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Changemakers Leading the Conversation:
Our Panel & Moderator
We’ve heard the stories, now it’s time to dive deeper. Our moderator and panelists will engage in an open conversation, tackling the tough questions and amplifying ideas for meaningful change.
Moderated by Sean Eldridge
Sean Eldridge
CEO | Law Enforcement & Community Equity Advocate | Storyteller
Sean Eldridge, a law enforcement veteran and social impact strategist, has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between public safety and community advocacy. As the CEO of ARISE Group Inc., he champions human-centered leadership and reform-driven dialogue.
For this panel, Sean will guide the conversation, bringing his expertise to facilitate a powerful, thought-provoking discussion that challenges perspectives, elevates lived experiences, and explores actionable solutions for change.
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Sheriff Garry L. McFadden
Mecklenburg County Sheriff | Community Leader | Criminal Justice
Sheriff Garry L. McFadden has dedicated over four decades to law enforcement, serving 37 years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, including 22 years as a homicide detective. His investigative work has been featured on ABC’s 20/20, The First 48, and America’s Most Wanted, and he made history as the first African American law enforcement officer to star in his own TV series, I Am Homicide.
Committed to building trust between law enforcement and the community, Sheriff McFadden co-founded the nationally recognized Cops & Barbers initiative, which led to an invitation to the White House and recognition by President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Elected as Mecklenburg County’s first African American Sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, he continues to push for progressive criminal justice reform.
His work has earned him multiple honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service and recognition as a North Carolina HBCU Living Legend. Sheriff McFadden serves on several national law enforcement boards, including the National Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the American Correctional Association. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he remains deeply engaged in shaping the future of law enforcement and community relations.
Judge Keith S. Smith
North Carolina District Court Judge| Legal Advocate | Community Leader
Judge Keith S. Smith serves in North Carolina District Court District 26 (Mecklenburg County), where he was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in July 2023, and elected to a four-year-term in November 2024, bringing over 30 years of experience in the legal system. Judge Smith has dedicated his career to upholding justice with fairness, accountability, and compassion.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Smith served as a Senior Associate County Attorney for Mecklenburg County, advocating for child safety, permanence, and family stability. He previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney for Rowan County, where he prosecuted cases and worked to ensure justice in criminal proceedings. His experience also includes serving as a Court Improvement Project Coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Courts, where he worked to enhance judicial processes and improve community outcomes. Earlier in his career, he was an Adult Probation and Parole Officer, where he first discovered his passion for equitable justice and rehabilitation.
Judge Smith earned his B.A. and B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his M.S. from UNC Charlotte, and his J.D. from North Carolina Central University Turner School of Law. Judge Smith also serves as an adjunct professor at Catawba College and The University of North Carolina Charlotte. He approaches the law with a deep respect for fairness, impartiality, and public service, values instilled in him by his parents, who emphasized education, respect, and dignity for all.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Smith is a dedicated member of his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., having served in numerous leadership roles that embody brotherhood, scholarship, and service. His commitment to justice, integrity, and community impact continues to shape his work as he serves the people of Mecklenburg County.
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Councilwoman Tiawana Brown
Charlotte City Council | Systems-Impacted Advocate | Community Leader
Councilwoman Tiawana Brown, a lifelong resident of Charlotte’s District 3, is a dedicated leader and advocate for justice reform, community investment, and economic equity. After experiencing incarceration firsthand, she founded Beauty After the Bars, a nonprofit focused on preventing the incarceration of women and girls while supporting reentry efforts. Her work as a board member for the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls helped secure the release of many women through the FREE HER movement. She also launched Believe Academic Success Belongs to You, a mentorship program for school-age children.
Recognized for her impactful leadership, Councilwoman Brown has received several honors, including the Who’s Who Charlotte Community Service Award (2018), KNOW Women Top 50 in Charlotte (2022), and KNOW Women Top 100 in America (2023). As an active member of the Black Political Caucus, NAACP, and Democratic Women for Mecklenburg County, she remains committed to securing funding for District 3, addressing jobs, parks, affordable housing, and community resources to uplift historically underserved communities.
Her leadership reflects a passion for change, justice, and progress, ensuring that Charlotte’s future is built on equity, opportunity, and resilience.
Brandon Allison, LCMHC, NCC
Mental Health Advocate | Licenced Clinician | Creative Counseling
Born and raised in Kannapolis, NC, Brandon Allison has always been driven by a passion for helping and listening to others. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies (Psychology) from Winston-Salem State University and later received his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Family Counseling Certification from NC A&T State University in 2016.
With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including seven as a licensed clinician, Brandon is deeply committed to advancing wellness and healing in the African American community. He is a strong advocate for increased funding and support for North Carolina’s HBCUs, including his involvement with the HBCU Collective Initiative. A firm believer in energy, mindfulness, and intentionality, Brandon promotes a holistic approach to mental health - creating, sharing, and fostering spaces for healing and growth.
