Keynote Speakers for The 23rd Annual Fall Social Work Conference
Kristin Scroggin 
Meet Kristin Scroggin – A huge fan of Generational Diversity armed with a Communication Studies master’s degree from the University of Alabama and a bachelor’s from Montevallo in decoding GenZ slang and millennial emojis. Kristin embarked on her research endeavors during her almost 20-year tenure as a professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville before giving birth to her company, genWHY Communications in 2017.
Kristin has a passion for decoding the generational enigma and is known for her straight-talk speaking style and wicked twist of humor. Kristin has been on stages in 42 states, left her mark in 3 countries, and sprinkled her wisdom across more than 160 conferences for 350+ diverse organizations. From Fortune 500 giants to pint-sized non-profits, she’s been there, done that, and left an indelible impression.
Published in magazines, guest on multiple podcasts, and the workhorse behind groundbreaking research, Kristin isn’t just about speaking – she’s about making waves in the world of succession planning and leadership program development. Need someone to referee the battle of Boomers and Millennials on your teams? Look no further; Kristin consults on attracting, developing, and retaining the brightest minds.
But wait, there’s more! Fueled by an unrelenting wanderlust, Kristin and her partner-in-travel (husband) are on a quest to explore every nook and cranny of the globe. Amidst their jet-setting adventures, they somehow manage to keep their sanity while raising four humans who never stop eating.
To learn more and get resources visit www.genwhy.com.
Lori Vann, MA, LPCS
International speaker, media guest, and five-time author, Lori Vann is a regarded behavioral health expert and founder of Vann Wellness Group and the Institute for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury. With over twenty-five years of clinical experience, she has written five books with two more in the works. Having given over 320 media interviews for outlets all over the world, she is seen as a “go-to” person when behavioral health stories make headlines. Her experiences working at psychiatric hospitals, the non-profit sector, an outpatient clinic, colleges, her own privative practice, and consulting with businesses throughout the U.S., have led to her motto of Here to Serve whether on a big stage, one-on-one with a client, or leading an online support group.
She is a graduate of Pepperdine University where she received with honors her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a graduate of Chapman University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Arts degree in Psychology. Lori is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor.
Marya Wright, DSW, MSW
Marya Wright, DSW MSW BSW, is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.
Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in Child Welfare Policy and Research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.
As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She serves as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the California Society of Clinical Social Work and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.
Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.