HBCU Kings & Queens Conference

IT WILL BE ALL WHITE- CALL TO ACTION- CLOSING BREAKFAST
2025-07-27 09:00 - 11:15 (America/Denver) | The Grand Ballroom
(Kindly be aware that this event requires a separate ticket purchase. It is a ticketed-only event, and tickets must be secured by the registration deadline.)
Doors open at 9:00 AMWe kindly ask all participants to arrive on time to avoid disrupting the ceremonial activities.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM – Breakfast9:45 AM – Ceremony Begins
The All-White Closing Breakfast marks the grand finale of the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, an event dedicated to empowering and uplifting the next generation of leaders. In this all-white gathering, participants will come together in a moment of reflection, celebration, and inspiration. The breakfast will not only serve as a time to commemorate the powerful experiences of the conference but also as a call to action for all attendees to take the knowledge, connections, and insights they’ve gained and use them to create meaningful change in their communities.
As we close this chapter, let’s unite in a call to action — to continue the work, break barriers, and lead with purpose.

Royal Academy Awards/ Masquerade Ball
2025-07-26 20:00 - 23:59 | The Grand Ballroom
(After 5 attire required)
Please wear mask

The Royal Processional
2025-07-26 20:00 - 23:59
(Please wear comfortable shoes/Line up in the hotel hallway in front of PJ’s Coffee Shop)
(After 5 attire required)
Please wear mask

Depart to hotel /Dinner on your own
2025-07-26 16:30 - 23:59

Group Photo
2025-07-26 16:15 - 23:59

I. MISTER AND MISS HBCU COMPETITION Informational
2025-07-26 14:45 - 16:00 | NCF 102
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 shine in every moment of the annual Mister and Miss HBCU Competition. Whether you dream of wearing the crown or are eager to elevate your leadership on campus, this session will share how the Mister and Miss HBCU Leadership Conference and Competition will empower you to showcase the very best of your institution with spirit and sophistication.
Audience: All -Kings, Queens, and Advisors

Luncheon Keynote Speaker
2025-07-26 13:00 - 14:30

XI. Advisor Roundtable: BEST PRACTICES for an Effective Royal Court Program
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 105
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 University, and 2020 Advisor of the Year, HBCU Kings & Queens Conference
Lyndsay Raymond, Executive Director of Student Success at Lincoln University of PA
Anita Wynn, Director of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, Virginia State University

Open discussion to help Advisors improve their Royal Court leadership program on their campuses through idea sharing, creative input, and best practices that work.
Audience: Advisor only

X. Curated Crowns: Reigning with Purpose, From Campus Queen to Culture Shifter
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 162
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” will walk you through how to:

Navigate the spotlight with grace
Leverage your reign to build your brand
Balance advocacy and authenticity
Maximize your influence as a student leader and legacy builder
Strategically prepare for life beyond your royal term

Through real-talk dialogue, mentorship moments, and a legacy mapping activity, this session equips you to transition from college royalty to real-world changemaker.
Session Objectives:

Define Your Reign: Clarify your personal leadership values and how they align with your institution’s mission.
Lead as an Ambassador: Learn how to speak on behalf of your college with professionalism, poise, and purpose.
Maximize the Moment: Turn your visibility into viable platforms for advocacy, entrepreneurship, or graduate/professional opportunities.
Build Your Royal Blueprint: Create a post-graduation roadmap using your experiences as a Queen to enhance resumes, interviews, and future leadership roles.

Audience: Queens and Advisors

IX. Making Social Media Work for You: Building a Positive and Purposeful Online Presence
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 104
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 to enhance—not hinder—your professional image.

Audience: Open to All-Kings, Queens and Advisors

VIII. Kings & Queens CARES: Deep Dive — A Mentorship Call to Lead and Lift
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 160
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 those ready to join the CARES mentorship movement—as both mentor and mentee. Designed for HBCU student royalty, this Deep Dive invites you to explore how mentoring can sharpen your leadership, sustain your reign, and build a legacy that lasts beyond the crown.
Whether you’re seeking guidance to navigate the challenges of your term or looking to empower others through your experience, this session is your space to connect, reflect, and grow. You’ll learn how to integrate mentorship into your leadership journey with purpose, pride, and power.
This is more than a workshop—it’s a call to lead with legacy and mentor with meaning.
Sign up to be mentored. Sign up to mentor. Sign up to grow.
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

