About the Facilitator:
Elizabeth S. Parks M.A./PhD. (University of Washington, M.A. Gallaudet University) is a globally recognized scholar, educator, and leader whose career spans over 25 years in international nonprofit organizations, higher education, global research, and public engagement. With a deep-rooted passion for ethical listening and intercultural communication, she has dedicated her work to building bridges across diverse communities and empowering others through dialogue, education, and mentorship. Dr. Parks has taught nearly 100 courses across nine colleges and universities, influencing over 1,000 students with an inclusive, trauma-informed approach to teaching. Elizabeth currently holds the title of Dissertation in Practice Chair with the EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership program at Creighton University, is affiliate faculty with Journalism & Media Communication at Colorado State University (CSU), and previously held a tenured associate professor role in Communication Studies at CSU and key leadership roles in Higher Education including Associate Dean at Colorado Mountain College and Assistant Director and Dialogue and Diversity Specialist at CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Listening, a board member of the International Listening Association, and Director of Ethical Listening at the Global Listening Centre. As Founder of Sage Consulting, LLC and a certified professional coach with the International Coaching Federation, Dr. Parks advises organizations and individuals on communication strategy, leadership development, and cultural competency. Through her coaching and consulting work, she has mentored leaders and students globally, supporting their growth with empathy, accountability, and purpose. Her academic contributions include two books including the 2019 "The Ethics of Listening: Creating Space for Sustainable Dialogue" and 2025 "Listening: The Key Concepts," more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and participatory research in 16 countries. Recognized with 14 research awards and five honors for teaching and coaching, she is a thought leader in listening studies, linguistics of signed languages, social justice pedagogy, research ethics, and multilingual education. At the heart of her career is a belief in the power of listening and dialogue—not just as communication skills, but as a foundation for equity, connection, and transformative change.