^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌϮϴ͕ϮϬϮϯ ĞĂƌDĞŵďĞƌƐŽĨƚŚĞ ϮϬϮϯůĂƐƐŽĨϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ͕ tŝƚŚ ŐƌĞĂƚ ĞdžĐŝƚĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŝĚĞ͕ / ĞdžƚĞŶĚŵLJ ŚĞĂƌƞĞůƚ ĐŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĞĂĐŚŽĨLJŽƵŽŶLJŽƵƌƌĞŵĂƌŬĂďůĞĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚŽĨďĞŝŶŐƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚĂƐĂŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨƚŚĞ<ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ^ƚĂƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJEĂƟŽŶĂůůƵŵŶŝƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶΖƐϮϬϮϯůĂƐƐŽĨ ϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ͘dŚŝƐĞƐƚĞĞŵĞĚƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶŚŝŐŚůŝŐŚƚƐLJŽƵƌŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĂĐĐŽŵƉůŝƐŚŵĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀĞƐ ĂƐ Ă ƚĞƐƚĂŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĐƌĞĚŝďůĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞĂůƌĞĂĚLJŵĂĚĞŝŶLJŽƵƌƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞĮĞůĚƐ͘ zŽƵƌĚĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶ͕ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟŽŶ͕ĂŶĚĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚƚŽĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞŚĂǀĞďƌŽƵŐŚƚŚŽŶŽƌƚŽLJŽƵĂŶĚƐŚŽŶĞĂ ďƌŝŐŚƚůŝŐŚƚŽŶ<ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ^ƚĂƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJΖƐůĞŐĂĐLJŽĨƉƌŽĚƵĐŝŶŐĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ͘ƐǁĞŐĂƚŚĞƌƚŽ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ<^hΖƐϭϯϳƚŚ,ŽŵĞĐŽŵŝŶŐƵŶĚĞƌƚŚĞƚŚĞŵĞΗ,ŽŶŽƌŝŶŐ,ŝƐƚŽƌLJ͕ffiŵďƌĂĐŝŶŐ>ĞŐĂĐLJ͕ĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ dƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ͕ΗLJŽƵƌŝŶĚƵĐƟŽŶ ŝŶƚŽƚŚĞϮϬϮϯ ůĂƐƐŽĨϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJƉĞƌĨĞĐƚůLJĞŵďŽĚŝĞƐƚŚĞƐƉŝƌŝƚŽĨ ƚŚŝƐƚŚĞŵĞ͘ dŚŽƵŐŚŝŵƉƌĞƐƐŝǀĞŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůůLJ͕LJŽƵƌĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐĐŽůůĞĐƟǀĞůLJƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƚŚĞƉŽǁĞƌŽĨĂ<^hĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚƚŚĞŝŶŇƵĞŶĐĞŽĨĂƐƵƉƉŽƌƟǀĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͘dŚĞůĂƐƐŽĨϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJƐŚŽǁĐĂƐĞƐLJŽƵƌĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽĞŵďƌĂĐĞƚŚĞƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶƐƚŚĂƚŚĂǀĞƐŚĂƉĞĚŽƵƌŝŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶǁŚŝůĞƉĂǀŝŶŐƚŚĞǁĂLJĨŽƌĨƵƚƵƌĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽďƵŝůĚƵƉŽŶƚŚŝƐĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ͘ ƵƌŝŶŐƚŚŝƐ,ŽŵĞĐŽŵŝŶŐĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶ͕ĂƐǁĞŚŽŶŽƌŽƵƌŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ͕ĞŵďƌĂĐĞƚŚĞůĞŐĂĐLJŽĨƚŚŽƐĞǁŚŽŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŵĞďĞĨŽƌĞƵƐ͕ĂŶĚĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ ƚŚĞƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶƐƚŚĂƚƵŶŝƚĞƵƐ͕LJŽƵƌƉƌĞƐĞŶĐĞĂŶĚĂĐĐŽŵƉůŝƐŚŵĞŶƚƐǁŝůů ƵŶĚŽƵďƚĞĚůLJ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĞ Ăůů ǁŚŽ ĞŶĐŽƵŶƚĞƌ LJŽƵƌ ƐƚŽƌLJ͘ zŽƵƌ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ ƐƉĞĂŬ ŶŽƚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƟŽŶďƵƚĂůƐŽƚŽƚŚĞďŽƵŶĚůĞƐƐƉŽƚĞŶƟĂůǁŝƚŚŝŶĞǀĞƌLJ<^hŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ͘ /ŝŶǀŝƚĞLJŽƵƚŽƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƚĞŝŶƚŚĞ,ŽŵĞĐŽŵŝŶŐĨĞƐƟǀŝƟĞƐǁŝƚŚƉƌŝĚĞĂŶĚĐĂŵĂƌĂĚĞƌŝĞ͕ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐƚŚĂƚLJŽƵƌ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂů ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƌŝĐŚ ƚĂƉĞƐƚƌLJ ŽĨ <ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ ^ƚĂƚĞ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJΖƐ ůĞŐĂĐLJ͘ zŽƵƌ ƐƚŽƌŝĞƐ͕ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĞƐ ǁŝůů ƵŶĚŽƵďƚĞĚůLJ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ƐƚƌŝǀĞ ĨŽƌ ŐƌĞĂƚŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƚŚĞƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶŽĨĞdžĐĞůůĞŶĐĞƚŚĂƚLJŽƵƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ͘ KŶĐĞĂŐĂŝŶ͕ĐŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƟŽŶƐŽŶďĞŝŶŐƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚĂƐŵĞŵďĞƌƐŽĨƚŚĞϮϬϮϯůĂƐƐŽĨϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ͘/ ĞĂŐĞƌůLJĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐLJŽƵƌĂĐĐŽŵƉůŝƐŚŵĞŶƚƐĂŶĚƐŚĂƌŝŶŐŝŶƚŚĞĞdžĐŝƚĞŵĞŶƚŽĨƚŚŝƐ,ŽŵĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ǁĞ ŚŽŶŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĞŵďƌĂĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ůĞŐĂĐLJ͕ ĂŶĚ ĐŽůůĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚƵƌŝŶŐƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶƐƚŚĂƚƵŶŝƚĞƵƐĂůů͘ KŶǁĂƌĚĂŶĚhƉǁĂƌĚ ƌ͘ZŝĐŚĂƌĚ,͘'ƌĂǀĞƐ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ <ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ^ƚĂƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJEĂƟŽŶĂůůƵŵŶŝƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ
