2025 NCSL Presenters
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at our National Conference on Student Life! We’re hard at work finalizing an inspiring lineup of sessions and expert speakers who will equip you with the tools and knowledge to excel in your leadership journey. Stay tuned—session titles and speaker details will be available soon!
Cybel Betancourt
Founder – Buenas Cosas, LLC
Educator, speaker, and leader developer Cybel Betancourt is a spicy Latinx from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. She is the CEO of Buenas Cosas, a platform that focuses on helping people gain the tools they need to conquer what she calls their “personal jungle.” Cybel uses everyday situations in a fun and energetic way to empower others to become the best versions of themselves. Her self-reflection exercises, cunning questions, and creativity make people grow exponentially on a personal and professional level. Cybel is the author of the book Yo Valgo 18 Quilates and podcast producer of Los Influencers by Buenas Cosas. Her mission to empower young adults to influence the world and disrupt society’s norms.
Jeremiah Brown
Speaker & Author – The Lead
Jeremiah Brown is a dynamic leader and renowned expert in career and life skills development, with a passion for helping individuals uncover their life’s purpose. From his experience as a former NFL athlete to his current roles as a highly sought-after speaker, author, and leadership coach, Jeremiah has dedicated himself to inspiring and guiding others towards meaningful personal and professional growth. Drawing from his diverse background as a former NFL athlete, K–12 director of athletics, and school leader in culture and leadership development, Jeremiah possesses a unique ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Through captivating storytelling and practical strategies, Jeremiah empowers individuals to identify their true calling, overcome obstacles, and cultivate resilience on their journey to success. Prepare to be inspired and transformed as Jeremiah Brown shares his expertise, guiding you towards unlocking your full potential and living a purpose-driven life.
Samuel Brown
Speaker and Program Consultant – Faith and Effort LLC
Mentor, coach, and speaker, Sam Brown will impact any stage he touches. For over a decade, schools, organizations, universities and people from all over have benefited from the authentic, relatable, inspirational and empowering presentations. Whether the topic is teamwork, finding your leadership style, growing through what you go through, making your best better. Sam’s message resonates. Sam’s gift of taking what he went through growing up until now allows the audience to understand that no matter what happens to you, there is still an opportunity to become a better version of yourself. Sam earned his BA in Speech Communication from Millersville University. In Sam’s words “Sometimes you need to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough.
Kristel Flynn
Communications Instructor – Saint Xavier University
Kristel Flynn has worked with college students for over 15 years. She previously served as the director of the Student Success program, a federally funded TRIO program, and found joy in training and supporting student leaders. She has worked as a speech instructor for a decade at Saint Xavier University and other institutions. Having dealt with communication apprehension during her first semester of college, she is passionate about helping students work through public speaking fears and becoming confident speakers. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with her master of arts degree in communication, media, and theatre. When not in the classroom, you can find her performing onstage or baking an array of chocolate desserts.
Pamela Gurley
CEO – Clark and Hill Enterprise
Pamela Gurley, PhD is the founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise. Her 25-year career includes working for the United States Federal Government across the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, Department of State, and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Gurley’s budget and management experience extend both domestically and internationally (i.e., Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Johannesburg, South Africa; Brussels, Belgium; Manila, Philippines; Singapore, Singapore, and London, United Kingdom). A civil servant for the Federal Government for over 14 years, she resigned on November 7, 2020, to become a full-time entrepreneur. She is a retired United States Army Veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a master’s in health service administration, and a doctorate in management with a concentration in organizational development and change.
Marlanea Heaven
Certified SEL Facilitator, Veteran, Author – Community Evolve & Thrive
Marlanea Heaven brings a profound blend of expertise as a holistic mental health professional, social-emotional learning facilitator, yoga teacher, veteran, author, and devoted mom. Trained in trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based practices, she elevates traditional educational norms into innovative, engaging, and transformative experiences. Marlanea is armed with a bachelor’s degree in social work, 7 years of unwavering service in the Army National Guard, and is pursuing a master’s degree in transformative teaching and leadership. Leading with curiosity and courage, Marlanea has expanded her impact to students studying abroad through cross-cultural exchanges, mentored international students, reunified children with their families, and is now a success coach at an alternative high school. As the founder of Community Evolve & Thrive LLC and author of Poetic Illumination, her life’s mission is to continue supporting those navigating vulnerability and uncertainty, creating inclusive spaces of communal support, and promoting overall wellness. It all starts with a choice and making that connection- connect with her on LinkedIn or IG @AdventuresWithMarly_
Kevin Mecchella
Youth Speaker – Upgrade My Decisions
Kevin Mecchella brings energy, humor, and authenticity to every stage he steps on. As a former K-12 music teacher, Kevin 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.
