, and gender equity reflects our mission to humanize the 'other' and promote acceptance and equality through empathy and understanding.
About Dr. Loretta Hobbs
Dr. Loretta Hobbs, a seasoned Strategy and Organizational Transformation consultant, is dedicated to the duality of dismantling barriers of discrimination, while uplifting the humanity and gifts in all the world’s peoples. Her work in organization development is rooted in socio-behavioral theory, organizational systems and culture, and structural design. Her research, including her dissertation, illuminates the impact of adult nonphysical aggression by shedding light on the concept of “pull-down aggression” as encountered by people perceived as doing well.
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Dr. Hobbs, with a global perspective garnered from operating in fifteen countries and presenting research on three continents, advocates for organizational effectiveness while prioritizing the human side of change. Her diverse professional endeavors have focused on health systems, effectiveness of high reliability in health care systems for 20 years. Her other pursuits include elevating effectiveness in public media entities and NGOs, which reflects her commitment to
equality. This is evident in initiatives like producing a radio program promoting women's agency in a major metropolitan area, showcasing her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment across cultural contexts.
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Through her academic and professional endeavors, Dr. Hobbs embodies the mission of “I Am The One You Hate,” fostering understanding and empathy across diverse communities. Her extensive experience in academia, coupled with her practical work in various sectors, reflects her dedication to challenging prejudices and promoting acceptance and equality for all.
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