VI. Get Elected: Platform and Campaign Development
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 103
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 attendant to the current king or queen? Maybe you’re a vice president, director, or some other position in SGA. Get Elected: Platform and Campaign Development will give you the necessary tools needed to develop a sound and realistic platform and a strong campaign in order to become the next king, queen, or SGA president of your college/university.
Audience: Focus on new Royal Court Advisors new to the role. Open to All Advisors

VII. The Royal Glamour: Makeup Essentials for Royalty
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 175
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 flawless complexion, beautifully defined features, and subtle yet captivating eye looks that are perfect for any occasion. By mastering these essential makeup skills, queens will feel empowered to present their best selves in every room they enter, embodying elegance and poise with ease. Join us to transform your makeup routine and embrace your inner royalty!
Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your Royal Glamour!
Audience -Queens and Advisors

V. Beyond the Crown: Discovering the Superpower Within
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 173
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 will learn to recognize their unique gifts and characteristics, harness them as superpowers, and unlock personal and professional success.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Recognize the unique gifts and characteristics that make you special.
2. Explore how personal experiences shape your character and contribute to developing your strengths.
3. Learn how to leverage your strengths to achieve personal success and positively impact others.
4. Understand how to activate superpowers through conscientious effort, practice, and feedback.
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

IV. Royalty in the twilight zone: maximizing your moment before the crown sets
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 115
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, student leaders enter their reign with passion but lack the structure to transform vision into measurable impact before their moment fades.
This session challenges participants to step outside of day-to-day ceremonial duties and reflect on how they use their time, energy, and influence to leave a legacy. Through guided planning tools, interactive reflection, and court-to-campus strategy mapping, participants will walk away with clear objectives and time-aligned plans to reign purposefully.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Understand the limited window of influence in a royal court term and how to maximize it
Set SMART goals that align with campus needs and the platform vision
Use strategic time management tools to balance appearances, programming, and academics
Create a personalized “Legacy Planning Roadmap” for the remainder of their reign

Takeaways:

Royal Time Audit & Goal Tracker
Legacy Planning Worksheet
Tips for Balancing Ceremonial Roles with Purposeful Impact

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

III. CASTLE BUILDING: Cultivating an atmosphere of support, trust, leadership, and empowerment
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 140
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 supportive atmosphere that promotes personal and collective growth.
CASTLE Building Objectives:

Understand the principles of effective leadership and mentorship.
Develop skills to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
Learn strategies for community engagement and empowerment.
Foster resilience and emotional intelligence among peers.

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

II. The BRAIN ON BURNOUT- Royal CHECK OUT! THE "UN" OF UNAWARENESS IN MENTAL ILLNESS
2025-07-26 12:45 - 16:00 | NCF 135
A.O. Croft, M.Ed. Former HBCU KING (Morgan State University & Former Royal Court Advisor)
Join this engaging and eye-opening session to break down the barriers of mental health stigma and increase awareness of the signs, symptoms, and solutions surrounding mental illness. This interactive presentation will explore the difference between mental health issues and mental illness, how to utilize therapy effectively, and the impact of guilt and shame on self-acceptance. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of practical coping strategies—from fitness to journaling—and insights into prevention methods, including selecting the right therapist and building a mental health prevention plan. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or looking to better assist others, this session will equip you to remove the “un” from unawareness and foster mental wellness in your community.
Audience: Open to All- Kings, Queens, and Advisors

XI. THE ROYAL PLAYBOOK: How to lead, manage, and mentor HBCU Royalty
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 140
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 court advisors, providing tools and strategies to effectively mentor student leaders. Participants will engage in interactive discussions,
Share best practices, and develop actionable plans to enhance their advisory approach, ensuring their campus royalty not only shine during their reign but also grow as impactful leaders beyond their tenure.
Audience: Advisors only

X. Miss National Black College Alumni Hall Of Fame Informational
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | NCF 173
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 to get a seat at the table with board members, curate sponsorships, expand your network, and unlock doors for postgraduate success. Our dynamic session will show you how the Hall of Fame system empowers queens to lead, serve, and shine on every stage they touch.
This is your legacy in motion. Are you ready to reign?
Audience: Queens and Advisors

IX. Workplace Survival Guide: Mastering the Soft Skills for Success
2025-07-26 11:30 - 12:45 | 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
