2025 Black Excellence Summit Schedule
Click here for our Program
8:30 a.m.
Check-in
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast & Welcome Remarks
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Panel
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
1st Concurrent Sessions
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Lunch
1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
2nd Concurrent Session
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Step Performance, Mixer & Closing Remarks
Concurrent Session #1 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Session 1
Stepping into Excellence with Line Dancing
Hosted by: Desiree Sterling
Line dancing is a cherished form of social dance in the Black community. Through its inclusive engagement, line dancing creates an upbeat atmosphere for participants across generations, identities, and backgrounds to join together in rhythmic solidarity. There is no formal training necessary to take part in the art form. With easy-to-follow steps in steady repetition, any willing participant is invited to enter the formation and move in tandem with the force on the dancefloor. Often particular songs cue the dance sequence and the group prepares to sync their movement while all facing in one direction, then making a quarter turn after each complete sequence of steps. Mindful of spatial relation to one another, each dancer, more importantly, inspires inclusive social relations with one another through unspoken encouragement and collective enthusiasm–ideally empowering more expressive individuals to add their own style and flavor to the moves. It’s a no judgment zone. We are all moving together in one accord and stepping into excellence!
Session 2
Telling Yourself You Deserve a Second Chance – Redefining Success and Embracing Your Purpose
Hosted by: Jeremiah O’Bryant
This session invites participants to explore the empowering act of giving themselves permission to start over. Life’s challenges and perceived failures often lead to self-doubt, but they also hold the potential for growth and transformation. By shifting perspectives and reframing success, this session helps individuals rediscover their purpose and align with their authentic selves. We will dive into what it means to succeed and focus on personal growth and fulfillment rather than external validation. Participants will leave equipped with strategies to embrace their second chances and transform setbacks into stepping stones toward a purposeful and empowered life.
Session 3
Hosted by: Serena Studivant
Step into your power and conquer the self-doubt that holds you back. Unleash Your Superpower is an inspiring and interactive presentation designed to help you embrace your unique story and transform challenges into strengths. By viewing your life experiences as the foundation of your superhero origin story, you’ll discover the incredible resilience and abilities you already possess. Through engaging activities and practical tools, you’ll learn to work on silencing the inner critic, own your brilliance, and step boldly into your authentic self. This is your moment to rise, reclaim your narrative, and unleash your superpower to thrive in every area of your life.
Concurrent Session #2 1:10 – 2:10 p.m.
Session 1
I’m Not Qualified to Give This Lecture: Imposter Syndrome in Academia
Hosted by: Dr. Diane Graves
Dr. Graves will discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among Black college students and faculty. She will examine the psychological, cultural, and social factors contributing to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and the fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite clear academic and professional accomplishments. This presentation highlights research on the unique challenges faced by Black students in predominantly white institutions and how imposter syndrome manifests in academic spaces. Using a combination of lecture and interactive activities, Dr. Graves will provide strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and self-affirmation. Attendees will be challenged to consider whether the reason participants may not feel they belong is not simply an internal negative cognitive bias but more reflective of being in academic spaces created with inherent structural bias. Dr. Graves will underscore the role of social belonging in academic achievement, which can buffer against the negative effects of imposter syndrome.
Session 2
The Power of Black Unity; I Am because We Are.
Hosted by: Shavern Browne PhD and Alyssa Joiner PhD
This session explores the ongoing critical conversation surrounding the definition of Blackness in America, focusing on the complexities of identity, representation, and unity within the Black community. It examines how Blackness is displayed both through external perceptions and internal expressions, considering how social, cultural, and political forces shape its representation. The conversation delves into the historical and contemporary factors that influence what it means to be Black in America, acknowledging the diversity within the community in terms of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. It also addresses the challenges of achieving unity within Blackness, given the varying interpretations and lived realities of individuals. Ultimately, this discourse calls for a broader, more inclusive understanding of Blackness that celebrates its multiplicity while seeking solidarity through shared goals of justice, equality, and empowerment.