September 12, 2023 Esteemed Kentucky State University Alumni, Supporters and Guests, I hope this finds you in good health and high spirits. It is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you all to the highly anticipated "40 Under 40" event at our beloved Kentucky State University's Homecoming celebration. As the 19th President of Kentucky State University, it is an honor to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also demonstrated a deep commitment to our university and community. Your dedication, resilience, and accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for the entire KSU family. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for meeting the eligibility requirements set for this prestigious event. Your status as a Kentucky State University alumnus/a, your remarkable achievements under the age of 40, your active membership in the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association, and your significant contributions in areas such as business, research, artistic endeavors, leadership, community engagement, education, and philanthropy are all testaments to your exceptional commitment to excellence. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to Kentucky State University and your dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Your achievements reflect the values and traditions of excellence that define our institution. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and I look forward to celebrating all the great things in your future. Happy Homecoming and thank you for your shared commitment to Kentucky State University. Warm regards, Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D. 19th President of Kentucky State University
dŚĞ<ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ^ƚĂƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJEĂƟŽŶĂůůƵŵŶŝƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ 4th ŶŶƵĂůϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ>ƵŶĐŚĞŽŶ dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ 28th͕ϮϬϮ3 ϭϮŽ’ĐůŽĐŬŶŽŽŶ Master of Ceremonies Greeting – Frederick Yeakey Opening Prayer – Frederick Yeakey Welcome - Mr. Savion Briggs, SGA President and Student Regent ~Lunch is served~ Keynote Speaker Introduction- Krystal Jackson 2023 40 under 40 Keynote – Judge Lasheyl Stroud Induction of Honorees into 40 under 40 Society Special Presentations- Krystal Jackson Closing Remarks – Dr. Richard H. Graves, President KSUNAA Kentucky State University Representative Ms. Krystal Jackson, 40 under 40 Luncheon Chairperson Singing of the Kentucky State University Alma Mater
<ĞŶƚƵĐŬLJ^ƚĂƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJEĂƟŽŶĂůůƵŵŶŝƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ’ƐϰϬƵŶĚĞƌϰϬ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJ The society recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who exemplify a broad range of high achievement in ƚŚĞŝƌƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůĮĞůĚƐ͘dŚĞĂǁĂƌĚƐĂƌĞŐŝǀĞŶƐŽůĞůLJŽŶŵĞƌŝƚĂŶĚĂƌĞĂǁĂƌĚĞĚƚŽĐŽŵŵĞŶĚ those most deserving for their professional acumen, ingenuity, hard work, and community service, ĚŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚŝŶŐƚŚĞŵĨƌŽŵƚŚĞŝƌĐŽƵŶƚĞƌƉĂƌƚƐĂŶĚƉƌŽǀŝŶŐƚŚĞŵǁŽƌƚŚLJŽĨƚŚŝƐƐƉĞĐŝĂůƉĞĞƌƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶ͘ tĞǁŽƵůĚůŝŬĞƚŽƚŚĂŶŬƚŚĞĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ͗ Dƌ͘&ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬzĞĂŬĞLJ Judge Lasheyl Strode Dƌ͘^ĂǀŝŽŶƌŝŐŐƐ ƌ͘ ZŝĐŚĂƌĚ,͘'ƌĂǀes Dƌ͘ĂƌƌLJ:ŽŚŶƐŽŶ Renee Micou DJ Quay WĂƚƌŝĐŬtŽŽƩĞŶ 40 Under 40 EŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶŽŵŵŝƩĞĞDĞŵďĞƌs͗ ƌ͘>ŝŶĚĂtŚLJĞ͕ŚĂŝƌ Dƌ͘&reĚzĞĂŬĞLJ DƐ͘>ĂŝůĂDŝĐŚĞůůĞtŝůůŝĂŵƐ ϰϬhŶĚĞƌϰϬ>ƵŶĐŚĞŽŶŽŵŵŝƩĞĞDĞŵďĞƌƐ͗ DƐ͘<ƌLJƐƚĂů:ĂĐŬƐŽŶ͕ŚĂŝƌ DƌƐ͘,ŽƉĞ:ŽŚŶƐon Dƌ͘&ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬzĞĂŬĞLJ dŚĂŶŬLJŽƵƚŽĂůůƚŚĞϰϬhŶĚĞƌϰϬ,ŽŶŽƌĞĞ’Ɛ͕&ĂŵŝůLJĂŶĚ&ƌŝĞŶĚƐĨŽƌLJŽƵƌƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͊ OnǁĂƌĚĂŶĚhƉǁĂƌĚ
Ashantye Latoya Mills "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Ashantye Latoya Mills Short Biography As the third of 10 children from a single mother in the small malice city of Macon, Georgia, I was able to defy all odds that were initially stacked against me since birth. My name is Ashantye 2VJSF Mills, and I am a 7-Figure, Award Winning Business, and Money Mindset Coach. After starting my PhD journey at Capella University; my interest in organizational leadership piqued an interest that sparked a deep dive into furthering my research capabilities. Conducting research focusing on mentoring new entrepreneurs; supporting them by showing them how to use social media to position themselves as leaders; and experts in their industry became contagious. It led to branding myself as an “Entrepreneur Mogul” because of my abilities create, develop, and elevate professionals beyond their measures. After high school, I completed my undergraduate and first graduate program at Kentucky State University (2002-2008). As a full-time