2024 Speakers
Zenobia “AllEyezOnZee” Cardwell, CWEP
Master of Ceremonies
Asia “DJAnelz” Nelson
DJ
Asia “DJ Anelz” Nelson is a teacher and DJ located in the Hampton Roads Area. She started Creative Excellence in 2021, an entertainment services company that believes in two things: Music and Motivation.
Amare Joseph
DJ
My name is Amare Joseph. I attend Greenwood Elementary School in Henrico County. I want to be a professional DJ and play in the drumline at Virginia State University. I play the drums and basketball with my friends. I also travel to Brooklyn many times a year to visit my grandparents. I love New York and was born there. What brings me joy is seeing people dance and have a good time when I DJ. I also love a good plate of oxtails with rice and beans.
Hamilton Glass
Art and Impact
I am Hamilton Glass and I am one of the Mending Walls artists. My partner and I have been working in this field for over 30 years a full time artist between both of us. What brings us joy is being able to tell students they are able to anything their heart desires and watch them realize it.
Matt Lively
Art and Impact & Art Exhibition
I am Matt Lively and I am a multi media artist. I previously was an an aspiring multi-media artist. I have been a full time artist for 31 years. Family, friends, movies and collaboration brings me joy.
Jimmy Budd
Big Dreams: So You Want To Be A…
Originally from outside Philadelphia, Jimmy graduated from The University of Richmond (’05) through the School of Arts & Sciences focusing on Political Science, Marketing, Latin & Art Studio while playing Men’s Division 1 Soccer. He is currently the Co/Founder and Executive Producer of RVA Fashion Week and part owner of Vagabond Special Events Venue & Restaurant.
Christine Mercado
Big Dreams: So You Want To Be A…
Christine Mercado has over ten years of human resource experience. She is a graduate of Marymount College of Fordham University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Building upon this foundation, she later received a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management with Distinction from Long Island University.
Over the course of her career, she has accumulated a diverse and comprehensive background in the field of Human Resources. Her core competencies revolve around policy development, employee relations, HR compliance, and HRIS systems. She has had the privilege of contributing her expertise to companies, including ADP and international retail and fashion brands, where she played a role in streamlining and enhancing organizational processes.
She has a passion for nurturing and empowering people, and a commitment to advancing HR initiatives that drive organizational success.
Micah “Bam-Bamm” White
Big Dreams: So You Want To Be A…
Micah White serves as the Vice President of Business Development for the Metropolitan Business League and has been a part of the team since 2021. Micah is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. His dynamic career has seen him evolve into a versatile entertainer, host, keynote speaker, and dedicated philanthropist.
Micah is deeply committed to community service and sits on the board of six distinguished organizations. He holds the position of President at Backpacks of Love and has been instrumental in his past role as Vice President of the Richmond Volleyball Club. Further, Micah is actively engaged as a community advisor for the Girl Scouts and plays a pivotal role in the Forward Foundation, Caritas, and the Boys & Girls Club.
One of Micah’s notable initiatives involved collaborating with the Richmond City Jail to develop a program equipping inmates with essential life tools for future employment—an effort that underscores his commitment to social responsibility and community betterment. As a TEDxRVA speaker, he has used his platform to address critical issues such as diversity, growth, and inclusion within corporations and organizations.
Micah’s dedication extends beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors. As the visionary founder of “RVA Has Talent,” he spearheads initiatives that foster collaborations between local artists and non-profits in the Greater Richmond area.
Katie Carlton
Build Your Biz Workshop
My name is Katie Carlton. I am the Program Director for Founders Mark, a small business that uses entrepreneurship as a vessel to develop future-ready skills for youth. I have been at Founders Mark for nearly 3 years and I’ve been working with youth for over 20 years in various settings. I grew up in Richmond, graduated from Hermitage High School, and then completed my undergrad degree at James Madison University. I also took several post-grad classes at Virginia State University towards a MS in Nutrition. I have been working with youth in summer camp programs, inclusion camps, public schools, and after school enrichment for about 20 years. I have two sons, ages 10 and 8 and volunteer for several activities with their schools and clubs. My family, our 2 year old husky/lab dog, being outside, running, traveling, reading and playing ping pong brings me joy!
