SHILPA ALIMCHANDANI

Diversity Inclusion Expert, New Point Strategies LLC

Shilpa Alimchandani has more than 20 years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), leadership development, and intercultural learning. She is a DEI strategist, leadership coach, and facilitator who partners with clients to develop holistic solutions that lead to transformational change.

In her most recent role as the Director of Learning & Innovation for Cook Ross, she built the learning and development function from the ground up and led the organization’s curriculum and product development initiatives. With her deep knowledge of various learning modalities, intercultural leadership development, and human-centered design, Shilpa is able to craft interventions that are targeted, impactful, and appropriate for diverse, global audiences.

Before her work at Cook Ross, Shilpa designed and implemented global leadership programs for the State Department, led the development of a global learning strategy for the Peace Corps, and taught in the School of International Service at American University. She has facilitated trainings in nearly 20 countries around the world, and has received numerous awards, including twice receiving the Peace Corps' Distinguished Service Award.

She is the author of the book Communicating Development Across Cultures: Monologues & Dialogues in Development Project Implementation (Lambert Academic Publishing, 2010), and has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences, including The Forum on Workplace Inclusion and the Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research (SIETAR). She has also been a guest lecturer at numerous academic institutions, including Georgetown University and the United States Institute of Peace.

TIMOTHY KANE

Senior Consultant, New Point Strategies LLC

Timothy Kane is a Senior Consultant and Trainer with NewPoint Strategies, working with clients on a range of issues covering Diversity and Inclusion, LGBTQIA, Harassment Prevention, and Conflict Management.  His skill set highlights include cross-cultural competency and exchange, problem solving and communication, as well as leadership development and strategic planning. 

Timothy is currently on the training team for the State Department Diplomatic Security Training Center and Loudoun County Government. Timothy provides interactive presentations on emerging issues surrounding the LGBTQIA community. He is also working on a digital animation training tool for NewPoint on Diversity and Harassment.

Timothy creates safe space for authentic dialogue and empowering communication regarding personal identities, individual strength and organizational success. Through dialogue facilitation and interactive presentations, Timothy promotes outcomes-based strategies to enhance interpersonal skills and cultural integration.  His ten years of experience includes leadership and consulting roles within Higher Education, Federal Government, Public Service and International Development. 

Timothy’s clients include Department of State, Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, Institute of International Education, World Bank, as well as numerous non-profit agencies, colleges and universities.  Timothy has engaged over 4,500 international visitors from over 80 countries regarding themes of community building, leadership development, as well as diversity and inclusion.

As the former Director of the Office of Community Service at The George Washington University (GW), Timothy promoted civic engagement among 25,000 students and 8,000 staff and faculty.  Timothy oversaw university-wide civic engagement campaigns with community partners including The White House. As the current Associate Director of the GW Multicultural Student Services Center, Timothy has fine-tuned engagement of topics related to sexual, gender and religious diversity and inclusion.  He specializes in promoting promising practices for community building and bias response, including development of policy and procedure. 

Timothy received his Bachelor’s of Arts from Hamilton College, his Masters of Divinity from Harvard University, and his Masters of Theology in Justice and Peace Studies from Maryknoll School of Theology. As a certified instructor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Timothy also holds a Certificate in International Development from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, as well as Graduate Certificates in HIV/AIDS Studies, International Education and Islamic Studies from George Washington University.

JIM LEWIS

Instructional Technology Producer,

New Point Strategies LLC

Mr. Lewis has served as an instructional technology producer for NewPoint Strategies on wide range of educational and training programs.  Due to his knowledge of both production and technologies he has been instrumental in translating curriculum into web-based and computer based training (CBT) platforms, as well as supporting a variety of distance learning programs.  These projects have included simulators and interactive courseware for the US Navy on topics ranging from launching planes from aircraft carriers to military spec soldering.  He has helped develop web based training projects for Hilton Hotels, AAR Airlift, and several universities. Mr. Lewis is familiar with most learning management systems (LMS) and is proficient in Macromedia, Captivate, iBooks and others.  He and his team develop and maintain for most learning platform for NewPoint Strategies. Jim also developed online registration systems for NewPoint and works with IT departments on security issues with NewPoint clients.

