Trainers

Neda Afsarmanesh Neda Afsarmanesh is a part-time trainer for NCRC. During her days, she helps lead research strategy at a large biomedical university in New York City. Neda has a decade’s experience working in science communication, including working with media outlets worldwide; media training scientists and statisticians; and leading workshops across the US for journalists ... Read more

Aous Hasan Alhabbar Aous Hasan Alhabbar was born in Mosul, Iraq but spent much of his life in Baghdad. He obtained degrees in computer systems and law and subsequently worked in the technology field and in sales. Her previously served as a logistics officer for the United Nations World Food Program. Aous has been leading ... Read more

Luz Nuñez With over 25 years of experience in human resources and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Luz is a seasoned leader dedicated to creating inclusive, high-performing organizations. As the Founder and CEO of Aurora Consulting Services, Luz has built a reputation for developing HR policies, procedures, and training initiatives that support teams across the ... Read more

Jon Hardesty For 30 years, Jon served as a strategic Human Resources and Healthcare Executive. He dedicated his career to helping lead HR Transformation and System Integration initiatives for preeminent, highly successful, and large organizations across California, throughout the United States, and Internationally. Driven to support the workforce in the pursuit of an enjoyable experience ... Read more

Nancy Maldanado Nancy Maldonado is a visionary leader with extensive expertise in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has been recognized for her significant contributions, earning honors such as Becker's Healthcare "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer to Know" and the San Diego Business Journal "Latino Leaders of Influence." Additionally, she received the prestigious Libby ... Read more

Armando Barajas Armando Barajas serves as a trainer at the National Conflict Resolution Center, bringing over 20 years of experience in leadership, training, and conflict management. His extensive background includes service in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist, where he led teams, managed high-stakes training, and facilitated international engagements that promoted diplomacy. As a ... Read more

Ashley McGuire Ashley McGuire is an independent consultant specializing in relationship transformation, communication, and conflict resolution. With over 25 years of experience across sectors such as education, nonprofits, and corporations, she focuses on helping teams and individuals improve communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger communities. Having founded and led companies dedicated to transforming relationships, Ashley ... Read more

Rachelle Archer Rachelle Archer is an expressive arts coach, education consultant, and visual/performing artist. She has devoted her 30-year career to serving historically marginalized communities and the professionals who support them. As a founding member of the Monarch School San Diego, she spent over two decades honing her craft as a community builder and facilitator, ... Read more

Dhalia Balmir Dhalia is a first-generation Haitian-American social justice and educational equity advocate. She brings perspectives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and specializes in strategic planning, conflict resolution and informing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) approaches. Dhalia is the founder of Balmir Inclusive, an equity-informed consulting business specializing in strategy, inclusive leadership coaching ... Read more

Shelley Barajas-Leyva Shelley Barajas-Leyva, MA, is a native San Diegan who has served as a proud NCRC trainer since 2011. During this timeframe, Shelley has had the privilege of teaching conflict resolution skills and the ART of Inclusive Communication to diverse populations. She has also expanded her role as a circle dialogue facilitator, through which she ... Read more