Christopher Janson, PhD is an associate professor and the Director of the University of North Florida’s Center for Urban Education and Policy. Chris has authored over 20 journal articles and book chapters on topics related to educator preparation, community-engaged practices, and the role academics can play as activists. In addition to his work through the University of North Florida, Chris works alongside national and local community educators, scholars, and organizers in order to develop democratic processes with community members to develop and facilitate Community Learning Exchanges (CLEs) – inter-organizational, multicultural, and multi-generational convenings designed to strengthen the social and political fabric of communities through individual and collective strengths, gifts, and assets. Last year, Chris co-authored a book on this CLE approach titled, Reframing Community Partnerships in Education: Uniting the Power of Place and Wisdom of People.