YOUR DONATION HELPS US CREATE EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES.

  Christopher (He/Him/His) is a co-founder of Difficult-Discussions Inc., bringing a wealth of experience in equity and inclusion since 2014. His journey commenced with founding and presiding over the Socio-Environmental organization, Reformation and Improvement of Society and Environment, based in Bangalore, India. This initiative expanded to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where Christopher pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Under his leadership, RISE achieved global membership in nine countries, illustrating his adeptness in mobilizing social justice activists. Christopher also played a pivotal role as the founder, chair, and later advisor for the UWSP Alliance of Multicultural and Diversity Organizations, directly impacting over 1000 students and overseeing 20 member organizations.

As the Inclusivity Director for the UWSP Student Government Association, Christopher catalyzed significant leadership development, spearheading impactful legislation, activism, and diversity and inclusion training. His efforts resulted in institutional change, fostering a more inclusive community.

Beyond academia, Christopher extended his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into county government, serving as a voting member for the Portage County Diversity Affairs and Inclusiveness Committee.

Recognized for his talent in uniting diverse groups and addressing systemic marginalization, Christopher is currently a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) candidate at the Medical College of Wisconsin, embodying a holistic dedication to societal progress. 

Zantasia (She/Her/Hers) is a co-founder of  Difficult-Discussions Inc. She is from Racine, WI where she was born and raised. Zantasia has a Bachelor's in English and a Master's in Higher Education Administration. She has been an advocate for social justice and equity from a very young age. Her launch into this work officially started in high school with her joining organizations such as Youth Empowered in the Struggle (Y.E.S.). Through her work on many committees and organizations, she has used her voice to highlight injustices and advocate for change. She served as the president of her multicultural sorority Sigma Delta Rho in the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She was one of the founders of the Alliance of Multicultural and Diversity Organizations at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She has worked with students from marginalized communities as a Learning Enrichment and Achievement Program Mentor in a primarily white institution. Within working at primarily white institutions, she has also focused on fostering community amongst students who come from marginalized backgrounds. She believes in servant leadership and that it is important to create space for those who are often left out of conversations. She was chosen as the 2024 Emerging Leader Award for the Social Justice Awards from the Division of Institutional Diversity and Equity at Dartmouth College. Zantasia is proficient in organizing and facilitating interactive events on Diversity and Inclusion. 

 Crisma Benny (She/Her/Hers) is the Finance Director for  Difficult-Discussions Inc. She has been part of various organizations and offices focused on diversity and inclusion both on and off a college campus setting. She currently serves as the Vice-President of a Socio-Environmental organization, Reformation and Improvement of Society and Environment. She got her Business degree from Bangalore, India while completing this course she served as the student welfare secretary in 2009 and 2010. She also attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where she got her pre-requisites for Physical Therapy. During her time at UW-La Crosse she worked in the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Campus Climate Office. Both these offices worked to bring equity and inclusion to the campus. Crisma has been a social justice activist for most her life and her knowledge in finance helps Difficult-Discussions effectively carry out the work we do.  

Sage (She/Her/Hers) is the Marketing Director for Difficult-Discussions Inc. Originally from Scituate, RI, Sage moved to Central Wisconsin to pursue her degree where she later graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point (UWSP) with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy with minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Sociology. Sage’s journey as an ally began with her involvement in social justice organizations at UWSP. Sage’s compassion-centric leadership style has helped create equitable spaces through the positions she has served in over the years. She was the co-chair of the Alliance of Multicultural and Diversity Organizations at UWSP, the Health Services Student Director for the UWSP Student Government Association, the Coordinator for the UWSP Food Pantry, the President for the Reformation and Improvement of Society and Environment at UWSP, and the Publications Chair for her multicultural sorority Sigma Delta Rho. Her leadership was also used to advocate for increased funding for mental health services in the University of Wisconsin System when she presented on the topic to the UW Board of Regents in 2019. She also organized and promoted university wide events that attracted hundreds of attendees. Sage excels in creating and promoting inclusive marketing material in order to further the success and outreach of the equitable organizations she is a part of. Sage is a dedicated scholar currently immersed in her journey at Brown University in Providence, RI, where she passionately pursues a Master's in Public Health. Her academic pursuits are fueled by a deep commitment to creating positive change in public health outcomes, driven by her unwavering belief in the power of knowledge and compassion to transform communities. 

