Schedule
Events for July 26, 2025
Welcome/Breakfast
Breakout Session One
All breakouts take place in the Norman C. Francis Annex Building (NCF)
I. Secrets to Winning the National Crown
Ocielia Sprowl - Miss Black USA 2011, Pageant Coach & Owner, Slay Your Pageant There are common traits amongst national queens, and in this session, you will learn what it takes to be one of them. If you're wondering exactly what it takes to be prepared for the big stage, this session is for you. During…
III. Planning the Perfect Coronation
Anthony M. Jones, Jr. Founder of The Kings' Konnection and HBCU Kings & Queens Conference This session will explore ideas, tips and resources to help you create a Coronation that is a night to remember and that everyone can enjoy. Learn practical tips you can use to create the perfect night. Audience: Open to All-…
IV. Lead with your V.O.I.C.E.: The Art of Public Speaking
Roderic Sprowl, M. Div. - National Keynote Speaker & Founding Pastor, Thrive Church Fort Worth, TX This session teaches essential speaking skills to help Kings and Queens to be confident in front of an audience. Attend this comprehensive workshop to learn how to: Connect with your audience Get your point across clearly Remain calm, cool, and collected…
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 Reproductive Justice is not just a movement—it’s a mission, and you are key to carrying it forward. In this dynamic training, My Sister’s Keeper equips HBCU student leaders with the tools to champion reproductive…
VI. Heavy is the Head
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. Key…
VII. The Confident Closet
Jada Crisp, Businesswoman, Author, former HBCU Queen (Tennessee State University) The ultimate guide to helping you build a clothing selection that reflects confidence and royal representation. As Queen, your image is an immediate impression of your University. In this session, you will learn the elements of wardrobe etiquette and identify which styles are appropriate for…
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) Oftentimes we only discuss the gift that led to the title of queen, but not the daily promise that we make to…
IX. GIRLTREK’S SELF-CARE AUDIT WORKSHOP
Tyreen Taylor, Director of Field & Content Operations GirlTREK is honored to present a transformative session designed to help students reflect deeply on their well-being. Through powerful and energizing activities, participants will assess their self-care practices, preparing to step into the next academic year as strong, resilient campus leaders. Inspired by Harriet Tubman's legacy, this workshop…
X. Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
Latyya McIntyre, Business Execution Associate, Early Career Sourcing (North Carolina A&T State University Alumnus) & Usman Tijani, Senior Assistant Vice President, Early Career Sourcing (Delaware State University Alumnus) Success in the workplace isn’t just about what you know – it’s about how you up. In this interactive session, students will strengthen key soft skills that drive early…
XI. Food for the Soul: Advisors Have Feelings
Mary Terry Wiley, Playwright, Psychiatric Nurse, Motivational Speaker. Life Coach This session gives advisors an introspective look at themselves to see if they are advising internally or externally. It allows advisors to holistically look at themselves and refresh for the upcoming year. Audience: Advisors only
I. BUILDING A POWERFUL KING OR QUEEN -ADVISOR ALLIANCE
Dr. Dale Williams, Founder, Leadership for Queens/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, and former HBCU Queen (Tennessee State University), Charles H. Galbreath, II, Juvenile Justice System Reform Consultant, Tennessee State University National Alumni Association President Emeritus, Mr. Tennessee State University 02-03 and Carla Lankford, Founder of Campus Kings and Queens CARES, and former Miss Tennessee State…
II. Ethical Leadership
Anthony M. Jones Jr., Founder, The Kings’ Konnection/HBCU Kings & Queens Conference An open and honest approach to ethical behavior and attitudes. This roundtable workshop teaches students how to deal with conflict resolution and how to lead effectively and honestly before their peers. Audience-Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors
III. I Am a New Advisor, Now What?
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 Advising the king and queen can be a little different from advising…
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 Join the Level The Court campus experience—a bold conversation at the intersection of reproductive health, stigma, and advocacy. As HBCU Kings and Queens, your voice holds influence, and this mini-session is designed to activate it.…
VI. GirlTREK’s SELF-CARE AUDIT WORKSHOP
Tyreen Taylor, Director of Field & Content Operations GirlTREK is honored to present a transformative session designed to help students reflect deeply on their well-being. Through powerful and energizing activities, participants will assess their self-care practices, preparing to step into the next academic year as strong, resilient campus leaders. Inspired by Harriet Tubman's legacy, this workshop…
V. Check YourselF before you wreck the crown: balancing duty over ego in royal Leadership
Travis Fredrick, MBA, Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, Co-Royal Court Advisor, Bowie State University This engaging and reflective session is designed to challenge and empower royal court members to understand the difference between personal emotions and professional responsibilities in their leadership roles. "Check Yourself Before You Wreck the Crown" explores the most common…
VII. Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop
Dolores Rivers, former Class Queen, and 1st Runner-Up to Miss Southern University (Baton Rouge), & Kasseem Smith, former Class King (Mr. Senior-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. Royal Court members learn how to effectively lead and follow…