student athlete, I was one of only eight personally selected students that was awarded an all-expense paid aboard trip to Europe. This trip consisted of us representing Kentucky State University on an international level. While studying and researching the Holocaust experience in 2006-2007; this opportunity afforded me firsthand experience to witness international history and development. In 2009, I decided to enroll into the University of Louisville Master of Social Work program. I was awarded a full scholarship due to my overachieving community and educational awards. While attending U of L; I was fortunate to partner alongside grant writing professors and land over $64 million dollars in research funding within the two years as a graduate student. This soon prompted my PhD journey at U of L however later transferring to Capella University. I am not only a superb and educated African American woman or business phenom but I’m also a mogul in my community. I passionately serve on several religious, non-profit, and for-profit boards that provide services for today’s youth, single parents, entrepreneurs, and veterans. Since 2011, I have been instrumental with providing thousands of urban city youth from Georgia an opportunity to travel out of state for a week-long visit to Kids Across America Christian Sports Camp located in Golden, Missouri. This project costs roughly fifty-thousand dollars a year. My expertise in grant writing, fund-raising, and business funding has allowed me to continue to make this event a success year after year. Over the past decade I’ve established multiple top tier 6-Figure companies throughout the southern region. I have decades of knowledge and my expertise in salon, spa, beauty, mental health, pre & post-op care (cosmetic surgery), and medical lab industries has allowed me the opportunity to serve, coach, and mentor thousands of amazing individuals. As a community activist and organizer who prides myself on “building neighborhoods and strengthening communities” my dedication, assertiveness, and curated social media content abilities has assisted in successful political campaigns that has help elected individuals secure mayoral and government positions throughout the state of Georgia. I was instrumental in participating and spearheading Warner Robins, Georgia first African American and first African American Woman mayor LaRhonda Patrick’s social media layout, campaign, and digital strategy. This led to being offered employment alongside the mayor. I respectfully declined due to understanding that my multi-million-dollar empire was a lot more important. Since being a part of such history, I have been offered other political campaign opportunities since 2020. These opportunities have allowed me access to rooms unimaginable. After a short pause to take a breather, I looked back on all my accomplishments. I instantly noticed my expertise, experience, and influence has the power to motivate thousands of people. This inspired me to start writing my book titled, “Hey you, Fix Your Crown.” My book talks about overcoming generational curses, unforeseen obstacles, and pre-mediated failures based off where you’re from or chaos you were born into. My book is set to be released in Winter 2023. My podcast titled, Bella Talk and CEO’ism are raw, uncut, and filled with transparency. Being a pre- and post-op practitioner, spa, and beauty salon owner has granted me direct access to interview men and women about their struggles, insecurities, proud moments, the rebuild of their confidence and image behind cosmetic surgery. I’m able to discuss the good, bad, ugly, and uncomfortable of the beauty industry as a consumer and a professional. CEO’ism addresses the journey before the excellence. Many individuals dive headfirst into entrepreneurship without quite understanding the industry. Entrepreneurship can be extremely stressful and if self-care practices are not put in place, it can cause mental, emotional, and physical setbacks. Georgia bred but passion led; I strongly envision millions of entrepreneurs, social influencers, community leaders, and international strategists around the globe will fully understand their potential and maximize their talents, gifts, and abilities while building their empires. My “Seven - Figure Mayhem” Mentorship program and courses help assist and equip leaders with the mindset and necessary skill set that will drastically impact and change their lives. The ability to connect with people through virtual and digital podcasts; motivational speaking; hosting Master Mind round table discussions, and community teaching continues to afford her the opportunity to help individual’s tap into their greatness. Therefore, I presently continue to speak on stages across the country and have been featured in publications like The Macon Telegraph, Black Entrepreneur Magazine, ATLVoyage, 13WMAZ TV, and dozens of internationally renowned podcasts, and radio shows. Due to COVID-19 I had to postpone my invitation to the national Ted Talk stage, but I have rescheduled my appearance for early December 2023.