MARIA MORUKIAN

Diversity/Inclusion/Equity,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Maria Morukian is a Senior Consultant and Trainer for NewPoint Strategies. She is a NewPoint leader on Gender and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion issues in the workplace. Maria has over 15 years of experience as an organizational development trainer, consultant and coach, specializing in diversity and inclusion best practices and high-risk employment issues such as harassment prevention and anti-bullying strategies. She works with federal, corporate and nonprofit organizations, helping everyone from aspiring leaders to senior executives, to build strong, healthy, inclusive organizations. She currently leads NewPoint’s work on Unconscious Bias with several government and non-profit organizations. She has delivered successful webinars on implicit bias to CCAR, HUC, Reform Congregation search committees, and also presented at the Reform Conference on Conscience in Washington DC. 

Maria’s clients include the Department of State, Department of the Navy, Marine Corps, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, General Services Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of the Treasury, Department of the Interior, Library of Congress, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Agency for International Development, Spitzer Auto World, Lorain Public Schools, Syngenta Seeds LLC, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and Delta Airlines. 

Maria formerly served as the Practice Director for Leadership and Management at Management Concepts, where she led efforts to develop in-person and virtual training and consulting solutions, including a number of diversity and inclusion focused projects.  Maria also served as a leadership development specialist for the U.S. Department of State, where she provided training, coaching, and consulting on leadership skills, diversity, inclusion, employee relations, EEO, and global diversity and cultural competence. She also served as an EEO Counselor during her five-year tenure with the Department.

Maria served as the Executive Director for the National Multi-Cultural Institute, where she led efforts to develop and deliver customized organizational change initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, anti-discrimination and harassment, and global diversity competency, for organizations ranging from the International Monetary Fund to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 

Maria currently serves on the faculty of the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute, where she trains and coaches senior executives in the federal government on leadership, with a particular focus on building diverse, inclusive, and innovative teams and organizations. She currently leads a number of diversity and inclusion training and consulting efforts, partnering with the OPM’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and providing anti-bias training across federal government.

Maria is currently an adjunct faculty at American University’s School of International Service, leading graduate courses on intercultural competence, diversity and inclusion. She previously served as adjunct faculty at George Washington University teaching cultural competence training design.Maria earned her dual Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Organizational Studies and Spanish and Master’s in International Communication from American University. She regularly presents at conferences, including the Training Officers Consortium, Federally Employed Women, and Blacks in Government, on issues of diversity and inclusion.

MARTHA BURKE

Gender Pay Equity Expert, NewPoint Strategies LLC

Martha Burk is a national Gender Pay Equity Consultant, and NewPoint’s Senior Consultant on Pay Equity issues.  She designed and conducted pay equity studies for the City of Albuquerque and City of New Orleans which were the first- in- the- nation gender pay equity initiatives at the city level. These studies included project oversight, design of reporting procedures, and statistical analysis of gender pay gaps, both for city employees as well as city contractors. 

Martha also consulted on Gender Pay Equity initiatives for San Francisco, State of New York, City of New York, Phoenix, Erie County, NY (Buffalo), State of Missouri, Kansas City, Mo.  She has provided several private sector consultancies governed by non-disclosure agreements.

As Money Editor for Ms. Magazine, Martha produces columns on the politics of money as it pertains to women, including equal pay, family leave, minimum wage, and other topics. She led the Working Group on Paid Family Leave, Southwest Women’s Law Center, Albuquerque, N.M.

Martha is a syndicated columnist, gender issues, distributed by Other Words to newspapers nationwide. Previously, Martha was the CEO of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, Washington, D.C., the nation’s largest coalition of women’s groups, collectively representing 10 million women. 

Martha was a consultant for the State of New Mexico under Governor Bill Richardson. In this project, she designed and implemented first- in- the- nation gender pay equity initiative at the state level, including gender pay equity analysis of 17,000 State of New Mexico employees, and statistical analysis of gender pay data from entities contracting with the State.

Martha consulted with the U.S. Department of Labor, Obama Administration, and produced working papers and one-on-one consulting with Secretary of Labor and principals of the EEOC on process and outcomes on gender equity initiatives. For the National Academy of Sciences, Obama Administration, she provided consultation, and presentations regarding New Mexico pay equity initiatives. For the U.S. Department of State, Clinton, W. Bush Administrations, Martha sponsored presentations on gender equity including Kuwait, China, Lithuania, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia. For UNESCO, she sponsored seminars on gender pay equity, Macedonia, Serbia, Albania.

