Inclusive Cultural Leadership Summit (ICLS) 2026

Lead, connect, and transform at Delaware’s Inclusive Cultural Leadership Summit—where equity, belonging, and action meet.

The Inclusive Cultural Leadership Summit (ICLS) is the daytime leadership convening of Celebrate Delaware Together Day (CDTD) 2026, bringing together leaders and changemakers from healthcare, education, business, and interfaith/community sectors to strengthen belonging, collaboration, and outcomes across Delaware.

Designed to move from awareness to action, the summit will feature a keynote address, cross-sector panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue focused on some of today’s most pressing shared challenges—burnout and retention, trust and access, and equity-driven community impact.

Participants will engage with leaders who are shaping solutions across Delaware’s communities while exploring practical strategies that can be applied within organizations and across sectors. The summit creates space for thoughtful conversation, new partnerships, and collective leadership.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights, stronger networks, and a renewed commitment to lead in ways that uplift people, strengthen communities, and advance inclusive leadership across Delaware.

Outcomes

By the end of the summit, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze key drivers of burnout and workforce turnover across sectors and identify inclusive leadership practices that promote well-being, psychological safety, and retention.

2. Apply practical communication and culturally responsive leadership strategies to strengthen trust, belonging, and collaboration within teams and communities.

3. Recognize structural and cultural barriers that limit equity and access and explore partnership-based approaches to improve outcomes across organizations and communities.

4. Build cross-sector connections with leaders from healthcare, education, business, and interfaith/community organizations to exchange ideas and develop shared solutions.

5. Leave with at least one clear, actionable step they can implement to support healthier workplaces, stronger relationships, and greater community impact across Delaware.

Who Should Attend ICLS 2026

ICLS is designed for leaders, professionals, and community stakeholders who influence culture, outcomes, and well-being across Delaware, including:

• Healthcare: Nurse practitioners, nurses, physicians, administrators, quality leaders, public health professionals, and community health partners
• Education: K–12 and higher education faculty, administrators, counselors, student support services, and DEI/student success leaders
• Business & Corporate: Executives, managers, HR leaders, people operations, small business owners, and workforce development partners
• Interfaith & Community: Faith leaders, nonprofit leaders, community advocates, civic organizations, and cultural association leaders
• Government & Partners: Local/state leaders, agency representatives, and community-facing service providers

If you lead people, serve communities, or shape policy and practice—this summit is for you.

What Participants Will Gain

Attendees will leave with practical, cross-sector strategies to:

• Prevent burnout and strengthen retention by building psychologically safe, supportive workplace cultures.

• Lead effectively across differences using communication tools that strengthen trust, respect, and belonging.

• Improve access and advance equity through partnership-based and community-centered leadership approaches.

• Apply real-world solutions immediately within healthcare, education, business, and community/faith settings.

• Build collaborative relationships across Delaware that support long-term impact beyond the summit.

Dr. Eunice Gwanmesia, Ph.D, MSN, MSHCA, RN

Founder & CEO Eunity Solutions

President & CEO, Eunity Delaware, Inc.

DEIB Strategist, Author & International Speaker

Host

Dr. Eunice B. Gwanmesia, aka Dr. G. is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategist, nurse leader, educator, award-winning best-selling author, and the Founder & CEO of Eunity Solutions. She also serves as President of Eunity Delaware, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advancing unity, belonging, and cultural connection across the First State. With 27 years of healthcare experience, Dr. G has a proven record of building inclusive cultures that strengthen well-being, trust, and retention.

A dynamic keynote speaker, facilitator, and community convener, Dr. G has led trainings, conferences, and leadership workshops across healthcare, education, business, and community settings, translating evidence-based insight into practical, action-oriented strategies. Her work is rooted in bridging sectors, empowering leaders, and turning belonging into measurable outcomes and lasting impact. As host of the Inclusive Cultural Leadership Summit, Dr. G brings both professional expertise and a deep commitment to building stronger, more connected communities across Delaware.

Panel 1 (45 minutes)

Beyond Burnout: Retention, Well-Being, and the Cultures That Make People Stay

Burnout is no longer confined to a single profession—it has become a cross-sector challenge affecting healthcare teams, educators, business professionals, and leaders across community and faith organizations. Recent national data highlight the scope of the issue: 52% of employees report feeling burned out at work, 45.2% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout in 2023, and nearly 60% of teachers say they feel burned out. Nonprofit leaders are feeling the strain as well, with one national study finding that 95% expressed concern about staff burnout.

