Raised in a diverse environment, I have always been profoundly influenced by the rich tapestry of cultural experiences surrounding me. However, it took time for me to realize how my identity as a white male had inadvertently shielded me from certain aspects of reality. Through my ongoing journey, I have worked to remove these veils of disconnection, cultivating a more integrated and harmonious relationship with my environment.

My professional background is varied, encompassing roles in international relations, banking, youth counseling for adjudicated youth, behavioral intervention at a psychiatric residential treatment facility, and production design in the film industry. However, the most significant growth and learning opportunities arose from the relationships I developed, which guided my personal development and introspection.

As a collaborator in building Copper to Gold, and examining the behaviors associated with racism and prejudice within white communities, this experience has allowed me to better understand the importance of fostering a diverse community, dedicated to unveiling a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of reality.

I immigrated to United States from Iran at the age of 14 when my father did his Pathology residency in U.S. He firmly believed that his two daughters would not be afforded opportunities in the Patriarchal society of Iran where women are considered lesser than men .My parents made education a high priority in my life. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Computer Science, I returned to Florida and started a family.

My area of interest and experience has always been service whether in form of volunteering at my children’s school as treasurer of the PTA and my local faith community as teacher for the spiritual education of children. My studies and experiences in learning how a community works in a divided society, have made me keenly aware of issues that arise in a privileged homogenous community as contrasted to violence against the black community. Ever-present inequity has prompted me to align with others who are passionate about creating a new model for hum an interaction and organization-one that is based on truth, justice and freedom from racism.

My early experiences as an immigrant in the US was welcoming because my family had money, we were educated and we looked white enough. The guiding principle In my life is the Oneness of Humanity. To that end, I strive to see every human being as a contributor to this oneness. I am excited to be apart of Copper to Gold, a program that translates the vision of oneness into a practical and transformative process.

Regina grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, where she first consciously embraced social justice in elementary school. She received a BA in Latin American Studies from Stanford University, and an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Surrey, UK. She was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society and later awarded a National Defense Foreign Language Fellowship to study Portuguese. She has worked as a curriculum developer and manager of a language school, an Academic English as a Second Language and Spanish instructor, and translator and interpreter in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Her professional background in race equity work includes team experience as a program, training and workshop developer for NGOs in San Antonio, Texas and at Columbia University, whose role was to assist public school districts to achieve compliance with US desegregation and bilingual education statutes. Most recently she collaborated on evaluating and editing an anti-racism tool for use by civic, religious, law enforcement and educational organizations across the Province of British Columbia, Canada.

For nearly a decade Regina facilitated and trained facilitators for English Corner, a weekly space for meaningful conversations in English among immigrants and visiting ESL students. Its purpose is to build community and the capacity to contribute to the betterment of the world. She has since shifted her focus to the development of the Copper to Gold program. As a member of the Bahá’í communities of the United States and Canada, her service on agencies and institutions at the local, regional, and national levels has enhanced the skills she brings to Copper to Gold.

Regina has broad international and cross-cultural interests in history, reading, ethnomusicology, and dance. She is a musician, has written a few songs and poems along the way, and aspires to nurture a love for justice, critical thinking, beauty, sound, color and humanity in her grandson.

Sharon Nesbit-Davis’s work life has been primarily in the arts. Initially, she was a mimeartist, performing her one-woman show in theaters, schools, and festivals. She bartered tuition for her two children with a private arts alternative school to become an artist in residence and worked with teachers and students to create arts lessons and experiences to enhance curriculum. That work morphed into being accepted onto the roster of artists for the Illinois Arts Council Artist-in-Education program. And that lead to her work with the Rockford Area Arts Council whose dedicated mission was to make the arts accessible for everyone. Through this work, Sharon witnessed people from diverse cultures and backgrounds learn, share, create art, and form genuine friendships. 

Sharon retired as Executive Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council in 2020 and shifted her artistic focus to writing. Her memoir, Intended, A marriage in Black & White, was published in 2021. Currently she is writing a fictional  (magical realism) book that explores the multi-generational impact of racism on the oppressor. 