Martha serves on the following Boards: U.S. National Committee for U.N. Women, New York, Wider Opportunities for Women, Washington, D.C., National Committee on Pay Equity, Washington, D.C. She has a B.S, University of Houston, M.S, and Ph.D, University of Texas at Arlington, and is Licensed by the Texas State Board of Psychology. Contact: 202-247-1300

LIZ DONEGAN

Sexual Harasssment / Assault / Rape Prevention,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Sgt. Liz Donegan is a Senior Consultant and Trainer for NewPoint Strategies, LLC.  She is on the NewPoint team for sexual assault prevention training for the US military and police departments.  She recently conducted a highly effective workshop on sexual assault, stalking, child abuse and domestic violence for First Responders in the Army at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.  Her workshop covered: myths and misperceptions, understanding trauma, debunking the myth of false reports, how to interview victims, understanding predatory behavior, using pre-text communications, and overcoming the “consent” defense in non-stranger rape.

Sergeant Elizabeth Donegan is a 26-year veteran of the Austin Police Department (APD). For over nine years she led the APD Sex Crimes Unit, widely recognized for its progressive approach toward investigating sexual assault, providing better service to victims, and changing the culture surrounding the investigation of non-stranger sexual assault. Sgt. Donegan is a member of the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response Resource Team (SARRT). The APD Sex Crimes Unit was recognized for its progressive approach by Human Rights Watch in their 2013 report, Improving Police Response to Sexual Assault. Sgt. Donegan currently leads the APD Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (SOAR) unit. 

Sgt. Donegan recently served as an expert panelist for the Response Systems Panel, a federal advisory committee which conducted an independent review and assessment of the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving adult sexual assault and related offenses under military law. She has also trained and presented at a number of training events and conferences hosted by the U.S. Department of Defense, including the U.S. Army Summit, programs at Ft. Hood and Ft. Sam Houston, and ongoing training conducted at Ft. Leonard Wood. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army. 

Sgt. Donegan serves as a subject matter expert for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) on projects related to sexual assault response and investigation, including the National Law Enforcement Leadership Initiative on Violence Against Women and the roll-call training series How To Bring Sexual Assault Offenders to Justice: A Law Enforcement Response. She is a published author and frequent presenter at conferences and seminars. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the first Professional Impact Award given by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) in 2011.

KARETTA HUBBARD

Founder, NewPoint Strategies LLC

Karetta Hubbard is a founding partner of NewPoint Strategies, LLC.  She directs the firm’s strategic development in the areas of client services and products, marketing, financial management and public relations. Ms. Hubbard, with more than thirty years of consulting, lecturing and managing experience in strategic management and organizational change. She focuses on innovative approaches to “shared cultural wisdom” in organizations. This concept is a core principal to the firm’s diversity practice.

Ms. Hubbard is an entrepreneur, educator and author with a depth of experience in the field of diversity. She has provided  management consulting to organizations throughout the world. She conceived and developed an innovative technological solution to provide web-based training on high-risk workplace issues to their clients. As a pioneer in the web-based training field, she directed her firm’s success in winning the prestigious Blue Diamond Award for technological achievement. Ms. Hubbard has been active in the community for more than 30 years, she was appointed to the Small Business Advisory Council (SBA), a past President of the Tyson Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. Ms. Hubbard attended the University of Virginia and received her B.A. degree from George Mason University. She attended Catholic University’s Graduate School in Social Work.

MAJ BEN BROOKS

Diversity / Inclusion / Equity,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Benjamin F. Brooks is a Senior Consultant and Trainer for NewPoint Strategies LLC.  He served on the NewPoint team for the NY/NJ Port Authority to provide training in Harassment Prevention and Diversity to the police force. He is currently the lead on police training for “de-escalation” in minority communities.  He is a retired Major of the Pennsylvania State Police, Management Consultant, and Founder of Major Ben’s Consulting Agency, specializing in providing assistance to companies to more effectively implement their Cultural Diversity programs.  His specific areas of expertise include: A  Unique approach to Understanding , Valuing and Managing  Diversity,  Dealing with Difficult People,  Policing Your Image,  Preventing Sexual Harassment in The Workplace, Stress Management,  and Workplace Violence. As a former licensed Private Investigator, with three decades of experience, he has a keen awareness of sensitive workplace issues. Brooks is a native of Elizabethtown, North Carolina.  In 1979, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Management Training Program for Senior Managers, the FBI National Academy, Pennsylvania State University Police Supervisor In-service Training, and Police Executive Development Program. He is certified by the U.S. Department of Justice for Diversity Training. Brooks’ yearning for social justice led him to enlist in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1961. He was one of the first African-Americans in the history of the State Police. Ben rose through the ranks to become the first African-American Captain/Troop Commander.  In 1987, Brooks became the first enlisted member of the Pennsylvania State Police to head the Affirmative Action/Contract Compliance Division. In that capacity, he developed the State Police’s Sexual Harassment policy and training program, and redefined the concept of Affirmative Action, and its relationship to cultural diversity. He joined a multi-agency task force which was responsible for training Police and Corrections Departments throughout Pennsylvania in the Ethnic Intimidation laws relating to hate crimes. Brooks has appeared on “About the Law,” a program at WHAG-TV an NBC affiliate, Hagerstown, Maryland on “Affirmative Action In Law Enforcement”, and “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.” Brooks is a member of the National Speakers Association, American Seminar Leaders Association, Dale Carnegie Group, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. (NOBLE). He is a published author (Human Resources strategies that work).