Ashley Davis "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF Cincinnati, Ohio native Ashley Davis has made it her life’s mission to cultivate educational spaces that are equitable for Black and Brown people, and to do so by disrupting ineffective school and district systems as well as the structures and policies that they operate within. A former high school teacher, middle school tutor, and elementary school principal in Boston, Ashley has seen the disparities that privilege few and harm most. Currently, Ashley leads educational equity work as a Director of Leadership & Design at Springpoint Schools, a nonprofit devoted to improving the American public high school experience through principal coaching and transformational school visits. In addition to her work within schools, Ashley serves on various boards, consults with individuals and organizations to deepen their strategy, and partners with social advocacy/ policy organizations across the country who share a mission of improving outcomes for students of color. These partnerships include her Tedx Talk on “Language as the Ultimate Currency” and her work with The Education Trust, a Washington, DC-based organization focused on dismantling the barriers impacting students from historically marginalized backgrounds. A 2013 Kentucky State University graduate, Ashley often reflects on her experiences serving as the Managing Editor of The Thorobred News, the Executive Board Secretary of the Student Government Association, and the Vice President of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Incorporated’s Lambda chapter to name a few. Her love of travel and intimate family time with her husband, their daughter and their puppy helps her find balance and cling to joy.
Brandon Luke "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Brandon Luke a devoted husband and 2VJSF father was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Growing up Brandon had a passion for music and education. In high school he was a part of the marching band; where he was part of drum section, playing the snare and cymbals. Also playing the bass guitar in a jazz band. Graduating from Southfield High School he wanted to continue following his passions. Brandon enrolled at Kentucky State University and join The Mighty Marching Thorobreds continuing his passion. At Kentucky State University he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated "Alpha Upsilon Chapter", A Mighty Marching Thorobred, collegiate 100 and the Behavioral and Social Sciences Club. Mr. Luke obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Human Services from KSU. He went on to receive his Master of Social Work in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Wayne State University, and is a Limited License Master Social Worker (LLMSW), and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Excelling in his career, Mr. Luke started the “Pot of Hope community outreach group” which assists the underserved population with various resources for immediate needs. He has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Mr. Luke currently works for the Salvation Army as a Substance Abuse Therapist and is in Private Practice as a Clinical Therapist. He continues to be a major impact in the community by assisting to decrease the stigma of mental health in general, in the black community, and more specifically for black men. In addition to mental health Mr. Luke focuses on the awareness of substance abuse.
Chaundra Van-Dyk "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Chaundra J. Van Dyk-McGee is a speaker, social justice advocate, and public policy 2VJSF reformist who believes we all have a role to play in improving society. A native of Chicago, proud HBCU graduate, mother, and wife - committed to changing the narrative of her community. She started advocacy work while attending Percy Julian High School on the South Side of Chicago. She advocated for safe transportation for students; she worked to build relationships among students and administrators to create the support necessary to advocate for those around her. Following high school, Chaundra attended Kentucky State University College, where she served on several organizations and committees working toward the betterment of her campus community. She served on the student government association all four years and served as chief justice of the executive branch of the student government association in 2013. She also served as the first HBCU All-Star under Obama administration. Representing KSU nationally as an ambassador for the White House Initiative on HBCU’s After college, Chaundra returned home to Chicago committed to positively helping communities across Chicago. Initially, Chaundra worked as an outreach coordinator for a K-12 charter school on the Southwest side of Chicago. In this role, she realized that most students shared negative experiences and fear of the police in their communities, so she hosted open dialogue forums that allowed police and students to come together and have real, candid discussions that encouraged students to build more positive relationships with our police officers. She has been featured on The Daily Line, WGN Chicago, WTTW, Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Sun-Times, and other local and national channels. Chaundra is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where she received a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology and a concentration in Women and Gender Studies.
