2025 Annual Convening Speakers

LaShawndra Vernon is dedicated to empowering communities and organizations to achieve positive change, particularly through the strategic application of arts and creativity. As the CEO/Founder of Pryme Solutions LLC, her multi-faceted approach integrates conflict resolution, strategic planning, and program development to help clients build capacity and achieve their goals. LaShawndra champions shared power, collaboration, social progress, and innovation, offering comprehensive, tailored solutions. Her commitment to arts and cultural policy as tools for advocacy and building shared power is further demonstrated by her academic experience as an Adjunct Professor and her appointments to all levels of government in Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Cultural, Artistic & Musical Programming Advisory Council (CAMPAC). She also chairs the Bronzeville Advisory Committee, overseeing development in Milwaukee's premier African American creative ecosystem. She serves as an advisor to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, where she acts as their arts & culture consultant, approving funding for local institutions. LaShawndra is the author of The Conflict Transformation Journal, a vital tool in her trust-building coaching. She guides leaders to self-regulate and transform reactive behaviors into thoughtful, constructive responses, fostering sustained trust and empowering them to lead with greater empathy, consistency, and resilience.