C+V Community Talk in Partnership with Heritage Months: Securing Justice: Q&A & Call to Action after MLK Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated as a day of service and a reflection on the injustices to the Black community. These injustices are still happening today, which is not the future that Dr. King envisioned when he gave his “I have a Dream” speech in 1963.

Our panel will reflect on Representative Leslie Herod’s speech from January 17th and have a Q & A to analyze what we can do as individuals and a community to inspire change. Join us to reflect and discuss a call to action at DU and beyond and to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Featuring DU community panelists:

Jenipher Bonino
Partner-O'Connor Law Firm; Sturm College of Law Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Denver 

Attorney Jenipher R. Jones, is a civil rights lawyer, legal educator, and administrator at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She is now a partner at the O'Connor Law Firm, LLC, which includes The LEVITATE. Institute, an endeavor aimed at promoting the positive emotional well-being and growth of law students and lawyers. She graduated from, HBCU, Bennett College for Women with a B.A. in Political Science with honors. She then attended law school at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law with membership to the Loyola Maritime Journal Law Journal, The International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, and clinical study. Most recently, at a civil rights law firm, Jenipher litigated complex civil litigation cases involving prisoners’ rights, law enforcement misconduct, and employment discrimination. She has been published in both domestic and international publications. Jenipher has also advocated for the rights of prisoners in the United States before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, The United Nations Association, and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

Nigel Daniels
3L Law Student - Sturm College of Law, University of Denver;
Member of the Black Law Student’s Association and the Law School Ambassadors

Nigel was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and attended Denver School of the Arts. He went to Colorado State University - Fort Collins as a proud recipient of the Daniels Fund scholarship. In college, Nigel majored in political science and ethnic studies. During his senior year, he had the privilege of being elected to serve as the student body President. He then moved to Washington D.C. following graduation to work with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet as his staff assistant. In 2016, Nigel returned to Colorado to serve as Senator Bennet's political assistant on his reelection campaign. After the election, he accepted a position with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock as his personal assistant. He has had the honor to continue working with Mayor Hancock as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor, through law school. Nigel is currently a 3L at the University of Denver - Sturm College of Law and is a member of the Black Law Student’s Association and the Law School Ambassadors. 

Andriette Jordan-Fields (Moderator)
Black Community Experience Coordinator, Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,University of Denver

Andriette Jordan-Fields, a Womanist Ethicist, is the Black Community Experience Coordinator at the University. She received her PhD from the Joint PhD program from the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology. Prior to the Black Community Experience Coordinator position, she was the Interim Director at the University of Denver Cultural Center.  Jordan-Fields served as assistant director for admissions at Iliff School of Theology where she introduced new systems, transformed organizational structures and upgraded outdated policies and procedures with cutting-edge technologies. To summarize, Dr. Andriette Jordan-Fields is a stand for all people relating to each other as equals transcending racial, cultural social, socio-economic and religious barriers. 

Doshia Woods
Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Denver

Doshia Woods enters her 2nd season at the University of Denver. Woods committed to rebuilding a culture that allows for her team to grow as players and people. Her emphasis can be seen and heard via various podcast as well as tv interviews speaking of her Life 4.0 program. One she developed to provide a space to talk about mental health and social justice issues with her program. On the court, Woods has implemented an uptempo style. During the 20-21 season the Pioneers lead the Summit league in most three pointers made a game with 9.2. The Topeka, Kansas, native has been a guest on various podcasts about leadership and team culture. A featured speaker for the 2021 The Power of Positive Summit presented Jon Gordon, Woods discussed her transition from assistant to head coach. Additionally, Woods serves on various committees including the University of Denver athletics department DEI, DU’s Black Community Advisory Board, and Tulane University Alumni Council for the school of professional advancement.