GWEN CRIDER

Diversity / Inclusion / Equity,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Gwen Crider is a Senior Consultant with NewPoint Strategies. She works with NewPoint clients on a range of issues covering Diversity and Inclusion, Harassment Prevention, EEO, Employee Relations and Conflict Management. Currently, she leads the training team for NewPoint’s major clients, the Architect of the Capitol, State Department (FSI) and Department of Commerce where we are providing training for  employees, supervisors and managers. She is also the chief developer of the NewPoint innovative QuickPoints online training tool. Gwen Crider is an organization effectiveness consultant with expertise in strategic planning, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and team performance. Her 20 years of experience includes leadership and consulting roles with organizations in the private, non-profit, government, and education sectors. Gwen served as Executive Director of Diversity Best Practices where she provided strategic direction in the delivery of services to 160 corporate members, including Colgate-Palmolive, Chevron Corporation, IBM, Eastman Kodak, Motorola, and Cisco Systems. As Executive Director of the National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI), Gwen planned and executed professional development conferences, conducted diversity climate assessments and focus groups, and facilitated strategic planning sessions for clients including the Academy for Educational Development (AED); the International Monetary Fund; Gallaudet University, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HIV/AIDS Bureau; Arlington County (VA) Public Schools; and Valdosta State (GA) University, among others. Gwen led leadership development and diversity and inclusion initiatives in the museum field as Executive Director of the Austin Children’s Museum, Executive Director of the Science and Technology Center of Atlanta and Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air & Space Museum. As Board member for the Association of Science-Technology Centers she served as Co-Chair of its Equity & Diversity Committee; served as a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Diversity in Action Task Force for the Association of Children’s Museums, and served on the Diversity Task Force for the American Association of Museums. As an adjunct professor at George Mason University (VA), Gwen teaches “Diversity in Organizations” to 3rd and 4th year management students. She is the author of numerous articles and a frequent speaker on subjects related to leadership, diversity & inclusion, strategic partnering and workforce development. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Public Administration degree from The George Washington University.

CHRIS KILMARTIN

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Dr. Christopher Kilmartin is a Senior Consultant and Trainer for NewPoint Strategies LLC and part of the NewPoint sexual assault prevention team.  He is a professional psychologist, college professor, author, stand-up comedian, actor, playwright, and consultant on gender and violence prevention. He is a Professor of Psychology at The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.  He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical psychologist who has a great deal of experience consulting with businesses, college students, human services workers, athletic departments, the military, and counselors. His major scholarly work is The Masculine Self (5^th edition Sloan, 2015, now co-authored by Andrew Smiler), which has also been translated into Korean. He has also co-authored Men’s Violence Against Women: Theory, Research, and Activism, Overcoming Masculine Depression: The Pain behind the Mask: (also translated into Hebrew and Korean; 2^nd edition, 2013), and Sexual Assault in Context: Teaching College Men about Gender, a manual based on his consultation experiences. Drawing on his background as a professional stand-up comedian, Dr. Kilmartin wrote a solo theatre performance on men's issues entitled Crimes Against Nature.  This work, an integration of his scholarly and performing interests, and performed by the author, has toured to over 150 campuses and other venues for a total of 220 performances.  He is currently touring with a lecture/storytelling/multimedia hybrid entitled Guy Fi: The Fictions that Shape Men’s Lives. Dr. Kilmartin delivered the Keynote address at the NCAA Violence Prevention Summit in 2011 and has also consulted with the U. S. Department of Education, the U.S. Army and Air Force, and the international group, Democratic Control of the Armed Forces.  He served as a consultant for three years with the United States Naval Academy on a revision of sexual assault and harassment prevention curriculum.  He was a scriptwriter for an Army training film on the same topic. Dr. Kilmartin was the Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Air Force Academy for the academic year 2013-14.  In 2007, he was the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Gender Studies at the University of Klagenfurt, Austria, one of only 39 such honors awarded annually worldwide.  He was elected to Fellow Status in the American Psychological Association in 2008 and is a Past President of Division 51 of that organization, the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, which awarded him its Researcher of the Year distinction in 2010.  In 2015, the University of Mary Washington granted him its Professional Achievement Award.  He has been a featured presenter at the National Psychotherapy with Men Conferences.  Dr. Kilmartin is an internationally-recognized expert on gender and violence prevention.

