Keynote speakers biographies:

Iana Matthews-Harris is a local poet, performer, social justice activist and youth advocate. She is also the Youth Advocacy Coordinator for the Youth Action Board, a Positive Youth Development project in Eugene, Oregon and is one of last year's recipients of Lane County's Commission on Children and Families Community Recognition award. She specializes in utilizing free speech, spoken word, hip hop and open mic to empower youth. That powerful perspective is what has driven Iana to bring this fresh part of youth culture into the government. Iana's goal is to help empower people to create a world where peace and environmental safety are the reality.

Ashley Beghtel is a student at the University of Oregon in the Family & Human Services program. She recently won the title of Miss Deaf Oregon and will now serve the state as a Deaf ambassador and youth advocate. This summer, she will compete for Miss Deaf America in Louisiana. Currently, an intern at the Oregon State School for the Deaf, she is working on a project that will adapt educational techniques, known as positive behavior supports, to address the needs of students who attend the state's school for the Deaf. She believes strongly in empowerment through diversity, leadership and being a positive role model for youth so they may change the stars.

Workshop information to come!