Cornell Ferrill "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Cornell Ferrill is a native of Chicago, 2VJSF Illinois, an Overcomer, and one who challenges himself to grow into a better version of himself DAILY. The former Kentucky State Alumni graduated in the Fall of 2011, with a Bachelor of Science and Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing. And while KSU held great memories and many successes, Cornell returned to his native city where he eagerly delved into the work of an Educator via the Chicago Public School system (CPS) and later the Daystar Academy, (private school sector). Cornell’s work at Daystar allowed him to expand greatly as a church mentor and music teacher with Project MOVE, a project for At Risk youth previously and currently in the justice system. Many days have passed, and the challenges have been great to test Cornell’s commitment to life and purpose since he graduated from KSU. But this Overcomer hasn’t let the difficulties deter him in any way. Today, Cornell continues to give back to his community by serving as the Assistant Site Director for By the Hand Club for Kids, located in the Englewood neighborhood. He is also very active in his home church and serves as the Worship Leader and the Director of Youth. Cornell believes in leaving a legacy of “just being a good person and allowing your good works to speak for you as you give your all.” This gives Cornell strength and courage to give back to his community by mentoring and serving in whatever capacity that he can. He is an excellent representation of Kentucky State University Alumni at their best.
Erica Dunn "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Erica M. Dunn is a native of Louisville, KY and 2009 Alumna of Kentucky State University. 2VJSF Dunn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009 from Kentucky State University in Physical Education and Health. While attending KSU, Dunn was also a member of the Women’s Track and Field team 2006-2009, she was also a member of the Women’s Cross Country team from 2007-2009. Erica has worked in many positions here at KSU, mostly in the areas of academic support, athletics, and student success. Roles including: Administrative Coordinator, Student-Athlete Support Services Coordinator, Assistant Director of First and Second Year Experience, Student Success Budget Manager, Adjunct Instructor for University Learning, and Assistant Track and Field Coach. Since June 2021, Erica serves as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services at KSU. Erica is also engaged in community service and outreach. Through her time working with various summer projects with Louisville Metro Parks Community Centers, Athletic Camps, constant supporter of The King Center, PTSA, Growth Point Church at Church Under the Bridge, Rock the Block Community Back to School Drive, and so much more. In 2018, Dunn earned her Master of Science degree from Western Kentucky University in Recreation and Sport Administration with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also serves as the On-Campus Advisor to the Alpha Pi Chapter of DST. She currently resides in Frankfort, KY with her 10 year old daughter, Emma Marie and significant other, Kofi Darko-Mensah.
Erica Tillford "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Erica Tilford was born and currently 2VJSF resides in Lexington, KY. Her passions have always been the performing arts and helping others. She has spent her life using her personal and professional experiences to provide service, expand culture, and influence understanding and self-awareness. With a background in Human Resources and Client Relations, Erica has elevated internal growth of small businesses and major retailers in Central Kentucky and has provided impactful experiences to those she has encountered. She has been blessed to evoke emotion and inspiration through dance and musical theatre throughout Central Kentucky also. While playing lead roles in “Hairspray”, “Dreamgirls”, and “The Wiz”, Erica has brought smiles and laughter to diverse audiences. In 2016, she was awarded the Commonwealth Ambassador Award for her contributions to the Arts which has been her motivation to continue advocacy for arts enrichment in our community and culture. Erica Tilford is a 2019 graduate of Kentucky State University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Mathematics. Erica Tilford is a Kentucky State University National Alumni Association (KSUNAA) Life Member and proudly serves as the KSU Lexington Alumni Chapter Treasurer and KSUNAA Secretary. She also serves as a Director Assistant for the African American Ballet Troupe in Lexington, KY. Erica enjoys volunteering her time and gifts with her church, the youth, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
India Seals "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE India Seals MSN, AGCNS, RN-BC is a mother, Registered Nurse, and educator, 2VJSF currently residing from the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up India attended Hamilton High School; from her years at Hamilton she realized she wanted a more diverse educational experience. Kentucky State University was the perfect choice for that experience. Entering KSU as a nursing major she had no idea the impact Linda Godfrey would have on her career. Professor Linda Godfrey had a teaching method of compassion and discipline. That same compassion and discipline was what guided India’s career choice as a nurse educator. After graduating from KSU, India joined the United States Navy. The Navy provided structure and a team-work mentality that she uses when working with others, “One team, one fight.†After 3 and a half years she was discharged and transitioned into working at a Level One Trauma Center. During the pandemic India†™s expertise allowed her to help open covid units; function as charge nurse, be lead educator for hospital nursing staff, while also caring for patients. During that time, she was able obtain her baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing from Old Dominion University. Returning back to Cincinnati she took on a position at Fortis College as a professor of nursing. The diverse population of the college enabled her to connect and build meaningful relationships with students. India’s course has a remarkable course pass rate, and continues to prepare students for the nursing field. Recently she was promoted to Academic Nursing Advisor. The role will further her ability to navigate students through their healthcare journey.