KARYN TRADER-LEIGH

Diversity / Inclusion / Equity,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Dr. Karyn Trader -Leigh is a Senior Consultant and Trainer for NewPoint Strategies LLC.  She is currently on the team for Employee Relations training at FSI, State Department. Trader-Leigh provides consulting in organization Development, Human Capital, Diversity and Inclusion.  Karyn has served as CEO of KTA Global Partners for 18 years, providing consulting services in Human Capital planning, developing talent management systems, performance management accountability and performance assessment systems, leadership development, succession planning, culture change, and capacity building.  Karyn is currently involved in a system wide performance management project driven by the Government Performance and Results ACT (GPRA). As a researcher she has been involved in global and national studies. Her portfolio of clients includes government agencies, private sector corporations, NGO's and global multilateral institutions. Government agency work includes NSA, NASA, Homeland Security, DOD, IMF, United Nations, and Army Research Lab. Karyn has worked as a Director of Human Resources, Employee Relations Director, and Director of Training and Organization Development in Aerospace and IT organizations. She has also served as Program Director and Researcher for the Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies and Adjunct Professor Hampton University School of Business. Karyn served as a senior consultant to the National Multicultural Institute for 14 years, leading diversity initiatives and training D&I advocates. Karyn’s article on Identifying Resistance in Managing Change was based on dissertation work completed in the US Department of State examining implementation of a radical change to management and support structures in U.S. embassies worldwide. Other international experience includes consulting in Eastern Europe, lecturing in the Peoples Republic of China, presenting papers in Britain, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, The Czech Republic and living and working in a war torn country in West Africa. Academic credentials include a Doctorate in Organization Change from the Pepperdine School of Education and Psychology, MA, International Transactions School of Public Policy, George Mason University, Masters Work in Organization Development, Pepperdine University. Ethnic and Conflict Management Training from Central Eastern University and the Open society Institute in The Czech Republic. Certifications include Conflict Dynamics Profile, Benchmarks (360), Executive Dimensions, Disc, and Certified Coach (ICC) international Coaching Community (London).

CONNIE KIRKLAND

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Connie J. Kirkland, M.A. is a senior consultant for NewPoint Strategies and serves as a leading expert on the issue of sexual assault prevention. She was a key advisor for the NewPoint team project at West Point on sexual assault prevention. She assists in the design, protocol and delivery for the methodologies and training utilized in sexual assault prevention engagements. Connie was a primary advisor in NewPoint’s development of the STOP application on sexual assault prevention for colleges and universities. As Founder and Director of the Office of Student Mental health and Behavior at the Northern Virginia Community College, Connie provides behavioral intervention and response services for Sexual Assault to a community of over 80,000. Connie has worked for over 27 years in crime victim advocacy, as a college instructor, and as a criminal justice researcher and trainer. She is an ATSS Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor. She has authored legislative bills, training manuals, and materials related to crime victim issues, specializing in violence against women. In 2003, Ms. Kirkland partnered with the US Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center to co-produce a manual designed for law enforcement and medical investigators, titled “Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Resource Guide.” She was recognized in 2002 in several ways for her expertise in sexual assault and stalking. She was appointed by the Virginia Attorney General to his Advisory Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She was also appointed to the Virginia Statewide Sexual Violence Strategic Planning Team. In addition she authored “Campus Stalking,” a bulletin for the US Department of Justice Violence Against Women Office. She was also the Consulting Editor of Campus Safety & Security: Forms, Checklists & Guidelines (2nd Edition) (2002). The recent release of Net Crimes and Misdemeanors (2002), a book on cyberstalking by J. A. Hitchcock featured the advocacy of Ms. Kirkland with victims of campus cyberstalking. Connie served as Chair of the Northern Virginia Turn Off the Violence Coalition, a major community violence prevention initiative from 1993 through 2001. Connie’s sexual assault research and innovative programming has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Office and the National Crime Prevention Council as a Promising Practices resource. She has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for her work in the area of sexual assault and stalking protocols, serving as expert resource, national speaker, and federal grant peer reviewer. She is also a consultant specializing in crisis management following workplace violence, campus security initiatives, and public policy development.

