Presenters

• Cassandra Pierre

  Cassandra Pierre is a passionate advocate for social justice and is sensitive to the unique needs and cultures of the South Florida communities. Ms. Pierre was born and raised in Haiti. Her mother and father were educators who worked as public
  servants, helping the less fortunate. Their fervent desire to help those in need instilled the same passion in Ms. Pierre. In 2000, she earned a law degree from the State University of Haiti. A few years later, she immigrated to the United States.
  
  After Ms. Pierre came to the United States, she pursued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University in 2007. About two years later, she earned a Master of Social Work from Barry University in 2009. As a social worker, Ms. Pierre worked with underserved communities, affecting change for minorities and contributing to society. She later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2016.
  
  While in law school, Ms. Pierre interned at the University of Miami Immigration Clinic, where she represented clients in removal proceedings and participated in advocacy projects to improve human rights for noncitizens. Also, Ms. Pierre interned at the University of Miami Children and Youth Law Clinic, representing clients in dependency proceedings. Moreover, she was honored to work as a staff editor for the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review.
  
  Ms. Pierre currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender. In this capacity, she combines her legal and social work skills to provide the best representation for her clients. Her passion for advocacy and social justice has
  inspired her to pursue a career in public service.
  

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• Dion Walden

  Dion Walden is a passionate woman of God who serves as an elder at the Plantation Seventh-day Adventist Church in Plantation, FL. Elder Walden is a dynamic speaker and prolific writer who is passionately committed to the expository teaching and preaching of the word of God. Her purpose statement is to be a “Kingdom Woman Difference Maker.” Her desire is to see people radically experience the power of God’s word and be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
  
  Dion is a dedicated family woman, married to Joseph Walden, they have one son. She loves to explore new learnings, people watch, and take nature walks. She currently works in the pharmaceutical industry as a Senior Marketing Manager and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University.
  

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• Vanessa Anderson