Speakers

Dr. David Mahan is a curious and compassionate leader who has built his career around a unique niche: using data and research to improve student learning and institutional effectiveness. With more than 20 years in higher education administration, he remains deeply committed to advancing student equity. 

Josh Skolnick is a caring leader who dedicates his career to empowering local communities to change the status quo by developing innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. Skolnick is particularly passionate about finding ways for philanthropy to invest in public sector innovation and help close our local and national opportunity divides.

Dr. Carlos Cruz is a people-first leader who believes education has the power to transform socioeconomic mobility — and he makes it his mission to open doors for students to experience this impact. As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Cruz is passionate about advocating for the importance of higher education in underserved communities.

Dr. Stephanie Hill is an authentic leader who strives to create, refine and adjust spaces for people to feel welcomed and supported. As a true follower to the mantra “love what you do,” Dr. Hill has led with a strong passion for education for three decades.

Qu’Wanua Robinson is a purpose-driven leader passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential. For her, coaching is more than a profession — it’s a calling. 

Dr. Tetsuya Umebayashi is a motivated nurse-turned-educator whose goal is to help cultivate a skilled and compassionate health care workforce. His experience in the medical field has enabled him to contribute effectively to the advancement of health sciences education and practice.

Dr. Joe Seabrooks Jr. is a supportive leader with a deep commitment to student success and community engagement. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, he believes workforce development is key to transforming lives and communities.

Dr. Raghunath Kanakala is a purpose-driven leader fueled by curiosity and commitment to making a meaningful impact. He brings a thoughtful blend of vision and adaptability to every challenge — two qualities that are essential for working in higher education.

Dr. Jeffrey Miller is a humble and committed educational leader who believes in the power of service, continuous learning and leading with integrity. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering others and creating meaningful impact for students and communities. 

Dr. Kirksey is a motivated leader who dedicates her career to creating countless, life-changing opportunities for students. With the majority of her career spent in higher education, Dr. Kirksey observes daily the impact education can have on individuals, and she works to help students expand their scholarly potential.