GORDON SUMNER

Organizational Development,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Gordon Sumner, Jr., PhD, is a Senior Consultant for NewPoint Stratgies LLC. Dr. Sumner is on the NewPoint team for sexual assault prevention services for the military service branches. He provides direction and leadership to the team to ensure NewPoint’s service offerings are consistent with DoD core principles and procedures. Dr. Sumner is also the founder of Gordon Sumner Consulting, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Native American Small Business providing professional consulting services focusing on developing sound business strategies for firms with a focus on Federal government actions, increasing the firms’ visibility to the Federal, state and local governments, large and small businesses and associations. 

He provides project support for veteran businesses, Guard and Reserve components, and family and employer support programs. Prior to establishing Gordon Sumner Consulting, Dr. Sumner served as the Executive Director for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  As a presidential appointee and member of the Senior Executive Service he provided executive leadership to the largest volunteer organization within the Department of Defense promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and assisted in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. He was a leader in ensuring the principles of Diversity and Inclusion were adhered to in the makeup of personnel for key committees in the organization.  Since 2012 he provides support to the Unicorn Group who is committed to delivering effective business development solutions for our clients by tapping executive relationships.

After retiring from the US Army as a Colonel select in 1997, Gordon served as a Project Manager, Program Manager, Director and Managing Director, SYColeman, formally SY Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L3 Communications, as a consultant to the Chief of Staff, Army and establishing the Active Component / Reserve Component Integration Directorate as well as delivering state-of-the-art solutions to customers, expanded leading market positions to deliver value to all of our stakeholders, and provided innovative solutions to a broad base of customers, from the U.S. government and its allies to the world’s most prestigious corporations.  He then served as the VP, Government Services Division with Peduzzi Associates, LTD, providing talent, knowledge and experience to commercial and government clients in Washington, D.C. and around the world via two areas of concentration — Business Development and Services for small start-ups and large established businesses. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education from Madison University, a Master of Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Auburn University, a Master of Education (with Honors) from Boston University and a BS, Music Performance and Music Education, Jacksonville State University.  He is also a Graduate at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Gordon currently serves as a Senior Fellow and Affiliate Faculty, George Mason University; Council Member, Graduate Education Development Council, Auburn University; Scholar, Washington Scholars Program, The Admiral Carey Foundation; Board of Advisors, Office of Military Services, George Mason University.  He served on the Board of Governors, Jacksonville State University.  He is the Secretary, Board of Directors, Veterans Moving Forward, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide service dogs to veterans with physical and mental health challenges. Gordon is a member of a variety of veteran service organizations, associations and business groups where he has served in many leadership positions at the local and national levels.

TONYA SAUNDERS

Diversity / Inclusion / Equity /

Organizational Development,

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Tonya Saunders, is a Public Policy expert and serves on the team developing “de-escalation” strategies for community policing  and intimate partner violence for NewPoint.  Founder of Washington Premier Group a government relations and Public Policy firm, that represents a range of private and public clients. Ms. Saunders has an extensive background in federal government affairs and legislative policy that spans over 20 years.

  She began her career on the staff of Jay Rocefeller and later became a Sr. Vice President at McAuiffe, Kelly & Raffaelli (a firm founded by Governor Terry McAuliffe). In a chilling period, as a victim of stalking and intimate partner violence, Ms. Saunders was forced to flee for her life. Ms. Saunders used her professional skills and abilities to help legislate for victims of stalking in the aftermath of her own victimization. She was determined to move beyond her own issues and use that experience to advocate for other victims.  She chose to work on behalf of the still, little understood and frequently over-looked crime of stalking.  She has met with and helped others to understand the importance of addressing the special needs of stalking victims.  She frequently provides training and shares her insights with law enforcement, victim advocates, allied professionals and agents of the criminal justice system.  She has worked with the commonwealth of Virginia in adding laws to assist victims of stalking. She has served as a Victim Assistance Network (VAN) Volunteer, answering the critical hotline calls from victims across Northern Virginia. She has appeared on The Today Show informing viewers who find themselves in dangerous relationships, based on her own personal experience - how to remain safe. She is a victim survivor who has chosen to turn adversity into victory by using her exceptional professional skills and experience, coupled with her compassionate nature to support and empower other victims.

