Speakers

Barby Ulmer, a lifetime teacher at all levels from pre-school to university with her late husband Vic, co-founded 

Gerry has been exposed to diabetes and insulin while in grade school so that early introduction made him very aware of the struggle he was about to enter, but 45 years later he is living a very comfortable life with very minable side effects from diabetes.  

Since 1994 he has been involved with Health Care for All-California, a healthcare reform advocacy organization, and in 1998 I took on the task of being state Treasurer at which he's still active.  He helped set up the organizational and accounting functions for the organization and they have an ongoing collaboration agreement with most of the other existing single payer advocacy groups statewide:  Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP.org), California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA), California Nurses Association, etc.

Spencer Christian has truly lived the American Dream. Growing

up poor and black in the rigidly segregated South, he relied on his

family’s strong values—solid work ethic, commitment to education,

and Christian faith—to overcome adversity and carve out a path

to success and national visibility. As weatherman, feature reporter,

and co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1986 to 1999,

he was a daily presence in the homes of millions of Americans. By

every conventional standard, he had it all—a loving wife and two

wonderful children, a beautiful home, and a rewarding and remarkable

career. He was also viewed by many as a role model—not only

by people of color, but to many other as well.

Yet, he was living a double life that was largely unknown to the

TV-viewing public. For nearly 30 years, he was a compulsive gambler—

and fully addicted to the high-roller lifestyle. By the time he

found the courage to confront his dependence, he had lost over three

million dollars, his home, his job—and most important—his family.

After what seemed like the perfect storm, he found himself divorced,

depressed, drowning in debt, and dumped by his network.

For more than 50 years, Silicon Valley FACES has worked to create systemic change in the community by equipping individuals to resist bias, bigotry, bullying, and violence. 

Recognizing the importance of delivering a continuum of empathy education – and the urgency of keeping kids in school, rather than relying on expulsion as a disciplinary measure – FACES opened a new chapter in its history with the introduction of restorative practices training for educators and others who work with youth.

As always, our mission to build communities free of bias, bigotry, bullying, and violence is at the core of all we do, and we plan to grow and shape our programs to evolve with the needs of the many “faces” of Silicon Valley. 

At Habitat for Humanity, we believe in a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. Within that home a family can find the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life. Unfortunately, in the Bay Area, the dream of homeownership is a farfetched idea for many families. That’s where we step in. Through innovative programs and services, We are empowering families to change their lives while strengthening our communities.