Session 3
Navigating the Fork in the Road: Preparing yourself for what’s next
Hosted by: Patrice Marshall PhD
Black and African college students’ rates of retention and graduation have been declining compared to other student populations for several years. The biggest obstacles that students face are cost, lack of extracurricular support and racial discrimination. Being able to navigate multiple stressors, while also attempting to complete a rigorous academic program can create obstacles that often deter students from persevering. This presentation will highlight the self defeating behaviors that often contribute to student isolation, negative thoughts, and poor academic performance. This session will use popular superhero tropes to illustrate key concepts that students can focus on and enhance to increase their ability to overcome obstacles in their academic landscape. Presentation highlights include: Resilience in the face of obstacles, Embracing inner strengths, Conquering Fear and the Power of Teamwork and Sacrifice. Through interactive dialogue, psychoeducation and use of relatable metaphors, students will be encouraged to consider how changing their perspective can change their outlook and increase their productivity.
Meet our Keynote Panelist
Alexa Armstead transferred to UMBC in 2022 after earning an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Montgomery College. Over the past three years, she has pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor Political Science. At UMBC, Alexa has worked relentlessly to create opportunities for undergraduate students at the Shady Grove Campus, while contributing to its continued federal funding through Middle States Self-Study. A passionate advocate for the undergraduate student experience, Alexa has also focused her efforts on advancing the needs and voices of BIPOC students, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
Bernice Nyamsi is a senior at UMBC, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In her fourth year of college, she has acquired her RBT certificate which she utilizes as a registered behavioral technician working with children with autism. A dedicated leader on campus, Bernice serves as the President of the Student Events Board, a role she has embraced after being an active member since her freshman year. Originally from Cameroon, she migrated to the United States at the age of seven and grew up in Prince George’s County. Over the past three years at UMBC, she has taken on leadership roles that have strengthened her skills in teamwork, organization, and student engagement. Committed to personal and academic growth, Bernice plans to further her education after earning her bachelor’s degree, continuing her journey toward making a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.
Corey Carter is a lifelong learner, and a dedicated advocate for student needs. He is passionate about diversifying the teaching profession, and empowering pre-service teachers to become highly skilled, culturally responsive practitioners. Corey taught Middle School Science in Baltimore City and County for a total of 9 years and was named Baltimore County Teacher of the Year in 2016. Recognizing the importance of giving back, he returned to serve the Sherman Scholars Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Corey is a husband, a proud father of three, and an artist. His latest project, Progress Report, is a full length hip hop album exploring the experience of navigating the public school system as a Black man and educator. It is available for purchase and on all major streaming platforms.
My name is Ludivine Kom Liapoe. I am a student in my senior year at UMBC-Shady Grove majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. I am trilingual (English, French, ASL) and I love people. I am a full extrovert and a leader. Being around others makes me happy. I am a member of the UMBC-Shady Grove Peer Advisory Team and the social service chair for the UMBC-Shady Grove Social Work Student Work (SWSA). As I think about my professional career, I want to create a non-profit organization for people with disabilities in Cameroon, where I was born. My favorite color is purple.
Dr. Shariece Evans is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in the Psychology Department and the CEO of PhDivah Consulting, LLC. She teaches several core psychology courses such as Research Methods in Psychology I and II, Exploring the Disciplines and Careers in Psychology, Honors Thesis Research in Psychology, and Independent Research in Psychology. Dr. Evans has over 12 years of experience with quantitative statistical analysis and managing multiple research projects that crossed several disciplines: transportation research, program evaluation, public health research, education policy research, health policy research. In her spare time, Dr. Evans enjoys building LEGO modular structures, visiting the beach during the fall/winter months, and spending time with her human and fur children.
Tiffany D. Tucker, a six-foot-five former UNC Chapel Hill basketball scholar-athlete, is a respected leader and award-winning sports executive. As UMBC’s Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation and owner of Tiffany D. Tucker Speaks, LLC, she champions inclusivity and female athletes. Named among Sports Illustrated’s “100 Influential Black Women in Sports” and Women Leaders in Sports’ “Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year,” she has partnered with Unilever, Yahoo Sports, and the YWCA. An international speaker and strategist, Tiffany inspires unapologetic leadership, empowering individuals to own their power and make a lasting impact.