Speakers

Matthew C. Tyler

Jahana.Martin — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:22:00 +0000

Associate Director of Continuing Education and Online Quality Assurance, Coastal Carolina University

Matthew C. Tyler, Ed.S., M.A.T., CWDP, works to advance economic development and socioeconomic mobility via education and workforce development opportunities while ensuring accessible, affordable and workforce relevant for-credit and non-credit academic degrees and credentials. Tyler works with labor market information and intelligence, corporate and government partnerships, the S.C. Unified State Plan for Education & Workforce Development and Ascend 60 x 30.

Baruti Kafele

Jahana.Martin — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:21:00 +0000

Transformational School Leader

A highly-regarded urban educator in New Jersey for over 20 years, Baruti Kafele distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader. He was selected as the East Orange School District and Essex County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year finalist.

Kafele served as a middle and high school principal where he helped “The Mighty” Newark Tech, go from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition. This culminated in Kafele receiving the Milken Educator Award for his leadership.

Kimberly Weaver

Allison Buckley — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:33:00 +0000

Workforce Development Specialist, Georgia Power Company

As a workforce development specialist, Kim Weaver has the privilege of leading Georgia Power’s workforce efforts across 80 different counties. She works daily connecting businesses and educational institutions to create a 21st-century workforce that mirrors the diversity of the company’s customers and communities.

Abby Barnes

Jahana.Martin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:13:00 +0000

Abby Barnes attended the Academy for Advanced Studies throughout her high school career. During this time, she served as secretary of the board of directors for two consecutive school years, an opportunity that allowed her to represent the student body and contribute meaningfully to her school community.

Brittany White

Jahana.Martin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:11:00 +0000

Moderator, Attainment Fireside Chat

Brittany White is an equity-driven educator, program strategist, and community builder with over a decade of experience across K–12 and higher education. A former general and special education teacher, Brittany has always centered on culturally responsive teaching practices, equity and joy in the classroom. She now leads innovative initiatives to prepare highly qualified, inclusive and culturally responsive educators, while designing data-informed learning experiences and professional development that drive sustainable impact.

Nyna DeWitt

Jahana.Martin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:51:00 +0000

Access Fireside Chat

Nyna DeWitt, M.S., is a Ph.D. candidate in Engineering Education at the University of Georgia, where she focuses on creating more socially responsive learning environments in engineering, with a particular emphasis on biomedical engineering. Her research examines how to diversify engineering spaces through sociotechnical skill development, curriculum design, and the connections between student identity, educational outcomes, and career pathways.

Brian Porrua

Jahana.Martin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:43:00 +0000

Panelist, Opening Student Panel

Brian Porrua is a dedicated nursing student in Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing as a QuestBridge Match Scholarship recipient. With hands-on experience in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and current work in the Hematology and Oncology unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Porrua brings a strong clinical foundation and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

Erica Breann McCrae

Veronica Johnson — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:34:00 +0000

Panelist, Bridging the Gap: Aligning Education with Industry Needs

Erica Breann McCrae, DM, was born and raised in Douglas, Georgia where she graduated from high school in 2006 as the top African American student in her class. McCrae completed her undergraduate studies at Valdosta State University in just three years, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began her career with AT&T as a store manager, later taking on roles as chief of staff and project manager, all while completing her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Malaak Gordon

Melissa Juarez — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:13:00 +0000

Panelist, Opening Student Panel

Malaak Gordon is a senior at Union Grove High School and the Academy for Advanced Studies. Gordon is president of the AAS Student Board of Directors and president of Future Business Leaders of America, while also being an active member of the Future Farmers of America and an AAS Ambassador.

Candice Buckley

Melissa Juarez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:24:00 +0000

Moderator, Opening Student Panel

Candice Buckley is a servant-leader who has dedicated over 17 years to increasing student enrollment and student success. Buckley is a graduate of the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, where she began her career in the Office of Admissions as an admissions recruiter. She continued to grow within the field of student affairs and later went to pursue a Graduate degree in higher education administration at Florida International University in Miami.

Irvin T. Clark

Melissa Juarez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Panelist, Bridging the Gap: Aligning Education with Industry Needs

Workforce development stands at the forefront of Southern Crescent Technical College’s mission. Since assuming the presidency nearly three years ago, Irvin Clark, Ph.D., has dedicated himself to advancing this mission through strategic initiatives and impactful partnerships. By collaborating with community leaders and industry stakeholders, Clark has positioned the College to secure vital support through public-private partnerships and philanthropic contributions.

Courtney B. Francis

Melissa Juarez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Panelist, Bridging the Gap: Aligning Education with Industry Needs

Courtney B. Francis, Ph.D., is the strategy officer for state policy for Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis, committed to making learning opportunities beyond high school available to all. Working from Lumina’s D.C. office, she supports states’ efforts to increase education attainment and eliminate racial disparities by implementing Lumina’s state policy agenda.