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.
Bianca Chandler
Founder, Speaker, Facilitator, Coach – Focusing Ahead
Bianca Chandler is energy personified. She is a dynamic speaker, purpose coach, and two-time author who loves to see people thrive. With a simple yet impactful philosophy—Living for impact: motivating, learning, improving, evolving. In 2019, Chandler founded Focusing Ahead to support women’s spiritual, physical, and mental well-being, equipping them with tools to thrive and focus on all that is Ahead.
Alix Cohler
Master Facilitator – Collegiate Empowerment
Alix Cohler (she/they) joined Collegiate Empowerment in 2017 because of a casting call on an acting website. At that time, she was teaching English, Math, and SAT preparation to middle and high-school students by day and doing independent theater by night. Starting out as an Educational Performer, she’s discovered more skills and passions during her time with the company, eventually working her way up to be the company’s first female Master Facilitator. Still a performer, she also develops programs (including Collegiate Empowerment’s sexual assault education program, The Zero Shades® Trilogy, a true passion project), trains (and casts) team members, and coaches students and staff in and outside of the collegiate market.
Andrew Curiel
Founder – Be You Stay True Program
Andrew Curiel has dedicated his career to creating opportunities that empower students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. As the Director of the Center for Leadership at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Curiel has successfully designed and implemented programs that foster leadership, career readiness, and community engagement. With expertise in program development, strategic partnerships, and student success initiatives, he excels at building meaningful connections that support growth and innovation. Committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments, Curiel is eager to continue developing initiatives that equip students with the skills and confidence to excel in their future endeavors.
Drew Davis
Certified Life and Performance Coach
Drew Davis is a former professional athlete turned certified life and performance coach. With a background in sports and psychology, he works with athletes, high-performing individuals, and those looking to gain direction and purpose. After working on the collegiate level as a coach and staff member, he turned his focus to starting his business to further his reach – helping people grow in the areas of leadership, adversity, and performance in various aspects of their lives.
Naeemah Elias
Speaker & Founder – Elias Presence Ventures, LLC
From a once-shy introvert to an award-winning actress and corporate leader, Naeemah Elias knows firsthand the power of embracing the outsider perspective to drive impact. Navigating corporate life and motherhood with three free-range teenagers, she blends resilience, adaptability, and bold living. Elias founded Elias Presence to help professionals turn “no” into “yes,” lead with influence, and leave a leadership legacy. With a BA in Psychology from Harvard and 13 years at State Street, she inspires others to harness their unique strengths, build meaningful relationships, and create change.
Hailey Evans
Founder & President – Strategies That Stick™
Hailey Evans is a certified StoryBrand Guide and creator of the Strategies That Stick™ framework. A former scholarship recipient who earned three degrees debt-free through storytelling, she now helps educators and mission-driven leaders communicate with clarity and confidence. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit and education marketing, Evans teaches practical frameworks like the 5-Part Storytelling Blueprint and EPIC Framework to boost engagement and inspire action. Her work blends strategic messaging with emerging AI tools to help leaders save time, connect authentically, and increase impact.
Ivana Farrar
Success Coach – Motivating Minds for Achievement Solutions
Ivana Farrar is a certified life coach, motivational speaker, and former high school English teacher with over five years of experience. She specializes in youth development, mindset coaching, and essential life skills. As the founder of Motivating Minds for Achievement Solutions, Farrar empowers students to build confidence, set boundaries, and lead with purpose. She is the author of two children’s books and two self-help titles, including It’s Time to Get Your Stuff Together for young adults and Hot Effen Mess for adults—both practical, engaging guides to personal growth.
Peter Ferguson
Primary Belief Officer – Peter Ferguson BHS, LLC
Peter Ferguson has 25 years of experience in various fields, including education, non-profits, and government. He helps adults and youth develop leadership skills and foster a sense of belonging. As the Primary Belief Officer at Peter Ferguson BHS, LLC, he focuses on key areas that promote growth and success. Ferguson is a keynote speaker for youth and adults, a radio host, and an educational leader. He has been a featured presenter at several events, including the National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference, the Husker Athletic Inclusive Excellence Summit, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Hastings College, and the University of Kearney in Nebraska.
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.
Kellye Franklin-Nelson
Leadership Coach – Kellye Franklin LLC
Kellye Franklin-Nelson is a Leadership Coach and Consultant who helps leaders and organizations find—and fix—the hidden gaps preventing increased performance. With over 20 years of Fortune 50 leadership experience, she brings sharp insight into business operations, program management, and strategic execution. Known for her ability to uncover blind spots and drive real results, Franklin-Nelson empowers leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. Her approach is practical, transformative, and rooted in experience. Whether coaching individuals or consulting with teams, she is the go-to expert for those ready to close performance gaps and unlock their full leadership potential.
Jen Fry
CEO – JenFryTalks
Jen Fry is a veteran coach with over 15 years of experience at the collegiate level with coaching stints at Elon University, University of Illinois – 2011 National Runner-up, Washington State University, and Norfolk State University. She has had over 200 speaking engagements with organizations such as consulted with the NCAA, NIH, DevaCurl, Yale, SEC, SHRM SPHR & SHRMS-CP, NCAA Inclusion Forum, American Volleyball Coaches Association, Moraine Park Technical College, NFHCA, WBCA, WE LEAD, Harvard, Texas Tech, IWLCA, RIT, NCATA, N4A, Black Student-Athlete Summit, Durham County Sheriffs, Western Michigan University, East Carolina University, and more. Jen Fry completed her first TedxDuke talk titled “Radical Social Justice Education Through High Fives.”
