As an advocate for transformative education, dr. elita layà (they/them) leverages their intersectional perspectives and transdisciplinary insights across the spheres of social justice, mental health, and education leadership. Their goal is to co-create life-affirming pedagogies and cultures of communal care, both within and beyond educational institutions.

Currently a visiting faculty member at Saint Mary's College of California, elita specializes in cultural psychology and counseling strategies. Beyond academia, elita has engaged in a variety of k-12, post-secondary, and nonprofit leadership roles where they’ve worked alongside student activists to radically reimagine, harness communal strength, and reclaim liberatory minds, bodies, and futures.

elita is a neurodivergent Black, queer, and trans nonbinary person and first-generation student. They were born and raised on the unceded land of the Huichin-Ohlone people, colonially known as the East Bay Area of California, where they currently reside with their loving spouse and four cats.

elita holds a PhD in Education Leadership, an MA in Cultural Studies, and an MS in Counseling Psychology. They are the Executive Director of Twalo, a consulting organization providing anti-oppression coaching, training, and workshops.

Joey Layà (they/them) is passionate about catalyzing social change at the intersections of creative expression, community connection, and technological innovation. They are a neurodivergent Filipinx, queer, and trans nonbinary person and the loving spouse of dr. elita layà.

Joey holds an MA in Cultural Studies and has a rich background in technology, program operations, and event management. They have honed their skills in creating inclusive and accessible digital solutions, playing a key role in designing user-friendly data analytics platforms and managing inclusive web solutions to enhance user experience and accessibility.

Since high school, Joey has been deeply involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy, facilitating empowering workshops and developing resources that nurture inclusive and collaborative environments. Their professional journey reflects a commitment to operational efficiency, strategic communication, and community building. 

Currently serving as a Software Engineer at Vivipary, Joey has cultivated a deep understanding of collaborative workflows and effective communication strategies.