2026 Breakout Speakers

Polished & Powerful & The Royal Playbook: How to Lead, Manage, and Mentor HBCU Royalty

Dr. Alex Ellis

Award-winning Author and Founder of Tied to Greatness

Polished & Powerful & The Royal Playbook: How to Lead, Manage, and Mentor HBCU Royalty

Tish Norman

Founder of a Boutique Learning and Development Consultancy, TLN, Inc

Planning the Perfect Coronation & Ethical Leadership

Anthony M. Jones, Jr.

Founder of The Kings’ Konnection/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference and Acting Vice President of Student Affairs, Talladega College

Fit for a Queen

Carrie Charlick

Founder, Essential Bodywear

It Was Never About You: Building a Legacy That Outlives Us All & Who Were You Before the Spotlight Found You? Anchoring Identity at the Beginning of Your Reign

Armani Jones

23rd Mister Florida A&M University (2022–2023)

It Was Never About You: Building a Legacy That Outlives Us All & Who Were You Before the Spotlight Found You? Anchoring Identity at the Beginning of Your Reign

Devin Nobles

24th Mister Florida A&M University (2023–2024)

Reign Over Stigma: Advancing Menstrual Equity & Heavy is the Crown: Leadership, Advocacy, and Sustaining Yourself

Diamond Knox-Jackson, Esq., C.L.A.

Program Manager, Advocacy & Leadership Development

Heavy is the Head & I Won, Now What?

Dr. James Ofori

Assistant Director of Assessment and Learner Engagement, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Founder & CEO of the J. Ofori Experience, Campaign Consulting

Deja McKinnon

Secondary Educator, Associate Campaign Consultant of the J. Ofori Experience, Campaign Consulting Business

The Confident Closet

Jada Crisp

Businesswoman, Author, and Miss Tennessee State University, 2019-2020

The Gift, The Title, and The Promise

Karmeshia Tuck

CEO, Founder, USA National Miss District of Columbia (2014), Miss Black District of Columbia 1st Runner Up (2014), Miss CIAA 1st Runner Up (2013), and Miss Virginia State University 2012-13

How to Gain Capital, Fundraising & Donors 101 for your Reign

Leaundra Sanders

Funding the Dream- Development Director, Miss Junior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 2004-05

The Brain on Burnout: Removing the “Un” of Unawareness in Mental Illness

A.O. Croft, M.Ed.

Mr. Morgan State University for the 2007–2008

I Am a New Advisor, Now What? & Get Elected: Platform and Campaign Development

Dr. Michael L. Rainey

Director of First Year Experience and VCAN Coordinator and Royal Court Advisor at Virginia State University, 2017 HBCU Kings & Queens Conference Advisor of the Year, and Registration Coordinator, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference

Building a Powerful King or Queen - Advisor Alliance

Dr. Dale Williams

Founder, Leadership for Queens/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, and Miss Tennessee State University 1992-93

Building a Powerful King or Queen - Advisor Alliance & CASTLE Building: Cultivating an atmosphere of support, trust, leadership, and empowerment

Charles H. Galbreath, II

Juvenile Justice System Reform Consultant, Tennessee State University National Alumni Association President Emeritus, and Mister Tennessee State University,2002-2003

Building a Powerful King or Queen - Advisor Alliance & HBCU Kings & Queens Collective Mentoring Initiative- Lift & Lead

Carla Lankford

Founder of Campus Kings & Queens CARES, and Miss Tennessee State University, 2003-2004

Oh, To Be a King… But Do You Know What It Costs? The Weight of the Crown

Earl (EJ) Robinson Jr.

Communications Practitioner, Mister Bethune-Cookman University 2019-20

Playing the Role vs. Becoming the Leader & Rebuilding a Broken Court: Leadership in Dysfunction

Travis Fredrick

MBA, Assistant Director of New Student Experiences and Student Engagement, Bowie State University

The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty

Dyonna Nelson

Licensed Mental Health Professional and Miss Bowie State University 2019-2020, instead of Educator

A Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop

Dolores Rivers

Former HBCU Class Queen, and 1st Runner Up to Miss Southern University (Baton Rouge)

A Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop

Kasseem Smith

Former HBCU Class King (Winston-Salem State University)

Royalty in the Mirror: The Hidden Battles of HBCU

Percy H. Henry, III

Director of Student Life & Services at University of the District of Columbia

Mister and Miss HBCU Competition Informational

Amanda S. Andrews

Competition Director, 79th Miss Lincoln University (MO)

The Crowned Standard: Leading with Purpose, Power, and Legacy

Michael C. Prescot, Jr.

B.A., 2nd Year MBA Candidate, Graves School of Business and Management, Mister Philander Smith University, 2023-2024, Royal Court Coach, Morgan State University

Beyond the Crown: Discovering the Superpower Within

Reginald Shareef

Technologist, Software Engineer, Entrepreneur, Artist, Philanthropist, and Mr. Tennessee State University, 1999-2000

Finally, Over It: Releasing the Strong Black Woman Stigma Through Emotional Intelligence

Ariana Rodriguez

Associate Director of Residential Education and Co-Royal Court Advisor at Clark Atlanta University

Crowned & Called: Build Your Brand. Command the Room. Leave a Legacy

Courtney Turner

Founder of Dapper Distinguished Men Society, Mister Black North Carolina 2014-15

Beyond the Clothes: Dressing for Influence, Presence, and Power

Dr. Thomas Lavallais

Dean of Student Engagement, Leadership Trainer, Student Development Specialist, and Mr. Tennessee State University 2011-12

Dr. Walter Servance

Executive Director of Student Life at Howard University, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference 2025 Advisor of the Year

Ranzeno Frazier

Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference 2024 Advisor of the Year