Liberation Panelists

Bronwyn Nichols Lodato

Dr. Bronwyn Nichols Lodato is a mixed-methods researcher who examines adolescent development, the transition to adulthood, and postsecondary experiences of diverse youth.  She studies the impact of contexts and exogenous shocks, such as the Great Recession and Covid-19, on developmental processes and outcomes over the life course. Nichols Lodato also holds an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Chicago, where her research focused on immigrant national identity development in select European Union countries.  Her research agenda is enhanced by her deep experience leading and coordinating interdisciplinary research on diverse populations for governmental and non-governmental agencies. Her academic service includes participating in the University of Chicago Social Science Division’s Dean’s Advisory Council and Student Executive Committee, UChicagoGRAD’s Diversity Advisory Board as well as the Department of Comparative Human Development’s Mentoring Planning Committee.   Please connect with her via email (bronwyn@uchicago.edu) or on LinkedIn.

Imam Tariq El-Amin

mam El-Amin is a recent graduate of Bayan Islamic Graduate School/Chicago Theological Seminary earning a Masters Of Divinity, with a focus in Islamic Chaplaincy. He has served as the Resident Imam & Chairman of the Board of Masjid Al-Taqwa (since 2013). Servant and Participatory leadership ground his leadership and community-building philosophy. He is an active part of local, national, and international Inter & Intrafaith Community efforts. Imam El-Amin’s convictions have led him to serve on the boards of The Abolition Institute (an international anti-slavery nonprofit) and Arise Chicago, which focuses on worker rights.
In the past, Imam Tariq has served as the nightly host/producer of Radio Islam, a live talk program where he conversed with politicians, artists, activists, etc, and also gave social commentary on the issues of the day. He is the former Director of Civic Engagement & Interfaith Services at the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and a past appointee to the Illinois Muslim Advisory Council, established by former Governor Pat Quinn.

Rhya Moffit Brooke

Rhya Moffitt is a PhD student in the Black Studies in English cohort at the University of Chicago. She holds master's degrees in English from Northeastern University and the University of Texas at Austin. Rhya's work focuses on the intersections of Blackness, gender, and (dis)ability/(un)wellness. Rhya's scholarship is forthcoming in the Routledge Handbook to Alternative Futurisms (2023), and she has penned book reviews for MELUS, the E3W Review of Books, and The Black Scholar (forthcoming). Rhya is also an educator with experience teaching and writing curriculum at the secondary through undergraduate level. Her curriculum design centers historically marginalized voices and prioritizes accessible pedagogies.

Reggie Bates

Reggie prides himself on being a Chicago Native! Reggie_SoDope has dedicated 10+ years of life to motivating and perpetuating all of those he encounters. Growing up in the Englewood area of Chicago and Riverdale Illinois, Reggie was pushed to not become a product of his environment, but instead became the one that elevated it.

He graduated in 2016 from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. While at Northern, he served as the President of his fraternity., Black Male Initiative (retention-based organization), Black Theatre Workshop, and served as the Vice-President of Student Government; where he oversaw 300+ student-led organizations.

Co-creator of "Psyck Discussion Podcast," Co-host of #LMTMS' The Guys Podcast, Director of late-night talk, "Chi Night Live (CNL)' and CEO of SoDope Network, Reggie delivers high-impact motivation experiences aimed at developing competency, character, and confidence.

Reggie mixes his motivational speaking and improv comedy backgrounds to bring energy, life-saving quotes, and wild unpredictable nature to the podcast!