This panel brings leaders from multiple sectors into one conversation to explore what is driving burnout, what meaningful retention truly requires, and how inclusive leadership practices—such as psychological safety, respect, workload clarity, and supportive accountability—can create cultures where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how organizations can move beyond simply managing burnout to building workplace cultures that sustain well-being, strengthen trust, and improve retention.

Panel 2: Spotlight Panel (45 minutes)

Maternal Health Equity: Protecting Black Mothers and Advancing Respectful Care

Maternal health disparities remain urgent and unacceptable. According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in 2023 was 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with 14.5 for White women—more than three times higher. National data continue to show that Black women are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, underscoring the need for sustained attention and coordinated solutions.

This spotlight panel highlights evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health outcomes, including respectful maternity care, bias interruption in clinical settings, continuity and coordination of care, expanded postpartum support, and stronger community partnerships—such as doulas and wraparound services.

While maternal health disparities are often discussed as a healthcare issue, they are also a community and systems leadership issue. This conversation invites cross-sector collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to protect mothers, strengthen families, and advance equitable care across Delaware.

Panel 3 (45 minutes)

Trust and Access: Equity, Belonging, and Closing Gaps Across Systems

Trust is the bridge between services and outcomes—whether in schools, healthcare systems, workplaces, or community organizations. When trust breaks down, access suffers and outcomes decline.

Recent data signal growing disconnection. Gallup reports that only 37% of U.S. employees strongly agree they are treated with respect at work—one of the lowest levels recorded. Trust gaps also appear in service access and experiences. A 2023 Kaiser Family Foundation report found that Black adults and individuals who have experienced discrimination are less likely to trust healthcare providers, highlighting that equity must address not only access to services but also how people are treated when they receive them.

This cross-sector panel brings together leaders from education, healthcare, business, and community organizations to explore how trust can be rebuilt through inclusive leadership. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to reducing barriers, strengthening belonging, improving service experiences, and building partnerships that make support easier to find—and easier to use.

Dr. Rosemary Wurster, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

SVP/Chief Nurse Executive, Bayhealth

Moderator: Spotlight Panel

Maternal Health Equity: Protecting Black Mothers and Advancing Respectful Care

Rosemary (Rosi) Wurster is a senior healthcare executive with a strong clinical background in emergency nursing and extensive leadership experience. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of patient care services and Chief Nurse Executive at Bayhealth, a three-time Magnet(tm) - designated health system in central and southern Delaware. Dr. Wurster leads nursing, staff, and patient education, surgical, women’s, and children’s services, emergency, and trauma services across Bayhealth, focusing on high reliability, human experience, and team wellbeing. Dr. Wurster also currently serves as the President of the Delaware Organization of Nursing Leadership.

With prior leadership experience spanning inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care, as well as nursing quality and system operations in community hospitals and academic centers, she has contributed to the leadership literature on professional practice models, patient experience, and workforce stabilization and optimization. Her current research and EBP interests are in developing tactical academic and practice partnerships across multiple professions.

Dr. Wurster holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Drexel University and other advanced degrees, is board-certified as a nurse executive, and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is an affiliate professor at the University of Delaware and has been active in her faith community, emotional health, and youth program initiatives.

Dr. Julius Mullen, Ed.D, LPCMH, NCC

Executive Director, National Speaker, & Mental Health Therapist

Moderator: Trust and Access: Equity, Belonging, and Closing Gaps Across Systems - Panel

Leading, teaching, coaching, and mentoring are among life’s most meaningful callings for Dr. Julius “Dr. J” Mullen Sr., a nationally recognized speaker, leadership strategist, and behavioral health expert. Through his national speaking platform, Dr. J Speaks, he equips leaders, organizations, and communities with practical strategies rooted in brain science, trauma-informed care, leadership development, and human resilience.

Dr. Mullen’s speaking and consulting work is informed by decades of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit behavioral health sector. Throughout his career, he has served in several senior executive roles including Chief Learning & Community Officer, Chief Inclusion Officer, and Chief Clinical Officer, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar initiatives spanning behavioral health, education, child welfare, and community development. In these leadership roles, he helped spearhead innovative initiatives including a Brain Science Training Institute, Trauma-Informed Management frameworks, Leadership Development initiatives, Equity-Diversity-Inclusion strategies, Trauma Response Teams, Innovation Labs, Parent-Driven Education platforms, and Youth Resilience Mentoring programs.

These experiences laid the foundation for the creation of Dr. J Speaks, where Dr. Mullen now partners with organizations across the country to guide leaders through complex challenges, cultivate resilient workplace cultures, and implement transformative leadership strategies. He has delivered hundreds of presentations to thousands of professionals, executives, educators, parents, and community leaders at national, state, and local levels.

