Holmes Virtual Policy Institute Session 3 Title: Effective Advocacy in an Anti-DEI Climate

As the national discourse grows increasingly hostile toward diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and advocacy rooted in justice, evidence is more critical — and more complex — than ever. This culminating session of the Holmes Virtual Policy Institute prepares Holmes Scholars to stand firm and speak with impact during AACTE’s 2025 Washington Week and beyond.

Participants will explore the essential skills and knowledge required to advocate effectively for marginalized communities in today’s political environment. Presenters will discuss real-world strategies to manage mental health and remain authentic when engaging with policymakers who may hold opposing views. This session also introduces actionable DEI advocacy tools and examines how Holmes Scholars can align their academic work with sustained policy influence.

Join AACTE to sharpen messaging and strengthen your role as a scholar-advocate in the fight for educational equity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the basic skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates on behalf of marginalized populations and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2. Identify strategies that affect efficacy and mental health as it relates to meeting with representatives whose perspectives do not align with your own.
3. Become acquainted with federal advocacy resources such as Raben’s messaging guide.
4. Cursory discussions of how these advocacy skills and complementary resources support Holmes’ scholarship in inclusive practice fields.

Speakers:

Nevin Heard, Ph.D.,
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Access, Belonging & Compliance
University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Nevin J. Heard is a knowledgeable, innovative, and resourceful diversity, equity, and inclusion professional that brings over ten years of DEI+ specific experience creating welcoming and inclusive environments across settings. Previously, Heard served as the Director of Intercultural Relations at Lake Forest College where he managed the DEIB strategy for the college. In the past, Heard served as an assistant professor of clinical counseling focusing on multicultural and social justice issues, centering the intersectional realities of racial minorities, LGBTQ+ populations, people of low socioeconomic status, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Heard’s scholarship around multiculturalism has resulted in over 30 international, national, and regional conference presentations and invited lectures, speeches, workshops, and publications.

Jasmine Burton, JD
Director, Raben Group 

Jasmine Burton is a director in Raben’s Issue Campaigns practice area, where she brings a strong background in education equity, public policy, and the law. Prior to joining Raben, Burton worked in the Business Affairs Department of ABC Studios, where she negotiated agreements for above-the-line talent, crafted deal memos, and drafted short-form agreements for several of ABC’s shows. She also served as a judicial intern for the Federal District Court in Maryland and for Secretary John King at the U.S. Department of Education. In the short time that she was at the U.S. District Court, she drafted several memorandums, motion briefs, and client letters. While at the Department of Education, she presented to the entire Department the privacy policies on all forty-seven mainstream social media sites and researched how clients can ensure that their information and privacy are maintained on these various networking sites.

Burton holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Howard University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, as well as a minor in African and African American Studies. While at the University of Virginia, she was captain of the volleyball team, where she was honored as the State of Virginia Rookie of the Year and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year, as well as being named to the ACC All-Second Team and as an East-Coast Region All-American.