 Council Chair Dr. Leslie M. Petty Dean, School of Academic Advancement Madison Area Technical College | Biography:
Dr. Leslie M. Petty currently serves as the Dean of the School of Academic Advancement at Madison Area Technical College, where she oversees academic programs and administrative operations across six campuses. Her areas of responsibility include developmental education, high school completion/GED, English as a Second Language, and the Individualized Technical Studies Program, collectively serving over 3,000 students annually. She also leads high school completion programs at Columbia, Sauk, and Dane County jails. Prior to joining Madison Area Technical College, she spent over eight at the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, overseeing the part-time and executive MBA programs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have always been the cornerstones of her leadership throughout her career and community service. She has served as the chair of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County and is currently the board chair of the Boys & Girls Club - McKenzie Regional Workforce Center Board. She also held the position of President of the Board of Directors for TEMPO Madison, a leading organization for executive women. Additionally, Dr. Petty is a board member of the American Players Theater (APT) Board of Directors, where she co-chairs the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) committee.
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Vice Chair
 David Carlson Founder / Co-Owner C.C. We Adapt | Biography:
David Carlson is the founder and co-owner of C.C. We Adapt, a peer support and mentorship business in the western region of Wisconsin and Waukesha and Milwaukee counties. David is also the co-founder and co-owner of two additional businesses that provide tenant support mentorship to youth and adults experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. David is also the executive director of One Battle, Inc., a veteran-operated 501(c)3. The mission of One Battle is to bring veterans back into a community with a focus on service to one another and the broader community. David is currently a law student at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, with an expected graduation date of December 2024. His emphasis of study is health law and healthcare compliance. Most importantly, David is a husband to a supportive wife and is the father of three boys. His family is the reason for all of the work he is involved in.
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Community Engagement Subcommittee Chair
Shaundel Spivey
Executive Director of Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.)
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Shaundel Spivey is a dedicated community leader and strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He has a record of improving the lives of others through visionary and strategic leadership. Shaundel co-founded B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), Inc., a nonprofit organization where he serves as the Executive Director. Under his leadership, B.L.A.C.K., Inc. deeply supports local youth through programs like Ujima Circle, LOTUS, the Summer Youth Experience program, and much more. All these programs emphasize skill-building, mental health, social and emotional learning, academic success, cultural awareness, Black history, and social justice. B.L.A.C.K also facilitates efforts to support local Black Owned Businesses and develops networking opportunities for Black Professionals. This organization promotes Black empowerment, social mobility, and economic prosperity by providing community members with resources, training, and information. Spivey's influence in the community extends beyond his role at B.L.A.C.K., Inc. He has served on the La Crosse School Board and the City of La Crosse Human Rights Commission. In addition, he serves on multiple boards and advisory committees throughout the region. Shaundel is a proud two-time alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, holding an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. He is pursuing additional graduate studies at Viterbo University in Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education.
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Data & Policy Subcommittee Chair
Jihan Bekiri
People Engagement and Belonging
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Jihan Bekiri is a seasoned DEI leader with a proven track record of driving transformative change. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor and Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, she leverages her expertise to shape inclusive policies and practices. With a background in the private sector, including roles at WPS Health Solutions and American Family Insurance, Jihan has a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the complexities of fostering diverse and equitable workplaces. Recognized as a 2022 Madison's 40 Under 40, she is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jihan holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from Marquette University and a Master of Science in International Development from the University of Birmingham, along with a certification in diversity and inclusion. Actively engaged in the community, Jihan serves on the board of the YWCA Madison and co-chairs the Madison Area Diversity Roundtable (MADR), a convening of DEI practitioners.
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