Sharon facilitates “Rebel Writers” classes to encourage courageous and authentic expression, and conducts creative recharge retreats, incorporating storytelling, visual arts, writing, movement, and meditation. She also offers workshops in legacy memoir and spiritual journeying.

When Sharon was fifteen, a Franciscan Brother took her to the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette and suggested this could be a religion she would like. That turned out to be true. And now, several decades later, she moved with her husband, George, to Evanston, IL for him serve at the Temple.

George and Sharon married in 1976, have two children and eight grandchildren. Each one unique, and each one contributing to the betterment of the world.

Concerning Copper to Gold, Sharon says, In 1969 black Civil Rights activist, Julian Bond, was invited to speak at my high school.

When he finished I rushed to the stage, got in line to meet him and asked, “What can I do to help?” He said what I did not want to hear. “Talk to your people.” I told him I’ve tried, but they won’t listen. He almost smiled. “If you are serious about this work, you’ll keep trying.”

His words stuck in my head and my heart. I kept trying and the more I did, the less confident I felt in how to do this work. Especially how to confront and eradicate my own racism. Finding Copper to Gold was literally, an answer to prayer.

As a retired mathematics and computer science educator, technology advocate, and lifelong champion for equity and inclusion, Sharon brings decades of experience in breaking down barriers and empowering others to reach their full potential. Her passion for helping others, combined with her commitment to fostering racial harmony and ending racism, drives her continued involvement in meaningful community work.

Throughout her career, Sharon combined her passion for education with her love of technology by serving on her school district's technology team, chairing the county technology committee, and later collaborating with the community college and local businesses to bring vital technology resources into the schools. Technology has been Sharon’s specialty and a tool for change. She not only integrated technology into the classroom but also trained adults to navigate and leverage it in their professional and personal lives. As one of the few Black women in mathematics working alongside predominantly white male colleagues, she overcame significant obstacles while paving the way for others who would follow.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sharon has enriched her community through diverse service. As a retired Tai Chi and Qigong instructor, she promoted wellness and mindfulness practices. Her experience as a motivational speaker has inspired countless individuals to pursue their goals despite challenges. She has volunteered with activities programs in nursing homes, bringing joy and engagement to elderly residents. Everything she does comes back to that same core belief—we all have something valuable to contribute, and her desire is to help people discover and share their gifts.

Sharon remains passionate about working toward racial harmony and the elimination of racism. She believes in the transformative power of kindness, mentorship, and education. When not volunteering or advocating for social justice, she enjoys crocheting, exploring interior design, and finding creative ways to make every space she touches more beautiful and welcoming.

Susan holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master's in Psychology, with over 45 years of mental health experience. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Fellow with the Association of Music & Imagery. Although retired, Susan continues to provide clinical supervision and volunteers at a homeless facility, where she conducts a class called "Keeping it Real."

Throughout her career, Susan has taught various psychology courses at numerous colleges and universities, emphasizing diversity in her teaching philosophy. She was selected to teach at a Study Abroad Program in Milan, Italy. Susan's background spans grassroots to administration at local, regional, and statewide levels, and she has provided individual, family, and group therapies. She has secured funding for mental health programs targeting families and differently-abled populations through her grant writing.

Susan's skills as a networker, trainer, public speaker, and workshop presenter have benefited various organizations and sectors. She was a trainer for the Healing Racism curriculum authored by Rita Starr and was contracted with local colleges, governmental institutions and community organizations. Susan has been interviewed on TV, radio, and in newspaper articles. Her work in child assault prevention and service in the area of abused and missing children has earned her recognition from the State of NJ.

As Assistant Director of International Business Programs at Tennessee State University, Susan directed the Minor in International Business and advised students. She initiated the Multicultural Friendship Society to help international students feel more included, and the group remains active.

As a consultant and trainer, Susan has tackled topics such as racial amity, diversity, stress management, leadership, team building, Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ethics, communication skills, bullying, social skills, goal setting, and career development.

A Baha'i Faith member for 46 years, Susan's personal spiritual growth and commitment to service continue to be a lifelong process. Copper to Gold has opened the door to centering on racial justice and unity, America's most pressing and challenging issue.