Notable Awards and Commendations:

2007 Victory Award (Fairfax County Victim Services, Fairfax County Police)

2008 Department of Justice Victim Advocates Award of the Year

2008 National College of District Attorneys Advocacy Award 

TV/Media Appearances: ID Show: January, 2010, “On the Case with Paula Zahn - Stalking Awareness Month”

Today Show: August, 2005 “How to Recognize a Dangerous Relationship”

KESHA CHIAPPINELLI

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Kesha Chiappinelli is a Consultant at New Point Strategies and is a subject matter expert on sexual assault in the military. She is committed to the advancement of the military justice system in regard to the prosecution of sexual assault cases. She is a passionate consultant and trainer who recently completed a successful active duty Air Force career as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate.

Before receiving her commission she completed her legal studies at New York Law School in 2009. Kesha was a judicial intern for a New York State Supreme Court Judge in the Commercial Division where cases of fraud, misrepresentation, derivative actions, and contract disputes are heard. She also had the unique opportunity of interning for a legal analyst at Fox News. She researched and drafted articles which appeared on the Fox News website. Each topic was hand-picked from current events and the legal facets of each topic were analyzed. Kesha also got an inside look at the inner workings of national television news production via access to the recording studios.

While active duty she was stationed at Beale Air Force, a busy legal office with a heavy caseload. Her work as Trial Counsel included high profile sexual assault cases with multiple victims, child victims and child pornography. Some of the cases were of public interest and required coordination with Public Affairs. Additionally, many of the victims she interviewed were victims of retaliation. This ignited a passion for helping to eradicate retaliation and reprisal in the military.

In addition to her role as Trial Counsel she was Chief of Legal Assistance and Employment Law and spearheaded a legal internship program with UC Davis School of Law. She had the opportunity to put her knowledge of employment law to work when she collaborated with the AUSA in Sacramento and an Air Force Civilian attorney on a discrimination case involving civilian employees. Together with the AUSA they coordinated multiple interviews of civilian employees and deposed the alleged victim. She also drafted lengthy internal reports and interrogatories in an effort to find a resolution.

Kesha truly enjoys helping others and when she isn’t busy with her young son she volunteers for an international organization devoted to helping other mothers.

MAURA WEIR

Suicide Prevention

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Maura Weir is a Senior Consultant with NewPoint Strategies and is currently serving on the NewPoint team on Suicide Prevention for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Fleet.  As Recovery and Wellness Coordinator at a local college in Massachusetts she specializes in health promotion and education for students and the larger community. She is currently providing technical advice in developing alcohol and drug prevention, intervention and protocols for the campus.

Maura is responsible for the development, coordination, and evaluation of campus outreach, awareness, and bystander programming that targets student well-being, healthy relationships, gender-based violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and alcohol and other drug misuse. She is also responsible for promoting, coordinating, and implementing the facilitation of evidence-based alcohol and other drug related prevention programs.

Maura‘s  presentations and workshops for all partners and constituents in the college community are always booked to capacity because of her approach and connection with the audience.  She is able to use her vast knowledge and humor appropriately to catch the interest of the audience. The feedback is always positive and leave the audience wanting more.  These abilities have made her a sought after presenter in many health subjects including suicide prevention, alcohol and drug misuse and Mental Health First Aid.

She is also a seasoned trainer in other evidence based best practice programs including the internationally known Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training; CONNECT postvention module, Mental Health First Aid, and Breaking Free from Depression curriculum.

Maura has received citations and awards from state and local levels for her outstanding leadership in the field of suicide prevention and alcohol and drug misuse education. She was the recipient of the 2012 Leadership Award in Suicide Prevention sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention for her dedication and commitment to the topic of suicidology   She has also been recognized by the Massachusetts Army National Guard for her well-received training of their Suicide Intervention Officers.

Maura has presented at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) Annual Conference and the European Symposium for Suicide and Suicidal Behavior.  Maura serves on the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention. She is an active member of AAS and the International Youth Research Committee.  She has personally trained over 8,000 people in suicide prevention and alcohol and drug misuse, intervention and recovery work.

Maura is currently working on her Doctorate in Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and has received a Master’s in Youth Health and Education Management from the University of Melbourne, Australia.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the National University of Ireland.

JANICE DOMBI

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention

NewPoint Strategies LLC

DEBORAH HORAN

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Deborah Horan is a senior consultant for NewPoint Strategies and serves as a leading expert on the issue of sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. She was a key advisor for the NewPoint project at West Point on sexual assault prevention issues. She assists in the design, protocol and delivery for the methodologies and training utilized in sexual assault prevention engagements.

Deborah Horan has more than 20 years political and policy experience, with an emphasis on issues affecting women and children. She holds a masters degree in Social Work and currently works for Kensington Wheaton Youth Services providing mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. She is a member of the Maryland State Department of Education’s Sexual Assault Prevention Advisory Committee.

