The people behind The Dialogue Studio.

Michelle Burdex is a cultural leader, community advocate, and preservation strategist dedicated to advancing the legacy and future of Greenwood through storytelling, education, and public engagement.

As Executive Director of the Greenwood Cultural Center, Michelle has helped lead efforts to preserve one of the nation's most historically significant communities while expanding its role as a living cultural institution for future generations. Her leadership bridges historical preservation with contemporary dialogue, ensuring that Greenwood remains not only a symbol of resilience, but also a platform for innovation, healing, and community connection.

Michelle's work centers on the power of narrative to inspire civic engagement, cultural understanding, and transformational change. Through partnerships, public programming, and collaborative initiatives, she continues to champion projects that amplify underrepresented voices and create meaningful opportunities for education and dialogue.

Through The Dialogue Studio at Greenwood, Michelle is helping shape a new model for community-centered media and conversation — one designed to preserve stories, strengthen relationships, and move communities forward.

Jonathan Townsend is a community leader, facilitator, and public engagement strategist focused on building trust through meaningful conversation. With a background spanning civic leadership, community development, and cross-sector collaboration, Jonathan has spent years working at the intersection of public institutions and grassroots engagement in Tulsa.

A longtime advocate for transparent communication and relationship-centered leadership, Jonathan has helped facilitate initiatives bringing together residents, law enforcement, educators, faith leaders, and local organizations around some of the city's most important conversations.

As host of Greenwood: Bridging the Gap and a lead voice behind The Dialogue Studio at Greenwood, Jonathan brings a deeply relational approach to dialogue — one rooted in empathy, accountability, and the belief that communities move forward when people are willing to listen to one another honestly.

His work is driven by a commitment to creating spaces where difficult conversations can become opportunities for understanding, healing, and collective progress.