Speakers

Dr. Shawnda Floyd is a down-to-earth leader who believes in the transformative power of education. With decades of experience in higher education. Dr. Floyd uses her connectedness to create pathways of preparation for students entering the workforce.

Dr. Iris Freemon is a strategic leader attuned to the dynamic environment of community colleges and socioeconomic mobility. Early in her public service career, Dr. Freemon recognized that transformative change required education — and she has dedicated the rest of her career to making a significant impact in the field.

Dr. Kay Eggleston has demonstrated a progressive path of proven leadership in her ability to influence change and positively impact lives, groups and institutions throughout her career. With a passion for both science and administration, Dr. Eggleston has combined her analytical thinking, management skills and empathy to excel in her current position.

Dr. Bradford Williams is a motivated leader whose passion for making a difference fuels his everyday efforts. The field of higher education offers the unique opportunity to observe how education changes lives — and this is Dr. William’s favorite part about his work.

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.

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.