Peter Gaona

Chicago native, Peter Gaona, is a dancer-turned-designer and creator/owner of lifestyle brand, ReformedSchool. Peter founded ReformedSchool after transitioning from performing while completing his degree at Columbia College Chicago in Arts Entertainment Media Management. ReformedSchool’s Mission is to use Fashion as a lens through which people can learn about history, politics, culture, and the world. His designs celebrate Black and LatinX history by using fashion accessories to educate. Peter is also passionate about creating cultural engagement surrounding the arts and entrepreneurship in Chicago.

Dr. Mario Pierce

Dr. Mario Pierce is a transformational leader who has educated and positively impacted systems for 24 years. He has strong knowledge of individual and community health due to tackling disparities in underrepresented communities, and his work helps to reduce stigma regarding STI/HIV transmission in the Chicago area. Through the years, Mario taught elementary, middle, and high school, and in higher education institutions. In 2012, he came to the University of Chicago Medicine as an Education Outreach Coordinator, where his gift for transforming lives, mentoring, providing HIV testing and counseling, and founding a phenomenal men’s support group developed youth and young adults into mighty change agents. In 2014, Mario joined the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, where he prioritized Black, Latine, and LGBTQ+ communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. He promoted and cultivated positive relationships and expanded programs and partners in that role. Dr. Pierce has earned multiple sexual health certifications, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, a Master of Arts Degree in Speech Communication, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership. Between 2019 and 2023, Dr. Pierce was a Director of Academic Excellence and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at a private two-year college in Chicago. In May 2023, he became Sr. Director of Programs at Brave Space Alliance and is a Visiting Professor of English and Communication in both onsite and online platforms.