Gabrielle Galon
Campus Speaker
Gabrielle Galon empowers college students to shed expectations and pursue what matters to them most. Having made her own transition from working in medicine as a physician assistant to entertainment as a prolific podcast producer, she aims to encourage young adults to “defy the rules” society has placed upon them and be fearless in pursing change. Through application of the SHED Framework, she now mentors and coaches young adults to shed societal norms, make the most of their college experience, and discover their authentic selves.
Kate Garnes
Originally from the great state of Missouri, Kate Garnes was an only child raised by a strong single mom, on unsweet tea, playing outside, and old school Nickelodeon cartoons. Growing up small compared to others her age, Garnes always felt the need to try to chase that pesky little thing called perfection, which was a losing fight. In working with youth for over ten years, Garnes can see the same chase for perfection in teens that she saw in herself. From being told She would never be good enough to creating magic for audiences as a performer at Walt Disney World to being a published author and gladiator, Garnes transformed her negative narrative and became her own hero. She has performed as a dancer and actor all around Orlando, Florida including including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Seaworld Orlando, Legoland, and regional theaters. She has also toured the country with a National Dance Competition tour as their resident Emcee, and in 2019 Garnes published her first book based on her keynote talk.
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_
Chisolu Isiadinso
Founder – CPI Enterprise
Chisolu Isiadinso is a business strategist and founder of CPI Enterprise, a development firm that empowers students and professionals to lead with purpose. With over a decade of experience in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth training, she helps emerging leaders build confidence through self-awareness, vision, and authenticity. Isiadinso is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and passionate about helping students embrace their unique leadership style. Her engaging approach blends real-world insight with relatable storytelling to inspire next-gen changemakers to show up boldly and lead with impact.
Jamaine Leverett
CEO – Leveretts Consulting Group
Jamaine Leverett is a dynamic national speaker, therapist, and advocate for mental health and personal growth. He inspires and equips student leaders to prioritize their well-being, lead with authenticity, and create inclusive, thriving communities. Specializing in topics like burnout prevention, emotional resilience, and the power of self-awareness, Leverett offers practical tools that help students lead sustainably and grow holistically. His engaging style and relatable stories challenge student leaders to care for themselves as deeply as they care for others.
Krystal Marx
Leadership Coach – Lippenholz Leadership Consulting
Kelly Lippenholz is a dynamic speaker, coach, podcaster, and educator who brings soft skills to life with a practical, relatable, and engaging style. She has delivered keynotes and workshops for students at Seton Hall University, Towson University, and Washington University, as well as for corporate audiences at conferences and sales meetings. As a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach with years of dedicated leadership study, she equips young people to build self-awareness, expand their influence, and lead with authenticity—essential skills that boost confidence and resilience. With over 20 years of experience working with students, university staff, and corporate teams, Lippenholz has mastered the art of creating connections that are real, relatable, and results-driven.
Krystal Marx
Founder & Lead Trainer – People’s Community Empowerment Institute
Krystal Marx (she/they), a queer, disabled Washingtonian, is the founder of the People’s Community Empowerment Institute. Driven by a desire for justice, she served on Burien City Council (2018-2021), including two years as Deputy Mayor, championing housing, tenant protections, and COVID-19 hazard pay for frontline workers. With firsthand experience of homelessness and poverty, she prioritizes community-led solutions and brings both electoral wins and losses to her candidate trainings. Currently Executive Director of Real Change, she has 15 years of nonprofit experience, and has taught women to run for office with She Should Run all over the country.
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.
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 J
Studentpreneur, CGFI, Future Doctor of OT – The Student Success Network (TSSN)
Khalyn J 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.
Ariassa Wilson
Confidence Coach – You-Ish
Dr. Ariassa Wilson, also known as Dr. Rees, is a Purpose and Confidence Scientist dedicated to helping students uncover their purpose and lead with confidence. A former college professor, head basketball coach, and current CEO of You-Ish, she designs transformative experiences that empower student leaders through mindset, skill-building, and self-discovery. Dr. Rees has led education reform efforts in juvenile rehabilitation systems and has worked with K–12 schools, universities, athletic programs, and educators nationwide. With a background as a retired professional athlete, leadership coach, and doctor of organizational leadership, she brings energy, cultural relevance, heart, and humor to every space she enters.
Jeffrey Young
CEO – Professional Training Academy
Backpack Jeff, born Jeffrey W. Young, is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, spoken word artist, and youth advocate dedicated to transforming lives through storytelling, education, and personal development. With a powerful message rooted in resilience and purpose, Young travels the country inspiring students, educators, and entrepreneurs to embrace their journeys and pursue greatness. Known for his dynamic presence and authentic voice, he has worked with schools, juvenile detention centers, and corporate audiences, equipping them with tools for emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. As the host of In My Bag with Backpack Jeff, he spotlights real stories of growth and success.