Navigating Challenging Conversations in a Legal Context

Kelly Collins, PhD, is the Director of Education at the University of Minnesota's Office for Equity and Diversity. Kelly began her career as an advisor for first-generation, low-income college students in the TRIO programs at the University of Iowa, where she also received a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs and served on the Native American Staff and Faculty Council. Kelly has served as the Associate Director of Racial and Social Justice Education at the University of Minnesota and as the Native American Student Success Coordinator and Community Faculty in Ethnic Studies at Metropolitan State University. Kelly currently serves as a steering committee member of the University of Minnesota's First Generation Institute. She is a proud first-generation alumni and professional, community activist, intergenerational caregiver, traditional beadworker, and access and equity scholar and practitioner.

Tisa Mitchell was born and raised in North Minneapolis and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Policy, with a focus on Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. She also holds a Master of Arts in Family Studies from Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Minnesota.

With over a decade of experience in training on education and wellness topics, Tisa brings extensive research expertise in family engagement, cultural competency, family systems, education policy, and interpersonal relationships. As an educator, she has taught courses on life skills and relationship building, emphasizing the importance of identity in shaping our experiences and interactions.

Tisa is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, viewing this work as a lifelong journey. She believes in fostering environments where multiple truths can coexist, encouraging individuals to explore their identities, cultural patterns, and self-awareness. Her goal is to create safe, empowering spaces where people can engage in meaningful personal and professional growth.

Beyond academia, Tisa is passionate about community building through athletics. As an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at the high school level, she mentors young athletes, combining her love for education and sports to support their development both on and off the court.