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Monique Bryant (she,her / Black)Executive Director
Monique (Moe) Bryant is an accomplished and passionate leader in the realm of racial equity and social justice. With nine years of dedicated service to Challenging Racism, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating positive change in our community. Moe began her journey with Challenging Racism as a member of the Steering Committee, which established Challenging Racism as a non-profit organization; she joined the Board of Directors upon its creation in 2017. She is a 2015 alumna of Challenging Racism: Learning How and has facilitated countless Learning How groups since completing Challenging Racism: Learning to Lead in 2016. One of Monique's core strengths lies in her ability to facilitate courageous conversations surrounding race and equity with compassion and grace. With a profound appreciation for the power of dialogue and empathy, she has successfully created countless safe spaces for individuals and communities to engage in meaningful discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. Moe’s facilitation skills have empowered participants to explore uncomfortable truths, challenge systemic biases, and ultimately cultivate a collective commitment to dismantling racial inequities. In addition to her exemplary work at Challenging Racism, Moe has volunteered at the Reading Connection, APS advisory committees, and the PTA. She attended Howard University and NVCC. She lives in Arlington, VA, with her husband, two children, and a Shepard/Husky mix, Bear. |
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Dawn Kyser (she,her / White)Facilitation Coordinator
Dawn Kyser has been involved in the work of Challenging Racism for more than 15 years. She was Lead Curriculum Writer and Facilitator for the Arlington County Discussions on Race and Equity Project begun in 2020, and Team Lead for the Montgomery County Thrive 2050 discussions about historic inequity in housing. As a teacher in the Arlington Public Schools, she was in the first cohort of trained facilitators moderating Courageous Conversation for teachers and staff in schools across the county. Since 2015, Dawn has facilitated Challenging Racism classes including the first CR Faith based group. She has been a facilitator and resource lead in Challenging Racism Teacher Education for Ford’s Theatre’s production of Twelve Angry Men 2018 and Fences in 2019. Dawn is a co-parent of four grown children, all of whom attended Arlington schools. She is a musician, artist, and Thrive Ambassador for Kaiser Permanente. She lives in Arlington with her husband and the fearless hound Hawthorne. |
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Christine Purka (she,her / White)Grants and Contracts Coordinator
Christine Albee Purka officially joined Challenging Racism in May 2021 after her experience as a Learning How alumni in 2017 and then serving 3 years as a volunteer for the Development Committee. Previously she enjoyed a 25-year career in international development consulting and is now committed to addressing inequities and injustices in the US. In 2016 Christine moved to the DC area after living and working across various cultures for 15 years in South East Asia. The shocking events in Charlottesville and the 2016 election propelled her into the complex domestic issues of racial equity and voter protection. She is deeply committed to dismantling policies and programs of institutional racism that cause inequity and disparities in our communities. Christine brings her experience to Challenging Racism in writing proposals and grants and helping to expand our organization into new regions and sectors. Christine resides in Arlington with her husband and their two teenage boys. |