Nadia Fraser
Empowering Teens to Transform Their Communities
My name is Nadia Fraser, and I attend Clements Junior Highschool. I am interested in Real Estate and marketing after high school. I am a cheerleader for school and competitively and I am a Peer Advisor for Girls For A Change. Things that bring me joy are: Family, Friends, Cheer, and Poetry.
Kileya Johnson
Empowering Teens to Transform Their Communities
My name is Kileya Johnson. I attend Meadowbrook. High School in the MADE Program. I am interested in Criminal Psychology and business after high school. I am on the Speech Team, Perform in the Monarch. Choral, Compete in DECA, and I run my own business. Spending time with friends, Crocheting, Singing, and Sewing.
Asani Ka-Re
Empowering Teens to Transform Their Communities
My name is Asani Ka-Re. I attend Meadowbrook High School. I am interested in Fashion and Business. I am an entrepreneur, boxer, and peer advisor at Girls For A Change. Food, friends, shopping, and music bring me joy!
Meghan McGee
Empowering Teens to Transform Their Communities
My name is Meghan McGee, I’m homeschooled, and I want to major in Business Marketing after High School. I’m a Peer Advisor and doing my nails, baking/cooking, and knitting bring me joy.
Afryea Williams
Empowering Teens to Transform Their Communities
James Lambert
Dollars N Sense
I am James Lambert and am a native of the Richmond, Virginia area and has always had a passion for Education, Financial Literacy and Training. I earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in finance from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in real estate also from Virginia Commonwealth University. After serving his country honorably in the U.S. Army, I dedicated my life to cracking the code of how to attain Generational Wealth for the betterment of my family and community. Dollars N Sense is the product of that dedication.
Dalila Medrano
First Gen
Dalila Medrano works as the Multicultural Community Engagement Coordinator within Chesterfield County’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion spearheading civic and multicultural community engagement initiatives. She serves as advisor to more than 40 county departments working to operationalize an equity-focused approach to the delivery of county services. In her role, she also works to convene and collaborate with non-profit organizations, associations, elected officials, local and state government representatives, faith leaders and the business industry to work strategically on high impact community building initiatives. Prior to working for Chesterfield County, she held roles in state government and the non-profit sector serving immigrant and refugee communities. Dalila’s professional pursuits and goals were inspired by her family’s journey immigrating to the U.S. from El Salvador. In her free time, she enjoys visiting art galleries, traveling and checking out new restaurants!
Dylan Jones
I Am Worth It: LGBTQIA+
My name is Dylan Jones and I am the Director of Advocacy at Side by Side. I previously worked as the Development Manager at Groundwork RVA. Through my work, I helped to ensure that young people had programming that honored them as whole people. That elevated their voices and the voices of their community members ethically and authentically. My lived experience provides a lens through which to view this work that aligns with Side by Side’s commitment to equity, and especially the organization’s commitment to Black and Brown youth. I am passionate about my commitment to ensuring that young people are uplifted and treasured in all their intersections and as their fullest selves. Travel, loved ones and new experiences bring me joy!
Octavia Marsh
Influence the Influencers: Substance Abuse
My name is Octavia Marsh. I work for Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services as the Prevention Services Supervisor. I am a Board Member of Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition and serve as Vice Chair of statewide substance use prevention organization, Community Coalitions of Virginia. I served as Executive Director of a community coalition, leading youth substance use prevention efforts for six years. Prior to this, I’ve worked in Health Promotion and Wellness as a contractor with the U.S. Army, and as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician. I also served on the board of YWCA Richmond’s Young Women’s Leadership Alliance, as Co-Chair of the Fundraising and Outreach Committee for two years. I have been working in the Health Promotion and Wellness field for 11 years after completing a Master of Public Health degree from Liberty University, and have held certification as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) for four years. I have been in the health and wellness field for 20 years, starting my professional career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician and gaining various field exposure while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University. I enjoy food, family, and friends! I am a member of the Richmond Yelp Elite Squad, and love to share my experiences and meet new people around RVA who have similar interests. I’m an avid crafter and enjoy this hobby and all things planners, pens, and Cricut crafts. I also enjoy VCU basketball – Go Rams!
