Education Luncheon: IDEA Panel Discussion
Equity in Fairfield County – Where Everyone Has the Chance to Thrive
You won’t want to miss this important conversation! Our panel will discuss the roots of inequity in Fairfield County and how organizations are implementing systemic solutions to address those inequities. Our panel will highlight the ways organizations are leveraging inclusive strategies and cross-sector partnerships/collaboration to achieve long-term sustainable change.
Some of the subthemes to be discussed are:
- Grounding our work in DEI research and best practices
- Adapting our language to achieve long-term strategic growth
- Establishing cross-sector partnerships to maximize impact
- Amplifying community voice in our work
Our Moderator:
Dr. Tanya A. Hills – Director, Learning & Evaluation at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Dr. Tanya A. Hills joined Fairfield County’s Community Foundation in 2022. As Director, Learning & Evaluation, Dr. Hills is responsible for managing the learning and evaluation practices of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Dr. Hills began her career at Lawyers Without Borders, where she developed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated research, measurement, and evaluation plans for international rule of law programs and provided data-driven strategic direction to the efficacy and fidelity of programs, curricula and trainings.
She is an applied Research & Evaluation professional with fifteen years of expertise in leveraging research and evaluation methods to improve learning, strategic planning, and strategic decision-making. Dr. Hills is a published author; her research is focused on evaluation capacity building. In practice, Dr. Hills leverages research and evaluation to help mission-based organizations achieve measurable social change.
Dr. Hills received a Doctorate in Health Education from A.T. Still University, master’s degree in Public Policy & Law from Trinity College and bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bard College.
Our Panel:
Chris Altrock – Assistant Director, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
For over thirty years, spanning the West (NM), South (TN) and Northeast (NY, CT), Chris Altrock has led and funded non-profit and faith-based organizations focused on services to BIPOC and ALICE populations facing injustice and inequity. His current work at the CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants impacts 5,000 refugees and immigrants annually. Chris is also an author, consultant, and photographer.
Shineika Fareus – Executive Director, CT Black & Brown Student Union
Shineika Fareus is an anti-racist educator, community organizer, and transformative leader, committed to advancing educational equity and Black immigrant advocacy. She is the Executive Director of a statewide education policy organization in Connecticut, Co-Director of the Haitian Hub Resource Center, and a Board Member at Higher Edge, supporting first generation students’ access to college.
Since beginning her organizing journey in 2014, Shineika has championed major legislative victories, including contributing to the successful passage of a law mandating Black and Latinx Studies in Connecticut public schools and spearheading policies aimed at decriminalizing Black and Brown youth statewide.
Shineika’s organizing experience, including her role as a Program Associate at the Center for Youth & Community Leadership in Education at Roger Williams University and as a former Board Member at the Better Way Foundation, directly informs her vision for the Haitian Hub. Grounded in a commitment to Black liberation and the dismantling of capitalism and imperialism, she envisions the Hub as a vital resource center to address the unique challenges faced by Haitian and Black immigrant communities—eliminating language barriers, providing culturally relevant support, and empowering individuals to thrive.
Shineika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and a Master’s in organizational leadership from Gordon College, where her leadership as Student Body President established the college’s first Black Studies Minor. She believes in prioritizing the well-being of people over profits and continues to fight for a just and equitable society through advocacy, service, and policy change.
Shabiroon Vereen – Director of Inclusive Excellence, Fairfield Country Day School
Shabiroon Vereen is a dedicated educator and advocate with over 15 years of experience in both public and private school systems across Fairfield County. Deeply committed to serving marginalized and often misunderstood youth, she has consistently created spaces where all students (particularly students of color) feel seen, supported, and empowered. Most recently, she launched a partnership with Fairfield Prep to address the academic and social challenges boys face today, with a specific focus on providing a safe space and resources beyond the classroom.
Her approach is grounded in compassion, culturally responsive practices, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential to become the best version of themselves. Grounded in DEI research and mental health expertise, Shabi brings a distinctive lens to systemic equity work, drawing from her visual arts background with a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art and her clinical training through an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University. As an LPCA, educator, and community partner, she champions inclusive strategies that amplify student voices and foster lasting change. Her work underscores the importance of collaboration and advocacy in achieving sustainable, strategic growth. A woman of faith, Shabi has been married to her high school sweetheart for 14 years, and together they are raising three children in Trumbull, CT.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
For 75 years, CCS Fundraising, a strategic fundraising firm, has empowered many of the world’s greatest organizations to advance some of the most important causes in history. As leading consulting experts in campaign and development strategy, we plan and implement fundraising initiatives to help nonprofit organizations make a bigger impact—locally, nationally, and globally.
Members of the CCS team are highly experienced and knowledgeable across sectors, disciplines, and regions. Our unique, customized approach provides each organization with dedicated professionals who help mission-driven organizations meet their most pressing challenges and achieve their most ambitious goals. While the results of our work are immediate, our impact is enduring.
To learn more, please contact Chloe Matuga at
Details
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
11:30 AM Registration and Networking
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch and Program
Location: Westport Library, Komansky Room, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880
Luncheon Fee
AFP MEMBERS – $30
NONMEMBERS – $35
REGISTER HERE