We provide parents and caregivers an array of materials that will teach the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to their school-aged children in a fun and meaningful way. Colorful Talks’ team of education experts, with the help of a diverse group of parents, carefully developed play-based modules, instructional content, designed for school-aged kids to enjoy. Start Playing!
As we launch into 2022 with goals of equity and inclusion please support our new nonprofit by gifting this calendar this holiday season.
Why I Am
Involved
Thank you for your support of Colorful Talks. We are excited to continue to move forward with engaging parents and children in important diversity conversations to further understanding and acceptance.
Vera Jones – President
'I chose to be a board member of Colorful Talks: Because racism is real. Its effects are painful, ugly, and destructive. I was beginning to feel helpless to make a difference, and thus hopeless things would change for the better. Colorful Talks presented me the opportunity to remedy those feelings; to become part of a solution and help others do the same. Children become what they learn as well as experience. I want them to learn truth, acceptance, love, kindness, and hope. May our hope always be greater than our hurt or hate.'
Lynsie Slachetka – Communications Secretary
'Why I chose to be a part of Colorful Talks: I have the gift of gab but realized there was a lack of tangible lessons on the searchable web for social emotional race based education. My son is an expert at tuning out my gab and I wanted him to feel empowered to understand and one day become an ally. My frustrated searches and conversations sparked this bigger movement which collected these amazing humans and launched Colorful Talks into existence.'
Alyssa Brown – Diversity Co-Chair
'My mantra: We can always do better. We can always do more. There can never be too many tools to help parents have better conversations with their kids on tough subjects more often.'
Marla Smith – Treasurer
'I believe in the phrase “be the change you want to be in the world.”. What better way to change the world then to provide education to help others become more empathetic to others in our society. I believe that it is important to plant the seeds of change so that we can have a brighter future, one that is based on understanding and caring for others.'
Shireen Soliman – Diversity Co-Chair
'Why Colorful Talks is a part of my life path: I have always been called to advocacy. I am honored to do this work and contribute to the creation of tangible conversations that celebrate diversity, honor our experiences and stories to bring people together through our shared humanity.'
Dr. Genae Crump – Education Co-Chair
Dr. Genae Crump has been serving her life’s passion in the education arena for approximately 25 years on all levels: state, district and local settings. She is the current Director of the Neglected & Delinquent programs funded under the Title 1, Part D grant for Leon County School district, which is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Additionally, Dr. Crump is serving as the Assistant Principal at the alternative sites for the district working with youth who have been expelled from the school system because of committing crime within the community, as well as with youth who are academically behind by up to two years or more.
Carrie Gaudio – Volunteer Coordinator
Carrie Gaudio’s professional work includes strategic planning, project management, policy and workflow development, and stakeholder engagement. They served the State of Florida for nearly a decade, most recently at the Agency for Health Care Administration as the Policy Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Carrie also worked creatively in horticulture, with a local art foundation, as well as remodeling historic homes. Carrie has many years of experience working with nonprofits and enjoys participating with organizations focused on education and in support of elders. Carrie helped to establish the SAIL Highschool Foundation and helps to lead a local nonprofit coordinating volunteers to support elders to remain in their homes. Carrie volunteers for events for community organizations like the Grassroots Free School and the John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History & Culture, as well as designs sets for various youth drama programs. Carrie received a B.S. at Florida State University in Sociology. Carrie lives in Tallahassee, Florida with an incredible partner and their remarkable child.
Topics
These modules have been carefully crafted to assist families grappling with the topic of race. Progress through the topics as you see fit for you and your family.
Chat Us
Each person’s journey with race and diversity education is different. If you or a family member have a topic suggestion or a question you’d like our team to explore, please complete this form.
