SCORR Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil. An ordained minister and passionate communicator, Brenda has been traveling the nation speaking about racial reconciliation to a wide variety of audiences. Her ministry background includes serving as the Regional Coordinator of Multiethnic Training with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, being the founder of Overflow Ministries Inc, and currently the President of Salter McNeil and Associates, a reconciliation training and consulting company based in Chicago. Brenda is the coauthor of The Heart of Racial Justice: How Soul Change Leads to Social Change (InterVarsity Press, 2004). She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary).

Worship Leader

Dr. Diane White-Clayton ("Dr. Dee") is Choral Conductor at Faithful Central Bible Church of Los Angeles. After receiving her B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, she studied classical piano as a Rotary Scholar at the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris and performed solo Gospel concerts throughout Europe. Upon returning to the States, she earned a Masters and Ph.D. in music composition from UC Santa Barbara. She has taught and served as artist-in-residence at a number of universities. She travels extensively as a workshop clinician, performer, composer, conductor, and speaker, appearing at colleges, universities, churches, and conferences throughout the United States, Europe and Canada, and has founded her own record label. She will be leading worship with the Sacred Praise Chorale, the choir from Faithful Central.

Workshop Presenters

Jonathan Calvillo graduated from Biola University with a double major in Biblical Studies and Psychology and with a Masters of Divinity with a missions emphasis at Talbot School of Theology. Jonathan served as Coordinator of Hispanic Programs at Vanguard University, and he and his wife currently lead a church called El Puente in inner-city Santa Ana, where they also reside .  Various labels he would use to describe himself are Mexican-American, husband, pastor, and hip hop MC. Jonathan hopes to someday preach a full length sermon by rapping it.

Brad Christerson is Associate Professor of Sociology at Biola.  He does research on multi-ethnic churches and religious organizations and teaches several classes at Biola related to cultural and racial issues.  He grew up in Colorado and received his bachelor's degree from Colorado State University.  He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara.  Outside of his duties at Biola, he mostly enjoys hanging out with his wife Carin and two daughters, aged 5 and 2.  Before having kids, he used to enjoy many other aspects of Southern California life, including art museums, snowboarding and beach volleyball. 

Linda Kazibwe was born in Uganda, raised in Kenya, East Africa.  She completed a degree in Biochemistry at Biola and is currently a High School Biology, Chemistry and Algebra Teacher.  Linda has been involved in music and dance since her childhood.  She studied Ballet and Gymnastics while being an active swimmer and athlete.  Music and dance are her passions and have always been part of her life, whether recreationally or as part of serious performance.

Jason Petty (a.k.a. Propaganda). With an uncompromising message intertwined with hot rhythms and beats, Los Angeles based Propaganda (Jason Petty) lyrically puts together potent relevant music and poetry that reaches across the spectrum of youth and pop culture. Bringing with him years of classroom teaching and community service experience, he is eloquently bold in the message of each song and never shies away from a strong poetic element in his music. His Subject matter ranges from staying accountable God as well as standing up boldly for one's faith both in word and in one's life, to aggressive battle rap and political awareness.

Alexia Salvatierra is the Executive Director of CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), an organization of religious leaders throughout Los Angeles county who come together to respond to the crisis of working poverty by supporting low-wage workers in their struggle for a living wage, health insurance, fair working conditions and a voice in the decisions that affect them. Rev. Salvatierra is an ordained Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with over 20 years of experience in interfaith and community ministry, community organizing and legislative advocacy.

Doug Schaupp is the Associate Regional Director for the Greater Los Angeles Division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Doug graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. in Political Science and Fuller Theological Seminary with a Masters Degree in Leadership Development at the School of World Missions.  He was ordained and served as a minister at an African-American church as well as at a Korean church.  He is co-author of the book entitled "Being White in a Multi-Ethnic World."  He enjoys playing basketball, is a huge fan of the San Francisco 49ers and loves to play with his two young boys.

Odd Thomas: There are many ways to describe the music of Odd Thomas because of his mass appeal with Rock and Hip Hop genres; it becomes hard to label him as just a Rapper, MC or even Poet.  It is easy however, to understand the purpose of his words and music.  In 2007, he was in the top 100 indie artists to check for on My Space and the most downloaded Hip-Hop artist in May 2005 on My Space.

Tabitha Verdick is a current Nursing Major student at Biola University.  She grew up in San Diego. In her free time Tabitha loves drinking espresso and listening to children talk about life. Her favorite thing to do is laugh, and her purpose in life is to know God and know people. She was previously involved in Residence Life as an RA and is currently involved in serving on staff with the Multicultural Relations Department as well as being deeply involved in Multi-Ethnic Programs at Biola.

Krista Marie Walthall is a recent graduate of Biola University ('07) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies.  While a student, she was involved for two years as a Resident Assistant and was heavily involved in Multi-Ethnic Programs.  Krista is an avid writer and has done much process in exploring the role white people in America play in racial reconciliation.  Through essays and poetry she has challenged many to think and dialogue on issues regarding diversity in the Body of Christ.