Christina Dixon, Managing Shareholder at Aecus Law P.C. (a certified women and minority-owned firm in Northern California), specializes in workplace investigations and employment law counsel nationwide. With her combined legal and business background, Christina provides tailored solutions for workplace conflicts and legal challenges. She conducts employment audits and advises on all aspects of employment relationships, including hiring, wage and hour issues, discipline, and termination. Christina also assists with employment contracts and executive agreements, while guiding clients on workplace culture optimization and anti-discrimination measures.

Her diverse experience in employment litigation, real estate, and legal consulting offers clients multifaceted expertise. Christina is active in organizations that empower and support women and minority-owned businesses, including the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) where she serves on the Labor & Employment Law Committee, California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP), the National Employment Law Council (NELC), Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She also holds a certification from the Association of Workplace Investigators, Inc. (AWI-CH) demonstrating her commitment to excellence and impartiality in workplace investigations

René Anderson is a senior public-sector human resources executive with over two decades of experience in municipal government and employee relations. She currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for a Southern California city, where she provides strategic leadership in labor relations, discipline, investigations, and organizational risk.

René began her public service career with the City of Los Angeles and later served as Employee Relations Manager for Los Angeles World Airports, where she developed deep expertise in conducting complex workplace investigations and defending disciplinary actions. She has successfully represented public agencies in administrative appeal hearings with a record of 100 percent sustained decisions.

A recognized authority in employee discipline and due process, René has developed and presented “The Road to Skelly,” a highly regarded training that brings critical attention to the procedural and strategic foundations of Skelly rights—an area historically under-taught yet essential for employers, employee representatives, and legal professionals involved in disciplinary matters.

Known for her practical insight and commanding presence, René connects legal and human resources principles with real-world application through compelling case examples and data-driven analysis. She is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and presenter who regularly provides training on ethical and excellent leadership, workplace investigations, and risk management for public agencies and private organizations.

Susan Garea is a partner at Beeson, Tayer & Bodine in Oakland, California, where she focuses on representing unions and workers. She is a member of the California State Bar (2008) and is admitted to practice before the California District Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth and D.C. Circuits. She is a former Member of the Board of Directors, AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee. She received a B.A. from Northwestern University in 2001 with majors in African-American Studies and Economics. She received her J.D. in 2008 from University of California at Los Angeles, School of Law, and is a graduate of David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy and with a concentration in Critical Race Studies. Her previous work experience includes Associate attorney, Gilbert & Sackman (2008-2010) and elementary school teacher (2001-2005).