Jade Parker-Dinkins "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Jade Parker-Dinkins is a sickle cell pa 2VJSF - tient advocate, registered nurse, and creative born in Indianapolis, IN. Raised in a city known for its rich historical culture immersed in love for the arts, jazz music, and Black excellence, she strives to create her own avenue in today’s health and beauty sectors. Her lifelong experiences with chronic pain and illness from a hemoglobin SS diagnosis led to a career in healthcare that has spanned over a decade. Jade received both her Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kentucky State University. Now a long-term care implementation specialist and Certified Rehabilitation RN (CRRN), she encompasses a new level of advocacy and research-based practice for populations she’s witnessed are often left out, yet most vulnerable and deserving. Today, she serves as Founder/CEO of luxury skin and body care company, ROJOrganics which stands for River of Jordan Organics. Here she drives expansion, sales, and operations as Lead Product Developer. Her joy in this space is helping consumers establish and maintain self-care regimens for healing. Her talent and expertise combined with her company’s mission help create experiences that unlock the transformative atmosphere of the Jordan River so this healing flows to them, as she first learned to create for herself. n her time away from work, Jade enjoys roller skating, solo travel, and discovering authentic foods native to various cultures as means to create more self-awareness as she continues along the path to holistic health for herself and others.
Jameelah Means "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF Jameelah Means is a native of Chicago, Illinois and 2010 Alumna of Kentucky State University. Jameelah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010 from Kentucky State University in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. While attending KSU, Jameelah was a member of the Student Ambassador Organization and Gospel Ensemble from 2007-2010. Jameelah is a passionate leader with thirteen years of devoted service in enrollment management. She began her career in higher education in 2010 as an Admissions Counselor at Kentucky State University and was appointed Interim Director of Admissions in 2014. Jameelah relocated to West Virginia in 2015 and continued her career in enrollment management at West Virginia State University. Jameelah began her tenure as the Associate Director of Admissions. She was appointed to the position of Interim Director of Admissions in the spring of 2018, then in the summer, she was named Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Presently, Jameelah serves as the Assistant Registrar at Kentucky State University. As a thought leader, Jameelah believes that all students deserve access to higher education and works daily to sustain a culture that impacts student success. She has led strategic initiatives to develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment campaign that increased enrollment. Jameelah has collaborated with local high schools and community colleges to establish partnerships and articulation agreements for dual credit and transfer students to provide seamless pathway to higher education. Throughout her career, Jameelah has been involved in several professional organizations such as KACRAO, NACDRAO, NASPA, and WVACRAO. Additionally, she also participates in community engagement organizations to include American Red Cross, First Baptist Church (Elsmere), and YMCA. I n 2018, Jameelah earned her Master of Science degree in Higher Education with specialization in Leadership Administration from Capella University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Adult and Higher Education Leadership at Morehead State University. In her free time, Jameelah enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and fine dining. She currently resides in Lexington, Kentucky with her fiancé, Alvin LaShore, and dog Mahogany.
Janeesa Graham "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE With a voice that projects the power and love of God and a spirit that engages everyone she 2VJSF meets, Janessa Graham is poised to touch lives across the globe. A native of Chicago, Janessa began singing at the tender age of 2 and went on to sing with the legendary youth choir Joshua's Troop for 9 years. Through her work with Joshua's Troop, Janessa has performed on the main stage for the gospel Stellar Awards and has sung background for Jennifer Hudson. Launching out in the music world, Janessa has been privileged to sing background for Myron Butler, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, and James Fortune, to name a few, on different occasions. Janessa made her way to Kentucky by way of the state's oldest Historic Black College, Kentucky State University, following the legacy of her grandmother, mother, and uncle, who all graduated from KSU. Janessa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Relations. While studying at KSU, Janessa developed a more extraordinary passion for ministry while serving with campus ministries and local churches. In 2021, Janessa founded "Janessa's Way, LLC," a social platform established to promote positivity worldwide through ministry, music, motivation, and education. Through her passion and story, Janessa decided to use the four elements that are the most important to her as her platform to spread positive light for her brand. As a result, she answered her calling to preach the gospel in 2016 and became a licensed associate minister In 2018. Janessa released her debut single, "It Belongs to You-Psalms 18" in 2020 and her freshmen album, "Journal Entries," in the summer of 2022. Janessa's mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all generations through her gift of singing, sharing her testimony, motivating others to reach their fullest value, and preaching the word of God. Janessa is the only child to her best friend and mother, Ella J Poe, and the youngest daughter of her father, Kevin M. Graham. She is a graduate student at Morehead State University, pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Adult & Higher Education. Outside of singing across the region, you can find Janessa living out her passion for education in her current role as a College & Career Coordinator for a local high school. Janessa is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and is currently a resident of Nashville, TN.
