Keynote Speakers

Alphabet Rockers Co-Founders, Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd

Creating Anthems of Inclusion

As musical artists and parents, Alphabet Rockers share their journey in creating inclusive soundtracks for children and families that challenge systems of oppression and foster a sense of belonging. Dive into how our anthems address tough topics, inviting you to broaden your perspectives, embrace inclusion, and inspire lasting change with yourself and your community.

Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Led by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they), They create brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip hop, as GRAMMY Winners, 3-time GRAMMY nominees, Othering & Belonging Institute Fellows and industry leaders for change. They work in partnership with communities to create media that reflects the culture of belonging needed in the world. Reaching over 5 million families since 2007, Alphabet Rockers inspire American kids and families to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves. Learn more about Alphabet Rockers and how they work.

Kaitlin McGaw (she/her)

Kaitlin's path in anti-racism and art began as a high school student in Belmont, MA, where community dialogue, activism, and poetry framed her purpose and relationship with the world. Kaitlin is a graduate of Harvard University with a BA in Afro-American Studies. She is also a 4-time GRAMMY nominee, an artist fellow and a deeply committed partner for change, often stepping back for others to shine, and stepping up for truth and our collective humanity. Kaitlin believes radical imagination begins with the way we read, sing, and ask questions of the world with our children. She is the mother of two creative children of her own, whom she is raising with her husband Adhi.

Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they)

Tommy is a GRAMMY-winning artist, internationally renowned actor, playwright, composer, educator, rapper, drummer, beatboxer and music producer. Tommy (aka Emcee Soulati) is a longtime member of the performance group Campo Santo who continue to tell stories of the people and Oakland's own Antique Naked Soul-The Soundtrack for Revolution. Tommy has composed, performed and toured internationally with Marc Bamuthi Joseph, collaborating on Scourge, the break/s, Spoken World, red, black and GREEN: a blues and /peh-LO-tah/. Tommy won a 2018 Isadora Duncan Award for his composition work and is a GRAMMY Winner and 3-time GRAMMY nominee. Tommy brings love for family, art, activism and community building to all of his work. His inspiration and hope for a more joyful and equitable world is felt through the hearts of families everywhere.

Photo: Sam Popp