Meet our Keynote Speakers

LEAH ROTHSTEIN

Leah Rothstein is the co-author of JUST ACTION: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law that describes how local community groups can redress the wrongs of segregation. She also writes a regular column to which you can subscribe for free at JustAction.substack.com. Leah has worked on public policy and community change, from the grassroots to the halls of government. She led research on reforming community corrections policy and practice to be focused on rehabilitation, not punishment. She has been a consultant to nonprofit housing developers, cities and counties, redevelopment agencies, and private firms on community development and affordable housing policy, practice, and finance. Her policy work is informed by her years as a community organizer and labor organizer, working on issues such as housing, environmental justice, workplace safety, and youth leadership.

RICHARD ROTHSTEIN

Richard Rothstein is the co-author of JUST ACTION: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law and author of THE COLOR OF LAW: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. He also writes a regular column to which you can subscribe for free at JustAction.substack.com. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Economic Policy Institute, and Senior Fellow (Emeritus) of the Thurgood Marshall Institute of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He is the author of many other articles and books on race and education, which can be found at his web page at the Economic Policy Institute.

GARRY GILLIAM

Garry is a remarkable individual with a diverse range of accomplishments and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on communities. He holds multiple degrees in Business Development, Psychology, and Advertising from Penn State University, which have been instrumental in his post-professional football career. Garry's journey as a serial entrepreneur has allowed him to apply the invaluable lessons learned on the field to his ventures, enhancing his character, perspective, focus, and business acumen. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Garry is a staunch advocate for community support, particularly through youth empowerment and mentorship. He firmly believes that a community's strength lies in the services, resources, and businesses that support it. With an unwavering determination to address significant societal needs and fractures, Garry has set out to solve pressing issues. It was during his time playing with the Seahawks that he conceptualized his vision for The Bridge Eco-Village in Harrisburg, a sustainable, mixed-use community ecosystem.This groundbreaking project offers solutions to the challenges faced by underserved communities, encompassing housing, retail, co-working spaces, education opportunities, entrepreneurship incubators, urban agriculture, and sports and entertainment. Garry's ambition extends beyond Harrisburg, as he envisions expanding The Bridge model across the United States and Africa, recognizing the importance of collaboration, personal and professional growth, and sustainable business practices for future success.