Kareen Reid "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE A native of Miami, Florida, Kareen Reid is 2VJSF a proud 2006 and 2008 graduate of Kentucky State University (Frankfort, KY); where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and Management; and Master of Public Administration with a focus in Human Resource Management, respectively. She currently serves as a Human Resource Information Business Operations Specialist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Personnel Cabinet. Her progression over the years has been propelled in part because of her participation in the Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program (GMMTP), from which she graduated in 2019. The twelvemonth transformational leadership development program is designed to provide guidance and leadership development opportunities for minority employees in the merit system. She is a strong proponent of professional development and training and is always seeking out opportunities to improve and enhance her skills. She obtained a Certificate of Supervisory Essentials (CSE) in 2019 from the Office of Diversity, Equality and Training. Kareen enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community. Locally, she serves the Frankfort and Lexington community by coordinating the back-to-school supply drives and feeding the homeless. She also serves on the Board for the Church Under the Bridge program which feeds the homeless and provides resources to those in need. In her spare time, she loves to travel the world, experiencing new cultures and local cuisines. Her travels have taken her to five continents and over 35 countries!
Roenisha Wallace "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Roe Wallace is a family coach for 2VJSF Omega CDC at The Hope Center. She is a youth enthusiast and she enjoy working within her community. She works daily equipping families with resources to build toward family sufficiency; however, within the last year and a half she has launched her own business Rosie’s Vending in the Gem City servicing Dayton Metro Libraries and most recent venture is partnering with her Fiancé' Keenan Woods to launch a frozen dessert business "Remarkable Ice". Some of her most recent accolades are graduating from Leadership Dayton 2021, completing Launch Dayton Early Risers Academy (a 10week rigorous business planning bootcamp) and now serving as a board member for Brigid's Path. In Roe’s free time she enjoys wine tastings, attending festivals or hanging with family and friends.
Roxlauna Brown "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Roxlauna Shamir Brown is a Columbus, Ohio native. She received her Bachelor of 2VJSF Arts from Kentucky State University. Roxlauna began her career with the City of Columbus in 2013 as an Asset Management Intern with the Department of Public Utilities. From 2016 to 2022, she was employed with the State Medical Board of Ohio. Currently, she is the Executive Assistant for Court Administration and Justice Operations at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court – General Division. In this role, she performs a variety of duties required for the daily operations of the Court and assists with strategic planning initiatives and coordinates special events. Roxlauna has an extensive background in community service and event planning. She has coordinated various community service projects in Central Ohio. In 2019, Roxlauna began her role as the President of the KSU Columbus Alumni Chapter. In 2020, she served as the Secretary of KSU National Alumni Association until 2021. Roxlauna also played a pivotal role in Kentucky State University’s participation in the 2021 Classic for Columbus HBCU Football game in her hometown of Columbus. In 2023, she became Second Vice President of the KSU Columbus Alumni Chapter where she focuses on local and national programing for her alumni chapter. In 2022, Roxlauna was appointed to the Near East Area Commission as a Commissioner for District Three. In this role, Roxlauna along with 16 other commissioners works with the City of Columbus to study issues affecting the community and recommend solutions and/or legislation. Roxlauna also serves as Secretary for the Commission’s Zoning Committee.
Shana Darden "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Shana is a proud Alumni of Kentucky State University. At KSU Shana led an active life 2VJSF where she was in the Student Government Association as a senator, “Miss Junior”, “1st Attendant to Miss KSU”, and many other roles to display her leadership. As an Honors Education Major Shana represented The School of Education at several national education conferences as a speaker and ambassador. Shana became a part of the National Alliance of Black School Educators at Kentucky State University and she’s still an attending member. Shana is currently a very proud and esteemed educator. She credits her day job for keeping her youthful, informed, and humble. Shana coaches an elementary track & field team, rhythmic gymnastics team, and high school majorette team. Shana helps build self-confidence, awareness, collaboration, endurance, and promotes a healthy lifestyle for youth! Very involved in the community, Shana has served on several boards, committees, and she actively mentors for organizations that are committed to the academic, social and leadership development of youth. Shana also has her own dessert business, is a travel agent, and hosts quarterly etiquette and financial literacy seminars to educate youth and adults. Hobbies she enjoys are the arts, styling, modeling, and international traveling. A true Jill of all trades and always on time to share her talents, Shana is adored and cherished by her community. Her motto in life is "work hard, play hard!" She truly has lived her life to uphold Kentucky State University’s motto, “Enter to learn, Go out to serve.”
2023 Speaker Biography "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Judge Lasheyl Stroud is a licensed 2VJSF attorney of two decades and serves as the Lead Juvenile Judge inFranklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations; Juvenile Branch (Columbus, OH). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from her beloved HBCU, Kentucky State University.In 2003, she earned a Juris Doctorate degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She has served as a Magistrate and practiced law in both the public and private sectors as well as an Adjunct Professor. Judge Stroud has overcome tremendous obstacles without wavering in her commitment to public service. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She continues to serve as a mentor and volunteer in her community as well as an active member of New Covenant Believers’ Church. She is a Breast Cancer Survivor and a champion of change. Judge Stroud is married to Corey, a school Administrator, and they have two sons.