VIII. I WON, NOW WHAT?
James Ofori, Assistant Director of Assessment and Learner Engagement, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Founder & CEO of the J. Ofori Experience, Campaign Consulting, and 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's and Queen's platform after…
IX. Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
Latyya McIntyre – Business Execution Associate, Early Career Sourcing, North Carolina A&T State University Alumnus, and Usman Tijani, Senior Assistant Vice President, Early Career Sourcing, Delaware State University HBCU Alumnus Success in the workplace isn’t just about what you know – it’s about how you up. In this interactive session, students will strengthen key soft skills that…
X. Miss National Black College Alumni Hall Of Fame Informational
Nya Floyd, Miss NBCA Hall of Fame, 2024-25 (Fort Valley State University) Claim your place in history at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Competition, the first national stage ever created for HBCU queens. Represent your institution with pride, purpose, and undeniable presence. This experience is bigger than a crown! It's your chance…
XI. THE ROYAL PLAYBOOK: How to lead, manage, and mentor HBCU Royalty
Led by image architects Dr. Alex Ellis and Ms. Tish Norman—two nationally recognized experts with 40+ years combined experience—this session will elevate your style game and sharpen your professional edge Advisors play a pivotal role in shaping the success and legacy of HBCU royal courts. This session offers a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted responsibilities of royal…
II. The BRAIN ON BURNOUT- Royal CHECK OUT! THE “UN” OF UNAWARENESS IN MENTAL ILLNESS
A.O. Croft, M.Ed. Former HBCU KING (Morgan State University & Former Royal Court Advisor) Join this engaging and eye-opening session…
III. 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, Mr. Tennessee State University 02-03 CASTLE Building will empower HBCU Kings with the skills and knowledge necessary to create and maintain an encouraging environment within their communities and institutions. This session focuses on leadership, mentorship, and fostering a…
IV. Royalty in the twilight zone: maximizing your moment before the crown sets
Travis Fredrick, MBA, Assistant Director of New Student Experiences and Student Engagement, Bowie State University Royalty doesn't last forever, but legacy does. "Royalty in the Twilight Zone is a dynamic workshop centered on the importance of time management, intentional goal setting, and purposeful programming within the finite timeframe of a royal court term. Too often,…
V. Beyond the Crown: Discovering the Superpower Within
Reginald Shareef, Technologist, Software engineer, Entrepreneur, Artist, Philanthropist, and former HBCU King (Tennessee State University) Superpowers are the fuel that ignites your mission in life and gives you the power to make a real difference. In this journey of self-discovery, participants will connect to what makes them truly unique. Through interactive discussions and self-reflection, participants…
VII. The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty
Beonka Williams, Owner of BBS (Beonka's Beauty Studio), Royal Court Advisor, LeMoyne-Owen College In “The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty,” participants will gain invaluable skills in creating a soft, natural, radiant makeup application that enhances their beauty while allowing their confidence to shine through in any setting. Attendees will learn techniques for achieving a…
VI. Get Elected: Platform and Campaign Development
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 Are you a current class king or queen? Perhaps you’re runner-up or…
VIII. Kings & Queens CARES: Deep Dive — A Mentorship Call to Lead and Lift
Facilitated by Carla Lankford, Founder of Campus Kings and Queens CARES, and former Miss Tennessee State University You’ve been crowned—and now you’ve begun your reign. But true leadership is not just about the title—it’s about who you bring with you and how you pour into others. This advanced session is a powerful next step for…
IX. Making Social Media Work for You: Building a Positive and Purposeful Online Presence
Dr. Naadiya Hopkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Engagement and Student Leadership & Royal Court Advisor, Fayetteville State University Social media is a powerful tool—when used intentionally. Learn how to craft a professional online presence that reflects your goals and values. This session will highlight best practices for personal branding, audience engagement, and how to use platforms…
X. Curated Crowns: Reigning with Purpose, From Campus Queen to Culture Shifter
Tekeya L. Peterson, Assistant Director of Student Leadership Development, Howard University This transformative session is designed exclusively for HBCU Campus Queens. Women who reign not just with crowns, but with character, confidence, and commitment. As the face of your institution, you are more than a symbol; you are a strategist, a storyteller, and a servant-leader. “Curated Crowns”…
XI. Advisor Roundtable: BEST PRACTICES for an Effective Royal Court Program
Discussion Leaders: William T. Bynum, Associate Director, Student Activities & Leadership at Norfolk State University Ranzeno Frazier, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs/ Royal Court Advisor at Livingstone College, and 2024 Advisor of the Year, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference Veronica C. Hairston, Assistant Director for Student Activities/SGA Advisor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State…
I. MISTER AND MISS HBCU COMPETITION Informational
Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr., President & CEO Step into the spotlight and get ready for your chance to be crowned the next Mister and Miss HBCU, joining the ranks of legendary HBCU Royalty! Represent your HBCU with unmatched pride, purpose, and excellence. Our high-energy workshop is your launchpad to greatness, designed to ignite your confidence and help you…
The Royal Processional
(Please wear comfortable shoes/Line up in the hotel hallway in front of PJ’s Coffee Shop) (After 5 attire required) Please wear mask
Royal Academy Awards/ Masquerade Ball
(After 5 attire required) Please wear mask