As a violence prevention consultant, Ms. Horan has worked with organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Sexual Assault Resource Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ms. Horan designed and implemented the Violence Against Women initiative, including activities, programs, and educational materials for patients and physicians. She also designed and implemented the National Rape and Sexual Assault Prevention Project.

Ms. Horan has served as a presenter at the local, state, and national level, reviewed grants for the Department of Justice’s Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes against Women on Campus Program and coauthored several articles and monographs addressing violence against women and violence prevention.

ROGER OWEN

EEO Investigations

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Roger Owen is a senior EEO Investigator for NewPoint Strategies LLC in the Southern California area.  He just successfully completed an EEO investigation for USGS in California.  Mr. Owens is a former Federal EEO Counselor and Investigator with more than 15 years of experience in employment issues, discrimination, training, counseling, and Special Emphasis programs.  He performs counseling and training on various EEO issues surrounding Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment (ADEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Equal Pay Act, and EEO/Affirmative Action issues. Mr. Owen has given numerous training classes to employees and supervisors on all forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and diversity in the work force.

For the past two decades, Mr. Owen has performed EEO investigations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Mr. Owen performed nearly a thousand investigations to include the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Nebraska, Nevada, the Counties of Imperial, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. He also investigated cases with Southern California cities and hundreds of private companies and organizations. Mr. Owen also mediated cases to successful conclusions during Fact Finding meetings with the Charging Party and the Respondent.  Mr. Owen had the distinction of being the highest producer of investigation cases within the Los Angeles District Office jurisdiction.  Mr. Owen’s performance was of such high quality that he received Outstanding Performance Reviews for 5-6 years in a row.

Besides counseling cases with EEOC, his last two years of federal service was with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection where he served as the Diversity and Civil Rights Officer for the agency for Southern California. Mr. Owen worked with the Complainant and management to secure a resolution of the issues brought forward at the lowest possible level.  Mr. Owen was successful in negotiating a resolution or settlement with dozens of cases. He also supervised nearly a dozen Special Emphasis committees in providing monthly EEO programs for nearly 4,000 employees in Southern California.

ALLAN BERKOWITZ

Sexual Harassment / Assault / Rape Prevention

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Dr. Alan Berkowitz is a Senior Consultant/Trainer for NewPoint Strategies.  He is currently o the NewPoint team as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for US Navy training project for Leaders in the Pacific Fleet.  Dr. Berkowitz is an SME for the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy on the topics of sexual assault prevention and bystander intervention as well as a Key Strategy Contributor and Reviewer for the Department of Defense 2014-2016 Sexual Assault Prevention Strategy.  From 2011-2012 he served as a Highly Qualified Expert in Sexual Assault Prevention for the Department of the Navy.  In this capacity he provided leadership training throughout the Atlantic Fleet on sexual assault prevention and bystander intervention as well as assisting in the development of the successful Great Lakes Naval Training Station sexual assault prevention program. In the last eight years Dr. Berkowitz has presented at over fifteen conferences for military leaders on their role in creating a Command Climate that can prevent sexual assault and foster effective bystander intervention.  In addition he frequently visits military bases to provide leadership training and consultation services.

Dr. Berkowitz is a prolific researcher and scholar who has written extensively on the subject of sexual assault prevention and who is frequently invited to be a keynote speaker on this topic.  He is also the founder of the “Men’s Workshop” – a sexual assault prevention program for men that has been evaluated as reducing actual sexual assaults by 75% after four months.  In addition, he is the author of a highly acclaimed book on bystander intervention that provides a model for methods of effective intervention.  Dr. Berkowitz has received five national awards for his work.

In addition to working with the military Dr. Berkowitz conducts workshops for colleges, universities, State Health Departments and Sexual Assault Prevention Coalitions on men’s responsibility for preventing rape, the use of media to prevent violence, bystander intervention theory and skills, culture-change, and the characteristics of effective prevention programs. Alan has been a presenter and on the planning committee for the first three National Sexual Assault Prevention Conferences hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of End Violence Against Women International.

Dr. Berkowitz received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Cornell University in 1981.

REZA MANUEL MIRZAIEE

Website / Multimedia Content Intern

NewPoint Strategies LLC

Reza M. Mirzaiee is a UVA undergraduate student majoring in English and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, class of 2022. He performs in musical theatre and makes computer games in his free time, and made most of the things that you're looking on the website. Thanks for looking the intern's bio!

email: reza.manuel.mirzaiee@gmail.com