Our mission is to assist Christian educators with dialogue, fellowship, and training through a biblical lens on diversity, equity and inclusion.

What is diversity, equity and inclusion through a biblical lens?

Justice symbol

Justice

Biblical justice is “to make right”

Hands symbol

Equity

Meeting people where their need is

Circle symbol

Diversity

A theology of diversity is God’s idea

Heart symbol

Inclusion

Everyone can be known, welcomed, respected and valued

2024 Symposium

Biblical Principles for Color and Culture in Christian Schools: A Call to Action

The CEDA Symposium is a forum of learning and discussion for educators who strive to push Christian education to reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ.

  • Incredible Speakers
  • Actionable Insights
  • Interactive Workshops

Date & Time: June 10-12

Hosted on the Campus of Wheaton College.

“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

REVELATION 7:9

Our featured leader

Christian education, Dr. Joel Hazard

Dr. Joel Hazard

Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture, Fellowship Christian School

With nearly two decades of experience in Christian education, Dr. Joel Hazard currently serves as the Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture at Fellowship Christian School (FCS) in Roswell, Georgia. In his role, Joel assist in coordinating strategic academic initiatives, programming professional development, and accreditation across the school. Additionally, Joel leads FCS's initiative to foster a more diverse and biblically inclusive community, one that truly reflects the diverse body of Christ. Joel is a Boston College alum who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Joel is also a co-founder of the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance and serves as a Baylor Fellow within Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership.

 

Christian education, Dr. Joel Hazard
Jenny Brady, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Christian Academy, brings over two decades of expertise in Biblical diversity and unity work.

Jenny Brady

Senior Director for Community Engagement, Legacy Christian

Jenny Brady, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Christian Academy, brings over two decades of expertise in Biblical diversity and unity work. Her extensive experience has helped empower Christian schools to conceive and execute programs fostering a community of belonging. Jenny's commitment to advancing the principles of Ephesians 4:1-6 stems from her upbringing in Honduras. With a diverse cultural background and a Master of Science in Sociology, Jenny comprehends both institutional structures and the imperative for cultural proficiency in our diverse global landscape.

Jenny Brady, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Christian Academy, brings over two decades of expertise in Biblical diversity and unity work.
Dr. Sonia Avilucea is an Academic and College Counselor and the DEI coordinator at Valley Christian High School

Dr. Sonia Avilucea

Academic and College Counselor, Valley Christian Schools

Dr. Sonia Avilucea is an Academic and College Counselor and the DEI coordinator at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California. An educator for over 20 years, she has held various positions, including English teacher and principal. She earned her doctoral degree from Lipscomb University where her dissertation explored the impact of change in underperforming schools.

Dr. Sonia Avilucea is an Academic and College Counselor and the DEI coordinator at Valley Christian High School
Dr. Unegbu Director of Community and Culture at Grace Community School

Dr. Ijeoma (EJ) Unegbu

Director of Community and Culture, Grace Community School

Dr. Unegbu serves as Director of Community and Culture at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. She has over 15 years’ experience in education, namely a decade in higher education as a previous college professor, but most recently devoting her passion in her current role at Grace to highlight and further the beauty of God’s image in all people.

Dr. Unegbu Director of Community and Culture at Grace Community School

David Robinson

Seventh & Eight Principal, Grace Community School

David Robinson is the new 7th & 8th Grade Principal at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. David returns to Grace after a tenure as Head of School at Washington Christian Academy in Olney, Maryland. Before his appointment at Washington Christian Academy, David served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion for Grace Community School. David holds a BS in Bible and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Clarks Summit University and has spent his entire professional career working in Christian education. This has helped shape his passion for cultivating an environment where all students have access to a Christ-centered education while feeling appreciated and celebrated. David helped found the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance. The organization’s work centers on assisting Christian schools navigate the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion through a biblical lens.

