| Abstract: In this panel, Dr. Nasiah Cirincione Ulezi, BCBA, Ed.D., and Dana Meller, MA, BCBA, continue their conversation from ABAI 2023. It’s a year later and the world and our field are even more divided. The two women continue to come together to share the realizations and lessons from their intimate weekly coffee date, reflecting on how they’ve navigated a friendship in this increasingly complex time. The conversation will address race, intersectionality, aging and the significance and role of partnership between Black and White women. As friends and colleagues, Nasiah and Dana observed each other navigate predominantly Black and White spaces, building a relationship grounded in honesty, compassion, self-awareness, and mutual respect. They approach challenging topics with necessary honesty, complexity, and empathy, offering unique perspectives: Nasiah, as a scholar and thought leader standing for transformation and human dignity; Dana, as an entrepreneurial visionary who is passionate about creating supportive and collaborative learning environments. This conversation aims to create a brave space where women can learn from and empower one another, ultimately contributing to the creation of a world where everyone can experience belonging. |