2026 Speakers
Tracy Brower
Partnership for the Future
Tracy Brower is an award-winning leader in college access, equity, and nonprofit education program development. A first-generation college graduate, he channels his personal journey into empowering students to find their best-fit colleges, secure critical funding, and thrive beyond high school. His guidance has helped hundreds of students nationwide turn aspirations into achievements by demystifying the college admissions and financial aid process. As Senior Director of Programs at Partnership for the Future (PFF) in Glen Allen, VA, Tracy oversees a year-round high school program serving more than 200 students. He leads initiatives that strengthen college readiness, scholarship attainment, and workforce development, working closely with schools, universities, and corporate partners.
Previously, as Director of the RVA Future Centers at Richmond Public Schools, Tracy pioneered initiatives that significantly increased college acceptance rates and expanded career readiness pathways. His career spans program creation and management of out-of-school time programs, workforce development programs for youth and returning citizens, youth leadership training and mentoring, and professional development for educators and college access professionals.
Tracy’s leadership extends beyond his daily work. He is an active member of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) and is a past member of the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA). He also serves on the advisory board of Friends of Richmond Community High School and the board of the VA College Access Network. His contributions have earned him recognition as Role Model/Mentor of the Year from EduSerc, Inc. (2004) and Counselor of the Year from PCACAC (2019). Tracy holds a B.A. in English and a minor in Afro-American Studies from VCU.
Ja-Vell Bullard
2Hei Productions
Ja-Vell Bullard, professionally known as 2Hei, is a Virginia-based music producer, performer, and creative curator whose sound blends soulful hip-hop foundations with modern rhythm and texture. With over a decade of experience, his work is rooted in musical intention, storytelling, and disciplined craftsmanship.
2Hei is mentored by Bink (Grammy Award–winning producer known for work with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, and more), and his production has received recognition and approval from respected artists and producers including Ski Beatz, Nottz, Robert Glasper, Havoc, El DeBarge, and Lex Luger, among others.
Beyond the studio, 2Hei travels across multiple U.S. cities performing live beat sets and continues to curate and host producer showcases throughout Virginia, creating platforms that spotlight creativity, collaboration, and community. His work emphasizes originality, consistency, and the development of a personal sound rather than chasing trends.
Mecca Harris
ART 180, Mending Walls
Mecca Harris is the Manager of Outreach and Cultural Strategy at Art 180, where she brings 10 years of experience in community and youth development work. Passionate about building meaningful connections, she takes pride in fostering culturally rich spaces and creating environments where community can truly thrive.
Beyond her work, Mecca channels her creativity as a multi-medium and textile artist, drawing inspiration from stories and culture. She also dedicates her time to leading community art-education spaces, nurturing creativity and connection through art.
Kelli Lemon
Virginia Video Network / Richmond Times Dispatch
Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people “LIVE” Virginia through food, sports, arts, and education as a cultural connector via her company, Like the Fruit LLC. She brings community news to life through video content as Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network / Richmond Times Dispatch. Kelli also owns social cafe and coffee shop , Urban Hang Suite, located in the historic Jackson Ward and Art’s districts of Richmond. On the weekends, Kelli is making Virginia residents a little richer while supporting public schools K-12 as a daytime Draw Show Host for the Virginia Lottery. Kelli is also helping Black owned culinary and hospitality businesses and brands as co-owner of Virginia Black Restaurant Experience and co-founder the 6495 Inc – which has two new concepts – Sarah & Co Cafe and General Assembly Innovation Center; and she also co-founded the Jackson Ward Collective which is now The JWC Foundation. Kelli passionately serves on the Boards of Fort Monroe Authority, Studio Two Three, Sports Backers, The Well Collective and Unlocking Richmond. Kelli has a sociology degree from UVA and a Master’s in sports management and leadership from VCU.
Cheyenne Palmo
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Cheyenne Palmo is the Work-based Learning Coordinator at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. There, she leads cross departmental efforts to expose students and young adults to career pathways in public gardens and green industries. She collaborates with Garden staff to create immersive learning experiences through mentorship and hands-on training. Cheyenne grew up in Richmond, VA, and recently returned to her home neighborhood after several years living in Washington State working in the environmental education field. In her free time, she enjoys ultimate frisbee, recreating on the James River, and spending time with her friends.
Angela Patton
Girls For A Change
At Girls For A Change we prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls by focusing on the development of self identifying Black girls as leaders and change makers across the Greater Richmond Metro Area. Our programs teach participants to understand the world they live in, advocate for their rights, and exercise agency over their lives through a continuum approach and creative platforms. Our programs are unique to the Black girl experience as they have been co-designed with Black girls. Our curriculum is culturally responsive and focused on skill building, opportunity access, community building, and emotional restoration. Learn more about GFAC programs and services.
Amber Perez
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Amber and Angie are advisors for the Northside Family YMCA Leaders’ Club and Maya serves as an executive officer for the club. These individuals devote their time to serving the teens in their community through leadership development and community service. Amber serves teens in the Northside and Petersburg region while also elevating the lives of teens across various conferences on the east coast. Angie works diligently towards earning her degree at VCU while also serving teens in any capacity she is able to. Maya is a 9th grade student at Richmond Community High School and serves as the Social Coordinator and Historian for the club. Each of these women hope to inspire their community by giving back knowledge, experience and commitment.
Terrell Pollard
Youth Ambassador Street Team
The Youth Ambassador Street Team (YAST) is a group of Henrico County student leaders dedicated to youth substance use prevention and healthy decisions. YAST achieves its goals through empowering peers, leading social awareness campaigns, advocating to legislators, and leading workshops for parents and/or youth.
Odist Powell Jr.
YMCA of Greater Richmond
The YMCA of Greater Richmond Teens team is dedicated to bringing quality programming to teenagers in the Richmond area. This enthusiastic group of five individuals looks to bring the YMCA’s culture and immersive experiences to YOU! Meet their Regional Teen Director team- Odist, Brendan, Bridget, Livvy and Brian.
Monica Van Arsdale
Virginia Credit Union
Monica brings a refreshing, honest, and relatable voice to money management. With over 15 years of personal financial education experience, Monica meets people wherever they are on their financial journey. She is a licensed educator who has previously served on the Virginia Department of Education’s curriculum review committee for Economics and Personal Finance and currently serves as Board Chair of the Virginia Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy. As a former public school teacher and lifelong Virginia resident, Monica is committed to helping members and the community build a brighter tomorrow.
