BREAKOUTS
BREAKOUT I:
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, 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.
BREAKOUT II:
Ethical Leadership
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.
BREAKOUT III:
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
An honest and empowering conversation designed specifically for HBCU Kings navigating the visible and invisible responsibilities of leadership. While titles, recognition, and influence are often celebrated, this session explores the emotional, mental, academic, and personal sacrifices that can come with serving as a campus King. Through storytelling, reflection, and real-life experiences, participants will examine the pressures of always being “on,” balancing personal identity with public expectations, managing mental health, handling criticism, and leading with integrity while carrying the weight of representation. This session will challenge Kings to redefine leadership beyond image and performance by embracing authenticity, accountability, emotional wellness, and purpose-driven service. Attendees will leave encouraged, equipped, and reminded that wearing the crown is not just about being seen; it is about understanding the responsibility, discipline, and self-awareness required to sustain impactful leadership
BREAKOUT IV:
Level the Court: Reproductive Power, Royal Voice
Raven McClellan, MPH Program Coordinator, Reproductive Justice Initiatives, and Noelle Mobley, MPH Program Manager, Outreach & Engagement, Reproductive Justice Initiatives
As HBCU kings and queens, your voice holds influence. This mini-session is designed to activate it.
BREAKOUT V:
Playing the Role vs. Becoming the Leader
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.
BREAKOUT VI:
The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty
Dyonna Nelson, Educator and Miss Bowie State University 2019-2020
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.
BREAKOUT VII:
A Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop (Royal Court members only)
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.
BREAKOUT VIII:
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
This session will be geared toward the implementation of the King and Queen platforms after they have won.
BREAKOUT IX:
Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
Latyya McIntyre – Business Execution Associate, Early Career Sourcing (North Carolina A&T State University Alumna) & Usman Tijani, Senior Assistant Vice President, Early Career Sourcing (Delaware State University Alumnus)
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 X
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) & Devin Nobles, the 24th Mister Florida A&M University (2023–2024)
This interactive session helps newly selected HBCU Kings and Queens begin their reign grounded in authenticity by reconnecting with their pre-crown identity, navigating the pressures of visibility and expectation, and developing practices to stay centered and lead with purpose.
BREAKOUT XI
The Royal Playbook: How to Lead, Manage, and Mentor HBCU Royalty
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.
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Lunch