BREAKOUT I:

Building a Powerful King or Queen - Advisor Alliance (111 Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building (AHSS)

Dr. Dale Williams, Founder, Leadership for Queens/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, and Miss Tennessee State University 1992-93, Charles H. Galbreath, II, Juvenile Justice System Reform Consultant, Tennessee State University National Alumni Association President Emeritus, and Mister Tennessee State University,2002-2003 and Carla Lankford, Founder of Campus Kings & Queens CARES, and Miss Tennessee State University, 2003-2004.

A strong alliance between a monarch—king or queen—and their advisor is vital to a successful and meaningful reign. In this engaging and interactive session, presented by a former king, queen, and their advisor, participants will learn how to cultivate a relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Audience: Preferred Advisor and King or Queen, but open to all

BREAKOUT II: 

Ethical Leadership (Seminar Room 3-Library)

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

This roundtable workshop teaches students how to navigate conflict resolution and lead effectively and honestly among their peers. Participants will explore the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making in leadership roles. Through discussion and real-life scenarios, students will gain practical strategies for handling difficult situations, maintaining professionalism, and building trust within their organizations and communities.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT III: 

The Crowned Standard: Leading with Purpose, Power, and Legacy (112 Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building) (AHSS)

Michael C. Prescot, Jr., B.A., Conference Coordinator, Mister & Miss HBCU Conference & Competition, 11th Mister Philander Smith University (2023–2024), Royal Court Coach, Morgan State University 

A dynamic and transformative workshop designed for HBCU Kings and Queens who are ready to elevate their leadership beyond titles and traditions. This session challenges participants to redefine what it means to wear the crown by embracing a standard rooted in purpose, service, and excellence. Through interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and guided reflection, participants will explore how to maximize their platform, lead with authenticity, and build a legacy that extends far beyond their reign. This workshop is ideal for student leaders committed to representing their institutions with impact and intention.

Audience: Open to all Kings and Advisors

BREAKOUT IV: 

Heavy is the Crown: Leadership, Advocacy, and Sustaining Yourself  (110 Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building) (AHSS)

Diamond Knox-Jackson, Esq., C.L.A. Program Manager, Advocacy & Leadership Development

Leadership in today’s climate demands passion, but it also demands protection. This workshop explores the emotional and mental impact of sustained advocacy for student leaders, including burnout, advocacy fatigue, and compassion fatigue, alongside the weight of leading amid shifting political and community realities. Participants will examine how current policy changes affecting healthcare, education, and community resources shape Black student experiences, while building practical advocacy skills rooted in mental wellness, boundary-setting, and sustainable leadership. This session reframes leadership as sustainability rather than sacrifice, supporting long-term civic engagement and well-being.

As HBCU kings and queens, your voice holds influence. This mini-session is designed to activate it.

Organization Overview: Since 1983, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) has been the only national organization dedicated solely to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 21 million Black women and girls – physically, emotionally, and financially. www.bwhi.org

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT V:  

Playing the Role vs. Becoming the Leader  (Seminar Room 1 -Library)

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

Playing the Role vs. Becoming the Leader” is a reflective leadership session focused on authenticity, confidence, and identity within leadership roles. Participants will explore the difference between performative and authentic leadership, examine the impact of external expectations, and gain practical strategies to lead with purpose, confidence, and self-awareness.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT VI:  

The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty (Seminar Room 2- Library)

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

This interactive beauty session will introduce attendees to essential makeup techniques designed to elevate confidence and enhance their royal presence. Participants will learn how to create a polished complexion, define their natural features, and achieve elegant, camera-ready looks suitable for appearances, events, and everyday leadership. From subtle glam to signature style, this workshop will help students present themselves with confidence, professionalism, and poise.

Audience: Open to all Queens and Advisors

BREAKOUT VII:  

A Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop (Auditorium - Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building) (AHSS)

Dolores Rivers, former HBCU Class Queen, and 1st Runner Up to Miss Southern University (Baton Rouge), & Kasseem Smith, former HBCU Class King (Winston-Salem State University)

This session teaches royal court members how to be team players and make their position shine for their class or demographic. Participants will learn the importance of collaboration, communication, and representing their peers with pride and professionalism. The session will also focus on strengthening leadership skills, supporting fellow court members, and creating a positive impact on campus through unity and service.

Audience: Royal Court only

BREAKOUT VIII:  

I Won, Now What? (108 Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building)

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 be geared toward the implementation of the King and Queen platforms after they have won.  

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT IX:  

Royalty in the Mirror: The Hidden Battles of HBCU Royalty (107 Arts, Humanities Social Sciences Building) (AHSS)

Percy H. Henry, III, Director of Student Life & Services at the University of the District of Columbia

This powerful session explores the unseen pressures of serving as HBCU royalty while encouraging authentic leadership, self-identity, and resilience. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and gain practical tools to navigate expectations, social media pressure, imposter syndrome, and the balance between public leadership and personal well-being.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT IX:  

Royalty in the Mirror: The Hidden Battles of HBCU Royalty (107 Arts, Humanities Social Sciences Building) (AHSS)

Percy H. Henry, III, Director of Student Life & Services at the University of the District of Columbia

This powerful session explores the unseen pressures of serving as HBCU royalty while encouraging authentic leadership, self-identity, and resilience. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and gain practical tools to navigate expectations, social media pressure, imposter syndrome, and the balance between public leadership and personal well-being.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT X 

Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success (218 (Museum Classroom) - Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Building (AHSS)109 Arts and Humanities Building)

Dayse Munoz-Sullivan, Senior Talent Sourcing Specialist, Early Careers Sourcing & Kayla Watson, Human Resource Development Analyst, Early Careers Sourcing (Wells Fargo)

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.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

BREAKOUT XII  

The Royal Playbook: How to Lead, Manage, and Mentor HBCU Royalty 168 Administration Building

Dr. Alex Ellis & Ms. Tish Norman—two nationally recognized experts with 40+ years combined experience

This session offers a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted responsibilities of royal court advisors, providing tools and strategies to effectively mentor student leaders.

Audience: Open to all Kings, Queens, and Advisors

1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Lunch