Kevin’s unique approach fuses live music, humor, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the event ends. As a professional musician, Kevin incorporates music into his presentations not just for entertainment, but as a tool for connection and learning. His sessions strike a careful balance between light-hearted fun and the serious weight of the topics he covers, ensuring students engage meaningfully and walk away with actionable tools.
Kevin holds a B.S. in Education from Hofstra University and an M1 from the Royal Conservatory of Liège. Kevin’s 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.
Joanna de Pena
Founder & CEO – Top Notch Scholars
Joanna de Pena is a dynamic force in youth empowerment, captivating audiences with her infectious energy and transformative presence. With a remarkable ability to blend relatability and motivational expertise, she inspires ambition and ignites potential in every individual she meets. Beyond her role as a speaker, Joanna serves as a catalyst for profound change, leaving a lasting impact on young hearts and shaping the future of leadership. A graduate of Proctor Academy, Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in performance psychology, reflecting her unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.
Jason Scott Quinn
Facilitator – Collegiate Empowerment
When Jason was a teenager, he never wanted to go to college. He was going to be a rock star! Then, his band broke up and he decided to go to college…and he loved it! Jason loved it so much that he never wanted to leave. So, he didn’t. Jason got his BA in Theatre….then his MA in Communication Studies…then his MFA in Acting….then got hired to teach by one school and then another and then five others! Enter Collegiate Empowerment, where Jason gets to never leave college, as he travels from campus to campus being a rock star for every audience he meets. He’s known at CE for connecting with participants from the toughest mandatory audiences to passionate student leaders to coaching participants through his comedy, passion, high energy, and enthusiasm. Within CE, he’s known for focusing on what students want and need, being a kickass teammate, and making weird faces during team meetings.
Collegiate Empowerment is a nonprofit, for-purpose, member-supported educational collaborative dedicated to helping college students, families, and higher-ed professionals get what they want and need.
Diana Richardson Phillipus
CEO – Empowered Women Empower
Diana Richardson Phillipus is a visionary entrepreneur and empowerment coach, dedicated to inspiring individuals to unlock their full potential. With expertise in brand strategy and coaching, Diana bridges the gap between authenticity and connection through the power of networking. As the founder of Empowered Women Empower, she creates inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive authentically. With over a decade of experience, Diana’s dynamic presentations blend inspiration with practical insights, empowering audiences of all backgrounds. Her commitment to igniting positive change extends to fostering meaningful connections, empowering individuals to step into their greatness and live their best lives.
Velshay Stokes
DEI Practitioner – Stokes Collaborative
Velshay Stokes is the founder of Stokes Collaborative and a DEI Practitioner with extensive experience across various industries, including higher education, technology, healthcare, community organizations, and hospitality. Velshay holds a master of arts degree in higher education and educational leadership, providing her with a solid foundation in creating equitable educational and work environments. Recently, she was recognized for her contributions with the President’s Inclusive Excellence & Diversity Award from Northeastern Illinois University in April 2024.
In her free time, Velshay enjoys performing Beyoncé concerts in her living room, collecting unique Connect Four boards, calling her mom a million times a day, and spending time with her community. She takes pride in showing up authentically and proudly as herself. It hasn’t always been easy, but once she realized the power she has over her life, it became more beautiful to live.
Growing up as an only child, teachers always called Velshay a “talker” in class, so it’s only fitting that she continues to use her voice for a better purpose. To connect with Velshay, visit www.stokes-collaborative.com.
Stefan Thomas
Academic Advisor – University of Guelph
Stefan Thomas, a dynamic Keynote Speaker, Success Coach, and Student Affairs professional from Toronto, Canada, is committed to empowering individuals to not just survive, but thrive in both academic and professional spaces. From overcoming the pain of dropping out of business school as an undergraduate student to later becoming one of the first Black male Academic Advisors at Canada’s #1 ranked university by age 25, Stefan shares his journey of resilience to inspire and equip individuals on how to keep riding their waves (challenges) toward success. Stefan has delivered impactful talks for organizations like Jays Care Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, and Humber College. Stefan also holds a MEd degree in Higher Education from OISE, University of Toronto.
Khalyn Williams
Studentpreneur, CGFI, Future Doctor of OT – The Student Success Network (TSSN)
Khalyn Williams is a fresh, go-getting spirit who found her purpose early. Wanting to create the utmost experience, she stepped out of her comfort zone, went on a self-discovery tour, and blossomed. She realized she had the power to create her own fingerprint in this world. What happened next? She traveled abroad to six European countries and won more than five scholarships. She featured and monetized her sorority’s brand through influencer work in commercial productions and brand content. She was recognized as Rookie & All-Star of the Year at her campus rec by solving problems through fitness professional development. And she met her mentor Odell Bizzell II at NCSL 2019, which led to The Student Success Network. Khalyn’s ultimate legacy is to inspire, impact, and influence.