About
Race Talk
Examining Race, Improving Relations & Getting to Collective Impact
As we assess the fabric of our society, we can see it unraveling with continuing conflicts, rising concerns, unsustainable practices, and inequity in a multitude of arenas—all of which clearly evidence the need for radical change. Although we are aware of the need for social change, the questions of what to do, how to do it, and who should undertake this work remain. iLevelUp Consulting is dedicated to social justice and equality and committed to developing viable solutions for these crucial issues.
Our programs are designed to assist policy makers, thought leaders, advocates, activists, educators and learners to address critical issues of racial injustice and inequality, create change management plans and develop tangible tools and resources for implementation throughout our respective communities.
“I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.

Goal & Vision
Race Talk: Examining Race, Improving Relations & Getting to Collective Impact.
Vision
Enhance awareness, knowledge and understanding among diverse groups to improve race relations and promote racial justice and equality.
Goal
Engage difficult, deep and dynamic conversations to facilitate the full participation of non-melanated groups in a more just and equitable society.
Objectives
• Examine and understand the concept of race and how it shapes our society
• Understand that activism is not some program to address a set of issues, but a life force
• Make a lasting impact through personal and professional development that ignites social change
• Address local and national racial justice and equality issues
• Examine and understand the nature of white privilege and differential access to power and access based on perceived racial identity
• Provide concrete tools, resources, solutions and support that empower advocates to address issues of injustice and inequality in their communities
• Deepen understanding of the dynamics of oppression at the individual, group, cultural and systems level through the lens of race and racism
• Increase awareness and understanding of the breadth and depth of institutionalized racism
• Explore dominant and subordinated group dynamics within the system of racism • Identify personal triggers and self-care strategies
• Create collaborative opportunities and strengthen alliances within the racial/social justice community
Speakers & Panelists
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever
Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever
Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever is a Career Reinvention Strategist, Diversity Consultant, and Women’s Empowerment Expert. She’s the Founder of the Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women, a global personal and professional development firm that helps established and aspiring entrepreneurs and executives experience accelerated success while building a holistic life they love. She’s also the President of Incite Unlimited, a Washington, DC-based boutique consulting firm specializing in diversity consulting, communications strategy and the development and implementation of impactful research.
Dr. Avis formerly served as the youngest ever Executive Director of the National Council of Negro Women, a historic membership organization touching the lives of over four million women of African descent worldwide. She’s had the honor of being the Keynote Speaker to the Inaugural President of the United States’ Young African Leaders Summit and was a Featured Speaker before the World Bank. She currently conducts workshops and trainings on women’s career and entrepreneurial success on behalf of U.S. Embassies across the globe and helps corporations better design and implement strategies to maximize the power of diversity and inclusion at work as well as for the marketplace of today and tomorrow. For individuals, Dr. Avis coaches one-on-one, in small groups, and through on-line courses in order to help her clients Master the Art of the Career Shift. In so doing, she helps women shift their careers in three distinct areas: (1) ascending to leadership within their current professional space; (2) safely and effectively transitioning to a new career; or (3) making the ultimate shift, from employee to successful entrepreneur.
Find Dr. Avis regularly as a Contributor to TV One’s NewsOne Now with Roland Martin, PBS’ To the Contrary, Sirius XM Radio’s The Agenda, and the Huffington Post.

-
Ryan J. McCrary
Read moreRyan J. McCrary is a serial entrepreneur and former licensed securities agent. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Temple University in 2011. After graduating from college, Ryan worked at Prudential Financial working directly with annuities and then transitioning to a role as an investment professional with The Vanguard Group.
Ryan J. McCrary
Ryan J. McCrary is a serial entrepreneur and former licensed securities agent. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Temple University in 2011. After graduating from college, Ryan worked at Prudential Financial working directly with annuities and then transitioning to a role as an investment professional with The Vanguard Group.
After over 5 years of experience in the finance industry, he decided to leave Corporate America in order to deal with some of the issues within the African-American community. He is the owner of McCrary Financial Solutions, LLC which is a consulting company that gives one on one financial literacy coaching, household budget analysis, small business development, and social media marketing techniques.
He is also the owner of OurBlackApparel.com which sells urban wear with a positive message to change the dynamic of the African-American community. He is now the President of The McCrary Financial School, which is designed to teach financial literacy to the African-American community and start a trend of Black Excellence.
Sponsors
To be Announced!
Connect with me
Please take a few moments to fill out the form here, or you can always send me a direct email at info@marycantymerrill.com
Getting Here
Contact Us
Race Relations Forum
c/o Merrill Consulting Associates
Address: 5445 DTC Parkway, Suite P4, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 303-486-6861
Email: info@racetalkhub.org