BREAKOUTS
BREAKOUT I:
Polished & Powerful
Dr. Alex Ellis, Award-winning Author, Renowned Speaker, Distinguished Mentor, and Founder of Tied to Greatness, & Tish Norman, Founder of a Boutique Learning and Development Consultancy, TLN, Inc., Specializing in College and Career Readiness
Step into your royal role with confidence, class, and undeniable presence! Polished and Powerful: The Ultimate Dress for Success Intensive is a high-energy, hands-on “styleshop” crafted especially for HBCU Kings and Queens. From decoding dress codes to building a wardrobe that speaks before you do, you’ll learn how to align your outer image with your inner greatness. This is more than fashion—it’s leadership through presence. Walk in with curiosity. Leave with confidence, clarity, and a personal brand fit for royalty.
BREAKOUT II:
Fit for a Queen
Carrie Charlick, Founder, Essential Bodywear
“Change your bra, Change your life!” As queens, confidence begins with the right foundation. This empowering session will highlight the importance of proper fit, support, and presentation—because what you wear underneath impacts how you carry yourself on the outside. Participants will learn how the right underfit enhances posture, comfort, confidence, and the overall appearance of any outfit, helping every queen look and feel her best while representing her campus and crown with poise and excellence.
BREAKOUT III: confirmed
Planning the Perfect Coronation
Anthony M. Jones, Jr., Founder of The Kings’ Konnection/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference and Acting Vice President of Student Affairs, Talladega College
Learn practical tips you can use to create the perfect night. From selecting themes and coordinating logistics to creating memorable moments and meaningful traditions, this session will help participants plan a coronation experience that reflects excellence, elegance, and school pride.
BREAKOUT IV:
It Was Never About You: Building a Legacy That Outlives Us All
Armani Jones, 23rd Mister Florida A&M University (2022–2023) & Devin Nobles, the 24th Mister Florida A&M University (2023–2024)
This session is designed as an interactive leadership experience that encourages student leaders to rethink the purpose, privilege, and responsibility of their roles. Participants will explore three core themes: Purpose, Legacy, and Integrity as the foundation of sustainable, impact-driven leadership.
The session aims to help newly crowned kings and queens deepen their understanding of service, clarify their leadership intentions, and develop a personalized commitment to leading with authenticity and humility.
BREAKOUT V:
Royal Advocacy: Leading the Charge for Reproductive Justice
Shelby Campbell, Program Coordinator, Reproductive Justice Initiatives, and Diamond Knox-Jackson, J.D., C.L.A., Program Manager, Advocacy & Leadership Development, Reproductive Justice Initiatives
The goal of this session is to ensure that HBCU students view civic engagement through a reproductive justice lens.
BREAKOUT VI:
Heavy is the Head
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
This session will focus on the mental health and etiquette of kings and queens. Participants will explore the importance of self-awareness, emotional wellness, professionalism, and maintaining composure while serving in highly visible leadership roles. Attendees will also gain practical strategies for balancing the pressures of leadership while representing their institution with confidence, class, and integrity.
BREAKOUT VII:
The Confident Closet
Jada Crisp, Businesswoman, Author, and Miss Tennessee State University, 2019-2020
The ultimate guide to helping you build a clothing selection that reflects confidence and royal representation. Participants will learn how to develop a polished personal style, dress appropriately for various appearances and events, and use fashion as a tool to enhance professionalism, presence, and self-confidence while representing their campus and crown.
BREAKOUT VIII:
The Gift, The Title, and The Promise
Karmeshia Tuck, Founder and Motivational Speaker – USA National Miss District of Columbia, Miss Black District of Columbia 1st Runner Up, Miss CIAA 1st Runner Up, and former HBCU Queen (Virginia State University).
In this breakout session, participants will discuss the challenges queens face during their reign and the resources available to help them navigate these issues.
BREAKOUT IX:
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.
Explores the critical role of fundraising in a successful Royal Court reign, equipping Kings, Queens, and their courts with practical strategies to secure funding for scholarships, travel, programming, and official responsibilities. Drawing from her extensive experience in higher education fundraising and student affairs—as well as her lived experience as a former queen- she will share real-world insights, proven techniques, and actionable tools. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build sustainable support, engage stakeholders, and confidently lead financial conversations that elevate both their platform and their impact.
BREAKOUT X:
Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
Latyya McIntyre, Business Execution Associate, Early Career Sourcing (North Carolina A&T State University) & Usman Tijani, Senior Assistant Vice President, Early Career Sourcing (Delaware State University)
In this interactive session, students will strengthen key soft skills that drive early career success, including professional communication, relationship-building, conflict navigation, and workplace etiquette.
BREAKOUT XI:
I Am a New Advisor, Now What? (All advisors welcome, geared toward new advisors)
Dr. Michael L. Rainey, Director of First Year Experience and VCAN Coordinator at Virginia State University, former Virginia State University Royal Court and SGA Advisor, 2017 HBCU Kings & Queens Conference Advisor of the Year, and Registration Coordinator, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference
This session will share important information and resources to position new advisors for success. Participants will gain practical tools, guidance, and strategies to effectively support and mentor student leaders. The session will also provide insight into building strong relationships, navigating challenges, and creating a positive and impactful advising experience on campus.