Dr. Steven J. McGriff is Valley Christian Schools (VCS) inaugural Director of Biblical Unity. As a senior leader, Dr. McGriff is primarily responsible for providing biblically sound leadership, direction, and spiritual care

Dr. Steven J. McGriff

Director of Biblical Unity, Valley Christian Schools, San Jose, CA

Dr. Steven J. McGriff is Valley Christian Schools (VCS) inaugural Director of Biblical Unity. As a senior leader, Dr. McGriff is primarily responsible for providing biblically sound leadership, direction, and spiritual care to develop a richly diverse, thriving community that loves God and all His children of every race and nationality. He joins the VCS community after a thirty-year career as a leader in educational technology consulting with K-12 school districts, colleges, universities, nonprofits, and businesses in California, the United States, El Salvador, and the Philippines. Previously, he was an assistant professor in the graduate program in instructional technology at San Jose State University (2002-2009).

 He earned a doctorate in instructional systems from The Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in instructional technology from San Jose State University, and an undergraduate degree in art design from Stanford University.

Dr. Steven J. McGriff is Valley Christian Schools (VCS) inaugural Director of Biblical Unity. As a senior leader, Dr. McGriff is primarily responsible for providing biblically sound leadership, direction, and spiritual care
Shaun Satterfield Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill

Shaun Satterfield

Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill

Shaun is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she obtained her degree in English Literature. She entered the field of education as an instructional assistant and earned her teaching certification to become a lead elementary school teacher. She taught in the public school system for ten years before accepting a job at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill as a fourth-grade teacher. During her time at Trinity, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and is currently serving as the Director of Institutional Equity at Trinity. Shaun's vision for this work is to remain Christ-centered, with a heart for service to the greater Durham community.

Shaun Satterfield Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
Shaun Satterfield Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill

Dr. Jennifer Pinkett Smith

Director of Diversity, Wesleyan School

Dr. Pinkett Smith has been an educator for over 18 years and has served as a middle school English teacher, Dean of Students, and is now an administrator. Her passion for cultivating the whole child, and seeing students grow into strong leaders and advocates for unity, speaks to the work she currently does in diversity, equity, and belonging. Jennifer serves as the Director of Diversity at Wesleyan School, where she leads teachers in professional development, supports students, and families with the intent of creating and sustaining a community where all feel welcomed and valued. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morris Brown College; a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University; a Specialist in Ed. Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.

Shaun Satterfield Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
Shelby Hooper has a decade of experience in Christian education, serving as a classroom teacher

Shelby Hooper

HS Principal at Southside Christian School

Shelby Hooper has a decade of experience in Christian education, serving as a classroom teacher, coach, and administrator. She earned her B.S. in Social Studies Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) and an M.A. in School Leadership from Baylor University. Currently, Shelby serves as the HS Principal at Southside Christian School in Simpsonville, South Carolina. She is passionate about fostering a Rev 7:9 community, celebrating diversity, and promoting a sense of belonging for all students, parents, and teachers in alignment with their pursuit of Christ.

Shelby Hooper has a decade of experience in Christian education, serving as a classroom teacher
Sheronda Holmes has been at Harding for eleven years and currently serves as the Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Head Cheer Coach, and African American History co-teacher

Sheronda Holmes

Dean of Students | Director of Diversity and Inclusion | Cheer Sponsor

Sheronda Holmes has been at Harding for eleven years and currently serves as the Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Head Cheer Coach, and African American History co-teacher. She is looking forward to the ways God will continue to use this committee to bring awareness of diversity to the Harding family. Through celebrating our differences, we will be stronger together.

Sheronda Holmes has been at Harding for eleven years and currently serves as the Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Head Cheer Coach, and African American History co-teacher

How we can help

Christian Educators Diversity Alliance team members

Symposium

Join us each year to learn, share, and encourage fellow Christian educators committed to helping education reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ

Consulting & Coaching

Assessment of an institution’s needs through qualitative and quantitative data; helping build next steps

diversity and inclusion consulting and coaching online workshops
Group photo from Symposium

Workshops and training

Facilitate and organize events to equip schools and insitutions

Hosted By

Baylor University logo
Wheaton College logo
Council of educational standards and accountability logo
The Church of England logo