IX. Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 (America/Denver) | NCF 103
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 drive early career success, including professional communication, relationship-building, conflict navigation, and workplace etiquette. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and guided activities that build confidence and readiness for today’s dynamic work environments. Whether you’re preparing for your first internship or full-time role, this workshop will help you show up as your best professional self.
Audience: All -Kings, Queens, and Advisors

VIII. I WON, NOW WHAT?
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 135
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 they have won. The discussion will be based on 5-7 key facts and ideas to help implement your platform through programs and initiatives.
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

VII. Part of the Team: Royal Court Workshop
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 105
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 in group settings through team-building exercises and royal scenarios.
Audience Royal Court Members only- (Class Kings, Class Queens, or Attendants)

V. Check YourselF before you wreck the crown: balancing duty over ego in royal Leadership
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 115
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 emotional, social, and interpersonal challenges that arise when serving as a university ambassador and how unchecked personal reactions can undermine one’s ability to lead, represent, and reign with dignity.
Participants will engage in real-talk discussions and scenarios that reflect moments when they must choose duty over ego, representation over retaliation, and poise over pride. Whether navigating criticism, maintaining composure in public, or staying engaged even when morale is low, this workshop offers practical strategies for retaining the crown with grace, integrity, and self-awareness.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will:

Identify common challenges that test emotional maturity in royal leadership roles
Understand the core expectations of serving as a university ambassador
Reflect on personal behavior and recognize when ego or feelings may interfere with the mission
Practice strategies for responding to conflict, burnout, and miscommunication without compromising the crown

Takeaways:

“Royal Realities” Reflection Guide
Conflict Response Framework for Student Leaders
Group discussion materials for future court trainings

Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

VI. GirlTREK's SELF-CARE AUDIT WORKSHOP
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 175
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 is a bold reminder that prioritizing one’s health is an act of survival and empowerment.
As students immerse themselves in the GirlTREK movement, they’ll be encouraged to start walking crews on their campus—fostering community, sisterhood, and accountability throughout the year.

Audience -Queens and Advisors

IV. Level The Court: Reproductive Power, Royal Voice
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 104
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. Together, we’ll explore how systemic barriers and harmful myths impact young Black women’s access to reproductive health care, including the historic launch of Opill—the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S. With engaging discussion, expert insights, and space for real talk, you’ll leave empowered to use your platform to advocate for reproductive freedom on campus and in your community.
About the Organization
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

III. I Am a New Advisor, Now What?
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 162
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 other student groups. This session will share important information and resources to position new advisors for success.
Audience: Focus on new Royal Court Advisors new to the role. Open to All Advisors

II. Ethical Leadership
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 102
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

I. BUILDING A POWERFUL KING OR QUEEN -ADVISOR ALLIANCE
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 160
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 University

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 former King, Queen, and their advisor, participants will learn how to cultivate a relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

In this session, you’ll discover how to:

Establish and maintain healthy boundaries
Communicate expectations clearly and effectively
Build trust and foster mutual support
Navigate difficult conversations with confidence and care
Distinguish between criticism and constructive critique
Listen actively rather than rely solely on your own perspective
Believe the best in each other—and bring out the best in one another

Whether you’re stepping into the role of royalty or serving as a trusted advisor, this workshop will equip you with the tools to strengthen your alliance with professionalism, excellence, unity, and purpose.
Audience-Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

XI. Food for the Soul: Advisors Have Feelings
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 140
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

X. Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 103
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 career success, including professional communication, relationship-building, conflict navigation, and workplace etiquette. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and guided activities that build confidence and readiness for today’s dynamic work environments. Whether you’re preparing for your first internship or full-time role, this workshop will help you show up as your best professional self.
Audience: All -Kings, Queens, and Advisors

IX. GIRLTREK'S SELF-CARE AUDIT WORKSHOP
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 175

VIII. The Gift, The Title, and The Promise
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 173
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 ourselves to stay focused and remain successful. In this breakout session, participants will discuss the challenges queens face during their reign and the resources available to help them navigate these issues. We will explore how Queens can build a support system for themselves and feel comfortable discussing any issues with leaders around campus. Regardless of the issue, it is important to have a support system to help you stay focused and remain successful throughout your reign.
Audience: Focus on Queens, open to Queens, Kings, and Advisors

VII. The Confident Closet
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 160
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 each occasion.
Audience: Focus on Queens, open to Queens, Kings, and Advisors

VI. Heavy is the Head
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 135
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 topics that will be discussed include:
Self-Esteem
Social Anxiety
Health
Social Media Etiquette
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

V. Royal Advocacy: Leading the Charge for Reproductive Justice
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 104
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 justice through civic engagement, education, and cultural change. Learn how to identify advocacy opportunities, navigate the intersection of policy and personal experience, and mobilize your peers to take action. This is your space to grow as a purpose-driven advocate—on campus and far beyond.
Audience: Open to All-Kings, Queens, and Advisors

IV. Lead with your V.O.I.C.E.: The Art of Public Speaking
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 105
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
Breeze through the toughest question-and-answer periods

Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

III. Planning the Perfect Coronation
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 102
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- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

I. Secrets to Winning the National Crown
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | NCF 115
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 our time together, you will discover the secrets to nailing your national pageant in all phases of competition.
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

Breakout Session One
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:15 | Meet in Hotel Lobby
All breakouts take place in the Norman C. Francis Annex Building (NCF)

Welcome/Breakfast
2025-07-26 08:30 - 09:30 | Convocation Center

2025-07-26 07:45 | Meet in Hotel Lobby
Depart the Hotel for our Host School- Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA, 504-520-7490. (Transportation provided, departs from Canal St.) Conference Participants meet in the lobby.

2025-07-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Grand Ballroom, Grand Ballroom
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., Norman 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 & Queens. 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.
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.

Continental Breakfast
2025-07-25 07:00 - 20:45 | Evangeline Suite & Foyer

Greetings / Introduction / Conference Overview
2025-07-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Grand Ballroom, Grand Ballroom
Introduction of HBCU Royalty

2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:00
New Advisor Orientation (All Advisors Welcome)
