Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin

Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin

Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin hails from Nashville, TN, where he was raised by a retired public school teacher and a United Methodist clergywoman. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Tennessee State University and a Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, and is currently advancing his education with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Social Transformation from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

His journey in ministry includes significant roles such as Assistant Pastor at East Point First Mallalieu UMC in Atlanta, Advocacy Organizer with the General Commission on Religion and Race, and Associate Pastor at Holman UMC in Los Angeles. He has also led as chair of the California-Pacific Conference chapter of Black Methodists for Church Renewal and contributed to various community organizing teams.

Rev. Victor shares his life with his wife, Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, and they are proud parents of two children. In his spare time, Pastor Victor delights in reading, enjoying live music, wearing funky sneakers, and cherishing moments with his family.

Panelist: The Transforming Power of Love

Speaker Layout

Speaker Layout

Producer and Director Karen Hayes holds an M.F.A. in Film and TV Production from UCLA and leads Ubuntu Motion Pictures, a production company dedicated to creating narratives that foster dialogue around equity, justice, and healing.

Her work in the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women culminated in the writing, production, and direction of the short film An Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl, inspired by the autobiography of abolitionist Harriet Jacobs.

Over a span of 15 years, she was afforded unique access to film Desmond Tutu internationally and is currently finalizing the documentary feature The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu.

Panelist: “The Transformative Power of Love”

Speaker Layout

Karen Hayes

Producer and Director Karen Hayes holds an M.F.A. in Film and TV Production from UCLA and leads Ubuntu Motion Pictures, a production company dedicated to creating narratives that foster dialogue around equity, justice, and healing.

Her work in the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women culminated in the writing, production, and direction of the short film An Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl, inspired by the autobiography of abolitionist Harriet Jacobs.

Over a span of 15 years, she was afforded unique access to film Desmond Tutu internationally and is currently finalizing the documentary feature The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu.

Panelist: “The Transformative Power of Love”

Kaylan Balaven

Kaylan Balaven

Kalyan Balaven serves as the Head of Dunn School, where he is deeply committed to fostering authentic humanity in education. Balaven strives to teach and lead in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Balaven is the founder of the Inclusion Dashboard Consortium and the Santa Barbara Inclusion Lab, two initiatives dedicated to helping schools measure and strengthen belonging within their communities. Through these efforts, he provides valuable tools that enable educational institutions to create more inclusive environments.

As the host of The Whole Student podcast, Balaven delves into the intersection of data-informed inclusion and genuine human connection in education. His writing and interviews, featured by organizations such as the National Association of Independent Schools and Business Leadership for Independent Schools, explore how schools can use data to support meaningful inclusion while maintaining a focus on each student’s needs and experiences.

Balaven practices Shia Islam as a follower of the legacy of Fatima. He is one of the few English-speaking elegists in the tradition of marsiya*, having composed “The Tragedy of Karbala and Other Poems.” Through his poetry, Balaven weaves the remembrance of Karbala into his work, enriching his approach to teaching, leadership, and inclusion with spiritual depth and cultural understanding.

Speaker: Take Heart Now Series

*Marsiya: The word is derived from the Arabic word marthiyya, meaning “lamentation” or “tragedy”.

Tahil Sharma: Take Heart Now

Tahil Sharma: Take Heart Now

Tahil Sharma: A Journey of Faith, Identity, and Courage

Introduction

In this powerful conversation, interfaith activist Tahil Sharma reflects on his journey of faith, identity, and courage. His experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of bridging divides and promoting understanding among diverse communities.

The Aftermath of the Democratic National Convention Benediction

Sharma shares the profound impact that followed his offering of the benediction at the Democratic National Convention. This pivotal moment shaped his ongoing work, deepening his commitment to justice and community service.

Serving as a Bridge in Times of Division

With honesty and insight, Sharma explores what it means to serve as a bridge between communities during periods of division. He discusses the importance of building connections and fostering dialogue, even when facing obstacles or opposition.

Guided by Love, Resilience, and Purpose

Throughout his journey, Sharma emphasizes the central role of love, resilience, and purpose. These guiding principles inform his dedication to justice and inspire his efforts to create positive change within and between communities.