2025 Conference Keynotes
NCSL's Emcee of Impact
Hi! I’m Velshay Stokes, the founder of Stokes Collaborative and a DEI Practitioner with nine years of experience across industries like higher ed, tech, healthcare, and hospitality. I’m also an adjunct professor. Over the years, I’ve helped organizations of all sizes integrate DEI, focusing on authenticity, employee resource groups, identity, and creating inclusive spaces.
This year, I have the honor of hosting the National Conference on Student Life—kicking things off, keeping the energy high, and even hosting karaoke night.
In my free time, I love performing full Beyoncé concerts in my living room, collecting unique Connect Four boards, and calling my mom a million times. I believe in showing up authentically and living unapologetically. I’m passionate about using my voice to build community. Let’s continue making a real impact!
Opening Keynote
Not Another Lecture: Build Life Skills and Mental Health Habits in Real Time
Presented by Dr. Julia Garcia
This isn’t your typical lecture—it’s a real conversation. Join Dr. Julia Garcia, a TEDx speaker, psychologist, and author of The 5 Habits of Hope, for a powerful keynote that blends self-care and wellness with practical life skills. Students will also have the chance to sharpen their communication skills through interactive, real-time activities, discover ways to build relationships and act as catalysts for change.
Dr. Julia Garcia is a preeminent voice for the next generation. She helps schools, universities, and organizations build a culture where students are genuinely seen and valued. As a doctor of psychology and TEDx Speaker, Dr. J (as known to her students) helps audiences get honest with how they feel and move forward together. Dr. J is unparalleled in her ability to connect with audiences across any demographic through her spoken word poetry and highly engaging approach. Specializing in campus culture, diversity, and mental health, Dr. Julia reminds us all to keep showing up for ourselves and each other.
Leadership Lab
Own the Room: The Art of Leadership Through Body Language and Connection
Presented by Will Baggett
Great leaders don’t just take up space—they own the room with confidence, presence, and genuine connection. Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or the biggest title; it’s about how well you engage, inspire, and empower those around you. In this leadership lab, you’ll learn how to command presence with confidence by using body language, eye contact, and posture to create an engaging and authoritative presence. You’ll discover how to lead through influence rather than authority by building trust, empowering others, and fostering collaboration. The leadership lab will also introduce the 4 A’s of Leadership—Accountability, Adaptability, Availability, and Accessibility—which are essential for creating a positive, high-performing culture. Finally, you’ll explore practical strategies to break down barriers, encourage teamwork, and ensure every person in the room feels valued and included.
Nationally recognized as a Top 25 Speaker, Will Baggett brings an unparalleled level of energy and engagement to every audience he addresses. From 2019-2020, Baggett served as the Operations Coordinator and Chief of Staff for College Football Playoff. Over the course of his decade of service to the sports industry, Baggett helped produce events such as the Super Bowl, Peach Bowl, Final Four, and a host of college football bowl games. As a Division 1 strength and conditioning coach, he also helped produce 19 NFL draft picks, including two first-round picks. Baggett’s first book, The Blueprint for a Successful Career, was released in 2016 to widespread acclaim and has been added to the curriculum at multiple, nationally accredited universities. Baggett’s second book, Hues of Hope: A Colorful Journey Outside The Lines, was released in July 2024 and has inspired thousands to live limitlessly and chart their own paths to greatness.
Closing Keynote
Upgrade My Decisions: Discover The Three Truths of Decision-Making to Rewrite Your Story and Make Positive Choices
Presented by Kevin Mecchella
We all want to make great decisions—choices that set us up for success in school, relationships, and life. But decision-making isn’t just about knowing right from wrong. The real challenge lies in how we perceive our choices. The stress we face doesn’t just come from school, social pressures, or uncertainty about the future—it comes from the story we tell ourselves about our circumstances and our ability to navigate them. This high-energy, musically-infused keynote breaks down the three fundamental truths behind every decision we make. By the end of this experience, you’ll walk away with practical tools to take ownership of your choices, no matter the circumstances, stay present and focused instead of feeling overwhelmed, and bounce back from setbacks with confidence and clarity. More than just a talk, this keynote provides real-life strategies you can use immediately—helping you feel more in control, more capable, and more prepared to make decisions that align with your goals as a student leader.
Class clown turned classical musician, Kevin Mecchella brings energy, humor, and authenticity to every stage he steps on. As a former K-12 music teacher, Mecchella understands the complex mental health challenges students face today. Drawing from his experiences as both an educator and performer, he delivers mental health programs to schools, leadership conferences, and organizations across the country. Mecchella’s unique approach fuses live music, humor, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the event ends. Mecchella holds a BS in Education from Hofstra University and an M1 from the Royal Conservatory of Liège. His experience in the classroom and from the stage has revealed a critical gap in students’ social and emotional development. Today, he partners with school districts and organizations guiding students through engaging mental health programs tailored to their unique needs.