Pivot: Strategies to Transform Leadership Through Deep Connection

November 4, 2025

1:45 pm - 2:45 pm |

Leaders today face unprecedented challenges that demand more than operational expertise—they require transformation. This session will examine an approach to leadership that helps us navigate a climate of constant turmoil, competing demands, and ideological divisiveness. Using small group discussion and reflection, participants will share actionable insights to reshape leadership practices.  

This session highlights core principles from the book, The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves, by Dr. Shawn Ginwright, and is designed specifically for executive leaders seeking to align their leadership with values of justice, empathy, and long-term impact.  

Participants will: 

  • Explore organizational challenges impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the animal welfare profession 
  • Understand how to lead transformative initiatives that address structural inequities using the Four Pivots’ principles: Awareness, Connection, Vision, and Presence 
  • Develop tools and techniques to foster authentic, collaborative relationships with teams and stakeholders

Speakers

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Maria Morukian
President and Founder, MSM Global Consulting

Maria Morukian, the president of MSM Global Consulting, has twenty years of experience as a facilitator, coach and consultant on leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria hosts a podcast on critical DEI issues called Culture Stew. She is author of the book, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace and co-author of ATD’s Handbook for Training and Talent Development.

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Jasmin Robinson
Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

Jasmin M. Robinson is The Association’s Director of DEI Initiatives. She is also the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC., and a consultant with MSM Global Consulting. She has over 10 years of experience leading efforts to foster and maintain inclusive work environments that welcome, embrace, empower, and celebrate people. She is actively pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Indiana State University.