STAFF

SWCHRS

Kathy Cozad

Office Manager and Assistant to Executive Director

Kathy joined our team February 2018 as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies. Before joining our team, she worked the past 16 years for the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma where she held the positions of Program Manager, HR, Property and Procurement and Program Coordinator for the CCDF program. Kathy has received her Administrative Assistant I & II and Business Core Competency Certificates from Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center in Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. She has also attended Cameron University and Comanche Nation College.

She is a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and comes from Kiowa descent as well. She and her husband Daniel moved to Norman in September 2017. She has three children and three grandchildren, whom she loves spending time with. Now that she has seen her children through high school and one through college, she is inspired to continue to pursue her education in Business Administration which she plans to do in the near future.

Emake Fisher

MSW Practicum Student

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Emake Fisher is currently an MSW (Master of Social Work) practicum student at the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS), where he brings his passion for social change and community empowerment to the forefront of his work. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Human Services from the University of Central Oklahoma, which laid the foundation for his deep interest in understanding social systems and how they impact marginalized communities. Emake’s dedication to macro-level social work is driven by his desire to create systemic change through community organizing, policy advocacy, and strategic interventions. He was drawn to social work by a commitment to helping individuals and communities achieve a better quality of life, believing that meaningful, lasting change comes from empowering people and transforming the environments in which they live.

Justin Lincks

Senior Program Administrator

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Justin has served the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE) for more than 15 years. As Program Manager, he is responsible for orchestrating the efforts of NCORE staff to organize and develop the conference. He also manages the on-site conference event. Justin first joined the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS) in 2001 as a temporary employee, working to update and digitize the NCORE mailing system. Over the years, he has served the conference in various capacities, including webmaster, marketing and public relations coordinator, exhibit coordinator, and audiovisual coordinator. He has also served as the secretary and coordinator for the activities of the NCORE National Advisory Council and the SWCHRS Executive Committee.

Justin developed a deep commitment to act in support of social justice and racial equity projects through his service to and emersion into the community of the NCORE conference. While a staff member of the Southwest Center, he also gained experience as intergroup dialogue facilitator, leading numerous dialogues on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. He has also facilitated caucus groups focused on anti-racist consciousness raising amongst white people. Justin has been a student of numerous developmental trainings focused on change making to create more just and equitable institutions. He is grateful for the opportunities he has had to attend trainings organized by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, the Social Justice Training Institute and the White Privilege Conference.

Prior to joining the Southwest Center, Justin served in the United States military as a highly decorated Weather Forecaster for the Air Force Air National Guard.

Ajia Meux

Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Projects

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Ajia recently earned a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma (OU). Her research philosophy informs an agenda that focuses on both pro-social and critical analyses of Black representation—that is, how the lives of Black people are made better and/or worse through media and communication. With that philosophy in mind, her research agenda looks at the relationship between communication, culture, identity and power in corporate philanthropy, activist, and visual representation contexts. Ajia returned to SWCHRS after two-years in OU Advancement/OU Foundation where she supported the operations and execution of the LEAD ON Campaign – OU’s $2B fundraising campaign.

Before transitioning into communications, Ajia worked as a social worker clinician in the Washington, D.C. area and with the Department of Defense, focusing on sexual, domestic and combat trauma. Her commitment to racial and social justice is largely influenced by her work as a social worker, as she recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of human beings and their contribution to the world. Ajia holds an MA from University of Oklahoma (2018), an MSW from Howard University (2005) and a BS from California State University, Fresno (2001). She is originally from Oakland, CA.

Kathie Nicoletti

Event / Conference Manager

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Kathie's work at SWCHRS includes sourcing future conference venues and hotels, negotiating contracts, and making logistical arrangements for current conferences. A lifelong learner, she earned a Certified Meeting Professional designation in 2007, an M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education in 2016, and a Virtual Meeting Management certificate in 2020.

Kathie creates jewelry and other crafty things and lives by the motto "do something creative every day".

Debbie O'Dell

Business and Virtual Program Manager

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Debbie is our most recent graduate from the OU Extended campus’ accelerated degree program. She earned her B.A. in Organizational Leadership in her spare time over two quick years. Debbie’s hard work and perseverance not only earned her a degree but also a promotion within our department to Business and Virtual Meeting Manager. In this role, Debbie will continue to serve as the budgeting manager, exhibit and advertising manager, the point of contact for all contracting, and the organization of our virtual events such as webinars and our newest program, NCORE Virtual Connections.

In her spare time Debbie enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, and game night with friends.

Stephanie Salyer

Senior Program Coordinator

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Stephanie Salyer is an independent filmmaker who grew up in parts of Southeast Missouri, Ohio, and the Philippines. Her films focus primarily on family, friends, and history, and her research focuses on film editing and rhetoric. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication.

Jovany Trevino

Event / Conference Coordinator

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Originally from Arlington, TX and of Mexican descent, Jovany has a passion for orchestrating memorable experiences. He specializes in planning and executing successful events and conferences tailored to diverse audiences. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, he ensures that every event runs smoothly from start to finish.

Jovany believes that strong logistical and organizational skills are essential for professional success and serve as the foundation for turning any event or dream into reality. He holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce (2021). Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, running, and exploring new places through travel.