In addition to his speaking and consulting work, Dr. Mullen serves as a university professor at Wilmington University, where he teaches psychology, counseling, leadership, and prevention science across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. He is deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders and frequently mentors aspiring executives, doctoral students, and community change agents.

Dr. Mullen is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health and National Certified Counselor, credentialed in trauma-informed interventions and behavioral health practices. He earned his Doctorate in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute through Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business.

A strong advocate for community impact and systems change, Dr. Mullen serves on several national and statewide initiatives including Trauma Matters Delaware (President), the Social Current Executive Leadership Institute Advisory Committee (Tri-Chair), the Children’s Home Society of America Innovation and Wicked Problems Committees, the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium, the Child Protection Accountability Commission, and the Delaware Blue Zones Steering Committee, among others.

Dr. Mullen and his wife Natasha, a fellow mental health professional, co-lead IMPACT Delaware, a grassroots youth leadership organization focused on developing resilience, character, and leadership among young people. Their work has received numerous community recognitions, including two Jefferson Awards for public service, and has demonstrated remarkable outcomes in youth development and mentorship.

Gemma Lowery, MBA, FACHDM, CATC

CVH Technology Manager of Digital Solutions

Moderator: Beyond Burnout: Retention, Well-Being, and the Cultures That Make People Stay - Panel

Gemma Lowery is the Technology Manager for Digital Solutions at ChristianaCare’s Center for Virtual Health, where she partners with executive, clinical, technical, and operational leaders to advance innovative virtual care models. Her work includes eICU transformations, mobile health vans, Hospital Care at Home, and Virtual Nursing. She is also active in community service, including organizing free Women’s Wellness events and supporting families through holiday outreach initiatives. Gemma serves on committees with the American College of Healthcare Executives and as an Advisory Board member of the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, and is passionate about using telehealth to expand access and reduce health disparities.

Councilwoman Donyale Hall

Dover City Council, 2nd District

Panelist

Donyale Hall is serving her first term on the Dover City Council for the 2nd District. She is a businesswoman, Gulf War Era Veteran of the US Air Force, mother and grandmother. A 1987 graduate of Caesar Rodney H.S., she holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Wilmington University. She has served as Program Specialist for the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment & Training Services. Ms. Hall was a board member of the Friends of Delaware Veterans and the board's liaison with the state's Jr. ROTC programs, and believes strongly in solid education as a key element of success.

Currently, Donyale operates a general contracting company focused on community involvement and entrepreneurship to promote growth in the business community for women, ethnic minorities, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. Serving as the current President of the Frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance of Delaware and 1st VP of DE Blacks in Government, the past Chair and At-Large Commissioner of the Dover Human Relations Commission, the past 1st

As VP of the Central Delaware Branch of the NAACP, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and several other community organizations, she stresses the importance of helping others, particularly in the areas of economic development, education, and youth.

Her personal motto is, “Strive for Brilliance, Excellence & Integrity, Today,

Tomorrow & Always!”

Rev. Dr. Carol E. Boggerty, STD, LCSW, LCPC, APBCC

Director of Pastoral Care, Bayhealth Hospital Network

Panelist

Rev. Dr. Carol E. Boggerty, STD, LCSW, LCPC, APBCC is a board-certified chaplain, licensed clinical social worker, and licensed clinical pastoral counselor. She serves as the Director of Pastoral Care for the Bayhealth Hospital Network, leading chaplaincy services with compassion and excellence.

Dr. Boggerty is a consecrated Bishop under Bishop Brian D. Moore and Life Center Fellowship of Churches, where she made history as the first female episcopate.

She serves the community in numerous leadership roles, including Chaplain for the Delaware Joint House of Representatives, Deputy Chaplain for the City of Dover and Dover Police Department, and Chair of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing. She also serves on the Delaware POST Commission, the NAACP as State Chair of Religious Affairs, and the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium.

Dr. Boggerty is joyfully married to Councilman Andre M. Boggerty, Senior Pastor of The WELL Church, and together they share a blended family of seven children and eight grandchildren.

Through ministry, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Boggerty continues to serve with a heart for healing, restoration, and transformation — always #Continuing.

Christopher Otto, MSN, RN, CCRN

Executive Director, Delaware Nurses Association

Panelist

Christopher Otto has been a Registered Nurse in Delaware since February 2011. Since 2020, he has served as the Executive Director of the Delaware Nurses Association. He also maintains clinical practice as a bedside nurse in the Neuro Critical Care Unit at Christiana Hospital. His clinical background includes cardiovascular progressive and critical care, open-heart surgery, heart failure, peri anesthesia, and now neurology and neurosurgery.