Terrell Pollard
Influence the Influencers: Substance Abuse
My name is Terrell Pollard. I serve as Board Chair for Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to preventing youth substance misuse by collaborating with youth and other community stakeholders. I previously served organizations committed to community collaborations and healthy youth development as a Henrico Mental Health Prevention Staff Member, Chair of Richmond City Coalition, Site Coordinator of English as a Second Language Program, the President of the Henrico NAACP, and other nonprofit organizations community to improving the community. I have been working in the youth development field and the community collaborations field that focus on empowering youth to have a voice and make health decisions for 20 years. Marvel movies, traveling, and helping others bring me joy.
Taquisha Bell
Mental Health in the Real World
My name is Taquisha Bell. I work for a non profit organization in church that focuses on youth & adult mental health called Challenge Discovery Projects
Previously, I worked for Communities in Schools and a non profit organization called Assisting Families of Inmates. I have been in the mental health field for 5 years. Spending time with family and friends brings me joy.
Terrell Artis
Photography Life: An introduction to Studio Photography
My name is Terrell Artis. I’m a full time Candid/Event photographer. I’ve shot just about everything from weddings, to concerts and both personal and professional. This is my second year doing the teen summit. I’ve been a self taught photographer for almost 12 years. Cultural events (art shows/galleries, plays) traveling, and spending time with friends an family brings me joy.
Courtney Jones
Photography Life: An introduction to Studio Photography
Courtney Jones is a Richmond, Virginia native and 2015 graduate of Virginia Union University. She is a self-taught freelance photographer that has a passion for visual storytelling and appreciates every opportunity to preserve memories for others in the form of a photograph.
Alejandro Prince
Talk to Me: Building Healthy Communication Skills
Alejandro Prince is an Educational Programs Coordinator at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. In his role, Alejandro designs, coordinates, and facilitates programs, events, and conferences on diversity, equity, and inclusion primarily for educators and students across the Commonwealth. He is especially interested in the role that educators play in positive human development for peaceful communities and just societies. In the community, Alejandro serves on the Governing Body of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.
Zenobia Bey
Telling My Story
I am Zenobia Bey and I work for Community 50/50 Inc. and Therapeutic Consolation Mentoring Services, LLC providing various community-based programs, consulting and education associated with mental health resources and stigma. I have previously worked with River City Comprehensive Counseling as a Mental Health Professional providing in home and mental health services to community members with a clinical diagnosis. I have worked with agencies providing clinical assessments, outpatient and family therapy services in Richmond, VA and Northern Neck region. I also has experience in youth group home settings as childcare supervisor. I have been working directly with youth and families in various settings since 2009. Nature, Water, a good movie, creating art and embracing peace brings me joy.
Kelli Lemon
The Culture Debates
I am the Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network/ Richmond Times Dispatch. I am also the Owner – Social Cafe , Urban Hang Suite, Owner – Like The Fruit, Co Owner – Virginia (Richmond) Black Restaurant Experience, Co Founder – JWC Foundation, Draw Show Host – Virginia Lottery. Food, sports, arts and education are my passions and I have been creating a culture through these passions over the last 25 years in Central Virginia. Waking up to see another day brings me joy! I celebrate life daily and find the positive and lessons in everything that comes my way!
Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
Who am I? Exploring Self Identity
My name is Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins. I am the Founder, Ashley Gaddy Enterprises. I previously worked for George Mason University and Virigina Commonwealth University. I have been working in diversity, equity, and inclusion for over 15 years. Food, family, and live music bring me joy!
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