The Excellence Conference

About Ruth Turner, one of our renowned Breakout Session Speakers at The Excellence Conference:

Regent Ruth Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, NY which she calls home. As an educator she has committed herself to the principles of restorative practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families.  In her tenure, she led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline and was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district.

For over 13 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director and Executive director for student support services. And before her departure she served as the Chief for student support and social emotional learning. Before joining RCSD she led foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester.  She also spent several years as a trainer for Center for the Development of Human Services where she focused of child welfare services.

Ruth’s commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life.  Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social work, Ruth graduated from the RCSD, and attended college as a 1st generation college student.  She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the affects of adverse events in childhood that can aid in helping individual to reach their fullest potential.

Mrs. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner, Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children.

Learn more and connect with Ruth Turner here:

http://www.regents.nysed.gov/members/turner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-b-turner-lcsw-r-6608a2a9

About Brya Potter, the Founder of Black Educators Connect and Speaker at The Excellence Conference:

Brya Potter has made it her life’s work to encourage, help, and teach others. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Saint John Fisher College and a Masters of Science degree in School Counseling from Roberts Wesleyan College. She also has completed a certificate of advanced study in Educational Leadership at Canisius College. Brya is a NYS Certified School Counselor and Administrator, speaker, writer, business and brand strategist, and business owner. In addition, she is the CEO of R + R (Restoring Relationships), a member of For(bes) The Culture, a member of Black Christian Influencers (BCI), COO of BTP Accountability Partners, Founder of Black Educators Connect (BEC), and a Licensed Minister.

Most importantly, Brya strongly believes in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Brya’s goal is to contribute to society by encouraging, empowering, and supporting individuals in both her professional and personal world.

Determined to achieve the impossible, Brya strives to help and support others to succeed, while impacting individuals one day at a time, so all can be the change that we wish to see in the world.

Connect with Brya: https://msha.ke/bryagpotter/