Raised in a diverse environment, I have always been profoundly influenced by the rich tapestry of cultural experiences surrounding me. However, it took time for me to realize how my identity as a white male had inadvertently shielded me from certain aspects of reality. Through my ongoing journey, I have worked to remove these veils of disconnection, cultivating a more integrated and harmonious relationship with my environment.

My professional background is varied, encompassing roles in international relations, banking, youth counseling for adjudicated youth, behavioral intervention at a psychiatric residential treatment facility, and production design in the film industry. However, the most significant growth and learning opportunities arose from the relationships I developed, which guided my personal development and introspection.

As a collaborator in building Copper to Gold, and examining the behaviors associated with racism and prejudice within white communities, this experience has allowed me to better understand the importance of fostering a diverse community, dedicated to unveiling a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of reality.

Cherlynn Stevens has held multiple public service positions that contribute to the betterment of society. Among them is her work in direct services as a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator for the United States Catholic Conference, holding an array of campus-wide positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in diversity, equity and inclusion, and as a Community Building Director for the United Way of Dane County, WI. She recently retired from her position overseeing the transformation of the federal employee workplace giving program, the Combined Federal Campaign, to an online system connecting thousands of nonprofits around the world with federal donors. Since 2020 she produces and hosts The Racial Healing, Justice & Unity Bahá’í-inspired Series of educational presentations and discussions on zoom twice monthly and is a founding member of The Copper-To-Gold: Transformative Anti-Racism Program.

I immigrated to United States from Iran at the age of 14 when my father did his Pathology residency in U.S. He firmly believed that his two daughters would not be afforded opportunities in the Patriarchal society of Iran where women are considered lesser than men .My parents made education a high priority in my life. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Computer Science, I returned to Florida and started a family.

My area of interest and experience has always been service whether in form of volunteering at my children’s school as treasurer of the PTA and my local faith community as teacher for the spiritual education of children. My studies and experiences in learning how a community works in a divided society, have made me keenly aware of issues that arise in a privileged homogenous community as contrasted to violence against the black community. Ever-present inequity has prompted me to align with others who are passionate about creating a new model for hum an interaction and organization-one that is based on truth, justice and freedom from racism.

My early experiences as an immigrant in the US was welcoming because my family had money, we were educated and we looked white enough. The guiding principle In my life is the Oneness of Humanity. To that end, I strive to see every human being as a contributor to this oneness. I am excited to be apart of Copper to Gold, a program that translates the vision of oneness into a practical and transformative process.

Regina grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, where she first consciously embraced social justice in elementary school. She received a BA in Latin American Studies from Stanford University, and an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Surrey, UK. She was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society and later awarded a National Defense Foreign Language Fellowship to study Portuguese. She has worked as a curriculum developer and manager of a language school, an Academic English as a Second Language and Spanish instructor, and translator and interpreter in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Her professional background in race equity work includes team experience as a program, training and workshop developer for NGOs in San Antonio, Texas and at Columbia University, whose role was to assist public school districts to achieve compliance with US desegregation and bilingual education statutes. Most recently she collaborated on evaluating and editing an anti-racism tool for use by civic, religious, law enforcement and educational organizations across the Province of British Columbia, Canada.

For nearly a decade Regina facilitated and trained facilitators for English Corner, a weekly space for meaningful conversations in English among immigrants and visiting ESL students. Its purpose is to build community and the capacity to contribute to the betterment of the world. She has since shifted her focus to the development of the Copper to Gold program. As a member of the Bahá’í communities of the United States and Canada, her service on agencies and institutions at the local, regional, and national levels has enhanced the skills she brings to Copper to Gold.

Regina has broad international and cross-cultural interests in history, reading, ethnomusicology, and dance. She is a musician, has written a few songs and poems along the way, and aspires to nurture a love for justice, critical thinking, beauty, sound, color and humanity in her grandson.

Susan holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master's in Psychology, with over 45 years of mental health experience. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Fellow with the Association of Music & Imagery. Although retired, Susan continues to provide clinical supervision and volunteers at a homeless facility, where she conducts a class called "Keeping it Real."

Throughout her career, Susan has taught various psychology courses at numerous colleges and universities, emphasizing diversity in her teaching philosophy. She was selected to teach at a Study Abroad Program in Milan, Italy. Susan's background spans grassroots to administration at local, regional, and statewide levels, and she has provided individual, family, and group therapies. She has secured funding for mental health programs targeting families and differently-abled populations through her grant writing.

Susan's skills as a networker, trainer, public speaker, and workshop presenter have benefited various organizations and sectors. She was a trainer for the Healing Racism curriculum authored by Rita Starr and was contracted with local colleges, governmental institutions and community organizations. Susan has been interviewed on TV, radio, and in newspaper articles. Her work in child assault prevention and service in the area of abused and missing children has earned her recognition from the State of NJ.

As Assistant Director of International Business Programs at Tennessee State University, Susan directed the Minor in International Business and advised students. She initiated the Multicultural Friendship Society to help international students feel more included, and the group remains active.

As a consultant and trainer, Susan has tackled topics such as racial amity, diversity, stress management, leadership, team building, Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ethics, communication skills, bullying, social skills, goal setting, and career development.

A Baha'i Faith member for 46 years, Susan's personal spiritual growth and commitment to service continue to be a lifelong process. Copper to Gold has opened the door to centering on racial justice and unity, America's most pressing and challenging issue.