His leadership experience includes nursing professional excellence, MAGNET designation, shared governance, and non-profits. Chris obtained his associate degree in nursing from Delaware Technical & Community College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wilmington University, and Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in nursing innovation and health systems leadership from Drexel University.

He previously held board certifications in progressive care and heart failure nursing. He is a board-certified critical care nurse. Chris has served on national committees and leadership bodies for multiple nursing associations, is an Editorial Board member for the journal Nursing2026, and previous Editor for the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses. Locally, he is a member of the Health Workforce Subcommittee of the Delaware Health Care Commission and was selected three times as one of the most influential 222 Delawareans by Delaware Business Times. In 2025, he was recognized by Delaware Business Times as a “40 Under 40” honoree.

Dr. Frankie Bell, DNP, NPD_BC, NC-BC

CEO/Transformative Nurse Coach

Panelist

Dr. Frankie Bell is a nurse educator, board-certified nurse coach, and workforce well-being advocate committed to strengthening the nursing profession from within. As Founder and CEO of Vibrant Mosaic™, she equips nurses with the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to build sustainable, purpose-driven careers. A Delaware Top Nurse (2024, 2025) and nationally invited speaker, Dr. Bell is recognized for advancing mentoring, professional identity development, and burnout prevention across academic and clinical settings.

Fred W. Wurster III, MS, NRP

Senior EMS Advisor, H & H Solutions

Keynote Speeker

Fred W. Wurster III, MS, NRP, brings more than 25 years of leadership, operational, and clinical experience in emergency medical services, fire operations, and healthcare education. He currently serves as Senior EMS Advisor with H&H EMS Solutions, where he provides strategic guidance, operational assessments, and leadership development for EMS agencies ranging from small community-based organizations to large municipal and state-level systems. His work is grounded in a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes, strengthening EMS systems, and building effective leaders.

Over the course of his career, Fred has held a wide range of leadership roles across EMS and fire services, including positions from Supervisor to EMS Chief and Sergeant to Deputy Fire Chief. His service has included major emergency deployments such as Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, as well as national-level events including President Obama’s State of the Union Address. He currently serves as Fire Captain with the Volunteer Hose Company in Middletown, Delaware. He has also contributed significantly to EMS education and training, including work with the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, where he supported prehospital training and physician preparation through the EMS Fellowship Program.

Fred’s leadership extends beyond operations into scholarship, service, and community impact. He holds advanced degrees in business and organizational leadership and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration and Organizational Leadership at Columbia Southern University. He has published in respected EMS and fire service journals, contributed to emergency care textbooks, and received multiple awards for leadership, service, and clinical excellence. In addition, he serves as President of the Board of Directors for Impact Senegal, an organization dedicated to empowering communities, creating opportunities, and sharing Christ’s love through action.

Jordan Spencer, MPA

Ambassador Delaware's Racial Equity Consortium

Panelist

Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Jordan is committed to advancing civic engagement and systemic change. As Sr. Manager of Community Engagement & Events at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, he leads signature policymaker and economic development events while driving meaningful connections across the business and broader community.

A two-time graduate of Delaware State University, Jordan earned his Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology. He has served as a Field Organizer for then-Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester’s historic U.S. Senate campaign, mobilizing thousands of voters and coordinating large-scale engagement efforts. He is also a two-time White House HBCU Scholar and the first student appointed to DSU’s Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee, where he helped shape policies to enhance campus life.

Jordan continues his public service as Ambassador for Delaware’s Racial Equity Consortium, advancing policy solutions for Black and Brown communities. He also serves on the Board of Bro2Go Inc. (PA) and as an Advisor to the Key 83 Foundation, supporting mentorship and scholarship initiatives for youth. A multifaceted visionary, he is focused on developing the next generation of leaders and positioning Delaware as a national model for equity, innovation, and impact.

Staci Mills, MSN, BSN, RN

CEO Queendom Care

Panelist

Staci Stills, MS, BSN, RN is a Registered Nurse, Certified Nutritionist, and Holistic Wellness Specialist. As the founder of Queendom Care, she specializes in sensory-based healing, aromatherapy experiences, and restorative workshops that help individuals reduce stress, strengthen emotional regulation, and build sustainable self-care practices. Blending nursing science, trauma-informed care, and creative wellness, Staci has facilitated programs for universities, recovery organizations, healthcare professionals, and community groups throughout Delaware and the tri-state area. Her mission is to empower individuals—especially women—to reclaim their power, purpose, and peace and move from “I’m on the edge of burnout.” to “I am stepping fully into my brilliance.”