Finding Justice in a Broken System

Eastern Michigan University – Star Lecture Series, 2020

Through personal narrative and systemic analysis, this lecture examined how deeply embedded inequities shape educational and social institutions. Rudy invited students and educators to critically reflect on structures built on punishment and exclusion, while offering restorative justice as a pathway toward accountability, healing, and transformation. The presentation inspired participants to view justice not as an abstract ideal, but as a daily practice rooted in empathy and collective responsibility.

Breaking Through Disproportionality: District-Wide Restorative Justice Through a Racial Justice Lens

National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conference, Denver, 2019

This session focused on addressing racial disproportionality in school discipline through intentional, district-wide restorative justice implementation. Rudy shared strategies for aligning leadership, policy, and practice while using data to surface inequities and guide meaningful change. The presentation highlighted the importance of cultural shifts, sustainable systems, and racial justice as central to restorative work.

Restorative Justice and Racial Injustice

Social Workers Confronting Racial Injustice Conference, 2019

Designed for social work professionals, this presentation examined how restorative justice can serve as a powerful framework for responding to harm, trauma, and racial injustice. Rudy emphasized healing-centered engagement, relationship repair, and accountability rooted in compassion rather than punishment. Participants were encouraged to integrate restorative practices into human services as tools for both individual and systemic transformation.

Restorative Justice and Youth Leadership

Dane County Social Justice Youth Summit, 2019

This presentation centered youth as leaders and change agents in restorative and social justice efforts. Rudy engaged young people in conversations about identity, conflict, and community-building, highlighting restorative dialogue as a critical leadership skill. The session empowered students to navigate differences, address harm, and contribute meaningfully to healthier school and community environments.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline in the Context of Dominican Values

15th Biennial Colloquium, Providence College, 2019

Grounded in ethical and faith-based perspectives, this presentation examined the school-to-prison pipeline as a moral and social justice issue. Rudy invited academic and faith communities to reflect on human dignity, systemic harm, and collective responsibility, calling for values-aligned action that centers restoration, equity, and compassion within educational systems.

Leading for Learning Through Restorative Justice

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Leading for Learning Institute, 2018

This session supported educational leaders in integrating restorative justice into leadership practice and organizational culture. Rudy explored restorative leadership frameworks that promote trust, accountability, and belonging while aligning vision, policy, and practice. The presentation emphasized sustainable change through relationship-centered leadership and systems-level transformation.