2023 Master of Ceremonies "OUIPOZ 5PEE 2VJSF JT B QSPVE BOE (SBEVBUF PG ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 'SBOLGPSU ,: FBSOJOH IJT #BDIFMPS PG "SUT JO 1PMJUJDBM 4DJFODF BOE IJT .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 1VCMJD "ENJOJTUSBUJPO "OUIPOZ DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ 1VCMJD 4DIPPMT BT B 4QFDJBM &EVDBUJPO 5FBDIFS XJUI UIF &YDFQUJPOBM $IJMESFOT %FQBSUNFOU XIFSF IF XPSLT XJUI BU SJTL TUVEFOUT XJUI NFOUBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT 5ISPVHI IJT XPSL XJUI TUVEFOUT IF XBT BXBSEFE UIF #FHJOOJOH 5FBDIFS PG UIF :FBS "OUIPOZ BMTP TFSWFT BT UIF $IJFG &YFDVUJWF 0óDFS $IJFG 0QFSBUJPOT 0óDFS PG 5IF /FYU (FO $BQJUBM (SPVQ --$ XIJDI JT B DPNNFSDJBM SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU DPNQBOZ 5ISPVHI IJT JOWFTUNFOU öSN IF IBT CVJMU B NVMUJNJMMJPOEPMMBS QPSUGPMJP BOE IBT CFFO TVDDFTTGVM JO BDRVJSJOH NBOBHJOH BOE SFNPEFMJOH PG NPCJMF IPNF QBSLT UISPVHIPVU UIF 4PVUIFBTU 6OJUFE 4UBUFT * XBT QSFWJPVTMZ OBNFE $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP NFNCFS * IBWF B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF )F JT B QSPVE öOBODJBM BOE BDUJWF NFNCFS PG 1IJ #FUB 4JHNB 'SBUFSOJUZ *ODPSQPSBUFE KPJOJOH JO UISPVHI UIF 9J -BNCEB $IBQUFS BU ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "EEJUJPOBMMZ IF DVSSFOUMZ TFSWFT BT UIF #JHHFS BOE #FUUFS $IBJSQFSTPO GPS UIF #FUB ,BQQB 4JHNB DIBQUFS MPDBUFE JO (SFFOWJMMF /$ "OUIPOZ JT B MJGFUJNF NFNCFS PG UIF ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ /BUJPOBM "MVNOJ "TTPDJBUJPO 0SEBJOFE &MEFS BU UIF &CFOF[FS 4FWFOUI%BZ "EWFOUJTU $IVSDI $POTUJUVFOU -FBEFS GPS UIF 8BZOF $PVOUZ %FNPDSBUJD 1BSUZ BOE XBT OBNFE UP UIF $BNCSJEHF 8IPT 8IP )F FOKPZT TQFOEJOH UJNF XJUI GBNJMZ BOE MFBSOJOH BCPVU SFBM FTUBUF JOWFTUNFOU )F IBT B QBTTJPO GPS HJWJOH CBDL TFSWJOH BOE BEEJOH WBMVF UP PUIFS QFPQMFT MJWFT BOE CFMJFWF IJHIMZ JO UIF NJTTJPO JO 0OXBSE BOE 6QXBSE UIBU XBT JOTUJMMFE XIJMF BUUFOEJOH ,FOUVDLZ 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ "OUIPOZ JT UIF IVTCBOE PG ,VTIBUIB 8FTU o 2VJSF BOE GBUIFS UP UXP CFBVUJGVM HJSMT /BBSBI BOE .BMJB )F MJWFT CZ UIF NPUUP UIBUi*G ZPV USZ BOE EPOU TVDDFFE USZ BHBJOw "OUIPOZ 5PEE Fred currently serves as Chief Partnership Officer of Providence Cristo Rey High School 2VJSF and leads the school’s unique Corporate Work Study program that connects high school students with meaningful corporate internships throughout Central Indiana. Fred has been with Providence Cristo Rey for 7 years and has led the school in diverse positions such as Interim President, Vice Principal of Mission and Culture and Dean of Students. Fred has a background in education/community building that spans two decades. He has served in various roles such as directing after-school and summer programming for the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. He received his Master of Arts in Education from Marian University and his Bachelor of Arts from Kentucky State University in Public Administration. Fred serves as Principal and Founder of 2 Thirty- Eight Properties LLC, where he was selected as Emerging Real Estate Developer by The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). Fred has partnered with Volunteers of America (Indiana and Ohio) to develop affordable housing specifically for women seeking refuge and support from substance abuse. This unique development allows mothers to heal with their children while also accessing the necessary support to obtain sobriety. Within this development, residents have access to a state of the art health clinic as well as an on-site preschool. He has delivered keynote speaker addresses and workshops at universities, school districts, conferences, and corporate events around the country. Fred has been featured nationally for his work with a Male Mentoring Initiative called “The Barbershop”, where he offers free haircuts to male students while grooming them outwardly and inwardly. Through a haircut, he establishes character development and empowerment with the focus on educating and retaining males to graduate and make an impact within the communities that they serve.Fred is married to Danijel and together they have three children.