Riley (He/Him/His) is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) and holds degrees in Political Science and Economics. Riley grew up hunting and fishing with his family in Central Wisconsin and through that he gained a passion for protecting our natural resources. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he is also a very vocal advocate for equal rights for all marginalized groups. In 2019, Riley was the Communications and Public Relations Director for the UWSP Student Government Association, and in 2020 he served as a campaign manager for a local candidate running for Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District seat. Ensuring that diverse and progressive candidates get elected is something Riley wants to dedicate his life towards, and he believes that change only happens when people are willing to stand up and fight for it. He hopes that by being involved in wonderful organizations, such as Difficult-Discussions, he can help bring about needed change to local communities and have a positive impact on the world.  

Troy (He/Him/His) completed undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), and obtained a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin Green-Bay. Troy is from Milwaukee, WI. Navigating community struggles in the inner city of Milwaukee caused Troy to develop a passion for social justice and social welfare. At UWSP, Troy contributed to many efforts in creating a diverse and inclusive campus. Troy served as president of a diverse chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity; effectively leading a group of diverse men in philanthropy, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and character building. Troy also contributed by serving in Student Government, Alliance of Multicultural Organizations, and UWSP's Diversity and College Access Office. Troy's passion for this work also led him to take a role as a counselor in UWSP's Multicultural Leadership Camp, which gives a diverse group of prospective students a look into the University and its opportunities. Troy now works as an in training psychotherapist at North Central Healthcare in Wausau, WI. Troy hopes that his contribution in Difficult-Discussions Inc. can help further community conversations surrounding equity and social welfare.

Eve (She/Her/Hers) graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and minors in Professional Writing and Biology.  Growing up on a small family farm in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin instilled a strong desire to live harmoniously with the rest of nature and to fight to protect it.  While in college she carried this passion with her, pursuing a natural resources degree and becoming heavily involved in two student organizations, 350 Stevens Point and Reformation and Improvement of Society and Environment (RISE).  She served as an officer for both organizations, acting as the Public Relations Officer and Editor-in-Chief, respectively.  While she was with 350 Stevens Point, an environmental advocacy organization, she attended many actions throughout the state to fight against pipelines, mines, and other infrastructure that disproportionately harms minority communities.  In 2018, Eve was part of organizing a protest against Foxconn during their groundbreaking ceremony in Mount Pleasant.  She continues to advocate for social and environmental justice in her daily life and is currently focused on spreading her passions through environmental education, hoping to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and activists.

 In her professional life, Meleesa (She/Her/Hers) is a senior-level thought-leader with nearly 20 years of success in designing customer-oriented programs and developing high performing service-oriented teams. She is accomplished in working with diverse groups and organizational influencers to establish strategic goals and devise tactics to drive positive outcomes and successful networks of partners.  

In her private life, Meleesa is a community trailblazer.  She is the first woman to be elected president of the Stevens Point Common Council and chairperson of the city’s Finance Committee.  She serves on the board of directors for Justiceworks, an organization focused on restorative justice.  Meleesa is the co-founder of the Friends of Emerson Park, a grassroots community group dedicated to the redevelopment of a park on a vacant urban parcel.  While on the Portage County Board of Supervisors she successfully advocated for county’s first Diversity Affairs and Inclusivity Committee.  As a part of that advocacy, Meleesa worked with a wide array of marginalized stakeholders to ensure their voices were incorporated into the formalized county ordinance.  Meleesa will bring all these strengths and experiences to bear and help bring about success for Difficult-Discussions.